You are here: Home / Archives for Flash Plugin

Battle Against Heartworms Getting Tougher!

March 14, 2009 By Leave a Comment

Every month, lots of dog owners, and a few cat owners, give their pets some form of heartworm prevention. But recent studies are showing increasing numbers of heartworm positive pets across the country. Some people believe the worms now have the upper hand. Has our trusted protection failed us?
6438939571380615 Battle Against Heartworms Getting Tougher!play Battle Against Heartworms Getting Tougher!
Dog owners, and a growing number of cat owners understand that once -a-month heartworm preventives keep their pets safe from a very serious cardiovascular parasitic disease. Despite consistent use of preventive medications, a significant number of dogs are testing positive for heartworms, especially in the mosquito heavy Southeastern US. Are we seeing the beginnings of a resistance movement?

In some cases, careful questioning of the clients reveals some monthly doses of medication were not given, opening the door for potential infection. In other cases, medical records and client compliance appear to be complete, yet the pet is positive on the annual heartworm blood test.

Heartworm preventive works by killing immature heartworm larvae that are spread by mosquitoes. In theory, a pet who receives medication each month should be protected and never have a positive heartworm test. Why then, do some dogs test positive?

Many owners are quick to blame the heartworm preventives. They believe continued use of the drugs will create resistant worms and that will lead to an increase in positive cases. On the surface, this theory appears to have merit. After all, we know that improper and excessive use of antibiotics can create resistant bacteria.213266 f520 Battle Against Heartworms Getting Tougher!

But according to an article in Veterinary Parasitology, heartworm resistance should not occur. The authors looked at the life cycle of the heartworm, genetic mechanisms of resistance as well as the timing and dose of the heartworm medications. Their conclusion shows the current medications are unlikely to select for any sort of genetic resistance among the heartworm parasite. In other words, it is doubtful current heartworm preventive practices are causing any resistance. So, what is happening with these heartworm positive dogs?

As unpopular as it sounds, pet owners and veterinarians may have to share the blame. A pet owner who fails to purchase enough preventative medication is putting their pet at risk. Also, research shows that nearly 50% of dog owners who buy heartworm prevention do not give the medication as directed.

Likewise, a veterinary clinic that fails to remind their clients about the importance of year-round prevention is doing a disservice to the pet as well. In order to avoid conflict with pet owners, some veterinary staff might overlook the fact that the owner has not been consistently purchasing heartworm prevention.

Even our pets are not entirely blameless. Pets that take oral medication and “bury” it or spit it out won’t benefit from its protection. Also, if your pet has an upset stomach the day you give the medication, the complete dose could be lost in a bout of vomiting or diarrhea.

In all of this negativity, there is good news. Experts state that the heartworm preventive failure rate is less than 1 in a million; meaning that if your dog takes his medication routinely, the chances of developing heartworm disease is almost non-existent.

Additionally, veterinarians have multiple options available to clients for providing protection to their pets. Monthly chewable tablets, like HeartGard Plus, are available along with topical formulations such as Revolution and Advantage Multi, for more finicky pets. The new Trifexis is now my preferred heartworm prevention here in Texas because in includes flea control, intestinal parasite control and flea prevention in a chewable tablet that my dog loves. There is even an injection, called ProHeart 6, that can provide six months of protection from heartworms, but it does not have any protection against fleas.

Finally, all of the manufacturers of heartworm preventive medication guarantee their products. They will pay for heartworm disease treatments if your dog tests positive.

Sometimes, it’s easier for people to blame the product rather than admit to a very common mistake, but the fact is pet owner compliance problems may be the biggest reason for more pets with what appears to be heartworm preventive failure.

Regardless of the reason, follow your veterinarian’s advice about heartworm prevention. As always, your family veterinarian will have the best advice. Beware of Internet sites circulating unfounded rumors and opinions from dubious sources.

Filed Under: pet health Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Saving Money on Your Pets Veterinary Care

October 23, 2008 By Leave a Comment

cute dog Saving Money on Your Pets Veterinary CareGas prices are going up, healthcare premiums keep rising, and now inflation appears to be rearing its ugly head. How can a good pet owner keep up with everything and still provide the best care for their four-legged family members?

Debra Garrison, DVM

With many demands on their checkbook, pet owners today are not only looking for the best care, but also the best value. Even though veterinary medicine has historically been a great value, the price of special diets, wellness care, grooming, and dental care can really start to add up. Luckily, following a few simple preventive guidelines can help you to make sure that your pet stays healthy and you save money.

Industry experts state that the average yearly cost for keeping a dog is about $1,200 and about $800 for a cat. According to the Humane Society of the United States, the cost of veterinary care is actually very reasonable when compared to human health care (www.hsus.org). Still, the prospect of an emergency or prolonged illness of their pet has many owners concerned.

The very best recommendation for saving money is to prevent those diseases that are easy to prevent and costly to treat. Diseases such as canine parvovirus, canine distemper, feline leukemia, or feline panleukopenia are all easily avoided by the administration of vaccinations during the puppy and kitten years or young adulthood. Each of the above mentioned infectious diseases can be extremely costly to treat. A puppy who contracts canine parvovirus can easily end up costing his owner in excess of $500-800 in hospitalization, antibiotics, and supportive care. Compare that price tag to the $10-25 cost of a routine vaccine and you can easily see the benefits and, of course, the savings. Additionally, talk with your veterinarian about which vaccines are right for your pet. Due to differing risk factors, your pet may not need every vaccine available and that can help to save you money as well.

Parasites, such as heartworms and intestinal worms, are often a source of disease and some can even be spread to you and your family. Simple, effective heartworm preventives are available and most will end up costing less than $10 per month. In the form of chewable pills, these preventives are also easy to give. Some of the medications will prevent heartworm disease and also stop the infestation of intestinal parasites. This inexpensive preventive step can actually save you from having to pay big money to treat your dog for heartworms or potentially treat your family for a roundworm infection. Due to the prevalence of intestinal parasites and the increase in heartworm cases across the United States, remembering your pet’s heartworm preventive can truly be a life-saver as well as helping you to save those pennies.
36360507691279054 Saving Money on Your Pets Veterinary Careplay Saving Money on Your Pets Veterinary Care
As a rule, most people are very good about brushing and caring for their own teeth, but how many would think about caring for their pet’s teeth? Proper dental care can be a big money saver for pet owner. Dental disease in our pets can predispose pets to heart problems, liver problems, and even kidney problems. The American Animal Hospital Association has stated that more than 80% of dogs and cats over the age of 3 years old have some sort of dental disease. Early preventative care, such as routine teeth brushing, proper dental chew toys, and oral examinations can help to prevent the need for a costly dental procedure. Most veterinarians now have a barrier sealant gel available to help slow the accumulation of plaque and tartar. Keeping the plaque away also means keeping away the high cost of dental disease and the other related problems.
Saving Money on Your Pets Veterinary Care
Our doctors strive to keep us eating healthy and staying fit. Those same words of advice are equally helpful for pets too! Two 20 minute brisk walks are a great way to keep your dog in top shape and help firm up your shape as well. Studies have shown more than 25% of pets seen by veterinarians are obese and that extra weight can lead to problems in the joints, heart problems, breathing issues, and even diseases such as diabetes. Using a high quality diet for your pet can also help to prevent medical issues and keep him or her at an appropriate weight. Although it might seem counter-intuitive, buying a premium diet for your pet will end up saving money for you in the long run. Low-cost, generic brand pet foods are often low in energy, causing the pet to eat more to meet their energy needs, thereby finishing those cheaper bags faster than a similar sized high quality diet. The money you save by going generic might end up being spent solving a problem years later!

Finally, some good common sense rules will help you to save money on your pet care as well. Keeping your pet confined, or on a leash, will insure that he or she is not roaming the streets, at a risk of being hit by a car or attacked by another animal. Spaying or neutering your pet will prevent the need to spend extra money on the care and feeding of puppies or kittens and will also reduce your pet’s urge to roam. Seeing your veterinarian twice a year is a great way to catch problems and diseases before they get too advanced. And finally, either a pet health insurance policy or a savings account for your pet could help you to provide excellent care in an emergency situation.

Pet owners want to be able to provide the best for their furry friends. Keeping these simple ideas in mind will help to prevent costly disease and accidents to your pet. For more ways to reduce the potential cost of medical care for your pet, see your veterinarian.

Filed Under: pet health Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Portly Pets Still Pose Problems for Vets

October 10, 2008 By Leave a Comment

Bull Mastiff 0011 123x150 Portly Pets Still Pose Problems for VetsStatistics show that about one in four North American adults are considered obese.  But, this epidemic is not limited to our continent nor is it confined to our species.  More than half of our dogs and cats are overweight or obese.  So, should your pet start an Atkins Diet ?

Ramsey is a “cheese-aholic”.   At 6 years old and 156 lbs, this Bull Mastiff listens for his owner to unwrap the cellophane from a cheese slice and then makes a beeline for the refrigerator.  Joyce Sternberg, Ramsey’s owner, says originally cheese was an incentive to teach Ramsey to shut the back door.  But those cheesy rewards had a darker side.

Ramsey had become so heavy he actually tried to avoid walks.  Sternberg states that “Ramsey would just grab the leash and head for home.”  His dislike for exercise is a common theme for many pudgy pets.

According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention (APOP), 43% of all dogs and 53% of all cats are classified as overweight.  What’s worse, an additional 10% of all dogs and 19% of all cats are considered obese!   These expanding numbers are a warning sign of our pets’ expanding waistlines!

Joyce Sternberg was lucky in one respect… both her son and her veterinarian warned her about Ramsey’s rotund physique.   – - -Similarly, Irene Snow was chided by her veterinarian for allowing her Malamute mix, Yogi Bear, to balloon up to 127 pounds.  “My veterinarian said he could tell how much I loved my pet by how fat he was,” says Irene, “but Yogi has always stolen food…that’s how he got his name!”
18449841486290097 Portly Pets Still Pose Problems for Vetsplay Portly Pets Still Pose Problems for Vets
Veterinarians and pet owners are showing concern over the increase in numbers of portly pets.  An overweight pet is more prone to heart problems, poor skin condition, lameness, and more serious illnesses, like diabetes.  A ground-breaking study actually details how pets who free feed live an average of two years less than pets with limited calories.

Both Sternberg and Snow realized that their dogs were overweight due to excess treats, like Yogi’s ice cream sundaes or Ramsey’s cheeseburgers

Other factors can add to your pet’s propensity for weight gain too.  Specific breeds, such as Labradors and Cockers, are at higher risk for becoming chubby as are most non-purebred cats.  And, although spaying and neutering your pet won’t make them fat, their metabolism and energy needs actually do decrease.  This means that neutered pets are at a higher risk for gaining weight if we don’t pay attention to their diet and exercise.

Without realizing it, many owners contribute to pet obesity through good intentions.  “Some pets get twice as many meals each day because no one is in charge of feeding,” says Dr. Steve Hotchkiss, veterinarian and owner of Hulen Hills Animal Hospital.

Hotchkiss challenged Ramsey and Yogi in a “Biggest Pet Loser” contest.  Over the course of eight weeks, a newspaper article tracked the pounds that they shed and the trials they endured.  Ramsey’s beloved cheese was the first thing to go and Yogi’s new treats consisted of green beans instead of ice cream.  Both pets were also encouraged to increase their activity levels.

Changes were apparent within just a few weeks and when the results were announced, both dogs showed significant weight loss.   Yogi Bear had lost more than 14 lbs, making him the “Biggest Pet Loser” for the contest.  Keeping it off has been more of a challenge though.

Ramsey, on the other hand, continued his progress and eventually lost a total of 32 lbs!   He is now at a trim 124 and Sternberg says he has the energy of a puppy.  “He’s excited about walks and now he even romps across the yard with our other dog”.

APOP says that pet owners should open a dialogue with their veterinarian about their pet’s weight.  Most pet owners know their pet is overweight but many are unsure of how to proceed.  The very first step should be a good thorough physical examination and associated blood work.  This will help rule out diseases that cause weight gain, like hypothyroidism in dogs.

Next, devise a diet plan with your veterinarian for safely reducing the number of calories being fed while also increasing the calories being burned through activity.  Hotchkiss recommends avoiding a self feeder or leaving food out for our pets all day long.  Like us, our pets will do better if they eat small meals more frequently rather than one large meal in the evening.

Finally, make exercise a priority.  Two or more brisk walks each day for our pudgy pooches and thirty minutes of playtime with your flabby tabby can help them lose that excess weight.

Above all, stay in communication with your veterinarian.  You may run into temporary setbacks or even obstacles which will require a revision of your pet’s diet plan.  With your love and commitment, your pet can lose that excess poundage which, in turn, could add years to your pet’s life.

Debra Garrison, DVM

Treaschwig Veterinary Clinic

Filed Under: pet health Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Pet Proofing Your Home

July 25, 2008 By Leave a Comment

Your home is a haven and a place of safety for you and for your pet. But, inside every house are poisons, dangers, and hazards that can injure your dog or cat. Here are some helpful tips to help keep your pet safe and out of the emergency room!

The two kittens raced around the apartment, through the bedroom, under the bed and out into the living room. After circling the bar twice, Dora could not help but become entranced with the swaying tinsel hanging from the lower branches. Soon, her brother, Vulcan, was also busy swatting at the strands and seeing how much damage he could do with his teeth. Little by little, the tinsel disappeared into the bellies of the kittens.
480597706977278 Pet Proofing Your Homeplay Pet Proofing Your Home
Disasters such as this one are common to veterinary emergency room personnel, but not usually well known by pet owners. Not only can our pets damage valuable items and destroy our clean living areas, but they can hurt or poison themselves, sometimes fatally. Knowing a few helpful hints can help keep your home is working order and help keep your four-legged friends out of the veterinarian’s office.

According to consultants at PetProTech pet safety products, most pet emergencies result from ingestion of toxins, ingestion of non-digestible materials leading to intestinal blockages, and accidents causing fractures or soft tissue trauma. The ASPCA Poison Control Center urges pet owners to search every room of the home and try to look at it from a toddler’s perspective. If the toddler can reach it, so can the new puppy or kitten.

Puppies chew to help explore their world as well as relieve stresses. Remember that puppies will often view anything on the floor as fair game. It is important to pick up potential hazards such as batteries, tobacco products, coins, and many household plants. Although new kittens are not prone to chew like puppies, houseplants, especially in the lily family, can be extremely poisonous to cats. To keep your kittens safe, keep dangerous plants out of reach, or, better yet, outside. For both types of pets, it is extremely important to put away all medications, both yours and theirs. A single acetaminophen caplet can kill an adult cat and many dogs will eagerly over consume the beef flavored pain relieving drugs created for them, leading to potential stomach ulcers, bleeding, or kidney damage.

Trash cans and garbage bags are often irresistible to both dogs and cats. The aroma of foods and other apparently “delicious” items is often too much for even a well trained pet. To the pet, getting into the garbage is its own reward when tasty leftovers and treats can be found. Keep food scraps, especially cooked bones, in a secure container, preferably behind a locked or child-proof door. Simply placing the trash can up on a counter will not always assure safety. Besides making a mess, garbage can raiding can lead to stomach upsets, vomiting, diarrhea, or even obstructions and perforations of the intestinal tract.

During the holidays, many people become soft-hearted and give “just one treat” to the begging pet. Unfortunately, too many treats, or the wrong types, can cause severe stomach upsets and may lead to an emergency visit to the veterinarian. Bones, fatty foods, onions, and alcoholic beverages should not be on your pet’s holiday menu. Thanksgiving can be especially difficult and many emergency rooms report higher than normal number of pancreatitis cases and intestinal blockages during this time. Chocolates, especially dark or baking chocolates, should never be given to pets. Even seemingly harmless treats, such as grapes or raisins, have caused deadly kidney damage to dogs. Ask your guests to honor your holiday wish and restrain from giving holiday food to your pet.

Other holiday dangers can include ingestion of mistletoe, holly, or the water from the live Christmas tree. All of these have the potential to make your pet seriously ill. If your cat is very inquisitive, it may be necessary to keep the tree behind a closed door. The tree’s decorations are also a potential for causing an emergency visit due to ingestion or lacerations from broken ornaments.

Read the labels of insecticides well to insure that your pets will not be harmed by their use. Place rat, mouse, or ant traps and poisons in locations unlikely to be found by your pet. Pet safety experts say that granular pesticides are much safer than pellet pesticides because the pet is less likely to eat the granules. Anti-freeze is a well-known poison to pets, but other garage items, such as gasoline, oils, and fertilizers can be dangerous as well. Keep these items out of pet’s reach and wipe up all spills as they happen.
unnamed Pet Proofing Your Home
The number of items in our homes that can hurt a dog or cat are just as numerous as items that can harm a child. Being proactive and preventing the pet from eating the wrong item or getting into a situation that can harm him or her is the best way to avoid injuries. If you suspect your pet has ingested something toxic or potentially been injured by a household object, contact your veterinarian immediately. For more ideas on how to pet proof your home, visit www.MyVNN.com for ideas and remember that your veterinary staff are also great resources for ideas on how to keep your dog or cat from getting into trouble.

Filed Under: pet health Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

High Blood Pressure in Dogs

July 23, 2008 By Leave a Comment

CTDG1004 150x150 High Blood Pressure in DogsEveryone knows that stress can lead to high blood pressure. Worrying about finances, eating too much fast food, and being addicted to nicotine certainly raises our blood pressure. But do our dogs get affected? They certainly don’t smoke or worry about bills, so why are veterinarians worried about “doggie hypertension”? The faces in the exam room were grave. Their doctor had just explained that dietary changes and potential exercise changes may be necessary. A long-term, probably life time medication would need to be started. The problem was a blood pressure reading well in excess of normal. Meanwhile, the patient continued to chew on his treat and wag his tail, clueless to the concern of the humans in the room.

Most dog owners would admit a lack of knowledge or perhaps even a lack of concern about canine hypertension, or high blood pressure in dogs. After all, since they don’t have the same vices as we do, they shouldn’t be at risk, right? Well, the answer may be a little more complex than just life style choices.

One study showed that 93% of dogs with chronic kidney disease also suffer from high blood pressure. Other studies cite that more than 60% of geriatric dogs (over 8 years old) also suffer from this often silent disease. One reason that so little is known about how many dogs are actually affected is the fact that blood pressure measurements are not routine during your pet’s office visit. Considered to be one of five vital signs for humans, blood pressure in our pets has not received the same attention and thus, inconsistent measuring practices and varying guidelines have made it difficult to determine what values are currently accepted as borderline or mild hypertension in pets.

Blood pressure in humans is measured by gently occluding, or blocking, an artery in an arm or leg. A stethoscope is then used to listen for the return of the pulse as the pressure is slowly released. This point is known as the systolic blood pressure, or the higher of the two numbers you will hear or read. Next, the pressure continues to be released and when no pulse sounds are heard, that pressure is called the diastolic pressure. Blood pressure is then read as systolic over diastolic, or, for example, 140 over 80. For dogs, the stethoscope is often not sensitive enough to hear the pulse sounds and it is virtually impossible to detect the diastolic signal. Most veterinarians will simply record a pet’s blood pressure as the systolic measurement, or, for example, 180. Many veterinarians who utilize blood pressure measurements use an ultrasonic probe to “hear” when the pulse returns to the artery. The probe will then convert that signal into an audible sound for the doctor. Experts caution both veterinarians and owners to never become alarmed at a single high reading. The important thing to remember is that the results must be repeatable.

Primary hypertension, or high blood pressure with no other disease, is very common in humans but not so in our pets. Dogs often suffer from secondary hypertension, or high blood pressure due to some underlying disease process. The most common canine diseases that can lead to high blood pressure are chronic kidney disease, Cushing’s disease (an overproduction of cortisone by the body), and adrenal gland tumors . With high blood pressure, blood vessels can become thickened and stretched and may eventually rip and tear, causing bleeding. This may not be immediately noticeable, but as small vessels in the eye and in the kidneys begin to be destroyed, patients will begin to show clinical signs. Symptoms of high blood pressure are often unnoticed by the owner. A sudden or gradual onset of blindness can be the only outward sign that your pet may have high blood pressure. High blood pressure can worsen existing kidney disease, can cause bleeding in the brain, and will eventually affect every organ in the body.
8578321933746338 High Blood Pressure in Dogsplay High Blood Pressure in Dogs

Fortunately for our pets, since high blood pressure often results from another disease process, controlling the first disease will often reverse or help to control the high blood pressure. As with humans, certain drugs are available to help relax and dilate blood vessels, lessening the pressure from the blood flow. Your veterinarian may also recommend a salt restricted diet for your pet to help decrease blood pressure levels. Finally, routine blood screening and routine blood pressure measurements will become vitally important to the health of your pet.

With so little known about the true numbers of dogs suffering from hypertension and a lack of consistent means of measurement, we may never know how many of our canine companions are affected by this silent disease. The American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine has created a Hypertension Task Force to help answer this and many other questions. Visit www.MyVNN.com to see a video showing a dog having his blood pressure measured and ask your veterinarian about your pet’s blood pressure, especially if your dog is over 9 years old.

Filed Under: pet health Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

Avoiding Dog Bites

July 21, 2008 By Leave a Comment

Almost every day, a story about a dog bite victim is seen on the evening news. City and state governments struggle with how to enforce aggressive dog laws. Wouldn’t it be easier if we could learn to avoid dog bites altogether?
3849178487434983 Avoiding Dog Bitesplay Avoiding Dog Bites
According to the Centers for Disease Control, almost 5 million dog bites are reported every year and more than 800,000 of those bites require medical attention. Estimates from insurance companies and hospitals range as high as $250 million dollars spent annually on the treatment of dog bites. Given that the majority of dogs are euthanized due to behavior issues, this is an issue that not only affects humans, but can, quite obviously, affect dogs in an extremely negative way.

If you read through the Bureau of Labor Statistics website, you might be inclined to believe that working with pets is also a very dangerous proposition. During a six year study, more than 18,000 injuries or illnesses were reported involving dogs or cats and 8 of those occurrences were fatal. An amazing fact though is veterinarians and veterinary staff accounted for less than 5% of the total, despite their obvious closeness with their patients. What secrets can this profession teach us about avoiding these injuries and the associated costs?

iStock 000005742607XSmall 150x150 Avoiding Dog Bites

According to Dr. Kersti Seksel, a noted animal behaviorist and veterinarian from Australia, dogs will often provide numerous warning signs before attempting to bite. “It is important to look at the whole dog, its body language as well as its facial expression,” says Dr. Seksel. “A dog may growl, bark menacingly, lift its lips and grimace. The body is often tense, the hackles along the back and neck may be raised indicating a heightened state of arousal, and the tail may be slowly wagging.”

Due to the large numbers of dogs seen on a daily basis, veterinary staff members have learned to monitor a dog’s body language, preparing for any potential aggressive movement. And while this is important information to learn, Dr. Seksel cautions everyone to remember that many of these signs can be subtle and there are occasions when a dog may not give the usual signs. A pertinent example might be the dog who has been previously punished for growling. As Pavlov and other behaviorists have shown, dogs will learn avoidance if negative stimuli are applied after certain behaviors. Thus, a dog owner who reprimands his dog for growling may be unknowingly removing the dog’s only outward expression of emotion or displeasure.

Veterinary experts recommend that all puppies undergo an initial “puppy training class” and socialization exercises. Just like kids, some puppies will immediately take to their new friends and some will take a little longer to overcome their shyness. Unless the dog is going to be used for police or military work, no puppy should receive positive reinforcement for any sort of aggressive behavior. Owners should seek veterinary advice when contemplating buying a breed of dog they are unfamiliar with or if the description of the breed discusses “extreme loyalty”, “intolerant of children”, or “prefers single owner household”.

Finally, an important part of avoiding dog bites is the education of our children. The vast majority of dog bites occur in children 4-9 years of age and a larger percentage occurs in young boys. Teaching your children some of the following guidelines could help to avoid a painful lesson and potentially even save his or her life. When faced with an unknown dog, or a dog whose behavior seems to be odd, Dr. Seksel recommends the following:

  • do not approach the dog
  • look at your feet or the ground – do not make eye contact with the dog
  • stand still – do not run if the dog approaches
  • keep quiet- do not scream or yell at the dog
  • do not attempt pat any dog on the headChildren should be taught to never run up on a dog, especially one who is feeding and that not every dog may be as friendly as their own pet. Teaching a child to ask the dog owner if it is ok to approach the dog and then if it is ok to pet him can help to avoid many of the common mistakes made by dog bite victims.As dog owners, we love our pets and want the very best for them. Animal shelters and humane societies would like to see the number of dogs euthanized for behavior issues decrease and our society, as a whole, has a strong desire to see a lessening in the number of dog bites each year. Following the recommendations of veterinary behaviorists and other animal experts can be the first great step to achieving these goals.
    		•
    Filed Under: pet health Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

    Allergic Pets and People

    June 16, 2008 By Leave a Comment

    flower Allergic Pets and People

    From springtime through the late fall, many people are subject to seasonal allergies. But people are not the only ones suffering. For our dogs and cats, these same seasons can bring intense itching and discomfort. Yes, it seems our pets can get their own “hay fever”.

    It’s a very frustrating and somewhat common situation. Pet owners by the millions flock to their veterinarians in the hope of relieving their pet’s itchiness. For many people, the constant chewing, licking, and scratching can test their love for their pets.

    Current estimates show that about 20 million pets suffer from some sort of skin condition and many of these are allergies. Allergies are an over-reaction of the body’s immune system to a foreign substance, such as pollen or flea saliva. For people with allergies, we sneeze and sniffle as our bodies respond to histamine released by immune cells. These symptoms are due to the reaction of histamine with receptors in our nose and upper airways.

    Our pets, however, react somewhat differently. Dogs and cats have many more histamine receptors in the skin and fewer in the nose. As histamine is released, the receptors cause an itchy feeling and the pet reacts by scratching at that site. Scratching can generate more histamine release, thereby causing more scratching. The constant assault on the skin by the pet’s claws can actually damage the skin, leading to bacterial infections. Areas of hair loss and oozing sores known as “hot spots” are very common with allergies.

    Fleas are often found to be the reason for a pet’s itchiness. However, the pet who is truly allergic to fleas will often appear to have no fleas at all! Why? Because these pets are the ultimate flea catchers, doing everything in their power to bite or scratch the discomfort of the flea away. The flea’s saliva sets off an allergic reaction leading to a flurry of chewing and digging at the skin.
    38803984643891454 Allergic Pets and Peopleplay Allergic Pets and People
    Allergies to airborne substances, such as pollen and mold spores, are another reason for itchiness in pets. This is known as atopy and affects many pets from springtime straight through until fall. This condition can be inherited in certain breeds.

    If your pet has signs of allergies year round and you see little or no improvement with certain medications, you may have a pet that has food allergies. Contrary to popular belief, food allergies take time to develop and are not due to recent diet changes. Most pets who develop food allergies have been eating the offending food with little problem for years. Common food allergens can include any major protein or carbohydrate source in the pet’s food.

    In some mild cases, the itchiness can be treated with anti-histamines or even steroids for a short period of time. However, pet owners need to be aware that allergies are not a condition that can be cured. The good news though, is that they can be well-managed with a team effort from the pet owner and the veterinary team.

    Utilizing diagnostic tests such as blood testing and even skin allergy tests, veterinarians can often find ways to reduce the pet’s discomfort level. In some cases, your family veterinarian may refer you and your pet to a veterinary dermatologist. This specialist has many more diagnostic and treatment resources available to bring relief to your pet. In all cases, you, the pet owner, are a vital part of the team. It will be up to you to make sure that all pets in the household are treated for fleas or that your pet stays on the recommended hypo-allergenic diet and doesn’t sneak other treats!

    Allergies are not only one of the most frequent reasons for a trip to the veterinarian, but are also a big reason for pet owners becoming frustrated with their pet. Working with your veterinary team to identify what is causing your pet’s symptoms will help keep your four-legged family member right where he needs to be…with you!

    Filed Under: pet health Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

    When It’s Time to Say Good-bye to Your Pet – Euthanasia

    June 15, 2008 By Leave a Comment

    How Families Cope with the Death of a Cherished Pet

    They are called “babies”, “four-legged kids” even “fur-children” and are often given human names. We care for our pets as treasured members of the family. But, when the end of life approaches, what options are available to remember our friends? How can we say good-bye?

    For many pet owners, the end of their pet’s life can be a heart-wrenching and especially emotional time. When faced with the decision for euthanasia, even normally hard-hearted individuals can break down. Euthanasia means “easy death” and can really be a blessing for those pets whose quality of life has greatly deteriorated. But still, ending the life of your best friend is difficult. Your veterinarian will help you to understand the process and how to recognize when your pet is suffering. Some pet owners report that “unspoken signs” will pass between them and their pets, signaling that it’s ok to let go.
    5057336166501045 When It’s Time to Say Good bye to Your Pet Euthanasiaplay When It’s Time to Say Good bye to Your Pet Euthanasia
    It doesn’t matter if the death comes abruptly through trauma or gently through a planned overdose of anesthetic at the veterinarian’s office; the pet’s family is suddenly left with an empty feeling. Many have only treasured memories and a few photographs of their beloved pet. As pets share unconditional love with us, some owners wonder how they can return that love even after their pet is gone.

    Mention planning a funeral for your pet and many people might snicker at you. But, memorial services, pet burials, and even pet-loss support hotlines are becoming increasingly more common across North America. According to the Atlanta Journal Constitution, more than 600 pet cemeteries and crematories now offer funeral services for pets. Coleen Ellis, owner of Pet Angel Memorial Center in Carmel, Indiana has seen her business expand as more pet owners want to find a way to memorialize their pet. Ellis says that often a pet’s death becomes an educational experience. “Pet owners are often unaware of options that are available for them”, she says “Owners often come into our chapel and are amazed at all the different ideas that are offered for helping them to celebrate the life of their pet.” As examples, Ellis cites the availability of “family urns” for pet owners with multiple pets, unique decorative urns or even ornamental keepsakes.

    grievingpets When It’s Time to Say Good bye to Your Pet Euthanasia

    For many pet owners, the “after-life” options for their pet have been limited. Pet burials at home can violate local ordinances and despite the presence of pet cemeteries, less than 10% of pets will be buried there. Most pets end up being cremated with the owner choosing whether or not to keep the ashes. Owners often say good-bye to their pet in a clinical setting and, according to Ellis, many families don’t have opportunities to come together, as they would if a human family member died.

    0ldlab When It’s Time to Say Good bye to Your Pet Euthanasia

    At Ellis’ Pet Angel Memorial Center, pet families can choose from simple Remembrance Packages to complete Celebration of Life Packages that will include invitations to a planned memorial service, a casket and burial. Although still not extremely common, Ellis says that memorial services and visitation times are becoming more frequent. In fact, when “Bo”, a local police dog, died, more than 500 people showed up at the chapel for the memorial. Ellis has held services for dogs, cats, pocket pets, reptiles, and even for goldfish.

    There is no doubt that our pets touch our lives deeply through their unconditional love. For many, the loss of that love is also the loss of an era of time. As pets live longer, many owners are faced with the death of a companion who has seen them through college, a new career, and maybe even a marriage or two. That loss can be overwhelming for some.

    Pet loss support hot lines have been set up at many of the veterinary schools and even some of the larger veterinary hospitals. Veterinarians and their staffs can attend training on recognizing extreme grief in their clients and helping clients validate that grief. To many, admitting to that level of sorrow is difficult as people fear the ridicule and scorn of friends and family. But, according to www.pet-loss.net, people should not feel ashamed or embarrassed by these feelings. Grief counseling is often recommended for many pet owners.

    When It’s Time to Say Good bye to Your Pet Euthanasia

    Just as our pets now receive “human-quality” medical care, many dogs, cats, and other pets are being remembered in ways similar to human funerals. Ask your family veterinarian or their staff about resources in your area to help when your pet passes away. And remember that grief is a normal occurrence. If you are having difficulty after the death of a pet, seek professional assistance.

    Debra Garrison, DVM

    Filed Under: pet health Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,

    Animal ER – Ready When You Need Them!

    June 15, 2008 By Leave a Comment

    er Animal ER – Ready When You Need Them!

    From the worried looks in the waiting room to the sighs of relief in the recovery ward, this hospital was no different from any other hospital preparing for another long night. Surgical packs were ready, nurses were soothing frantic patients, and doctors were doing their best to save lives. The only difference…this is the Animal ER!
    9233559644781053 Animal ER – Ready When You Need Them!play Animal ER – Ready When You Need Them!
    An unexpected illness of her pet was the farthest thing from Heather’s mind when she woke up that morning. Cooper, her 2 year old Great Dane, was acting a bit sluggish and wasn’t interested in his food. When she arrived home that night, she found Cooper in his kennel, depressed, painful abdomen and sort of choking. Luckily, Heather knew a place where her pet could get immediate medical attention at any time.

    Emergency care for pets has certainly evolved over the last several decades. Baby boomers might remember when local veterinarians shared emergency duty, taking calls through all hours of the night and early morning. More recently, dedicated emergency clinics were opened and pet owners had access to these during nights and weekends when the regular veterinarians were closed. The most recent rendition of the emergency hospital for pets though, is actually very difficult to distinguish from its human counterpart.

    Emergency centers and 24-hour critical care hospitals are becoming much more common. Staffed by devoted emergency veterinarians and team members, these after-hours hospitals are a blessing to people and pets. From the high tech medical equipment in the back to the various amenities in the waiting room, animal emergency facilities provide a similar level of care and compassion that you might see in a human emergency room.

    Dr. Elisa Mazzaferro, Director of Emergency Services for Wheat Ridge Veterinary Specialties in Colorado says that “We have gone from patchwork type of medical care to state-of-the art emergency critical care, providing many services at all hours of the day and night”

    Heather’s visit started when the triage nurse came into the exam room and noted Cooper’s distended abdomen. Extensive training and years of education alerted the technician that this could be a high priority emergency – bloat! Quickly obtaining a history from Heather and vital signs from Cooper, the technician left the room to get the doctor. In no time the doctor was in the room paying most attention to Cooper. Heather knew that Cooper might be suffering from “bloat”, a serious, often fatal, twisting of the spleen around the stomach.

    After a very fast discussion of the estimated cost of services, Cooper was whisked away for x-rays. Heather, meanwhile, was escorted to a well-provisioned waiting room complete with coffee, TV, and plenty of reading material. Crystal Rush, veterinary assistant, says she tries to keep clients occupied and calm because “it’s important for the pet’s sake. They can sense our energy and moods and we need to stay calm for them!”

    In the x-ray room, the emergency doctor is busy reviewing the digital x-rays of Cooper. Noting a particular shadow on the x-ray, the doctor confirms the twisting of the spleen, causing the life threatening bloat condition.

    As she heads back to speak to Heather, devoted veterinary nurses and assistants begin to prepare Cooper for surgery. IV catheters are placed, fluids are started and Cooper is given medications to help relieve his anxiety, support his vital signs, and, importantly, reduce the amount of pain he might experience. When all is prepared, the team just awaits the okay from the owner.

    According to Dr. Mazzaferro, the financial aspect of emergency care can be very challenging. “When you go to a human ER, tests are run and the person is treated, no discussion of costs. This is not true for our pets.” But, an increasing number of pet owners say that they would pay almost any price for their best friend and Heather is no exception. Cooper was taken to a sterile surgical suite where a team of surgeons and surgical assistants using the latest high tech equipment quickly corrected Cooper’s twisted spleen.

    After surgery, Cooper recovered in a state of the art ICU ward complete with vital signs monitors and veterinary nurses available 24 hours a day. Due to the knowledge, skill, and rapid action of the emergency hospital staff, Cooper was headed for home in about 3 days, from something that could have ended his life.

    Emergency care for our pets has come a long way since the late night house calls of veterinarians. Talk with your veterinarian to see how she handles emergencies and what you can do to help in the event of a critical situation with your pet.

    Debra Garrison, DVM

    Filed Under: pet health Tagged With: , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , ,