NOSE-TO-TOES® - Ask Our Vet

Dr. Susan Marie Neary, D.V.M., graduated from Oregon State University College of Veterinary Medicine. She also has a D.V.M. degree from Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine in 1994 summa cum laude.

Dr. Neary co-owns an animal and exotic practice, performing medicine, surgery, and acupuncture.

To ask Dr. Neary a question about your pet or any other pet and animal-related topic, please email her at NtTAskOurVet@hotmail.com

what are ear mites?

Ear mites are tiny infectious organisms resembling microscopic ticks. Since the mite can barely be seen it is usually detected by examination of a sample of earwax under a microscope. Infection usually produces a characteristic dry black ear discharge composed of earwax, blood, inflammatory biochemicals, and ear mites themselves. The presence of the mites is inflammatory and can generate very irritating ear infections. Skin disease can also result.

The mite lives on the surface of the ear canal skin, though sometimes migrates out onto the face and head of its host. Eggs are laid and hatch after 4 days of incubation. The larva hatches from the egg, feeds on ear wax and skin oils for about a week, and then molts into a protonymph, which in turn molts into a deutonymph. The deutonymph mates with the adult male.

After mating, the deutonymph molts into either an adult male or an adult female. If she becomes a female, she will be gravid with eggs as a result of the mating. If he develops into a male, there are no consequences to the mating and he is ready to mate with deutonymphs of his own choosing. The adult mite lives approximately 2 months happily eating ear wax and skin oils. The life cycle (the time it takes for an egg to develop into an adult mite ready for parenthood) requires 3 weeks.

Most ear mite cases are found in cats. Dogs can be infected as well but since dogs more commonly get ear infections of other types, ear infections in dogs rarely involve mites.

Ear mites readily transmit from host to host by physical contact. Ear mites came from some other animal with whom your pet has been socializing. Because mites are easily transmissible by physical contact, treatment for mites often must include all household pets.

Ear cleaning is needed at the beginning of therapy (and possibly at the end) to remove the irritating wax and debris. Be sure to have the ears re-checked according to your vet’s recommendations.

Do not make the diagnosis of ear mite infection yourself. If you think your pet has an ear infection, see the vet for proper evaluation rather jumping straight to an over-the-counter remedy. You will need the right diagnosis before an effective treatment can be started.

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As always, we recommend that you check with your veterinarian for your pet’s immediate health needs and concerns.

If you have questions about your pet’s health, care, and well-being, email your question to: NtTAskOurVet@hotmail.com

CANINE AQUATIC THERAPY

Canine aquatic exercise has become very popular in the past decade. The buoyancy of the water can effectively cancel out up to ninety percent of the weight of a dog.

The effect of buoyancy allows for gentler active exercises by decreasing the loads placed on the injured tissues and weight bearing joints compared to exercises performed on land. For this reason, aquatic therapy is a wonderful choice for the treatment of osteoarthritis, spinal pathology, obesity, post-surgical conditions (especially knee and hip surgeries), post-injuries or other disorders in which a dog is reluctant to use the limb or there is lack of strength, range-of-motion (ROM), proprioceptive ability, or weight bearing status.

Water exercises are generally less painful than land exercises because of the support that buoyancy provides. Therefore water exercises may result in less discomfort and provide a better sense of security when initiating active movements. This helps maintain ROM and functional movement before the strength gains needed to perform the same movements on land.

The hydrostatic pressure of water provides a constant pressure to the body or limb immersed in water providing an improved environment for working with swollen joints or edematous tissues. Also, aquatic exercises may be used as a transition to land based exercises in post-surgery or post-injury rehabilitation.

The potential benefits of aquatic therapy are strengthening, restoration of muscle mass, cardiovascular endurance, speeding recovery time after surgery or injury, increasing blood flow to injured tissues, helping with weight management, providing strong, positive psychological benefits, improving daily function, and relieving pain.

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As always, we recommend that you check with your veterinarian for your pet’s immediate health needs and concerns.

If you have questions about your pet’s health, care, and well-being, email your question to: NtTAskOurVet@hotmail.com

CAN’T GO OUTSIDE? EXERCISE

How fortunate though that mental exercise can be satisfying to bored, bounce-off-the-wall pups on days when an outing isn't possible. Most breeds were developed to work, and few dogs today are asked to. Giving them a job to do is good for them, and they like it.

Search games, where a toy is hidden and then asked to find it can keep a dog occupied for hours and they just light up with pride at their accomplishment when they find the toy. Such games are to dogs what the daily crossword puzzle or the latest computer game is to us. Dogs have to think, they have to learn, and when they get it right, their sense of accomplishment and joy is palpable and contagious. And as pleasurable as these games are, with plenty of praise for a job done right, they also reinforce a dog's place in the pack structure we humans call "family."

Start with a simple game and build on it. If your dog likes to retrieve, begin with simple in- sight fetching and then slowly make things harder. Add a "stay." Then "hide" the toy in an easy-to- find spot, making the game a little trickier as your pet learns you want him to "find," instead of merely "fetch."

Just don't let them sit around doing nothing. You'll all enjoy a rainy day better if you find something useful to do.

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As always, we recommend that you check with your veterinarian for your pet’s immediate health needs and concerns.

If you have questions about your pet’s health, care, and well-being, email your question to: NtTAskOurVet@hotmail.com

ARTHRITIC NUTRICEUTICALS

Degenerative joint disease is the number one cause of chronic pain in the dog and cat. In this summary, we will focus on some nutriceuticals, i.e., nutrients with medicinal properties. Keep in mind, these products do not produce rapid results like pharmaceuticals; one to two months are needed for them to build up adequate amounts.

Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate - These products are cartilage components harvested chiefly from sea mollusks. By taking these components orally, the patient is able to have plenty of the necessary building blocks needed to repair damaged cartilage.

Adequan^® Injections - Adequan is polysulfated glycosaminoglycan, which is also a cartilage component but is derived from the windpipe cartilage of cattle.

Adeequan has numerous beneficial effects including inhibition of harmful enzymes involving joint cartilage destruction, stimulation of cartilage repair, and increasing joint lubrication.

Omega 3 Fatty Acids - Certain fats have been found to have anti-inflammatory properties. While primarily utilized in the treatment of itchy skin, many arthritic dogs and cats have also benefited from supplementation.

MSM - MSM stands for methyl sulfonyl methane and represents another nutriceutical anti- inflammatory agent. MSM is present in most plant and animal tissues and is a natural source of sulfur, however, for commercial sale MSM is derived from DMSO.

Note: Proper exercise is excellent physical therapy for the arthritic pet as it is crucial to maintain as much muscle mass as possible to support the abnormal joint. Massage and gentle flexion/extension of the joint may also help.

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As always, we recommend that you check with your veterinarian for your pet’s immediate health needs and concerns.

If you have questions about your pet’s health, care, and well-being, email your question to: NtTAskOurVet@hotmail.com

HOLIDAY TIPS FOR PET SAFETY

AVOID Holiday Food Items that could cause problems for your pet - alcoholic beverages, chocolate, coffee, moldy or spoiled foods, onions and onion powder, fatty foods, salt, yeast dough.

AVOID Holiday Plants: Lilies could be deadly to your cat. Many types of lily can cause kidney failure in cats. Poinsettias, if ingested, can be irritating to the mouth and stomach, and may cause mild vomiting or nausea. Mistletoe has the potential to cause cardiovascular problems and may cause gastrointestinal upset. Holly ingestion could cause vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, and lethargy.

HAZARDS Around the Tree:

• Christmas tree water may contain fertilizers, which, if ingested, can cause stomach upset. Stagnant tree water can be breeding grounds for bacteria, which can also lead to vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea, if ingested.

• Electric cords - If cords are chewed, your pet could be electrocuted. Cover up or hide electric cords.

• Ribbons or tinsel can get caught up in the intestines and cause intestinal obstruction.

• Batteries contain corrosives. If ingested they can cause ulceration to the mouth, tongue, and gastrointestinal tract.

• Glass ornaments can cut the tissues of the gastrointestinal tract.

OTHER WINTER HAZARDS:

Antifreeze has a pleasant taste but a very small amount can be lethal. As little as one teaspoon of antifreeze can be deadly to a cat; less than four teaspoons can be dangerous to a 10-pound dog. Thoroughly clean up any spills. Store antifreeze in tightly closed containers in secured cabinets. If you think your pet has consumed antifreeze, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (1-888-4-ANI-HELP) right away!

• Liquid potpourris - Pets are often exposed to liquid potpourri by direct ingestion, by rubbing against leaky bottles, or from spilling the containers upon themselves. Oral exposures result following grooming. Exposure of pets to some types of liquid potpourris can result in severe oral, dermal and ocular damage.

Ice melting products can be irritating to skin and mouth. Depending on the actual ingredient and the quantity, signs of ingestion would include excessive drooling, depression, vomiting or even electrolyte imbalances.

REMEMBER - You should keep telephone numbers for your veterinarian, a local emergency veterinary service, and the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (1-888-4 ANI-HELP) in a convenient location. If you suspect that your pet has ingested something poisonous, seek medical attention immediately.

Always be prepared!

Have a Happy and

Safe Holiday Season!

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As always, we recommend that you check with your veterinarian for your pet’s immediate health needs and concerns.

If you have questions about your pet’s health, care, and well-being, email your question to: NtTAskOurVet@hotmail.com

Q&A - BLADDER INFECTIONS

Q: I have several pets. Are bladder infections contagious?

A: The bladder is a sterile area of the body, which means that bacteria do not normally reside there. When bacteria gain entry and establish growth in the bladder, infection has occurred and symptoms can result. With pets with bladder infections, we see some of the following signs:

√ Excessive water consumption

√ Urinating only small amounts at a time

√ Urinating frequently and in multiple spots

√ Inability to hold urine the normal amount of time/apparent incontinence

√ Bloody urine (though an infection must either involve a special organism, a bladder stone, a bladder tumor, or be particularly severe to make urine red to the naked eye)

It is especially important to realize that many animals do not show any externally visible signs of their bladder infections and, since they cannot talk, screening tests are the only route to discovering the infection.

It is the inflammation associated with infection that causes these symptoms. There can be infection without much inflammation (particularly if the patient is on a cortisone-type anti- inflammatory medication) and there can be inflammation without infection (the usual situation in feline lower urinary tract disease).

Because bladder infections are localized to the bladder, there are rarely signs of infection in other body systems: no fever, no appetite loss, and no change in the blood tests.

The external genital area where urine is expelled is teeming with bacteria.

Bladder infection results when bacteria from the lower tract climb into the bladder, defeating the natural defense mechanisms of the system (forward urine flow, the bladder lining, inhospitable urine chemicals, etc.). But bladder infections are not contagious.

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As always, we recommend that you check with your veterinarian for your pet’s immediate health needs and concerns.

If you have questions about your pet’s health, care, and well-being, email your question to: NtTAskOurVet@hotmail.com

SALMONELLA CONTAMINATION

There has been a lot of media coverage lately on pet food recalls due to possible or confirmed Salmonella contamination.

No pet food is immune from the possibility of Salmonella contamination. There is evidence that feeding raw foods, such as raw meat and eggs, increases the risk of Salmonella infection and shedding of the bacteria leading to possible infection of other animals and of people.

Because pet foods and treats contain animal-origin products, they are at risk of contamination with Salmonella, E. coli, and other organisms. In general, these products are cooked to temperatures that will kill these organisms – however, if a contaminated additive (a flavoring, for example) is added to the food after cooking or if the food comes in contact with contaminated materials, the food will be contaminated.

Salmonella infection, like many other food-borne infections, usually occurs after the bacteria are ingested – this can occur by eating or drinking contaminated products, or by coming in contact with contaminated products and then touching your mouth, face or food. The organism enters your gastrointestinal tract and causes disease.

Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have a decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Not all pets carrying Salmonella will appear sick. Apparently well but infected animals can be carriers and may infect other animals or humans, particularly through exposure to their feces. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these signs, please contact your veterinarian.

People infected with Salmonella often develop diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps 12-72 hours after infection. If you have any of these symptoms, contact your physician.

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As always, we recommend that you check with your veterinarian for your pet’s immediate health needs and concerns.

If you have questions about your pet’s health, care, and well-being, email your question to: NtTAskOurVet@hotmail.com

CATARACTS

The normal lens of the eye is a focusing device. It is completely clear and is suspended in position by tissue fibers called zonules just inside the pupil. The lens focuses an image on the retina in the back of the eye in a process called accommodation. The focusing power of the dog's lens is at least three times weaker than that of a human and a cat's lens is at best half the focusing power as a human's. (It is helpful to remember that dogs and cats have a sense of smell at least 1000 times more accurate than ours and this is their primary means of perceiving the world.)

Despite its clarity, the lens is in fact made of tissue fibers. As the animal ages, the lens cannot change its size and grow larger; instead, it becomes more compact with fibers. This condition is called nuclear sclerosis and is responsible for the cloudy-eyed appearance of older dogs but these lenses are still clear and the dog can still see through them; these are not cataracts.

A cataract is an opacity in the lens. The patient with a cataract is not able to see through the opacity. If the entire lens is involved, the eye will be blind.

Many things can cause the lens to develop a cataract. A special cause is diabetes mellitus. In this condition the blood sugar soars, as does the sugar level of the eye fluids. The fluid of the eye's anterior chamber (see illustration above) is the fluid that normally nurtures the lens but in the diabetic pet the lens can only utilize so much sugar. Excess absorbed sugar is transformed into sorbitol within the lens, which unfortunately draws water into the lens causing an irreversible cataract in each eye. Cataracts are unavoidable in diabetic dogs no matter how good the insulin regulation is; diabetic cats have alternative sugar metabolism in the eye and do not get cataracts.

Cataract treatment generally involves surgical removal or physical dissolution of the cataract under anesthesia. This is invasive and expensive and is not considered unless it can restore vision.

A cataract by itself does not necessarily require treatment. If there is no associated inflammation and no associated glaucoma and the only problem is blindness, it is perfectly reasonable to have a blind pet. Blind animals have good life quality and do well though it is important not to move furniture around or leave any hazardous clutter in the home.

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As always, we recommend that you check with your veterinarian for your pet’s immediate health needs and concerns.

If you have questions about your pet’s health, care, and well-being, email your question to: NtTAskOurVet@hotmail.com

Many of you with dogs are aware that they can have debilitating anxiety attacks to the fireworks on Independence Day. Even though this holiday comes on the same date every year, it can still catch us off guard.

Desensitization involves playing a sound track of loud noises such as thunderstorms or fireworks at a low level and gradually over the course of weeks, increasing the volume.

An important part of desensitization is to intermittently reward calm behavior with praise or a treat. Again, not all pets respond well to this. Western Washington does not have thunderstorms frequently and they are difficult to predict. However, a pet that has been desensitized would be better able to handle the unpredictable.

The most common option is to give pets sedatives during the period around the Fourth of July. Some pets are unable to tolerate certain sedatives due to medical conditions or age. Always ask the advice of your veterinarian before giving a medication. Sedatives are a prescription medication and your veterinarian is REQUIRED by law to examine your pet before prescribing medications. Anti- anxiety medications and sleep aids for humans are more common in many households these days. Dogs and cats are not little humans and some of these human medications can be fatal for your pet.

A final option that we as Washingtonians enjoy is the chance to visit our Canadian neighbors on the 4th. July is a nice time to visit British Columbia.

Be certain to check with your veterinarian for border requirements when traveling with your pet to Canada. Also make sure you know the requirements for returning to the U.S. Depending on the length of stay, a health certificate and a Rabies Vaccination Certificate may or can be required.

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As always, we recommend that you check with your veterinarian for your pet’s immediate health needs and concerns.

If you have questions about your pet’s health, care, and well-being, email your question to: NtTAskOurVet@hotmail.com

The adrenal gland is so named because it is located just forward of the kidney (renal means kidney).

The center of the gland is called the medulla and the outer area is called the cortex. While both areas produce hormones, Addison's Disease concerns the hormones produced by the cortex; these hormones are called corticosteroids.

Corticosteroids are the hormones that enable us to adapt physiologically to stress. They gear the metabolism towards the preparation of burning (rather than storing) fuels so as to be ready for a fight or flight situation.

The mineralocorticoids influence the electrolytes: sodium and potassium. As a general biological rule, where there's sodium or salt, there's water. When the mineralocorticoids circulate as part of the fight or flight preparation, sodium is conserved in anticipation of blood loss so that there will be extra fluid in the vascular compartment (spare blood). When sodium is conserved, potassium is lost as part of the biological balance.

The fight or flight preparation is far more complex than can be reviewed here but the bottom line is: Corticosteroid hormones are needed to adapt to stressful situations and without these hormones, even small stresses could lead to physiologic disaster.

In animals with Addison's Disease, there is a deficiency of the corticosteroid hormones.

Patients are usually young (age 4-5 years) female dogs. At first signs are very vague - listlessness, possibly some vomiting or diarrhea. Ultimately, the disease results in a phenomenon known as the Addisonian Crisis. The animal collapses in shock. The patient may not survive this episode. Corticosteroid hormones are needed to adapt to stressful situations and without these hormones, even small stresses could lead to physiologic disaster.

Because of the numerous symptoms Addison's Disease can be present with, Addison's Disease has earned the medical nickname "the Great Imitator." The only definitive test for Addison's Disease is the ACTH stimulation test. A lack of response is diagnostic for Addison's Disease. The most important aspect of treatment for hypoadrenocorticism is the replacement of the missing mineralocorticoids hormones.

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As always, we recommend that you check with your veterinarian for your pet’s immediate health needs and concerns.

If you have questions about your pet’s health, care, and well-being, email your question to: NtTAskOurVet@hotmail.com

Ear mites are tiny infectious organisms resembling microscopic ticks. Since the mite can barely be seen it usually is detected by examination of a sample of ear wax under a microscope. Infection usually produces a characteristic dry black ear discharge. The discharge is composed of ear wax, blood, inflammatory biochemicals, and ear mites themselves. The presence of the mites is inflammatory and can generate very irritating ear infections. Skin disease can also result from an infection.

Most ear mite cases are found in cats. Dogs can be infected as well but since dogs more commonly get ear infections of other types, ear infections in dogs rarely involve mites.

Ear cleaning is needed at the beginning of therapy (and possibly at the end) to remove the irritating wax and debris. Be sure to have the ears re-checked according to your vet’s recommendations.

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As always, we recommend that you check with your veterinarian for your pet’s immediate health needs and concerns.

If you have questions about your pet’s health, care, and well-being, email your question to: NtTAskOurVet@hotmail.com

Q: Can raisins and grapes really poison dogs?

A: Yes - fresh grapes of both red and white varieties from grocery stores or vines in private yards and fermented grapes from wineries. In the cases reported, the estimated amount of ingested raisins or grapes to cause toxicity ranged from 0.41 to 1.1 oz/kg. Because 4 pounds of grapes equal about 1 pound of raisins, fewer raisins need to be ingested to reach toxic levels.

Dogs can exhibit problems ranging from acute gastrointestinal signs to life- threatening renal failure or even death.

Vomiting occurs in all dogs and begins within the first few hours of ingestion. Because there are still many unknowns about the toxic potential of grapes and raisins, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center had advised that grapes, raisins, and any food containing grape extracts not be given to pets in any amount. If ingestion should occur, owners should seek veterinary assistance immediately to initiate aggressive medical management. For more information on the toxicity of grapes or raisins, see the ASPCA APCC web site (www.apcc.aspca.org).

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As always, we recommend that you check with your veterinarian for your pet’s immediate health needs and concerns.

If you have questions about your pet’s health, care, and well-being, email your question to: NtTAskOurVet@hotmail.com

A heart murmur is one of several types of abnormal sounds your veterinarian can hear when listening to your pet’s heart with a stethoscope. Normally, two distinct sounds are heard when listening to the heart of a normal dog or cat. These are often described as lub and dub. When listening with a stethoscope one hears, lub-dub...lub-dub...lub-dub.

A murmur is an abnormal extra sound which can sometimes drown out the normal sounds. Murmurs most commonly occur between the lub and the dub and have a shooshing or whooshing quality.

Hearing a heart murmur during a routine physical examination will often be the first hint that your pet has heart disease.

Hearing a murmur is only a hint that something is wrong, a clinical sign, not a final diagnosis.

Hearing a murmur is reason to consider more discussion and tests to determine the cause of the murmur (the diagnosis).

Knowing the diagnosis and severity of the cause of the murmur allows your veterinarian (or a cardiologist they consult) to provide you with an educated guess (prognosis) regarding how this heart problem may affect your pet in the future.

Hearing a murmur is not a reason to panic. Many dogs and cats with murmurs live normal lives and never need any treatment for heart disease. But the only way to know for certain is to work with your veterinarian to determine the cause and severity of the cause of the murmur.

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As always, we recommend that you check with your veterinarian for your pet’s immediate health needs and concerns.

If you have questions about your pet’s health, care, and well-being, email your question to: NtTAskOurVet@hotmail.com

Good basic handling and training prevent most problems from turning into serious issues as your dog matures. We all want to enjoy our puppies and have them grow into safe dogs that spend long and happy lives in our homes. Puppy kindergarten is a great start to making this happen.

Your puppy needs this learning environment during critical development stages. If socialization during these stages is missed, some puppies will never be as successful as they could otherwise have been at fitting into your home. Sadly, when a dog can’t function safely with humans, it can ultimately mean a lost home and a lost life.

• When Is Your Puppy Ready?

Puppies mature at different rates, but classes typically try to get the pups into class prior to 6 months of age, heading off many potential behavior problems. Consult your veterinarian about the best timing for your puppy to take classes. This will depend on the pup’s health and immune status as well as what illnesses are going around. Discuss when to start your pup in class with the instructor, too.

• Goals and Benefits of Puppy Kindergarten

Several things can be accomplished through puppy kindergarten classes, especially if you keep these objectives in mind:

1. Your pup can begin a lifelong love of going to dog events and gatherings that include other well-behaved dogs.

2. A good class is an opportunity for a weekly outing with your puppy with the supervision of a skilled instructor to help you.

3. Your puppy can gain a love of learning new things that will last for life. It’s amazing what dogs can learn, once they know how to learn and have the confidence that they can do it.

4. You and your puppy develop a working relationship that enables you to safely take the puppy out for other social experiences and continued training.

5. A puppy that might otherwise have grown up fearful and defensive can gain confidence and overcome early problems with people and other dogs.

Puppy kindergarten is very helpful to humans and dogs. For a small fee you get to participate in something that is mentally, emotionally, and physically healthy for you and your dog. Seeing the other puppies and sharing the experience with the other puppy-loving humans adds to the fun. Be sure to take the opportunity to do this with and for your puppy.

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As always, we recommend that you check with your veterinarian for your pet’s immediate health needs and concerns.

If you have questions about your pet’s health, care, and well-being, email your question to: NtTAskOurVet@hotmail.com

Canine aquatic exercise has become very popular in the past decade. The buoyancy of the water can effectively cancel out up to ninety percent of the weight of a dog.

The effect of buoyancy allows for gentler active exercises by decreasing the loads placed on the injured tissues and weight bearing joints compared to exercises performed on land. For this reason, aquatic therapy is a wonderful choice for the treatment of osteoarthritis, spinal pathology, obesity, post-surgical conditions (especially knee and hip surgeries), post-injuries or other disorders in which a dog is reluctant to use the limb or there is lack of strength, range-of- motion (ROM), proprioceptive ability, or weight bearing status.

The hydrostatic pressure of water provides a constant pressure to the body or limb immersed in water providing an improved environment for working with swollen joints or edematous tissues.

Also, aquatic exercises may be used as a transition to land based exercises in post-surgery or post-injury rehabilitation.

Overall, the potential benefits of aquatic therapy are strengthening, restoration of muscle mass, cardiovascular endurance, speeding recovery time after surgery or injury, increasing blood flow to injured tissues, helping with weight management, providing strong, positive psychological benefits, improving daily function, and relieving pain.

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As always, we recommend that you check with your veterinarian for your pet’s immediate health needs and concerns.

If you have questions about your pet’s health, care, and well-being, email your question to: NtTAskOurVet@hotmail.com

FOOD ALLERGY MYTHS & FACTS

MYTH: “Food allergy ought to produce intestinal signs.”

FACT: In pets, it is usually the skin that suffers with a food allergy. Food allergy is one of the itchiest conditions in veterinary dermatology. Making matters worse, food allergies tend to be resistant to cortisone therapies which makes itch control especially difficult.

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MYTH: “Food allergy is a less likely cause of my pet’s skin disease as we have been feeding the same food for years and the allergy is a recent development.”

FACT: It takes time to develop a food allergy, typically months to years. The immune system must be exposed and must develop enough antibodies to trigger an allergic reaction, requiring many exposures. A reaction to a food that occurs on the first exposure is not an allergic reaction but a “food intolerance” and involves toxins within the food but not an allergic reaction.

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MYTH: “Soy and corn are common food allergens. It is best to seek pet foods without these ingredients to avoid problems.”

FACT: The most common food allergens for dogs are: beef, dairy, and wheat. These three ingredients account for 68% of canine food allergies. The most common food allergens in cats are: beef, dairy, and fish. These three ingredients account for 80% of feline food allergies.

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MYTH: “If my pet might have a food allergy, I can manage the problem by switching to another diet.”

FACT: Unfortunately, most pet food diets contain some sort of mixture of beef, dairy, wheat, lamb, fish, and chicken, so simply changing foods is bound to lead to exposure to the same allergens. There are two ways to address food allergy: feeding a diet based on a truly novel protein source (this usually means an exotic diet like venison, duck, kangaroo, rabbit or even alligator) OR feeding a diet where the protein has been pre-digested into units too small to interest the immune system.

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MYTH: “My pet got only partly better after the food trial so that means it didn’t work.”

FACT: Animals commonly have several allergies concurrently. A food allergy responding to a test diet at the same time an inhalant allergy is active will look like a partial response. On the other side of the coin, an inhalant allergy can become inactive should the weather change substantially during the diet trial. This would make a diet appear to be successful by coincidence. In order to determine if a response to a diet trial is real, at the end of the trial the patient is challenged with the original diet. If itching re-starts within feeding 2 weeks of the challenge, food allergy can be diagnosed.

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As always, we recommend that you check with your veterinarian for your pet’s immediate health needs and concerns.

If you have questions about your pet’s health, care, and well-being, email your question to: NtTAskOurVet@hotmail.com

HIGH BLOOD PRESSURE IN OUR PETS

High blood pressure is an extremely important concern in human medicine but our pets can get it as well, especially in age.

Problems from high blood pressure arise when a blood vessel gets too small for the high pressure flow going through it and bleeding results. Since the affected vessels are small, the bleeding may not be noticeable but a lot of little bleeds and a lot of blood vessel destruction can create big problems over time.

The retina of the eye is especially at risk, with either sudden or gradual blindness often being the first sign of latent high blood pressure. The kidney also is a target as it relies on tiny vessels to filter toxins from the bloodstream. Kidney disease is an important cause of high blood pressure and also progresses far more rapidly in the presence of high blood pressure. High blood pressure also increases the risk of embolism: tiny blood clots that form when blood flow is abnormal. These clots can lodge in an assortment of inopportune locations including the brain.

There are numerous diseases in pets that are associated with high blood pressure:

* Chronic renal (kidney) failure

* Hyperthyroidism

* Glomerular disease (protein is lost in urine)

* Cushing's disease (an adrenal cortisone excess)

* Diabetes mellitus (inability to properly reduce blood sugar)

* Acromegaly (growth hormone excess)

* Polycythemia (an excess in red blood cells)

* Pheochromocytoma (an adrenaline secreting tumor of the adrenal gland)

Blood pressure measurement is performed similarly to the way it is in humans. An inflatable cuff is fit snuggly around the pet’s foot or foreleg or the base of the tail. The cuff is inflated so as to occlude blood flow through the superficial artery. Instead of a stethoscope, an ultrasonic probe is held over the artery. The sound of the systolic pressure is converted into an audible signal. In pets, this measurement should not exceed 160. A reading of 180 is considered to indicate high risk for organ damage. At least five measurements are taken so that the pet becomes accustomed to the process and understands that no pain is involved.

In humans, high blood pressure is frequently considered “primary,” meaning there is no underlying disease causing it. In animals, primary hypertension is unusual; there is almost always another disease causing it and if routine screening does not identify the problem, more tests may be in order.

When hypertension is identified, controlling the underlying disease may totally reverse the hypertension (especially true for hyperthyroid cats). As with people, medication to actually lower blood pressure is often in order. This typically involves some type of pill that dilates peripheral blood vessels, effectively making them larger so as to accommodate the high pressure blood flow going through them.

Hypertensive patients should be rechecked every 2 to 4 months to keep their blood pressure in a healthy range.

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As always, we recommend that you check with your veterinarian for your pet’s immediate health needs and concerns.

If you have questions about your pet’s health, care, and well-being, email your question to: NtTAskOurVet@hotmail.com

HYPERPARATHYROIDISM

Q: My dog just was diagnosed with hyperparathyroidism – what is that?

A: Most dogs have four parathyroid glands, though the actual number may vary. The parathyroid glands are located in the neck region.

The parathyroid glands generate, store and secrete parathyroid hormone (PTH). PTH is secreted in response to decreased extracellular calcium concentrations.

Special calcium calcium-sensing receptors reside within the chief cells of the parathyroid glands that send signals to either increase or decrease PTH synthesis and release.

A dog with primary hyperparathyroidism (PHP) may have gastrointestinal (e.g., vomiting, anorexia), urinary (e.g., infections, bladder stones) and musculoskeletal (e.g., weakness, tremors) signs.

An increase in calcium may be noted incidentally on routine geriatric blood work.

Further tests will show an increase in the ionized calcium concentration (most accurate way of assessing the true calcium status) with a concurrent normal or increased PTH concentration. Because increased calcium provides a negative feedback loop to the parathyroid glands, a dog with hypercalcemia should have a very low PTH concentration.

Once PHP has been diagnosed, treatment is given to prevent the effects of prolonged hypercalcemia.

The most common and effective treatment method is surgical excision of the hyperfunctional parathyroid nodule or nodules. The surgical cure rate is 95% is all hyperfunctional tissue is removed. Success depends on the surgeon’s experience level.

A less invasive treatment is glandular ablation whereby an ultrasound probe is used to detect the enlarged gland(s) and heat is used to ablate the tissue. The cure rate is about 90%, but the patient may require multiple treatments.

åA common misconception is that their pets are too old for anesthesia and surgical treatment.

If the surgery is being performed by an experienced surgeon, the anesthetic time and risks are low, and the success rate is high.

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As always, we recommend that you check with your veterinarian for your pet’s immediate health needs and concerns.

If you have questions about your pet’s health, care, and well-being, email your question to: NtTAskOurVet@hotmail.com

CATARACTS - 2

A cataract is an opacity in the lens. The patient with a cataract is not able to see through the opacity. If the entire lens is involved, the eye will be blind.

Cataract treatment generally involves surgical removal or physical dissolution of the cataract under anesthesia. This is invasive and expensive and is not considered unless it can restore vision.

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As always, we recommend that you check with your veterinarian for your pet’s immediate health needs and concerns.

If you have questions about your pet’s health, care, and well-being, email your question to: NtTAskOurVet@hotmail.com

HYPERTROPHIC CARDIOMYOPATHY IN CATS-2

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common heart disease in cats today.

Cats with HCM have thicker than normal heart walls seen with an echocardiogram.

The first sign of HCM often will be your veterinarian reporting that your cat has a heart murmur but, most cats with HCM show no signs until the later stages. Or the first sign may be quite distressing:

- difficulty breathing (a result of fluid build up in the chest and/or lungs)

- sudden and often very painful hindlimb or forelimb

- weakness or paralysis (as a result of a clot blocking flow to the limbs)

- sudden death (at home, or during an elective procedure involving anesthesia).

Young cats (even those less than 6 months old) can be affected, but the diagnosis is most often made in middle-aged and older cats.

HCM tends to run in families, and is seen most often in American Shorthair cats, Maine Coon, and Persians, but it can be seen in any cat.

Signs of HCM can be as subtle as a lack of appetite. Observant owners often note an increase in the resting respiratory rate and weight loss.

Because cats tend to hide signs of disease until they are very sick, you should check in with your veterinarian when you see subtle signs, such as those that persist for more than a day or two.

There is no surgical treatment or definitive medical therapy to cure HCM.

Medications are often prescribed for cats with congestive heart failure, rapid heart rates, or clots or high risk of clots to the legs.

If there is fluid in the lungs, a diuretic and possibly an ACE inhibitor will be prescribed. If there is fluid in the chest, the veterinarian may have to physically drain the fluid from the chest (prior to beginning treatment and intermittently thereafter).

Prognosis is not easy to predict. Many cats can live a long time with HCM and never need medications. Others will die suddenly or progress to develop congestive heart failure.

The worst outcome, in terms of discomfort and frustration because of a lack of proven ways to prevent the first or future recurrence, is clots to the limbs or other organs.

Your veterinarians, working with a veterinary cardiologist, are your best guide to diagnosis and treatment for your cat.

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As always, we recommend that you check with your veterinarian for your pet’s immediate health needs and concerns.

If you have questions about your pet’s health, care, and well-being, email your question to: NtTAskOurVet@hotmail.com

FELINE AORTIC THROMBOEBMOLISM

FATE (feline aortic thromboembolism) is a serious and painful condition with serious implications. It comes on suddenly and appears to paralyze the cat, causing one or both rear legs to become useless and even noticeably cold. The cat will hyperventilate and cry out with extreme pain. Despite the extreme presentation, the cat may be able to recover from the episode but it is important to understand how it came to be in order to make decisions.

A thrombus is a large blood clot. An embolism is a small blood clot lodged somewhere inappropriate.

The aorta is the largest artery in the body. It stems from the heart itself, where it arches back and runs down the length of the back, ultimately splitting into the arteries supplying the back legs. The split where the aorta becomes the left and right iliac arteries is called the saddle.

A saddle thrombus is a blood clot that breaks off from a larger blood clot in the heart, travels down the aorta and lodges at the saddle. Not only is the blood supply to one or both rear legs cut off but a metabolic cascade results leading to the release of assorted inflammatory mediators, especially serotonin. The muscles of the rear legs become hard, and the foot pads become bluish in color; the condition is extremely painful. The inflammatory mediators readily lead to circulatory shock.

72% of cats with a saddle thrombus have both rear legs affected.

The saddle thrombus comes from a larger clot in the left atrium of the heart. In fact, 89% of cats with a saddle thrombus have heart disease. Heart disease leads to turbulent blood flow which encourages the formation of clots.

Not every cat with heart disease will form an abnormal clot, in fact most will not; but there is presently no clear why to predict which cats will form these clots and which ones will not. In cats with hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, the most common form of feline heart disease, the size of the left atrium is one factor that is considered. The presence of “smoke” in the atrium during echocardiography is another factor. (Smoke is the wispy material seen in the circulating blood.) Both these factors are considered controversial.

In 76% of cats with saddle thrombus, the FATE episode was the first sign of heart disease.

Once the doctor determines that the cat most likely has a saddle thrombus, further diagnostics will be needed as well as treatment. The cat will need medication for the pain and medication to reduce the ability to clot. Usually treatment is started with injections and changed to oral after the cat is eating. The pain of the condition generally is subsiding after the first 24 hours and the muscles become softer after 2 to 3 days.

Cats with a rectal temperature of 98.9º or higher have a 50% or higher chance of survival. Body temperature turns out to be a very important parameter for prognosis.

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As always, we recommend that you check with your veterinarian for your pet’s immediate health needs and concerns.

If you have questions about your pet’s health, care, and well-being, email your question to: NtTAskOurVet@hotmail.com

FLEA FACTS

Fleas are the most common external parasite of companion animals. Flea allergy dermatitis is the most common skin disease of dogs and cats! Flea control has always been a challenge for veterinarians and pet owners because the adult fleas cause the clinical signs, yet the majority of the flea population (eggs, larvae and pupae) are to be found off the pet in and around the home. The ideal flea control program utilizes products that target the various stages of the flea life cycle, not only the adult fleas on the pet.

Eggs are laid in the hair coat and are designed to fall off the host. They are resistant to insecticides, but susceptible to various insect growth regulators. Larvae develop in the host’s environment and feed on adult flea feces (blood) that fall out of the hair coat of the pet. Larvae are susceptible to traditional insecticides, borates and insect growth regulators. Larvae eventually spin cocoons (often within carpet fibers) for pupation. Pupae are resistant to freezing, desiccation, and insecticides. Pupae can lie dormant for many months; they are stimulated to expupate as emergent adults by vibration, warming and increased carbon dioxide.

Normally, expupation occurs when a host is near and the new flea finds the pet within seconds

of emergence. Emergent fleas are fairly mobile and can survive a few days without a host if in a suitable environment. New fleas begin feeding within hours of finding a dog or cat. Once a blood meal has been taken, the flea can survive only a short time if it is dislodged from the host. New fleas experience very high mortality on healthy adult hosts. Most fleas do not survive 72 hours on an animal that is itching and able to groom.

Unfortunately, limited egg production does occur even on allergic animals. The entire life cycle can be completed in as few as 16 days! For the flea allergic patient, continuous excellent flea control is required to remain symptom free. Even very minimal exposure may be sufficient to perpetuate itching in a hypersensitive patient.

In the past, veterinarians and pet owners always tried to control fleas by treating the environment for the immature stages of the flea. Today, veterinarians have some great flea control products in our arsenal. There are now several highly efficacious, long lasting and very safe new products to choose amongst: Program^® and Sentinel^® (lufenuron), Nylar^® (pyriproxifen), Advantage^® (Imidacloprid), K9 Advantix^® (with permethrin), Advantage Multi^® (with moxidectin), Frontline^® Spray, Frontline Plus^® and Frontline Top Spot^® (fipronil), Capstar^® (nitenpyram), Comfortis^® for Dogs (spinosad), Promeris for Cats^®, Promeris Duo for Dogs^® (metaflumizone/ amitraz), Vectra 3-D for Dogs^® (dinotefuran, permethrin, pyriproxifen), Vectra for Cats^® (dinotefuran, pyriproxifen).

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As always, we recommend that you check with your veterinarian for your pet’s immediate health needs and concerns.

If you have questions about your pet’s health, care, and well-being, email your question to: NtTAskOurVet@hotmail.com

MAY - RABIES VACCINATIONS

Q: Do indoor cats need to be vaccinated for rabies?

A: Descriptions of rabies go back thousands of years as rabies has classically been one of the most feared infections of all time. It is caused by a rhabdovirus which in most cases is transmitted via a bite wound from wildlife. The virus ultimately reaches the brain and at this point, the disease becomes transmissible and symptoms begin.

Prodromal Stage (the first 1½ days after symptoms have started) – a change in personality is noted.

Excitative Stage (next 2-3 days) – classically, the “mad dog” stage. The animal has no fear and suffers from hallucinations. The larynx is paralyzed resulting in an inability to swallow thus drooling and “foaming at the mouth” result.

Paralytic or Dumb Stage (next 2 days) – weakness and paralysis sets in and the animal dies when the muscles which control breathing are paralyzed.

There is no treatment for animals or humans once clinical signs appear.

If the biting animal has been legally vaccinated against rabies, only routine first aid may be necessary; bacterial infection of the wound may still be possible.

If the animal has not been currently vaccinated, it must be confined for 10 days for observation and then vaccinated at the end of that period.

An animal infected with rabies will be dead within 10 days.

Many cat owners are under the impression that indoor cats need not be vaccinated against rabies.

It is important to recognize that there is reasonable potential for wildlife exposure within the household and there is the legal liability should an unvaccinated animal bite a person.

The American Association of Feline Practitioners considers rabies vaccination to be necessary for ALL CATS.

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As always, we recommend that you check with your veterinarian for your pet’s immediate health needs and concerns.

If you have questions about your pet’s health, care, and well-being, email your question to: NtTAskOurVet@hotmail.com

Q: I found a lovable stray cat (probably abandoned) that I wish to keep but she has been diagnosed with FIV. Can I get the disease too if I keep her?

A: FIV stands for feline immunodeficiency virus, just as HIV stands for human immunodeficiency virus. In fact, these two viruses are closely related and much of the general information that has become common knowledge for HIV also holds true for FIV. FIV is a virus that causes AIDS in cats; however, there is a long period without symptoms before AIDS occurs and our job is to prolong this asymptomatic period. The average life expectancy from the time of diagnosis for FIV is 5 years. Humans cannot be infected with FIV; FIV is a cats only infection.

For a lengthy description of this virus and FAQ, search the Cornell Feline Health Center and American Association of Feline Practitioners.

Immuno–suppressed cats and immune suppressed owners do not mix well. Those who are immune suppressed, be they human or non-human, are inclined to become infected with opportunistic organisms and in turn shed larger numbers of those organisms than one might naturally come into contact with in the environment. This means that someone who is immune suppressed (human or not) can serve as an amplifier for infectious agents and vice-versa. This is obviously not a good situation. The sam is true for multiple immune suppressed cats living together. If possible, there should be only one immune suppressed individual per home.

The Feline Immunodeficiency virus is NOT transmissible to humans in any way.

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As always, we recommend that you check with your veterinarian for your pet’s immediate health needs and concerns.

If you have questions about your pet’s health, care, and well-being, email your question to: NtTAskOurVet@hotmail.com

Dogs and cats can develop growths in their mouths similar to humans, which may be benign or malignant. But once a mass is noticed, analysis must be made to determine the cause of the growth.

Some masses are due to infections in the gums or of the tooth itself. Many are due to tumors with some breeds predisposed to certain oral tumors.

Most pets will not show signs of oral masses until the mass has grown to interfere with chewing or swallowing. In some cases there will be bad breath, excessive drooling and a bloody oral discharge.

Pets that have benign tumors can usually be cured by surgical removal or radiation therapy. Cancerous tumors usually need more aggressive surgery and/or radiation and chemotherapy to decrease tumor spread. Beforehand, the entire patient will be evaluated for tumor spread prior to surgery with examination of the regional lymph nodes and chest x-rays.

The prognosis is directly related to the type of mass. With treatment, benign tumors usually result in a normal life span. Those animals affected with aggressive malignant tumors may live only weeks to months after diagnosis with or without treatment.

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As always, we recommend that you check with your veterinarian for your pet’s immediate health needs and concerns.

If you have questions about your pet’s health, care, and well-being, email your question to: NtTAskOurVet@hotmail.com

How fortunate though that mental exercise can be satisfying to bored, bounce-off-the-wall pups on days when an outing isn't possible.

Most breeds were developed to work, and few dogs today are asked to. Giving them a job to do is good for them, and they like it.

Every trick, whether useful or just plain fun, was born on a gloomy winter afternoon.

Teaching dogs new tricks, such as balancing a dog biscuit on the nose, then flip it into the air and catch it on command; barking on request; shaking hands: or finding their toys and putting them in a basket, are great fun.

Search games, where a toy is hidden and then asked to find it can keep a dog occupied for hours and they just light up with pride at their accomplishment when they find the toy.

Such games are to dogs what the daily crossword puzzle or the latest computer game is to us. Dogs have to think, they have to learn, and when they get it right, their sense of accomplishment and joy is contagious. And as pleasurable as these games are, with plenty of praise for a job done right, they also reinforce a dog's place in the pack structure we humans call "family."

Start with a simple game and build on it. If your dog likes to retrieve, begin with simple in- sight fetching and then slowly make things harder.

Add a "stay." Then "hide" the toy in an easy-to- find spot, making the game a little trickier as your pet learns you want him to "find," instead of merely "fetch."

Just don't let them sit around doing nothing. You'll all enjoy a rainy day better if you find something useful to do.

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As always, we recommend that you check with your veterinarian for your pet’s immediate health needs and concerns.

If you have questions about your pet’s health, care, and well-being, email your question to: NtTAskOurVet@hotmail.com

By providing good healthcare, especially preventative health care, we can help our cats to live longer, happier lives. In order to provide this care to your loved one, a trip to the veterinarian is required. If we can make this process easier, it would decrease the amount of stress for both you and your cat.

Cats are creatures of habit. Try to familiarize your cat with their carrier, making it a positive place for them. Place the carrier in a room where your cat spends most of its time. Leave the carrier door open and place soft bedding in it.

You can also place treats, toys, or even catnip to make the carrier more inviting. In the beginning you may notice some treats missing, eventually you may find your cat sleeping in the carrier. This may take days or weeks, but in he meantime reward your cat for any positive behavior.

If your cat needs immediate medical attention and has not yet become familiar with the carrier, try to place the cat and carrier in a small room with few hiding places. Slowly encourage your cat to move towards the carrier, coaxing with treats or toys. If your cat will not walk into the carrier, remove the top half of carrier if possible. Gently cradle your cat and lower it into the carrier, placing the top back on and closing it securely.

The best type of carrier has hard sides, is easy to take apart in the middle, has openings on the top and front and is easy to carry. An easily removable top allows a fearful, anxious cat to stay in the bottom half of the carrier while the top half is removed. This helps to avoid dumping or pulling a cat out of a carrier, therefore decreasing the amount of stress for your cat. The carrier provides a secure means of transportation for your cat.

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As always, we recommend that you check with your veterinarian for your pet’s immediate health needs and concerns.

If you have questions about your pet’s health, care, and well-being, email your question to: NtTAskOurVet@hotmail.com

AVOID Holiday Food Items that could cause problems for your pet - alcoholic beverages, chocolate, coffee, moldy or spoiled foods, onions and onion powder, fatty foods, salt, yeast dough.

AVOID Holiday Plants

Lilies could be deadly to your cat. Many types of lily can cause kidney failure in cats.

Poinsettias, if ingested, can be irritating to the mouth and stomach, and may cause mild vomiting or nausea.

Mistletoe has the potential to cause cardiovascular problems. Mistletoe ingestion usually causes gastrointestinal upset.

Holly ingestion could cause vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, and lethargy.

HAZARDS Around the Christmas Tree

Christmas tree water may contain fertilizers, which, if ingested, can cause stomach upset. Stagnant tree water can be breeding grounds for bacteria, which can also lead to vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea, if ingested.

Electric cords - If cords are chewed, your pet could be electrocuted. Cover up or hide electric cords.

Ribbons or tinsel can get caught up in the intestines and cause intestinal obstruction.

Batteries contain corrosives. If ingested they can cause ulceration to the mouth, tongue, and gastrointestinal tract.

Glass ornaments can cut the tissues of the gastrointestinal tract if ingested.

OTHER WINTER HAZARDS

Antifreeze has a pleasant taste but a very small amount can be lethal. As little as one teaspoon of antifreeze can be deadly to a cat; less than four teaspoons can be dangerous to a 10-pound dog. Thoroughly clean up any spills. Store antifreeze in tightly closed containers in secured cabinets. Propylene glycol is a safer form of antifreeze. Low Tox™ brand antifreeze contains propylene glycol and is recommended to use in pet households.

If you think your pet has consumed antifreeze, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (1-888-4-ANI-HELP) right away!

Liquid potpourris - Pets are often exposed to liquid potpourri by direct ingestion, by rubbing against leaky bottles, or from spilling the containers upon themselves. Oral exposures result following grooming. Exposure of pets to some types of liquid potpourris can result in severe oral, dermal and ocular damage.

Ice melting products can be irritating to skin and mouth. Depending on the actual ingredient and the quantity, signs of ingestion would include excessive drooling, depression, vomiting or even electrolyte imbalances.

REMEMBER - You should keep telephone numbers for your veterinarian, a local emergency veterinary service, and the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (1-888-4 ANI-HELP) in a convenient location. If you suspect that your pet has ingested something poisonous, seek medical attention immediately.

Always be prepared!

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As always, we recommend that you check with your veterinarian for your pet’s immediate health needs and concerns.

If you have questions about your pet’s health, care, and well-being, email your question to: NtTAskOurVet@hotmail.com

Q: Are bladder infections contagious?

√ Excessive water consumption

√ Urinating only small amounts at a time

√ Urinating frequently and in multiple spots

√ Inability to hold urine the normal amount of time/apparent incontinence

√ Bloody urine (though an infection must either involve a special organism, a bladder stone, a bladder tumor, or be particularly severe to make urine red to the naked eye)

Also realize that it is the inflammation associated with infection that causes these symptoms. There can be infection without much inflammation (particularly if the patient is on a cortisone-type anti- inflammatory medication) and there can be inflammation without infection (the usual situation in feline lower urinary tract disease).

Because bladder infections are localized to the bladder, there are rarely signs of infection in other body systems: no fever, no appetite loss, and no change in the blood tests. The external genital area where urine is expelled is teeming with bacteria.

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As always, we recommend that you check with your veterinarian for your pet’s immediate health needs and concerns.

If you have questions about your pet’s health, care, and well-being, email your question to: NtTAskOurVet@hotmail.com

MYTH: Food allergy ought to produce intestinal signs as it is the intestinal tract that is exposed to the allergen.

FACT: In pets, it is usually the skin that suffers with a food allergy. Food allergy is one of the itchiest conditions in veterinary dermatology. Making matters worse is the fact that food allergies tend to be resistant to cortisone therapies which makes itch control especially difficult.

** ** ** ** **

MYTH: Food allergy is a less likely cause of my pet’s skin disease as we have been feeding the same food for years and the skin problem is recent.

FACT: It takes time to develop a food allergy, typically months to years. The immune system must be exposed and must develop enough antibodies to trigger an allergic reaction and this requires multiple exposures to the food in question. A reaction to a food that occurs on the first exposure to that food is not an allergic reaction. Such reactions are called “food intolerances” and involve toxins within the food but not an allergic reaction.

** ** ** ** **

MYTH: Soy and corn are common food allergens. It is best to seek pet foods without these ingredients to avoid problems.

** ** ** ** **

MYTH: I should be able to manage my pet’s food allergy the problem by switching to another diet.

FACT: Unfortunately for food allergic pets, most pet food diets contain some sort of mixture of beef, dairy, wheat, lamb, fish, and chicken. This means that simply changing foods is bound to lead to exposure to the same allergens. There are two ways to address food allergy: feeding a diet based on a truly novel protein source OR feeding a diet where the protein has been pre-digested into units too small to interest the immune system.

** ** ** ** **

MYTH: My pet got only a little better after the food trial so that means it didn’t work.

FACT: Animals commonly have several allergies concurrently. A food allergy responding to a test diet at the same time an inhalant allergy is active will look like a partial response. Also, an inhalant allergy can become inactive should the weather change substantially during the diet trial, making a diet appear to be successful by coincidence. In order to determine if a response to a diet trial is real, at the end of the trial the patient is challenged with the original diet. If itching re-starts within feeding 2 weeks of the challenge, food allergy can be diagnosed.

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As always, we recommend that you check with your veterinarian for your pet’s immediate health needs and concerns.

If you have questions about your pet’s health, care, and well-being, email your question to: NtTAskOurVet@hotmail.com

The most common bone tumor is osteosarcoma. This cancer destroys bone, a painful condition that may result in abnormal fractures. Treatments that minimize or reverse the rate and degree of pathologic bone destruction can provide pain relief as well.

When we think of our skeletons we commonly imagine a structure made of white bones that serves as a supportive structure to our softer tissues. It is easy to forget that living bone is an active tissue that grow, remodels, heals, and requires blood flow. Its marrow serves as the source of our red blood cells. The bone stores and releases calcium and phosphorus that our soft tissues need for proper muscle contraction and metabolism. As we exercise and create greater demand on our muscles, our bones must change as well to strengthen and offer greater support.

New bone is constantly being laid down by cells called osteophytes and old bone is constantly being removed and reshaped by cells called osteoclasts. In the course of removing bone, the osteoclasts free up calcium for the circulation and are part of the complex hormonal system we use to regulate our blood calcium.

Bisphosphonates (e.g., pamidronate) can be used to reduce bone destruction by the tumor, which is helpful in managing the pain as well as in strengthening the damaged bone.

This medication is given as an intravenous infusion, meaning it is mixed into a large volume of fluid and given over several hours through a vein. When used to help bone tumor pain, infusions are given every 3 to 6 weeks.

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As always, we recommend that you check with your veterinarian for your pet’s immediate health needs and concerns.

If you have questions about your pet’s health, care, and well-being, email your question to: NtTAskOurVet@hotmail.com

Neosporosis is a neuromuscular disease caused by Neospora caninum, a coccidian parasite similar to Toxoplasma gondii.

Neosporosis can affect the nervous system at any age but for reasons that are not known, this protozoan has a predilection for the lumbosacral spinal nerve roots of young dogs. Lesions also are present in these spinal cord segments and in the hindlimb muscles, but the spinal nerve lesions are the most extensive.

Antibodies in the blood for N. caninum will confirm infection. Confirmation of this agent as the cause of the disease requires necropsy with staining to demonstrate the organism in the lesions. In adult dogs, the lesions are usually confined to the CNS (central nervous system), and although the lesions can occur at any level there is a predilection for the cerebellum.

It has been recognized that starting antiprotozoal treatment as soon as there is any evidence of neurologic clinical signs in puppies, the disease can be prevented from progressing. Adult dogs most likely acquire the protozoal agent from the infected feces in their environment as well as by ingesting tissue cysts in the muscles of intermediate hosts (cow, sheep).

Be aware that his organism can be acquired by transmission from the bitch to the puppies in utero and may occur in subsequent litters.

The first signs seen often involve changes in the hindlimb(s).

Affected dogs may have muscle atrophy and stiffness that gradually leads to paresis (partial paralysis), rigid hyperextension, and paralysis. Paralysis can be ascending, affecting the forelimbs as well. Dogs typically remain bright, alert, and responsive as the disease progresses.

About 50% of treated dogs will make a full recovery. Others may be left with an unusual gait. Prognosis is poorer for dogs with neurologic signs, and dogs with rigid hyperextension are unlikely to see changes to their hind limbs.

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As always, we recommend that you check with your veterinarian for your pet’s immediate health needs and concerns.

If you have questions about your pet’s health, care, and well-being, email your question to: NtTAskOurVet@hotmail.com

Q: My dog has started eating the suet that drops onto the deck from our bird feeder. Is it okay for dogs to eat Suet? Can it make him sick?

A: Suet is beef fat.

When preparing homemade diets, if the dog is not fat intolerant, even adding up to 10% of the daily calories is probably okay. More could unbalance the rest of the diet.

According to the USDA, suet provides about 242 kcal per ounce! It is far better to give molecularly distilled fish oil capsules instead.

But, if too much is ingested, the worse issue would be dealing with gastrointestinal upset!

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As always, we recommend that you check with your veterinarian for your pet’s immediate health needs and concerns.

If you have questions about your pet’s health, care, and well-being, email your question to: NtTAskOurVet@hotmail.com

How to Reduce the Stress of Veterinarian Visits for Your Cat

By providing good healthcare, especially preventative health care we help our cats to live longer, happier lives. In order to provide this care to your loved one, a trip to the veterinarian is required. Many cats do not appreciate being placed in a carrier, so this is where the difficulty begins. If we can make this process easier, it would decrease the amount of stress for both you and your cat.

How to help your cat become familiar with their carrier:

Cats are creatures of habit. They are most comfortable in their own familiar setting. The carrier, car and veterinary office are all unfamiliar places to your cat. Try to familiarize your cat with their carrier, making it a positive place for them. Place the carrier in a room where your cat spends most of its time. Leave the carrier door open and place soft bedding in it. You can also place treats, toys or even catnip to make the carrier more inviting for your cat. In the beginning you may notice some treats missing here and there, eventually you may even find your cat sleeping in the carrier. This make take days or weeks, but in the meantime reward your cat for any positive behavior.

Placing an unwilling cat into a carrier:

In the event your cat needs immediate medical attention and has not yet become familiar with the carrier, try to place the cat and carrier in a small room with few hiding places. Slowly encourage the cat to move towards the carrier, coaxing with treats or toys. In the event that your cat will not walk into the carrier, remove the top half of the carrier if possible. Gently cradle the cat and lower it into the carrier, placing the top back on and closing it securely.

The best type of carrier has hard sides, is easy to take apart in the middle, has openings on the top and front of the carrier and is easy to carry. An easily removable top allows a fearful, anxious cat to stay in the bottom half of the carrier while the top half is removed. This helps to avoid dumping or pulling a cat out of carrier, therefore decreasing the amount of stress for your cat. For safety and security, please do not bring your cat to the hospital without using a carrier. They can scratch, bite and even escape from your arms. The carrier provides a secure means of transportation for your cat.

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As always, we recommend that you check with your veterinarian for your pet’s immediate health needs and concerns.

If you have questions about your pet’s health, care, and well-being, email your question to: NtTAskOurVet@hotmail.com

Osteosarcoma is by far the most common bone tumor of the dog, and usually occurs in middle aged or elderly dogs but can occur in a dog of any age.

Osteosarcoma can develop in any bone but the limbs (appendicular osteosarcoma) account for 75-85% of affected bones. It develops deep within the bone and becomes progressively more painful as it grows outward and the bone is destroyed from the inside out. The lameness goes from intermittent to constant over 1 to 3 months. Obvious swelling becomes evident as the tumor grows and normal bone is replaced by tumorous bone. Tumorous bone is not as strong as normal bone and can break with minor injury. This type of broken bone is called a pathologic fracture and may be the finding that confirms the diagnosis of bone tumor. Pathologic fractures will not heal and there is no point in putting on casts or attempting surgical stabilization.

One of the first steps in evaluating a persistent lameness is radiography (x-rays). The osteosarcoma creates some characteristic findings. Usually a radiograph is all that is needed for a diagnosis, but a biopsy (a tiny section of bone can is removed for laboratory analysis) is considered to be absolute proof of diagnosis.

Treatment involves two aspects – treating the pain and fighting the cancer’s spread.

Keep in mind that dogs are

usually euthanized due to the pain in the affected bone. Treating the pain successfully will allow a dog to live comfortably.

Removal of the affected limb resolves the pain in 100% of cases. Running and playing are not inhibited by amputation once the surgical recovery period is over.

At this time there are numerous analgesic medications available for dogs with osteosarcoma. No single medication, however, is a match for the pain involved in what amounts to a slowly exploding bone. A combination of medications is needed to be reasonably palliative and should be considered only as a last resort if amputation or radiation therapy will not be pursued. There are several types of drugs that can be combined.

Chemotherapy is the only meaningful way to alter the course of this cancer. Median survival time for dogs who do not receive chemotherapy for osteosarcoma is 4 to 5 months from the time of diagnosis regardless of whether or not they have amputation.

Additional information can be found at Bone Cancer Dogs, Inc., a nonprofit corporation.

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As always, we recommend that you check with your veterinarian for your pet’s immediate health needs and concerns.

If you have questions about your pet’s health, care, and well-being, email your question to: NtTAskOurVet@hotmail.com

Lice are an uncommon parasite in dogs and cats in the U.S. When lice are found, it’s usually in dogs who are living in or were obtained from filthy, crowded conditions. Lice are host-specific. Human lice affect only humans. Dog lice affect dogs. Cat lice affect cats. Rarely, a dog or cat louse might end up on a human, but it doesn’t stay there. Children who have lice (head lice) get them from other humans.

Lice are flat, six-legged, wingless insects that can be seen with the naked eye making diagnosis easy. Lice don’t move much or quickly. They spend their entire 21-day life cycle on a pet. They lay eggs, which are called nits, on the shafts of the hair. They attach only to the pet’s hair and look like white flakes on the hair shaft. Both types of dog and cat lice are transmitted by direct contact with an infested dog or cat, or by contact with nit-contaminated grooming equipment, bedding, etc.

What you will notice with lice is severe itching and a scruffy dry coat with bald patches. Lice generally congregate around the ears, neck, shoulders, and anus, so those areas will be most affected.

Lice are usually fairly easy to eliminate because they haven’t yet built up any resistance to insecticides.

There are several treatment options your veterinarian may employ: (1) bathing your dog (matted areas may need to be shaved) with an insecticide shampoo to quickly eliminate the adult lice, and then using Fipronil (Frontline) or Selamectin (Revolution). Treatment will be repeated to kill lice that have hatched from the eggs. Commonly, the pet will be treated every 2 weeks for 3 to 4 treatments. However, in some cases, treatments may be needed every 7 days for 2 to 4 treatments. Dispose of or wash bedding. If your pet continues to have louse infestations after that point, your veterinarian may switch to another treatment, and may suggest environmental control.

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As always, we recommend that you check with your veterinarian for your pet’s immediate health needs and concerns.

If you have questions about your pet’s health, care, and well-being, email your question to: NtTAskOurVet@hotmail.com

Pseudoephedrine alert issued

"Pseudoephedrine has a very narrow margin of safety in dogs, cats, and other animals," says Dr. Steve Hansen, senior vice president of the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, which has issued the warning.

Pseudoephedrine is found in certain cold, allergy, and sinus medications used in humans. As little as one tablet containing 30 mg of pseudoephedrine can induce clinical signs in a 20-pound dog, including nervousness, hyperactivity, and other behavioral changes; panting; fast heart rate; and high blood pressure. A dose as small as three 30-mg tablets in the same size dog can be lethal.

Clinical effects can sometimes be seen as quickly as within 30 minutes after ingestion, therefore, it is critical that veterinary treatment is sought quickly when an ingestion occurs.

As with most medications, an animal’s exposure to pseudoephedrine products usually are accidental, such as a pet chewing into a medication bottle or ingesting pills left unattended. Others may occur as a result of pet owners inappropriately medicating their pets.

Pseudoephedrine and other medications should be kept out of the reach of animals, preferably in a secure cabinet above the counter, according to the poison control center.

It is very important for owners to understand that even childproof containers are not effective in preventing accidental drug exposures in pets, as dogs and other animals can easily chew open a bottle or vial.

Individuals who suspect a pet may have ingested a pseudoephedrine-containing product or other drug should contact their local veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-426-4435 for immediate assistance.

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As always, we recommend that you check with your veterinarian for your pet’s immediate health needs and concerns.

If you have questions about your pet’s health, care, and well-being, email your question to: NtTAskOurVet@hotmail.com

HEMOTROPIC MYCOPLASMOSIS

These parasites are bacteria (mycoplasms) that attach themselves to the red blood cell membranes of their host, feeding and reproducing until the host's immune system sees them and begins destroying red blood cells in an attempt to remove them. Mycoplasmas are different from other bacteria because they do not have a cell wall surrounding and protecting their microscopic bodies. They cannot be cultured in the lab like most bacteria because they require living hosts.

A cat becomes infected from a bite from an infected flea and soon the cat’s red blood cells are covered with free-loading mycoplasma organisms. The cat’s immune system eventually detects foreign proteins on red blood cells and begins to mount an attack in the form of antibodies which bind to the mycoplasma organism as a coating, which serves to mark the infected red blood cell for removal and destruction. The problem is that if many red blood cells are parasitized, then so many red blood cells are destroyed that the cat becomes anemic.

The infected sick cat is pale, sometimes even jaundiced, and weak. Anemic cats often eat dirt or litter in an attempt to consume iron. An infected cat may have a fever. The initial blood tests show not just red cell loss but a responsive bone marrow (the source of new red blood cells), which means that the cat's body knows it is losing red cells and is trying to make more as quickly as possible to keep up. Cats with concurrent feline leukemia virus infection tend to have more severe anemia as the virus does not permit the bone marrow to respond.

When a cat is newly infected, it can take up to one month before there are adequate numbers of parasites to actually make the cat sick. Mortality is highest during the month following this initial stage. If the cat recovers, it becomes a permanent carrier, though stress can re-activate the infection.

The cats at highest risk are those that roam outside in the spring and summer (obviously these cats have the highest risk for flea infestation). Cats that are statistically likely to be infected are male cats younger than 4 to 6 years of age, have a history of cat fights, and have incomplete vaccination histories (in short, cats with somewhat casual care, most likely including casual flea control). Infection with the feline leukemia virus is also a factor in diagnosis. An abnormal immune system is absolutely not a necessity; normal cats are infected as well.

Blood sucking parasites such as fleas, ticks, lice, and mosquitoes are the leading candidates for spread of the organism. This makes flea control paramount in protection.

If hemotropic mycoplasma infection is suspected, initiating treatment is probably a good idea as treatment is much easier than diagnosis. All mycoplasma infections are susceptible to tetracycline. Killing the mycoplasma is only part of the therapy, however; it is the host's own immune system that removes the red blood cells and this must be stopped. Prednisone or similar steroid hormone is typically used to suppress this part of the immune system so that the red blood cells are not removed as quickly. Very sick cats will probably require blood transfusions to get through the brunt of the infection. Happily, prognosis is fair if the diagnosis is made in time, as cats generally respond well and quickly to treatment.

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As always, we recommend that you check with your veterinarian for your pet’s immediate health needs and concerns.

If you have questions about your pet’s health, care, and well-being, email your question to: NtTAskOurVet@hotmail.com

SEIZURE DISORDERS

Any involuntary behavior that occurs abnormally may represent a seizure. Seizures are classified as:

● Generalized (Grand Mal) Seizures - This is the most common form of seizure in small animals. The entire body can be stiff and/or undergo contractions. The animal loses consciousness and may urinate or defecate.

● Partial Seizures - This form of seizure originates from some specific area in the brain and thus involves the activity of a specific region of the body. Partial seizures may progress to involve the whole body.

● Psychomotor Seizures - This type of seizure is predominantly behavioral with the animal involuntarily howling, snapping, circling, etc. The abnormal behavior may be followed by a generalized seizure. Seizures (neurological events) are often difficult to differentiate from fainting spells (cardiovascular events). Classically, true seizures are preceded by an aura, or a special feeling associated with a coming seizure. As animals cannot speak, we usually don’t notice any changes associated with the aura. The seizure is typically followed by a post-ictal (post seizure) period during which the animal appears disoriented, even blind. This period may last only a few minutes or may last several hours. [Fainting animals are usually up and normal within seconds after the spell.]

Seizures may be caused by situations within the brain (such as trauma, tumor, or infection) or by situations centered outside the brain (such as low blood sugar, circulating metabolic toxins, hypothyroidism, or external poisons). The first step is to rule out situations centered outside the brain, accomplished with blood testing. An ophthalmic exam may also be performed as the retina may show signs of a brain infection. If these tests are negative, the next step is determined by the age of the pet.

● Animals less than One Year old - Seizures are usually caused by infections of the brain. Analysis of cerebrospinal fluid, obtained by a tap under anesthesia, would be important.

● Animals between Ages 1 and 5 Usually no cause can be found and the term epilepsy, which simply means seizure disorder, is applied. If seizures are occurring frequently enough, medication is used to suppress them. Schnauzers, Basset hounds, Collies, and Cocker spaniels have epilepsy two to three times as often as other breeds.

● Animals over 5 Years old - Seizures are usually caused by a tumor growing off the skull and pressing on the brain (a meningioma). Most such tumors are operable if found early. A CT scan or MRI would be the next step. For patients where surgery is not an option, corticosteroids may be used to reduce swelling in the brain. Treatment to suppress seizures may also be needed.

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As always, we recommend that you check with your veterinarian for your pet’s immediate health needs and concerns.

If you have questions about your pet’s health, care, and well-being, email your question to: NtTAskOurVet@hotmail.com

TAPEWORMS

Tapeworms are long, flat worms that attach themselves to your dog’s or cat’s intestines. A tapeworm body consists of multiple parts, or segments, each with its own reproductive organs. Tapeworm infections are usually diagnosed by finding segments, which appear as small white worms that may look like grains of rice or seeds, on the rear end of your dog, in your dog’s feces, or where your dog lives and sleeps.

Dogs with tapeworm infections usually are not sick and do not lose weight from the worms.

Contrary to popular belief, dogs that “scoot” on their rear ends are generally doing it for reasons other than having tapeworms, such as blocked or irritated anal sacs or other skin inflammation of the rear.

To prevent your dog from getting tapeworms, try to keep your dog from coming in contact with intermediate hosts (fleas and small rodents) that contain tapeworm larvae. Consistent, safe, and effective flea control is an essential prevention measure against the most common kind of tapeworm, Dipylidium caninum. Keeping your dog from eating prey animals is also important.

Certain tapeworms found in dogs or cats may cause serious disease in humans. Fortunately, these tapeworms (Echinococcus species) are uncommon in the United States and are readily treated by prescriptions available from your veterinarian.

If you think your dog may have tapeworms, your veterinarian can test for them, and will have save and effective treatment options.

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As always, we recommend that you check with your veterinarian for your pet’s immediate health needs and concerns.

If you have questions about your pet’s health, care, and well-being, email your question to: NtTAskOurVet@hotmail.com

High Blood Pressure in our Pets

It is important to differentiate incontinence (involuntary urine leakage) from behavioral urinary issues (submissive urination), simple lack of

High blood pressure is an extremely important concern in human medicine but our pets can get it as well, especially in age.

There are numerous diseases in pets that are associated with high blood pressure:

* Chronic renal (kidney) failure

* Hyperthyroidism

* Glomerular disease (protein is lost in urine)

* Cushing's disease (an adrenal cortisone excess)

* Diabetes mellitus (inability to properly reduce blood sugar)

* Acromegaly (growth hormone excess)

* Polycythemia (an excess in red blood cells)

* Pheochromocytoma (an adrenaline secreting tumor of the adrenal gland)

When hypertension is identified, it may be that controlling the underlying disease totally reverses the hypertension (especially true for hyperthyroid cats). As with people, medication to actually lower blood pressure is often in order. This typically involves some type of pill that dilates peripheral blood vessels, effectively making them larger so as to accommodate the high pressure blood flow going through them.

Hypertensive patients should be rechecked every 2 to 4 months to keep their blood pressure in a healthy range.

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As always, we recommend that you check with your veterinarian for your pet’s immediate health needs and concerns.

If you have questions about your pet’s health, care, and well-being, email your question to: NtTAskOurVet@hotmail.com

URINARY INCONTINENCE

It is important to differentiate incontinence (involuntary urine leakage) from behavioral urinary issues (submissive urination), simple lack of housetraining, territorial marking of anxious cats or of unneutered males, or the senile loss of house-training from canine cognitive dysfunction.

Animals may urinate in the house voluntarily and this is different from incontinence. Watch your pet closely to be sure what you are seeing is really incontinence and if it is, the good news is that most cases are easily resolved with simple inexpensive medications.

There are several important causes of incontinence and most of these are ruled in or out with a urinalysis and urine culture. Most cases of incontinence are due to:

* Infection of the urinary tract (usually bladder infection)

* Excessive consumption of water

* Weak bladder sphincter (especially common in female dogs)

* Spinal cord disease.

If a bladder infection is the cause of incontinence, most patients show improvement in their incontinence and comfort after only a few doses of antibiotics (but it is still important to finish the entire course so as to avoid recurrence).

Some animals drink so much water that their bladders simply overflow too easily. Causes of excessive water consumption include: diabetes mellitus, Cushing's Syndrome, hyperthyroidism (cats), bladder infection, diabetes insipidus, and kidney failure. There are other causes as well but 90% are ruled in or out by a blood panel and urine culture.

Aging, obesity, reduced sensitivity of neurologic receptors in the sphincter and possibly other factors all contribute to weak bladder sphincter which is especially common (up to one in five affected) in female dogs.

Once other more serious conditions have been ruled out, the weak sphincter may be treated symptomatically with one of several medications such as phenylpropanolamine (PPA), anticholinergics, estrogens (DES), and gonadotropin releasing hormone. Medication works for most patients with weak sphincters but when medication fails there are some surgical options to consider. Collagen injections of the urethra is the newest therapy but requires cystoscopy. The list of causes of incontinence is by no means exhaustive. While uncommon, other causes should not be entirely counted out. Some possible causes include ectopic ureter and spinal damage.

When all else fails, diapers are available from a number of companies and are available in both male and female styles.

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As always, we recommend that you check with your veterinarian for your pet’s immediate health needs and concerns.

If you have questions about your pet’s health, care, and well-being, email your question to: NtTAskOurVet@hotmail.com

Umbilical Hernias

An umbilical hernia is a condition in which abdominal contents (fat, intestines, etc.) protrude past the abdominal wall at the location where the umbilical cord was attached to the fetus. Congenital umbilical hernias are more common in puppies than in kittens.

The umbilicus, or belly button, is where the umbilical cord attaches when the puppy or kitten is in the womb.

The umbilical cord carries nutrition and oxygen from the mother to the fetus, and waste products and carbon dioxide from the fetus to the mother. Normally, after the puppy or kitten is born, the cord breaks, and the connection at the umbilicus closes up.

An umbilical hernia occurs when the hole doesn’t close correctly. When this happens, skin is the only barrier between the abdominal organs and the environment.

Umbilical hernias are diagnosed on physical examination.

Small hernias do not usually cause any problems, and are often left untreated.

Large hernias should be repaired surgically, because there is a risk that the abdominal contents inside the hernia sac could become damaged or strangulated. Strangulation of intestinal loops can cause blood flow restriction to the intestine, intestinal blockage, etc. Strangulated hernias can become life-threatening; signs can include a large, warm hernia sac, vomiting, abdominal pain, lack of appetite, and depression.

As long as the hernia isn’t causing problems for the puppy/kitten, the herniorrhaphy (hernia repair surgery) can be delayed until the scheduled ovariohysterectomy or neuter. However, if strangulation occurs, the surgery becomes an emergency procedure. The exact cause of congenital umbilical hernias is unknown, but it is generally thought to be a hereditary condition.

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As always, we recommend that you check with your veterinarian for your pet’s immediate health needs and concerns.

If you have questions about your pet’s health, care, and well-being, email your question to: NtTAskOurVet@hotmail.com

TEA TREE OIL

A young Boxer was topically treated with a ‘natural’ product (contained tea tree oil) marketed for flea control but had a sudden onset of severe muscle weakness…

Tea tree oil, or melaleuca oil, is derived from the leaves of the Australia tea tree (Melaleuca alternifolia). The oil contains cyclic terpenes, sesquiterpenes, and hydrocarbons. These compounds are lipophilic and are readily absorbed through the skin and into the subcutaneous fat. They are taken up by the blood stream and distributed throughout the body.

According to National Animal Poison Control Center, the use of tea tree oil in dogs has been associated with hypothermia (low body temperature), muscle weakness, ataxia, tremors, altered behavior and paralysis.

Cats are also sensitive to the tea tree oil compounds.

Clinical signs usually occur within 2-8 hours from the time of exposure. Most of the signs are reversible. Depending on the dose it may take 12-72 hours for them to resolve. Liver enzymes may become elevated but they also appear to be reversible.

Veterinary recommendations for treatment of tea tree oil toxicity include:

1. Bathing with a mild shampoo or detergent such as Dawn™

2. Activated charcoal with sorbital for oral exposures and if the animal might have groomed and ingested a topically applied product

3. IV fluids

4. Heat support as needed

The Boxer was treated as indicated and recovered full muscle strength within 24 hours.

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As always, we recommend that you check with your veterinarian for your pet’s immediate health needs and concerns.

If you have questions about your pet’s health, care, and well-being, email your question to: NtTAskOurVet@hotmail.com

FOOD FOR CANCER TREATMENT

Q: My dog has been diagnosed with cancer, and I heard there is may be a special diet that can help.

A: There is evidence that animals with lymphoma, and probably other cancers, can benefit from foods containing relatively low amounts of simple carbohydrates, moderate amounts of good-quality proteins, soluble and insoluble fiber, and moderate amounts of fats. Many cancer cells cannot use fat as an energy source, unlike host cells. Cancer cachexia is a result of both fat and lean body mass loss, so fat should be a significant proportion of the dietary energy. These diets help to reduce or eliminate some of the weight loss and muscle atrophy that occurs in dogs with cancer improving their quality and length of life for some dogs.

I have used a diet of 50% poultry or fish and 50% mixed nonstarchy vegetables for dogs, and 80% poultry and 20% mixed nonstarchy vegetables for cats. These diets are supplemented with high levels of fish oil as the fat source, calcium, and a vitamin mineral supplement. What we don't know is whether that type of diet can help with other types of cancer and whether it is effective only at specific stages of the disease. An oncologist or veterinary nutritionist may take into account factors such as where the cancer occurs or the dog's previous health history when making recommendations for a dog with cancer. For instance, if the cancer is targeting a specific organ, such as the kidneys, a diet designed for dogs with kidney disease may be the best choice. A dog that has a history of pancreatitis may not do well with a diet that is low in carbohydrates. Certain supplements can also have consequences, positive or negative, in dogs with cancer, depending on the circumstances. Antioxidant vitamins such as E, C and beta-carotene are normally beneficial, but they shouldn't be given to dogs undergoing radiation therapy because they can interfere with the effectiveness of the treatment by preventing the radiation from killing the cancer cells. It is most important for a dog with cancer is to continue to eat well, especially if he is undergoing chemotherapy or radiation treatments. The ability to take in nutrients and maintain a healthy weight is a big part of a dog's ability to fight cancer effectively. You, your dog's oncologist and a veterinary nutritionist should work together to design the best diet and supplement plan for your dog.

Always follow your veterinarian’s advice on a cancer diet.

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As always, we recommend that you check with your veterinarian for your pet’s immediate health needs and concerns.

If you have questions about your pet’s health, care, and well-being, email your question to: NtTAskOurVet@hotmail.com

HOSPICE CARE

With advances in traditional and complimentary care, pharmaceutical options and holistic treatments, like acupuncture to manage arthritis and pain, pets can thrive well into their later years. Because pets are living longer, in some cases 20% longer, the chance of serious illness and the unavoidable issues related to advanced age also increase. There are situations when it's best to make the choice to euthanize a pet, but it's not always necessary, or standard. In many instances, a pet can be allowed to die naturally and quite peacefully, if given time to do so.

There's no disputing that pethood carries its share of guilt and wrestling with our own issues as humans as far as how much time we spend with them, tending to their needs. Add in when the twilight leg of their journey arrives - the age-related issues that our pets experience: poor dentition, diminished vision, hearing loss, challenges with mobility - and the pangs that pet owners experience grow exponentially.

When a terminal illness or when a companion animal is entering into his final transition because of advanced age, it makes for a difficult leg of the journey. For many, the process of hospice care has become a viable solution to aid families in seeing the beloved four-legged members of their family through a stage of their life that can be managed with good results. While certainly not a replacement for euthanasia, the goal of hospice care in pets is to bring a level of comfort that wouldn't be otherwise be possible, in a safe, loving and intimate environment - their own home.

Veterinary hospice focuses on maintaining close physical contact and emotional connectivity between pet and human, and managing pain in a pre-emptive way to keep pain and discomfort associated with end-of-life issues from becoming a problem before it starts.

Veterinary hospice also allows the family to be more integrated in the well-being of the pet, to be better able to care for them. The family is the main source of day-to-day care, including monitoring their animals' condition, administering medication and more. This approach requires the humans in the pets' life to be truly involved, to be the pets' advocate - the eyes and ears, so to speak - so that they can dialogue effectively with their veterinarian. This includes being in tune with the pet to gauge their well-being and to recognize signs of distress, including pain. The pet’s quality of life is paramount, so when choosing hospice for a pet, (when considering any end-of-life issue) it also means understanding that a "bottom line" must be established before a time comes if and when the decision needs to be made to euthanize. In doing so, one can have a mental grasp on as to what is acceptable in their mind with regard to their pets' quality of life, knowing that they have made the right choice with a clear head.

Some pets can become disoriented, unmanageably incontinent, or pain can get to a level that cannot be managed effectively. Some pets become behaviorally unsafe. In these cases, hospice is utilized as an affirming, compassionate bridge to the end point of the process, euthanasia.

Hospice is not a good option for every pet, however. A lot of folks work long hours, and they might not be ready emotionally, or be physically able to manage the task, especially if they have a large breed dog, for example. Family dynamics are certainly a consideration, too. All of these reasons are quite valid.

The thought of a pet dying is not easy for any owner to manage. Death is as much a part of our pets' life as is ours, and handling it with as much dignity as possible is key. Both euthanasia and hospice are tools in achieving that.

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As always, we recommend that you check with your veterinarian for your pet’s immediate health needs and concerns.

If you have questions about your pet’s health, care, and well-being, email your question to: NtTAskOurVet@hotmail.com

LYMPHOMA

Lymphoma, also called lymphosarcoma, is a highly malignant tumor of the lymph system. It is the most common form of cancer in both humans and small animals.

The lymph system is represented by a network of lymphatic vessels and lymph nodes through which foreign proteins and disease organisms are circulated. Lymphocytes are the primary cells of the lymph system. The lymph vessels serve as a circulatory path for lymphocytes in addition to serving as a collection system directing foreign substances toward the lymph nodes. Lymph vessels interface with the blood stream at several areas allowing lymphocytes greater area to patrol.

Cancer occurs when a normal cell “goes wrong.” Its normal regulatory processes disengage and it begins to divide quickly and without control.

When lymphocytes become cancerous within a lymph node, the node swells and hardens. Malignant lymphocytes readily travel through the lymph vessels to nearby lymph nodes. Soon all the nodes are enlarged. Ultimately, the bone marrow (where most blood cells are formed) is affected, the immune system is destroyed, and severe anemia and weakness claim the victim's life.

Without treatment, animals with lymphoma are expected to live 4-8 weeks from the time of diagnosis.

Most patients (especially dogs) are not feeling particularly sick at the time of diagnosis. It may be tempting to hold off on treatment until the pet seems more ill. Waiting can drastically reduce the chance for long term survival; better remission quality is obtained if the patient is treated while he/she still feels healthy.

Remission is the state in which tumor symptoms have been abated and the patient is as comfortable as and indistinguishable from any normal animal. Prolonged remission is the goal of cancer therapy which, for most lymphoma cases, means chemotherapy.

For any patient, there is an approximately 75% chance of achieving remission regardless of protocol used. This means that there is an excellent chance of reducing the tumor to undetectable levels. How long a remission lasts depends on what protocol is used and a number of other factors.

Cure is the permanent removal of all traces of tumor such that no further treatment is needed. In effect, it is a permanent state of remission.

While this is a possibility for your pet, it is more constructive and realistic to focus on increasing quality lifetime. Treatment may be thought of as an exchange of only a short time with your pet for a long time with your pet. It is important to keep goals in proper perspective through the treatment of this cancer.

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As always, we recommend that you check with your veterinarian for your pet’s immediate health needs and concerns.

If you have questions about your pet’s health, care, and well-being, email your question to: NtTAskOurVet@hotmail.com

mammary cancer

We've all heard of breast cancer in women especially with approximately one woman in eight or nine falling victim to this form of cancer. What many pet owners do not know is that the incidence of mammary tumor development in dogs is higher yet with one in four unspayed female dogs affected. But like breast cancer in women, early detection can save a dog’s life.

Dogs that are not spayed are at least 4 times more likely to get mammary tumors.

A female dog spayed before she comes into her first heat cycle has only a 0.5% chance of developing one.

Since most female dogs come into heat the first time before age one and breeding an immature female dog is not recommended, this means one must generally choose between a litter of puppies or mammary cancer prevention. Because mammary tumors are promoted by female hormones, spaying at any age is helpful in tumor prevention. Just because a female dog is in the high-risk group doesn't mean it is too late to reap benefit from spaying.

If your dog is unspayed, was known to have had puppies, or was spayed in adulthood, she fits into the high-risk group for mammary cancer development. The good news is that approximately 50% of the tumors formed by female dogs are benign. In general, approximately 50% of malignant mammary tumors will have already spread by the time of surgery. This, of course, means that the other 50% are locally confined and surgery is curative.

Needle aspirate may be a helpful pre-operative procedure in many cases, but it should be understood that biopsy is ultimately what is necessary to determine the extent of disease. The biopsy sample will not only identify the tumor type, it will also indicate whether or not the tumor was completely removed (so called clean or dirty margins). If the tumor was not completely removed, one may wish to consider a second surgery to remove more tissue.

Radiation therapy, chemotherapy, and anti-estrogen therapy have been used for incompletely removed tumors. Sometimes it is most appropriate to monitor for recurrence with periodic chest radiographs.

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As always, we recommend that you check with your veterinarian for your pet’s immediate health needs and concerns.

If you have questions about your pet’s health, care, and well-being, email your question to: NtTAskOurVet@hotmail.com

DOG DNA TESTING

While a lot can be said for a purebred’s beauty and grace, mixed-breeds are often healthier overall with fewer temperamental problems. This desirable tendency results from breeding within a larger genetic pool where there are fewer chances for unfavorable genes to overlap. The only real disadvantage of the lovable mutt is not knowing what kind of dog it really is. A dog DNA test can answer this question by revealing their ancestry.

Dog DNA tests either use a cheek swab or require a blood sample, both of which reportedly have a success rate of about 90%. While all tests analyze canine DNA, they aren't all equal.

One DNA test might be able to identify more breeds in a sample than another depending on how many breeds the test is capable of recognizing. Therefore, the difference in price of testing typically relates to how many AKC-recognized breeds the test is capable of identifying.

One potential drawback of the cheek swab is that it can fail to collect enough DNA material to yield results and might need to be repeated. While most labs won’t charge for re-testing a new swab, results will be delayed by several weeks.

A DNA test requiring a blood sample will mean a trip to the veterinarian. Kits include everything needed to sample and submit it, along with prepaid postal packaging.

Getting a dog DNA test for your mutt will not only satisfy your curiosity, it can help you to better understand the dog's temperament and needs. Dog DNA analysis also aids veterinarians in identifying potential health problems associated with certain breeds.

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As always, we recommend that you check with your veterinarian for your pet’s immediate health needs and concerns.

If you have questions about your pet’s health, care, and well-being, email your question to: NtTAskOurVet@hotmail.com

BAD WEATHER? EXERCISE HIS MIND

There has been a lot of media coverage lately on pet food recalls due to possible or confirmed Salmonella contamination.

Winter weather tends to keep us all indoors, especially those of us who are weather wimps. But, for those dogs who enjoy the outdoors regardless of the temperature and hazardous conditions, they just don’t understand why they can’t go to the dog park. If they are going to exercise, the owners must be involved.
How fortunate though that mental exercise can be satisfying to bored, bounce-off-the-wall pups on days when an outing isn't possible. Most breeds were developed to work, and few dogs today are asked to. Giving them a job to do is good for them, and they like it.

     And as pleasurable as these games are, with plenty of praise for a job done right, they also reinforce a dog's place in the pack structure we humans call "family."
     Start with a simple game and build on it. If your dog likes to retrieve, begin with simple in-sight fetching and then slowly make things harder. Add a "stay." Then "hide" the toy in an easy-to-find spot, making the game a little trickier as your pet learns you want him to "find," instead of merely "fetch."
     Just don't let them sit around doing nothing. You'll all enjoy a rainy day better if you find something useful to do.

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As always, we recommend that you check with your veterinarian for your pet’s immediate health needs and concerns.

If you have questions about your pet’s health, care, and well-being, email your question to: NtTAskOurVet@hotmail.com

Salmonella Contamination

There has been a lot of media coverage lately on pet food recalls due to possible or confirmed Salmonella contamination.

People infected with Salmonella often develop diarrhea, fever and abdominal cramps 12-72 hours after infection. If you have any of these symptoms, contact your physician.

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As always, we recommend that you check with your veterinarian for your pet’s immediate health needs and concerns.

If you have questions about your pet’s health, care, and well-being, email your question to: NtTAskOurVet@hotmail.com

Prebiotics / ProbioticS

It is almost always a good idea to add supplemental Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium bifidum, Lactobacillus bulgaricus, or other probiotic organisms to your dog’s diet. This will support the resident microflora that are always present in the gut, enhancing digestion and absorption of nutrients, supporting detoxification and elimination processes, and helping to boost the immune system.

The digestive system is the largest immune organ of the body; roughly 70 percent of the body’s immune cells, enterocytes, goblet cells, and other immune warriors reside in the mucosal linings of the intestinal tract.

Probiotics work in concert with these immune warriors by producing special enzymes and other chemicals that support immune functions at many levels. Probiotics will also help keep populations of “bad guy” pathogens, like Salmonella spp. and Escherichia coli, in check.

While Lactobacillus acidophilus, Bifidobacterium bifidum, and Lactobacillus bulgaricus represent some of the frequently encountered residents in the canine gut, not all dogs are host to the same mix. In fact, studies have shown that each individual dog hosts its own, custom mix of these and several other digestive bacteria – and the actual counts of each strain can vary considerably from dog to dog. It is theorized that this is because microflora are constantly evolving and adapting to the nature of the beast they inhabit. Health issues, eating habits, influences such as antibiotic therapies – or even something that was eaten while at the dog park – can affect the way beneficial microbes behave and replicate, or help determine which ones take up residence in the gut. This makes it virtually impossible to create a perfect probiotic supplement, as none can totally serve the needs of every dog’s microflora.

If the probiotic you feed to your dog isn’t diverse enough to replace and support what is already living there, what other supplements can be added to a healthy diet to maintain healthy digestive flora? Maybe a prebiotic supplement. In the simplest terms, prebiotics are food for resident microflora. They are defined as indigestible food ingredients that beneficially affect the host by selectively stimulating the growth of one or a limited number of bacterial species in the colon – specifically those which have the potential to improve host health, such as Bifidobacteria and Lactobacilli.

A scant, daily dose will provide the resident beneficial bacteria with the food they need to flourish. Prebiotics are a class of carbohydrates known as oligosaccharides – soluble carbohydrates that are naturally found in many foods, including whole grains, onions, bananas, garlic, honey, leeks, and Jerusalem artichokes. In the world of herbs, burdock root, dandelion root, and chicory root are rich sources, too.

Oligosaccharides differ from other types carbohydrates (sugars) in that they are indigestible in the stomach and small intestine. Instead of being broken down by acids, enzymes, and other digestive chemicals in the upper GI tract, they remain intact until they reach the large intestine, where they are finally broken down and fermented by resident microflora resulting in stimulation of the growth and/or activity of bifidobacteria and other beneficial bacteria that dogs need to properly digest their food and metabolize waste.

Remarkably, prebiotics are selective about what is actually fed – good bacteria flourish, while growth of “bad” pathogenic bacteria like Salmonella, Peptidococci, and Clostridia is inhibited.

Studies have shown that when bifidobacteria (good guy) counts increase, acid levels in the gut also increase, making the environment less hospitable to harmful strains of yeast (Candida, etc.) and pathogenic bacteria. In the colon, prebiotics may also raise levels of short chain fatty acids (SCFA), which can help protect against carcinogenesis, inflammatory bowel disease, and even some forms of chronic allergy.

Many pet food and supplement manufacturers are now adding prebiotic fructooligosaccharides (FOS) to their formulas to improve the digestibility of food ingredients.

Fructooligosaccharides (FOS) are plant sugars that occur in a wide variety of fruits, vegetables, and cereals. They are produced commercially by partial hydrolysis of chicory inulin (an oligosaccharide found in chicory root), or from sucrose (sugar) using an enzymatic process.

In addition to improving the digestibility of various food components, FOS may also improve absorption of dietary calcium, iron, and other important minerals.

Although many foods contain appreciable amounts of oligosaccharides, questions remain about how much is really available to your dog from food sources. Dogs don’t digest grains, fruits, and vegetables as effectively as humans or herbivores and therefore may not find full benefit from the oligosaccharides contained in the foods they eat.

On the same note, diets comprised primarily of meat will be pretty much void of prebiotic oligosaccharides. This is where FOS offers a big advantage; it is carried directly to your dog’s large intestine, where it is needed. It is very sweet – much like powdered sugar – making it an easy addition to your dog’s food. Only a small pinch (50-100 mg) is needed for the job of feeding the “good guys” in your dog’s gut.

Prebiotics in the form of an herbal extract formula - chicory root, burdock root, and dandelion root – can be added. All contain inulin, an oligosaccharide compound that is highly soluble and easily extracted into hot water. A properly made liquid tincture of any of these herbs will contain appreciable amounts of inulin in a form your dog can fully utilize.

Herbs offer a distinct advantage over isolated sources of FOS in that they provide much more than just prebiotic support. Chicory, burdock, and dandelion are all known by herbalists for their antioxidant properties and their abilities to strengthen various functions of the liver and gall bladder. This in turn helps to improve digestion and aid in removal of systemic waste.

fructooligosaccharides (FOS) and inulin have been used in animal feeds and supplements for many years. They are considered safe, but overfeeding may cause flatulence and bloating – the effects of intestinal fermentation. This can usually be prevented by feeding only small amounts (e.g., one-half the recommended dose) for a few weeks until your dog’s digestive tract adjusts.

Inulin has a minimal impact on blood sugar and does not raise triglycerides, making it suitable for diabetics and potentially helpful in managing blood sugar-related illnesses.

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As always, we recommend that you check with your veterinarian for your pet’s immediate health needs and concerns.

If you have questions about your pet’s health, care, and well-being, email your question to: NtTAskOurVet@hotmail.com

XYLITOL POISONING

What it's in: Xylitol is a common sugar-substitute used in sugar-free chewing gum, breath mints, candies, and baked goods. It’s also found in some smoking-cessation products like nicotine gum. Xylitol can be purchased in bulk for cooking at home, and because of its dental plaque fighting properties, nontoxic amounts can be found in some pet oral-care products.
Threat to pets: Xylitol may cause a life-threatening drop in blood sugar and can cause liver damage to dogs. Cats and people do not experience this problem. The typical dose needed to cause poisoning is at least 0.05 grams per pound of body weight.

The average piece of chewing gum or breath mint contains between 0.22 to 1.0 gram of xylitol. Thus, a 10-pound dog would only have to eat one piece of gum to achieve a potentially toxic dose. The amount of xylitol typically found in most pet oral-care products is very small and, when used properly, these products aren’t expected to cause poisoning unless a dog ingests a very large amount.
     Signs: Within 10 to 15 minutes of ingestion, dogs may develop hypoglycemia (low blood sugar), lose coordination, and start vomiting. Collapse and seizures may quickly follow. In rare cases, these signs won’t appear until hours after ingestion.
     Treatment: Your veterinarian will promptly induce vomiting or perform a gastric lavage; administer intravenous dextrose (sugar) and fluids and frequently monitor blood sugar levels and liver values.
     Prognosis: Excellent when the ingestion is caught early and blood sugars are monitored frequently. Guarded if the pet has already begun to develop liver failure.

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As always, we recommend that you check with your veterinarian for your pet’s immediate health needs and concerns.

If you have questions about your pet’s health, care, and well-being, email your question to: NtTAskOurVet@hotmail.com

reader's question - aural hematoma

Q: I have an 8 year old pit and discovered a fluid sac on the inside bottom of her ear flap. There is no redness or any other symptoms and she doesn’t seem to be bothered by it. Any idea what I might be? - Sue

A: You are describing what is most likely an AURAL HEMATOMA.

A hematoma is swelling created by a broken blood vessel after bleeding has occurred inside a tissue. Hematomas in the earflaps (aural hematomas) occur when head shaking breaks a blood vessel within the earflap. The earflap may partially or completely swell with blood. The swelling may be so large that the opening of the ear canal is blocked off (occluded).

The extra weight of the earflap may be uncomfortable and may lead to a permanent change in the carriage of the ears. This condition is more common in dogs but can occur in cats as well. The earflap will feel fluctuant and fluid-filled, like a water balloon.

The following are some commonly performed procedures to correct an aural hematoma:

Aspiration involves using a syringe to remove the fluid contents from the hematoma. The problem is that a space is left behind when the fluid is removed and this space readily refills with more fluid, leading to temporary results.

The benefits of the aspiration method are that it is inexpensive and relatively easy to perform, but the disadvantages are that it may introduce infection and may require multiple attempts. If the clot in the hematoma is already well organized and on its way to scarring, there may not be much fluid left to aspirate and the technique may not work at all. Usually other methods are utilized.

Surgery whereby an incision is made in the earflap. The hematoma is drained of fluid and blood clots. To prevent the hematoma from refilling with fluid, multiple sutures are placed in the hematoma area. Sometimes bandages are applied post-operatively, sometimes not. Sutures are generally left in place for 3 weeks to allow good scarring to take place so that refilling will not occur. The earflap is essentially quilted to close any space where fluid might refill.

A teat cannula can be placed in a dog’s aural hematoma if the earflap is large enough to accommodate the device. The hematoma is drained of fluids and allowed to heal over the next several weeks. This method is generally successful but does involve the dog tolerating a gadget inserted in its earflap for several weeks.

If left alone, an ear hematoma will resolve by itself. The fluid will be re-absorbed back into the body and the earflap will no longer bulge. The problem is that a lot of scarring is associated with this process and the ear is often not cosmetically appealing afterwards (it becomes a cauliflower ear). Resolution of a large hematoma can take several months during which it may be uncomfortable for the pet. If the patient is a poor anesthetic risk, it is certainly reasonable to forgo surgery.

Usually there is a reason why a dog has been shaking his/her head: an ear infection. This means that the ear infection must be treated along with the hematoma. The ear will need cleaning, microscopic examination of the discharge, and medication. Sometimes ear shaking just happens and there is no underlying infection but be prepared for the expense and trouble of treating an ear infection along with that of the hematoma.

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As always, we recommend that you check with your veterinarian for your pet’s immediate health needs and concerns.

If you have questions about your pet’s health, care, and well-being, email your question to: NtTAskOurVet@hotmail.com

GIARDIASIS

Giardiasis is the intestinal disease caused by the parasite Giardia canis. Giardiasis usually affects dogs, particularly puppies, but can occur in cats. In North America, it’s fairly common in people too.

It's not so much that it is passed directly from animals to humans, but that both come into contact with the same contaminated water source which typically is tap water from a contaminated lake or stream. Many dogs pick it up from puddles at the dog park. Infection is more common in kennel situations where animals are housed in groups.

The majority of the parasite’s life cycle is spent in the intestines of its unwitting host. After infection, it takes 5 to 12 days in dogs or 5 to 16 days in cats for Giardia to be found in the host’s stool.

The parasite forms a hard cyst that gets passed in feces and is thus spread into the environment. Because cysts can stick to the fur of the infected patient and be a source for re-infection, the positive animal should receive a bath at least once in the course of treatment.

Diarrhea, severe or mild, is most common sign of giardiasis. The diarrhea can be either intermittent or chronic. A rancid odor to the feces is often noticed. Usually the diarrhea goes away on its own and the pet is fine, but some severe cases can cause weight loss and general lethargy. Most pets don’t become seriously ill because of Giardia, so the prognosis is almost always good. However, if a pet has some underlying disease, particularly one that compromises the immune system, giardiasis can cause a more serious infection. However, even these animals typically recover with slightly more intensive treatment.

Not all patients with Giardia actually have diarrhea but because Giardia is the most common intestinal parasite affecting humans in North America, treatment is generally recommended for the pet testing positive even if no symptoms are being shown. The idea is to reduce human exposure. If an infected animal is in the home, it is important for the animal to be bathed at the completion of treatment and retested to minimize the potential for reinfection of the pet and of the humans in the house. Good hygiene, such as washing one's hands after handling the infected pet or its waste and prompt disposal of feces, is especially important in this situation.

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As always, we recommend that you check with your veterinarian for your pet’s immediate health needs and concerns.

If you have questions about your pet’s health, care, and well-being, email your question to: NtTAskOurVet@hotmail.com

Part II - WHAT CAUSES A HEART MURMUR?

The short answer to this question is “turbulent blood flow.” Like the water in a calm river or stream, blood flowing normally flows through the heart with laminar flow – that is, it is smooth and undisturbed. And like a river or stream, narrowing or other causes of more rapid flow will disrupt this smooth laminar flow. In a river the turbulent rapids emit sounds much louder and less tranquil than the calmer sections of river. In the heart we hear this turbulence as a murmur.

There are lots of things that can cause turbulent flow. A dog or cat’s heart has four chambers – two atria and two ventricles (one of each on each side). Blood initially enters the heart in the right atrium. The blood then passes through the tricuspid valve into the right ventricle which pumps the blood through the pulmonic valve into the lungs to pick up oxygen (among other things). The oxygenated blood then enters the left atrium. Blood in the left atrium passes through the mitral valve to reach the left ventricle, which then pumps the blood through the aortic valve out to the rest of the body.

The purpose of each of the valves (tricuspid, pulmonic, mitral, aortic) is to keep the blood flowing forward, not backward, through the circuit described above (RA->RV-> lung > LA>LV>body). If a valve malfunctions (e.g., it doesn’t open or close properly), it can disturb blood flowing through it enough to create turbulence and the result is that your veterinarian will hear a murmur. The most common murmurs in dogs are associated with leaky mitral valves.

In other cases, the turbulence develops because there is a “hole in the heart” between two chambers or two arteries that are not normally connected.

Another cause is a narrowing (stenosis) within a chamber or vessel through which the blood has to “squeeze” through, like water through a pinched hose.

Finally, turbulence can be heard when the blood is too “thin” (anemia) or even when a patient is very excited causing the heart to pump faster and harder than normal.

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Next month we will distinguish between the types of murmurs heard on auscultation.

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As always, we recommend that you check with your veterinarian for your pet’s immediate health needs and concerns.

If you have questions about your pet’s health, care, and well-being, email your question to: NtTAskOurVet@hotmail.com

HEART MURMUR

A murmur is an abnormal extra sound which can sometimes drown out the normal sounds. Murmurs most commonly occur between the lub and the dub and have a shooshing or whooshing quality.

Hearing a heart murmur during a routine physical examination will often be the first hint that your pet has heart disease. Hearing a murmur is only a hint that something is wrong, a clinical sign, not a final diagnosis. Hearing a murmur is reason to consider more discussion and tests to determine the cause of the murmur (the diagnosis). Knowing the diagnosis and severity of the cause of the murmur allows your veterinarian (or a cardiologist they consult) to provide you with an educated guess (prognosis) regarding how this heart problem may affect your pet in the future.

Next month: What causes a Heart Murmur

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As always, we recommend that you check with your veterinarian for your pet’s immediate health needs and concerns.

If you have questions about your pet’s health, care, and well-being, email your question to: NtTAskOurVet@hotmail.com

PUPPY KINDERGARTEN

Elbow dysplasia is the most common cause of front limb lameness in the young dog, especially of the larger

Good basic handling and training prevent most problems from turning into serious issues as the dog matures. We all want to enjoy our puppies and have them grow into safe dogs that spend long and happy lives in our homes. Puppy kindergarten is a great start to making this happen.

When Is Your Puppy Ready? -

Puppies mature at different rates, but classes typically try to get the pups into class prior to 6 months of age. heading off a lot of potential behavior problems. Consult your veterinarian about the best timing for your puppy to take classes. This will depend on the pup’s health and immune status as well as what illnesses are going around. Discuss when to start your pup in class with the instructor, too.

Goals and Benefits of Puppy Kindergarten - Several things can be accomplished through puppy kindergarten classes, especially if you keep these objectives in mind:

1. Your pup can begin a lifelong love of going to dog events and gatherings that include other well-behaved dogs.

2. A good class is an opportunity for a weekly outing with your puppy with the supervision of a skilled instructor to help you.

3. Your puppy can gain a love of learning new things that will last for life. It’s amazing what dogs can learn, once they know how to learn and have the confidence that they can do it.

4. You and your puppy develop a working relationship that enables you to safely take the puppy out for other social experiences and continued training.

5. A puppy that might otherwise have grown up fearful and defensive can gain confidence and overcome early problems with people and other dogs.

When your puppy is still little and cute, certain lessons are easily taught that would require much more work if delayed.

Puppy kindergarten is enormously helpful to humans and dogs, and provides about the best entertainment possible. For a small fee you get to participate in something that is mentally, emotionally, and physically healthy for you and your dog. Seeing the other puppies and sharing the experience with the other puppy-loving humans adds to the fun. Be sure to take the opportunity to do this with and for your puppy.

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As always, we recommend that you check with your veterinarian for your pet’s immediate health needs and concerns.

If you have questions about your pet’s health, care, and well-being, email your question to: NtTAskOurVet@hotmail.com

ELBOW DYSPLASIA

Elbow dysplasia is the most common cause of front limb lameness in the young dog, especially of the larger breeds. Dysplasia comes from the Greek dys, (abnormal) and plassein (to form). Thus, dysplasia refers to abnormal development, in this case of the elbow joint.

The elbow is formed from the meeting of three bones: the humerus, which is the boney support of the upper limb from the shoulder to the elbow; the ulna, which runs from the elbow to the paw along the back of the limb; and the radius, which supports the major weight-bearing along the front of the lower limb. All three of these bones need to grow and develop normally and at the same rate such that they fit perfectly at the elbow. If there are any abnormalities along these lines or if the cartilage lining the elbow joint does not form properly then “dysplasia” or abnormal formation is the result.

Elbow dysplasia can take several different forms. Specifically, ununited anconeal process (UAP), fragmented medial coronoid process (FMCP), osteochondritis dessicans of the medial humeral condyle (OCD), ununited medial epicondyle (UME), and elbow incongruity all qualify as types of elbow dysplasia that can be present individually or in combination. While all of the variations are distinct and probably develop in different ways, they have in common that they produce loose pieces of bone and/or cartilage within the joint that act as irritants much as a pebble does in your shoe! All of these variations also have in common that they are primary problems that invariably lead to the secondary development of arthritis within the elbow. The term “arthritis” simply describes inflammation within a joint. The longer an elbow joint is ill-fitting or irregular, the more arthritis forms.

While traumatic episodes may affect the development of the elbow joint, the vast majority of elbow dysplasia cases are genetic in origin.

The first sign of a problem is a mild to moderate front limb lameness in a young dog between the ages of 4 to 10 months. If the problem is not diagnosed at this stage, more marked lameness may be noted as severe arthritis sets in.

The use of an arthroscope provides the preferred means of diagnosis and treatment for many cases of elbow dysplasia. Some cases may be managed with open joint surgery and still others may do well with medications alone such as anti-inflammatories. Early surgical management of these problems provides the best chance for minimizing arthritic changes in these elbows, but it must be conceded that virtually all dysplastic elbows will develop some degree of arthritis. Older dogs, where arthritis is well established, may still benefit to some degree from arthroscopic surgery but the benefits are less predictable. The newest generation of canine anti-inflammatory drugs along with chondroprotectives such as glucosamine and diets high in omega-3 fatty acids can also provide some relief. Elbow replacement is an exciting new treatment that has been developed in the last couple of years and, although not widely available, holds great promise for the future.

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As always, we recommend that you check with your veterinarian for your pet’s immediate health needs and concerns.

If you have questions about your pet’s health, care, and well-being, email your question to: NtTAskOurVet@hotmail.com

DEMODEX CANIS

Demodectic mange is caused by a microscopic mite of the Demodex genus. All dogs raised normally by their mothers possess this mite as mites are transferred from mother to pup through cuddling during the first few days of life. Most dogs live in harmony with their mites, never suffering any consequences from being parasitized. However, if conditions change to upset the natural equilibrium, such as some kind of suppression of the dog's immune system, the Demodex mites may gain the upper hand. The mites proliferate and can cause serious skin disease.

Demodectic mange (unlike saccoptic mange) is not considered a contagious disease and isolation of affected dogs is generally not considered necessary. While there are still assorted theories about dog to dog transmission of Demodex mites, there is no question that mites cannot be transmitted to humans or to cats.

w Mites live inside hair follicles -- a difficult place for miticides (chemicals that kill mites) to reach.

w Mites are normal residents of dog skin; it is only in some individual dogs that mites cause problems.

Treatment is not necessary or recommended for localized demodicosis but there are treatment options for people who simply cannot feel right about doing nothing. Goodwinol ointment, an insecticide, may be used daily to control localized demodicosis. Antibacterial gels are also used against localized demodicosis and associated skin infections. Resolution of a localized demodicosis lesion should be at least partially apparent after one month although total resolution can take up to three months.

Approximately 10% of localized demodicosis cases will progress to generalized demodicosis. Enlarged lymph nodes are a bad sign, often foretelling generalized mange. It is important that dogs with a history of generalized demodectic mange not be bred as there is a hereditary component to the development of the disease.

The treatment of demodicosis only in part relies on medications; some basic steps can be taken with regard to pet care to maximize the chance of success. Physiological stress is an important factor determining the degree of severity of demodectic mange.

Current Treatment of Choice – Ivermectin. Ivermectin is a broad spectrum anti-parasite medication with a number of uses though its use in treating demodicosis is not approved by the FDA. Ivermectin is inexpensive relative to milbemycin and involves no labor intensive bathing. It does, however, taste terrible if given orally. This medication cannot be assumed safe for use in Collies, Shetland Sheepdogs, Australian Shepherds, Old English Sheepdogs and any herding breed.

Traditional Treatment -- Amitraz (Mitaban) Dips. Unless the animal is largely bald or has a short coat, complete clipping will be required for maximal contact with the dip. Dip should be preceded by a benzoyl peroxide bath to help clear up skin infections and open the hair follicles so the dip can penetrate to the mites. Shampoo must stay on the pet at least 10 minutes before rinsing.

The younger the dog, the better the chance of cure is. Most dogs less than one year and a half years of age recovery completely from generalized demodicosis. In many cases of adult-onset demodicosis, the disease is controlled with treatment but cure is not always possible. Some cases can never be controlled.

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As always, we recommend that you check with your veterinarian for your pet’s immediate health needs and concerns.

If you have questions about your pet’s health, care, and well-being, email your question to: NtTAskOurVet@hotmail.com

Canine Influenza

In May 2009, the USDA approved the licensure of the first vaccine for canine influenza. This vaccine was developed by the Intervet / Schering Plough Animal Health Corporation and contains an inactivated whole virus. The canine influenza vaccine is intended as an aid in the control of disease associated with the virus. Although the vaccine may not prevent infection altogether, efficacy trials have shown that it may significantly reduce the severity and duration of clinical illness. Furthermore, the vaccine reduces the amount of virus shed and shortens the spreading period, this reducing spread of disease between dogs.

Currently Washington State is not considered endemic for canine influenza virus according to Dr. Edward J. Dubavi at Cornell University. Outbreak of this virus was first recorded in Florida 2004 and outbreaks have occurred around greyhound race tracks in several states. Current areas considered endemic for canine influenza include Florida (although confirmed cases have dropped considerably), Colorado, New York City region, Virginia, and emerging areas of Pittsburgh PA) and Lexington (KY). Sporadic seropositive dogs have been found in many states in the nation, including Washington State.

The canine influenza vaccine is a non-core vaccine recommended for the protection of dogs at risk for exposure to the virus, i.e., those that participate in activities with other dogs and/or are housed in communal facilities in areas that have a high prevalence for virus. The need for vaccination should be based on travel considerations and/or activities of the dog that will increase risk of exposure to canine influenza virus.

A Canine Influenza Backgrounder can be found at the American Veterinary Medical Association website,

www.wsvm.com

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As always, we recommend that you check with your veterinarian for your pet’s immediate health needs and concerns.

If you have questions about your pet’s health, care, and well-being, email your question to: NtTAskOurVet@hotmail.com

Feline Stomatitis

Cats can be affected by inflammation of the entire mouth called stomatitis or lymphocytic plasmacytic syndrome (LPS).

An immune related cause (the body becomes allergic to plaque around the teeth) is suspected. Many cats affected by (LPS) will have difficulty chewing hard food or be unable to eat, develop weight loss, and have excess salivation. Oral pain may cause a decrease in self grooming, resulting in a scruffy hair coat.

Oral examination often reveals a cobble stone-like redness in the throat area and severe inflammation where the tooth and gums meet. The premolar and molar areas are usually affected more than the canines and incisors.

Intraoral x-rays often reveal moderate to severe periodontal disease. In addition to generalized inflammation, all stages of feline oral resorptive lesions (FORL) may be present.

There are many options that may give short-term response including antibiotics, steroids, laser therapy, as well as interferon and other immune modulators. Extraction of the teeth behind the canines will resolve between 60% to 80% of the stomatitis cases.

Gingival inflammation is traditionally associated with Stomach Fire and/or Heart Fire in Chinese Medicine. Some of the formulas that are used to clear Stomach Heat and replenish Stomach Yin such as Qing Wei San (‘Clear the Stomach Fire’) or the topical application of Bing Peng San mixed with baby toothpaste may help.

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As always, we recommend that you check with your veterinarian for your pet’s immediate health needs and concerns.

If you have questions about your pet’s health, care, and well-being, email your question to: NtTAskOurVet@hotmail.com

List of Ingredients in Pet Foods

Many of you with dogs are aware that they can have debilitating anxiety attacks to the fireworks on Independence

Everyone is familiar with a list of ingredients. We see these lists on the foods that we consume.

Pet foods also have a list of ingredients with the most predominant components listed first according to their weight.

Each term on this list is specifically defined by the AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) and a catalog of definitions is available for all the terms that may be used on this list. One might think something like chicken or beef does not really require a definition but, in fact, the AAFCO finds that it does.

CHICKEN: the clean combination of flesh and skin with or without accompanying bone, derived from the parts or whole carcasses of chicken or a combination thereof, exclusive of feathers, heads, feet and entrails.

BEEF: the clean flesh derived from slaughtered cattle, and is limited to that part of the striate muscle which is skeletal or that which is found in the tongue, in the diaphragm, in the heart, or in the esophagus; with or without the accompanying and overlying fat and the portions of the skin, sinew, nerve and blood vessels which normally accompany the flesh.

This may seem bizarrely graphic but it is important to differentiate the main flesh of the meat source from the by-products (which are generally the organ meats) or meat meal (which is basically ground up meat) or meat digest (meat that has been treated with enzymes).

There has been an assortment of rumors regarding meat by products that suggest that these include hair, feathers, hooves or other poorly digestible tissues. It should be noted that these tissues are specifically excluded from the definition of by products by the AAFCO.

Another source of confusion in the ingredient list is the fact that the vitamins that fortify the pet food are listed by their biochemical names. This tends to make the list read like some sort of chemical textbook.

Here is a handy guide for those unfamiliar with common supplements:

Thiamin - more commonly known as vitamin B1

Riboflavin - more commonly known as vitamin B2

Niacin - more commonly known as vitamin B3

Pyridoxine HCl - more commonly known as vitamin B6

Alpha Tocopherol - more commonly known as vitamin E

Calcium Pantotheriate - also called coenzyme A, an important metabolic cofactor

Ferrous sulfate - an iron supplement

A more complicated issue would be what to look for on an ingredient list. Some labels flaunt such statements as “no soy” or “no corn” or “no preservatives” or “no by-products.” Some make a point of having meat as first ingredients while others have grains as first ingredients.

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As always, we recommend that you check with your veterinarian for your pet’s immediate health needs and concerns.

If you have questions about your pet’s health, care, and well-being, email your question to: NtTAskOurVet@hotmail.com

FOURTH of JULY

There are numerous ways to help your pet deal with the loud noises of fireworks. Some of the options include desensitization, which unfortunately takes a great deal of time and can make some pets more fearful. Desensitization involves playing a sound track of loud noises such as thunderstorms or fireworks at a low level and gradually over the course of weeks, increasing the volume.

The most common option is to give pets sedatives during the period around the Fourth of July. Some pets are unable to tolerate certain sedatives due to medical conditions or age. Always ask the advice of your veterinarian before giving a medication. Sedatives are a prescription medication and your veterinarian is REQUIRED by law to examine your pet before prescribing medications. Anti-anxiety medications and sleep aids for humans are more common in many households these days. Dogs and cats are not little humans and some of these human medications can be fatal for your pet.

A final option that we as Washingtonians enjoy is the chance to visit our Canadian neighbors on the 4th. July is a nice time to visit British Columbia.

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As always, we recommend that you check with your veterinarian for your pet’s immediate health needs and concerns.

If you have questions about your pet’s health, care, and well-being, email your question to: NtTAskOurVet@hotmail.com

Polysulfated Glycosaminoglycan

A joint consists of articulating bones, a fibrous capsule enclosing the joint, and slippery lubricating joint fluid to facilitate the gliding of the two bones across each other when the joint is flexed.

The bones are capped by cushions of cartilage to facilitate frictionless gliding. Cartilage consists of what is called matrix (which makes up 95% of cartilage, the other 5% being chondrocytes, the cells that secrete the matrix). Cartilage matrix consists of collagen (tough structural fibers) and proteoglycans (water absorbent molecules). The function of a proteoglycan is to soak up water thus creating a cushion, sort of like a water bed, to absorb the pressure exerted on the joint as it works.

Over years, either through injury or poor conformation, cartilage wears down or is damaged and arthritis results. The body must then make more matrix and will require the raw materials to do so. Polysulfated GAGs may be injected into the body where they will be distributed to any joints currently effecting cartilage repair.

It turns out, however, that polysulfated GAGs represent more than just building materials. They have anti-inflammatory properties of their own that help slow down the actual damage to the cartilage. They also promote enzyme systems that facilitate other aspects of joint repair beyond simply making more matrix. They help the joint create more lubricating fluid as well.

The active ingredient in Adequan® is polysulfated GAG, which is mostly chondroitin sulfate, extracted from cow tissue (the trachea, to be exact).

In treating arthritis, injections are given twice a week for 4 weeks for a maximum of eight injections. Injections are given intramuscularly. Dogs, cats, and horses are the usual patients. Adequan may be combined with NSAIDs and with glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate.

There is another more controversial use for this medication and that is in the treatment of feline lower urinary tract disease. One of the theories of this very complicated syndrome is that the GAGs that line the urinary bladder and help protect the bladder tissue from the irritating urine become depleted. By giving a GAG injection they may be restored, thus helping to resolve the urinary discomfort associated with this syndrome.

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As always, we recommend that you check with your veterinarian for your pet’s immediate health needs and concerns.

If you have questions about your pet’s health, care, and well-being, email your question to: NtTAskOurVet@hotmail.com

SUMMER FLEAS

The normal canine eye receives its tear film from two lacrimal (tear-producing) glands. One gland is located above the eye, and the other is fo

Normally, expupation occurs when a host is near and the new flea finds the pet within seconds of emergence. Emergent fleas are fairly mobile and can survive a few days without a host, if in a suitable environment. New fleas begin feeding within hours of finding a dog or cat. Once a blood meal has been taken, the flea can survive only a short time if it is dislodged from the host. New fleas experience very high mortality on healthy adult hosts. Most fleas do not survive 72 hours on an animal that is itching and able to groom itself. Unfortunately, limited egg production does occur even on allergic animals. The entire life cycle of C. felis can be completed in as few as 16 days!

For the flea allergic patient, continuous excellent flea control is required to remain symptom free. Even very minimal exposure may be sufficient to perpetuate itching in a hypersensitive patient. In the past, veterinarians and pet owners always had to try to control fleas by treating the environment of the animal for the immature stages of the flea.

Today, veterinarians have some great flea control products in our arsenal. There are now several highly efficacious, long lasting and very safe new products to choose amongst: Program® and Sentinel® (Lufenuron), Nylar® (Pyriproxifen), Advantage® (imidacloprid), K9 Advantix® (with permethrin), Advantage Multi® (with moxidectin), Frontline® Spray, Frontline Plus® and Frontline Top Spot® (fipronil), Revolution® (selamectin), Capstar® (nitenpyram), Comfortis ® for Dogs (spinosad), Promeris for Cats® (metaflumizone), Promeris Duo for Dogs® (metaflumizone/ amitraz), Vectra 3-D for Dogs® (dinotefuran, permethrin, pyriproxifen), Vectra for Cats® (dinotefuran, pyriproxifen).

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As always, we recommend that you check with your veterinarian for your pet’s immediate health needs and concerns.

If you have questions about your pet’s health, care, and well-being, email your question to: NtTAskOurVet@hotmail.com

CHERRY EYE

The normal canine eye receives its tear film from two lacrimal (tear-producing) glands. One gland is located above the eye, and the other is found within the animal's third eyelid. The gland of the third eyelid contributes a significant portion of secretion to the tear film.

In the smaller breeds -- especially Boston terriers, Cocker spaniels, bulldogs and beagles -- the gland of the third eyelid is not strongly held in place. The gland prolapses (slips out) to where the owner notices it as a reddened mass. Out of its normal position, the gland does not circulate blood properly and may swell.

Historically, the prolapsed gland was treated like a small tumor and was simply removed. That was before the full significance of the gland was realized.

If the third eyelid's tear gland is removed, it cannot be put back in place. If the other tear gland (the one above the eye) cannot supply adequate tears, which is not an uncommon phenomenon in older small breed dogs, then the eye becomes dry and uncomfortable. A thick yellow discharge results and the eye develops a blinding pigment covering for protection. This condition is called simply dry eye, or more scientifically keratoconjunctivitis sicca, and daily medical treatment is required to keep the eye both comfortable and visual. Not only is dry eye uncomfortable for the pet, its treatment is often frustrating and time-consuming and there is expense involved. We would like the dog to maintain the greatest amount of tear producing tissue possible, thus removing the gland for cosmetic reasons is not an acceptable treatment method.

The only acceptable treatment of cherry eye is replacement of the gland in its proper location. Harmful complications from cherry eye surgery are unusual but recurrence of the cherry eye is common. If a cherry eye recurs, it is important to let your veterinarian know so that a second surgery either with your normal veterinarian or with an ophthalmology specialist can be planned. An owner should expect some postoperative swelling after cherry eye repair but this should resolve and the eye should be comfortable and normal in appearance after about a week. If the eye appears suddenly painful or unusual in appearance, it is important that it be rechecked as soon as possible.

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As always, we recommend that you check with your veterinarian for your pet’s immediate health needs and concerns.

If you have questions about your pet’s health, care, and well-being, email your question to: NtTAskOurVet@hotmail.com

Addison's Disease

The adrenal gland is so named because it is located just forward of the kidney (renal means kidney).

The center of the gland is called the medulla and the outer area is called the cortex. While both areas produce hormones, Addison's disease concerns the hormones produced by the cortex; these hormones are called corticosteroids.

The mineralocorticoids

influence the electrolytes: sodium and potassium. As a general biological rule, where there's sodium or salt, there's water. When the mineralocorticoids circulate as part of the fight or flight preparation, sodium is conserved in anticipation of blood loss so that there will be extra fluid in the vascular compartment (spare blood). When sodium is conserved, potassium is lost as part of the biological balance.

In animals with Addison's disease, there is a deficiency of the corticosteroid hormones.

Patients are usually young (age 4-5 years) female dogs. At first signs are very vague - listlessness, possibly some vomiting or diarrhea. Ultimately, the disease results in a phenomenon known as the Addisonian crisis. The animal collapses in shock. The patient may not survive this episode. Corticosteroid hormones are needed to adapt to stressful situations and without these hormones, even small stresses could lead to physiologic disaster.

Because of the numerous symptoms Addison's disease can be present with, Addison's disease has earned the medical nickname "the Great Imitator." The only definitive test for Addison's disease is the ACTH stimulation test. A lack of response is diagnostic for Addison's disease. The most important aspect of treatment for hypoadrenocorticism is the replacement of the missing mineralocorticoids hormones.

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As always, we recommend that you check with your veterinarian for your pet’s immediate health needs and concerns.

If you have questions about your pet’s health, care, and well-being, email your question to: NtTAskOurVet@hotmail.com

DEGENERATIVE MEYELOPATHY

Degenerative myelopathy is a progressive disease of undetermined cause that affects the spinal cord. It results in a loss of coordination of the hind legs, which progresses to weakness and then to paralysis of the hindquarters. What happens is that the structures within the spinal cord that are responsible for nerve impulses degenerate.

In degenerative myelopathy, the myelin (the insulation around the nerve fibers) and the axons (the nerve fibers that carry signals to the muscles) are affected. While these changes can happen anywhere along the spinal cord, they usually happen in the lower back.

Typically, degenerative myelopathy isn't seen in dogs under the age of five. The degeneration occurs slowly over a period of several months.

Often the first signs noticed are difficulty getting up in the hind quarters. This awkwardness is most noticeable when the dog walks on a smooth surface. However, as the disease progresses, the dog becomes uncoordinated and will scuff or drag its rear feet, causing excessive wearing of the toenails.

Sometimes one side is more noticeably uncoordinated than the other. The disease can either wax and wane episodically or progress steadily. It usually takes a few months to a year after onset for a dog to become unable to walk.

There is no known cause for this disorder, although a genetic basis is presumed in German shepherds.

Genetic, nutritional, and immune factors have been suggested, but none have been scientifically proven. While this is mostly a disease of middle-aged to older German shepherds, German shepherd mixes, Siberian huskies, Collies, and other breeds can also be affected.

It is not thought to cause pain or discomfort because the spinal cord axons have no way to feel pain. Usually, affected dogs can still urinate and defecate on their own until the very late stages.

Diagnosis is a matter of eliminating other diseases, including spinal cord cancer, osteomyelitis (bone infection), and disk disease/injury. This elimination process usually involves radiographs of the spine, myelograms, or MRI (magnetic resonance imaging).

The disease can be managed, but it can not be cured.

Exercise in the form of walking or swimming helps more than anything else as treatment. If the dog is old or has arthritis, be sure to build up to exercise rather than taking a “weekend warrior” approach.

The most beneficial schedule is a day with regular exercise, followed by a day of rest. Specific exercise is best, not just running around in the backyard.

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As always, we recommend that you check with your veterinarian for your pet’s immediate health needs and concerns.

If you have questions about your pet’s health, care, and well-being, email your question to: NtTAskOurVet@hotmail.com

CANINE AQUATIC THERAPY

Canine aquatic exercise has become very popular in the past decade. The buoyancy of the water can effectively cancel out up to ninety percent of the weight of a dog.

The hydrostatic pressure of water provides a constant pressure to the body or limb immersed in water providing an improved environment for working with swollen joints or edematous tissues.

Also, aquatic exercises may be used as a transition to land based exercises in post-surgery or post-injury rehabilitation.

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As always, we recommend that you check with your veterinarian for your pet’s immediate health needs and concerns.

If you have questions about your pet’s health, care, and well-being, email your question to: NtTAskOurVet@hotmail.com

UPPER RESPIRATORY DISEASE

The average housecat, who is not exposed to any rescued kittens, lives with only one or two other cats at most, and never goes outside is unlikely to break with infection.

Ninety percent of feline upper respiratory infections are caused by either feline Herpes or feline Calicivirus – therefore, vaccinate your pet! Neither of these infections is transmissible to humans. Most feline colds run a course of 7 to 10 days regardless of treatment but it is important to realize these infections are permanent and that herpesvirus infections are recurring.

A cold for a cat is usually just a nuisance but sometimes can be serious, especially if the cat stops eating or drinking. Painful ulcers can form on the eyes, nose, or in the mouth. Dehydration can result from fluid lost in the nasal discharge. Sometimes a fever is high enough to warrant monitoring; or pneumonia may result. Seek veterinary assistance if you think your cat is significantly uncomfortable.

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As always, we recommend that you check with your veterinarian for your pet’s immediate health needs and concerns.

If you have questions about your pet’s health, care, and well-being, email your question to: NtTAskOurVet@hotmail.com

bladder infections

Q: Are bladder infections contagious?

** Excessive water consumption

** Urinating only small amounts at a time

** Urinating frequently and in multiple spots

** Inability to hold urine the normal amount of time/apparent incontinence

** Bloody urine (though an infection must either involve a special organism, a bladder stone, a bladder tumor, or be particularly severe to make urine red to the naked eye)

It is also important to realize that it is the inflammation associated with infection that causes these symptoms. There can be infection without much inflammation (particularly if the patient is on a cortisone-type anti-inflammatory medication) and there can be inflammation without infection (the usual situation in feline lower urinary tract disease).

Because bladder infections are localized to the bladder, there are rarely signs of infection in other body systems: no fever, no appetite loss, and no change in the blood tests.

The external genital area where urine is expelled is teeming with bacteria.

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As always, we recommend that you check with your veterinarian for your pet’s immediate health needs and concerns.

If you have questions about your pet’s health, care, and well-being, email your question to: NtTAskOurVet@hotmail.com

HYPERTROPHIC CARDIOMYOPATHY in CATS

Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) is the most common heart disease in cats today.

Cats with HCM have thicker than normal heart walls seen with an echocardiogram.

• difficulty breathing (as a result of fluid build up in the chest and/or lungs)

• sudden and often very painful hindlimb or forelimb weakness or paralysis (as a result of a clot blocking flow to the limbs)

• sudden death (at home, or during an elective procedure involving anesthesia).

Young cats (even those less than 6 months of age) can be affected, but the diagnosis is most often made in middle-aged and older cats.

HCM tends to run in families, and is seen most often in Maine coon cats, American shorthairs, and Persians. However, it can be seen in any cat.

Signs of HCM can be as subtle as a lack of appetite. Observant owners often note an increase in the resting respiratory rate and weight loss. Because cats tend to hide signs of disease until they are very sick, you should check in with your veterinarian when you see subtle signs, such as those that persist for more than a day or two.

There is no surgical treatment or definitive medical therapy to cure HCM. Medications are often prescribed for cats with congestive heart failure, rapid heart rates, or clots or high risk of clots to the legs.

Prognosis is not easy to predict. Many cats can live a long time with HCM and never need medications. Others will die suddenly or progress to develop congestive heart failure. The worst outcome, in terms of discomfort and frustration because of a lack of proven ways to prevent the first or future recurrence, is clots to the limbs or other organs.

Your veterinarians, working with a veterinary cardiologist, are your best guide to diagnosis and treatment for your cat.

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As always, we recommend that you check with your veterinarian for your pet’s immediate health needs and concerns.

If you have questions about your pet’s health, care, and well-being, email your question to: NtTAskOurVet@hotmail.com

Anal sacs

Q: I have a 10 month old Ragdoll kitten. She was fixed when I purchased her. I noticed she has a unusual somewhat offensive odor coming from her bottom area. It does not smell like stool or urine and her bottom is clean with no signs of stool or urine staining. She keeps herself clean and uses her box regularly which I clean daily. What could this be? - email from Jamie

A: Anal sacs (also called anal glands) are two small glands just inside your pet's anus. The material secreted into these glands is thick and foul smelling. Most animals can empty these glands voluntarily for scent marking or in self-defense. Walking around and normal defecation usually serves to empty the glands but some animals become unable to empty their glands on their own at all. The sacs become impacted and uncomfortable. Dogs with impacted anal sacs usually scoot their rear on the ground in an attempt to empty the glands. Some dogs will lick their anal area and other dogs will chase their tails. Cats often lick the fur off just under their tails.

If an impacted anal sac does not get emptied an abscess can form and rupture out through the skin. This is a painful, messy, and pretty smelly condition often mistaken for rectal bleeding. If an anal sac abscess forms, it must be properly treated by your veterinarian.

The need to empty the anal sacs is a highly individual situation. The best recommendation is to let the pet tell you when the sacs are full. If the pet starts scooting again, it is time to bring him in.

To avoid the expense of having the sacs emptied, you can learn to empty them yourself at home but most people feel it is well worth having someone else perform this service. A non-invasive technique that helps some patients is a change to a high fiber diet. This will produce a bulkier stool that may be more effective in emptying the sac as it passes by.

If the sacs need to be emptied every few weeks or more, you may opt to have the sacs permanently removed. This procedure is complicated by many local nerves controlling fecal continence, the fact that any change in the local musculature of the anal sphincter area can affect fecal continence, and the fact that with chronic anal sac problems anatomy is distorted.

Many people own pets for years without ever learning that anal sacs exist at all, and the wives' tale that worms cause scooting erroneously continues. If you have further questions about anal gland disease, ask your veterinarian.

If scooting continues for more than a few days after sac emptying, the sacs should be re-checked. For some individuals, it takes several sac emptyings in a row before the sacs stay emptied. If the sacs are empty and scooting is persisting, another cause (such as itchy skin or lower back pain) should be pursued.

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As always, we recommend that you check with your veterinarian for your pet’s immediate health needs and concerns.

If you have questions about your pet’s health, care, and well-being, email your question to: NtTAskOurVet@hotmail.com

PORTOSYSTEMIC SHUNT

A portosystemic shunt (PSS) happens when a pet’s venous blood from the intestine bypasses the liver. The pet can be born with the shunt (congenital) or can get it later (acquired). About three-quarters of the cases are congenital, although sometimes a pet can have both types.

During pregnancy, the portal blood vessel in the fetus bypasses the liver (i.e., the mother’s liver filters out toxins for the fetus). Normally this shunt closes within three days after birth.

In affected animals, the shunt doesn’t close and the blood continues to bypass the liver. Because the liver filters toxins, if the liver is bypassed, the toxins build up in the body. This results in the puppy or kitten having slow or nonexistent growth (failure to thrive). If left untreated, puppies and kittens are not likely to survive. Congenital shunts seem to happen more in purebreds than in mixed breeds. Breeds with increased risk of PSS include Cairn terriers, Maltese, Yorkshire Terriers, Irish Wolfhounds, Himalayans, and Persians.

An acquired liver shunt is usually caused by liver problems (due to poisons, hepatitis, and inflammation, etc.) that resulted in the body routing blood through whatever blood vessels are available, even if it means bypassing the liver. As happens with congenital shunts, the liver can’t filter what doesn’t pass through it, so toxins build up in the body.

Signs include stunted growth, not gaining weight, losing weight, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, unresponsiveness, temporary blindness, seizures, staring into space, disorientation, circling, poor skin and coat, excessive drinking, excessive urination, etc. Sometimes the pet will just act odd after eating or pace around or press its head against the wall. The signs you will see depend on the location of the shunt and how many toxins have built up in the body. Some pets will only have one sign, while others could have several.

Blood tests, urinalysis, and imaging tests can be used for diagnosis. Blood bile acids are elevated after a meal, so the before-meal and after-meal bile acid levels will be compared. Despite the variety of tests available, a confirmed diagnosis may not be available until surgery is done.

Some pets with liver shunts can do well with medical and dietary management. Surgical repair of the shunt is common, particularly for congenital shunts, but it seems to be more successful in dogs than in cats. Surgery is usually, but not always, the best option for a normal life span. Affected pets should never be bred because it is too much strain on the body and because this condition runs in families.

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As always, we recommend that you check with your veterinarian for your pet’s immediate health needs and concerns.

If you have questions about your pet’s health, care, and well-being, email your question to: NtTAskOurVet@hotmail.com

WHAT ARE EAR MITES?

Most ear mite cases are found in cats. Dogs can be infected as well but since dogs more commonly get ear infections of other types, ear infections in dogs rarely involve mites.

Ear cleaning is needed at the beginning of therapy (and possibly at the end) to remove the irritating wax and debris. Be sure to have the ears re-checked according to your vet’s recommendations.

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As always, we recommend that you check with your veterinarian for your pet’s immediate health needs and concerns.

If you have questions about your pet’s health, care, and well-being, email your question to: NtTAskOurVet@hotmail.com

ROUNDWORMS

There are two species of roundworms affecting dogs and puppies: Toxocara canis and Toxascaris leonina. (Cats cannot be infected with Toxocara canis.)

In dogs, there are four ways by which infection with Toxocara canis occurs:

* Consuming infective worm eggs from soil in the environment (generally through normal grooming).

* Nursing from an infected mother dog.
* Consuming a prey animal (usually rodent) that is carrying developing worms.
* During embryonic development when an infected mother dog is pregnant (most puppies are infected this way).

Roundworm infection can have numerous negative effects. It is a common cause of diarrhea in young animals and can cause vomiting as well.

Roundworms are long, white and described as looking like spaghetti. The worms consume the host's food and can lead to unthriftiness and a classical pot-bellied appearance.

It should also be noted that human infection by this parasite is especially serious.

It is important to minimize the contamination of environmental soil with the feces of infected animals so as to reduce the exposure hazard to both humans and other animals.

Fecal testing for worm eggs is a must for puppies and a good idea for adult dogs having their annual check up. Obviously, if there are worms present, they must be laying eggs in order to be detected but, by and large, fecal testing is a reliable method of detection.

Numerous deworming products are effective. Some are over the counter and some are prescription.

Many flea control and/or heartworm prevention products provide a monthly deworming which is especially helpful in minimizing environmental contamination.

There are two important concepts to keep in mind about deworming. Medications essentially anesthetize the worm so that it lets go of its grip on the host intestine and passes with the stool. Once it has been passed, it cannot survive in the environment and dies. This means that you will likely see the worms when they pass, so be prepared as they can be quite long and may still be alive and moving when you see them.

Larvae in migration cannot be killed by any of these products. After the worms are cleared from the intestine, they will be replaced by new worms completing their migration. This means that a second and sometimes even a third deworming is needed to keep the intestine clear.

The follow-up deworming is generally given several weeks following the first deworming to allow for migrating worms to arrive in the intestine where they are vulnerable. Do not forget your follow-up deworming.

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As always, we recommend that you check with your veterinarian for your pet’s immediate health needs and concerns.

If you have questions about your pet’s health, care, and well-being, email your question to: NtTAskOurVet@hotmail.com

A Pet Rabbit for Easter?

Lops, longhairs and miniatures -- rabbits come in a gorgeous variety of body types, fur lengths and coat markings, all united by their potential to be wonderful pets. At this time of year, baby bunnies are everywhere, with many pet stores stocking up on what has been a traditional child's gift for Easter.

Contrary to popular belief, rabbits really aren't suitable as a pet for young children. Rabbits are delicate and can be fatally injured if improperly held. If not handled gently and with respect, they can become nippy in self-defense or fear.

For older children, though, and especially for adults, these quiet, gentle animals are excellent pets. You'll get a lot more out of a pet rabbit if you bring the animal into your house and your life. Here are some care tips.

• Equipment. Your rabbit needs a cage that's at least big enough to stretch out and hop around, and tall enough so he can stand on his hind legs without his ears touching the top. Bigger is better yet! If the floor is wire, at least a portion of the cage should be solid, something that will give the rabbit relief from standing on the wire all the time.

• For a food dish, choose a ceramic crock that cannot be chewed or tipped over. A hanging bottle is best for water; make sure the water stays fresh by changing it daily. Rabbits need and love to chew, so be sure there's a chew block available.

• Health and nutrition. Commercial rabbit pellets are the basis of a proper rabbit diet, but they're not enough to keep a pet happy and healthy. Feed no more than one-quarter cup of pellets per 5 pounds of body weight daily.

Fiber is the key to a healthy diet, which is why grass hays such as timothy and oat are important, along with fresh leafy green vegetables such as kale, collard greens, carrot tops and broccoli leaves. Rabbit-lovers learn to pick through the vegetable bins at the grocery store, or ask the produce manager for leafy pieces removed while trimming vegetables for human consumption.

• Exercise and play. Rabbits were meant to run, which is why the life of a caged pet can be both sad and short. Indoor rabbits can roam around the house under your supervision. Outdoor pets need a half-hour of activity daily in a protected area. Supervision is a must, since rabbits can be scared literally to death by cats, dogs and even jays and crows. Cat toys, dog toys and even the cardboard tubes inside toilet paper rolls are fun for rabbits, who like to play.

Don't forget to see your veterinarian: Rabbits make better pets if spayed or neutered, and their teeth need regular veterinary attention.

Are you ready for a rabbit? If the answer's yes, forget the Easter sales push and adopt one from a rescue group or humane society. You'll find lots of great pets to choose from, and you'll be saving a life.

The House Rabbit Society (www.rabbit.org) is the best site on the Web for anyone looking for information on these sweet-natured pets.

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As always, we recommend that you check with your veterinarian for your pet’s immediate health needs and concerns.

If you have questions about your pet’s health, care, and well-being, email your question to: NtTAskOurVet@hotmail.com

EXERCISE HIS MIND WHEN YOU CAN’T GO OUTSIDE

Every trick, whether useful or just plain fun, was born on a gloomy winter afternoon. Teaching dogs new tricks, such as balancing a dog biscuit on the nose, then flip it into the air and catch it on command, barking on request, shaking hands, or finding their toys and putting them in a basket. Search games, where a toy is hidden and then asked to find it can keep a dog occupied for hours and they just light up with pride at their accomplishment when they find the toy.

Such games are to dogs what the daily crossword puzzle or the latest computer game is to us. Dogs have to think, they have to learn, and when they get it right, their sense of accomplishment and joy is palpable and contagious. And as pleasurable as these games are, with plenty of praise for a job done right, they also reinforce a dog's place in the pack structure we humans call "family."

Start with a simple game and build on it. If your dog likes to retrieve, begin with simple in-sight fetching and then slowly make things harder. Add a "stay." Then "hide" the toy in an easy-to-find spot, making the game a little trickier as your pet learns you want him to "find," instead of merely "fetch."

Just don't let them sit around doing nothing. You'll all enjoy a rainy day better if you find something useful to do.

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As always, we recommend that you check with your veterinarian for your pet’s immediate health needs and concerns.

If you have questions about your pet’s health, care, and well-being, email your question to: NtTAskOurVet@hotmail.com

PUPPY KINDERGARTEN

When Is Your Puppy Ready? - Puppies mature at different rates, but classes typically try to get the pups into class prior to 6 months of age. heading off a lot of potential behavior problems. Consult your veterinarian about the best timing for your puppy to take classes. This will depend on the pup’s health and immune status as well as what illnesses are going around. Discuss when to start your pup in class with the instructor, too.

Goals and Benefits of Puppy Kindergarten - Several things can be accomplished through puppy kindergarten classes, especially if you keep these objectives in mind:

1. Your pup can begin a lifelong love of going to dog events and gatherings that include other well-behaved dogs.

2. A good class is an opportunity for a weekly outing with your puppy with the supervision of a skilled instructor to help you.

3. Your puppy can gain a love of learning new things that will last for life. It’s amazing what dogs can learn, once they know how to learn and have the confidence that they can do it.

4. You and your puppy develop a working relationship that enables you to safely take the puppy out for other social experiences and continued training.

5. A puppy that might otherwise have grown up fearful and defensive can gain confidence and overcome early problems with people and other dogs.

When your puppy is still little and cute, certain lessons are easily taught that would require much more work if delayed. Puppy kindergarten is enormously helpful to humans and dogs, and provides about the best entertainment possible. For a small fee you get to participate in something that is mentally, emotionally, and physically healthy for you and your dog. Seeing the other puppies and sharing the experience with the other puppy-loving humans adds to the fun. Be sure to take the opportunity to do this with and for your puppy.

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As always, we recommend that you check with your veterinarian for your pet’s immediate health needs and concerns.

If you have questions about your pet’s health, care, and well-being, email your question to: NtTAskOurVet@hotmail.com

HOLIDAY TIPS FOR PET SAFETY

AVOID Holiday Food Items that could cause problems for your pet - alcoholic beverages, chocolate, coffee, moldy or spoiled foods, onions and onion powder, fatty foods, salt, yeast dough.

AVOID Holiday Plants

Lilies could be deadly to your cat. Many types of lily can cause kidney failure in cats.

Poinsettias, if ingested, can be irritating to the mouth and stomach, and may cause mild vomiting or nausea.

Mistletoe has the potential to cause cardiovascular problems. Mistletoe ingestion usually causes gastrointestinal upset.

Holly ingestion could cause vomiting, nausea, diarrhea, and lethargy.

HAZARDS Around the Christmas Tree

Electric cords - If cords are chewed, your pet could be electrocuted. Cover up or hide electric cords.

Ribbons or tinsel can get caught up in the intestines and cause intestinal obstruction.

Batteries contain corrosives. If ingested they can cause ulceration to the mouth, tongue, and gastrointestinal tract.

Glass ornaments can cut the tissues of the gastrointestinal tract if ingested.

OTHER WINTER HAZARDS

If you think your pet has consumed antifreeze, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (1-888-4-ANI-HELP) right away!

Always be prepared!

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As always, we recommend that you check with your veterinarian for your pet’s immediate health needs and concerns.

If you have questions about your pet’s health, care, and well-being, email your question to: NtTAskOurVet@hotmail.com

CANINE COGNITIVE DYSFUNCTION

Pet owners have long been frustrated by age related behavior problems involving loss of house-training, apparent memory loss or disorientation, sleep disturbances (either waking at the wrong time or sleeping unusually deeply) and loss of interest in social activities with the family. Such behavior changes are often written off as being normal aging. A recent study at the University of California School of Veterinary Medicine demonstrates how common these observations are: out of 69 dogs participating, 32% of 11 year old dogs were affected by this syndrome and that 100% of dogs 16 years of age older were affected.

Still, the high frequency with which the syndrome is seen in older dogs does not make it normal. Old age is not a disease, and any change needs to be checked. Most things can be helped, at least to the extent of making the dog more comfortable and sometimes a great deal more than that. Some things can be completely cured.

Dementia in dogs shows deposition of a protein called amyloid in their brain in patterns very similar to the amyloid plaques found in the brains of humans with Alzheimer’s disease. Amyloid plaques decrease the production of the neurotransmitter dopamine. The medication L-Deprenyl (Anipril®), which is given in tablet form once daily, delays the breakdown of dopamine and allows the message from the brain to be received. Further, dopamine breakdown results in harmful biochemicals known as free radicals. The use of L-Deprenyl also helps reduce amounts of free radicals in the brain. Time is of the essence with diagnosis and treatment since dogs can quickly slip into a zone that is more difficult to treat. Anipril® is only available for dogs although similar symptoms are being recognized in cats.

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As always, we recommend that you check with your veterinarian for your pet’s immediate health needs and concerns.

If you have questions about your pet’s health, care, and well-being, email your question to: NtTAskOurVet@hotmail.com

WART OR TUMOR

People with older dogs with numerous "warts" wonder if their dog's warts will go away as viral warts usually do. The problem is that in older dogs, what looks like a viral wart is probably a sebaceous gland tumor; while there is a 98% chance it is benign, it will not be going away any time soon.

Viral warts occur primarily on the face of young adult and adolescent dogs. Sebaceous gland tumors occur on any location, often in large numbers, and usually in older dogs (and occasionally in older cats).

There are several types of sebaceous gland tumors:

Sebaceous Hyperplasia - About 50% of sebaceous growths are technically not tumorous and fit into the sebaceous hyperplasia group. It is thought that this group ultimately progresses to the actual benign tumors described below. These lesions are round, cauliflower-like, and sometimes secrete material that forms a crust. Occasionally they even bleed. They are particularly common in Cocker spaniels, Beagles, Miniature Schnauzers, Poodles, and Dachshunds. This growth is technically not a tumor but is actually an area of excessive sebaceous cell division.

Sebaceous Epithelioma - Another 37% of sebaceous growths fit into this category. These look just the same as sebaceous hyperplasias to the naked eye but tend to occur in larger breeds and usually on the eyelids or head. They often pigment into a black color. They are actual benign tumors and not just areas of excessive sebaceous cell division.

Sebaceous Adenoma - These lesions also look the same as the others to the naked eye. These are also actual benign tumors that probably arose from areas of hyperplasia.

Sebaceous Carcinoma - About 2% of sebaceous tumors are malignant and may be locally invasive but even malignant sebaceous tumors rarely spread. They have a greater tendency towards ulceration than do the benign growths. Cocker spaniels seem to be predisposed.
It is not uncommon for an elderly dog to develop scores of "warts" that are not warts at all but are sebaceous growths. They are generally of cosmetic concern only but removal is recommended under the following circumstances:

     • when the growth has been bleeding
     • when the growth is itchy or is in a location where it is bothering the pet
     • when the growth is in a location where it interferes with normal grooming

These growths are typically small (pea size or smaller) and are thus generally amenable to removal with local anesthetic. This is helpful since often patients are older and not good anesthesia candidates. It is usually not practical to remove all the sebaceous growths but the most troublesome can be selected for removal.

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As always, we recommend that you check with your veterinarian for your pet’s immediate health needs and concerns.

If you have questions about your pet’s health, care, and well-being, email your question to: NtTAskOurVet@hotmail.com

CATARACTS

A cataract is an opacity in the lens. The patient with a cataract is not able to see through the opacity. If the entire lens is involved, the eye will be blind.

Cataract treatment generally involves surgical removal or physical dissolution of the cataract under anesthesia. This is invasive and expensive and is not considered unless it can restore vision.

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As always, we recommend that you check with your veterinarian for your pet’s immediate health needs and concerns.

If you have questions about your pet’s health, care, and well-being, email your question to: NtTAskOurVet@hotmail.com

heat hazard

The long days of summer are a great time to have -- or be -- a pet. But this glorious season for outdoor activities is not without its hazards. Knowing what to look out for is half the battle.

The hazards of summer include:

Heat risks. Cats have enough sense to nap on warm afternoons, but dogs do not. If you let them, they'll go where you do, even if it's too hot. Dogs are not good at keeping themselves cool, and they rely on us to keep them out of trouble. The fastest way to get your dog into trouble is to leave him in the car. Even a few minutes in a car on a warm day can kill a dog, so it's best never to take a chance. Limit exercise to the coolest part of the day, no matter how happy your dog is to participate when it's warmer. Even in the cooler part of the day, watch for signs of trouble: Glassy eyes and frantic panting indicate a dog who needs help.

Remember: older, obese or snort-nosed dogs are less heat-tolerant, and that all dogs need constant access to shade and an endless supply of cool, clean water.

Gardening risks. Protect your pets from poisonous plants, troublesome garden materials or yard chemicals. Popular mulches made from cocoa hulls can be appealing to dogs, but some of these products have been shown to be hazardous. Again, if you use them, use them in areas off-limits to your pets. Be sure to use any pesticides or fertilizers according to label directions, and let lawn chemicals dry before allowing your pet access to the yard. Snail and rodent bait can kill pets, so do not use it in areas where animals have access.

Poison risks. In addition to garden chemicals, other common products can present a grave risk to pets. Automotive coolant is deadly even in small amounts, so be sure to clean up all fluids completely and store all products carefully.

Escape risks. With many children home from school and coming in and out of the house with friends, pets have more opportunity to slip out unnoticed and be lost. A collar and ID tag are always a good preventive measure and will help get your pet home if he's lost.

Field risks. If your hiking takes you through open fields or wooded areas, be sure to check your dog afterward for foxtails and ticks.

With a little bit of awareness, you and your pet will have nothing but enjoyment this summer.

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As always, we recommend that you check with your veterinarian for your pet’s immediate health needs and concerns.

If you have questions about your pet’s health, care, and well-being, email your question to: NtTAskOurVet@hotmail.com

Aural Hematoma

A hematoma is swelling created by a broken blood vessel after bleeding has occurred inside a tissue. Hematomas within the ear flaps (aural hematomas) occur when head shaking breaks a blood vessel. The ear flap may partially or completely swell with blood. The extra weight of the ear flap may be uncomfortable and may lead to a permanent change in the carriage of the ears. This condition is more common in dogs but can occur in cats as well.

There are probably as many ways of correcting ear hematomas as there are veterinarians. The following are some commonly performed procedures.

Aspiration. This involves simply using a syringe to remove the fluid contents of the hematoma. The problem is that a space is left behind when the fluid is removed and this space readily refills with more fluid. It is common for only temporary results to be obtained when the aspiration method is employed.

Pie-crusting Sutures. An incision is made in the ear flap surgically. The hematoma is drained of fluid and blood clots. To prevent the hematoma from refilling with fluid, multiple sutures are placed in the hematoma space either vertically or horizontally, either partly through or completely through the ear flap, with or without ear cartilage removal. Sutures are generally left in place for 3 weeks to allow good scarring to take place so that refilling will not occur.

Teat Cannula Placement. A teat cannula is a small device used in the treatment of udder inflammation in cattle. Teat cannulas can also be placed in a dog’s aural hematoma if the ear flap is large enough to accommodate the device. The hematoma is drained of fluids and allowed to heal over the next several weeks. This method is generally successful but does involve the dog tolerating a gadget in its ear flap for several weeks.

Usually there is a reason why a dog has been shaking his or hear head: an ear infection. This means that the ear infection must be treated along with the hematoma.

If left alone, an ear hematoma will resolve by itself. The fluid will be re-absorbed back into the body. The problem is that a lot of scarring is associated with this process and the ear is often not cosmetically appealing afterwards – a cauliflower ear. It can also take several months to resolve a large hematoma, which may be uncomfortable for the pet.

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As always, we recommend that you check with your veterinarian for your pet’s immediate health needs and concerns.

If you have questions about your pet’s health, care, and well-being, email your question to: NtTAskOurVet@hotmail.com

BACTERIA ALERT

Q:   What is MRSA (methicillin-resistant Staphylococcus aureus) and where does it come from?
A:   MRSA is a bacteria (Staphylococcus aureus) that possesses genes that reduce the binding affinity of certain antibiotics, namely penicillins and cephalosporins. While MRSA was first noted in people over 40 years ago, it has become a significant pathogen over the last 10-15 years, and is now considered a potential serious infectious threat, because of the limited antibiotic sensitivity it exhibits.
     In most cases MRSA is hospital-associated, that is, it occurs in patients that have been hospitalized or had invasive procedures performed on them.

     There is growing evidence that MRSA infections affect veterinary species, although few reports of MRSA infections in domestic species exist.
     Only a small percentage of animals that acquire MRSA develop illness. The rest carry MRSA on various body surfaces (most often the nose and GI tract) for variable periods of time. These “colonized” animals are a concern because of the potential for future development of infection (especially if they undergo surgery) and because they can transmit MRSA to human contacts.
     Interspecies transmission of MRSA occurs. Humans can infect dogs or cats, and pets can infect their owners. Thus, it is often difficult to determine which way the infection has been transmitted. Concern has been raised about dogs involved in hospital visitation programs, both in terms of an increased risk of developing MRSA infection and a risk of transmitting MRSA to hospitalized patients. Current recommendations are to have visiting animals avoid contact with patients infected with MRSA, and patients who are immunocompromised or otherwise susceptible.
     If a patient suffers from recurrent MRSA, a pet fomite should be considered. MRSA infection is identified by routine culture and susceptibility testing. Good hygienic practice should be encouraged to minimize acquisition of MRSA since MRSA appears to be an emerging veterinary and zoonotic pathogen.

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As always, we recommend that you check with your veterinarian for your pet’s immediate health needs and concerns.

If you have questions about your pet’s health, care, and well-being, email your question to: NtTAskOurVet@hotmail.com

Raisins, grapes, and dogs

Q: Can raisins and grapes really poison dogs?
A: Yes - fresh grapes of both red and white varieties from grocery stores or vines in private yards and fermented grapes from wineries. In the cases reported, the estimated amount of ingested raisins or grapes to cause toxicity ranged from 0.41 to 1.1 oz/kg. Because 4 pounds of grapes equal about 1 pound of raisins, fewer raisins need to be ingested to reach toxic levels.

Dogs can exhibit problems ranging from acute gastrointestinal signs to life-threatening renal failure or even death.

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As always, we recommend that you check with your veterinarian for your pet’s immediate health needs and concerns.

If you have questions about your pet’s health, care, and well-being, email your question to: NtTAskOurVet@hotmail.com

RABIES VACCINATIONS

Q: Do indoor cats need to be vaccinated for rabies?

A:   Descriptions of rabies go back thousands of years as rabies has classically been one of the most feared infections of all time. It is caused by a rhabdovirus which in most cases, is transmitted via a bite wound from wildlife. The virus ultimately reaches the brain and at this point, the disease becomes transmissible and symptoms begin.
     Prodromal Stage (the first 1.5 days after symptoms have started) – a change in personality is noted.
     Excitative Stage (next 2-3 days) – classically, the “mad dog” stage. The animal has no fear and suffers from hallucinations. The larynx is paralyzed resulting in an inability to swallow thus drooling and “foaming at the mouth” result.
     Paralytic or Dumb Stage (next 2 days) – weakness and paralysis sets in and the animal dies when the muscles which control breathing are paralyzed.
     There is no treatment for animals or humans once clinical signs appear.
     If the biting animal has been legally vaccinated against rabies, only routine first aid may be necessary; bacterial infection of the wound may still be possible. If the animal has not been currently vaccinated, it must be confined for 10 days for observation and then vaccinated at the end of that period. An animal infected with rabies will be dead within 10 days.
     Many cat owners are under the impression that indoor cats need not be vaccinated against rabies. It is important to recognize that there is reasonable potential for wildlife exposure within the household and there is the legal liability should an unvaccinated animal bite a person. The American Association of Feline Practitioners considers rabies vaccination to be necessary for ALL CATS.

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As always, we recommend that you check with your veterinarian for your pet’s immediate health needs and concerns.

If you have questions about your pet’s health, care, and well-being, email your question to: NtTAskOurVet@hotmail.com

ANTIFREEZE: Sweet Taste Belies Toxicity

     Every year an estimated 10,000 pets fall victim to antifreeze poisoning. Many animals are enticed by its semi-sweet taste. A fatal dose can be as little as one ounce for 15-pound dog or one-third ounce for a cat.
     Ethylene glycol is the active ingredient in antifreeze. It is carried in the bloodstream to the kidneys where it forms a calcium oxalate crystal inside the renal tubes. Once this occurs, the crystals are insoluble. That means there is no way to remove them from the body. The damage becomes permanent to the kidney tissue and leads to kidney failure.
     While this damage is occurring inside the animal, outward clinical signs such a depression, lethargy, groggy or drunken appearance, vomiting, and oral ulcers may help diagnose the problem. Initial signs can present themselves as early as one hour after exposure and can last up to six hours with death occurring in three to four days. Diagnosis can be difficult if the owner does not witness the pet drinking the antifreeze.
     Treatment can be expensive and require an extended hospital stay. Even if treatment is successful, there may long-term effects from the poisoning.
     Newer brands of antifreeze are using propylene glycol, which is less toxic than ethylene glycol. A bill in Congress called the “Antifreeze Bittering Act of 2005” requires engine coolants and antifreezes to contain a bittering agent (denatonium benzoate) to make the products less appealing to animals.
     ASPCA National Animal Poison Control Center warns pet owners: Prevention is key to avoiding accidental ingestion of antifreeze!

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As always, we recommend that you check with your veterinarian for your pet’s immediate health needs and concerns.

If you have questions about your pet’s health, care, and well-being, email your question to: NtTAskOurVet@hotmail.com

CANINE INFLUENZA

     Canine influenza is most likely related to the influenza viruses that affect horses which was first discovered in 1956. At some point, the virus mutated and the new strain made the leap from horses to dogs.
    The first significant natural canine influenza outbreak was diagnosed initially in 2003 at greyhound racetracks. The first evidence of canine influenza in companion dogs was documented this spring when boarding facilities, shelters, and veterinarians submitted samples from dogs suspected of carrying the disease.
     Just because a virus jumps from one species to another does not mean humans are next. This virus is unlike the “flu” viruses humans are vaccinated for each fall. So far there is no evidence it has jumped to humans or that it will.
     All dogs are at risk. There is no vaccine for canine influenza. All dogs are susceptible to infection by the virus and no dogs are immune. The good news is most dogs diagnosed with canine influenza experience a mild form of the disease – the fatality rate is very low. Even including the most serious infections with complications the rate is between one and five percent of all dogs infected will die. Getting your veterinarian involved early and providing good supportive care is the best medicine for most animals.
     The disease begins with exposure to the virus followed by a 2 to 5 day incubation period. After that, dogs usually suffer from a persistent cough that may last for as long as three weeks. They may experience a yellowish nasal discharge. Dogs that experience more serious canine influenza symptoms frequently have a high fever and increased breathing rates and other indications of pneumonia. Currently antibiotic treatment of secondary bacterial infections of the sinuses or lungs is successful in about 95% of the cases.
     You can reduce your dog’s risk of exposure. The greater the exposure your dog has to other dogs, the greater the chance of infection. Currently, canine influenza appears to be an airborne infection, much like kennel cough, so direct physical contact between dogs is not required.
     To date, there have been no confirmed cases of canine influenza in Washington

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As always, we recommend that you check with your veterinarian for your pet’s immediate health needs and concerns.

If you have questions about your pet’s health, care, and well-being, email your question to: NtTAskOurVet@hotmail.com

DISTEMPER

     Distemper is usually seen in rescue dogs with questionable vaccination histories. The virus attacks the mucous membranes and starts with the respiratory tract (nasal discharge, coughing, pneumonia) then moves on to
produce vomiting and diarrhea and callusing of the nose and foot pads.
     After completing the “mucosal phase” of infection, the virus proceeds to the central nervous system for its “neurologic phase” leading to seizures, tremors, imbalance, and limb weakness. Signs may progress to death or may become non-progressive and permanent. Recovery is also possible.
     Recovery from distemper is all about immunity and the only real treatment is supportive care while the patient amounts its own immune response.

Prevention is easy – effective distemper vaccination has been available since the 1950s.

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As always, we recommend that you check with your veterinarian for your pet’s immediate health needs and concerns.

If you have questions about your pet’s health, care, and well-being, email your question to: NtTAskOurVet@hotmail.com

Feline Infectious Peritonitis

Feline coronavirus (FCoV) disease is a subject of considerable controversy and confusion. Feline enteric coronaviruses usually cause only mild, self-limiting diarrheic illness in young cats. More virulent, invasive strains of feline corona virus produce the clinical disease syndrome called feline infectious peritonitis (FIP). It is likely that it is the infection and reinfection with coronaviruses among cats (as opposed to the spread of an “FIP” virus) that is responsible for the occurrence of FIP in a cat’. Any cat that carries any coronavirus is potentially at risk for developing FIP and 30% of household pet cats and 80-90% of cattery cats carry feline coronavirus. Feline coronavirus is shed in the secretions and excretions of infected cats. Infection is acquired from acutely infected cats by the fecal-oral, oral-oral, or oral-nasal route.
There are two major forms of FIP. In effusive FIP (wet form), cats usually develop progressive, nonpainful abdominal distension due to peritoneal fluid accumulation. In non-effusive FIP (dry form), recruitment of inflammatory cells in tissues causes local necrosis and disruption of normal organ function. There is presently no known effective treatment for FIP. Therapy is palliative and is directed at suppressing the immune-complex component of the disease.

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As always, we recommend that you check with your veterinarian for your pet’s immediate health needs and concerns.

If you have questions about your pet’s health, care, and well-being, email your question to: NtTAskOurVet@hotmail.com

Congestive Heart Failure in Dogs

     Congestive heart failure is usually a slow but progressive disease with two major causes in dogs. Dilated cardiomyopathy occurs in middle aged and
older large breed dogs such as Dobermans, boxers, and Great Danes. In contrast, mitral valve insufficiency is usually observed in older small breed dogs.
     Dogs with left sided heart failure usually have a difficult time breathing and they commonly cough. When listening to the chest of these dogs through a stethoscope, sounds typical of pulmonary edema (fluid in the chest) can be heard as well as a fairly severe heart murmur in the location of the mitral valve. Dogs with right sided heart failure usually have an enlarged abdomen, distended jugular veins, and sometimes a soft murmur.
     Radiographs (x-rays) are an important part of the workup of heart disease to determine the size of the heart, which is usually enlarged. Also, excessive fluid in the lungs or abdomen can also be determined.

Cardiac ultrasound is an excellent non-invasive method of examining the inside of the heart chambers and Doppler ultrasound can even allow the cardiologist to view the direction and speed of blood flow. Most other laboratory and blood tests are generally normal with this condition, although they are required to rule out other problems.

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As always, we recommend that you check with your veterinarian for your pet’s immediate health needs and concerns.

If you have questions about your pet’s health, care, and well-being, email your question to: NtTAskOurVet@hotmail.com

KIDNEY FAILURE

Q: If my pet is still making plenty of urine, how can there be kidney failure?

A: In chronic kidney failure, urine is usually produced in excessive quantities. What the kidneys are failing to do is conserve water (they are failing to make concentrated urine). An efficient kidney can make highly concentrated urine so that a large amount of toxin can be excreted in a relatively small amount of water. When the kidneys fail over a long time, they lose their ability to concentrate urine and more water is required to excrete the same amount of toxin. The animal will begin to drink more and more to provide the failing kidneys with enough water. Ultimately, the animal cannot drink enough and toxin levels begin to rise. Weight loss, listlessness, nausea, constipation, and poor appetite become noticeable. It is common for animals, especially cats, to have a long history of excessive water consumption when they finally come to the vet’s office with one of the latter complaints.

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As always, we recommend that you check with your veterinarian for your pet’s immediate health needs and concerns.

If you have questions about your pet’s health, care, and well-being, email your question to: NtTAskOurVet@hotmail.com

SUMMER HINTS & HAZARDS

Summer is a great time to be a pet. The days are long and most kids are out of school. That leaves plenty of time for lots of attention and some serious fun!

But summer can also be dangerous. Playing or exercising a dog in the heat can bring on a lethal case of heat stroke. Burrs, foxtails and awns from parched grasses can cause painful infections, and the chemicals we use to keep our beautiful summer yards green and control pests can poison our pets.

Prevention is the best way to protect your pet. Always keep an eye out for potential hazards, and do your best to minimize or remove them. Keep pets cool and calm in the hottest part of the day, and check frequently for plants and insect problems. Finally, use household chemicals sparingly and according to label instructions, and store them properly and securely.

If your best intentions aren’t enough, though, you may be taking an emergency trip to your veterinarian. Anything is worth a call to the veterinarian if you’re not sure, but some things definitely require urgent attention, no matter the day or hour. Among them:

* seizure, fainting or collapse

* eye injury, no matter how mild

* vomiting or diarrhea, anything more than two or three times within an hour or so

* allergic reaction, such as swelling around the face or hives

* any suspected poisoning, including snail or rodent bait, antifreeze, or human medication

* thermal stress, a pet that has been too cold or too hot

* any wound that is open and bleeding, or any animal bite

* traumatic injury, such as being hit by a car

* breathing problems, including chronic coughing or near drowning

* straining to urinate or defecate

Sometimes an animal may seem fine, such as a dog after being hit by a car or a cat shaken by an attacking dog with no puncture wounds. But the story inside may be quite different, with an internal injuries that need immediate veterinary attention. Any delay can cost your pet his life.

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As always, we recommend that you check with your veterinarian for your pet’s immediate health needs and concerns.

If you have questions about your pet’s health, care, and well-being, email your question to: NtTAskOurVet@hotmail.com

Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis is a disease is caused by spiral shaped bacteria called leptospires that are spread through the urine of infected animals. Humans and animals can become infected through contact with this contaminated urine (or other body fluids, except saliva), water, or soil. The bacteria can enter the body through skin or mucous membranes (eyes, nose, or mouth), especially if the skin is broken from a cut or scratch. Drinking contaminated water can also cause infection.

If your pet has become infected, it most likely came into contact with leptospires in the environment or infected animals. Your pet may have been drinking, swimming, or walking through contaminated water. Because of increased development into areas that were previously rural, pets may be exposed to more wildlife, such as raccoons, skunks, squirrels, opossums, or deer that are infected with leptospirosis. Dogs also may pass the disease to each other, but this is rare.

The time between exposure to the bacteria and development of disease is usually 5 to 14 days, but can be as short as a few days or as long as 30 days or more.

Clinical signs of leptospirosis vary and are nonspecific. Pets may not have any symptoms. Common clinical signs reported in dogs include fever, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, refusal to eat, severe weakness and depression, stiffness, severe muscle pain, or inability to have puppies. Generally younger animals are more seriously affected than older animals. Leptospirosis is treatable with antibiotics. If an animal is treated early, it may recover more rapidly and any organ damage may be less severe.

The risk of getting leptospirosis from a dog in standard instances is suspected to be low. The primary mode of transmission from pets to humans is through direct or indirect contact with contaminated animal tissues, organs, or urine. Always contact your veterinarian and your physician if you have concerns about a possible exposure to an infected animal.

As a general rule, always wash your hands after handling your pet or anything that might have your pet's excrement on it. If you are cleaning surfaces that may be contaminated or have urine from an infected pet on them, use an antibacterial cleaning solution or a solution of 1 part household bleach in 10 parts water.

You can prevent leptospirosis in your pet by keeping rodent problems (rats, mice, or other animal pests) under control and get your pet vaccinated against leptospirosis.

The vaccine does not provide 100% protection. This is because there are many strains (types) and the vaccine does not provide immunity against all strains. It is important to get your pet vaccinated again even if it gets leptospirosis because it can still get infected with a different strain of leptospires.

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As always, we recommend that you check with your veterinarian for your pet’s immediate health needs and concerns.

If you have questions about your pet’s health, care, and well-being, email your question to: NtTAskOurVet@hotmail.com

FLEAS

It’s that time of year for flea control as fleas are the most common external parasite of companion animals. Flea allergy dermatitis is the most common skin disease of dogs and cats! Flea control has always been a challenge for veterinarians and pet owners because adult fleas cause the clinical signs, yet the majority of the flea population (eggs, larvae, and pupae) are found off the pet in and around the home. The ideal flea control program utilizes products that target the various stages of the flea life cycle, not only the adult fleas on the pet.

For the flea allergic patient 100% flea control is required to remain symptom free. Even very minimal exposure may be sufficient to perpetuate itching in a hypersensitive patient (one or 2 bites per week are enough!).

Adult fleas are only 1 to 5% of any given flea population. Effective flea control involves treating all pets on the premises, the home if pets are inside, and the yard. The key to treating the yard is it must be done weekly for 4 weeks to break the flea life cycle, then usually once a month for control. If your pet comes in the house, the house must be treated with an insect growth regulator that not only kills adult fleas, but also prevents the hatching of eggs and growth in the carpet. All bedding should be washed in hot water and pet bedding should be replaced. Non-carpeted areas can be wet mopped to pick up flea eggs and non-cloth furniture wiped down. Make sure the product you choose says insect growth regulator on the label.

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As always, we recommend that you check with your veterinarian for your pet’s immediate health needs and concerns.

If you have questions about your pet’s health, care, and well-being, email your question to: NtTAskOurVet@hotmail.com

FELINE UPPER RESPIRATORY DISEASE

Despite the highly contagious nature of all the feline upper respiratory agents, most cats are at a very small risk for exposure. Typically infected cats come from the shelter, are outdoor cats, or are housed in closed contact with lots of other cats (experiencing crowding stress). The average housecat, who is not exposed to any rescued kittens, lives with only one or two other cats at most, and never goes outside is unlikely to break with infection.

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As always, we recommend that you check with your veterinarian for your pet’s immediate health needs and concerns.

If you have questions about your pet’s health, care, and well-being, email your question to: NtTAskOurVet@hotmail.com

DENTAL HEALTH

How does a loving pet owner know if dental care is needed?

Examination is the key to diagnosis and helps determine the type of treatment needed. A pet owner can help by examining their pet’s teeth and oral cavity at least monthly. First smell your pet’s breath. If you sense a disagreeable odor, gum disease may be present. Gum problems begin when bacteria accumulates at the gumline around the tooth. Unless brushed away daily, these bacteria can destroy tooth-supporting bone, cause bleeding and if untreated, tooth loss. Usually the first sign is bad breath. Other signs you may notice are red swollen gum, tartar, or loose teeth.

When your home exam reveals dental problems, a trip to the veterinarian is in order. Each teeth cleaning involves: (1) a general exam before anesthesia and pre-operative organ testing; (2) an oral exam under anesthesia; (3) gross calculus removal; (4) subgingival (below the gumline) scaling, root planning, and curettage where indicated; (5) tooth polishing; (6) irrigation; (7) fluoride application; (8) post cleaning exam and x-rays if needed; (9) dental charting for the medical record; (10) therapy if necessary; (11) home care instructions; (12) no-fee follow-up appointment to see how well you are performing home care.

Dogs and cats do not have to suffer the pain and discomfort of untreated broken or loose teeth or infected gums. With the help of thorough examinations, x-rays, dental care, and daily brushing, your pet can keep its teeth in its mouth where they should be.

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As always, we recommend that you check with your veterinarian for your pet’s immediate health needs and concerns.

If you have questions about your pet’s health, care, and well-being, email your question to: NtTAskOurVet@hotmail.com

ARTHRITIC NUTRICEUTICALS

Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate

These products are cartilage components harvested chiefly from sea mollusks. By taking these components orally, the patient is able to have plenty of the necessary building blocks needed to repair damaged cartilage.

Adequan^® Injections

Adequan^® is a polysulfated glycosaminoglycan, which is also a cartilage component but is derived from the windpipe cartilage of cattle. Adequan® has numerous beneficial effects including inhibition of harmful enzymes involving joint cartilage destruction, stimulation of cartilage repair, and increasing joint lubrication.

Omega 3 Fatty Acids

Certain fats have been found to have anti-inflammatory properties. While primarily utilized in the treatment of itchy skin, many arthritic dogs and cats have also benefited from supplementation.

MSM

MSM stands for methyl sulfonyl methane and represents another nutriceutical anti-inflammatory agent. MSM is present in most plant and animal tissues and is a natural source of sulfur, however, for commercial sale MSM is derived from DMSO.

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As always, we recommend that you check with your veterinarian for your pet’s immediate health needs and concerns.

If you have questions about your pet’s health, care, and well-being, email your question to: NtTAskOurVet@hotmail.com

OSTEOARTHRITIS

Preparing for your dog’s labor and puppy care can be both exciting and fun; still, awareness of potential

Since we are now in the colder and damper season of the year, animals (and people too!) are more so experiencing the pain of degenerative joint disease. The condition itself is the result of long-term stresses and instability of a joint either as a result of old injury or of natural development of the joint in that animal. While surgery may be able to help in some situations, most of the time degeneration of the joint cannot be reversed and treatment focuses on preventing progression of damage.

Numerous products are available; some are best combined with others and some cannot be combined. Most widely used are the NSAIDS (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs). These include aspirin, Rimadyl® Etogesic®, Metacam®, Zubrin®, and Deramaxx®. As with people, some animals respond better to different NSAIDS. If the effect is good, then the medication can be continued but blood testing is recommended prior to long-term use and every 6 months thereafter.

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As always, we recommend that you check with your veterinarian for your pet’s immediate health needs and concerns.

If you have questions about your pet’s health, care, and well-being, email your question to: NtTAskOurVet@hotmail.com

PRENATAL

Preparing for your dog’s labor and puppy care can be both exciting and fun; still, awareness of potential problems is of paramount importance. It is a good idea to keep track of your dog’s breeding date so as to know when to expect what.

The gestation period of the dog is considered to be 63 days with a normal range of 58 to 68 days. When your dog’s due date is approaching, you should begin monitoring her rectal temperature. When her temperature drops below 100°F (normal canine temperature 101 - 102°F), labor may be expected within 24 hours.

During the first stage of labor, uterine contractions begin. She will appear very restless and may pace, dig, shiver, pant, or even vomit. The second stage is the hard labor stage in which the puppy is expelled. The third stage refers to the expulsion of the placenta and afterbirth.

Puppies are born covered in membranes that must be cleaned away or the pup will suffocate. The mother will bite and lick the membranes away. Allow her a minute or two after birth to do this; if she does not do it, and then clean the pup for her. Simply remove the slippery covering and rub the puppy with a clean towel. The umbilical cord may be tied in a knot about one inch from the pup and cut with scissors on the far side of the knot.

Expect one pup every 45 to 60 minutes with 10 to 30 minutes of hard straining. It is normal for a rest partway through delivery, and she may not strain at all for up to 4 hours between pups.

Call your veterinarian if:

* 30 to 60 minutes of strong contractions occur with no puppy being produced.

* Greater than four hours pass between pups and you know there are more inside.

* She fails to go into labor within 24 hours of her temperature drop.

* She is in obvious extreme pain.

* Greater than 70 days of gestation have passed.

It is normal for her to spike a fever in the 24 to 48 hours following birth but is NOT accompanied by clinical signs of illness. Normal vaginal discharge after parturition should be odorless and may be green, dark red-brown or bloody and may persist in small amounts for up to 8 weeks.

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As always, we recommend that you check with your veterinarian for your pet’s immediate health needs and concerns.

If you have questions about your pet’s health, care, and well-being, email your question to: NtTAskOurVet@hotmail.com

URINARY INCONTINENCE

When a house pet develops urinary incontinence, many owners fear the worst. In reality, most cases of urinary incontinence are usually resolved with simple inexpensive medications. It is important to differentiate incontinence (involuntary urine leakage) from behavioral urinary issues (submissive urination, simple lack of housetraining, territorial marking, anxiety, or senile loss of housetraining). Animals may urinate in the house voluntarily and this is different from incontinence.

Most cases of incontinence are due to:

Infection in the urinary tract

Bladder infections are a common cause of urinary incontinence in young adult female dogs and geriatric cats. This condition is usually diagnosed by urine culture, though often signs of infections such as white blood cells or bacteria are actually visible in the urinalysis.

Excessive water consumption

Some animals drink so much water that their bladders simply overflow too easily. A urine specific gravity nearly the same as water, confirms excessive water consumption; in addition, blood tests may be indicated along with a urinalysis to determine the cause.

Weak bladder sphincter (especially common in spayed female dogs. Aging, obesity, reduced neurologic sensitivity in the sphincter and possibly other factors all contribute to this condition, which is especially common (up to one in five affected) in female dogs. Once other more serious conditions have been ruled out, the weak sphincter may be treated symptomatically with one of several medications.

While uncommon, other causes should not entirely be counted out, e.g., spinal damage especially in the lower back, kidney infection, or an ectopic ureter.

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As always, we recommend that you check with your veterinarian for your pet’s immediate health needs and concerns.

If you have questions about your pet’s health, care, and well-being, email your question to: NtTAskOurVet@hotmail.com

MIDDLE EAR INFECTIONS

Otitis externa (external ear inflammation) is a common and frustrating problem that can lead to middle ear infections if not adequately treated. Identification of the cause and correct treatment of otitis externa can completely resolve clinical signs and prevent recurrence or development of more serious disease.

Most patients present with head shaking and itchy ears and owners may be aware of the discharge and/or odor that are characteristic. The history (e.g., seasonality, age of onset, past occurrences) can be crucial in establishing primary causes and concurrent complaints may provide additional clues (e.g., salivary staining of the feet or stomach upset suggest underlying allergies).

Every abnormal ear should be examined and treatment is based on the findings. Fungal infections (e.g., yeast) can be suggestive of underlying allergy. Bacterial infections require antibiotics consistently for 4 up to 8 weeks. Inflammation with no infective agents indicates an allergic patient that could be helped with a topical anti-inflammatory to preclude complicating infections.

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As always, we recommend that you check with your veterinarian for your pet’s immediate health needs and concerns.

If you have questions about your pet’s health, care, and well-being, email your question to: NtTAskOurVet@hotmail.com

PARVO INFO

Q: My neighbor’s Rottweiler puppy just recovered from parvo after many days in the hospital – what are the chances my dog could get this?

A: Canine Parvovirus (commonly referred to as parvo) is an acute intestinal disease with a high death rate in unvaccinated dogs, mostly young puppies and older, immunocompromised animals.

The highly contagious virus is shed primarily in the feces of infected and recovering animals for 1 – 3 months. The shed virus persists in the environment and is resistant to most disinfectants. There is a higher risk of infection in summer and late fall.

It has been reported to favor certain breeds, such as Pit Bull Terriers, Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers, and German Shepherd dogs.

The first signs of infection include depression with a lack of appetite, followed by vomiting and often bloody diarrhea.

Since no specific antiviral therapy exists, treatment is aimed at rehydration.

Vaccination significantly lessens the chance of infection. Following natural infection, recovered animals have long-lasting immunity. In fact, their blood can be used to treat sick dogs.

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As always, we recommend that you check with your veterinarian for your pet’s immediate health needs and concerns.

If you have questions about your pet’s health, care, and well-being, email your question to: NtTAskOurVet@hotmail.com

ANIMALS HAVE ALLERGIES, TOO!

With an estimated 1 in 10 animals suffering from allergies, it could easily be a problem for your pet. In the allergic state, the animal’s immune system overreacts to allergens to which it is exposed.

Animals rarely cough or sneeze in response to allergens, they itch! Allergies are a year-round problem. However, you may only notice signs of allergy in your pet when pollen and mold counts are high, such as spring and fall.

The predicted long and hearty spring allergy season this year makes it even more important to control allergen exposure.

Here are some helpful tips:

w Medicate at the first sign of allergy. Antihistamines and fatty acid supplements (omega-3) can provide relief or significantly decrease the amount of corticosteriods needed. However, if the animal’s allergy signs last longer than three months, hyposensitization treatment is recommended to avoid the damaging side-effects of corticosteriods.

w Bathe your pet frequently. This reduces the amount of antigen absorbed through the skin.

w Change the air filters in your home. Add changing the air filter on your air-conditioning unit to your list of spring time start-up maintenance.

w Keep your windows shut. With winter over and warm

breezes beginning to blow, many people are tempted to “air out” their homes, especially from dusk to early morning.

Remember, these are peak pollen dispersal times and

opening the windows sends out an invitation to pollen grains looking for a place to settle!

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As always, we recommend that you check with your veterinarian for your pet’s immediate health needs and concerns.

If you have questions about your pet’s health, care, and well-being, email your question to: NtTAskOurVet@hotmail.com

FELINE LEUKEMIA VIRUS

(Editor’s Note: Taking care of pets is an important aspect of our everyday lives. Knowing when your pet is ill or in pain is just as valuable as knowing when he is happy and healthy. This month, Dr. Neary offers some guidelines to help you understand Feline Leukemia. )

The Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) causes a chronic infection that may induce cancer, immune deficiency, or bone marrow suppression.

FeLV, though shed in all bodily secretions, is transmitted primarily via saliva (usually during grooming), bite wounds, and shared use of food and water bowls and litter boxes. The virus is shed from both ill and healthy infected cats.

Many outcomes are possible after exposure, including recovery, latent infection (may reactivate during stress or immunosuppression), or persistent viremia (continues to shed the virus).

Acute infection has a variety of manifestations – fever, depression, diarrhea, enlarged lymph nodes, and possible apparent recovery with no further signs. But, immunosuppression with secondary infections is the major cause of death associated with FeLV.

Prevention involves vaccination of those cats at risk (outdoor cats) initially with two vaccines given 3-4 weeks apart, then with annual boosters.

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As always, we recommend that you check with your veterinarian for your pet’s immediate health needs and concerns.

If you have questions about your pet’s health, care, and well-being, email your question to: NtTAskOurVet@hotmail.com

Assessing Pain

Activity – A general decrease in activity or a reduced response to a caregiver may be a sign of pain. Older animals tend to withdraw more than younger animals when they experience pain. Conversely, an increase in activity (characterized by restlessness or agitation) can also indicate pain.

Appetite – Reduction in appetite can be associated with many medical conditions but can also be a nonspecific sign of pain.

Elimination – Previously reliable pets may start to house-soil due to pain associated with accessing acceptable elimination sites or actual pain associated with elimination.

Grooming – A reduction or redirection of grooming activity can be a sign of pain. If grooming is directed to a certain area of the body, this may be indicative of pain in that area. Cats that are ill or in pain may be unkempt due to a lack of proper grooming.

Posture – Changes in the pet’s posture such as trembling, stiffening, hunched-up or a low head carriage may indicate pain. Tail wagging in a dog is not indicative of a pain-free state – some dogs will still wag their tail in response to human attention despite pain.

Sleep Patterns – The inability to get comfortable or sleeping in an unusual posture may indicate pain. A lack of dreams (rapid-eye-movement sleep) may be a subtle sign of pain since pets may not be able to achieve that state of deep sleep.

Vocalization – Whining, crying, howling, or barking may be associated with painful conditions or anxiety. Aggressive vocalization may be an attempt to repel stimuli that inflict pain. In general younger animals are more prone to excessive vocalization. Lack of vocalization can be indicative of painful animals that are withdrawing from the environment.

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As always, we recommend that you check with your veterinarian for your pet’s immediate health needs and concerns.

If you have questions about your pet’s health, care, and well-being, email your question to: NtTAskOurVet@hotmail.com

Acupuncture

(Editor’s Note: Acupuncture is becoming a popular treatment option in veterinary medicine for many health situations. In addition to her many responsibilities, Dr. Neary is an acupuncture instructor. This month, Dr. Neary’s column is devoted to information, specifics, and answers about animal acupuncture.

Recently, the ancient practice of acupuncture (a cornerstone of traditional Chinese medicine) has come under investigation by western medical research as an additional avenue of treatment.

Acupuncture is performed by inserting small needles into specific sites (referred to as acupuncture points or points) to achieve desired effects. Stimulating these points can influence various aspects of the body’s physiology.

A typical session may last from 15 to 30 minutes and can include electrical stimulation of the needles. Initially, the sessions can be frequent but as treatment progresses, the sessions often become further apart or terminate completely.

Animals, like their human counterparts, tolerate acupuncture well and may even fall asleep during the procedure.

As with any medical therapy, there are limits to what acupuncture can achieve. The use of acupuncture (sometimes in concert with western treatments) can be used to treat a variety of conditions, some of which are listed below:

* chronic (long-term) or acute pain from arthritis, disease, or injury

* pain following any surgical procedures

* organ failure (such as kidney failure– to increase blood flow),

* neurological problems (such as disc disease or trauma),

* immunologic problems

* skin conditions

* behavioral problems (such as cat urine spraying)

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As always, we recommend that you check with your veterinarian for your pet’s immediate health needs and concerns.

If you have questions about your pet’s health, care, and well-being, email your question to: NtTAskOurVet@hotmail.com

Palliative Measures for the Cancer Patient

(Editor’s Note: We receive may emails, faxes, and letters each month with questions about your pets. There are many questions about cancer and when is it time. Dr. Neary has extensive experience in oncology and has written this month’s column to address our readers’ concerns about their pet’s situation.)

For some cancer cases, when treatment targeted at disease control is not possible or feasible and the owner is not prepared for euthanasia, patient management often turns to palliation. The goal of palliation, defined as “pain relief”, is to maintain the quality of life for as long as possible.

Successful palliative measures allow an owner to spend more time with their pet and become more comfortable with the decision making for their terminal patient. However, palliation should not be used to prolong an animals life in situations where the quality of life is unacceptable.

Using past experience, your veterinarian is able to recognize these situations and recommend the best course of action, based on the owners goals and expectations.

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As always, we recommend that you check with your veterinarian for your pet’s immediate health needs and concerns.

If you have questions about your pet’s health, care, and well-being, email your question to: NtTAskOurVet@hotmail.com

Infected Toe

Q: Our Golden Retriever has had an infected toe for months. The vet has had him on antibiotics and it help some but it has not healed completely. He wants to amputate the toe as he says it could be cancer. Can toe infections be associated with cancer.

A: It is possible, as bacterial claw infections are almost always an indicator of an underlying problem.

If one or more claws are affected, previous trauma could be the cause. In these cases, the affected claw is often split and oozing pus. In addition, toe swelling and pain are often present. Osteomyelitis may develop as a result of chronic infection and may require claw amputation.

If many claws are affected, underlying conditions such as hypothyroidism, Cushing’s disease, and autoimmune disorders must be ruled out. In these situations, fever, depression, and regional lymph node enlargement may be present.

However, in all these cases, prognosis for claw regrowth is good if the underlying cause is identified and addressed.

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As always, we recommend that you check with your veterinarian for your pet’s immediate health needs and concerns.

If you have questions about your pet’s health, care, and well-being, email your question to: NtTAskOurVet@hotmail.com

Bump on Dog's Gum

Q: My 9 year old dog has a small bump on his gum line. It is right next to a tooth and feels hard. I have brushed his teeth but not in the last few months so I just noticed this. Could this be an abscess or something else? He eats his food without a problem. I will call my vet, but it may be a few days before we can get an appointment and I am concerned. What could this possible be?

A: This “bump” may be an epulis; however biopsy of the mass is diagnostic and is needed to rule out other cancerous types. An epulis is a benign tumor that arises from the periodontal connective tissue and is often located in the gum tissue near the incisors.

Epulis is most commonly observed in geriatric dogs, but it can occur at any age.

Because of their location, epulis are often discovered before signs develop; however, dogs may be presented for anorexia, drooling, oral bleeding, trouble breathing, and bad breath. Most types of epulides are treated with surgical excision. Some may require radiation therapy or chemotherapy. The prognosis is guarded to good.

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As always, we recommend that you check with your veterinarian for your pet’s immediate health needs and concerns.

If you have questions about your pet’s health, care, and well-being, email your question to: NtTAskOurVet@hotmail.com

Canine Seizures

Q: My 3-year old miniature Scottie suffered a seizure. My vet said that since the dog had not suffered head trauma nor had he gotten into poison, there was nothing to be done. He told me to watch the dog and if it happens again to call.

He also told me that seizures are relatively common in dogs after three years of age. Is that is true because I’ve has never experienced it before with any of my other dogs.

A: Seizures, one of the most frequently seen neurologic disorders in dogs, have many causes. In young dogs, structural abnormalities, such as liver shunts or hydrocephalus (an abnormal amount of fluid within the brain) are a common cause of seizures. In older animals, degenerative disease or brain tumors are often the cause.

For outdoor dogs, exposure to toxins, such as antifreeze must be considered. Epilepsy is the most common cause of seizures. Between 2% and 3% of dogs and 0.5% of cats are diagnosed with epilepsy.

Determining the cause of a seizure may include a physical examination, an EKG, and a basic blood profile. The results of these tests are used to rule out disorders of the heart, liver, kidneys, electrolytes, and blood sugar level.

If the results are normal and there is no exposure to poison or history of head trauma, usually no treatment is required beyond monitoring the frequency and severity of the seizure. Those dogs that have seizures frequently enough may need continuous anticonvulsant therapy.

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As always, we recommend that you check with your veterinarian for your pet’s immediate health needs and concerns.

If you have questions about your pet’s health, care, and well-being, email your question to: NtTAskOurVet@hotmail.com

WEST NILE VIRUS

FACTS, TREATMENT, PREVENTION

The West Nile virus was first identified in the West Nile district of Uganda in 1937, and first recognized in the United States in 1999.

How is West Nile Virus transmitted? Mosquitoes draw the virus from feeding on infected birds. After 10 to 14 days, the infected mosquitoes transmit the virus contained in its saliva via bites to humans and other animals. West Nile virus is not spread from person to person nor animal to person. In areas where mosquitoes carry the virus, less than 1% are actually infected. Less than 1% of those people bitten by an infected mosquito become severely ill. Thus, the risk of contracting West Nile virus from a single mosquito bite is extremely low.

What are the symptoms of West Nile Virus infection?

Horses - Infected horses most commonly show hindquarter weakness manifested by a widened stance, stumbling, leaning to one side, or toe dragging; even paralysis can occur. Occasionally, horses can have a fever, be depressed, or fearful. About 1 in 10 horses infected show signs of encephalitis (inflammation of the brain), and about one-third of these horses die.

Humans - Most people infected with West Nile virus will not show any symptoms. A minority will have very mild signs such as fever, headache, body aches, and sometimes skin rash and swollen glands. A small number of cases have been fatal and highest among the elderly.

Other Animals - Infected wild birds are most often found dead. West Nile virus in pets is rare, but any dog or cat showing signs of fever, incoordination, muscle weakness or spasms, paralysis, or seizures should be seen by a veterinarian.

How is West Nile Virus treated? No specific therapy is available for a West Nile virus infection. Intensive supportive therapy (e.g., hospitalization, intravenous fluids, prevention of secondary infections, good nursing care) may be required. Once an animal or person is recovered, immunity to West Nile virus is life-long.

How can a West Nile Virus infection be prevented? A West Nile virus vaccine is available for horses. For other animals and people, reducing exposure to mosquitoes can lower the risk. Avoid areas where mosquitoes are plentiful. Avoid being outdoors between dusk and dawn during warm weather, which is peak mosquito biting time.

Use screens on windows and doors to control mosquitoes indoors. If outdoors, wear protective clothing and use mosquito repellents on exposed skin and clothing. For pets, do not use human products that contain DEET but only those labeled safe for dogs and cats.

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As always, we recommend that you check with your veterinarian for your pet’s immediate health needs and concerns.

If you have questions about your pet’s health, care, and well-being, email your question to: NtTAskOurVet@hotmail.com

MONKEYPOX

Human monkeypox is a rare viral disease occurring primarily in the tropical rain forest countries of central and west Africa. The current U.S. outbreak was caused by a large group of prairie dogs infected after contact with small mammals imported from Ghana . Many of the U.S. cases were associated with exposure to prairie dogs through bites or handling of an ill animal (or its cage/bedding).

In humans, the illness begins with a fever, headache, muscle aches, swollen lymph nodes, and exhaustion and lasts for 2 to 4 weeks. Within 1 to 3 days, the patient develops a blister-like rash similar to that of smallpox. Currently, there is no proven, safe treatment for monkeypox.

To prevent infection, people should avoid contact with any prairie dogs. As always, careful hand washing is encouraged after any contact with an ill animal.

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As always, we recommend that you check with your veterinarian for your pet’s immediate health needs and concerns.

If you have questions about your pet’s health, care, and well-being, email your question to: NtTAskOurVet@hotmail.com

Feline Leukemia

Q: How do cats get leukemia -- is it transmitted by anything particular?

A: Feline leukemia is spread by DIRECT contact with infected cats. It is usually transmitted via the saliva, but low levels of virus can also be found in urine and feces.

Biting, licking, grooming and via in utero are common forms of transmission. Food and water dishes and litter boxes are likely sources of infections, if healthy cats share them with infected cats.

Vaccination is recommended for all cats that have exposure to free-roaming cats or to known FeLV-infected cats.

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As always, we recommend that you check with your veterinarian for your pet’s immediate health needs and concerns.

If you have questions about your pet’s health, care, and well-being, email your question to: NtTAskOurVet@hotmail.com

Exercise Intolerance & Collapse

Q: My black Lab, Lucky, has been displaying symptoms of I don’t know what. After running or hunting, he just lays down and sometimes shakes violently (his whole body). Also, when I touch him I can feel strong muscle spasms. Any prognosis or possible advice would be appreciated. We have been assuming and treating it as a vitamin/iron deficiency (tablets) but so far to no avail.

A: A syndrome of exercise intolerance and collapse (EIC) is being observed with increasing frequency in young adult Labrador Retrievers. Signs first become apparent in young dogs, between 7 months and 2 years of age. Dogs of either sex and any color can be affected. Littermates and other related dogs are

commonly affected. Dogs with EIC are usually described as being extremely fit, muscular, prime athletic specimens of their breed with an excitable temperament and lots of retrieving drive.

Affected dogs can tolerate mild to moderate exercise, but after 5 to 15 minutes of strenuous exercise they develop weakness, apparent incoordination, and then collapse. The dogs do not seem to be in pain during the collapse. They are conscious and usually trying to continue exercising. After 10 to 20 minutes of rest, the dogs return to normal. As long as intense exercise, excitement and training stress are avoided, they can live normal lives as pets. Many affected dogs will seem to “get better” as they age and their activity and excitement levels

naturally diminish. The best treatment in most dogs consists of avoiding intensive exercise in conjunction with extreme excitement and ending exercise at the first hint of weakness or wobbliness. A few dogs have a positive response with a carnitine, CoEnzyme Q, and Riboflavin cocktail or the nutraceutical 7-KETO.

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As always, we recommend that you check with your veterinarian for your pet’s immediate health needs and concerns.

If you have questions about your pet’s health, care, and well-being, email your question to: NtTAskOurVet@hotmail.com

Puppy Strangles

Q: I have a 6 month old Lhaso Apso female dog. At the same time that she went into her first heat she seemed to be sleeping a lot and was not her normal playful self. Later in the day she felt very hot and she had very swollen glands on the right side of her stomach. The glands under her neck were also swollen. She soon had a high fever, was very lethargic, and would not eat. It took three veterinarians to finally diagnose that she had something called “Puppy Strangles.” Could you tell me more about this?

A: Juvenile cellulitis (also known as puppy strangles) is a common disease affecting puppies from 3 weeks to 12 months old. It is most often seen in dachshunds, retrievers, and pointers. It can also affect other littermates.

The most common sign is an enlargement of the lymph nodes of the neck but skin lesions of the head and neck are usually noticed first. In some cases, fever or a lack of eating is also present.

Juvenile cellulitis may be fatal if not treated with a course of steroids. Therefore, anyone with a dog that presents these symptoms should visit their veterinarian as soon as possible to begin treatment.

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As always, we recommend that you check with your veterinarian for your pet’s immediate health needs and concerns.

If you have questions about your pet’s health, care, and well-being, email your question to: NtTAskOurVet@hotmail.com

Nose-To-Toes is a monthly publication and website distributed by Melody Tucker, MTA, P.O. Box 2029, Lynnwood, WA 98036. Nose-To-Toes is a registered trademark of MTA. As a new/information newsletter and website, data is gathered from published reports and documents, and advertisements are received from sponsoring companies, and the inclusion of product, service, or treatment information does not constitute an endorsement, and in no way is intended as a substitute or medical counseling. Nose-To-Toes strives for accuracy in its articles and honesty in its advertisements, but the publisher and editor assume no responsibility for injuries or loss incurred by anyone utilizing the information in the articles or responding to the ads. Nothing may be reproduced in whole or in part without written permission from MTA.

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