Providence Veterinary Hospital

Feline Immunosuppressive Diseases

2012-02-11T16:18:00.000-05:00

There are three viral diseases that infect your cat and have similar outcomes. We call these viruses the Feline Immunosuppressive Disease group. All three viruses can infect your cat by transmitting the virus from one cat to another cat. All three viruses can be fatal. All three viral diseases have little hope of cure. Testing your cat and possibly vaccinating your cat is the only hope for prevention.

Although these diseases are often grouped together, they are quite different in viral cause and clinical signs. They often hoodwink the veterinarian because there are no clinical signs early in any of these diseases. They often do not announce themselves for what they are – sneaky killers of cats.

Let’s start with

Feline Leukemia (FeLV)

FeLV or Feline Leukemia Virus is found world-wide. It is caused by a retrovirus. The prevalence of infection varies greatly depending on their age, health, environment, and lifestyle. In the United States, approximately 2 to 3% of all cats are infected with FeLV. Rates rise significantly—13% or more—in cats that are ill, very young, or otherwise at high risk of infection.

Infected mother cat

Cats persistently infected with FeLV serve as sources of infection. Virus is shed in very high quantities in saliva and nasal secretions, but also in urine, feces, and milk from infected cats. Cat-to-cat transfer of virus may occur from a bite wound, during mutual grooming, and (though rarely) through the shared use of litter boxes and feeding dishes. Transmission can also take place from an infected mother cat to her kittens, either before they are born or while they are nursing.

Clinical Signs

During the early stages of infection, it is common for cats to exhibit no signs of disease at all. However, over time—weeks, months, or even years—the cat's health may progressively deteriorate or be characterized by recurrent illness interspersed with periods of relative health. Signs can include:

· Loss of appetite

· Slow but progressive weight loss, followed by severe wasting late in the disease process

· Poor coat condition

· Enlarged lymph nodes

· Persistent fever

· Pale gums and other mucus membranes

· Inflammation of the gums (gingivitis) and mouth (stomatitis)

· Infections of the skin, urinary bladder, and upper respiratory tract

· Persistent diarrhea

· Seizures, behavior changes, and other neurological disorders

· A variety of eye conditions

· In unspayed female cats, abortion of kittens or other reproductive failures

Prevention

The only sure way to protect cats is to prevent their exposure to FeLV-infected cats. You can do this by:

· Keep cats indoors, away from potentially infected cats that might bite them. If you do allow your cats outdoor access, provide supervision or place them in a secure enclosure to prevent wandering and fighting.

· Adopt only infection-free cats into households with uninfected cats.

· House infection-free cats separately from infected cats, and don't allow infected cats to share food and water bowls or litter boxes with uninfected cats.

· Consider FeLV vaccination of uninfected cats. (FeLV vaccination of infected cats is not beneficial.) Discuss the advantages and disadvantages of vaccination with your veterinarian. FeLV vaccines are widely available, but since not all vaccinated cats will be protected, preventing exposure remains important even for vaccinated pets.

Feline Infectious Peritonitis

Feline infectious peritonitis (FIP) is a viral disease of cats caused by certain strains of a virus called the feline coronavirus. Cats infected with a feline coronavirus generally do not show any symptoms during the initial viral infection, and an immune response occurs with the development of antiviral antibodies. In a small percent of infected cats (5 to 10 percent), either by a mutation of the virus or by an aberration of the immune response, the infection progresses into clinical FIP. The virus is then referred to as feline infectious peritonitis virus (FIPV). With the assistance of the antibodies that are supposed to protect the cat, white blood cells are infected with virus, and these cells then transport the virus throughout the cat's body.

The Risk

Any cat that carries any coronavirus is potentially at risk for developing FIP. However, cats with weak immune systems are most likely to develop the disease, including kittens, cats already infected with feline leukemia virus (FeLV), and geriatric cats. Most cats that develop FIP are under two years of age, but cats of any age may develop the disease.

FIP is relatively uncommon in the general cat population. However, the disease rate is much higher in multiple-cat populations, such as some shelters and catteries.

Clinical Signs

Cats that have been initially exposed to the feline coronavirus usually show no obvious symptoms. Some cats may show mild upper respiratory symptoms such as sneezing, watery eyes, and nasal discharge. Other cats may experience a mild intestinal disease and show symptoms such as diarrhea. Only a small percentage of cats that are exposed to the feline coronavirus develop FIP-and this can occur weeks, months, or even years after initial exposure.

Cat with FIP

In cats that develop FIP, the symptoms can appear to be sudden since cats have an amazing ability to mask disease until they are in a crisis state. Once symptoms develop, often there is increasing severity over the course of several weeks, ending in death. Generally, these cats first develop nonspecific symptoms such as loss of appetite, weight loss, depression, rough hair coat, and fever.

There are two major forms of FIP, an effusive, or "wet" form, and a noneffusive, or "dry" form. Generally, cats will exhibit the signs of the noneffusive form FIP more slowly than the effusive form. Symptoms generally include chronic weight loss, depression, anemia, and a persistent fever that does not respond to antibiotic therapy.

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus

Virologists classify feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) as a lentivirus (or "slow virus"). FIV is in the same retrovirus family as feline leukemia virus (FeLV), but the viruses differ in many ways including their shape.

The Infection

FIV-infected cats are found worldwide, but the prevalence of infection varies greatly. In the United States, approximately 1.5 to 3 percent of healthy cats are infected with FIV. Rates rise significantly-15 percent or more-in cats that are sick or at high risk of infection. Because biting is the most efficient means of viral transmission, free-roaming, aggressive male cats are the most frequently infected.

           Clinical Signs

            Cat infected with FIV can have:

      ·   Poor coat condition and persistent fever with a loss of appetite are commonly seen.

· Inflammation of the gums (gingivitis) and mouth (stomatitis) and chronic or recurrent infections of the skin, urinary bladder, and upper respiratory tract are often present.

Cat with FIV

· Persistent diarrhea can also be a problem, as can a variety of eye conditions.

· Slow but progressive weight loss is common, followed by severe wasting late in the disease process.

· Various kinds of cancer and blood diseases are much more common in cats infected with FIV, too.

· In unspayed female cats, abortion of kittens or other reproductive failures have been noted.

· Some infected cats experience seizures, behavior changes, and other neurological disorders.

Prevention: the test and FIV vaccine

When to test:

· If your cat has never been tested.

· If your cat is sick, even if it tested free of infection in the past but subsequent exposure can't be ruled out.

· When cats are newly adopted, whether or not they will be entering a household with other cats.

· If your cat has recently been exposed to an infected cat.

· If your cat is exposed to cats that may be infected (for example, if your cat goes outdoors unsupervised or lives with other cats that might be infected). Your veterinarian may suggest testing periodically (yearly) as long as your cat is exposed
to potentially infected cats.

·      If you're considering vaccinating with an FIV vaccine.

      It is my opinion that cats that live in multi-cat households and cats that go outside, even occasionally, should be tested and vaccinated for the Feline Immunosuppressive Disease group. Even if the vaccines are not 100% protective, as many argue, proactive testing and vaccinating is better that no protection at all.

      Cats that live alone and never go out still have a small risk. The risk is not zero. It comes down to personal choice for you and your cat(s).

      Some information in this article was obtained through Cornell Feline Health Center, Cornell University, College of Veterinary Medicine, Ithaca, New York.

     The Providence Veterinary Hospital Blog is a publication of Peter Herman, VMD, at the Providence Veterinary Hospital, 2400 Providence Ave. in Chester, PA. Contact Dr. Herman at 610-872-4000 or visit us at http://www.providencevet.com

Prescription Diets as Part of Medical Treatment

2012-01-11T13:12:00.001-05:00

If your dog or cat gets sick, many times there is a diet that could decease or control the disease problem. There is not a diet for every disease, but with present day veterinary medicine, there are quite a few that help.

Pet With Early Kidney Failure

About 85 years ago, there was a veterinarian in New Jersey that commercialized the first diet specific for an ailment in a dog. His name was Dr. Mark Morris and he formulated a pet diet for kidney failure. Today, that commercial diet is one of many produced by Hill’s Prescription Diets. Additionally, there are multiple companies producing diets specific to cat and dog ailments. Some examples of other companies that focus on prescription diets are: Eukanuba, Purina, and Royal Canin. There are others. I am familiar with these companies and prescribe their products. These same companies have a commercial line of products that do not require a prescription and can be found in pet shops and supermarkets. Although they are good quality foods, they are not the same as the prescription diet.

You can now find a range of dog and cat foods that have been created as nutritional aids in the treatment and dietary management of dogs and cats with specific health problems. Today vet-prescribed dietetic foods - often known as therapeutic diets – or prescription diets play a major role in modern veterinary practice, supporting the treatment of many canine and feline diseases, either as the sole therapy or as part of the total treatment.

The science behind these formulations is often ground-breaking, each providing a proper balance of total nutrients while satisfying special dietary needs. Such foods can support or replace drugs and dramatically increase a dog or cat’s chances of living a longer and healthier life.

Some of the more commonly prescribed therapeutic diets offer nutritional support for dogs suffering from

· Heart conditions, high blood pressure or fluid retention;

· Diabetes mellitus, constipation and diarrhea;

· Dermatitis and inflammatory skin conditions;

· Gastrointestinal conditions such as enteritis gastritis pancreatitis and inflammatory bowel disease;

· Severe food allergies or intolerance;

· Inflammatory joint conditions, or arthritis (or for healthy dogs predisposed to joint disorders);

· Kidney failure or liver disease;

· Clinical obesity;

· Urinary and bladder disorders.

· Feline Urological Syndrome

· Hyperthyroid disease in cats

I have chosen two examples of disorders as representative samples of special diets.

Measuring Vital Signs

Kidney Disease

Older dogs may suffer from a gradual loss of kidney function. The kidneys normally act as selective filters, maintaining the body's electrolyte balance and eliminating important waste products such as urea, an end product of protein metabolism. The kidneys also help regulate calcium and phosphorus balance.

Early symptoms of kidney disease include increased thirst and urination, weight loss and pale gums, due to anemia. When kidney function is reduced, waste products begin to build up in the bloodstream, making the animal feel ill. Mild cases, however, often produce no symptoms. They may only be discovered with a routine blood test.

Hill's RX Diet for Kidney Disease

Feeding a special diet can slow the progression of kidney disease in many dogs. Sodium restriction lessens the risk of high blood pressure, a common consequence of kidney disease. Also, dogs in kidney failure tend to develop increased serum phosphate, so phosphorus restriction is necessary.

The work load on the kidneys is reduced through dietary management by providing the dog with just enough high-quality protein (complete protein, such as egg or cottage cheese, is often used) to meet its needs, but no more. The end result is less stress on the kidneys, a lower level of urea in the blood-stream, and a dog that feels better.

Intestinal Problems

Therapeutic diets are commonly used for dogs that experience vomiting or diarrhea. Consisting primarily of boiled meat and rice, these bland diets are nonirritating and easily absorbed by the intestinal system.

Royal Canin Diet for Intestinal Disorders

Following a gastrointestinal upset, most dogs are initially held off food for 24 to 48 hours, giving the GI system a chance to rest. Then they are offered the special diet, in small amounts, for several days, before the dog's original diet is slowly reintroduced.

Other intestinal disorders require lifelong administration of a therapeutic diet. Dogs with some types of colitis, for example, suffer from periodic bouts of illness, and are commonly maintained on this low-fat, easily absorbed yet nutritional diet.

Compliance and Its Importance

If you take your pet into your veterinarian because he or she is not feeling well, and your pet’s doctor makes a definitive diagnosis, he or she may prescribe a special diet. The diet make be accompanied by medicine or may stand alone.

Either way, the diet prescribed was researched for the disease by qualified scientists in the field and in most cases, many millions of dollars invested in the research. Why on earth would you alter this formula?

Here is an example. “Sam” is a 6 year old male cat with little crystals that block him from urinating. The medical term is called Feline Urological Syndrome. He got put on a special diet to control the production of the crystals. One year later, he is back in the hospital with a blockage. The owner’s comment was, “Doc, this food was really expensive so I bought an over the counter food just like the one you sold me.” In fact, there are foods over the counter that market themselves as prescription diets. In most cases, they are not the same or even close.

The Providence Veterinary Hospital Blog is a publication of Peter Herman, VMD, at the Providence Veterinary Hospital, 2400 Providence Ave. in Chester, PA. Contact Dr. Herman at 610-872-4000 or visit us at http://www.providencevet.com/.

Winterizing Your Pet and Holiday Safety Ideas

2011-12-03T13:15:00.001-05:00

I started out writing about the Holidays and pet safety. I decided to include cold weather, winter and general safety ideas for the holiday seasons coming up: Thanksgiving, Hanukkah, Christmas, Kwanzaa and any other holiday season that occurs in the cold Northeast region of the USA during this time of year.

Before you do anything to protect your pet, take your pet for a winter check-up before winter kicks in. Your veterinarian can check to make sure they don’t have any medical problems that will make them more vulnerable to the cold.

Winter

Cold weather can be hard on pets, just like it can be hard on people. Sometimes owners forget that their pets are just as accustomed to the warm shelter of the indoors as they are. Some owners will leave their animals outside for extended periods of time, thinking that all animals are adapted to live outdoors. This can put their pets in danger of serious illness.

Keep your pets inside as much as you can when the mercury drops. If you have to take them out, stay outside with them. When you’re cold enough to go inside, they probably are too. If you absolutely must leave them outside for a significant length of time, make sure they have a warm, solid shelter against the wind, thick bedding (hay is a great insulator that they can snuggle down in), and plenty of non-frozen water.

Cats will curl up against almost anything to stay warm--including car engines. Cats caught in moving engine parts can be seriously hurt or killed. Before you turn your engine on, check beneath the car or make a lot of noise by honking the horn or rapping on the hood.

If you light a fire or plug in a space heater to keep your home toasty warm, remember that the heat will be as attractive to your pets as to you. As your dog or cat snuggles up to the warmth, keep an eye out to make sure that no tails or paws come in contact with flames, heating coils, or hot surfaces. Pets can either burn themselves or knock a heat source over and put the entire household in danger.

Pets that go outside can pick up rock salt, ice, and chemical ice melts in their foot pads. To keep your pet’s pads from getting chapped and raw, wipe the feet with a washcloth when your pet comes inside.

Never let your dog off the leash on snow or ice, especially during a snowstorm, dogs can lose their scent and easily become lost. More dogs are lost during the winter than during any other season, so make sure yours always wears ID tags.

Like coolant, antifreeze is a lethal poison for dogs and cats. Be sure to thoroughly clean up any spills from your vehicle, and consider using products that contain propylene glycol rather than ethylene glycol.

Holidays

Hanukkah and Christmas can be happy events but the holidays can be disastrous and even downright deadly for pets. Seasonal decorations, ornamental lighting, ingestion of inappropriate or toxic items, excessive consumption of rich foods or harmful food, candle flames, candles and many other hazards can happen at this time of year.

Remember that plants (holly, mistletoe, poinsettia, lilies, Christmas rose, etc,) are poisonous to pets.

Unsecured Christmas trees pose hazards to climbing critters as they can topple or be knocked over.

Don't forget to prevent the ingestion of Christmas tree water since stagnant water or preservatives can be toxic.

Mistletoe, holly berries and poinsettia plants can be poisonous to pets, causing severe upset stomachs. Pine needles can irritate a pet's intestine and cause an emergency visit to the vet. Consider using repellent sprays or a doggie gate to help keep pets away from areas and objects that may be harmful.

Other holiday hazards include menorahs, candles and liquid potpourri pots.

Electrical cords, heated decorative bulbs, hooks, and a wide variety of other adornment items create temptations.

Keep trash lids on tight. Chewed aluminum foil and e-coili are risks to pets.

Store food in secure containers out of reach to prevent ingestion or poisoning.

Rich foods and inappropriate feeding can create health complications for household critters. Dangerous food items include holiday favorites such as chocolate, coffee, onions, fatty foods, alcoholic beverages, and cooked or raw bones.

During holiday parties, pets may not understand why their usually quiet home is filled with people and noise. Provide pets with a quiet place to retreat. This way, they can choose whether to come out and visit or keep to themselves.

With a little forward thinking, before the excitement of holiday times begin, think your way through the types of hazards your pet might decide to get involved with. This is not a complete list of do's and don't, but hopefully it will stimulate your thinking enough and possibly prevent a catastrophic event during the holidays.

Seasons Greetings!

The Providence Veterinary Hospital Blog is a publication of Peter Herman, VMD, at the Providence Veterinary Hospital, 2400 Providence Ave. in Chester, PA. Contact Dr. Herman at 610-872-4000 or visit us at http://www.providencevet.com/.

Dogs and Cats that Eat Things They Should Not

2011-10-29T15:47:00.000-04:00

Dog ate my homework and other things

Dogs and cats, like children, are curious animals and love to play. However, they also like to chew on their toys and stuff and, as a result, sometimes swallow harmful objects that can affect their digestion and life. It is important that you protect your dog or cat from ingesting dangerous foreign bodies.

A gastrointestinal foreign body refers to any material other than food that is eaten and that results in serious digestive problems. Foreign bodies can become lodged in the stomach and intestines creating an obstruction. Commonly ingested non-food items include toys, string, clothing, and plastic. In fact, any household object your dog or cat chews on can become a foreign body problem.

Dogs of any age are susceptible to developing foreign body problems but this is most commonly seen in young dogs or cats less than 2 years of age. These youngsters are naturally curious and enjoy playing. Popular chew toys for dogs are socks, shoes, pantyhose and underwear. Cats prefer shoelaces, strings, yarn and needles. Frequently, while playing and chewing on these items, the dog or cat may unintentionally ingest some or all of the material. Although some smaller foreign bodies can pass through the gut without getting stuck and causing a problem, the larger pieces can result in serious gastrointestinal complications.
My pediatrician used to say that nickles and dimes are not worth calling about. But call him if my child swallows a quarter or half dollar.

What to Watch For

Dogs that have ingested a foreign object usually show signs of gastrointestinal upset. If your dog refuses to eat, begins vomiting, drooling or has abnormal bowel movements, contact your veterinarian. In some instances, you may notice a foreign object, such as a string, protruding from the rectum of your dog or cat. Do not try to pull the object out - consult your vet.

Diagnosis

Your veterinarian will begin by obtaining a complete and thorough medical history, including recent chewing on foreign material. A physical examination will follow. If a foreign body is suspected, abdominal radiographs (x-rays) will be recommended. Most foreign objects can be confirmed on plain x-rays but a few elusive ones may require a dye material like barium in order for diagnosis.
Since removal of most foreign bodies requires surgery, once a gastrointestinal foreign body is diagnosed, your veterinarian may order blood tests to assess the general health of your dog.

Actual Case at Providence Veterinary Hospital

Scampy, a 23 month old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, stopped eating and was swallowing with effort as if he had heartburn. Radiographs were taken and the stomach appeared to be full. Scampy hadn’t eaten much so what was in the stomach?

After a barium series, it was determined that something indeed was in the stomach and probable not going anywhere. We monitored Scampi for a few days to see if whatever was there would pass. It did not.

It was decided that surgery should be done to remove whatever we saw on radiographs.

Sock taken out of Scampy's stomach

After an incision in the abdomen and then one in the stomach, a sock was removed from Scampy’s stomach. Here is the picture of the sock with a quarter next to it to see the relative size of the sock ingested.

Once Scampy was able to eat and drink without vomiting, he was sent home.
Preventative Care
The best way to prevent your dog from ingesting foreign bodies is to prevent access to objects that could be swallowed. Keep dangerous objects away from your dog and allow him to chew only on toys that cannot be swallowed. Never let him play with string or clothing.

If you suspect that your dog may have ingested something that may not pass through his intestinal tract, contact your veterinarian. Waiting until your pet starts to vomit will make removal of the foreign material more difficult, dangerous and costly.

The Providence Veterinary Hospital Blog is a publication of Peter Herman, VMD, at the Providence Veterinary Hospital, 2400 Providence Ave. in Chester, PA. Contact Dr. Herman at 610-872-4000 or visit us at http://www.providencevet.com/.

What You Need To Know About Canine Arthritis

2011-09-07T14:27:00.059-04:00

Canine arthritis involves the inflammation in a joint or joints. This can result in changes to the joint cartilage, the joint fluid, the bones involved in the joint and the actual capsule of the joint depending on the cause of the inflammation.

There are many causes that create arthritis. Listed below are the main types:

Osteoarthritis - trauma, wear and tear

Immune-mediated - Rheumatiod

Genetic - malformed hips, elbows or knees

Infective - Lyme or Anaplasma

Idiopathic (where the cause is unknown)

Arthritis Symptoms

Osteoarthritis or degenrative joint disease is a painful condition and can make your dog's life miserable, therefore the sooner you detect the signs of dog arthritis, the faster you can adopt measures to slow its progression and help save your dog from further pain. Here is a rundown on some of the symptoms that your dog may have athritis:

Stiffness, lameness, or limping after rest
Loss of appetite or unusual weight gain
Inactivity and sleeping a lot more
Relutance to walk, run or climb stairs
Unusual urinating in the house
Irritability and behavioural changes
Depressed or withdrawn

If your dog has any of these symptoms, take it to a veterinarian for a full diagnosis. Typical dog arthritis evaluation will involve some physical examinations, blood tests and X-rays. In some cases, a synovial (joint) fluid analysis may be performed if joint swelling is noticed.

Treatment of Canine Arthritis

Once you confirm that your dog has joint pain due to arthritis, you will need to know what you can do to help relieve the pain and minimize your pet's arthritic discomfort.

There are many ways to keep your dog's arthritis condition under control and to substantially improve the quality of your dog's life. Some treatment options available for canine arthritis include:

Physical Therapy

Light to moderate exercise is encouraged because it helps maintain your dog's muscle mass and perserves joint flexibilty. Swimming is an exccellent exercise that improves muscle mass without overstressing the joints. Overweight dogs should be encouraged to lose weight to delay the onset degenerative arthritis.

Medication

There are always conventional medications to treat arthritis and help relieve dog joint pain. The use of Nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS) and their anti-inflammatory properties can help provide rapid relief for your dog's arthritis pain, but they do not repair or heal cartilage.

Caution: Never give your dog any human form of medication such as common household aspirin. If you are going to give your dog aspirin or steriods for arthritis pain, make sure you understand the possible side effects that may affect your dog.

Surgery

Surgery is usually recommended as a last resort treatment for dogs with canine arthritis because the treatment is expensive and it may also cause even further pro-longed pain for your dog. Your veterinarian will only suggest surgery when all other possible non-surgical treatments are exhausted to relieve your dog’s pain. The types of surgery available include joint repair, fusion, hip replacement and arthroscopic surgery.

Alternative Supplements for Arthritis Pain Relief and Joint Health

Supplements containing glucosamine and chondroitin can be very helpful for dogs primarily where the joints are involved. Glucosamine is naturally present in animal bones and as a dietary supplement, it can help to promote new cartilage growth, relieve joints and muscle pain and improve joint mobility.

Acupuncture can give excellent results in pain management and may eliminate the requirement for medications.

Herbal medicine can give great benefits also as they are designed to treat the animal in a holistic manner. Be confident in your choice of herbal practitioner and ask your veterinarian for guidance if unsure.

Future Prevention

If your dog is diagnosed with canine arthritis, work with your vet to establish a holistic treatment plan to help your dog live each day as pain free as possible.

Good healthy diets and proper exercise help your dog either avoid canine arthritis or reduce its affects.

A good healthy diet that prevents your dog from gaining too much weight is ideal. Diet is even more important when your dog is a puppy. Puppies need well-balanced, wholesome diets, with added calcium, to help minimize the likelihood of joint displacement. Adding omega 3 oil to the diet will also help to balance out its diet and add valuable vitamins and minerals it needs every day.

Contrary to what many people think, exercise is vital for dogs with arthritis. It should start out as gentle exercise to get your dog’s joints moving and progressively increase it as your dog’s fitness levels rise. Try gently massaging your dog’s painful joints to help restore the blood flow.

A dog with arthritic conditions can live normal, healthy lives and are better off out playing with a ball to keep their joints and muscles moving. A dog that gets little exercise puts on weight, and its joints and muscles seize up.

Buy a good orthopedic bed made for dogs with arthritis. Just like us, a dog’s painful joints may become inflame in cold weather so a good bed will keep your dog warm, support its weary bones and help your furry friend get a good night’s sleep.

Remember as a dog owner, there is much you can do to make a huge difference in the quality of your dog’s life to help your dog lead a pain free life especially if he/or she is suffering from joint problems like dog arthritis.

The Providence Veterinary Hospital Blog is a publication of Peter Herman, VMD, at the Providence Veterinary Hospital, 2400 Providence Ave. in Chester, PA. Contact Dr. Herman at 610-872-4000 or visit us at http://www.providencevet.com/.

Summer Tips for Your Pet

2011-07-21T16:21:00.000-04:00

Summertime is a special time of year. The living is slower and the heat makes us all slow down a bit. Here are some safety and comfort tips for your pet, be them a dog or a cat. Most of these tips have been heard before and all of us know them because we all have common sense. Never the less, it pays to remind ourselves of the things we already know. It may save the life of your pet this summer.

The headings are grouped by subject interest. You can skip subjects that do not apply to you or pay attention to them if the subject describes what you do in the summer months. For example, if you don’t go to the beach or jog with your pet, then skip the advice.

General Heat Hazards

If your dog is outside on a hot day, make sure he has a shady spot to rest in. Doghouses are not good shelter during the summer as they can trap heat. You may want to fill a child's wading pool with fresh water for your dog to cool off in.

Never leave your dog in a closed vehicle on a hot day. The temperature inside a car can rise to over 125 degrees in a matter of minutes.

Always provide plenty of cool, fresh water.

Avoid strenuous exercise on extremely hot days. Take walks in the early mornings or evenings, when the sun's heat is less intense.

Try to avoid prolonged exposure to hot asphalt or sand, which can burn your dog's paws.

Dogs that are brachycephalic (short-faced), such as Bulldogs, Boxers, Japanese Chins, and Pekingese, have an especially hard time in the heat because they do not pant as efficiently as longer-faced dogs. Keep your brachycephalic dog inside with air-conditioning. Yes, they are special.

Heatstroke

Heatstroke can be the serious and often fatal result of a dog's prolonged exposure to excessive heat. Below are the signs of heatstroke and the actions you should take if your dog is overcome.

Early Stages:

Heavy panting.
Rapid breathing.
Excessive drooling.
Bright red gums and tongue.
Standing 4-square, posting or spreading out in an attempt to maintain balance.

Advanced Stages:

White or blue gums.
Lethargy, unwillingness to move.
Uncontrollable urination or defecation.
Labored, noisy breathing.
Shock.

If your dog begins to exhibit signs of heatstroke, you should immediately try to cool the dog down:

Apply rubbing alcohol to the dog's paw pads.
Apply ice packs to the groin area.
Hose down with water.
Allow the dog to lick ice chips or drink a small amount of water.
Offer Pedialyte to restore electrolytes.

Check your dog's temperature regularly during this process. Once the dog's temperature has stabilized at between 100 to 102 degrees, you can stop the cool-down process.

If you cannot get the dog cooled down and you begin to see signs of advanced heatstroke, take the dog to the veterinarian immediately.

Even with emergency treatment, heatstroke can be fatal. The best cure is prevention, and Fido and Fluffy are relying on you to keep them out of harm’s way. Summer does not have to be fraught with peril--with ample precaution, both you and your furry friends can enjoy those long, hot dog-days of summer.

General Health

Make sure your dog's vaccinations are up to date, especially since dogs tend to stay outdoors longer and come into contact with other animals more during the summer months.

Keep dogs off of lawns that have been chemically treated or fertilized for 24 hours (or according to package instructions), and away from potentially toxic plants and flowers.

Keep your dog well-brushed and clean.

Fleas and ticks, and the mosquitoes which carry heartworm disease, are more prevalent in warmer months.

Beach Tips

Make sure your dog has a shady spot to rest in and plenty of fresh water.

Dogs, especially those with short hair, white fur, and pink skin, can sunburn. Limit your dog's exposure during the day and apply sunblock to his ears and nose 30 minutes before going outside.

Check with a lifeguard for daily water conditions. Dogs are easy targets for sea lice and jellyfish.

Running on the sand is strenuous exercise. A dog that is out of shape can easily pull a tendon or ligament, so keep a check on your dog's activity.

Do not let your dog drink seawater; the salt will make him sick.

Salt and other minerals in ocean water can damage your dog's coat, so rinse him off at the end of the day.

Not all beaches permit dogs; check local ordinances before heading out.

Jogging is also dangerous this time of year. So your dog jogs everyday with you and is in excellent shape - why alter the routine? As the weather warms, humans alter the type and amount of clothing worn, and we sweat more. Dogs are still jogging in their winter coat (or a slightly lighter version) and can only cool themselves by panting and a small amount of sweating through the foot pads. Not enough! Many dogs, especially the 'athletes' will keep running, no matter what, to stay up with their owner. Change the routine to early morning or late evening to prevent heat stroke.

Water Safety

Most dogs enjoy swimming, but some cannot swim, and others may hate the water. Be conscious of your dog's preferences and skills before trying to make him swim.

If you're swimming for the first time with your dog, start in shallow water and coax him in by calling his name. Encourage him with toys or treats. Or, let him follow another experienced dog he is friendly with.

Never throw your dog into the water.

If your dog begins to paddle with his front legs, lift his hind legs and help him float. He should quickly catch on and keep his back end up.

Don't let your dog overdo it; swimming is very hard work and he may tire quickly.

If swimming at the ocean, be careful of strong tides.

If you have your own pool, make sure your dog knows where the stairs or ladder are located. Be sure that pool covers are firmly in place; dogs have been known to slip in under openings in the covers and drown.

Never leave your dog unattended in water.

Travel

By Air – Many airlines will not ship animals during summer months due to dangers caused by hot weather. Some will only allow dogs to fly in the early morning or in the evening. Check with your airlines for specific rules.

If you do ship a dog, put icepacks or an ice blanket in the dog's crate. (Two-liter soft drink bottles filled with water and frozen work well.) Provide a container of fresh water, as well as a container of frozen water that will thaw over the course of the trip.

By Car – Keep your dog cool in the car by putting icepacks in his crate. Make sure the crate is well ventilated.

Put a sunshade on your car windows.

Bring along fresh water and a bowl, and a tarp or tent so you can set up a shady spot when you stop. Keep a spray bottle filled with water to spay on your dog to cool him down.

By RV – A dog's safety should not depend on the air conditioning and generator systems in an RV or motor home. These devices can malfunction, with tragic results.

If you leave your dog in an RV with the generator running, check it often or have a neighbor monitor it. Some manufacturers have devices that will notify you if the generator should malfunction.

Never leave an RV or motor home completely shut up, even if the generator and AC are running. Crack a window or door or run the exhaust fan.

Never, ever leave a dog unattended in a vehicle in the summer months. Heatstroke and death can occur within minutes in warm temperatures.

Patio Summer Safety

Charcoal briquettes, which dogs seem to love to lap up or steal from the grill, can easily get stuck in the stomach, causing vomiting and requiring surgery.

Barbecue scraps and fatty leftovers can give your pup pancreatitis, causing severe abdominal pain or death.

Corn on the cob and peach pits are also a huge no-no because they can lodge in a dog's intestines.

Garden Summer Safety

Backyard lilies (like a daylily or Asiatic, Easter, or Stargazer lily) and their pollen can cause acute kidney failure in cats. Ingestion of as little as two to three leaves can be fatal, so remove these plants from your yard if you let your cat out.

Rose and garden plant food containing insecticides can contain potentially fatal compounds. If your dog tries to eat a bag of it (or soil that's been treated with it), he could suffer diarrhea, profuse vomiting, shock, seizures, and even death.

Azaleas are common backyard shrubs that can be toxic for dogs and cats if ingested, resulting in drooling, vomiting, diarrhea, heart arrhythmias, or an abnormal heart rate.

Garage Summer Safety

Fireworks are a threat to curious dogs that might try to eat them. Made with chemicals like potassium nitrate, and parts (like a fuse) that could get stuck in the stomach, they can cause vomiting, bloody diarrhea, seizures, and shallow breathing. Keep yours out of reach, and clear your yard of debris after you set off your display.

Veterinary Concerns During Summer (See my other blogs)

Heartworm disease:
Heartworms (Dirofilaria immitis) are parasites transmitted by mosquitoes that can potentially be fatal to your dog or cat. Many people are familiar with heartworm disease in dogs, but are unaware that cats may also contract the parasite (heartworm disease was reported in cats in 38 states by the American Heartworm Society); in fact, cats infested with heartworms often have more severe clinical signs than dogs and a poorer prognosis. Have your dog or cat tested for the presence of heartworms by your veterinarian, and ask about heartworm preventatives. Treatment for this disease can be expensive and risky for your pet prevention is easy and inexpensive. Because your dog only goes outside to urinate and defecate, and because your cat does not go outside at all, this does not eliminate the risk of disease. Mosquitoes are everywhere! Please use prevention medication!

Fleas:
Normally only adult fleas live on pets, and often they remain there only long enough to feed. Eggs may be laid on the pet, but usually fall off the pet into the environment where conditions are right for them to develop (through a multistage life cycle) into adult fleas. As a result, it is possible to have a substantial flea problem although you have only identified a few or no fleas on your pet. Egg and larval stages can survive in your home all year and in your yard from spring through late fall (all year in warmer climates). Biting and scratching on the lower back, tail, and abdomen are the most common signs of flea infestation and dermatitis will often flare up in these areas. Flea control involves treatment of the pet and the environment by means of shampoos, sprays, dips, "spot-ons," powders, oral medications, and collars. Your veterinarian can recommend the most appropriate flea prevention/treatment program for your pet. Fleas carry tapeworms, so be sure to have your veterinarian check your pet for these intestinal parasites as well.

Ticks:
Yet another parasite that is a common problem during the warmer months. Ticks are not only an irritant and nuisance to your pet, but may transmit several debilitating diseases, such as Lyme disease, Babesiosis, Anaplasmosis and Ehrlichiosis. Many flea prevention/treatment products will also help with control of ticks. Your veterinarian can help you recognize ticks and show you the proper way to remove them from your pet (if you simply try to remove the tick by pulling, you may leave its mouthparts embedded within your pet's skin). Owners whose dogs have substantial exposure to ticks (eg, sporting dogs, dogs that go camping, and those spending time in forest preserves or woods) should also ask their veterinarian's advice about the appropriateness of a vaccination for Lyme disease.

The Providence Veterinary Hospital Blog is a publication of Peter Herman, VMD, at the Providence Veterinary Hospital, 2400 Providence Ave. in Chester, PA. Contact Dr. Herman at 610-872-4000 or visit us at http://www.providencevet.com/.

Dental Care For Your Pets

2011-06-22T14:21:00.002-04:00

When To Start Dental Care.

With the help of your Veterinarian, be on the lookout for retained deciduous teeth (baby teeth that should have come out) and malocclusion (bad bite) problems. The earlier you catch the problem, the better. Your Veterinarian can teach you how to care for your pet's teeth and gums early on.

Deciding If Your Pet Has A Problem

Bad breath is often a first indicator of dental disease. Gently lift the lips and check for tartar, inflamed gums, or missing/broken teeth. Cats may exhibit increased drooling. Both cats and dogs can exhibit reluctance to eat or play with toys, "chattering" of the teeth when trying to eat, lethargy, bleeding gums, eroded teeth, and failing to groom (cats). Dental disease progresses in stages -- if caught early, you can prevent further damage and save as many teeth as possible.

The Rest of the Body Is Affected

Infected gums and teeth aren't just a problem in the mouth -- the heart, kidneys, intestinal tract, and joints may also be infected. The tartar and any infected areas of the mouth contain a multitude of bacteria than can 'seed' to other parts of the body. For example, a bladder infection can start through transmission from teeth to kidneys and bladder. With regular dental care, you can prevent some of these more serious side effects.

Think About Cleaning at Three Years of Age

If your pet is an adult over 3 years of age, it would be wise to schedule a dental check up with your Veterinarian. If a dental cleaning is necessary, it is advisable to do pre-anesthesia blood work to make sure your pet does not have any underlying problems.

Canine tooth with tartar

Canine tooth after cleaning

The Dental Cleaning

As mentioned above, pre-dental blood work is recommended. This is a check on the overall health of the pet to make sure that liver, kidney, and blood counts are within normal ranges and to reduce any risks possible prior to the anesthesia. Many pets with bad teeth will be put on an antibiotic a few days prior to the dental to calm the infection and reduce possibility of complications.

Your pet will be fasted from the evening before for the anesthesia. The dental itself is similar to a human dental cleaning - tartar removal, checking for cavities, gingival (gum) pockets, loose teeth, any growths on the gums or palate, removal of diseased teeth, and finally, polishing. The polishing is to smooth the tooth after tartar removal, as the tartar pits the tooth. A smooth tooth will not encourage tartar formation as easily as a roughened tooth.

Trouble Signs to Look for In Your Pet

Watch for the following signs:

· Bad breath

· Reluctance to chew / crying out when chewing

· Increased salivation

· Red and/or puffy gums

· Bleeding gums

· Tartar / Calculus (hard coating on teeth that is usually brown or yellow; results from plaque build-up)

· Missing and/or loose teeth

Preventing Dental Disease in Dogs and Cats

There are several things you can do to help keep your pet's teeth in good shape. Start a dental care routine as early as possible in your dog’s life so he get used to the feeling of having his teeth brushed and inspected. Puppies have 28 deciduous teeth that typically fall out by about six months of age. By this time, your dog should be getting his teeth brushed regularly. If you decide to brush your dog’s teeth, here are some important tips to keep in mind:

1. NEVER brush your dog’s teeth with human toothpaste – it can make your dog sick! Use special enzymatic toothpaste made especially for dogs. The same goes for oral rinses.

2. Plaque begins to turn into tartar / calculus within 24-48 hours, so daily brushing is recommended. Work your dog’s tooth brushing into your own routine – consider brushing his teeth around the same time you do yours so it will be easier to remember.

3. Use a “finger brush” or special long toothbrush designed for use on dogs. When starting out with brushing the teeth, the finger brush can help ease your dog into it, as these do not feel as awkward as hard brushes.

4. Before you begin, ask your veterinarian to show you some techniques to make tooth brushing easier on you and your dog.

If you are not able to brush your dog’s teeth, there are other options. Consider using oral rinses made especially for dogs. You can also purchase special prescription dental diets like Hill’s T/D. Avoid real bones – not only can they lead to gastrointestinal upset, they may also cause tooth fractures.

MOST OF ALL:

Make sure you keep up with vet exams. From time to time, a professional dental cleaning may be recommended. This requires general anesthesia. During the procedure, your dog’s teeth and gums will be examined closely for problems. The teeth will then be scaled and polished. If dental problems are noted, tooth extractions could become necessary. Alternatively, you may be referred to a veterinary dentist for specialty procedures. Some dogs need dental cleanings one or more times per year, while others can go longer. Be certain to follow your vet’s recommendations. And remember, what you do at home can really make all the difference.

The Providence Veterinary Hospital Blog is a publication of Peter Herman, VMD, at the Providence Veterinary Hospital, 2400 Providence Ave. in Chester, PA. Contact Dr. Herman at 610-872-4000 or visit us at http://www.providencevet.com/.

Repairing the Anterior Cruciate Ligament

2011-05-10T16:04:00.011-04:00

One of the more common injuries we see in small animal practice is rupture or tear of the anterior cruciate ligament of the knee. Perhaps some of you reading this blog have had your dog or cat (yes I said cat) diagnosed with this injury.

The knee is a complicated joint. It consists of the femur above, the tibia below, the kneecap (or “patella”) in front, and the bean-like fabellae behind. Pillows of cartilage called the medial and lateral menisci fit between the femur and tibia like cushions and there are assortments of ligaments holding everything together allowing the knee to bend the way it should.

There are two cruciate ligaments which cross inside the knee joint: the anterior cruciate and the posterior cruciate. They are named for the side of the knee (front or back) where their lower attachment is found. The anterior cruciate ligament prevents the tibia from slipping forward out from under the femur.

Diagnosing the Tear

The ruptured cruciate ligament is the most common knee injury of the dog; in fact, chances are that any dog with sudden rear leg lameness has a ruptured anterior cruciate ligament rather than something else. The history usually involves a rear leg suddenly so sore that the dog can hardly bear weight on it. If left alone, it will appear to improve over the course of a 5 to 10 days but the knee will be notably swollen and arthritis will set in quickly. The key to the diagnosis of the ruptured cruciate ligament is the demonstration of an abnormal knee motion called a “draw sign.” It is not possible for a normal knee to show this sign.

Draw Sign

The veterinarian stabilizes the position of the femur with one hand and manipulates the tibia with the other hand. If the tibia moves forward (like a drawer being opened), the cruciate ligament is ruptured.
It is not unusual for your pet to be tense or frightened at the vet’s office. Tense muscles can temporarily stabilize the knee preventing demonstration of the drawer sign during examination. Often sedation is needed to get a good evaluation of the knee. This is especially true with larger dogs.

Since arthritis can set in relatively quickly after a cruciate ligament rupture, radiographs to assess arthritis are helpful. Another reason for radiographs is that occasionally when the cruciate ligament tears, a piece of bone where the ligament attaches to the tibia breaks off as well. This will require repair and the surgeon will need to know about it before beginning surgery. Arthritis present prior to surgery limits the extent of the recovery after surgery though surgery is still needed to slow or even curtail further arthritis development.

Consequence of Not Repairing the Injury

Normal

Without an intact cruciate ligament, the knee is unstable. Wear between the bones and meniscal cartilage becomes abnormal and the joint begins to develop degenerative changes.

Damaged Knee

The Surgical Repair

There are many different “repairs” of the anterior cruciate ligament. There are more than a dozen published descriptions. Since there are that many or more, you may conclude that no one has the absolute correct answer to the injury.

The procedure that I have currently favored (about 150 times) can be described more as a clean out of all damaged or torn tissue rather than a “repair”. The word repair suggested I have somehow fixed the anterior cruciate ligament and left it to heal inside the joint. The ligament does not heal.

The knee joint is opened and completely inspected. The torn or partly torn cruciate ligament is removed. If the posterior cruciate is damaged, it too is removed. Any bone spurs of significant size are bitten away with an instrument called a “rongeur.” If the meniscus is torn, the damaged portion is removed. The joint capsule is closed in a “pants over vest” pattern which adds stability to the knee as it heals. This suture technique is called imbrications of the joint capsule.

Typically, the dog may carry the leg up for 10-14 days after surgery but will increase knee use over the next 2-3 months eventually returning to normal. Cats heal faster. They are usually more gentle and careful.

Typically, your dog will require 12 weeks of exercise restriction after surgery (no running, outside on a leash only including the backyard)

Your dog should increase weight bearing about 5 to 10 % per week.
The hardest part of healing is when your dog feels better and walks and wants to run and the 12 weeks of healing are not over yet.. This is where intellect rules over emotion. Keep your dog on a leash and limit his or her exercise as directed.
Remember that 12 weeks will heal the knee to 90% of normal strength under normal circumstance. Your dog will appear perfectly sound. It will take a full year to achieve 100% maturity.
Listening to your vet’s discharge instructions is probably the most important thing you can do to be successful.

Unsolicited Feedback from a Client:

Our Shepherd Lab Mix Prince had been suffering for over 2 years with a bad limp. We had taken him to 2 other Vets and received conservative treatments and just began medicating our Prince with pain meds. He was only about 2 when this began and just turned 4. It was breaking our hearts the way he was limping around and in constant pain.

We took Prince to Doctor Herman. Dr Herman was very thorough with the examination. He suggested that Prince be sedated for an x-ray to allow him to properly check range of motion since he would tense up. This made perfect sense but the other 2 vets we had taken him to didn't do this. With he examination Dr Herman diagnosed him with an ACL tear (knee) and arthritis forming. The knee needed surgery and the joint had to be cleaned up. We had the surgery done and within 2 days Prince was putting weight on the joint, his appetite had returned and he is a much happier boy, all around! Prince is making an amazing recovery. I would recommend Dr Herman to anyone who has a pet with similar issues. We also found the cost for the procedure to be quite reasonable.

Thanks,

Dennis and Joyce C

The Providence Veterinary Hospital Blog is a publication of Peter Herman, VMD, at the Providence Veterinary Hospital, 2400 Providence Ave. in Chester, PA. Contact Dr. Herman at 610-872-4000 or visit us at http://www.providencevet.com/.

Ticks and Why They Can Hurt Your Pet.

2011-04-18T21:32:00.000-04:00

Ticks are usually active in the spring, summer, and fall; however, the adults of some species are active even in the winter. We did an experiment last year. We took a tick from one of our patients and put the tick in the freezer in November. In March, we took it out to see what happened to the tick. In ten minutes, it was crawling away.

Brown Dog Tick

Tick carry disease that can be transmitted to dogs and cats. This blog will concentrate mostly on the dog in this issue.

Some general or universal clinical signs that can be associated with tick disease are the following:

1. Fever

Dogs suffering from severe tick bite may have its body temperature rise rapidly.

2. Loss of appetite

Sick dogs can’t eat much. If you notice that your dog is barely touching its food, it definitely is sick. Take it to the veterinarian right away for proper diagnosis.

3. Sore joints or swollen limbs

Ticks can bring about soreness in the limbs area and almost anywhere else in the body.

4. Skin infections

Aside from soreness and swelling, skin infections are also apparent on dogs infested with ticks.

5. Lethargy

Dogs that are less active than normal might be an indication that they’re suffering from something. Always check your dog for fleas, ticks, and other health concerns every time it feels lethargic.

6. Arthritis

Arthritis can be a symptom of tick-related diseases too. Ticks can invade the body of your dog and then localize themselves in the joint area. As a result, your dog's joints can become inflamed and swollen.

7. Abnormal changes in the blood count

While this symptom is fairly hard to detect at home, the veterinarian can check for it.

If you see any of these symptoms in your pet, it is best that you take it to the vet right away for proper diagnosis. A lot of pet owners mistakenly think that dog ticks are not serious health concerns. Keep in mind that dog ticks can lower your dog’s immune system, thus making its entire body exposed to a host of other diseases.

Some specific diseases that ticks can transmit are:

Lyme Disease in Dogs

Lyme disease is caused by the bacterium Borrelia burgdorferi and is transmitted by the deer tick (often referred to as the black-legged tick). Signs of Lyme disease in dogs are difficult to detect, and warning signs may not appear until several months after infection. Signs may come and go and can mimic other conditions. Cases vary from mild to severe. In severe cases of Lyme disease, kidney failure can occur.

Most common signs of Lyme disease:

Recurrent arthritis/lameness that lasts 3–4 days, sometimes accompanied by loss of appetite and depression
Reluctance to move or a stiff, painful gait
Swollen joints that are warm to the touch
Pain in the legs or throughout the body
Fever, fatigue and swollen lymph nodes

Canine Ehrlichiosis

Canine Ehrlichiosis is caused by the bacterium Ehrlichia canis and Erlichia ewingii. Ehrlichia canis is transmitted by the brown dog tick and Ehrlichia ewingii is transmitted by the lone star tick. Like Lyme disease in dogs, warning signs may not be readily apparent. If left untreated, this disease could progress to a chronic infection without clinical signs, which can last days, months or years.

Mild signs appear to mimic a vague illness, the most obvious sign of which is weight loss. Severe cases of canine ehrlichiosis that go undiagnosed and untreated can end in death.

Most common signs of canine ehrlichiosis :

Depression or Lethargy
Loss of appetite
Fever
Runny eyes and nose/discharge
Swollen lymph glands

Spontaneous nose bleeds
Bruising (petechiae) on gums and belly
Lameness/joint pain

Canine Anaplasmosis

Sometimes referred to as dog fever, or dog tick fever, canine anaplasmosis is caused by the bacteria Anaplasma phagocytophilum or is transmitted by the deer tick (often referred to as the black-legged tick)—the same tick that transmits Lyme disease. Another form of canine anaplasmosis is caused by the Anaplasma platys bacterium carried by the brown dog tick. Although these two forms of anaplasmosis present with different signs, both may pose a serious threat to your dog's health.

Most common signs of canine anaplasmosis:

Arthritis-like stiffness with painful joints
High fever accompanied by lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting and diarrhea
Neurological signs (infrequent) resulting in seizures and neck pain

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

Rocky Mountain spotted fever in dogs is caused by the bacterium Rickettsia rickettsii and transmitted by the American dog tick, the wood tick and the lone star tick. In most cases, Rocky Mountain spotted fever in dogs lasts about two weeks, but in severe cases it can result in death.

Most common signs of Rocky Mountain spotted fever:

Fever
Skin lesions
Stiffness when walking
Neurological abnormalities

By no means is this a complete list of tick transmitted diseases. It is representative of diseases your pet and did I mention human beings can get? Yes, humans can get these diseases too.

Be on the lookout for ticks when your pet comes inside and also when you are out for a hike or gardening. Have someone check your body for ticks that can attach to your body.

At Providence Veterinary Hospital, we recommend the following products for tick control on your dog or cat and in the home:

Frontline - for your dog or cats on a monthly basis
Preventic Collars - for dogs only in heavily infested areas along with Frontline
Knockout Area Spray - used monthly in your home

Check your dog and cat every day for ticks

A Pet Owner’s Guide To Flea Control

2011-03-19T15:40:00.000-04:00

What are fleas?

Fleas are blood feeding insect parasites that can infest many species of mammals. Flea infestation is one of the most common medical problems veterinarians see, and pets can suffer greatly from this condition. Flea bites can trigger severe allergic reactions in some pets. The intense itching caused by flea infestation causes pets to scratch and bite themselves. This can lead to skin wounds, skin infections, and general misery for your pet. Even if your pet is not allergic to fleabites, the parasites can carry diseases such as tapeworms and bartonellosis (or cat scratch disease).

What is a flea infestation?

A flea infestation can refer to fleas that are on your pet and fleas in your home and on your premises. Once fleas hop onto your pet, they begin feeding almost immediately. Adult female fleas can lay 50 eggs per day, and these eggs fall off the pet and into the surrounding environment. The eggs hatch into larvae, which feed on organic debris in the environment. Favorite dwelling places for flea larvae inside the home are in and on the carpet, pet’s bedding, furniture, and baseboards. Outside the home, flea larvae can be found in areas where flea-infested animals frequent, particularly shady places and places where wild animals might find shelter (e.g., under the house). Flea larvae develop into pupae (cocoon form), which hatch into adult fleas after a period of days to weeks. In a flea infestation, fully 95% of the fleas are in these developmental stages, and only 5% are the adult fleas on your pets.

What does it mean to see a flea on my pet?

If 95% of the fleas are in developmental stages, then for every 1 flea you see on your pet, there are 19 fleas in your home in developmental stages to take its place!

How do animals become infested with fleas?

Fleas are very successful parasites. They are susceptible to temperature extremes, but they can survive for long periods of time under ideal conditions, and they can even become dormant for many months if no hosts are available. If your pet spends time outside, in kennels, or around other animals, the risk of picking up fleas increases. However, even a completely indoor pet can become infested with fleas. Think about it. The owners, and children are going in and out of the home regularly. Because the temperature and humidity conditions inside your home are fairly stable, fleas can live there with relative ease. In this way, fleas can live in colder regions of the country, surviving climate conditions that would otherwise be intolerable. Once they have entered a house, fleas can multiply very well under favorable year-round conditions, adding to the challenge of controlling fleas in a home environment.

How can I tell if my pet has fleas?

Flea Dirt

Fleas may not be easily visible on your pet. If an infestation is severe, though, you may see fleas on the animal’s skin, or you may find them by combing your pet with a flea comb. Adult fleas are the easiest stage of the parasite to see, but they represent less than 5% of an infestation. The other stages (eggs, larvae, and pupae) are smaller and more difficult to find. You may also find small black or brown specks on your pet’s skin or bedding. These specks look like tiny coffee grounds and are commonly called “flea dirt.” Flea dirt is the feces of adult fleas and is actually the digested blood of the host. When the dark particles get wet, the red color returns and may help with identification. Some pets are allergic to fleas and can be extremely itchy from a single fleabite; other pets may experience mild itching or none at all. Just because your pet isn’t scratching doesn’t mean there are no fleas. Just because your pet is itching, it doesn't mean your pet has fleas. When in doubt, consult your veterinarian.

How can I treat the problem?

If you believe your pet is infested with fleas, begin with a trip to your veterinarian. Your pet may have a skin infection or other problem that needs attention. After your pet has been examined, your veterinarian can recommend an effective product that you can use to kill fleas. Some products specifically target adult fleas; other products prevent the development of eggs; and still other products kill eggs, larvae, and adult fleas. Regardless of what product is used, multiple treatments are generally required to eliminate an infestation. If you have several pets in your home, each animal should be treated with an appropriate product. Although fleas have been around for a long time, there are many products available today that can effectively eliminate them. Ask your veterinarian about the best way to control fleas.

Why might I still see fleas?

Today’s topical flea treatments available from veterinarians provide excellent flea killing activity, for a full month with many products. Although fleas begin to be killed within hours, they are not killed immediately. When your home or areas where your pet goes outside are heavily infested with fleas, new fleas can constantly jump onto your pet. These fleas will be killed, but it can appear that the product is not working because the flea burden is so severe. If the source of fleas is in the home, regular use of topical products that provide month-long killing on all dogs and cats in the home is essential and effective. If the source is outside, then some likely areas, such as dog parks, should be avoided. The time of year when the flea burden is greatest varies by geography, so your veterinarian and the veterinary staffs are the best source for recommending flea control strategies that work best in your specific locale.

The Providence Veterinary Hospital Blog is a publication of Peter Herman, VMD, at the Providence Veterinary Hospital, 2400 Providence Ave. in Chester, PA. Contact Dr. Herman at 610-872-4000 or visit us at http://www.providencevet.com/.

Canine Heartworm Disease - Get Ready For Spring

2011-03-06T09:53:00.000-05:00

Heartworm disease is caused by a parasite (Dirofilaria immitis).

While dogs are considered the primary host for heartworms, Dirofilaria immitis can infect more than 30 species of animals including cats and people.

Heartworm Disease is widely distributed throughout the United States and has been found in all 50 states. All dogs and cats regardless of breed, sex, age or habitat are susceptible to heartworm infection. Eight out of one hundred unprotected dogs will get heartworm disease in the next 12 months in Chester, PA.

Transmission:

Heartworms can only be transmitted from one animal to the other by mosquitoes. Adult worms in an infected animal will produce offspring called microfilaria which circulate in the blood stream. A mosquito will feed on the infected animal and ingest blood containing the microfilaria. The microfilaria develops in the mosquito to an "infective larval stage".

A mosquito carrying infective heartworm larvae will bite a dog or cat and transmit the larvae. The larvae then grow, develop and migrate in the body over a period of several months and then mature into adult worms. Those adult worms live in the heart, lungs and associated blood vessels.

Location:

If there is a dog and a mosquito in a location, there will be heartworm disease.

Infection:

Adult heartworms ranging from 4 to 12 inches in length reside in the heart, lungs and associated blood vessels. Their life span in dogs appears to be at least 5 to 7 years.

The number of worms infecting a dog is usually high and can range from 1 to approximately 350.

Stages and Clinical Signs of Heartworm disease:

Early Infection No Abnormal clinical signs observed
Mild Disease Cough
Moderate Disease Cough, exercise intolerance, abnormal lung sounds
Severe Disease Cough, exercise intolerance, difficulty breathing, abnormal lung sounds, enlargement of the liver, fainting, fluid accumulation in the abdominal cavity, abnormal heart sounds, followed by death.

Diagnosis:

Heartworm is relatively easy to diagnose with a blood antigen test. A blood test can be performed at our hospital in less than 10 minutes.

Prevention:

Prevention of heartworm disease is much safer and more economical than treating an infection once it occurs. This is usually done with a chewable treat given orally once a month.

Why Test?

The heartworm prevention medication may be vomited or spit out by your dog without your knowledge, thereby, exposing your dog to heartworm disease.

Either by accident or oversight, you may forget to give the monthly prevention (or may give it late).

None of the routine heartworm tests are able to detect immature or early heartworm infestation. Your dog may have had an undetectable infection at the time of his/her last heartworm test, and therefore, could have a dangerous infection.

Treatment of heartworm disease in dogs is much safer and more effective if the disease is caught early in its course.

Dogs may show no outward symptoms. Thus, it can be next to impossible to know if a dog is infected without doing the blood test.

Recommendations:

Providence Veterinary Hospital recommends giving heartworm preventative to dogs every month. In addition, dogs should be tested once annually for heartworm disease. Only use medication provided by your veterinarian. Do not buy medication for prevention of heartworm disease on-line or over the counter.

The Providence Veterinary Hospital Blog is a publication of Peter Herman, VMD, at the Providence Veterinary Hospital, 2400 Providence Ave. in Chester, PA. Contact Dr. Herman at 610-872-4000 or visit us at http://www.providencevet.com/.