See this link from the Boxer show for some interesting stats about when faced with the question...
It's me or the dog
Wednesday, January 26, 2011
Tuesday, January 25, 2011
Onion Toxicity and more
Last week a small dog came in after the owners called and said the dog had ingested an onion. At first I didn't believe them, thinking about how much I hate raw onions. The owners said they found the dog with half an onion in his mouth standing at the top of the stairs so we told him to bring the dog into the clinic as soon as possible. The dog was stable during the initial exam and was given an eye drop medication to induce vomiting. After about 10 minutes he vomited 2 large piles of raw onion. The smell was so strong, it almost brought tears to my eyes!
Here are some common toxicities that can occur from ingestion of household items and the complications if medical treatment is not pursued. Anytime your pet ingests something that might be toxic, please call your veterinarian. Often times, waiting to see how the dog does can lead to a crisis situation.
1. Onions: Causes severe anemia and gastrointestinal irritation
2. Marijuana: Causes depression, hypothermia, slow heartbeat, vomiting and diarrhea, seizures and possible coma
3. Antifreeze (Ethylene Glycol): Causes acute kidney failure leading to death, owners may notice drunken behavior after ingestion
4. Acetaminophen (Tylenol): Causes anemia and lethargy, liver damage or failure, collapse, vomiting or diarrhea, facial or paw swelling, fast respiratory rate, shock
5. Pseudoephedrine (Decongestants): Causes increased heart rates, hyperthermia, pupil dilation and possible seizures. Owners may notice restlessness, pacing and agitation.
6. Human NSAIDS (Ibuprofen, Naproxen): Causes GI ulceration or irritation, kidney damage, possible seizures and hemorrhagic shock. Owners often notice anorexia, vomiting and diarrhea, with or without blood present, weakness, and abdominal pain.
7. Nicotine/Tobacco (Cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, Nicotine patches or gum): Causes increased salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, depression, agitation, tremors, increased heart rate and respiratory rate and dilated pupils.
8. Bread dough (unbaked bread, pizza dough, or rolls): As the yeast rises it produces ethanol gas and once ingested begins to "bake" in the stomach. This causes bloat which can result in life-threatening Gastrodilation and volvulus (Think Marley and Me). Also may cause retching, vomiting, behavior changes, depression, weakness, and shock.
9. Chocolate and Caffeine: Your veterinarian should have information about the amount of chocolate and caffeine for the size of your pet. After any ingestion, call your veterinarian immediately and tell them how much was ingested. Ingestion may result in weakness, diarrhea, and increased heart rate. Death may occur due to respiratory failure, uncontrollable seizures or cardiac arrhythmias.
10. Grapes and Raisins: At this time, there does not seem to be a relation between severity of toxicity and dose of raisins ingested meaning that some dogs may not show any signs of ingestion. In some dogs, ingestion can lead to kidney failure, decreased to no urine production, vomiting, diarrhea and death.
11. Macadamia Nuts: Ingestion may cause vomiting, weakness, tremors, depression, joint pain and lameness and abdominal pain.
12. Xylitol (in Sugarless candies and gums): Ingestion can cause kidney disease, vomiting, weakness, seizures, bleeding disorders and possibly death.
13. Batteries (Lithium and Dry Cell): The 2 types of batteries act in different ways once ingested but both can cause ulcerations and necrosis of the tissue of the mouth, esophagus, stomach and small intestines. Perforation is also possible. Pets may drool excessively, not want to eat or paw at the face after ingestion.
14. Paint balls: Ingestion is generally non-toxic but can cause severe GI upset including vomiting, diarrhea, weakness and tremors.
15. Fluoride: Ingestion can cause GI upset, vomiting, pancreatitis and secondary metabolic changes can result in cardiac arrhythmias resulting in respiratory muscle paralysis (the animal is unable to breath). Owners may notice anorexia, vomiting, excess salivation, coughing and weakness.
There are many more household products that may be harmful if ingested. When in doubt, always contact your veterinarian with questions. Other great websites to reference include the following:
ASPCA
Pet Poison Helpline
American Association of Poison Control Centers
Here are some common toxicities that can occur from ingestion of household items and the complications if medical treatment is not pursued. Anytime your pet ingests something that might be toxic, please call your veterinarian. Often times, waiting to see how the dog does can lead to a crisis situation.
1. Onions: Causes severe anemia and gastrointestinal irritation
2. Marijuana: Causes depression, hypothermia, slow heartbeat, vomiting and diarrhea, seizures and possible coma
3. Antifreeze (Ethylene Glycol): Causes acute kidney failure leading to death, owners may notice drunken behavior after ingestion
4. Acetaminophen (Tylenol): Causes anemia and lethargy, liver damage or failure, collapse, vomiting or diarrhea, facial or paw swelling, fast respiratory rate, shock
5. Pseudoephedrine (Decongestants): Causes increased heart rates, hyperthermia, pupil dilation and possible seizures. Owners may notice restlessness, pacing and agitation.
6. Human NSAIDS (Ibuprofen, Naproxen): Causes GI ulceration or irritation, kidney damage, possible seizures and hemorrhagic shock. Owners often notice anorexia, vomiting and diarrhea, with or without blood present, weakness, and abdominal pain.
7. Nicotine/Tobacco (Cigarettes, cigars, chewing tobacco, Nicotine patches or gum): Causes increased salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, depression, agitation, tremors, increased heart rate and respiratory rate and dilated pupils.
8. Bread dough (unbaked bread, pizza dough, or rolls): As the yeast rises it produces ethanol gas and once ingested begins to "bake" in the stomach. This causes bloat which can result in life-threatening Gastrodilation and volvulus (Think Marley and Me). Also may cause retching, vomiting, behavior changes, depression, weakness, and shock.
9. Chocolate and Caffeine: Your veterinarian should have information about the amount of chocolate and caffeine for the size of your pet. After any ingestion, call your veterinarian immediately and tell them how much was ingested. Ingestion may result in weakness, diarrhea, and increased heart rate. Death may occur due to respiratory failure, uncontrollable seizures or cardiac arrhythmias.
10. Grapes and Raisins: At this time, there does not seem to be a relation between severity of toxicity and dose of raisins ingested meaning that some dogs may not show any signs of ingestion. In some dogs, ingestion can lead to kidney failure, decreased to no urine production, vomiting, diarrhea and death.
11. Macadamia Nuts: Ingestion may cause vomiting, weakness, tremors, depression, joint pain and lameness and abdominal pain.
12. Xylitol (in Sugarless candies and gums): Ingestion can cause kidney disease, vomiting, weakness, seizures, bleeding disorders and possibly death.
13. Batteries (Lithium and Dry Cell): The 2 types of batteries act in different ways once ingested but both can cause ulcerations and necrosis of the tissue of the mouth, esophagus, stomach and small intestines. Perforation is also possible. Pets may drool excessively, not want to eat or paw at the face after ingestion.
14. Paint balls: Ingestion is generally non-toxic but can cause severe GI upset including vomiting, diarrhea, weakness and tremors.
15. Fluoride: Ingestion can cause GI upset, vomiting, pancreatitis and secondary metabolic changes can result in cardiac arrhythmias resulting in respiratory muscle paralysis (the animal is unable to breath). Owners may notice anorexia, vomiting, excess salivation, coughing and weakness.
There are many more household products that may be harmful if ingested. When in doubt, always contact your veterinarian with questions. Other great websites to reference include the following:
ASPCA
Pet Poison Helpline
American Association of Poison Control Centers
Monday, January 24, 2011
Saturday, January 22, 2011
Products to help your pets this winter
Here are some great products that will help you and your pet make it through the winter healthy!
PawPro All Natural "De-icer", made to protect paws from the ice and cold conditions
http://cozywinters.com/shop/pawpro.html?utm_source=base&utm_medium=cse&utm_campaign=merchantadv&zmam=61752597&zmas=1&zmac=2&zmap=PawPro
Ruff Wear Grip Trex Boots help protect the pads from harsh road and grass conditions
http://www.rei.com/product/747456?preferredSku=7474560120&cm_mmc=cse_froogle-_-datafeed-_-product-_-7474560120&mr:trackingCode=BB804FFE-FB85-DE11-B7F3-0019B9C043EB&mr:referralID=NA
Reflective Safety Dog Jackets keep dogs warm and are also safer when it's dark outside
http://www.kooldawgtees.com/K-9Reflective_Safety_Dog_Vest.html
PawPro All Natural "De-icer", made to protect paws from the ice and cold conditions
http://cozywinters.com/shop/pawpro.html?utm_source=base&utm_medium=cse&utm_campaign=merchantadv&zmam=61752597&zmas=1&zmac=2&zmap=PawPro
Ruff Wear Grip Trex Boots help protect the pads from harsh road and grass conditions
http://www.rei.com/product/747456?preferredSku=7474560120&cm_mmc=cse_froogle-_-datafeed-_-product-_-7474560120&mr:trackingCode=BB804FFE-FB85-DE11-B7F3-0019B9C043EB&mr:referralID=NA
Reflective Safety Dog Jackets keep dogs warm and are also safer when it's dark outside
http://www.kooldawgtees.com/K-9Reflective_Safety_Dog_Vest.html
Protect your pet this winter
Here are some tips to help protect your dog or cat this winter:
1. If the snow is deeper than the height to your dog's knees and elbows, shovel out an area for them to go to the bathroom. If the snow is higher than this, they will have a difficult time walking and may hurt themselves or stop going outside and start inappropriately eliminating in the house.
2. If your pet has long hair between the toes, keep it clipped short. Ice can form little cubes between them and this may be very painful for the pet. When returning from a walk, make sure to wipe of the pets paws to remove any chemicals, salt or ice.
3. When purchasing substances to prevent ice formation on your sidewalks and driveways, read the labels carefully. Be sure to not buy any products that are harmful to pets. Many will say "pet safe" on the label that is easy to read. Large pieces of salt can cut the pads of their feet.
4. Keep dogs on a leash during ice or snow. The colder weather affects their senses and often times pets can get lost and wander away. More pets are reported missing in the winter months for this reason.
5. If your cat has access to the outside, make sure there is a water supply available that is not frozen. In the winter storms, it becomes hard for cats to find the small rodents they usually eat so a fresh food supply should also be provided at all times. Access to barns or garages also makes surviving the winter months better for outside pets.
6. Never leave antifreeze, windshield fluid or coolants within reach of cats or dogs. Ethylene glycol is the main ingredient which is toxic and lethal to pets. These products also taste good to the pets, so do not let them drink from any puddles.
7. Cats like to curl up in warm places during the cold winter, including under your car and car engines. Always check under the car and tapping on the hood or honking the horn to be sure there isn't a cat under you car before you start it up.
Some other helpful links are below:
First Aid Techniques and First Aid Kit Supplies:
http://www.paw-rescue.org/PAW/PETTIPS/DogTip_FirstAid.php
Companion animals kept outdoors or in other inhumane conditions:
http://www.paw-rescue.org/PAW/PETTIPS/DogTip_HelpingAbusedAnimals.php
Backyard Dog, Outdoor Dog: Facts, Guidance, Solutions
http://www.paw-rescue.org/PAW/PETTIPS/DogTip_BackyardDogs.php
Those are my thoughts!
1. If the snow is deeper than the height to your dog's knees and elbows, shovel out an area for them to go to the bathroom. If the snow is higher than this, they will have a difficult time walking and may hurt themselves or stop going outside and start inappropriately eliminating in the house.
2. If your pet has long hair between the toes, keep it clipped short. Ice can form little cubes between them and this may be very painful for the pet. When returning from a walk, make sure to wipe of the pets paws to remove any chemicals, salt or ice.
3. When purchasing substances to prevent ice formation on your sidewalks and driveways, read the labels carefully. Be sure to not buy any products that are harmful to pets. Many will say "pet safe" on the label that is easy to read. Large pieces of salt can cut the pads of their feet.
4. Keep dogs on a leash during ice or snow. The colder weather affects their senses and often times pets can get lost and wander away. More pets are reported missing in the winter months for this reason.
5. If your cat has access to the outside, make sure there is a water supply available that is not frozen. In the winter storms, it becomes hard for cats to find the small rodents they usually eat so a fresh food supply should also be provided at all times. Access to barns or garages also makes surviving the winter months better for outside pets.
6. Never leave antifreeze, windshield fluid or coolants within reach of cats or dogs. Ethylene glycol is the main ingredient which is toxic and lethal to pets. These products also taste good to the pets, so do not let them drink from any puddles.
7. Cats like to curl up in warm places during the cold winter, including under your car and car engines. Always check under the car and tapping on the hood or honking the horn to be sure there isn't a cat under you car before you start it up.
Some other helpful links are below:
First Aid Techniques and First Aid Kit Supplies:
http://www.paw-rescue.org/PAW/PETTIPS/DogTip_FirstAid.php
Companion animals kept outdoors or in other inhumane conditions:
http://www.paw-rescue.org/PAW/PETTIPS/DogTip_HelpingAbusedAnimals.php
Backyard Dog, Outdoor Dog: Facts, Guidance, Solutions
http://www.paw-rescue.org/PAW/PETTIPS/DogTip_BackyardDogs.php
Those are my thoughts!
Thursday, January 20, 2011
Wednesday, January 19, 2011
Creative Grooming Contest
We came across these pictures last night... The skills are pretty impressive but it's a little embarrassing for the dogs. YouTube the videos if you want a really good laugh!!!
http://www.doobybrain.com/2009/08/26/photos-of-dogs-groomed-to-look-like-other-animals/
http://www.doobybrain.com/2009/08/26/photos-of-dogs-groomed-to-look-like-other-animals/
Monday, January 17, 2011
Canine Heartworm Disease
Heartworms are spread to dogs when a mosquito takes a blood meal and transmits the larvae to the dog. Larvae mature in the dog to become male and female adult worms where they reside in the heart, lungs, and associated vessels. The offspring of the adult worms are released into the blood supply. These offspring, microfilariae, are detected 6 to 7 months after the initial infection by the heartworm tests in your veterinarian's clinic.
The severity of heartworm disease is determined by the number of adult heartworms circulating in the body and the activity of the infected dog. Most dogs with heartworm infections do not show any clinical signs. Their infection is detected by annual heartworm tests by a veterinarian. Those showing clinical signs may vary from cough and exercise intolerance (mild) to collapse, fluid accumulation in the abdomen or death (most severe cases).
Once heartworms are diagnosed in a dog, your veterinarian will recommend a thorough physical exam, baseline blood work and chest x-rays to determine the overall health of the dog. These findings will help the veterinarian develop a plan for treating the infection and also help give a prognosis. The goal of heartworm treatment is to kill all adults and microfilariae. Immiticide, by Merial, is the only approved adulticide product. Your veterinarian will develop a protocol for treating with Immiticide which may include 2 or 3 injections over 48 hours or 2 months. Adverse reactions are common with Immiticide treatment including fever, cough or restlessness. In some cases, sudden death has occurred. Because of these serious side effects, it is important to work with your veterinarian to develop the best plan for your dog. Strict activity restriction is also required post-treatment, to help minimize the chances of these side effects.
Retesting for heartworms 4-6 months post treatment is required to be assured that the treatment was successful. It is also important to talk to your veterinarian to decide on the best heartworm preventative for your dog. Year round protection is strongly recommended.
For more information visit the American Heartworm Society's website at: http://www.heartwormsociety.org/pet-owner-resources/canine-heartworm.html
Those are my thoughts!
The severity of heartworm disease is determined by the number of adult heartworms circulating in the body and the activity of the infected dog. Most dogs with heartworm infections do not show any clinical signs. Their infection is detected by annual heartworm tests by a veterinarian. Those showing clinical signs may vary from cough and exercise intolerance (mild) to collapse, fluid accumulation in the abdomen or death (most severe cases).
Once heartworms are diagnosed in a dog, your veterinarian will recommend a thorough physical exam, baseline blood work and chest x-rays to determine the overall health of the dog. These findings will help the veterinarian develop a plan for treating the infection and also help give a prognosis. The goal of heartworm treatment is to kill all adults and microfilariae. Immiticide, by Merial, is the only approved adulticide product. Your veterinarian will develop a protocol for treating with Immiticide which may include 2 or 3 injections over 48 hours or 2 months. Adverse reactions are common with Immiticide treatment including fever, cough or restlessness. In some cases, sudden death has occurred. Because of these serious side effects, it is important to work with your veterinarian to develop the best plan for your dog. Strict activity restriction is also required post-treatment, to help minimize the chances of these side effects.
Retesting for heartworms 4-6 months post treatment is required to be assured that the treatment was successful. It is also important to talk to your veterinarian to decide on the best heartworm preventative for your dog. Year round protection is strongly recommended.
For more information visit the American Heartworm Society's website at: http://www.heartwormsociety.org/pet-owner-resources/canine-heartworm.html
Those are my thoughts!
Thursday, January 13, 2011
What I saw today... Canine Osteosarcoma
Today an older, large breed dog presented for occasional limping for the past month. The limping had not been getting progressively worse but had not improved either. When I was feeling the bones of the dog, she was extremely painful over the area of her front leg, just above the paw. X-rays were diagnostic for osteosarcoma. Osteosarcoma is a bone tumor that we see mostly in large breed dogs. It usually occurs on the bones "away from the elbow and towards the knee". A bone biopsy could also have been done to provide definitive diagnosis but due to location and appearance of bony changes on the x-ray, we were able to diagnose osteocarcoma in the patient.
Dogs with osteosarcoma, or OSA, may be noticed by owners as a subtle lameness after exercising or rough playing with other dogs. The owners may notice a small swelling over the bone as well. Metastasis to the lungs occurs in 10% of the cases. Therapy for OSA involves amputation of the affected limb. Amputation provides good control of the bone tumor but does not prolong survival time. A median survival time of 19 weeks is seen after amputation due to metastasis. Chemotherapy in combination with amputation has been shown to increase survival times if spread of the tumor has not occurred, but is not effective in treating metastasis of the primary tumor.
Our client elected to try intense pain management to help improve the quality of life of their dog, but she is aware that the prognosis is very poor for long term survival.
Any limping in your dog or cat that does not improve within 24 hours warrants a visit to your veterinarian.
pictures!
Note: The picture with Lucy, the Pit Bull, and the champagne bottle was just for fun. She did not drink any of the champange.
Who can resist these???
Who can resist these???
Wednesday, January 12, 2011
Flea and Tick Prevention... Yes, you need to do it!
Here's a quick thought for the day:
Flea and tick prevention (with the combination of heartworm prevention) is extremely important and in the Maryland area, is something that should be used year round. A lot of people assume that once it gets cold, we can stop these products until the spring while the opposite is true. In the Maryland area it is not uncommon for a freeze to be followed by a few nice days of warmer weather. These warm days are enough to bring the fleas and ticks out and show up on your dog.
Flea and tick born diseases are easy to prevent and should be taken seriously. I have seen numerous dogs come in this winter with fleas and skin infections secondarily to the itch sensation from fleas. Please keep your pets on protection year round- and I strongly recommend a product dispensed by your veterinarian. There is a difference in efficacy and safety between these products and those available at the grocery or pet store!
Flea and tick prevention (with the combination of heartworm prevention) is extremely important and in the Maryland area, is something that should be used year round. A lot of people assume that once it gets cold, we can stop these products until the spring while the opposite is true. In the Maryland area it is not uncommon for a freeze to be followed by a few nice days of warmer weather. These warm days are enough to bring the fleas and ticks out and show up on your dog.
Flea and tick born diseases are easy to prevent and should be taken seriously. I have seen numerous dogs come in this winter with fleas and skin infections secondarily to the itch sensation from fleas. Please keep your pets on protection year round- and I strongly recommend a product dispensed by your veterinarian. There is a difference in efficacy and safety between these products and those available at the grocery or pet store!
Monday, January 10, 2011
Dog Food!
People are always asking me what type of food to feed their pets. There are so many options out there... commercial, homemade, all natural, raw, organic, and so on. I understand the decision can be tough but here is my recommendation...
* For the average, healthy cat or dog that does not have specific dietary needs as directed by a veterinarian, here is my guide for finding a good food:
1. Find a food that is regularly available and affordable for you. (You shouldn't have to drive an hour to find the food and it needs to be available so you're not switching foods every time you run out.
2. Find a food that the dog likes and will eat. There shouldn't be any vomiting or diarrhea on the food and the dog should find it palatable.
3. Find a food that produces consistent stools approximately 2 times a day. Believe me, this is important.
4. Go with a brand that does it's research and will show it to you. Purina, Hills, Science Diet and Royal Canin are 4 that come to the vet schools to show their research and offer it to the public. There are other great brands too, but any of the quality food companies, should be able to provide you with a list of ingredients and any research that has been done.
What do I feed my dogs? They have a history of developing bladder stones so they are on a Royal Canin prescription diet. For my parents dog however, I order them Purina Pro Plan.
Those are my thoughts!
* For the average, healthy cat or dog that does not have specific dietary needs as directed by a veterinarian, here is my guide for finding a good food:
1. Find a food that is regularly available and affordable for you. (You shouldn't have to drive an hour to find the food and it needs to be available so you're not switching foods every time you run out.
2. Find a food that the dog likes and will eat. There shouldn't be any vomiting or diarrhea on the food and the dog should find it palatable.
3. Find a food that produces consistent stools approximately 2 times a day. Believe me, this is important.
4. Go with a brand that does it's research and will show it to you. Purina, Hills, Science Diet and Royal Canin are 4 that come to the vet schools to show their research and offer it to the public. There are other great brands too, but any of the quality food companies, should be able to provide you with a list of ingredients and any research that has been done.
What do I feed my dogs? They have a history of developing bladder stones so they are on a Royal Canin prescription diet. For my parents dog however, I order them Purina Pro Plan.
Those are my thoughts!
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