Small Animal Articles

 

Large Animal Articles

 
 

Canine cruciate ligament (ACL) rupture.

The most common cause of rear limb lameness in dogs is the torn cruciate ligament. This is true for large and small dogs.

The cranial and caudal cruciate ligaments are located with in the knee joint. Their function is to prevent forward and backward movement. The cranial cruciate is usually the one to become damaged. Occasionally the caudal cruciate can tear as well.

Diagnosis of the tear is made by a combination of examination and x-rays. It is common for sedation to be required as well. A definite abnormal movement will be felt on palpation, and x-rays will show any swelling of the joint and if arthritis is present.

If long term arthritis is to be prevented, definitive correction of the tear should be performed. This is accomplished by performing surgery on the knee. During surgery the torn ligament is removed and the menisci are checked for tears. A nylon implant is used to take over the function of the damaged ligament.

After surgical treatment rehabilitation of the knee will improve recovery. Two to three weeks of rest with minimal exercise followed by three weeks of controlled exercise such as swimming or walking. Occasionally medications to improve joint fluid and cartilage function are useful in recovering the joint.

 
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What is Anaplasmosis?

Late summer and early fall are the time of year when cattle are most likely to show signs of an Anaplasmosis infection.

Anaplasmosis (frequently called Anaplaz) is a protozoan parasite that infects red blood cells. It is transmitted from infected or subclinical cattle by the horse fly.

The parasite causes destruction of the red blood cells, which carry oxygen. Clinical signs of Anaplaz include depression, hard breathing, and pale/white mucus membranes (gums and vulva area).

If caught early Anaplaz can be treated successfully. Oxytetracycline is the drug of choice for Anaplaz infections. It works best when given at a low concentration intravenously. It requires two doses to treat a clinical infection and may require several more doses to prevent an infected animal from becoming a silent carrier of the parasite.

It is very important when working with an infected animal not to place them under excessive stress. Many can not handle extra stress and may die from it.

 
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Guideline for over-the-counter antibiotic usage.

A cough in a brood cow… a snotty nose in the black calf… was that a limp by the herd bull? As you look through your shelves which antibiotic do you choose?

The ideal antibiotic would be effective for every pathogen and inexpensive. Unfortunately this is not available. The following is a review of two antibiotics available over-the-counter and what to consider in their use.

LA 200 / LA 100 (Oxytetracycline) - The LA 200 is twice as strong as LA100. It is effective against many different pathogens. As compared to other antibiotics it has good strength. LA200 should be given every 2-3 days at a dose of 4.5 ml/ 100 lbs. given in the muscle or under the skin. LA200 would be a good choice for foot rot, mild respiratory infection, Anaplasmosis, and pinkeye. It is not very good for mastitis.

Penicillin – As compared to other antibiotics, penicillin is a fair to good antibiotic depending on the cause of infection. It has good strength on susceptible infections. It must be given twice daily for maximum effect; dose is 6 ml/100 lbs. given in the muscle. Penicillin is one of the best choices for mastitis, and is also effective for mild respiratory infections, mild cases of foot rot and wounds.

** Always remember that for food production animals all antibiotics have a required withdrawal period before the animal can be slaughtered. For LA200 and penicillin a withdrawal period of 30 days from the last injection should be observed.

Infections that respond to antibiotic therapy usually show improvement within 3-4 days of treatment. If you have problem that doesn’t seem to be responding you should consult a veterinarian for further diagnosis.

 
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Antifreeze toxicity.

Traditionally antifreeze used in engines is contains the chemical ethylene glycol (EG). If EG is ingested by an animal it can cause serious damage and/or death.

Surprisingly it is the by-products of its metabolism not the EG itself that is toxic. Because of this, the effects of EG toxicity are usually not seen immediately after ingestion. Clinical signs of toxicity will usually be seen within the first 24 hours after ingestion. At first there will be weakness (looks like intoxication) and lethargy (lack of energy). This will proceed to a coma like state and then to death.

The good news is that now there is a test that can be run at the local veterinary hospital to check for ingestion of EG. The test must be done within the first 12 hours after ingestion.

Treatment of EG has also dramatically improved in the past few years. There is now available a drug that fights the toxin and helps the body remove it. If started early most permanent damage can be avoided. Before the availability of this drug treatment of EG toxicity was very limited. The standard treatment was ethanol (drinking alcohol) given intravenously.

Antifreeze toxicity can be prevented. If you are changing antifreeze or working on an engine that must be drained, catch the antifreeze in a bucket and remove it from access of pets. If a spill occurs wash the area thoroughly with water; this dilutes the antifreeze decreasing the potency. There are also new generation antifreeze solutions that are not composed of ethylene glycol. These may be used in place of the EG antifreeze.

 

 
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Allergies in the small animal.

If your pet has a problem with excessive scratching, your pet may have a syndrome called "atopy" or more commonly referred to as allergies. Atopy is an allergic condition similar to allergies in humans except our pets do not show the upper respiratory symptoms such as sneezing or coughing, but are plagued with pruritis (itching).

There are many different antigens (or allergens) that can cause atopy. Examples include many types of tree and weed pollens, molds, and insects. The most common allergen for dogs and cats are fleas. In fact, it is the saliva of the flea deposited at the time of a bite that caused the allergic reaction. Much like us, a pet that is allergic will react to a single antigen exposure for several weeks. This is important to remember, because an allergic pet may show signs for several weeks even though the offending allergen has been removed.

A less common cause of atopy is related to allergens in the diet. These type allergies are especially frustrating because it usually takes several weeks of strict diet restriction before any change in the condition can be seen.

In most cases, atopy can be controlled with periodic cortisone injections. This medication calms down the overactive immune response that creates the itching. If used infrequently, cortisone poses no significant health risk, but if chronic use is required other methods of treatment should be explored. Allergy testing is usually done for cases where cortisone injections are required very frequently or have only short duration. Allergy testing identifies the specific allergen involved and then hyposensitization solutions can be developed specifically for the problem.

 

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Breeding soundness examination for the bull.

BSE stands for "Breeding Soundness Examination". A BSE should be a annual part of a complete herd health program. A BSE is also warranted if conception rates are found to be down in the herd.

"A bull is HALF your herd" is a common and accurate saying. Just because the ‘ole boy’ did the job last years doesn’t mean he is ready for this year. There are several different reasons that may cause a bull to be good one year and not the next.

The standard BSE can be performed in about an hour. A heavy duty working facility is required, as are specialized instruments such as a high quality microscope and electroejaculator. Most BSEs that we do are done at the clinic.

A BSE will include several different tests. It includes a complete physical exam to examine condition and vision for example. The genital exam will be a visual and functional assessment of the external sex organs and palpation of the internal sex glands. Finally the semen will be evaluated for concentration and viability.

The time to find out if a bull is in good shape for breeding season is before that season begins, not after all the cows come up not pregnant a few months after breeding season is over.

 

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Introduction to calf processing.

As fall approaches many spring calves will be nearing weaning. Weaning time is an excellent time to process your calves while they are up.

Calf processing can consist of many things. The standard items include deworming, vaccinating, and tagging. Other things that can be done during this time are castrations, dehorning, growth implants, and acclimating grain feed and water troughs.

Vaccinated calves generally have less sickness after transport from the farm to be fed out. The stress of shipping can leave the calf vulnerable to many viruses which open the door for deadly bacterial pneumonia.

Dehorned calves take up less bunk space, and there is less meat and hide damage from fighting with the horns. Similarly castrated calves fight less, gain more quickly, and are generally easier to handle.

Most calves that are directly weaned and shipped lose several pounds of body weight during the first week or so at the feed yard. This is because they are not used to eating or drinking from a trough.

Implanted calves will benefit from the hormones and gain more weight than non-implanted calves. This generally results in an increased profit 2-3 times the cost of the implant.

 

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Options for small animal cancer treatment.

Dogs and cats are living longer fuller lives due to advancements in care available. Because of longer life spans we are encountering more and more cases of neoplastic disease (cancer).

Tumors occur when the normal cells begin acting in abnormal ways. They begin multiplying uncontrollably and sometimes will produces normal body hormones or enzymes in abnormal amounts. In some cases viruses may stimulate a neoplastic process, but most cancers are due to a dysfunction for no apparent reason.

There are many different types of tumors that can affect our pets, and because of this the first step in deciding what to do about a particular tumor is to find out what type it is. The two ways of doing this are cytology or biopsy. A cytological sample can be obtained without sedation in the office and results can be read in an hour or so. Biopsies require anesthesia and usually can be done as same day surgery; occasionally the whole mass can be removed and sent for analysis.

As far as treatments are concerned, animals have most of the same treatment options as people. Surgical removal is probably the most common method of treatment for tumors in pets. Many tumors are curative with surgical removal, but some are not. For those that can not be removed or are likely to return if removed, chemotherapy and radiation therapy are available in most cases. Thankfully, chemotherapy in pets does not produce many of the side effects that are seen in human medicine. Don’t worry your dog will not lose all its hair! Most chemotherapy protocols can be performed as an outpatient treatment at the local veterinarian level. Radiation therapy, however, is only available at the university level, but should be considered because of the high potential for curative treatment in some cases. 

 

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Why did my cat get an abscess.

Unlike their canine companions most cats are not very social creatures. This frequently leads to squabbles between themselves. The end result of many of these fights will be an abscess.

The normal feline mouth is full of bacteria. These bacteria keep the mouth healthy, but are a source of infection when injected by the sharp canine teeth.

The most common pathogen isolated from cat bite wounds is Pasturella. This bacteria causes a very strong inflammatory reaction by the immune system.

When a bite occurs, the skin wound is very small and most of the damage is under the skin. This creates a cavity under the quickly healing skin wound. This cavity is where the inflammatory reaction takes place resulting in a collection of dead immune cells. This is now an abscess.

Fortunately, most abscesses can be treated quickly and easily. The primary goal in treatment is to open the abscess up and allow drainage of the debris. This in combination with antibiotics usually results in resolution of the problem.

 

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Equine colic.

Colic is a general term used to describe a painful abdomen. It is a common malady of horses and this discussion will focus on the equine patient.

The clinical signs of a horse that is colicing vary from patient to patient and depend on the severity of the colic. A mild colic may only present with a lack of appetite, restlessness, and/or irritability. The severe colic usually, but not always, includes signs such as sweating, trying to lay down and roll, biting or pawing at the flank area, along with the symptoms of milder colic. Occasionally gurgling of the intestines can be heard, but not in all cases.

Most colic is mild and responds to conservative medical treatment. Occasionally more intensive medical treatments such as intravenous fluid therapy, and nasogastric decompression are required to resolve the colic. Only in the most extreme or chronic cases is surgical intervention necessary.

If you think that your horse is colicing there are a few things to try. Sometimes a mild colic will respond to walking for a few hours. If you have the medication Banamine, it can be given for the pain. Occasionally getting the horse over the initial painful episode will correct the problem. Colic can be a serious problem and appropriate treatment should be treated as soon as possible.

 

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House breaking using the Crate Training technique.

Crate training is a very effective way of house training most puppies. The idea is based on the fact that dogs instinctively prefer dens for shelter. That is, similar to wolves, dogs will seek shelter in dens and they instinctively will try to keep these areas clean and dry. Research has shown that wolves will leave the den to urinate and defecate to keep the den clean. Crate training uses this natural concept to teach a puppy that elimination in the house is not appropriate.

The first requirement to crate train is to acquire a "crate" of some sort. A plastic airline kennel, available at most pet stores or Wal-Mart is ideal. It is easy to clean for the occasional accident, it can be taken apart (also facilitating cleaning), the plastic will not stain easily or retain body fluid smells, it is lightweight, and it can be used for traveling purposes as well. The kennel can be large enough that when full grown it can be used for traveling or confinement.

The procedure is simple. Whenever direct (visual) observation of the puppy can not be given the pup should be put in the crate. This includes quick trips to the mailbox, during the night, while at work , etc. This may mean that a significant part of the day could be spent in the crate. Just remember that if left alone a puppy will usually sleep for 14 – 16 hours per day anyway. The next important step is to always give pup an opportunity to go outside immediately after every period of being in the crate. It is also wise to give outside opportunities after meals as well. There is an "entero-colic" reflex that stimulates the colon to contract after enlargement of the stomach resulting in a bowel movement.

If you will follow these simple procedures and use common sense you should be well on your way to producing a house trained pooch. Also remember that after accidents occur the area should be deodorized thoroughly. If smell remains the area may become a favorite spot for future accidents.

Good luck.

 

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Diabetes.

Diabetes mellitus is a common problem resulting in trouble regulating blood glucose (blood sugar) levels. In the normal animal, the pancreas produces insulin after a meal, which allows the sugars to be metabolized correctly. In diabetes this process is disrupted.

The most common presentation for diabetes involves an animal that is drinking more and has an increase in the number and volume of urination. In extreme cases the pet may be in a crisis from extremely low glucose levels; this presentation is not common. Diabetes is similar in the dog and cat, but is handled somewhat differently due to the variable response of cats to insulin.

Most cases of diabetes respond well to a combination of therapies including insulin and dietary changes. The first step in controlling the diabetes is to perform a "glucose curve" which tells us how the pet is reacting to the dose of insulin. From there the dosage of insulin is adjusted to keep the glucose within an acceptable range. Sometime a dietary change is made to a diet lower in carbohydrates (sugars) and higher in fiber. It is especially common for this to be necessary in cats.

Once a dose of insulin has been established, most cases show improvement very quickly. Insulin injections are performed everyday with some cases requiring twice daily treatment. Periodic rechecks should be performed to be sure that blood glucose levels remain constant. Occasionally spontaneous recovery occurs in cats and all insulin therapy can be discontinued.

 

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Canine ear infections

Infections of the ears (otitis externa) are common problems of dogs and cats. The most susceptible animals fall into two groups: animals with predisposing ear conformations and those with allergies. Occasionally there can be other predisposing factors such as ears that get wet a lot, parasites (mites, ticks, etc), or foreign bodies in the ear canal.

Most infections that are not related to the conformational or allergic problems are one time occurrences that can be treated and not reoccur. Removal of foreign bodies, treatment of the mites, and medication to help reduce moisture are effective cures for their respective problem. Frequently antibiotics are also needed to treat secondary infections.

If your pet has ear problems related to conformational problems get ready for chronic treatments. Examples of breeds that can experience these situations include Basset Hounds, Cocker Spaniels, and Shar Pei. The problem usually stems from lack of good air circulation to produce drying of the ear canal. These breeds may also have an over-production of sebaceous secretions, producing a very oily environment.

Allergic otitis can be found in ears with any conformation. The key to maintaining healthy ears in these animals is to manage the allergy. Without good allergy management, treatment of the ears will be short lived and frustrating.

Because of the complex nature of conformational and allergic otitis externa you should consult your veterinarian and he/she can develop a therapeutic protocol specifically for your pet.

 

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Emergency, 911!

Can you remember your last visit to the emergency room? Most of us have had to have medical assistance after the doctor’s office has closed. The same is true for our pets. Over half of our patients have needed emergency treatment at some time in their lives.

There are numerous reasons a pet may need to be seen on emergency. The classic examples are the life-threatening emergencies such as the pet that has been hit by a car or some other form of trauma. Fortunately those incidents are fewer now than in past, thanks to more owner involvement in keeping pets on a leash or in a yard.

But there are other needs that can arise after the office has closed. Uncontrolled vomiting or diarrhea can quickly debilitate an animal. Injuries to the eye can quickly lead of blindness if not treated. Constant coughing can not only lead to weariness for the pet but for the owner as well.

As responsible pet owners, we should be prepared in case our pets need to be evaluated on emergency. It is a good idea to have an emergency fund available for spur of the moment problems that may arise. When a family friend is in a critical situation it is a good feeling to know you are covered. Many areas provide a list of emergency numbers, such as fire and police, be sure to include your veterinarian as well.

 

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Breeding topics of the mare.

Even as this article is being printed the equine breeding season is revving up. May and June are the prime months for the natural cycle of the mare. Most mares will be at their best for accepting and maintaining a conception during this time.

Most mares spend January, February, and March breaking out of the anestrus phase and transitioning into a period of strong estrus ("in heat"). This is a result of increasing daylight period after the winter solstice. The only way to change this natural process is to provide artificial light to produce longer periods of daylight and induce the mares body to start producing the hormones that bring forth the transition period and start of estrus. Unfortunately there is no magic medicine that will create this effect and bring a mare into heat earlier in the year.

After a mare has begun to cycle there are measures that may be used to manipulate the estrus cycle. Prostin is a drug that can be used to interrupt the normal cycle of the mare and bring her back in heat to allow re-breeding or other procedures during an estrus period. Obviously the mare must already be cycling for this medication to work.

Regumate is another drug that can be used to manipulate the mare’s estrus cycle. It is also used for mares that require supplemental progesterone to be able to maintain a pregnancy. The schedule for Regumate therapy is complex and is best approached with the help of your veterinarian.

 

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FeLv/FIV/FIP

Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLv), Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV), and Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP) are three serious viruses that affect domestic cats.

Only Feline Leukemia has an effective vaccination available. The vaccination is approximately 80% effective in preventing infection with FeLv. There is no cure for FeLv.

FIV is very similar to the virus HIV (but not contagious to people). It attacks the immune system preventing the cat from protecting itself from infection. It causes similar symptoms as HIV, such as chronic infections and lack of energy. There is no cure for FIV.

FIP is not a new virus but has given researchers a hard time figuring out. Currently it is believed that FIP comes from a mutated virus of the GI tract. There is no cure for FIP

There is good news though. Kittens can be tested as early as 6 weeks old to screen for infection of FeLv and FIV, and all can be prevented by minimizing contact between your pet and those that may be carriers of the infection. Spaying and neutering are excellent ways of encouraging cats to stay close to home. Feline Leukemia vaccine can be routinely given to cats that have tested negatively.

 

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What is failure of passive transfer.

Failure of passive transfer occurs when a newborn does not receive colostrum ("first milk") from its mother. The colostrum contains antibodies that protect the newborn from infection, until its own immune system can defend itself.

Unlike humans and some other species of animals, most of the species of farm stock (such as cows, horses, sheep, etc.) do not receive any antibodies (known as IgG) while in the womb. Therefore it is vital that they receive colostrum. Not only must they receive the colostrum, but also it must be ingested during the first 24 hours of life. This is because at birth the gastrointestinal (GI) tract is very open to absorption of the large antibody proteins. As time passes, it gradually becomes less able to absorb the large proteins; after 24 hours it will lose the ability completely. Therefore, the sooner the colostrum is ingested the better.

All newborn stock (foals, calves, etc) should be watched carefully during the first hours of life to assure that they have nursed. The newborn is born with a large energy reserve. This can be confusing when trying to determine if a newborn is receiving adequate nutrition. Remember, colostrum must be ingested with 24 hours of birth. Equally as important the dam should be check to assure that milk production is occurring. If there are any signs that indicate inappropriate nursing or lactation a veterinarian should be contacted immediately to assess the situation. There is a blood test that can be run on the farm to detect IgG levels in foals.  Sometimes if treatment is started with in 24 hours of birth it maybe successful in preventing sickness and death.

 

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Gentling your puppy, the first steps in training.

 Unless you teach pets good manners, puppies can develop bad habits that often result in euthanasia. Gentling is a basic tool that teaches puppies to be gentle and accept positive leadership. For this exercise, the puppy should be 6 to 14 weeks old.

Start by handling the pet, running your hands over its body. Ignore casual resistance but stop if it panics. Next, gently move the pet's skin and appendages you're demonstrating leadership in a sale place and the puppy receives food treats for compliance.

 Once you manipulate its body, hold the pat in lateral recumbency. Ignore minor struggling, and reward submission with release and a food teat.  Repeat the resistant.   This exercise sets the stage for future exams and restraints in veterinary settings.

Gentling accomplishes these goals:

  • Establishes that you're bigger and stronger the pack leader.

  • Because you're pack leader, the puppy will want to follow your instructions.

  • Gentle leadership significantly reduces inappropriate aggressive behavior.  

  • During gentling, the pet develops trust because nothing bad happens,

  • The puppy becomes accustomed to routine examination.

The puppy will and should --- experience slight stress. Dealing with mild stress builds the puppy's self confidence and a friendly personality.  Before you teach the puppy commands, show it that you and all people are leaders. This involves these handling and restraint techniques:

 Handling Gently rub your hands over the puppy's entire body and move its head and limbs in every direction. Your friendly touch shows the puppy you're a trustworthy leader. After the puppy is comfortable with handling, begin your examination. Look at its teeth, ears, toes nails, belly, and around the tail. The goal is to have the puppy completely relaxed, as if it were a "rag doll”.

Restraint Gently hold the puppy against its will, such as in a hug. Do this daily until the puppy develops bust and relaxes like a rag doll. If the puppy shows fear or panic, proceed in small steps or put it down and walk away. Otherwise, comforting might be mistaken for praising panic. Later, start again more slowly. Only allow mild fear, then hold the puppy still until it relaxes. The goal is to build trust.

When the puppy relaxes, release and praise it. You've just built the puppy's confidence and trust in you as a leader. The puppy should learn that relaxing brings freedom.  Hold the puppy still in different positions until it relaxes. Start with elevation then cradle it in your arm, and finally hold it down on its side.

Restraint and handling techniques establish you as the animals pack leader without punishment or aggression. Besides gentling the puppy, these behavior exercise bond you and the pet stronger than anything else.

 

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Care for the older pet.

Due to advances in human and veterinary medicine our pets are living longer healthier lives. Because of this we have learned that our older pets have special needs.

There are several things to consider in the older pet. A common consideration is a change in the diet. Older pets are less active than their younger counterparts. They also are experiencing reduced function of major organ systems. Because of this they require less protein and energy than the younger pet. Most name brand dog foods offer a "geriatric" style food for the older pet.

Because of the fact that organ function decreases with time, it is advisable for older pets to have routine bloodwork as they enter old age. This point will differ with each pet but a general guideline can be established. For small dogs (less than 25 lbs.) the average life span should be around 15-17 years. These dogs would be considered geriatric at about 10-11 years old. Large dogs (50 lbs. or greater) have a life span of 10-12 years. For these dogs geriatric years begin at 8-9 years old. Most cats have a life span similar to a small dog and would be considered geriatric when greater than 10-11 years.

Unfortunately with age also comes the risk of neoplasm (or cancer). Due to longer living pets we have made great strides in the possibilities for treatment of some types of cancer. If you think your pet may have a problem you should make an appointment as soon as possible for a veterinarian to exam it.

 

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What is Grass Founder?

Laminitis (also know as "Founder") is a damaging condition that affects the feet of horses. The condition can range from mild to severe, sometimes resulting in the need for euthanasia. There are many situations that can result in a foundered horse. One type of founder is grass founder.

Grass founder occurs when a horse eats too much lush grass. Obviously this condition is most prevalent during the springtime with the fresh new growth grass. It can occur from ingestion of any type of grass that will grow very rapidly under ideal conditions.

The most prominent sign of grass founder is reluctance to walk. The horse may appear to be "walking on eggshells". They usually can be encouraged to walk a few steps but will protest greatly to being turned in a tight circle.

The most important part of therapy is to remove the horse from the grass. The horse should be put in a stall or dry lot devoid of grass. Hay and/or grain can be fed instead of grass. Medications are usually prescribed after a veterinarian has examined the horse. Fortunately, if caught early, most grass founders respond well to medications and removal from grass. Frequently horses that founder on grass will need to be kept off lush spring (and sometimes early summer) grasses every year.

 

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Grass Tetany

Every spring it is important to watch for signs of grass tetany in cattle herds. Grass tetany (or Hypomagnesaemia) occurs when blood levels of the electrolyte magnesium become too low. Magnesium is found in all forages and is usually provided for with good quality feed.

Grass tetany occurs primarily in the springtime when the grasses are very lush. Because of the high water content of the lush grass, cattle fill up quicker and eat less total weight of forage. This reduced intake of fiber combined with the fact the during the intense growth phases of the grass there are less nutrients such as magnesium, together produce the conditions for grass tetany to occur.

The good news is that grass tetany can usually be prevented. This is accomplished simply by feeding "High Mag" mineral (mineral high in magnesium). Begin feeding the "High Mag" mineral in December or January after discontinuing the medicated mineral used to control Anaplasmosis. A good program for most cattle herds would include year round use of mineral supplements, using ‘High Mag’ mineral January through June and medicated mineral July through December.

The signs of grass tetany usually include a down cow with trembling or paddling of limbs, and muscle tremors. Grass tetany should be considered an emergency. Treatment includes intravenous and oral or rectal magnesium. If a veterinarian can not be reached, an emergency treatment consisting of 1 cup of Epsom Salts mixed in ½ gallon of water given rectally (this solution in poisonous if given orally) until a veterinarian can be reached.

 

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What to do when your pet has been Hit By a Car!

Screeeeeeeeeeech… Thump! This is a sickening sound when the result is a pet that has been hit by a car or truck.

There are several things that can be done by you before and during transport for care.

Frequently very traumatic accidents result in broken bones that can be very painful. When in pain, even the friendliest animal may bite. In these cases a large towel to use as a sling, is a handy tool for moving the animal to a vehicle for transport.

If you see active bleeding, pressure should be applied to the area with a clean cloth. Maintain pressure for 4-5 minuets or until the bleeding has stopped.

The most important thing to remember under these conditions is to remain calm, and contact your veterinarian as soon as possible.

 

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Heartworm disease in cats

Heartworm disease is a common and well-known malady of our canine companions. However, this same invader can infect, cause illness, and death, in our feline companions also. It is seen less frequently than in dogs but is generally a more severe problem.

Feline heartworm disease is similar to canine heartworm disease in that they are both caused by the parasite Dirofilaria immitis. Because the dog is the natural host and the cat is not, the feline disease is not as predictable, more difficult to diagnose and has more treatment protocols. In the cat, heartworms may be found in the heart, pulmonary vessels, and rarely in other unusual sites such as the spine or brain. They typically have low worm burdens (1-3 worms), in comparison with the dog (40-50+ worms).

Testing for determination of heartworms in cats consists of screening for the antibodies that are produced in response to exposure of the worms. If this test is positive, additional tests are required to verify diagnosis. These will include additional blood test to try and detect parts of the worm, radiographs, and possibly echocardiogram.

After diagnosis, management of the disease can be accomplished in a variety of ways. Not all cases of feline heartworm disease benefit from treatments that kill the adult heartworms. Your veterinarian will develop a treatment protocol that is best for your pet based on the clinical information available. It should be noted that feline heartworm disease is a serious condition that can be life threatening and because of the seriousness of the disease it should not be taken lightly.

The good news is that feline heartworm disease can be prevented. Monthly preventative medications, similar to those in dogs, are available for cats also. Due to the difficulty in diagnosis, risk of complications from treatment and high incidence of death, prevention is the best mode for handling this disease in cats.

 

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Heartworm disease.

Heartworm disease is a common cause of sickness and death for our pets. Heartworms are a type of parasite that live in the heart and great vessels that are associated with the heart. Heartworms are transmitted by mosquitoes that deposit the larvae when they feed. These larvae then migrate to the heart and mature into adult worms. If there are at least two adult worms (one male and one female) new larvae will be produced called microfilaria.

For many years the standard test for detection of heartworms was the Knott’s test. This test examined the blood for evidence of microfilaria. Although a very specific test it was possible to have false negative results, especially if a pet had been on preventative medicine. Fortunately, advances in testing have provided new, quick, in hospital tests that can be run to detect the actual adult worms.

There is also good news for the treatment of heartworm infections. Although heart changes caused by the worms may never be repaired, adult heartworms can be eradicated. The old treatment for heartworms was an arsenic based product. It was somewhat toxic and had a high rate of complications. We now have new compounds to kill the adult worms that are much less toxic and have minimal complications. Each case will vary according to the amount of damage already done.

The best news of all is that heartworm disease can be prevented from ever occurring. There are several products that will prevent heartworm disease if started before 5-6 months of age, or after the adult has been tested negative. These heartworm prevention should be given year round.

 

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How to deal with heat stress.

Summer is here! Now is the time to be sure that your pets have adequate protection from the heat of summer. Most pets can deal with summer heat with minimal and practical arrangements that may already be in place.

Always have plenty of water available. Water is the most important nutrient required by body systems. All metabolic functions depend on adequate hydration of the body. Be sure that water supplies are as clean as possible. Many times pets that are on leashes or chains will inadvertently knock water supplies over or not be able to reach the water for one reason or another.

Next in importance is access to a shady area. The ability to cool the body is hampered when conditions of high temperatures and high humidity occur simultaneously. Shade is very important because it creates an environment that will allow heat transfer to occur. The air temperature of shady areas can be several degrees cooler. Small animals exchange heat loss primarily by panting. Since they do not sweat, cooler air temperatures become more important.

Most pets that are kept reasonably clean will be able to dissipate heat without much trouble. There are some breeds that have extremely long hair coats and were bred for living in cold climates; for instance, Chow Chow, Saint Bernard, and Spitz. These breeds will benefit from shearing of the hair coat to allow better heat transfer.

Extreme heat stress should be considered an emergency. Extremely high body temperatures for extended periods of time can create life threatening organ damage. Contact your veterinarian immediately for help.

 

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Hip dysplasia in the canine.

Hip dysplasia is a common and controversial skeletal condition that affects many dogs. The most common breeds are the German Shepherd, Labrador Retriever, Rottweiler, and Golden Retriever, but most any of the large breed (>50 lbs.) dogs can have problems with this disease process.

The root of the problem is a malformation of the hip joint. The joint is normally a "ball and socket" joint. The femur has the ball portion and the pelvis supplies the socket. Normally the ball rests snuggly into the socket (70-80% of the ball is in the socket). In the dysplastic hip the socket is very shallow which prohibits the ball from resting in the socket properly (< 50%). This produces a joint that is unstable. When the joint is unstable this allows the joint to sub-luxate (almost become dislocated) many times over the course of a day. This instability is the root cause of the arthritis associated with hip dysplasia.

Hip dysplasia has been recognized as a disease entity for a long time. The exact cause is a major issue of debate. There are defiantly genetic and environmental components involved in the cause of hip dysplasia.

Genetically speaking, dogs with bad hips are more likely to have puppies that grow-up with bad hip joints. The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) is a registry system for adult dogs (>2yrs old) to assess the conformation of the hip joints. Parents that are OFA certified are less likely to have puppies with dysplastic hips, but can not be guaranteed to have normal hip joints. This is where the environmental component of hip dysplasia comes in. Since parents that have good hips still can result in puppies with bad hips there must be other factors that cause hip dysplasia.

These environmental factors include improper mineral balance in the diet of puppies, extra-ordinary stress on the joints during key growing phases, and growing too fast. If growth of the skeletal system is faster than growth of muscular system the result will be an unstable joint. This is similar to constructing a building with out an adequate foundation where the muscles are not developed enough to provide stabilization. Since puppy food must provide nutrition to all sizes of dogs a general formulation is used for all diets. The average large breed dog needs different proportions of the minerals that are used in the growth of the skeletal system.

This can be provided in two ways. There are puppy diets that are specially formulated for large breed puppies. These diets take into consideration the special skeletal need of the puppy and can be feed for up to 10 or 11 months of age. Another way to modulate the growth of puppies to favor good balance of muscle and skeletal growth is to discontinue the rich puppy food at approximately 4 months of age and begin feeding an adult dog food. This slows the progress of growth to allow good muscle growth but will not result in any change of the final height or weight in adulthood.

The last way to encourage good formation of joints is to promote a program of exercise that keeps muscles toned but does not put extreme stress on the hip joints. The ideal exercise is swimming. This provides a no-impact exercise and is an excellent aerobic workout. Walking and running in a controlled environment are also good ways to build muscle mass. Extreme roughhousing and exercises that include lots of impact should be discouraged. Along these same lines it should be noted that an overweight dog would have more weight causing impact and usually have less muscle tone in general. Keeping a young dog in the correct weight range is encouraged.

The following guidelines should help keep hip dysplasia to a minimum:

  1. Choose a puppy from parents that have good hip joints (preferably OFA certified)
  2. Feed your puppy a ‘large breed’ type puppy food, or discontinue puppy food at about 4 months of age.
  3. Encourage controlled exercise to maintain muscle mass
  4. Keep within the appropriate weight range.

 

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Intervertebral disk disease in the canine.

Intervertebral disk disease (IVDD) is a condition that can affect any animal (including people) but is more common in small dogs. The major predisposing factor for IVDD is body conformation. Small dogs with a conformation of long bodies and short legs are prone to IVDD.

IVDD is commonly refereed to as a "slipped disk". Although disk problems make up a major component of IVDD it is not always part of the problem. The most common symptom of IVDD is back pain. This type of pain can be expressed as reluctance to move, vomiting, uncoordinated hind limbs, and even paralysis.

Frequently IVDD is seen after an incident such as jumping from the couch or running down stairs. In severe cases this will immediately result in paralysis of the hind limbs. These cases should be considered emergencies and treatment should be started as soon as possible to try to prevent permanent paralysis.

Most case of IVDD will respond to conservative treatment. This involves medication and strict cage rest. It is very important that the dog rest to prevent more injury to the back and spinal cord. In some cases surgery is the only option to prevent permanent paralysis.

 

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Introduction to large animal parasite control.

Internal parasites can cause significant weight loss in grazing animals during the lean winter months. Now is the time to institute a deworming program to address this problem.

Most parasites in Kentucky choose the mild climate of spring and fall to emerge from their hibernation and become active feeding and reproducing. This emergence can cause damage to the gastrointestinal lining and result in weight loss and/or mild colic.

Fall herdwork is an excellent time to deworm brood cows while there are up to work the fall calf crop. It is also a safer time to treat for external parasites such as grubs which if treated before October can cause reactions in the spinal cord and even paralysis.

Although the standard of care for equine deworming has always been the "tube worming" today’s paste dewormers offer an equally good alternative so that year round parasite control can be done. There are several different active ingredients available for deworming. A good program should vary the active ingredient of the product used. To kill bot fly larva, a product with ivermectin is most effective, and it should be given after the first frost.

 

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Introduction to vaccinating the cow/calf.

With all the choices for vaccination of livestock it is hard to know what is best. Unfortunately there is no magical protocol. Each vaccination regime should be tailored to the specific needs of each operation. The following are some tips in deciding what vaccinations to use.

Blackleg: The vaccination for the Clostridial diseases is probably the most common vaccination given. Infection from Clostridial bacteria can be devastating. There is usually no warning that the cattle are sick; most are just found dead. This vaccine is relatively inexpensive and should be part of every herd health program.

Respiratory viruses: These viruses include IBR, BVD, BRSV and PI3. Usually the vaccination will include all four of these viruses. The respiratory system is the most vulnerable system of cattle. These vaccinations are highly recommended.

Pinkeye: A complete herd health program will include vaccination for pinkeye. If the herd has any history of problems with pinkeye vaccinating can be of benefit. The vaccine doesn’t necessarily prevent all infection, but will limit the severity if infection does occur. Vaccinating does not eliminate the need for other measures of fly control.

Pasturella: Pasturella is a bacteria that is the primary component of most pneumonia. It along with the Hemophilus bacteria can cause disease severe enough to kill. The Pasturella vaccine is indicated for herds that are shipping calves or bringing replacements into the herd. The disadvantage to this vaccine is the cost.

There are a variety of other vaccinations that can be given and may be indicated for your herd. The best way to decide what is best for you herd is to consult your veterinarian.

 

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What is mange?

Mange is a skin disease that effects dogs and cats. There are several types of mange. The most common types are sarcoptic (Scabies) and demodex (or "Red Mange"). Mange infections are caused by mites that infect the skin. It is important to know which mite is causing the problem because treatment is different for each type. Also, sarcoptic mange is zoonotic; meaning you could contract the mite from an infected pet. Fortunately, the sarcoptic mites are not able to reproduce in human skin and any infection should resolve when the mites die off.

Sarcoptic mites burrow into the skin to feed and reproduce. This burrowing cause intense pruritis (or itching). The standard test for determining the cause of infection is the skin scraping. Because the mites burrow into the skin it is not uncommon for skin scrapings to be unsuccessful in finding the mite. Treatment of sarcoptic mange includes insecticide dips, injections, oral, or topical medications. The good news is that sarcoptic mites usually respond well to treatment.

Demodectic mites are found in the hair follicles. Demodex doesn’t usually cause itching as bad as sarcoptic mange, but can be itchy especially if there is a secondary bacterial infection associated with it.

All dogs acquire Demodex mites at birth from the dam. They do not cause a problem unless there is an underlying immunity problem or the pet is subjected to a stressful event that causes some immunosuppression. Treatment of the demodex mite is limited to insecticide dips or long term oral medication.

If you think your pet may be suffering from a mange infection a complete examination by a veterinarian should be performed. We early laboratory diagnosis, most infections can be cured.

 

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Benefits of spaying or neutering your pet.

Neutering of our pets has become an important aspect of preventative medicine. Spaying and castration are surgical procedures that remove the sexual organs. Today, both of these are accepted and proven therapeutic and preventative procedures, but it was not always this way.

Before these procedures became widely accepted and practiced, there was a terrible problem with stray and feral animals. The population of stray or feral animals presented a serious health risk to the human population. The number one problem was the spread of the rabies virus. The cause of infection was from bites incurred from infected dogs and cats. This situation occurred because the stray dog and cat populations were interacting with the wild animals and becoming infected. Then, due to their domestication, they would readily interact with people, which provided the opportunity to spread the virus. It was because of this public health risk that the first effort was made to decrease stray populations of animals through surgical sterilization.

Since that time we have experienced other positive results from spaying and neutering. Females spayed early in life will significantly decrease their chances of mammary carcinoma, a deadly cancer originating from the mammary glands. Also, because they will not experience pregnancy, potential complications are avoided. Neutered males exhibit much less aggression which decreases the number of bite victims every year as well as the number of dogs and cats that are presented with injuries from other animals. They are also less likely to roam which decreases their chances of being hit by a vehicle on the road.

 

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Renal failure

A common problem experienced by older cats and dogs is decreased function of the kidneys. When this occurs in the older animal the most common cause is the gradual replacement of normal tissue with scar tissue. Other causes include ingestion of toxic substances, infections with bacteria or viruses, or autoimmune problems.

The common clinical signs of renal failure include increases in drinking, increased urination, lethargy, muscle loss, and dehydration. Diagnosis is made based on physical exam and blood test.

Most cases of renal failure require hospitalization and treatment with intravenous fluids. If a good response is shown to treatment renal cases can be managed on a special diet low in protein and phosphorus. In some cases periodic fluid therapy will be needed.

The long-term outlook of a renal failure case depends on the cause. If a treatable cause is found the prognosis can be favorable. Unfortunately scaring of the kidneys, termed "chronic renal failure", usually shows little response to therapy and has a poor prognosis for long term recovery.

 

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A few common ophthalmic problems of small animals

The eyes are important sensory organs of domestic animals. There are many common problems that can effect their function.  During summer and fall, seeds of many different types can become lodged under eyelids and behind the "third" eyelid.   Scratches of the cornea, the "non-white" part of the eye, can cause severe pain and discharge from the eye.

Occasionally a small red object is seen protruding from the lower eyelid. This is called a "cherry-eye". It occurs when a gland becomes misplaced.  

Some animals lack an adequate amount of tears. This is called KCS. Without tears damage is done to the cornea. Over time the damage can be irreversible.

Any problem involving the eyes should be considered an urgent problem and receive prompt attention. Many are easily treated with medication and/or surgery.

 

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Orthopedic topics in the small animal

Orthopedics is treatment of conditions involving the skeletal system. This involves muscles, joints, ligaments, and tendons as well as bones.

There are several common orthopedic problems seen in dogs and cats. In general, cats are not prone to orthopedic problems to the degree of dogs because they have lighter frames and are more agile. Therefore this discussion will focus on several conditions seen in dogs.

Although most orthopedic problems are seen in dogs that weigh over 50 pounds, the medial patella luxation is a condition of the smaller breed. The origin of this problem is a malposition of components of the knee joint and surrounding bones. Many will have a characteristic hop as the kneecap dislocates and re-locates.

Hip dysplasia is a very common condition seen in large breed dogs. The cause is widely debated and is probably a combination of several environmental and genetic factors. The primary problem is a malformation of the hip joint that allows abnormal motion, which leads to arthritis. This problem can be approached in many different ways, and treatment is best if customized for the individual animal.

There are many other problems that can occur with the skeletal system from broken bones to ruptured ligaments. If not promptly treated many orthopedic problems can lead to non-reversible arthritis. Thanks to advances in veterinary medicine many can be repair and normal function restored. Your veterinarian should examine any lameness or pain associated with movement.

 

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Parvo-virus Enteritis

Parvo-virus-enteritis is a life threatening infection for puppies of any breed. The virus attacks the lining of the intestinal tract causing it to die. This causes vomiting and bloody diarrhea that quickly leads of severe dehydration. The virus also causes malfunction and decreased numbers of immune cells that normally fight bacteria and viruses. This, along with the loss of intestinal lining, predisposes the puppy to bacterial invasion of the blood stream; called sepsis.

Without hospitalization and intensive medical therapy 80 – 90% of parvoviral diarrhea cases will die. Even with intensive treatment 15-25% may die.

The good news is most cases of parvo-viral-enteritis are preventable with vaccinations. Due to the unpredictable nature of maternal antibodies, a schedule of 3 or 4 vaccinations is routine. There are certain breeds that tend to be more susceptible or have more intense infections. These breeds include the Rottweiler, Doberman pinscher, and any mix breed that contains these bloodlines. Occasionally these breeds may need additional vaccinations. Be cautious of your source of vaccinations. All vaccinations are heat sensitive and can be inactivated is they become warm. You can be confident that veterinary medical facilities take special precautions to assure that vaccinations remain cool until they are used.

If you have young puppy that is showing any signs of vomiting or diarrhea you should have it checked by a veterinarian.

 

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Why would I need Pet Insurance?

As advances in veterinary medicine provide more and more options for the treatment of our pets, fee structures must also rise to accommodate the cost of advanced equipment for diagnosis and treatment. To combat these changes there are now insurance companies that provide medical insurance for your pets. This may be new information for you, but pet insurance has been around for several years and is very common in the United Kingdom, Australia, and Canada.

Pet insurance policies can be bought for all of our common pets (including horses), as well as some exotic pets such as ferrets. There is a wide range of policies available. There are policies that will cover all medical expenses including annual examination and vaccinations; other policies are primarily for major illnesses, surgeries, and emergencies. Without help, most people would not be able to take advantage of all available procedures.

For more information on insurance for your pet check out the following web sites: unitedpetcare.com, veterinarypetinsurance.com, ppins.com, healthy-pets.com, petcare-plus.com, petplan.com, petinsurance.net. If you would like to compare, these are sites for insurance available in the United Kingdom: alphapetinsure.com and pethealthcare.com.

We have insurance for other items of value in our lives; our pets should be no different.

 

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Vaginal and Uterine Prolapse of the cow.

Vaginal and uterine prolapse are two problems that can be seen during calving season. They are both related, in different ways, to the calving process. Although related, each has a different cause and should be considered differently as the producer makes decisions pertaining to culling.

The uterine prolapse is a condition that occurs after calving. It is most common in dairy cows, but seen occasionally in beef cows. Uterine prolapse occurs when a cow has trouble getting up after calving. In the dairy cow this is most frequently related to a cow down from hypocalcaemia (milk fever) and in the beef cow is usually seen in cows with some degree of paralysis (nerve damage) after calving. Because of the possibility of fatal complications uterine prolapse should be considered an emergency and dealt with as soon as possible.

The vaginal prolapse is a condition that occurs before calving. It is common in beef cows, and is usually seen on the second or third calving. Vaginal prolapse is a genetic condition and can be inherited from the cow or the sire. It commonly occurs in the Brahman influence breeds (Beefmaster, Brangus, etc), Herefords, and their crosses. Vaginal prolapse usually occur secondary to the hormonal changes that occur near calving. The optimal time to occur is sometime with in 2 weeks of calving. A vaginal prolapse is not an emergency but should be corrected as soon as convenient.

If a vaginal prolapse is diagnosed, the cow (and any offspring) should be considered for cull due to the high likelihood of the condition occurring again in the subsequent pregnancies, and the good chance of any potential offspring having the problem as well.

Contrary to this a uterine prolapse is an accident and, if the cause can be corrected, should not happen again in the future.

 

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So you've got a new puppy/kitten.

Is there the pitter-patter of FOUR little feet in your home? If so, congratulations on your new puppy or kitten! Each will have a variety of different needs to be addressed as they grow over the next year.

It is important to get your puppy a checkup as soon as possible. There are many conditions that, when noticed early, can be prevented or corrected easily, and there are others that could necessitate a return to the breeder for a different pup. Puppies will need vaccinations to protect them from several different viruses and bacteria. Vaccinations are given as a series of four shots spaced 3 weeks apart.

Puppies usually need medication to kill intestinal parasites that are picked up from mom and the environment. Occasionally they will need treatment for ear mites. This is also the best time to start giving preventive medication for heartworms. Eventually medication for fleas and ticks should be considered.

Similarly, new kittens should receive a thorough examination. Because of the devastating nature of the disease Feline Leukemia, we recommend testing of young kittens for early diagnosis before intense emotional bonds have been made. Vaccinations for the young kitten are started and consist of an initial shot and one booster. If tested negative for leukemia, that vaccination can be included as well.

As with puppies, most kittens need medication for intestinal worms and are more prone to having problems with ear mites. Heartworm medication can be started and if appropriate flea and tick control started as well.

 

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What about a referral?

Times are changing. The last 20 years have been exciting times for advancements in medicine. Sometimes we forget that as the quality of human care advances, similar advancements are made in veterinary medicine. Consider this, most new treatments and procedures are researched using animal models before they can be use on humans. This provides essential information and safety for human medical fields, but concurrently advances knowledge in animal species as well.

This burst in knowledge is a two edged sword. It provides us with advanced procedures and treatment options, but also requires more time and commitment of the general practitioner to keep up. The end result is a profession that is steadily moving toward less generalization and more specialization. This trend is very evident with increasing numbers of equine only, dairy only, and even feline only practices.

Until recent years, if you wanted a specialist to examine your pet a visit to a university hospital was required. Not any more. There are now many private practice specialists in fields such as surgery, ophthalmology, internal medicine, and neurology to name a few. Most major cities have referral centers with one or more specialties.

Don’t be surprised to have your veterinarian offer referral to a specialist. As the number of treatment options increase, the need for the expertise of a specialist will become more and more important.

 

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Retained placenta

Retained placenta is a self-descriptive term referring to the inappropriate lack of passage of the fetal membranes (calf /foal’s "bag") after birth. This condition can occur in any species but is very different as far as severity and importance for removal depending on what type animal is affected.

In the cow, a retained placenta is not an emergency. Many different events may cause a retained placenta. Any sort of problems with the birth of the calf may result in a retained placenta. Cows that twin commonly retain the placenta of the second calf and may retain both.

It used to be common to "clean out" a cow that had a retained placenta. Many different substances were used to flush the uterus and try to stimulate the membranes to release. With the advent of new drugs those days should be a thing of the past. Most of the flushes did more damage than good and the manual removal causes scaring of the uterine lining. There are several different protocols for the use of injections to stimulate the uterus to contract and release the placenta that are very effective.

In the mare a retained placenta should be considered an emergency. The mare should pass all the placental membranes within 4 hours after birth of the foal. After this time period a veterinarian should be contacted to assess the situation. In most cases medical treatment can be started to stimulate release of the membrane. Prolonged retention may result in secondary complications of colic and/or laminitis (founder).

 

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Small Animal Dental Article

What is that smell? You know the one; it comes with that sweet kiss from your favorite pooch. Chances are it is from his/her teeth. The build up of tarter on our dog and cats teeth is a constant battle for some.

Moderate to severe build up of tarter can create several problems. We have already discussed the bad smell that can occur, but there are other problems that can have far reaching consequences. Plaque and tarter are full of bacteria that build-up and create gingivitis or inflammation of the gums. As the gums recede because of chronic aggravation bleeding will occur. Most times this bleeding is so slight that it is not even noticeable, but it allows an opportunity for the bacteria to enter the blood stream. The bacteria can then go the heart, kidneys, and even joints, and may cause lifelong or even terminal illness.

If your pet has a tarter buildup problem, the first step is to have a dental cleaning performed. This will remove all the tarter and polish the teeth to decrease the ability of more tarter formation. In some cases this will provide adequate treatment to keep tarter at bay for several years. Some pets will require a more aggressive program to control the buildup. There are several products available to help in the control of tarter formation. T/d is a food available to help knock tarter off as the pet eats. There are also chews that have dental enzymes that are released during the chewing process keeping tarter down. There are toothbrushes and paste available for actually brushing the teeth.

At your pet’s next check up ask about whether or not its teeth are in good condition, and consider having a dental performed.

 

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Small Animal gestation/breeding

The dog and cat for all their similarities have very different estrous cycles. The average dog will come in heat twice per year about 6 months apart. The heat cycle generally lasts about 4 weeks with the 2nd week usually being the week of estrus. It is only during the week of estrus that the female will accept the male for breeding. After the four week period regardless of whether the bitch has been with a male or not or is pregnant or not, she will end her cycle.

Gestation in the dog lasts 59 days from the day of ovulation. Ovulation occurs approximately 4 days after the bitch starts accepting the male, therefore whelping usually occurs 63 days post-breeding. If it is convenient every other day breeding after the first day of acceptance should produce pregnancy. In case where the stud is not readily available vaginal cytology can determine the optimal time for breeding. The dog sperm will last 7 days in the vagina therefore very few breedings are necessary in most cases.

Pregnancy conformation can be accomplished several ways. For a short period, day 21 – 25, palpation can identify pregnancy. Palpation can rarely determine the number of pups. At 22 days a laboratory test can be performed to determine pregnancy, but the test will not give any information concerning number of pups. Ultrasound can be performed any time after day 20 and can determine number of pups with 85 – 90% accuracy. Radiography (x-ray) can be performed after 45 – 50 days and a determination of number of pups can be determined with 95 – 99% accuracy.

During gestation a regular diet of adult dog food should be fed until 2-3 weeks before whelping. At that time she should be switched over to a puppy food diet for the duration of gestation and all of lactation.

The cat is a different story. Cats are seasonally polyestrus. This means that cats generally come in heat during the spring and will come in heat multiple times. The queen is an induced ovulator. This means that queen will not ovulate until a tom has bred her. This means that unless she has been bred she will remain in heat and be a continuous attraction for male cats. Once bred the queen will end her heat cycle and complete the gestation in approximately 60 days, after this time she will quickly come back into heat for another breeding attempt.

 

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Thyroid conditions 

The thyroid glands are located on either side of the neck. They vary in size depending on the size of the animal but are generally between 1cm and 4cm, and are elliptical in shape. They contain another gland call the parathyroid that is responsible for calcium regulation.

The thyroid glands are responsible for regulation of the metabolic rate. They secrete a hormone called thyroxin. A change in the level of thyroxin can cause hyperactivity, weight loss, and other symptoms when elevated (hyperthyroid). It can also cause problems if too low (hypothyroid). Symptoms may include depression and excessive weight gain.

Most cases of hyperthyroidism are seen in cats, where as most cases of hypothyroidism are seen in dogs. Either can be diagnosed based on a physical examination and blood testing. Each has a very different prognosis and treatment protocol. Your veterinarian can explain the implications of test results and options for treatment.

 

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Urinary Tract Infection

If a common occurrence at your home is an empty water bowl and frequent trips to that special tree or litter box, then your pet may be suffering from a urinary tract infection.

Urinary tract infections (UTI) occur more frequently in female pets than in male, but may occur in both. The short urethra of the female makes it easier for infection to gain access to the bladder.

There are several other factors that can create UTI’s. Some pets have problems with crystal formation in their urine. These microscopic crystals make tiny cuts in the lining of the bladder allowing bacteria to take hold. Older intact male dogs can have UTI secondary to infections of the prostate. Rarely, problems with the shape or function of the bladder prevent complete emptying and result in UTI’s.

If you suspect your pet may have a bladder infection a full exam should be performed. Also a urinalysis of a urine sample will be required. If possible, urine can be collected in any clean leak proof container and supplied for examination. UTI’s frequently require at least two weeks of antibiotics, and sometimes special diets are started to prevent the formation of crystals. It is always important that a follow up urine sample be examined to be sure all infection has resolved.

 

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Vomiting and/or diarrhea

The gastro-intestinal (GI) tract has many functions. Obviously it is a major component of the digestive process, but it also has a role   in maintaining hydration and preventing the introduction of disease. The most common presentation of gastro-intestinal upset are the clinical signs of vomiting and/or diarrhea. Other signs may include acute abdominal pain and lack of weight gain or excessive weight loss.

Dogs and cats have a very strong vomiting reflex. This reflex is useful in preventing irritating or toxic substances to pass further into the GI tract. Most vomiting episodes are fairly benign and can be cured with 24 hours by withholding food (but not water). This allows time for the stomach to rest and recover from whatever has irritated it. If vomiting is severe (more than 3-4 times over several hours) or a no-food trial does not resolve the signs an examination should be performed before dehydration results.

If diarrhea is a problem it is very important to note the amount, constancy, number of attempts, and presence of blood or mucus. These help determine what part of the GI tract is involved. As with vomiting, a 12-24 hour food withdrawal can often clear up a mild case of diarrhea. If the diarrhea persists for more than 2 days or has red or black blood in it an examination should be performed and appropriate treatment started.

Always remember that water should be provided at all times. Vomiting and diarrhea both can cause rapid dehydration. If vomiting continues for more than 1 day or diarrhea for more than 2 days a veterinarian should examine the pet.

 
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