Tag Archives: cat health

Feline Obesity and Weight Management ( Dr. Blair)

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Did you know?
The average domestic cat should ideally weigh approximately 8 to 10 pounds.  However, more than 50% of household cats in the US are obese or overweight.  The feline obesity epidemic is a major concern among veterinarians today, and should be to anyone with a feline companion. As little as 2 pounds of excess body weight can put cats at an up to 3 times increased risk for development of Type II diabetes, heart disease, arthritis,  joint injuries, urinary tract disease, and overall lower immune system function. Obese cats have a significantly shorter lifespan when compared to cats at an optimum weight.

Why are so many household cats obese?
Our feline companions enjoy a life of leisure with all of their daily necessities provided by humans and have evolved to take advantage of a sedentary lifestyle. However, domestic cats are only a few generations from their wild counterparts with whom they share many genetic, physical, and behavioral components.  Feeding behavior is highly similar to wild cats that consume 10 – 20 small meals throughout the day and night while spending many hours actively hunting.  Domestic cats fed ad libitum (“free choice”) also consume frequent small meals throughout the day, but need only to take a few steps to the food bowl to obtain them.  Instinctive hunting behaviors remain but are exhibited as playing, stalking and bouts of “friskiness,” and rarely last longer than an hour each day.

Spaying/Neutering is a common and highly recommended procedure that is integral to population control and significantly reduces behavioral problems in household cats.  However, spayed and neutered cats have significantly lower (24-33%) daily energy requirements due to a decrease in their basal metabolic rate. But since their appetite is frequently unaffected it results in consumption of excess calories which are converted to fat. Male cats appear to be at a higher risk for obesity subsequent to castration when compared to spayed female cats.

Lastly, most commercial cat foods are formulated to be highly palatable because, let’s face it, you’re going to buy more of the food your cats like!  Fat has long been known to be the best way to enhance palatability, and is added to many commercial diets for this purpose.

The evolution of the human-animal bond with our cats is wrought with good intentions.  We provide our companions with all the luxuries they need, including an unlimited supply of their favorite foods.  We’ve done everything in our power to make our cats as happy as they make us, with one unintended consequence: a predisposition to obesity.

Goals of Feline Weight Loss and Healthy Weight Management

Healthy weight maintenance is the first step in safeguarding your cat’s health.  Together with advice from your veterinarian, follow these steps to design an individualized plan for your cat.

  •     Determine the ideal body weight for your cat
  •     Dietary management
  •     Exercise
  •     Understand how to maintain the ideal body weight

Step 1. Determine the ideal body weight for your cat

Do this with the help of your veterinarian. This chart shows how your veterinarian calculates your cat’s body condition score (BCS) on a scale of 1 (too thin) to 5 (obese).
Hills Pet Food has a website with a helpful guide to assess if your cat is overweight:
http://petfit.hillspet.com.au/Public/CanIFeelMyPetsRibs.aspx

Step 2: Dietary Management
Your veterinarian can help you to determine the optimum diet for your cat’s needs and determine how many kilocalories (kcal) per day to feed to maintain an ideal body weight.
Cats should never be put on a diet without veterinary supervision
Many cats are finicky, but if a cat does not eat for 2 consecutive days it can develop life-threatening hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver syndrome)
Feed frequent small meals throughout the day.  If this is not possible, feed a minimum of 2 meals per day.
Rechecks are critical!
Ideally your cat should be weighed once a month to assess if your weight loss plan is working.

How long will it take?

Healthy weight loss in cats should not exceed 1 – 2% of their body weight per week. Most cats will achieve their ideal weight within 6 – 8 months.

Step 3: Exercise
Exercise is not natural for cats like it is in dogs. Cats do not have any instinctive desire to exercise because they spend most of their day actively hunting for food in the wild. Therefore, it is up to you to make sure your cat gets at least 15-20 minutes of exercise each day. This can easily be accomplished using toys, laser pointers, and various other forms of environmental enrichment.
Treat balls are a great way to give your cat mental and physical stimulation.

Step 4: Understand how to maintain the ideal body weight
Involve everyone in the household
Keep your cat active with playtimes and stimulation
Regular veterinary examinations and re-checks
Consult with your veterinarian as needed with any questions or concerns about your cat’s health.

 

 

Cori Blair DVM

“My Pet Is In Pain. Can I Just Use….” ( Dr. Danowitz)

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As veterinarians, we are frequently asked by clients about using over-the-counter human medications to manage their pet’s pain and discomfort.  Unfortunately, the answer is almost always, “No, it is just not safe.”  Many common human anti-inflammatory medications can cause serious gastrointestinal ulceration, bleeding, and even kidney failure. Aspirin, Ibuprofen and Naproxen are currently the most frequent medications requiring hospitalization of pets as result of well-intentioned pet owners not realizing how dangerous these drugs can be.

 

 

ASPIRIN (acetylsalicylic acid)

Aspirin is probably the most common human medication that we are asked about, and that owners go ahead and administer to their pets without consulting us first.  Aspirin inhibits an enzyme called cyclooxygenase, which is involved in the production of inflammatory chemicals called prostaglandins. Unfortunately there are lots of different cyclooxygenase enzymes that perform different functions in the body, and aspirin affects them all.  Although administering aspirin to your dog (attempting to treat arthritis, for example) may result in mild pain relief, it is frequently associated with the following side effects:

  1. Nausea, vomiting or diarrhea
  2. Stomach or intestinal ulceration and bleeding, which can lead to decreased appetite, vomiting, and  black, tarry stool referred to as “melena”
  3. Reduced blood supply the kidney, possibly leading to kidney failure
  4. Reduced ability to clot blood.

Whether an aspirin is buffered or not makes no difference to the dog or cat. A study performed at the Virginia-Maryland Regional College of Veterinary Medicine published in 1999 compared the effects on the stomach and intestine between buffered aspirin and 2 veterinary non-steroidal anti-inflammatories, Rimadyl and Etogesic.  Different dogs were given these three medications and then their stomachs and intestines were examined with an endoscope at certain intervals after administration. Of the dogs that received buffered aspirin, 100% experienced significant stomach and intestinal bleeding. Very few of the dogs that received the either of the two veterinary drugs sustained any bleeding, and when present it was mild compared to the aspirin group.

Aspirin was once believed to be an adequate OTC pain reliever for our canine companions, and so-called “dog aspirin” can still be found on the shelves at some pet stores. Unfortunately, it is not as effective in controlling pain as the veterinary approved drugs and certainly not as safe.

Cats are particularly sensitive to the toxic effects of aspirin. Even small doses can cause fatal reactions.

IBUPROFEN (Advil, Motrin), NAPROXEN (Aleve, Naprosyn)

Available as a human pain-reliever in the US since 1974, Ibuprofen is one of the most common items found in the medicine cabinets across the country.  Like aspirin, Ibuprofen and Naproxen are non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs that are non-selective inhibitor of cyclooxygenase. Both of these medications are even MORE toxic than aspirin to dogs, and incredibly toxic to cats.  The side effects of ibuprofen and naproxen include:

  1. Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea or inappetence
  2. Stomach or intestinal ulceration and bleeding, which can lead to decreased appetite, vomiting, and  black, tarry stool referred to as “melena”
  3. Kidney Failure
  4. Neurological Signs: tremors, seizures, coma

Treatment for Ibuprofen / Naproxen ingestion depends on the dosage received, species, timing of the event, and other factors, but can include: inducing vomiting, administering a compound called activated charcoal to prevent continued absorption in the gastrointestinal tract, hospitalization and IV fluid diuresis, as well as supportive care for vomiting, stomach and intestinal ulceration, and decreased appetite.  Without prompt veterinary care, administration of Ibuprofen to your dog or cat could result in death.

It is so difficult to see our beloved pets in pain, and it is human nature to want to relieve them of any discomfort. The veterinary industry has seen tremendous advancements in different treatment modalities to combat pain control over the past 5-10 years and not all involve medications. (Ask us about K-Laser therapy). We have been able to greatly improve the quality of life of our patients.  If you feel that your pet is in pain, please call one of our veterinarians to discuss the many treatment options or schedule an examination. Please always consult us before administering any human medications, or animal medications not previously prescribed specifically for your pet!

 

Billy Danowitz  DVM

Your pets in 2015! ( Dr. Weiner)

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 Hello readers, I hope you all had a wonderful holiday season.  Now that the season has passed and we have bid farewell to 2014, it is time to set our sights on 2015.   While I am sure all of you have been faithfully following your personal resolutions, might I suggest that you make a few for your pets as well.  Here is a list of suggestions sure to make this a happy and healthy year for your pet as well.

 

1) Have a consistent diet plan

Over 50% of U.S. pets are considered overweight or obese by their veterinarians.  Carrying this extra weight around has more consequences than just affecting how your little ones look in a swimsuit. Overweight pets are more prone to diseases like arthritis, diabetes, breathing difficulties and even cancer.  In addition, a fit pet is a happy pet, who can keep up with you and all your activities.  What better time to start a weight loss plan than early in the New Year? Try to exercise with your pet each day.  You can always start slowly with a steady walk for a short period of time and later adjust to an intensity or time that fits you and your pet best.  Also, try to actually measure your pet’s food for each meal.  It is hard to lose weight when foods are freely available all day or “eyeballing” the portion poured into a bowl.  Start with an 8-ounce cup and measure how much your pet is currently eating on a daily basis.  Based on that information and your pet’s current weight, your veterinarian can help you establish the proper ration.  Weight loss is never easy, but I have faith that you can do it.  After all, the rewards for you and your companion include a longer and happier time together.

  

2) Find a fun activity to do with your pet

I am a runner and have always dreamed of having a dog that could run with me on those lonely early morning jogs.   Conveniently, I live near a dog-friendly beach that allows access to leashed pets.  I have two dogs so what could be better? Except dear readers, while my two canine companions are quite athletic, they are also pint-sized.  Thus, they are not really cut out for the long distance jogs that I like to take.  Does this mean that we can’t play?  In the words of my toddler, “Goodness No!”  It just means that we need to find a fun activity that suits us both.  For some dogs it may be daily walks to the park or coffee shop.  Others may enjoy cuddling while you read a book by the fireplace.  Or perhaps, you could enjoy a game of frisbee every so often.  However you spend time with your pet, it is important to reinforce the bond you share, as this will yield many long-term advantages.  Several medical studies that have proven the health benefits attained by people who spend time interacting with their pets.  These include reduced stress, lower blood pressure and decreases in anxiety or depression.  And, in my experience pets who receive increased levels of exercise and attention tend to exhibit far less undesirable behaviors.  There is an old adage that most often rings true, especially in this busy world, “a tired pet is a happy owner.”  So be sure to get out there and spend some quality time with your little one!

 

3) Don’t forget those pearly whites!

Bad breath is the worst!  Not only can be it be an unpleasant surprise when your little one wants to give you a kiss, but it can be an indication of infection deep inside the gums.  This type of infection causes a great deal of pain and can even damage critical organs like the heart, kidneys or liver.  Even though many dogs and cats may seem to have adapted to the discomfort of having dental disease, they will be much happier and healthier if we are able to resolve the infection completely.  Countless clients have told me how much better their little ones feel and act after a dental procedure.  Most say that their pets start acting like puppies or kittens again shortly after the procedure.   How cool is that?  I am talking about a literal fountain of youth, fresh breath, and increased comfort and happiness.  “What could be better?” you may ask.  Well, February is National Pet Dental Health Month, and Ocean County Veterinary Hospital is offering a promotion to help you celebrate and save money on dental services and products.  So let’s keep those whites pearly, guys!

 

4) Update your pet’s ID information

The statistics on pet loss in this country are quite sobering.  The American Humane Association estimates that over 10 million dogs and cats are lost or stolen each year in the United States.   In addition, they estimate that one in three pets will become lost at some point in its life.  That’s a huge number! I personally have six pets (two dogs and four cats) that could potentially wander from the house which means that, statistically, two of them could become lost at any time.  This is unacceptably high for my family, and I am sure for many of you as well.  It is important to take precautions to avoid loss of your pet, but accidents happen to everyone.  As such, it is prudent to increase the chances of recovering your companion if he or she becomes lost.   The ASPCA reports that for dogs entering shelters, 26% are returned to previous owners, while 31% are euthanized.  The numbers are even dire for cats where less than 5% are returned to previous owners and 41% are euthanized.  There are a few things that you can do to increase the odds of recovery should your pet become lost.  Microchipped and properly registered pets are much more likely to be returned to their homes.  Statistics show that 52% of lost dogs and 38% of lost cats that have been microchipped are reunited with their owners.  Now you may be wondering why these numbers aren’t closer to 100%.  The reason is that many owners forget to register or update their contact information with the company that hosts the microchip database! You do know what this means, right?  First, get all of your pets microchipped.  Second, make sure you register your contact information for each pet that you own.  Lastly, to be extra safe, make sure your pets have an additional form of identification such as a tags and a collar which would be visible if anyone finds your pet.  The shelters cannot help you find your pet if no one brings them there.  Without external identification, some well-meaning Good Samaritan may think your little one does not have a responsible owner and take them in as his own.  Once you have followed these steps, I recommend having your pet’s microchip verified yearly by your vet (this is a quick and easy process).  Be sure that your most recent address and contact information is registered in the microchip database.  As my grandma used to say, “An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of care.”   Not to mention the pain it saves!

 

5) Make a well-check appointment for all your pets

Except for some parrots and tortoises, our pets age more quickly than we do. They pack a lot of life into a shorter time span.  So, it is important that you bring your little one in for regular wellness examinations at least once a year.  As they become more advanced in age, we recommend twice-yearly visits.  Regular check-ups can help us detect certain abnormalities before they become major problems.   Medical conditions like obesity, diabetes, dental problems, kidney disease, arthritis and even some types of blindness, can be more properly treated or reversed if detected early. In addition, these regular visits allow our healthcare team to record even slight changes, which may become important later on.   Make a resolution to schedule your pet’s wellness exam in a timely manner.

 

I hope these New Year’s recommendations have been a helpful inspiration.  From all of us here at the family of Ocean County Veterinary Hospitals, we wish you a blessed and fruitful 2015.

 

Dr. Zach Weiner

Is your dog having knee problems? (by Dr. Jenna Koenigstein)

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Medial Patellar Luxation (MPL) in Dogs

“Trick knees”, more properly termed medial patellar luxations, are a relatively common finding on physical examinations here at OCVH and in most veterinary practices of small breed dogs.  In many cases, it is an incidental finding during a routine exam, while in other cases it is found when a dog comes in for sudden limping.  When found on routine physical exam, veterinarians will mention it as a finding but may not go into much detail since it is not usually a cause for concern. But since it is so common, here is some additional information about the condition and what, if anything should be done about it.

What is it?

The patella is the fancy name for the knee cap.  It is attached to the tendon of the quadriceps muscle in the front of the thigh and sits in a groove of the femur (thigh bone). The function of the patella is to act like a pulley and to facilitate the bending actions (flexing and extending) of the knee.  The term “patellar luxation” means that the knee cap has slipped out of its normal position within the groove of the femur, most often toward opposite leg (medially).  Sometimes it may slip toward the outward direction, which would be called lateral patellar luxation, but this is much less common.  While patellar luxation can be seen in any breed, smaller breed dogs are much more prone to it.  About 50% of affected dogs have the abnormality in both knees.

What causes it?

Medial patellar luxation (MPL) is most often due to a congenital (inherited) abnormality and is usually present from a young age.  The groove in which it resides may be too shallow or an abnormal rotation of the shin bone may cause the attachment of the tendon to be more to the side.  In either case, the patella is tends to pop out of place with normal motion of the leg. Trauma or injury can also cause luxation but this is relatively rare.

Clinical signs

In most cases, there is no obvious sign to the owner that a pet has this condition.  Some owners will note that the pet will occasionally hop or skip on one leg when running and then return to normal without ever acting painful, indicating that the patella has shifted out of groove but then popped back into place.  Some dogs may become lame during exercise if the patella shifts and does not return to normal position, causing discomfort and inflammation. Long term effects of frequent displacements can lead to arthritis in some pets and may make them more prone to injury of ligaments in the knee.

Types of Luxation

Patellar luxation is graded on a scale of 1 to 4, with higher numbers indicating more severe luxation.

–Grade I – Patella can be manually moved out of groove during examination but immediately returns to normal position.   These dogs are unlikely to show lameness.

–Grade II – Patella is able to be easily manipulated out of place but does not return to correct location once pressure removed.  These cases are more likely to show mild signs of lameness.

–Grade III – Patella is always luxated, can be slipped back into place but immediately re-luxates.  These dogs show more persistent lameness.

–Grade IV – Patella always out of groove and cannot be put back in place.  These dogs will have significant lameness and cannot straighten knee. They may have bow-legged appearance.

 Diagnosis

MPL can be easily diagnosed on routine orthopedic examination.  Radiographs or other imaging modalities may be needed to determine the extent of abnormalities (structural deformities, depth of femoral groove, etc). 

 

Treatment

Those pets with Grade I or II luxation that rarely or never show any clinical signs are unlikely to need surgical treatment.  For those with Grade II or greater that show more persistent lameness, surgery can help to correct the underlying abnormalities.  If both legs are equally affected, most surgeons recommend correcting one leg at a time and allowing time for the first to heal prior to correcting the second (at least 8 weeks).  The exception to this may be a dog that is still growing as correcting one at a time may lead to conformation changes if the bones are still growing.

 

Trochlear Modification – this surgical correction is meant for those small breed dogs with a shallow groove.  The goal is to deepen the groove by removing some of the bone below the cartilage, then replacing the cartilage to keep the smooth surface.

 

Tibial Tuberosity Transposition – this is a more complicated surgery which is meant to change the alignment of where the patellar tendon attaches to the top of the tibia (shin bone) to prevent the patella from being pulled to the side.  The tibial tuberosity (crest where the ligament attaches) is removed and pinned in a different location to adjust the pull on the patella.  In some severe cases, the entire bone must be cut and realigned.

 

Post- operative care

In simple cases of trochlear modification, 3-4 weeks of rest is sufficient for recovery.  With more complicated surgery, a longer period of confinement, possibly up to 8 weeks or more, may be recommended.  Some of these dogs also benefit from physical therapy.

 

Need More Information?

If you suspect your dog may have patellar luxation or another orthopedic problem please contact one of our veterinarians or schedule an examination.

 

Jenna Koenigstein DVM

 

 

Why does Ocean County Veterinary Hospital always ask me to bring a stool sample??? ( Dr. Lorri Mitchell )

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 Well, we may be squeamish discussing your pet’s bowel movements but it is a very important part of keeping them healthy and keeping the people they live with healthy too. Not all pets carrying parasites appear sick. They may have perfectly normal bowel movements and yet they can be harboring parasites that will continue to reproduce and eventually affect them by causing gastrointestinal signs such as vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss and / or poor hair coats. The parasites can cause inflammation or blood loss and use the nutrients your pet would normally benefit from for themselves. Some of the common parasites pets carry are zoonotic, meaning they can be spread to the people they live with.

 

What can be in the poop? The common parasites OCVH veterinarians look for are:

-Roundworms

-Hookworms

-Whipworms

-Tapeworms

-Giardia (a single-celled organism, not a worm)

-Coccidia (a single-celled organism, not a worm)

 

But, if you don’t see any worms his stool is fine, right? Wrong. Most parasites are diagnosed by finding their eggs in the stool sample after it has been mixed with a special liquid, spun down in a centrifuge and then examined under a microscope. (Illustrated left to right are Hookworm, Whipworm and Roundworm eggs.)

 

Occasionally, a worm load will be high enough that a puppy or kitten may actually vomit some worms up and then it is easy to see them at home. Or, in the case of the Tapeworm, segments of the worm may look like grains of rice stuck near the rectum/tail or where the animal has been resting. Sometimes these segments may appear like wiggling maggots on a freshly deposited bowel movement.

Roundworms!

How do pets get parasites? Most of them can be caught by ingesting infected feces from another animal or being in contact with contaminated water, grass and soil that contain parasite eggs or larvae. Hookworms and Roundworms can also be transmitted from nursing dog or cat moms to their babies. Hunting and eating prey can also spread parasites from wild animals to our pets.

 Some pets have higher risks than others, but even pampered pets can come in contact with parasites at the dog park, in the backyard or meeting someone on a walk and doing the usual dog greeting of examining each other’s hind ends! Special mention here to the Tapeworm which is unique. It is not spread by the above methods, but rather when your pet ingests an infected flea while grooming itself.

What should I do so this doesn’t happen in my house? Puppies and kittens should be dewormed for Hookworms and Roundworms starting at 2 weeks of age and then every 2 weeks until they reach an age to start monthly preventatives.

 

 

 

 

 

At least once a year bring a fresh stool sample to the office so it can be tested for the parasites above. The Companion Animal Parasite Council recommends stool testing 1-2 times a year for adult pets and 2-4 times for pets less than a year old. Use monthly dewormers. These are included in the monthly Heartworm pill your pet takes. Heartgard Plus prevents Roundworms and Hookworms. Trifexis Heartworm and Fleas medication treats those same worms and also prevents Whipworms. Revolution is a topical once a month Heartworm medication that will also prevent Roundworms and Hookworms too (both dogs and cats). Use monthly flea prevention (Vectra, Frontline, Trifexis, Comfortis, Revolution) to avoid Tapeworms. Regularly and frequently  clean up of feces in the litterbox or backyard. Don’t let dogs drink from standing water sources or eat grass during walks.

How do I protect the people in my house? What can I catch? Following the recommendations above is a big step towards reducing the parasite exposure of your pet and your home. Normal hygiene, like handwashing and not allowing pets to lick our mouth area or share food items, is also very helpful. Who is at the greatest risk for getting parasites? The little people in the house. The ones who don’t wash their hands unless told and who frequently put fingers in their mouths. The ones who may walk barefoot in the backyard. (Hookworms can crawl through our skin when they are in larval or baby worm stage.) Another risk factor for children are uncovered sandboxes that outdoor cats may use as a litterbox.

 

 

 

 

 

 

The parasites that are zoonotic are Hookworms, Roundworms and some Giardia. Signs can be hard to recognize until late in the game and by then can cause severe health problems.

Roundworm larva in eye

Hookworm migration through skin

 

 

 

 

 

Your biggest defenses against these parasites is making sure your pet takes monthly preventatives, has regular stool sample checks and by keeping your environment clear of feces and sandboxes in your yard covered. For more information go to CAPCVET.ORG or ask one of our doctors.

Lorri Mitchell DVM

Tick-Borne Disease in Dogs ( Dr. Danowitz)

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In our area of New  Jersey ticks are a concern, both for humans as well as animals.  Of the many diseases that ticks carry, several are transmissible to both species.  Although very small and seemingly fragile, ticks are actually tremendously hardy parasites, capable of surviving through a wide range of climate conditions.  This is one of the reasons that OCVH, FVH & NPVH advocate treating our pets with a flea/tick preventative all year round in our area.

To learn about the tick life cycle, please click here:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=0g_lt0FcQag

Of all the diseases that ticks can transmit to dogs, four are most prevalent:  Lyme Disease, Ehrlichiosis, Anaplasmosis and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever. We have seen cases of all 4 of these conditions at OCVH and our family of practices over the past year, so they are present in our area!

 

LYME DISEASE

Lyme Disease is one of the most common tick-transmitted diseases in the world.  It is caused by microscopic bacteria called spirochetes, which ticks ingest when feeding on wildlife or other dogs that are infected with the spirochete. The tick then spreads the infection to another animal when it bites them looking for its next blood meal. The species of tick that transmits Lyme Disease is Ixodes Scapularis (Deer Tick).

 

Despite all the research into Lyme Disease in both human and veterinary medicine, there are many aspects of the disease that still remain a mystery.  Dogs that are exposed to Lyme Disease can exhibit a variety of clinical signs, ranging from no signs at all to an irreparable kidney failure and death. The most common clinical signs are joint inflammation leading to lameness, fever, and lethargy or depression.  Many dogs test positive for Lyme Disease and never develop clinical signs of the disease. Kidney disease secondary to Lyme Disease seems to be more prevalent in Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers and Burmese Mountain Dogs.

How is it diagnosed?  There are several blood tests that can detect Lyme Disease.  Our heartworm test, called an Accuplex, also screens for exposure to Lyme Disease as well as 2 other tick-borne diseases.  Often if your dog is diagnosed with Lyme Disease the veterinarian may recommend a urine sample to make sure the kidneys are not affected, as well as, other more specific blood tests.  Test results, in combination with any clinical signs that the dog has, is considered before initiating treatment.  The treatment for Lyme Disease is a long course of an antibiotic, typically either doxycycline or amoxicillin.

In some patients it is impossible eradicate the organism from the body no matter what antibiotic is used. Therefore, even with appropriate treatment, the signs of disease may flare-up again in the future.

 

EHRLICHIOSIS

Ehrlichiosis is another bacterial organism transmitted to dogs through a tick bite.  The Brown Dog Tick (Rhipicephalus), the Lone Star Tick (Amblyomma) and the American Dog Tick (Dermacentor) have all been linked to the transmission of this disease.

Clinical signs associated with Ehrlichiosis vary greatly, but can include fever, loss of appetite, weight loss, enlarged lymph nodes, eye and nasal discharge, lethargy, difficulty breathing and swollen limbs.  The disease can progress to the nervous system, causing muscle twitching and other neurologic problems. Long term, blood platelet levels (cells that assist with clotting) may drop to dangerously low level and become life-threatening without treatment. Diagnosis of Ehrlichiosis can be made with the Accuplex blood test, as well as other blood tests available at our laboratory.  Doxycyline for at least 4 weeks is the treatment of choice for this serious disease.

 

ANAPLASMOSIS

Anasplamosis is another type of bacterial disease transmitted by ticks, including both the Brown Dog Tick (Rhipicephalus) and the Deer Tick (Ixodes).  In general, Anaplasmosis causes milder clinical signs when compared to Lyme Disease or Ehrlichiosis.  Clinical signs can include: fever, depression, weakness, lameness, reluctance to move, loss of appetite, enlarged lymph nodes and enlarged spleen. Anaplasmosis can also lead to low platelet numbers, much like Ehrlichiosis.  Diagnosis can be made with the Accuplex blood test. The treatment of choice for animals showing clinical disease is doxycycline, although often this disease is self-limiting and some animals never progress to the clinical state of needing treatment.

 

ROCKY MOUNTAIN SPOTTED FEVER

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) is a potentially fatal disease of both dogs and humans due to an intracellular bacterium called Rickettsia. It is transmitted by the American Dog Tick (Dermacentor), the Brown Dog Tick (Rhipicephalus) and the Lone Star Tick (Amblyomma).  In humans, RMSF is often associated with a rash from the tick bite; however, in dogs a rash is much less common.  Clinical signs of infected dogs include: fever, loss of appetite, lethargy, reluctance to move, stiffness or swelling of joints, enlarged lymph nodes and neurological signs.  Destruction of platelets can lead to bleeding and severe inflammations of blood vessels.  In some dogs the disease is self-limiting, while in others it can become a fatal condition. Diagnosis of RMSF is through a special blood test. The treatment of choice once again for this disease is doxycycline.

 

PROTECTION FROM TICKS AND THEIR DISEASES

So how can we protect our furry companions from these diseases?  There are 2 main ways: vaccination and topical preventative.  The only tick-borne disease that we have a vaccination for is Lyme Disease. The Lyme vaccine that is available, although not 100% effective in preventing the disease in all dogs does dramatically reduce the chances of infection and can minimize the seriousness of Lyme Disease in a large majority of the pets that receive the vaccine before they are bitten by ticks carrying the Lyme bacteria.

We recommend the Lyme vaccination for all dogs in our area.

 

 

Topical tick preventative has become a cornerstone in our efforts to prevent the spread of

these four diseases.  Often these products are also designed to kill and / or prevent flea infestations as well.  Although there are several products on the market that kill ticks, the product preferred by the veterinarians at OCVH, FVH & NPVH for dogs is Vectra 3D.

Vectra 3D, in addition to killing fleas and ticks, has the extra bonus of repelling the ticks, making it less likely that they even attach to the dog.  Please see the video below:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=lmhth6fKtGQ

Protect your canine companion from these diseases by having them vaccinated annually against Lyme Disease and protecting them year-round from tick and flea infestations by using Vectra 3D.

 

William Danowitz DVM

But Fifi, It’s Cold Outside! (Dr. Weiner)

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            How about this weather folks?  The polar vortex brings back memories of the cold, dark winters of my childhood in northern New England.   The below freezing days and snowy nights remind me of school ski trips, epic snowball battles and warming up with some hot cocoa by the fireplace.   As fun as reminiscing is, I do need to take extra time and care this time of year to keep my loved ones and myself safe.  My pets are an important part of my family and they require special consideration.  Since I’m sure you feel the same way, I will share some important winter safety tips.

            Alas, gentle readers, this arctic weather has really taken a toll on my morning snooze button time.  This time of the year my quick exit strategies to get my son to daycare and myself to OCVH each morning needing major adjustments.  We both have to perform what seems like an epic search for boots, coats, gloves, ice crampons (of course I jest) and other essential winter gear before heading out to the car.  Wouldn’t life be easier if we all had natural winter gear – like a nice fur coat perhaps?  This cold weather should not be any problem for our cats and dogs right?  For some breeds this is true, but most of our furry companions are used to living inside.   Since most dogs and cat spend all year in our warm houses, they often do not develop a full winter coat needed to sufficiently protect them for long periods outside in the extreme weather.  Also, remember that the coat is of limited benefit if it gets wet.   Do not count on your pet’s coat to completely protect him or her from the terrible weather we have been having lately.  Sure those sweaters and booties may look silly, but some breeds need help staying warm.  I would not let my son go outside without a coat and you should not let your Doberman puppy or Chihuahua go out unprotected either.  Also, use common sense about how long your pet is allowed outside. Watch for signs that Fido really needs to come back in, such as shivering, holding up paws, reluctance to move, whining, or scraping at the door.

           Although your dog would never admit it, he or she may be hiding a health condition that could put them at greater risk in the cold weather.  Problems like kidney disease, diabetes or heart disease can compromise the body’s ability to deliver the proper amount of blood to the vital organs in times of stress.  Without proper blood supply these pets have a very hard time keeping themselves warm which puts them at higher risk for having rapid worsening of their disease or developing secondary diseases.  Additionally, older pets with arthritis are sure to have a harder time when the temperatures drop.  Activities like climbing the stairs or walking down the block can be very difficult when it is cold and icy outside.   Monitor your furred senior citizens closely and be aware that there are medical measures that we can take to keep your pet comfortable this winter.   Anti-inflammatory medications, targeted laser therapy with a K-laser and intelligent exercise restriction are all proven methods to keep your older dog or cat enjoying his or her days, even when it cold and nasty outside.

          When bringing your pet outside in the cold, be sure to watch for shivering, whining, decreased response to your voice or command and unwillingness to move.  All of these can be warning signs for hypothermia.  If noted, your pet should be brought to a warm place immediately.   Pets with thin fur coats or minimal coverage of high-risk areas, like the tail or ears, need to be monitored very closely.  Be sure to use common sense and remember that there truly is some weather that is not fit for man NOR beast.

          We have many things that allow us to be more productive and comfortable, even in the worst winter weather.  Unfortunately, we need to be cognizant that some of these comforts can also be health risks to our pets.  Antifreeze is very sweet and may seem like a tempting treat to your furry pal.  However, it is very toxic and the ingestion of even a small amount can be fatal.  While there is an antidote, treatment must be started very quickly after exposure to be effective.  Please make sure any antifreeze is stored safely away from your little ones (furry or otherwise) and that you check your vehicles regularly for leaks.  In addition, certain types of deicers can be toxic or irritating to your pets’ paws.  I recommend using pet safe products only and wiping your dog’s feet off after walking outside during the winter months.  Also, if you have an open fireplace or use candles, be sure that your pets are not left by unattended when they are lit.   No one thinks that their dog would allow their tail to catch on fire or that their cat would really knock over a candle, but it definitely does happen.   Space heaters should be used with extreme caution due to the fire hazard and carbon monoxide risks.

            I have one final animal care tip during these chilly times.   Please be sure to bang on your hood before starting your car engine in the morning.  When it is this cold, a nice warm motor compartment may be a tempting night time shelter for neighborhood cats.  It is better to scare them away than to have them be badly injured by the moving parts.

           Stay warm and safe everyone.  Let’s all think warm thoughts and hope Punxsutawney Phil wasn’t totally right!

Zach Weiner DVM

Shining A Light On Your Pet’s Pain Relief (Dr. Pearlman)

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If pets could talk, many would probably ask for K-Laser therapy and to have those treatments done at OCVH, of course!  Class 4 (the most advanced) therapy Lasers are used to treat arthritis, fractures, ear infections and many other conditions that affect our pets. Laser treatments have been used in human medicine in Europe for over 20 years and were approved for use in the United States about 10 years ago. Medical doctors, chiropractors and physical therapists all use the K-Laser to help their patients. Professional sports teams have also started using this healing modality.

 

Laser treatments work by delivering energy in the form of light waves past the fur and skin into deeper tissues where healing is needed – for example, an arthritic hip joint in an older dog. Arthritis occurs because hip joint has lost much of its joint fluid for lubrication and some of the cartilage has been replaced by bone. Why K-Laser?  All of these changes lead to one thing – pain!!  The Laser helps the body heal more quickly and dramatically reduce pain at the source.  Some dogs with arthritis or back pain that needed assistance to get into the clinic for the first few Laser sessions and have been able to walk on their own again.  The Laser also has many other uses such as wound healing, soft tissue sprains, infections, gingivitis and more.

 

At OCVH we like use the K-Laser because it is a pain-free, drug-free treatment option for many degenerative conditions in our pets. Typically a Laser session takes around 5 minutes for each area to be treated. For a chronic condition like arthritis, pets would likely need to have treatments several times each week for the first 2-3 weeks, and then the frequency of visits decreases. Some pets continue to have treatments on an as needed basis to maintain their comfort. During therapy you will be with your pet and you get to wear fancy, protective safety goggles.  Pets very quickly learn that the Laser does not hurt and actually helps them feel better. My own dogs love the extra TLC. It feels good!

 

I have been able to witness the beneficial effects of this treatment on my very own dogs. Ginger, Sara, and Ernie have all gotten K-Laser treatments and are still doing well. Ginger, is 11 years and weighs 90 pounds.  She tore one of the cruciate ligaments in her knee – this is the most common orthopedic injury in large dogs. She had surgery on her knee over a year ago. We used the K-Laser on her injured leg as part of her rehabilitation program. She is able to walk normally now, and still gets the treatments once per week. Sarah, our 8 year old German Shepherd dog has one of the worst cases of hip dysplasia (her hips have been this bad since she was the age of 5 when we first rescued her), yet she is able to run and play without any arthritis drugs. Ernie came to us with a broken back and although he is still paralyzed in his back legs, he is pain free and we are hopeful that he will walk someday – with the help of the K-Laser.  Thanks to the K-Laser my dogs are living a better quality of life with more walks, more play, and lots more happy pain-free time.

 

There is hope, if your pet is in pain he or she may be helped by Laser therapy. Contact one of our staff members to schedule an appointment for a consultation to get started with K-Laser therapy. Your pet will thank you!

Laurie Pearlman DVM