Abscess - No fun for Dogs or Cats

Have you experienced an abscess on your cat or dog?  If you have, then you know that they can kind of sneak up on you.  One day "Lucky" is playing and energetic and the next he's lethargic, lame, and seems almost depressed.  When you start running your hand over his body you might find a area that is raised and warm; and when touched your pet will pull away or look at you funny like he's saying "hey, that hurts!"

One of the possible reasons for the swelling is an abscess - a pocket of pus that has built up in defense of bacteria from a puncture wound, foreign material, insect bite, or parasite under the skin.  As a defense mechanism your animal's body produces lots of white blood cells to fight the bacteria.  As the white blood cells die off the pus forms.  Eventually the skin becomes thin and ruptures allowing the pus to disperse and healing to start in the area.  But that doesn't always happen.  The abscess can get large and very painful and will need treatment from a veterinarian.

Cats are especially prone to abscesses.  During a cat fight if a deep scratch or bite wound is inflicted on your cat the outside of the wound will tend to form a scab quickly.  Unfortunately, the scab seals in the bacteria and sets up the perfect conditions for an abscess.

Abscesses need to be drained in order to heal.  A trip to the veterinarian is the safest for a couple reasons.  First, the abscess can be evaluated to determine the extent of the infection and whether surgery is necessary to remove dead tissue and place multiple drains to allow the wound to heal.  Secondly, antibiotics will most likely be necessary to get rid of the bacterial infection.  Once the abscess is drained your pet will start feeling better very quickly since the pressure has been relieved and the infection cleaned out.  To keep "Lucky" from scratching or licking the area an Elizabethan collar may be required, depending on the location of the wound.

If your cat has been in a fight, examine him thoroughly from head to toe to locate any puncture wounds or deep scratches as these usually require antibiotics from your veterinarian to alleviate possible infection.  At home you will be instructed to clean the wounds and watch for any signs of infection. Place warm compresses on these areas 10-15 minutes 3-4 times per day to decrease the chances of an abscess forming.  The compresses increase blood flow to the area which increases the immune response.  If an abscess is immediately adjacent to the eye, the anus, or the genitals, or inside the ear don't try to treat at home.  Get your pet to the veterinary hospital right away.

The moral of the story...a drained abscess equals relief.

Rattle and Hum

Summer in the west brings wonderful long days of sun and fun. But with that sun, comes some unfriendly fellows - namely the rattlesnake.

Colorado's species include:

• Prairie Rattlesnake:  (Crotalus viridis viridis) western 2/3 of the state.
• Midget Faded Rattlesnake:  (Crotalus oreganus concolor) Western of the continental divide.
• Massasauga:  Western Massasauga (Integrade between S.c. edwardsii and S.c.tergemimus) 
• Western Diamondback Rattlesnake:  (Crotalus atrox), isolated population may occur in southeast Colorado, unverified. 

Listen the to the sound a Western Rattlesnake rattle.

Most North American snakes are timid and will avoid you and your pets.  Bites usually occur because the snake was harassed or surprised. If you see a snake that sees you, remember that a snake can strike only a distance of half its body length. Give the snake time to just go away. Snakes are not looking to interact with people or pets, either defensively or aggressively.

You can minimize your pet's exposure to snakes by staying on cleared, open paths while hiking.  Keep your dog on a leash and do not allow your pet to dig under rocks, logs, or explore holes.  Many species of snakes, particularly rattlesnakes, are more active at night.  You should avoid evening hikes in areas where these animals are prevalent.

If you dog or cat is bitten by a rattlesnake it is best to get your animal to your veterinarian as quickly as possible.  Carry your pet to your vehicle and try to keep him/her as quite and calm as possible.  Do not ice the area.  Do not try to cut or suck the venom out of the bite - neither are beneficial for the animal.

The venom in rattlesnake bites contains a digestive enzyme that starts to break down the tissue surrounding the bite.  The amount of swelling, pain and complications depend on the amount of venom released.  Expect swelling at the bite site with increased swelling and bruising that will spread over the area.  There are very few fatalities from rattlesnake bites.

Outcomes are best for those animals that start treatment right away.  Treatment will include IV fluids and medications to control pain and nausea. Antibiotics are also necessary to control any infection from the bite.  Some dogs are also treated with antivenin, but a vial of antivenin can range from $400 to $800 and is subject to supply restrictions.

Some veterinary experts recommend training your dog to avoid snakes.  This type of training could be very useful, but, like many training regimens, the dog will need refresher courses routinely.


The moral of story...back away from the snake or, if bitten, get "Lucky" to the vet immediately.

Barbecue Blues

I always feel like Memorial Day is the official start of summer and barbecue season.  Although in our house we barbecue all year round.  Still, there's nothing like steak and burgers on the grill, the sun sinking low on the horizon, a gentle breeze, some soothing tunes and a refreshing drink or two.  Can you smell the aroma?

So can your favorite four legged friend and she's about to grab the steak off the grill!

As with all events that involve every member of the family there are some aspects about the beautiful picture I painted above that could cause the evening to have a very different ending. As you think about that perfect barbecue you might also notice a grease bucket under the grill, perhaps a rack of ribs on a plate covered by aluminum foil, and some corn on the cob.  For me, each of those items have names and faces of patients attached to them because of visits to our ER.  What?  You may think that's crazy, but give me a little latitude and I'll describe for you the reasons.

First, aluminum foil, which was covering those delectably marinated ribs was simple irresistible to "Lucky" and had to be stolen off the counter or out of the trash.  The outcome is somewhat dependent on the size of the animal and the amount of aluminum foil actually ingested.  Most likely the foil will pass in the next couple days and other than strange looking piles in the backyard, nothing will come of the eating indiscretion.  However, you should watch your pet (dog or cat, both have been known to be equally silly) for vomiting, diarrhea, bloody stools, or nothing coming out at all.  These could be signs that the aluminum foil has caused an obstruction somewhere along the digestive path and needs to be surgically removed.

The same is true of corn cobs.  We have a sweet dog in the hospital tonight for inhaling a corn cob in the few seconds left unattended.  Fortunately the surgeon successfully removed the cob and some other items and he's recovering well.

Remember that rack of ribs?  Where did they go?  "Lucky" did you get into the ribs?  "Lucky"!!!  Has this scene ever happened at your barbecue?

Many dog owners don't hesitate to give their dog the discarded bones from the rack of ribs.  Unfortunately, cooked, brittle bones are more likely to splinter which may cause fractured teeth and possible perforation of the intestine or throat either on the way down or on the way back up if the dog vomits. Cooked or uncooked, small bones or those broken or gnawed down small enough can be gulped down either choking the dog or blocking its digestive tract.  Some bones don't need to splinter to have sharp points.  Any bone that the dog can break up is dangerous.  If you dog does get hold of a bone and you're worried about fragments feed him some bread.  The hope is that the sharp fragments will get embedded in the bread and not cause any danger as it passes through the digestive tract.  Again, watch for vomiting, diarrhea, bloody stools, lack of appetite, a depressed state, or change in behavior.  If you see any of these signs quickly get your dog to your veterinarian or head for the animal ER.  The fragments could be causing a blockage or might have punctured the intestines.

Last, but certainly not least, the grease trap.  Remember that small can or bucket under your grill to catch the grease from getting all over your patio?  Fortunately many new grills have a built-in system that catches the grease inside the grill, but there are plenty of the cans still around.  Dogs find themselves drooling like crazy and licking their lips when they smell all that grease.  Unfortunately, their pancreas is not as excited.  Pancreatitis or excessive vomiting leading to dehydration are risks of animals ingesting lots of fat.  Pet Education.com has a great article on pancreatitis in dogs.

So....before you put your feet up, make sure the offending items have found a safe home, out of the reach of your curious dog or cat.  Then freshen up your favorite beverage and enjoy the sunset.

Help, I have a Hot Spot!

In Emergency medicine we don't tend to see many acute dermatology cases.  Most skin issues can wait until the family veterinarian is available for treatment.  One exception is a nasty "hot spot".  Hots spots can worsen dramatically in a few short hours and it is in the animals best interest to start treatment as soon as possible to control the infection and manage the pain and irritation.

What are hot spots?
A hot spot is a localized area of skin irritation and infection.  Hot spots can appear on any area of an animal's body, but are frequently found around the neck and ears or hind end of an animal.  Hot spots are often referred to as pyotraumatic dermatitis which is a self traumatic condition where your dog or cat may be contributing to the actual development.  There is often an underlying condition that needs to be treated in addition to the hot spot to decrease the possibility of reoccurrance.   Causes range from an allergic reaction to an insect bite to a bacterial skin infection, or an ear infection and even poor grooming habits.  Highly matted cats are more likely to get a hot spot that can become seriously infected before being detected.

Treatment usually involves shaving the hair around the area and applying an antiseptic solution.  In severe cases removal of the infected skin, also known as debridement, may be necessary to allow the underlying tissue to heal.  Depending on the depth of the affected tissue special bandaging may be used to encourage regrowth of healthy tissue. Steroids and/or anti-inflammatory medications can be taken orally or applied topically to provide relief from the pain and swelling. Antibiotics are prescribed for up to three weeks to treat the bacterial infection.  Whatever form of treatment prescribed, you will want to accompany it with an Elizabethan collar if the lesions are anywhere near the head or the neck to prevent your cat from future self damage by biting or scratching themselves.

Warm, moist environments tend to increase the likelihood of your pet starting a hot spot.  Be sure to keep "Lucky" brushed and mat free and start treatment right away if you see a hot spot forming on your pet.

Be Kind to Animals Week

The American Humane Society has designated May 2 - 8, 2010 as "Be Kind to Animals Week".  Though this sentiment should be followed year round, it's great to take some time to focus on how we can take action.  So what can you do?

1.  Plan to add a pet to your family?  Consider adopting from a shelter.

• Dumb Friends League
• Humane Society of South Platte Valley
• Maxfund
• Animal Rescue & Adoption Society
• Cat Care Society
• Table Mountain Animal Center

2.  Donate to your favorite local shelter
3.   Report animal abuse
4.  Live humanely with wildlife. 
5.  Teach small children how to play with pets.
6.  Be a responsible pet owner.
7.  Return to this blog often for tips to keep your pets happy and healthy at home.

As you can see, there is a lot we can do to "be kind to animals".

Have a great week!

Spring Gardening

Do you love to garden?  I took advantage today of the few moments of sun to get some seeds in the ground.  As I was working I was reminded of a neighbor down the street who's dog loves to lay beside him as he gardens.  It always does my heart good when I drive by and see them out there together.  As you work on your garden this spring and summer here are a few tips to remember.

There are some garden materials that are not safe for pets.  See the ASPCA "Guide to Pet-Safe Gardening"
for a list of items to use cautiously, or not at all, in your garden.  Another website has a list of Cat friendly plants that can help to keep your furry feline safe.

Below are some comments from the Pet Poison Helpline about fertilizers.

Fertilizers
For whatever reason, many dogs thoroughly enjoy snarfing up fertilizer products, which may contain peat moss or bone meal, or other tasty ingredients. A dog might eat a teaspoon or pounds of the stuff, depending on his or her palate. Generally speaking, fertilizer products are not highly toxic. The most concerning ingredients contained within would be iron, or any insecticide which may have been added for dual purposes. If your dog has ingested a fertilizer product, I would advise you to call a veterinary professional. We can then determine if the ingestion is potentially harmful, based on the product's ingredients. If a large ingestion takes place, and the product contains iron, the risk for toxicity is great. I have personally spoken to a woman whose Labrador ingested six pounds of fertilizer! We would then want to initiate preventative measures to ensure the safety of the dog. Regardless of iron content or insecticides within, a small lick (a teaspoon or less) is not likely to be significantly harmful even in a tiny dog.

Despite the level of toxicity, another serious concern when cups or pounds of fertilizer have been ingested is the risk for intestinal obstruction. The material can clump together in the stomach or intestinal tract, unable to pass through. If the ingestion has been fairly recent, there are steps to be taken in order to prevent this. If not, you would want to watch him or her very closely over the next few days for recurrent vomiting, persistent diarrhea, loss of appetite, or painful belly. If those signs develop, contact your veterinary hospital immediately. In the worst case scenario, intestinal surgery is necessary to remove the obstruction.

Even if your fertilizer is neatly contained within an unopened container, hide it safely in a cabinet or place it up high, out of the reach of your dog. They'll not think twice about opening up the bag, spreading it around the patio or yard, and potentially enjoying it as a special snack. At worst, you could be dealing with toxicity. At best, you could have a significant mess to clean up!

Last, a poem found in the April/May 2010 issue of The Bark Magazine.

IN THE GARDEN

My dog

has disappeared into the hydrangeas,
her tail, a taut corkscrew,
nearly as imaginative as a hydrangea
and tipped with a white bud.

"Dog," I say, "get out of the garden."
The hydrangeas shake.

Later she trots our to me,
Pokes my novel with her nose.

What is it you wanted? she huffs,
I am busy discovering new lands
and eating bugs.

- Amy C. Elliott

Is She in Pain?

Sometimes it would be so much easier if our pets could talk back.  Wouldn't it though?  The hardest question to get a clear answer on is whether "Lucky" is in pain.  There are some ways to get an idea, even if I can't get a clear answer when I ask "where does it hurt girl?"

Fortunately our pets are giving us signals through behavioral cues all the time. A little yip might mean it's time for a walk, or an extra rub against the leg from my favorite feline could signal that it's dinnertime. By paying attention to changes in behavior, or when your pet no longer does the normal ones, we can learn a lot about what might be wrong with "Lucky".

The American Animal Hospital Association or AAHA has some great handouts for assessing pain in a dog or cat.  Each of these fliers describes possible changes in posture, aggressiveness, activity level, facial expressions and other aspects of behavior that might indicate the presence of pain.  Your pet might suddenly exhibit abnormal chewing habits, drastic weight gain or loss, start avoiding affection or handling, choose decreased movement and exercise, or even start having "accidents" in the house.  These signs are described in more detail in the article entitled Clues to Detecting Fluffy and Fido's Painful Secrets also available on the AAHA website.

If you decide that the signals are loud and clear and you take your animal to the vet it is equally important that the DVMs and Technicians are assessing the pain level of the animals they are caring for.

In our Critical Care Unit here at VRCC Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Hospital we have fliers that provide pictures of animal postures and descriptions of behavior as reminders of the levels of pain an animal might be experiencing.  Each of the animals are assessed on their pain level and are given a score of 0-4.  From that assessment the Veterinarian can make modifications in the animal's treatment plan to increase or decrease pain medication to keep the animal comfortable and aid in healing. 

It is important to remember two things when it comes to pain in your animal:

First, you know your animal the best.  The descriptions provided are guidelines to help you, but if your pet seems different and you're not sure what is going on, a trip to your family veterinarian might be necessary.

Second, do NOT give any over the counter human pain medications to your pet.  NSAIDS - Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs are a class of medications that include, but are not limited to, aspirin, ibuprofen (Motrin, Advil, Nuprin), naproxen (Aleve, Naprosyn), and COX -2 inhibitors (Celebrex). All of these drugs can be toxic to dogs and cats and should never be administered at home.  Veterinarians can prescribe anti-inflammatory and pain relieving medications that are safe for "Lucky".

The moral of the story....if things change, monitor for pain.