Skiing and Your Dog

Winter in Colorado is a funny thing.  Storms can dump feet of snow in the mountains and not a flake will reach the valley and plains.  Such is the case this winter.  The great part is that the feet of snow in the mountains makes for great skiing, on the slopes or back-country, whichever you choose. But if you choose to bring your dog into the woods with you, consider his safety.

A very energentic 11 month old Visla was having fun in the woods with his owners, who were on snowshoes, when a back country skier collided with their dog.  Unfortunately, the dog sustained a severe laceration to his right front leg that needed immediate medical care.  The edge of the ski sliced through the muscle and a nerve, cutting down to the bone.  The owners were able to get him to Central Veterinary Emergency Services where the ER Veterinarian sutured the wound.  This sweet dog lost a lot of blood, but he recovered well and was sent home that evening.  It will be 2 - 3 months before the Veterinarian and his owners will be able to determine the full extent of his injuries and whether he suffered any long term effects from the accident.

Fortunately there is a positive ending to this story, but had his owners been in the back country when this happened he might not have faired so well.

Outside magazine has a great article that describes the steps to train your four footed friend to behave safely around you as you're skiing, but it really depends on the dog. Cross-country skiing is less dangerous, but, as some commentors pointed out at the end of the article, is still best done with a well trained dog.

The moral of the story... enjoy the great outdoors, but consider how well your dog can obey commands before bringing him along.

Toxic Compost Pile

Composting has become a rather common practice as  more people look for ways to "go green" or to simply decrease their food bill.  The booth at the farmers market was busy all summer long describing the various systems of composting and how to get started.  If you are considering starting your own compost pile and have a dog, consider the method that is best for keeping your four legged scavenger out of the pile.

Unfortunately, a largely unknown danger may be lurking in your compost pile.  A substance identified as a tremorgenic mycotoxin could be growing in your pile and if ingested by your dog, could cause a serious or even deadly reaction.  Tremorgenic = shaking, tremors, seizures and mycotoxin = poisonous fungus.  Penitrem A is a type of tremorgenic mycotoxin associated with the Penecillium fungi that can be found in compost piles and spoiled food.

If you see your animal get into the spoiled garbage or catch him eating from the compost pile it is best to get him to a Veterinarian who can induce vomiting, especially if symptoms of poisoning are present.  Symptoms of toxicity include increased heart rate, panting, tremors, very excited or anxious, vomiting, hyperthermia or fever, and if enough has been ingested, or if left untreated, can develop into seizures or even death.

Treatment will include making the dog vomit followed by a dose of activated charcoal (also known as Toxiban) that helps to absorb any remaining mycotoxin left in the stomach.  Then medication will be administered to stop the tremors which will help decrease the body temperature.  Additionally IV fluids and other supportive measures will help flush the poison from the body and make the dog more comfortable. 

Tremorgenic Mycotoxin is not a common household name, but if your dog is caught munching in the compost pile it's one that you know warrants immediate action with a trip to the Veterinarian.  Tell "Lucky" to leave the compost for the garden - he has plenty of delicious food in his dog dish!

My Pet Is Having A Seizure - What Do I Do?

It's been a busy holiday weekend for Central Veterinary Emergency Services.  When I asked one of the Technicians the most common condition among the cases her response was that we had seen all kinds of conditions without any common theme.  Then just an hour later we had three dogs come in for seizures all in a row. 

This sweet Rottweiler may look like she's ready or Christmas, but the bells are actually to alert us if she starts having more seizures. 

Seizures are an indication of something else going on in the body.  The cause can originate from a toxic exposure, epilepsy, too much calcium after having puppies, a tumor, a head injury, or multiple other disease conditions.  Your veterinarian can take a full history and do some diagnostic testing to rule out possible causes and narrow down the reason for the seizures.

Watching your cat or dog have a seizure can be frightening.  His body may tense up. He may have a far away look on his face along with body twitching or feet paddling. His whole body may shake and convulse. He may start drooling and seem unaware of your presence.  He may even stop breathing or urinate or defecate on himself.

The best thing you can do for your pet during a seizure is to keep both of you safe. Protect him from rolling off a bed or couch, or falling down stairs. Keep your hands and face away from his mouth so he doesn't unknowingly bite you. Place pillows or blankets under his head and between his body and sharp corners or furniture.  Remove other pets from the area.  Dim the lights and turn off load noises like TVs or radios to provide a quiet environment. Time and record the length and intensity of each seizure.  Call your veterinarian right away to determine if an immediate visit is advisable. Be sure to inform your veterinarian of any possible exposure to a poisonous substance.

Give your pet some time to recover.  He may be groggy or "out of it" for a while.  Once he has returned to normal (within about 10 to 20 minutes) he can resume regular activities.  Allow him to go outside for a potty break if he is stable on his feet and seems aware of his surroundings.  It may be advisable to keep him in close proximity for a while to see if another seizure develops.

A seizure can be an isolated incident or they can become recurrent.  Medications can be prescribed by your veterinarian to control seizure activity.  As always you know your pet the best ,so be an advocate for him to be sure he gets care if you are concerned or feel like something isn't right.

Thanksgiving Safety for Your Pets

Just a couple days left to finish your meal planning and decorating for the start of the holidays. What is your favorite part of the Thanksgiving dinner? The turkey, or maybe ham, mashed potatoes with gravy, or let's not forget the stuffing and pumpkin pie. Are you drooling yet? Guess who else is drooling? Or maybe a four legged feline is walking between your legs, purring loudly, letting you know he wants some too.

Pets add a special part to any holiday celebration, whether you are entertaining one or 20. You may be tempted to include your pet in the festivities by handing him some table scraps or letting him lick your plate clean. For the sake of your pet, and your stress level, you may want to rethink that "treat".

Pancreatitis
Dogs that are fed very fatty food can develop a sudden onset of pancreatitis. Symptoms of acute pancreatitis may range from mild to very severe. The symptoms are similar to those of other diseases and may include a very painful abdomen, lack of appetite, depression, dehydration, a 'hunched up' posture, vomiting, and perhaps diarrhea. Fever often accompanies these symptoms. Cats can get pancreatitis also, but they don't usually have the acute symptoms and it is usually associate with other causes.

Turkey Bones
The other common food indiscretion at Thanksgiving are the turkey bones. Even if you try your best to keep your pets out of the turkey carcass they have a way of being sneaky just when you turn your back. Cooked turkey bones can be brittle and will shatter easily when chewed. The sharp slivers of bone are dangerous if swallowed. They can get caught in the throat causing him to choke, or pierce the stomach or intestine requiring surgery. Sometimes the bones will pass uneventfully. To increase the likelihood you may feed your dog some pieces of bread. The thought is that the bones will get encased in the bread and decrease the danger of passing through the intestinal tract.

For either of these instances, if your pet is vomiting, has diarrhea, seems very week or lethargic, has pale gums, or seems painful it is best to bring him to see a Veterinarian right away.

Hopefully these tips will decrease your chances of needing a Veterinary Emergency Room on Thanksgiving, but if you do, we'll be open all day and would be happy to see your pet. If you are in the Denver area just call 303-874-7387.

From our Veterinary ER to you, we wish you a very Happy Thanksgiving!

Coughing Kitty

Have you noticed a persistent cough from your favorite feline?  There are a few possible reasons for a cough.  They range from a respiratory infection or asthma to parasites or even a heart condition.

If you've recently adopted your kitty from a shelter it's possible that he/she picked up an URI or Upper Respiratory Infection.  URIs can be be either bacterial or viral.  Either way you should separate her from other cats in the house and have her seen by a Veterinarian for diagnosis and treatment.

There are simple things you can do in your home to help decrease respiratory problems.  Keep the air clean and smoke fee, use a litter with little to no dust, be careful about cleaning products - if you have a hard time breathing when you use them your cat probably does to.  It is also important to decrease stress for your kitty.  Give her a safe place to get away from young children, other pets, or loud noises.

See my early post titled "Cat Air" for  more information on a heart condition known as cardiomyopathy that can be indicated by a persistent cough.

If the cough is combined with decreased activity, decreased appetite and less drinking it is important to get her in to see a Veterinarian right away.  These signs could indicate pneumonia or other infection that could be life threatening.  Cats tend to hide illness much longer than dogs and often by the time the signs are evident they are already very sick.

The AAHA PetsMatter November/December edition has a great article on coughs in cats as well.  Be sure to jump over to their website for additional information.

Herbal Remedies for Animals

CAVM aka Complementary and/or Alternative Veterinary Medicine is a growing segment of the veterinary market.  CAVM can include chiropractic, acupuncture, homeopathic, naturopathic practices along with use of herbal remedies, Bach flower essences,  massage, traditional Chinese medicine, nutraceuticals, and many other modalities. This blog post is not intended to make a recommendation for or against CAVM treatment options.  Rather, as I have done in many other posts, in order to keep you informed and your animal safe I will point out some products or practices that without proper application could be potentially harmful to your pet.

I will mention that there are strong opinions on both sides concerning the use of CAVM modalities in Veterinary Medicine. As with any type of medicine, it is important to research the education and practice background of the person providing treatment. Treatment of your dog or cat by someone unfamiliar with small animal anatomy, physiology, and body systems may prescribe a treatment that while non-toxic for humans, could be potentially life threatening to your pet.

For instance, there are herbal remedies that affect animals differently than people.

Garlic:  Garlic is used in herbal remedies in whole plant form or infused oil for its antiviral, bactericidal and fungicidal properties.  Like onions, garlic ingestion can cause anemia in pets.  Anemia is a decrease in the number of red blood cells or hemoglobin in blood.  Since hemoglobin caries oxygen from the lungs to tissue, severe anemia can have negative effects on multiple organs and systems in the body.  Symptoms of anemia often show up three to five days after an animal has ingested the vegetable oil.  Exposure to garlic oil on the skin can cause a dog or cat to have allergic reactions of the skin or asthmatic attacks as well.

Chamomile:  This herb is often used in tinctures or teas as a digestive aid, stress reducer, poultice for cuts or burns or for the treatment of abscesses.  It can also be found in oil form.  For animals chamomile causes vomiting and lack of muscle coordination.

Oil of Wintergreen:  Are you familiar with Bengay ointment?  Bengay and other natural pain relieving ointments use Oil of Wintergreen as a main ingredient.  It comes in ointment or oil form and is applied to the skin to relieve muscle pain.  The scientific name for this type of medicine is a Salicylate.  Salicylates are toxic to cats and dogs.  Signs of salicylate toxicity include nausea, vomiting, restlessness that progresses to seizures and coma.

Tea Tree Oil:  Ridding your animals and house of fleas can be a tough job. One of the suggested methods is the use of Tea Tree oil as a topical application for your pet as well as a spray for bedding.  Tea tree oil can be toxic to pets if applied in large quantities or groomed off the skin by the pet.  According to the ASPCA "clinical effects that may occur following dermal (skin) exposure to significant amounts of tea tree oil include loss of coordination, muscle weakness, depression, and possibly even a severe drop in body temperature, collapse and liver damage."

Moral of the story...what's good for the goose may not be good for the gander.  In other words, talk to your veterinarian about herbal remedies before using them for your pet.  Your pets may be thought of as human, but their body systems are very different and some medicines don't cross over well.

Much of this data can be found in Kirk's Current Veterinary Therapy volume XII

Counterfeit Pet Drugs - FDA Warning

US - COUNTERFEIT PET DRUGS The FDA has issued a consumer alert to pet owners, warning them about the dangers of buying discounted pet drugs online. The FDA warns that its own investigations have found online companies that sell unapproved drugs or other counterfeit products and some will sell them without a veterinarian prescription. The FDA advises pet owners who want to buy online drugs to place orders at sites that are a Vet-VIPPS (Veterinary-Verified Internet Pharmacy Practice Sites) accredited pharmacy. (Veterinary Advantage)

I know it is sometimes tempting to try to find a "deal" on medication for your animal, but the FDA has issued a very valid warning with good reasoning behind their concerns.  Website pharmacies who dispense drugs without a veterinary exam or try to evaluate your pet through a questionnaire on their website are potentially putting your animal in danger.  It is very difficult to assess and diagnose an animal without an actual hands on examination.  Often, results of blood tests must be reviewed before dispensing certain medications to ensure that your pet will not be harmed by taking the drug.

There are two types of medications sold online through disreputable websites that are especially concerning.

NSAIDS - Non steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs
Heart Worm Medication

I've written about NSAIDS before  under the title Is She In Pain? as well as the post titled Top 10 Human Medications that Poison Pets.  In addition to that information there is really only one NSAID that can be given to cats and it is only approved for one injection after surgery.  Otherwise, any NSAID given to a cat can cause life threatening kidney damage.

 Secondly, heart worm medication can be harmful or even fatal to your dog if already infected with heartworm.  Before starting a preventive program, all dogs should be tested for heartworms.

Adult heartworms produce millions of microscopic "baby" heartworms (called microfilaria) into the bloodstream. When you give a monthly heartworm preventive to a dog with circulating microfilaria, this can cause the sudden death of microfilaria, triggering a shock-type reaction. Even if your dog does not have this type of reaction, heartworm preventives do not kill the adult heartworms (although they may shorten the worms' life expectancy). This means an infected dog will remain infected with adult heartworms.

Unfortunately, as long as a pet remains infected, heartworm disease will progress and damage the heart and lungs, which can lead to life threatening problems. Giving heartworm preventives to heartworm-positive dogs can mislead an owner into thinking everything is all right, while within a pet, heartworm disease is worsening.

The moral of the story...look for the Vet-VIPPS certification before buying online.

Halloween From Your Pet's Perspective

Halloween is a fun time of year, especially for kids and many pet owners who consider their pets to be their kids. While it's great to go all out for the holiday and have fun with dressing up and decorating, there are some aspects about the event that need a little oversight.

Dr. Pointer with the ASPCA gives some great tips to keep your pets safe this Halloween. Dr. Pointer covers things like pet costumes, candy, and proper identification. You may have heard these before, but perhaps you have recently adopted, or purchased, a new pet and this is your first Halloween. Watch the video for ways to keep your "Lucky" safe.

Remember, how you view Halloween and how your pet perceives the holiday are very different. The costumes, constant doorbell ringing, candy smells and burning candles can be very unsettling to even the most friendly dog or cat. Keep that in mind as you look for your favorite costume for this Halloween.

Trick-or treat!

Pennies Cause Zinc Poisoning in Dogs

I saw a headline recently that caught my attention from the sheer craziness of the animal involved in the story.  The headline was Puppy Survives Swallowing 113 Pennies.  Why would any animal swallow that many pennies? Then I got to wondering, how many dog owners  know that swallowing even one penny can be cause for concern for their four-legged friend? 

Penny starting to corrode in stomach

It's true that this story is not the norm, most dogs will only swallow one or two pennies, not 113!!  In our ER we see a case about every 4 months where a dog has found a penny and decided to find out how it tasted.  The problem is the contents of the penny.

All pennies minted after 1983 have a zinc core covered by copper.   Pennies are just heavy enough that they tend to stay in the stomach even when the animal has been given medication to make him or her vomit.  The acidic environment, depending on the amount of food in the stomach, can cause the penny to break down rapidly.  Once the penny starts to corrode the zinc is released into the bloodstream and causes anemia and liver damage.  It could take a few hours to a couple days before signs of toxicity start to show up.

Corroded penny removed from Dachshund

Signs of zinc toxicity and anemia can include extreme tiredness, vomiting, bloody urine, decreased appetite, and seeming depressed.  These signs signify the need to get your dog to the vet very quickly.

Radiographs and blood tests will be used to determine the cause of the symptoms.  Once penny ingestion and zinc toxicity is determined the immediate treatment goals will include decreasing zinc absorption, correcting anemia, minimizing liver damage, and removing the penny.  Most likely the penny will be surgically removed although endoscopy may by possible if the penny is still sitting in the stomach.  The time it could take to allow the penny to pass, if it even will, could cause irreparable damage to the liver or even death.

Once the penny is removed the patient may need a blood transfusion to correct the anemia and will be given IV fluids to flush the liver to help the body get rid of the zinc. Additionally, the dog may receive Pepcid for stomach upset and/or an anti-nausea medication to prevent vomiting.  Supportive care may be needed for additional days or weeks depending on the amount of toxicity and how the animal responds to treatment.

Other common objects or products that contain zinc include zinc supplements, diaper rash ointment, sunscreen containing zinc oxide, automobile fuses, wire, and some nails. But the one most often overlooked is still the penny.

The moral of the story...you can't count your pennies with your hound dog by your side!

Methane Digester at the Dog Park

An artist in Massachusetts has created a proper pooper scooper depository. Simply scoop up the poop, place it in the chute and give it a little stir to power the light in the park. What a great idea! What else could be powered by dog poop? We have so many dog parks here in Colorado. I wonder which one will be the first to sponsor a Methane Digester to light their park.

September is National Pet Health Insurance Month

The North American Pet Health Insurance Association (NAPHIA) is sponsoring National Pet Health Insurance Month.  I've written about pet insurance before and believe that is does play a significant place in the lives of many pets and their families.  I continue to hear of stories where pet insurance allowed the pet owners to make a decision they would not have otherwise been able to afford.

Part of the month long awareness program includes an opportunity for you to submit a story about the impact pet insurance had in your family for the medical needs of your pet(s).  To enter the contest see the NAPHIA website for the guidelines.  Please note the deadline for submissions is September 15, 2010 at 11:59 pm EST.  You could win $1,000 or an iPad.

Or, you could nominate your vet for an educational grant and award of excellence plaque.  Write about a one time encounter, or a life long relationship, with the veterinarian who has shown compassion and medical excellence for your best friend.   See the NAPHIA website for the recommendation requirements.

If you don't currently have pet insurance consider PurinaCare. Their plans make sense and I believe you get what you pay for with their policies.

Disclaimer: PurinaCare has not asked for my recommendation nor have they offered me any financial compensation for doing so.  My selection comes from extensive research of the products currently on the market.

Kitty Virtuoso

I thought something a little light hearted to bring a smile to your face might be in order.  Enjoy this kitty virtuoso on the piano.

National Take Your Cat to the Vet Week

August 16-22 has been designated the 2nd Annual National Take your Cat to the Vet Week.  Feline Pine, maker of natural cat litter, is sponsoring the event.  Their slogan is so fitting "Every dog has his day. We're making sure cats have their day too!"  I've noticed as I've been writing this blog for over a year and a half that the majority of my topics relate more to dogs than cats.  I'm not trying to be bias, it just seems like the canines get into more stuff than the felines.

The main reason I've heard for not bringing kitties to the vet is the fear of the car ride.  I get that, my own kitties were never fond of being placed in the carrier and our vet lived right across the street.  

Some tips for getting your kitty in the carrier:

1. Wrap kitty in a towel first and then place in the carrier.
2. Tip the carrier up on it's end with the door in the air then gently put the kitty in head first.  This will give you time to close the door before kitty has time to escape.
3. Try a soft sided carrier.
4. Place a favorite toy, towel, catnip mouse, etc. into the cage first.
5. Set the carrier out in the room a few days ahead of the appointment to let your kitty get used to the feel, look, and smell.  It won't seem so foreign and kitty might just take a nap inside if it has her favorite towel or blanket to lay on.
6. Never transport kitty in a towel or loose in the car.  They are great escape artists and can hurt you or themselves trying to get away.  It is also dangerous for the other animal owners in the waiting room as some dogs are not so friendly with cats and vice versa.

Why take kitty to the vet?
As kitties age they are more prone to some serious diseases and unfortunately cats tend to hide illness better than dogs and you might not even be aware of the change before kitty is already pretty sick.  Conditions like chronic renal failure, hyperthyroidism, and diabetes are three illnesses that tend to land older kitties in our ER when they have otherwise seemed to be healthy cats.

An annual check-up with your regular veterinarian can screen for these conditions through a physical exam and simple blood tests.   To learn more about common feline medical conditions visit the American Association of Feline Practitioners.

Cats up to 10 should have an annual exam and cats over ten should be seen every six months.  Feline Pine conducted a survey and discovered that fewer than 50% of cat owners took their cat to the vet unless their kitty was obviously sick. 

Do you need to find a veterinarian?  Try visiting AAHA's Healthy Pet website to search for an AAHA accredited hospital near you.

Happy Cat Week!

Rimadyl Overdose or Toxicity

Rimadyl is a commonly prescribed medication for dogs to help alleviate pain and inflammation related to osteoarthritis.  Rimadyl is an NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug) similar to aspirin and can be prescribed for short-term or long-term use.

Overdose - how does it happen?
Rimadyl tastes terrific to dogs.  The chewable tablets are liver flavored and dogs have no qualms about taking them.  Pet owners often refer to the medication as a treat.  Just reach for the bottle and your canine friend will start salivating and prance around like a puppy.  If left within reach of your dog he/she will find very creative ways of getting that bottle open and ingesting the remaining contents.  But therein lies the problem.  Rimadyl is not a treat.  In fact, when a dog ingests too much Rimadyl the results can be life threatening.

Toxicity
Rimadyl toxicity can also happen even if the prescribed dosage is given.  Sometimes after being on the drug an animal will develop a sensitivity and will exhibit the same symptoms as an overdose.  It is important to bring your pet to the veterinarian immediately if you suspect or witness your dog ingesting more than the prescribed daily dosage of Rimadyl, or if you recognize signs of a developed toxicity to the medication.


Signs of Overdose/Toxicity

• Gastrointestinal symptoms include nausea, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, melena (black, tarry stools), and abdominal pain.
• Damage to the kidneys may cause signs of acute kidney failure such as increased thirst, increased urination, vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite, lethargy and dilute urine (lighter in color).
• Symptoms associated with damage to the liver include jaundiced skin, gums, inside of ears, and sclera (whites of the eyes) as well as vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite and lethargy.
  

MobileVet.net also has a very comprehensive feature about Rimadyl on their website.  PetPlace has a great article on all the specifics of drug reactions and signs of Rimadyl overdose.  

Treatment
Depending on the timing, your pet may be given medication to cause it to vomit followed by activated charcoal to absorb any remaining medication in the stomach.  The main concern with Rimadyl is damage to the kidneys or liver.  Your pet will be placed on IV fluids to flush the liver and kidneys and eliminate the drug from the animal's body.  Multiple blood tests are performed over the length of hospitalization to evaluate the red and white blood cell counts, BUN, and creatinine levels.  Each of these values indicates whether the treatment is decreasing the toxicity and if the liver and kidneys are working correctly. 

The moral of the story...make sure Rimadyl is in a secure "dog proof" location.

Urethral Obstruction in a Cat (AKA Blocked Tom)

Male cats have a tendency to develop stones or debris in their urine that can become an obstruction in the urethra, the tube that connects the bladder to the penis.  A urethral obstruction prevents urine from exiting the body and can become a painful and dangerous condition in just one or two days.  A complete blockage (no urine can getting through) can cause irreversible damage to the kidneys and can even cause death.

Signs of a urethral obstruction include:

• using the litter box often
• straining to urinate with no or little resulting urine
• unusual accidents in the house
• constantly licking his bottom
• vocalizing more than usual, especially when using the litter box
• depression
• weakness
• lack of appetite
• dehydration (lift up the neck skin, it if doesn't return to normal quickly your kitty is dehydrated)
• collapse

Some cat owners think these behaviors indicate constipation.  While that is a possibility, it is safer to assume an obstruction since the condition can become life threatening quickly.

Your veterinarian will attempt to remove the obstruction.  Often unblocking the animal is successful and the cat can return to normal function after hospitalization and IV fluids.  However, sometimes blockage is a reoccurring problem, or the obstruction is too large to remove, and your kitty will need surgery.  The surgeon will perform a perineal urethrostomy.  The surgery involves removing part of the penis to enlarge the exit for urine out of the body.

"Lucky" will be hospitalized for several days, and often a catheter will be left in place overnight or longer. Afterward, "Lucky" may be treated with antibiotics, urinary antiseptics, and urinary acidifiers. Post-operative care at home will require you to carefully observe "Lucky" and his litter box habits.

Diet is a key component in decreasing the likelihood of an obstruction if crystals or stones were the cause. Free access to water is a must. In addition, wet food, that is low in magnesium, seems to decrease the formation of crystals and provide increased hydration to flush the kidneys and remove debris.  Because many cat owners feed this type of diet, urethral obstructions is less common than it used to be.

The moral of the story...diet and exercise are the age old answer.

Pet Adoption? Yup, there's an app for that.

I know the title of this blog says it's to help keep you pet healthy at home, but I thought this was such a great use of technology I just had to share. There are so many sweet, cute, funny, adoptable pets at local shelters in cities across America that need a home and this Iphone App is helping the cause.



They're still fine tuning some of the details, but if you love to look at pictures of dogs and cats and were thinking about adopting, this is a great little tool.

Download the App from the iTunes store:

Hot, Hot, Hot!

Sultry summertime is in full swing. The forecast is for consistent 90 degree days for the next week here in Denver. As you apply your sunscreen and head out for some fun take a few minutes to assess how you'll care for your sweet dog that's going along on the adventure.

A dog's temperature can be considered normal in the range of 100 to 102.5 degrees. Temperatures above that range are leading into dangerous territory. Dogs don't sweat so helping your pet stay cool is important.

Suggestions for keeping your canine cool:

1. Shade – a 90 degree day can feel very different if you're spending it in the shade instead of the sun. Make sure the shade doesn't change to sunny as the sun moves toward the west.
2. Ice cubes in the water dish – Everyone likes an ice cold drink of water. Your dogs do as well, plus it will be very fun to watch him try to get the cubes in his mouth. Or, if you’re planning a hike, freeze an extra water bottle for "Lucky".
3. Kiddie pool – fill a hard sided kiddie pool with water and let your big dogs frolic. Of course the little ones may have a hard time getting in and out so you'll need a size appropriate pool. Change the water once a day to keep it clean.
4. Get out the hose – some dogs go nuts when you turn on the hose, snapping and barking at the stream of water, it's pretty fun to watch. Just be sure to get out of the way of the spray when it's time to shake.
5. AM or PM – plan your active play or walks for the cooler parts of the day. Early morning and evening are much better times for engaging "Lucky" in a game of Frisbee or taking him on a long walk. Plus it's easier on his paws – the pavement and gravel gets very hot. And avoid places like the dog park between noon and 4 pm when the temperatures are high.

Know the Signs of Overheating:

    Symptoms your pet is overheated include:

        * Excessive panting
        * Difficulty breathing
        * Elevated body temperature (over 104 degrees)
        * Increased heart rate and respiration
        * Drooling
        * Weakness or collapse
        * Seizures
        * Diarrhea and vomiting

If you have an older pet, one that is overweight or obese, an animal with a heart or lung condition, or a dog or cat with a flat face, the very best thing you can do during hot summer days is keep your pet inside in the air conditioning, with plenty of cool, fresh water to drink

The moral of the story...if you're feeling hot, hot, hot, so is your dog, so get him cooled down.

Mmmm...Grass!!

Have you ever watched your dog or cat nibbling on grass and wondered what it meant?  You are certainly  not alone in your curiosity.  There have been many theories and olde wives tales about the reasons for the behavior.  There are two theories that are the most common, the first is that the animal is sick and eats the grass to make himself vomit.  The second is that the animal must have something missing from his diet and needs the grass as a supplement to his food.  But according to research conducted by Benjamin Hart, DVM, PhD, both theories are false. 

The University of California-Davis vet students took part in the study and found that their pets, like the other 1500 dogs, were predominately eating grass simply for pleasure.  Only 9% of the pet owners reported that their dog appeared to be feeling ill before eating grass. And less than one in four vomited afterward.  The results of the study also showed that lack of fiber or poor diet had no impact on the dogs' desire to eat more grass.

So then, why do dogs eat grass?  Dr. Hart concluded that ancestry was the clue.  Wild dogs, wolves, foxes all eat grass either by purposely grazing or inadvertently ingesting the grass in the stomach or intestine of their prey.  And, similar to wild canine, young animals seemed to eat grass more often than older animals.


So rest assured that your grass eating pet is fairly normal and the behavior should not cause undue alarm.  However, there are a couple precautions.  We actually had a dog come in for a food bloat because of eating too much grass.  They can still get too much of a good thing.  Be alert to whether the grass being ingested may have been treated with insecticides or chemicals that could be toxic.  Also, be aware of the poisonous plants in your house or yard.  Be sure to get your pet to a veterinary hospital right away if you witness a potential toxic ingestion.  Otherwise, bon apetite!

Big Dog vs. Little Dog

There seems to be an epidemic of large egos in the dog world lately.  We've seen a lot of big dog vs. little dog staking territory conflicts.  Most of the time the big dog wins, but occasionally a particularly feisty little dog inflicts great damage to a larger canine.

Several types of wounds can be inflicted in a dog fight which is why a trip to your family veterinarian is prudent to check for injuries.

Bite wounds, lacerations, and skin tears to or on the surface are easier to see and most likely easier to repair.  The other injuries are those that are not as readily apparent like head trauma, fractured ribs, internal hemorrhage, internal organ damage, or wounds that extend into the chest or abdominal cavity.  Unfortunately, we have seen all of these types of injuries, but fortunately, not all on the same dog. 

All of these injuries can be life threatening and require veterinary care.  So even if there doesn't seem to be a serious wound on the outside that requires immediate attention you should watch your animal for the following signs.

• Differences in pupil size
• Rigid limbs
• Uncoordinated movement
• Unusual eye movement
• Bleeding from the nostrils
• Bleeding from the ear canal
• Seizures
• Head tilt
• Difficulty breathing
• Pale gums
• Hard belly
• Collapse
• Vomiting

Blood tests, x-rays, ultrasound, neurological exams, abdominocentesis (a needle in inserted into the abdomen to see if fluid can be withdrawn) and many other diagnostic tests may be needed to determine the type and severity of injury your animal may have received.  From these diagnostic tests a treatment plan is established to support your animal and provide the care necessary for healing.  Pain medication and IV fluids will be administered as necessary to keep your animal comfortable and help aid the healing process.

If you are witness to the dog fight do not place yourself between the fighting animals.  Avoid getting bit by learning how to break up a dog fight. Here are a couple websites with some good ideas.
http://tinyurl.com/m2d4mz;
http://leerburg.com/pdf/howtobreakupdogfight.pdf (kind of lengthy);
http://www.howtoguides365.com/how-to/dog-fight/

The moral of the story...the bite is always way worse than the bark.

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.

Signs of Illness

Have you ever looked at your pet and wondered if her behavior warrants a trip to the vet.  Below is a compilation of symptoms that could indicate a problem.

Early Warning Signs of Illness: the Basics 
The following signs of illness can indicate potentially serious problems. If you notice any of these symptoms in your pet, you should call your veterinarian for a consultation:

• She seems tired or sluggish.
  
• She has trouble urinating or she's urinating more than usual.
  
• She's dragging or scooting her rear on the floor. She may have worms, her anal glands might be blocked, or she might have kidney disease or diabetes.
  
• She's drinking a lot more water than usual.
  
• She refuses to eat for more than two days.
• She eats a lot but is losing weight.
  
• She's drooling a lot. She might have tooth or gum problems, or she could have gotten into something poisonous.
  
• Her gums are red or swollen.
  
• Her eyes are cloudy or red, she's squinting, or has a lot of discharge from her eye.
  
• She's gasping or short of breath.
  
• She flinches or whimpers when she's touched.
  
• She has any kind of lump on her body.
  
• She vomits, gags, repeatedly. Vomiting is the most common symptom, and can indicate a variety of problems: food allergies, parasites, intestinal disorders, poisoning, diabetes, kidney disease. Occasional vomiting may just mean the dog ate something that didn't agree with him, but frequent or consistent vomiting should be checked out, especially if the dog also has a fever with diarrhea and is losing weight.
• Her coat is rough or dull.
  
• She is unspayed and has a vaginal discharge.
  
• She coughs or vomits up blood.
  
• She has a temperature over 103 degrees.

The following signs of illness can indicate very serious problems. If you notice any of these symptoms, take your dog to the vet immediately:

• She's dehydrated. Pinch the skin at the back of her neck. If it doesn't return back in place quickly, she might be dehydrated. Another sign of dehydration is dry or tacky gums.
  
• Her gums are pale, white, or blue.
  
• She can not urinate.
  
• She faints or collapses.
  
• She has a seizure or convulsion.
  
• She becomes overheated.
  
• Her abdomen is enlarged. She might have a gastric torsion (a twist in her stomach), mammary tumor, heart or liver disease, peritonitis (inflammation of the abdominal lining), or pyometra (uterine infection).
  
• She's unable to use her back legs.

You know your pet the best and can pick up on some of the nuances of behavior that are out of the ordinary. If you are ever in doubt call your family veterinarian.  If it is after hours and any of the signs of illness from the bottom list are present get your animal to an emergency vet hospital as quickly as possible.

Orchids Vs. Lillies

When many people think of the quintessential Easter flower the first name that comes to mind is the Lily. The beautiful white trumpet blossoms with yellow stamens grace the front of churches and dinner tables all across the country during the Easter season. But perhaps you didn't know a very important tidbit of info about the Lily.

Many varieties of lily are extremely toxic to cats. Within only a few hours of ingestion of the plant material, the cat may vomit, become lethargic, or develop a lack of appetite. These signs continue and worsen as kidney damage progresses. Without prompt and proper treatment by a veterinarian, the cat will develop kidney failure in approximately 36-72 hours.

All parts of these lilies are considered toxic to cats and consuming even small amounts can cause severe poisoning. If there is a lily in your home, there is always the chance that your cat could be accidentally exposed. For this reason, cat owners should avoid exposing their cats to plants of the Liliaceae and Hemerocallis family.

COMMON NAMES             SCIENTIFIC NAMES

Easter lily                                Lilium longiflorum
Tiger lily                                  Lilium tigrinum
Rubrum                                   Lilium speciosum
Japanese show lily                   Lilium lancifolium
Day lily                                    Hemerocallis species

The safest best is to substitute with the equally beautiful and exotic Orchid this Easter and keep "Lucky" safe from accidental or intentional ingestion.

Poison Prevention Week

Poison Prevention Week starts March 14th and runs through March 20th.    This annual observance was started in 1961 and is designed to highlight the dangers of poisonings and how to prevent them.  More information is available at www.poisonprevention.org.  Although originally created to focus on preventing poisonings of children and adults, this week is a great time to discuss potential dangers to our pets as well.

The Pet Poison Helpline service has released this list of most common toxins for our pets.

1. Xylitol, a sweetener found in many sugarless gums, desserts, and other baked goods, can be toxic to our canine friends.   The compound can cause a sudden drop in blood sugar, or, in some cases, liver failure.
2. Human pharmaceuticals are also on this "most common" list. Through accidental or purposeful ingestion, many pets are sickened by over the counter pain relievers (such as aspirin,Tylenol or NSAIDs like Aleve). Another common poisoning occurs when our pets get into an owner's antidepressant medications.
3. With Easter approaching, many families will chose flowers to decorate their homes.  Flowers of the Lily family can be deadly to cats and ingestion of a few petals or even the pollen can cause severe kidney failure.
4. Chocolate is another potential poison that is prevalent during Easter.  Dark chocolates and baking chocolates are more dangerous than milk chocolate, but enough of any chocolate can cause abnormal heart rhythms, vomiting, and hyperactivity in dogs.
5. Springtime also puts people in the mood for yard work and cleaning.  Be wary of using certain fertilizers for your lawn and garden if they contain organophosphates and/or carbamates.  These poisons can cause severe seizures, respiratory failure and death in pets.
6. Many pets will find pest control products, like snail bait or rodenticides.   Rat poison toxicity is seen in many emergency veterinary hospitals and will eventually kill the pet without intervention and treatment.

If you see your pet ingest any of these poisons, you need to contact a veterinarian immediately.  Sometimes, severe damage can be avoided with prompt medical attention.  Keep your veterinarian's office number along with Central Veterinary Emergency Services (303-874-PETS (7387) available on your cell phone or near your home phone.  You can also reach the specialists at Pet Poison Helpline at 800-213-6680.

For all of your pet health related questions, be sure to visit www.PetDocsOnCall.com, the Internet's largest gathering of licensed veterinarians available to answer your concerns.

Zoo What?

Did you know?
There are a handful of diseases that are termed "zoonotic".  By definition zoonotic means that a disease can be transmitted from an animal to a human. The list of zoonotic diseases includes the typical ones you may have heard about like rabies or lyme disease.  But there are a few you might not be familiar with that are worth a quick read to familiarize yourself with the means of transmission and the associated symptoms.

Zoonotic Diseases
The following in an inconclusive list of zoonotic diseases typically found in Colorado.

Cat Scratch Disease - Also known as "cat scratch fever," this flea-borne infection is typically transmitted from a cat's scratch or bite. Signs include pimples at the scratch site and swollen lymph nodes that may persist for six weeks or longer.

Ehrlichiosis - Transmitted by ticks, this bacterial disease can cause fever, muscle aches, vomiting and other, more serious symptoms. As many as half of all patients require hospitalization.

Giardia - People become infected when they drink water containing the parasite Giardia lamblia. You can also become infected by putting something in your mouth that has come into contact with a pet's stool. Signs include diarrhea, stomach cramps and nausea.

Leptospirosis - "Lepto" is a bacterial disease spread by contact with urine from an infected animal, including dogs, raccoons, squirrels and skunks. Lepto can cause high fever, severe headache, vomiting and, if left untreated, kidney damage or liver failure.

Lyme Disease - Spread by ticks, Lyme disease can cause arthritis and kidney damage. The number of Lyme disease cases has nearly tripled since 1990, and the disease is now found in virtually every state.

Rabies - This well-known disease is caused by a virus found in the saliva of infected animals and transmitted to people by bites. It is invariably fatal if not promptly treated.

Ringworm - Ringworm is a fungal infection - not a worm - transmitted by contact with the skin or fur of an infected animal. Signs include a bald patch of scaly skin on the scalp or a ring-shaped, itchy rash on the skin.

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever - A very serious, tick-borne disease that causes fever, headache and muscle pain, followed by a rash. May be fatal if left untreated.

Toxoplasmosis - This is a parasitic disease spread by contact with cat feces in soil or litter, although the major route of transmission is contaminated meat. It can cause serious health problems in pregnant women or people with compromised immune systems.

Simple ways to protect your family
*Wash your hands often when touching, playing with or caring for pets.
*Never handle the stool of any animal without wearing disposable gloves or using a plastic barrier.
*Avoid kissing your pet or letting your pet lick your face.
*Do daily "tick checks" on yourself, your kids and your pet. Especially if you've been in a wooded or brushy area and more so when temperatures are consistently about 45 degrees.
*If you are pregnant, ask someone else in the family to clean the cat's litter box. If you must do it yourself, wear gloves and immediately wash your hands after changing the litter.
*If you are scratched or bitten, wash the area with soap and water right away and administer first aid. If you are concerned, contact your healthcare professional.

Simple ways to protect your pet
*Twice a year wellness exams at your family veterinarian can help detect and treat zoonotic infections before they become serious, or are transmitted to other pets or people in your household.
*Many zoonotic diseases can be prevented by vaccination.
*Ask your family veterinarian about tick and flea control.
*Inspect your pet for ticks after outings through wooded or brushy areas.
*Don't let your pet drink from standing water outdoors.
*Don't let your pet come into contact with feces or urine of other animals.
*Keep your pet away from wild animal carcasses.
*Remove food, garbage or nesting materials that may attract disease carrying wildlife.

Fortunately, the incidence rate for most of these diseases is low.  It is always best to see your health care provider if you suspect that you have contracted a zoonotic disease.  The earlier you start treatment the better.


The moral of the story...a few common-sense measures can go a long way to keeping zoonotic diseases at bay.