Locust Valley Veterinary Clinic

Dognapping

locustvalleyvet — Thu, 29 Dec 2011 18:10:33 +0000

Dognapping

Would you believe that the economy is so bad that people would stoop to steal dogs to sell? Apparently it’s true. Just recently, the American Kennel Club documented that “Dognapping has risen 49% during the past year”. The most common breeds are the toys and mini’s, especially Pomeranians, Yorkshire terriers and Maltese. However; any of the small breeds are apt to be stolen and even the popular “designer breeds”, such as the Malti-poo, Cocker-poo, Chi-Poo, Schnoodle, etc. These are all very expensive little dogs and the thieves know there is a large market for them. The best way to prevent this is to keep them on a leash, with proper identification. The newest technology is the microchip. This is a small computer chip the size of a grain of rice. It is painlessly injected under the skin by a veterinarian. The chip is read by a “wand” similar to one used as an airport hand held scanner. The ID code identifies the registered owner by calling the microchips service phone which is open 24/7. Whenever a dog is found the wand is used to see if a chip is present. if It has been reported that thousands of pets a day across this country are identified in this manner. All dog shelters and veterinarians have these microchip readers. It is the smart thing to do to safeguard your pet. For more articles, please view www.locustvalleyvet.com

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West Nile Virus (WNV) and Your Pets

locustvalleyvet — Sat, 01 Oct 2011 14:58:56 +0000

A recent case of a human fatality due to the West Nile Virus in Oyster Bay prompted several conversations in my office about dogs and cats susceptibility. Although the virus can infect dogs and cats, the risk of illness is very low. The very young, very old, and sick animals are more prone to contracting the disease because their immune systems are weak, but the risk is still considered low. WNV is very dangerous to horses and obviously humans. The virus is transmitted by blood sucking mosquitoes that have fed on infected birds. Although rare in dogs and cats, documented symptoms of the disease include; depression, lack of appetite, difficulty walking, tremors, head tilt, circling and even convulsions. The virus attacks the central nervous system and causes swelling in the brain called encephalitis. Unfortunately, there is no vaccin e to protect yourself or your pets, and there is no specific treatment, only supportive therapy. The virus is not communicable from animals to humans or vice versa, it is only spread by the bite of an infected mosquito. Heartworm disease is also is spread by mosquitoes. Of real concern, is the presence of stagnant water that promotes the breeding of mosquitoes, which is an important reason to eliminate stagnant water from your property Check fountains, pool covers, buckets, birdbaths, clogged gutters, kiddy pools, and low areas of your property where water can accumulate, etc. Adding a specific fish, known as Gambusia, to your artificial ponds will get rid of mosquito larva as that is their preferred food. In fact, they are so efficient at devouring the larva they have been renamed mosquitofish. Goldfish are also very efficient in consuming the larva. Besides removing stagnant water, there are ways to avoid exposure to mosquitoes in general. Namely, refrain from going outdoors very early in the morning and at dusk, especially in hot humid weather. These are the times the nasty blood suckers are outside in the largest numbers. Keep your pets away from dead birds and squirrels. Also, there are products that you can apply to the skin once a month that repel and kill fleas, ticks, AND mosquitoes. DO NOT USE products that have DEET in it as it is toxic to dogs and cats since they may lick their hair.

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Hip Dysplasia

locustvalleyvet — Fri, 23 Sep 2011 17:38:55 +0000

By definition, this is the abnormal development of the hip joint. The relationship of the head of the femur and the socket (acetabulum) of the hip and the associated ligaments and muscles is critical in the development of a normal hip. The larger breeds are more prone to hip dysplasia. These include: German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, Golden Retrievers, Saint Bernards, Great Danes and Rottweilers. However; other large breeds like Greyhounds and Borzoi rarely get the disease. It occasionally shows up in cats and even humans too. It has been proven that hip dysplasia is a genetic disease, and through selective breeding by responsible breeders, the disease is on the decline in many of the breeds listed. Obesity is a big factor and the muscular development of the dog is also very relevant. In the past, too much or too little calcium in the diet w as considered a factor, but today with completely balanced diets available, that rarely is a contributing factor. If the dog is genetically susceptible to have hip dysplasia, it may not show up with clinical symptoms if there is no weight problem and the dog has good muscular development and tone, especially in the hip area. Symptoms can begin at any time: from 4 months of age to maturity. These symptoms include lameness, abnormal gait of both back legs, difficulty getting up and lying down, pain and discomfort, reluctance to play, and stiffness. Radiographs are necessary to properly diagnose the disease, but these radiographs must be taken after one year of age, and to be certified, radiographs must be taken after age two. Hip dysplasia can be mild to severe and even cause a dislocation of the hip joint. Regardless of severity, osteoarthritis always develops. Treatment varies with the severity and symptoms. Major surgery is required in severe forms, followed with physical t herapy and restriction of certain exercise like jumping. If surgery is not an option because of economics, or the level of severity is considered mild, then medical treatment is prescribed. This includes NSAIDS, pain medications, joint improvement oral supplementation and physical exercise to build up the hip muscles and improve muscle tone. If you are considering purchasing one of these breeds, always request from the breeder OFA or PennHip certification showing the sire and dam is Hip Dysplasia free. This ensures that your new puppy will not be genetically susceptible to this disease.

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Anterior Cruciate Ligament (ACL)

locustvalleyvet — Sun, 18 Sep 2011 03:15:24 +0000

The ACL is the most important ligament in the stifle (knee) in both humans and animals. It is also the most frequently injured ligament in dogs. In fact, of all the orthopedic problems reported in dogs, injury to the ACL is the most common. There are many causes, the most common ones are obesity and acute trauma. For example: running a straight line chasing a tennis ball will rarely cause it, but, chasing a football does, because of the quick turns required to run down the football. There is a direct link to the anatomy of the leg which is of course dictated by genetics, as there is a critical relationship with the bone directly below the stifle, known as the tibia, and the knee cap tendon known as the patella tendon. If there is too much slope or an incorrect angle of the plateau or crest of the tibia the patella tendon does not function properly. This results in too much stress on the ACL and either a partial or complete tear ensues. Dogs can live with a partial tear of the ACL, but the healing process takes a long time and is tricky. First you need a very compliant patient who will listen to you.The other essentials are anti-inflammatory drugs, rest, time and luck. A minimum of 6 weeks is required of controlled exercise, meaning walks on a leash and no running, jumping, stairs, etc. Although it is reported that “virtually all partial tears progress to full tears over time”, in clinical practice I have seen a substantial number of dogs with partial tears not need surgery and heal completely. If there is a complete tear, also known as a ruptured anterior cruciate, surgery is definitely indicated. There are a number of very successful operations currently being done on complete tears and even on some partial tears as well. Regardless of which procedure is done, and whether a partial or complete tear is the problem, osteoarthritis usually develops at a later stage of life. However; there are many newer drugs available to veterinarians that not only alleviate pain and discomfort, but actually improve the arthritic condition of the joint. Weight loss is absolutely essential in the recovery process regardless of which tear is present.

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Acanthosis Nigricans

locustvalleyvet — Mon, 12 Sep 2011 23:55:30 +0000

This is the medical terminology of a certain skin disease that manifests itself with blackening of the skin and hair loss. The dark pigmentation usually starts in “friction” areas of the body like the armpits and groin, but may also be seen on the abdomen, chest, hock, forelimbs and anal area. The skin may become thickened, greasy, smelly, and crusty, especially if not diagnosed early and treated. It is believed there is a hereditary link as it is seen more frequently in Dachshunds, Cockers, and Pugs. There are two forms of this disease: primary, which is mostly in young Dachshunds under one year of age and considered treatable but not curable, and secondary, which is the result of other causes such as yeast and bacterial infections which are curable, once the cause is eliminated. Other possible causes include: hypothyroidism, allergic dermatitis, mange, and obesity. Both forms of this disease can be treated and although the primary one is considered not curable, the symptoms can be lessened and the dog made more comfortably. If hypothyroidism is involved, supplementation with synthetic thyroid is required along with other treatment regimens mentioned below. Allergic dermatitis is the most common cause which could be from food, inhalants like pollen, or from direct contact with something the body is allergic to. Obesity is becoming more and more the culprit as it is so much more common than years ago. With obesity come excess folds of skin, fat, and friction areas. Friction leads to inflammation, infection, and the deposit of the black pigment known as “melanin”, thus the dark appearance of the skin. Once the cause is established, the therapy consists of frequent medicated baths, corticosteroids to relieve the inflammation and scratching, antibiotics for infection, and of course weight loss if necessary. In some cases, Vitamin E supplementation has been shown to help in the recovery process.

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Patella Luxation

locustvalleyvet — Thu, 01 Sep 2011 19:16:53 +0000

This condition is commonly known as a Trick Knee. It is mostly found in small breeds such as Maltese, Toy and Miniature Poodles, Pomeranians, Pugs, Yorkies, Chihuahuas, Bichons, and many of the small “designer breeds”, like Malti-poos. Although it can occur as the result of an injury, it usually doesn’t, and it is considered to be a hereditary disease. It also occurs more in overweight dogs as a result of the excess stress placed on the knees. There are 2 stabilizing ligaments of the patella (knee cap), known as the lateral and medial patella ligaments. The patella sits within a groove at the end of the femur, known as the trochlear groove. Those dogs destined to have this condition, are either born with weak or missing ligament(s), a shallow trochlear groove, and/or malformed bones. If one of these ligaments break, or is weak, the opposite ligament pulls the patella out of the groove and the dog limps or can not put the leg down. Usually it is the lateral (outside) ligament that is the culprit, and the medial ligament stays intact and pulls. Most of the time this is temporary and the patella “pops” back into the groove. In time the inside groove wears down as the patella pops in and out more frequently. If and when the patella “locks” out of place and the dog can not put its leg down, surgery must be performed. First, radiographs are taken to make sure nothing else is broken, and with sedation, determine if the other ligaments in the joint, namely the cruciate ligaments, are intact. When trauma is the cause, and the ligament, bone or cartilage is not broken, rest, time, anti-inflammatory drugs, and pain medications is all that is needed. Many dogs can live with this condition even though arthritis and cartilage damage may occur later in life. There are many excellent medications to alleviate inflammation, pain and discomfort and some even improve the continuity of the joint by the stimulating the production of new cartilage cells and synovial fluid.

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Autoimmune Diseases

locustvalleyvet — Sat, 27 Aug 2011 21:38:06 +0000

These diseases are commonly diagnosed in veterinary and human medicine since they were first discovered in the early 1950′s; however, they are rarely understood. The immune system is the bodies normal defense system to disease. Invaders such as bacteria, viruses and parasites are fought off in our body by the immune system. For some reason, autoimmune diseases occur because of an unnatural overreaction by the body against substances and tissues normally present in our bodies. Normal cells become aggressive and attack themselves. Sometimes the disease affects the entire body (systemic) and sometimes only a portion of it (localized). The medical researchers do not know why it happens but it is believed that something “triggers” the immune system to go wrong. This “trigger” is usually some sort of stress, such as an injury, over exposure to the elements, a toxic substance, poor diet, or anything that “runs the body down”. In both animals and humans, researchers also believe there is a genetic link as certain species, breeds, and families have a predisposition to them. There are many examples of autoimmune diseases in both veterinary and human medicine. One of the more common autoimmune diseases of dogs is Demodectic Mange. Some other diseases that are considered “auto-immune” include Rheumatoid Arthritis, Lupus, Auto-Immune Hemolytic Anemia, Thrombocytopenia, Myasthenia Gravis, Pemphigus, Thyroiditis, and Type 1 Diabetes. There are more in animals, but there are over 80 confirmed auto-immune diseases in humans. Nutritional deficiencies also affect the immune system. Diets deficient in Vitamin E or selenium can result in a deficit of necessary immune cells. This is especially true as the body ages. As with any other disease, the earlier it is diagnosed the better the chances of a successful treatment. These “auto-immune” diseases are treatable, but sometimes require treatment for life. Steroids are usually used but their long term use can also cause additional problems. Fortunately, each year new drugs are discovered to treat various auto-immune diseases

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First Aid Kit for Dogs Plus

locustvalleyvet — Fri, 12 Aug 2011 17:47:25 +0000

“Be prepared” is the best motto. So if you are planning a trip and bringing your dog, bring along a first aid kit and a first aid manual for dogs too, just in case. Remember many human medications are not suitable for your pet and many are dangerous to give. The following are some essential items to bring with you: thermometer, gauze, gauze pads, gauze rolls, cotton, cotton balls, q-tips and vet wrap. Tongue depressors come in handy if a temporary splint has to be made. Bring scissors that have blunt ends and tweezers, especially the special tweezers used for tick removal. Latex gloves to protect your hands and disinfectants like Betadine or Hibitane (Chlorhexidine) and CanineAid, which is a soothing cream to ease discomfort. Pack saline solution or eye wash for cleaning a wound or eyes. If your dog has a history of any ailment, like allergies, bring along some previously prescribed medications you may still have, as well as antihistamine in case your dog gets an insect bite. In the event of accidental ingestion of a toxic substance, foreign body or toy, ipecac or hydrogen peroxide will induce vomiting. Bottled water is essential. Try to discourage drinking lake or stream water as you do not know what is upstream. (Wild animals often defecate and urinate in the water.) A good quality disinfectant soap and antibacterial wipes are also a good idea, not only for your pet, but for you too. Other essential items are doggie shampoo for bathing after swimming, towels, blankets, and grooming supplies. Make sure your dog is up to date on vaccinations, especially Rabies, Distemper/Parvo 5 in 1, Leptospirosis and Lyme and bring proof of it along with a health certificate with you. Many campsites will ask for these documents at the gate and refuse you admission without them. Also make sure your dog is protected against fleas, ticks, heartworm disease and intestinal parasites. Your dog should have proper identification on its collar. For permanent identification consider having a painless ID microchip implanted. Lastly, get the name. address and phone number of the nearest emergency veterinary facility, just in case.

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Drug Expiration Dates

locustvalleyvet — Fri, 05 Aug 2011 18:59:51 +0000

The terms “use before” the following date are stamped on most pharmaceuticals for human and animal use. What actually happens if the drug is used after the expiration date? Can it cause harm, does it help, does the potency change? Does the date really mean at that moment stop using it? Does it gradually spoil? A study was performed and the results were a surprise to many and shocking to others. Here are some of the facts from the medical authorities after several studies were performed: First, the expiration date is required by law, at least in the United States. But, the date only means that the manufacturer guarantees the full potency and safety of the drug up to that date. It does not mean how long the drug is actually good for, or safe to use. Second, the medical authorities state that it is safe to take most drugs after the expiration date. Although some drugs may lose some of their potency over time, maybe as little as 5%, many are good for years after the expiration date. Most drugs degrade very slowly. In fact, many drugs were found to have the same potency for up to ten years after the expiration date. “Do not use” after such and such date is just an advertising ploy. “Manufacturers put expiration dates on for marketing purposes, rather than scientific reasons.” The dates are based on economics. There is no question that expiration dates should be adhered to with certain critical drugs like insulin, nitroglycerin, phenobarbital, statins, liquid antibiotics, etc. But, other drugs like aspirin and other NSAIDS do not lose their potency for years after the listed expiration dates. It is best to seek out advise from your physician or veterinarian. What is also important is where you get your prescriptions filled, and where you buy your over the counter drugs. Stick with name brands and known retailers. Be wary of the online and mail order houses.

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Heat Wave and Swimming

locustvalleyvet — Sat, 30 Jul 2011 13:58:00 +0000

Swimming is great exercise and a great way to cool down. But, depending on where your dog is swimming determines the hazards. For instance, swimming in your beautiful clean pool is great, but the chlorine can dry out the coat and cause severe itchiness. If the dog drinks too much of the water, it can cause gastric upsets. It is best to stay out of the pool for 24 hours after using chlorine shock, or any other pool chemicals. It is also recommended to rinse the chlorine off with clean water and/or bathe the dog immediately after swimming. Adding fatty acid supplements including omega 3 oil to the diet will counter act the drying out effect of the chlorine. Be aware that chlorine can bleach out a dark haired coat temporarily. If your dog goes swimming in salt water you must teach the dog not to drink the salt water. If enough salt water is consumed it can cause profuse watery diarrhea and vomiting. After swimming in the ocean the dogs coat should be throughly washed with soap and water to remove all the salt and sand. A good brushing will also remove any dead hair and prevent mats. Lake water can also be a great source of fun and exercise but it’s also not without hazards.This summers record breaking heat wave has raised the threat of illness from Cyanobacteria. This is also known as blue-green algae.The toxins produced by this algae has already killed several dogs. Just licking their coats after swimming in blue-green algae infected lakes can cause illness in 30 minutes. Choose fresh clear water that is moving and not stagnant water. Be aware that lake water is also frequently contaminated with E coli and Salmonella bacteria, so try to discourage drinking the water. In general, wherever your dog swims it is best to follow good grooming recommendations. Again, thoroughly wash your dog with dog shampoo, rinse well and towel dry. Do not use your shampoo as human shampoos have the wrong level of ph and using it will cause itchiness and a possible skin rash. Blow dry with warm or cool air, not hot air, and keep the blower moving. Consider spraying the coat before swimming with a hair conditioner. This protects the hair from drying out and many help in preventing mats and tangles. It is even recommended to protect the hairless areas with a sunscreen since dogs can and do get skin cancer. Don’t forget to clean the ears with an ear cleaner especially made for dogs. They not only clean but cut through the wax, restore the normal ph of the skin in the ears and treat yeast and some bacteria.

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The “WOW Factor”

locustvalleyvet — Sun, 17 Jul 2011 02:56:49 +0000

Preventative medicine is best, we all know that. The earlier we make a diagnosis of a disease process the better the results—-usually. Since our patients do not talk to us, veterinarians in small and large animal clinical practice rely very heavily on the information provided to us by the owners. Unfortunately, a lot of this information is misleading or just incorrect. Not all pet owners are aware of the health status of their pet other than “ADR” (ain’t doing right). Many owners are completely ignorant of their pets body functions and can not answer simple questions like “is your pet vomiting”, or “does your pet have diarrhea” or “is your pet drinking more water than usual”? Veterinarians are trained to not rely too heavily on information provided by the owners and instead rely upon their training and observations based on a complete physical examination. The complete physical examination includes examining the pet from nose to toes to tail, including using the aids available to us.These aids include: stethoscope, ophthalmoscope, otoscope, thermometer, radiographs, EKG, ultrasound, etc. The gums, and teeth are of the utmost importance as the mouth is the “gateway to health”. The only other means of diagnosing is by laboratory tests of blood, urine and feces. Wellness exams are done routinely to check all body functions and to make sure the patient is healthy. This should be done yearly. It is routinely done before anesthesia is used for any procedure. The “WOW” factor means that “Wow, I would never have found this if I had not run all of these tests”. Every day the “WOW” factor comes into my life as diagnosis of disease processes is part of my routine professional life. It makes veterinary medicine very interesting and rewarding and suffering is minimized and lives are saved

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Generic vs Brand Name

locustvalleyvet — Thu, 14 Jul 2011 19:02:39 +0000

This dilemma has been going on for years. The generic drugs are much less expensive than the non-generic for many reasons. The government allows the drug companies to patent and charge “whatever the market will bear” for these “Brand” name new drugs to recap their research, development and testing costs. It takes years of development from inception, safety and efficacy testing, to production, and these costs run into the millions of dollars, often hundreds of millions. To encourage development of new and better drugs, the government allows these drug companies to have the patent on these drugs for up to 12 years. According to the FDA generic drugs must be “identical in dose, strength, route of administration, safety, efficacy and intended use.” The generic drug must contain the same active ingredients as the original formulation. BUT, many of the generics are not exactly the same because of the non-essential ingredients. These non-essential ingredients are often the vehicle or additives in which the important ingredient is mixed with, to make the drug more palatable. Examples of drugs that are now routinely used in a generic form are: aspirin, penicillin, amoxicillin, ibuprofen, etc. In the next several months, many generic drugs are going to become more available to the public for human and veterinary use because patents are running out. Although most are by prescription only, the public, physicians and veterinarians have to be keenly aware of patient response. Currently, some of the existing generics do not work the same as the name brands so it is reasonable to assume that some of the new generics also will not work like the original brand names because they are not exactly identical. In addition, the FDA sent out a warning that many popular veterinary drugs bought on-line and over the counter are counterfeit, have been repackaged, are out of date, or are just made to look like the real thing. So now we have to worry about “knock-off” drugs, like “knock-off” watches and pocketbooks, etc. We all have to be aware that these things go on.

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A Medical Breakthrough– 1st Time Ever

locustvalleyvet — Fri, 08 Jul 2011 00:36:04 +0000

Feline Leukemia (FeLv) and Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV)(similar to HIV/AIDS in humans) are now treatable for the first time ever. These two diseases are the most common, life-threatening infectious diseases in cats, especially cats allowed outdoors and stray cats. Although there is a vaccine against FeLv, it must be given each year. There is no vaccine for FIV. Once a cat contracts either one of these diseases their lives change, forever. A large number of them die, and those that due survive suffer with a suppressed immune system. This makes them very susceptible to many other infections, a shorter life span, and even certain cancers. Up until now, these diseases were considered incurable. As recently as last month, June 22rd, 2011, many veterinarians were alerted to a medical breakthrough, and were given instructions how and where to order this medical treatment. The treatment is not considered a “cure” but is referred to as an “aid” to the cats defense system. The medicine is known as LTCI , and it works by stimulating the cats immune system and thus its ability to fight infection. This stimulus allows the bone marrow and thymus gland to produce more of a certain type of white blood cell known as the CD4 lymphocyte. These CD4 lymphocytes are like stem cells for the immune system. These cells produce “cytokines” which then cause production of another cell known as the CD8 lymphocyte. These are the main “killer” cells that go to the infection sites, gobble up bacteria, find and destroy viruses in the body, and also kill cancer cells. The administration of the LTCI medication is by a simple injection given several times the first month, then every other week the second month, and then once a month thereafter, for as long as needed based upon the cats individual response and health status. This is the first time veterinarians in small animal clinical medicine, such as myself, have a weapon to help combat these two terrible diseases and stop the suffering.

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Lyme Disease– New Test

locustvalleyvet — Sat, 02 Jul 2011 14:53:33 +0000

The researchers at Cornell’s School of Veterinary Medicine just announced a new test to aid veterinarians in the diagnosis of Lyme Disease. Lyme Disease is a bizarre disease with many varied and unusual symptoms that range from absolutely no symptoms to varied symptoms such as: lethargy, severe lameness, joint swelling, kidney disease and even seizures. Up until now, many dogs tested positive but had no symptoms, so what to do? Wait for the dog to get sick, or treat? It is very important to catch this disease in it early stages. This new test helps the veterinarian differentiate between an active infection and those dogs who simply have antibodies from previous exposure &/or vaccination. Most importantly, this test can also distinguish between dogs with early-stage infection and those with low-grade chronic infection. This year the Center for Disease Control (CDC) came out with statistics showing that Lyme Disease is on the increase in the Northeast in PEOPLE, especially on Long Island. Some of this can be attributed to the “Indian Summers” we have experienced this past winter with temperatures in the high 60’s in February. Many of these cases come from ticks being brought into owners homes by their pet dogs. Ticks are the primary vector for spreading Lyme Disease to dogs, horses, people, and other animals. The ticks acquire the disease-causing bacteria by feeding on infected rodents and deer. Last year Yale researchers discovered that birds also spread this serious disease. Common birds, such as robins and blue jays, are considered reservoirs of this disease, as they can carry ticks long distances right into your own backyard. We had over 70 positive cases in dogs in the Locust Valley/Glen Cove and surrounding areas in 2010, and this year we are already diagnosing it in dogs that tested negative last year. The most effective way to protect your dog is by vaccination. The newer vaccines induce the body to produce antibodies against the bacteria in the tick and locks the bacteria inside the tick. So the vaccine actually works within the tick, not the dog. These are unique vaccines known as Recombinant Vaccines, and are considered “genetically engineered wonders of modern science.” They contain only a single protein which virtually eliminates all adverse reactions. The CDC now recommends the monthly applications of tick/flea products be applied to the dogs skin all year long instead of just the warmer months, because of the increasing threat to humans. These products kill ticks within 24 hours which is less time the tick needs to transmit the disease to the dog or human. Daily brushing and combing are not enough as the tick is so small it is usually missed.

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Clipnosis–What is it?

locustvalleyvet — Fri, 24 Jun 2011 01:03:20 +0000

It is also known as “scruffing” and refers to an easy and safe way to immobilize cats for simple procedures like nail cutting. It can also be very helpful for grooming procedures like combing, brushing and bathing. In the right hands, it can even be used for injecting certain drugs like insulin. Clipnosis, however, utilizes a customized standard binder clip used for binding papers. Of course they have been modified for animal use and is being marketed as such. The Dept. of Veterinary Services at Ohio State University recently completed a study using these clips to humanely restrain cats. The results are very convincing and the positive response to the “clipping” was almost identical to that seen in kittens picked up by the scruff of the neck by their mothers. These responses were measured with blood pressure, heart rates, temperature, and respiration. The conclusions by the veterinary researchers were as follows: the cats reflected calm and content demeanors, and seemed less fearful when the clips were used. None of the cats exhibited physical or behavioral changes suggestive of stress or pain. Apparently, it puts them into a state of euphoria, and many of the cats even purr while being restrained in this manner. Veterinarians have known for years that holding a cat by the scruff of the neck, the way its mother would, has a calming effect in some cats, but not all. To be handled properly, many still need safe and short acting tranquilizers. Now this simple method of clipnosis using this safe device is available to the public to do the same. This frees up one hand so combing, bathing, etc. is easier.

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Lawn & Pool Hazards

locustvalleyvet — Sat, 04 Jun 2011 02:33:35 +0000

Spring, summer, and fall are dangerous times for your pets. Some veterinarians refer to these seasons as the GI upset months. We see more vomiting and diarrhea cases during these months than any other time of the year from ingesting toxic substances. It is these times that most home owners tend to their lawns and many pet owners are not aware of the hazards of weed killers, topical parasiticides, insecticides and mulch. Most dogs and cats spend more time outdoors in the good weather and walk, roll and frolic on the lawns. They lick their paws and groom themselves and swallow whatever they lick. If the product on the lawn is not “pet friendly” vomiting and diarrhea may occur. Many companies use recycled coffee grinds in their mulch to attain a dark rich brown color. These coffee grinds are full of caffeine which is toxic to dogs and cats. An intestinal protozoan parasite known as Giardia has also been found in mulch. This parasite is contagious to humans and causes severe intestinal upsets in them also. Pool chemicals such as muriatic acid, chlorine, shock and pH powder are particularly dangerous, even if they just walk in it and lick it off their paws. Of course, fleas and ticks are in abundance during the warmer months of the year and your pets should be protected against them with topical applications of flea and tick repellants. This is much safer for your pet than putting insecticides on the lawn. Because of the increase of Lyme Disease in HUMANS in the northeast, the FDA now recommends all pets be protected with monthly topical applications against ticks ALL YEAR LONG.

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The “furry prescription”

locustvalleyvet — Sat, 28 May 2011 15:49:44 +0000

Believe it or not, many doctors are “prescribing” pet ownership to relieve stress. In so doing blood pressure, pain perception, and risk of heart attacks and strokes decrease substantially. Many studies have been conducted correlating human health issues and pet ownership. It has been proven that within 30 minutes of being in the presence of a dog or cat or even fish, your body responds. The hormone serotonin, also known as the “feel good” hormone increases and the stress hormone known as cortisol decreases. Some of the actual findings are not only surprising but startling. For instance: pet owners use less medications for themselves and go to their own doctors less frequently than non pet owners. People who have cat(s) are less likely to die from heart attacks or other cardiovascular diseases such as a stroke. Some studies claim that as much as 40% are more likely to die of heart attacks if they never had or currently do not have a cat(s). However; it is well known that owning a dog(s) does reduce stress and anxiety and lower blood pressure. In fact, dog owners are 8 times more likely to survive one year after a heart attack than non dog owners. Children with pets who are dealing with the stress of parents divorcing do much better psychologically than those who do not have pets. Even exposing children at a very early age to dogs and cats have benefits. Rarely are very young children allergic to pet dander and when children are exposed to pet ownership at an early age they have less allergies when they are adults. This exposure stimulates their immune system in a favorably way, much the same way a vaccine does.

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Distemper – Canines’ Worst Enemy- An Update

locustvalleyvet — Sun, 22 May 2011 20:25:40 +0000

Canine Distemper is history’s biggest killer of dogs. It is often the most misunderstood disease because it is often wrongly thought to be related to the disposition or “temperament” of the dog. Distemper has nothing to do with disposition or temperament. It is a viral disease that is in the same group of viruses that causes measles and mumps in humans. It is a highly contagious air borne disease among dogs, raccoons, fox, wolves, ferrets, plus other wild animals. It affects the upper respiratory, gastro-intestinal, and nervous systems, and is often fatal, especially if seizures occur. Young dogs and older dogs are most susceptible as are any dogs whose immune system is run-down fighting an illness or injury. Of course, an unvaccinated dog is mostly at risk, and many unvaccinated dogs are being rescued from flooded areas in the south. This opens up other areas throughout the USA to exposure. Vaccination is the best protection. It used to be thought that a blood test known as a titer could be run to check the level of antibodies the dog has against this and other dreaded diseases, but recent research has shown that a titer does not indicate the level of immunity to these diseases. It only indicates previous exposure or vaccination. For a titer to be really helpful it would require a test for “cell-mediated” cells, also known as “memory” cells, to determine the current level of immunity. Unfortunately, we do not have a test for these cells yet. These “memory” cells are the cells that pump out more antibodies against a disease if the immune system is challenged by the dog being exposed to the disease. Consequently, the only way to ensure proper immunity is to vaccinate. With the newer vaccines available to veterinarians, the recommendations today is to vaccinate every 3rd year against viral diseases such as Distemper, Parvo, Parainfluenza, Hepatitis, and Rabies. For bacterial diseases such as Leptospirosis, Bordetella, and Lyme, it is still recommended to vaccinate yearly.

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Knockoffs and FDA Warning

locustvalleyvet — Thu, 05 May 2011 17:40:31 +0000

Well the “Knockoff” industry has found Veterinary Medicine. The pharmaceutical industry for human and veterinary drugs is a huge multi billion dollar industry. It was just a matter of time before drugs used in the veterinary medical field would be affected, unfortunately. There are illegal “knockoffs” out in the market for just about everything, from name brand pocket books, watches, sneakers, golf clubs, tennis rackets, human medications and now veterinary products, etc. On a recent special about “knockoffs” on TV, they even showed automobile knockoffs. Not only have antibiotics been affected, but life sustaining drugs such as insulin and Phenobarbital, tick and flea medications, heartworm medications and deworming products. PLEASE NOTE: The CDC has just this year (2011) recommended that all dogs be protected against ticks 12 months a year, not just from April to December, because Lyme Disease is on the increase in the Northeast in HUMANS. With “Global Warming” and the Indian Summers in the winters these last few years, ticks are out there all year long. Dogs can bring them into the house and humans are susceptible. ALSO, on February 20, 2009, the Federal Drug Administration released a warning about buying drugs online. They found certain companies were selling unapproved pet drugs, selling counterfeit pet products, making fraudulent claims, selling prescription drugs without the required prescription, and selling expired drugs by repackaging them with a new expiration date. Many of these are dangerous drugs and should only be used with a veterinarians approval and prescription. Many products require blood testing the patient before and during their use, and if used improperly they can cause serious problems and even death. Please be aware that manufacturers do not guarantee their products if bought online because of repackaging problems, lack of prescription, and now the “knockoff” problem. In general, all veterinarians purchase directly from the manufacturer in small enough quantities that ensure long expiration dates and freshness.

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Pet Nutrition: Part 3 Update 2011

locustvalleyvet — Wed, 20 Apr 2011 14:35:27 +0000

Do not be fooled by the “halo” effect. This refers to the common misconception that if something is more expensive, it must be better. This “halo effect” can be applied to a segment of the pet food industry also. The terms “Natural” and “Organic” are very misleading and confusing when it comes to labeling commercial pet food, and, when used, they are usually more expensive. Be aware that it is false and misleading if any chemically synthesized ingredients are present in the product. Most if not all pet food have preservatives in the mix, by necessity, and most of these are chemically synthesized. To be “Natural” the ingredients can not be highly processed and no chemically synthetic ingredient can be added for preservation. What about the “flavor enhancers” and artificial colorings? They can not be used either. To be “Organic” the product must be organic from farm to pet food serving. That means no hormones or antibiotics were given to the livestock and no chemical fertilizers, pesticides or herbicides were used on the crops. Unless you grow your own crops, this is highly unlikely. Also no synthetic preservatives, colorings or flavorings can be added to the final product. Because of the time factor from manufacturer, trucker, to retail store, and then to your home, preservatives must be used to prevent spoilage, especially to prevent fat from becoming rancid. Unless the food is fresh and just made, preservatives are a necessity. Also, the regulation of the pet food industry is poor, and the guide lines are vague and misleading, As of April 2011, the United States still does not have official guidelines for the term “Natural”. The major dog and cat food manufacturing companies in this country are immaculate and very high tech. The research facilities are the best in the world. I have visited several and I have the utmost confidence in their “quality control” standards, yet even the largest of the manufacturers got hurt 2 years ago with the imported additives from China that they used in canned foods. The public lost confidence and the companies lost millions. Things are much better now. By the way, there is absolutely no scientific evidence proving any of these “Organic” or “Natural” diets have any health benefits. Do not get fooled by that “halo” effect. I still recommend dry dog and cat food over canned food for reasons listed in the first 2 parts of this series on nutrition and after many years of practice have seen the positive results in the pet population I have cared for.

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Pet Nutrition: Part 2 Update (2011)

locustvalleyvet — Thu, 14 Apr 2011 14:12:21 +0000

There are 5 main reasons why dry dog and cat food is recommended over canned food: (1) Dry dog food is less prone to Salmonella contamination. (2) They have to use their teeth to crunch the food to break it up, and in so doing keep their teeth and gums healthy. (3) Dry food is usually eaten more slowly which is better for digestion. (4) Canned food has a lot of moisture (water), which is a lot less expensive from your tap. (5) Dry food is much more stable during various temperature changes which may occur during shipping from the manufacturer, to the store, and then to your home. The majority of commercially prepared pet foods are nutritionally balanced, so adding table scraps can create an imbalance in the diet. Most of the time people add just meat to their pets diet which actually results in an imbalance of the essential ingredients and thus could be unhealthy to the pet, especially older pets. Whenever a change is considered, remember to make the transition gradually, over 5-7 days, so the digestive tract has time to adjust. Dogs and cats have simple digestive tracts, much like a baby, and they do better being fed the same food consistently every day. Do not feed your dog any bones of any kind, including steak bones, as pieces can break off with sharp edges. I’m frequently asked “how much food should I feed my dog or cat”? The answer is simple: “it depends”. It depends on a number of factors: the genetic makeup of your pet and its metabolism. Certain breeds have definite genetic weight gain tendencies. These include the Labradors, Beagles, and Goldens. Other factors to consider include: the amount of exercise you pet receives, the calorie contact of the food and number of calories being consumed AND burned up, and the quality of the food. Is the food meat or plant based which affects its’ digestibility. (See last weeks article). In general the cheaper the food the poorer the quality of ingredients, the less efficiently digested, the more waste produced, and the more you have to feed just to survive. But, we want our pets to thrive not just survive and be healthy happy companions. Ask your veterinarian for pet food recommendations.

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Pet Nutrition Update 2011

locustvalleyvet — Sat, 09 Apr 2011 22:05:29 +0000

Animal nutrition has always been a major topic of conversation between veterinarians and their clients. After the tainted canned pet food problem in 2007 and the Salmonella scares these last few years, the conversations have intensified. The pet food industry is huge, the research done in animal nutrition costs millions, and the competition among pet food companies is intense. They all strive for the best products, as do pet owners. A few facts should be noted: Dogs are Omnivores (they can survive on a diet of animal protein OR plant protein, BUT to thrive not just survive they should have animal protein–meat—in their diet. Cats however are classified as true Carnivores, because they must have meat to survive. Meat has all the amino acids for a good diet, but an all-meat diet is harmful because it is not a balanced diet. To be a balanced diet, protein, carbohydrates, fat, and the essential vitamins and minerals must be present in the correct proportions. That is why you should not add meat to an already balanced commercial diet. Meat such as beef, poultry or fish should be the 1st three ingredients listed (by federal law) on the pet food package. The by-products that DO NOT include hair, hide, feathers, or hooves, are also good sources of protein. The most digestible protein is egg white, followed by muscle meats such as chicken, beef and lamb, followed by liver, kidney and heart. Next on the digestibility list is milk, cheese and fish. However, many dogs and cats can not handle dairy products such as milk eggs and cheese unless they were introduced to them at a very early age, and their digestive tract adjusted to it. Grains such as corn, wheat, rice, barley and soybeans are good sources of carbohydrates, NOT protein. Grains are very low on the list of digestibility but are commonly used because of the availability and low price. The pet food companies claim that “after processing” plant protein is as good as animal protein as the amino acids are easily digested. Professional dog show breeders however, believe that dogs and cats raised on animal protein based professional foods develop better. In general, the higher the quality of protein, the higher the price, and the less the amount needed, as less grain “filler” is required to meet the nutritional requirements. Don’t forget, we want our pets to thrive not just survive.

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Lyme Disease Update (April 2011)

locustvalleyvet — Sun, 03 Apr 2011 15:17:21 +0000

Last year Yale researchers discovered that birds can spread this serious disease. This year the Center for Disease Control (CDC) came out with statistics showing that Lyme Disease is on the increase in the Northeast in PEOPLE. Many of these cases come from ticks being brought into owners homes by their pet dogs. Ticks are the primary vector for spreading Lyme Disease to dogs, horses, people , and other animals. The ticks acquire the disease-causing bacteria by feeding on infected rodents and deer. But now, the latest evidence points to common birds, such as robins and blue jays, are also reservoirs of this disease, and they can carry ticks long distances right into your own backyard. Lyme Disease is on the increase on Long Island and the rest of the country. Some suspect Global Warming. We had over 70 positive cases in dogs in the Locust Valley/Glen Cove and surrounding areas in 2010, and this year we are already diagnosing it in dogs that tested negative last year. Some of this can be attributed to the “Indian Summers” we have experienced this winter with temperatures in the high 60’s in March. Lyme Disease can be a very complex and serious disease if not caught early. It can result in painful lameness, chronic joint problems, serious kidney disease and neurological problems. The most effective way to protect your dog is by vaccination. The vaccine induces the body to produce antibodies against the bacteria in the tick and locks the bacteria inside the tick. So the vaccine actually works within the tick, not the dog. These are unique vaccines known as Recombinant Vaccines, and are considered “genetically engineered wonders of modern science.” They contain only a single protein which virtually eliminates all adverse reactions. In addition, monthly applications of tick/flea products to the skin are now recommended all year long instead of just the warmer months, because of the increasing threat to humans. These products kill ticks within 24 hours which is less time the tick needs to transmit the disease to the dog or human. Daily brushing and combing are not enough as the tick is so small it is usually missed.

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Cats, Birds and You

locustvalleyvet — Wed, 23 Mar 2011 15:30:46 +0000

The following is, in part, a summary of a brochure distributed by the American Bird Conservancy. First some facts: Scientists estimate that cats kill millions of birds each year and many more small mammals. Some common birds are now in decline and some may even be threatened with extinction. These include the Least Tern, Piping Plover, Snowy Plover and California Gnatcatcher. It is known that in the last 50 years, two-thirds of all the bird species naturally found in the U.S. have declined. In fact, America’s wildlife in general, is shrinking due to lost habitats, feral cats, wild dogs, prolific wild hogs, and other animals not indigenous to our shores, such as pythons. Millions of outdoor cats are killed each year by disease, cars, other animals and people. In contrast to that, the feral cat population has risen dramatically. Veterinarians, and most animal experts, recommend keeping cats indoor. They live a lot longer, in fact the life expectancy of an outdoor cat is from 2-5 years, and many of those years they suffer from hunger, inclement weather, cat fights, etc. An indoor cat may live comfortably for more than 15 years, free of disease and parasites, if properly cared for. Kittens that are raised indoors show no desire to go outside as adults, and adult cats can be retrained if done properly. If you wish to venture outdoors with your cat, put a harness on the cat, not a collar that they can get out of easily. It’s best to provide a window shelve to allow your cat to look at the outside. A lot of exercise also helps by playing with your cat daily and giving paper bags, and tissue paper and toys for it to play with. Some cats like to eat grass so provide harmless “kitty grass” by planting it in an indoor pot. Clean litter boxes regularly and make sure your cat gets proper veterinary care. Even indoor cats require certain vaccinations, as you can bring in certain viruses on the bottoms of your shoes. Certain diseases are airborne and an open window is all that is necessary for them to come indoors. Resist feeding outdoor feral cats and consider catching them in a “humane” trap. Many veterinarians have these traps and lend them out, and have special reduced fees for spaying /neutering feral cats. For more information, visit the American Bird Conservancy’s website at: www.abcbirds.org/cats or call 888-247-3624.

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Tick and Flea Invasion: No Longer Seasonal 2011

locustvalleyvet — Fri, 18 Mar 2011 19:43:35 +0000

Many researchers are recommending all year round protection for our pets, rather than stopping in the winter. They claim there is no longer a “tick season”. The CDC in Atlanta reports the number of cases of tick borne diseases diagnosed in humans in the Northeastern part of USA is increasing. All pet owners should seriously consider using the newer flea and tick prevention products on the market. Fortunately, these products work well on the pet and in the house for control as well as prevention. Ticks especially carry diseases of human significance as they can cause the same diseases in humans as in dogs and cats. These include: Lyme Disease, Anaplasmosis, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Ehrlichiosis, Babesiosis, and more. Last year (2010) we diagnosed over 70 cases of Lyme Disease and over 5 cases of Anaplasmosis in the Locust Valley and surrounding area. This year we are already diagnosing Lyme Disease and Anaplasmosis frequently. A few dogs had both of these diseases concurrently. All of these cases could have been prevented. Be aware that birds can also bring ticks onto your property. Most of the topical products that kill fleas and ticks do it quickly. This is especially important as a tick has to be attached to the skin for 24+ hours before transmission of the Lyme Disease bacterium can occur. The products are applied to the skin (not the hair) 1 x each month. The active ingredients are dispersed into the fatty layer under the skin and stored in the oil secreting glands. These products kill the parasites, inactivate the eggs, and kill the immature form of the parasites known as larvae. To clean the house, vacuuming is a must, everywhere, as it sucks up live and dead fleas and ticks, AND their eggs and larvae. The bag should then be placed in the garbage where it will eventually be burned. Treatment of the outdoors with “pet friendly” insecticides still has a place in total flea and tick control, especially with re-occurring infestations. Have your dogs blood tested early this year and start the preventatives right away.

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Liver Shunts

locustvalleyvet — Thu, 10 Mar 2011 19:16:16 +0000

A liver shunt is known medically as a “Portosystemic Shunt”. In the context of this article, a “shunt” means diverts. This disease is of increasing concern to veterinarians, breeders and owners of small and toy dogs. It appears to becoming a more frequently diagnosed disease, either because of more awareness or more indiscriminate breeding. Most recent research points to heredity playing the most important cause of the spread of this disease. Although some shunts are acquired (developing after birth) the majority of shunts are congenital (found at birth). Basically, a Portosystemic Shunt is a blood vessel that bypasses the liver and diverts the blood directly to the heart, before it is filtered and cleansed of toxins, bacteria, sugar and protein. All fetal mammals have these shunts, but the shunts close down shortly before or after birth so the liver can take over the life saving function of filtering the blood. When the shunt does not close completely, or does so very slowly, these impurities in the blood stream build up and symptoms develop. Very small and toy breeds, especially Yorkshire Terriers, have a hereditary predisposition and are afflicted more. Symptoms include: weakness, lethargy, disorientation, shaking, and even seizures. It can easily be confused with a condition known as hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Quite often some of the symptoms show up 1-3 hours after eating a high protein diet such as puppy food. Normally, proteins in the food are broken down by stomach and intestinal enzymes and intestinal bacteria to ammonia and other toxins which are then absorbed into the blood stream. But, instead of being filtered by the liver, these toxins are “shunted” or diverted around the liver to the heart and then to the brain causing the neurological signs. A diagnosis is made by special blood tests, x-rays, and sometimes ultrasound. The treatment of these shunts, depends on the severity of the symptoms, age of the dog, breed, and response to various forms of treatment. Surgical intervention and constriction the shunt is usually recommended in severe cases. Sometimes a change in diet and the addition of certain supplements to the diet is all that is necessary.

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Diabetes in Cats

locustvalleyvet — Fri, 25 Feb 2011 17:53:00 +0000

Commonly known as sugar diabetes, it is medically known as Diabetes mellitus. Many believe it is related to diet, as obesity plays a role in the onset of diabetes. Diabetes is more common is overweight male cats, especially over 7 years of age, and overweight females are more prone than normal weight females. The only breed that has a genetic predisposition is the Burmese. Diabetes mellitus occurs because either the pancreas does not produce enough insulin or there is an improper response of the cells to the insulin that is produced. Insulin is necessary for sugar to be transported from the blood into the individual cells throughout the body. Without insulin, the body can not metabolize glucose for energy, which is essential for life. The symptoms of diabetes are well documented: increased thirst, increased urination, increased appetite and weight loss. Sometimes there are urinary accidents and the urine is sticky because of the sugar in it. But, other diseases have similar symptoms, so a simple blood test is necessary to make the diagnosis. There are three types of diabetes in cats: Type I diabetic cats are insulin dependant and need to receive daily injections, sometimes twice a day. Unfortunately oral medications for diabetes do not work well in animals. In Type II diabetic cats, the pancreas is producing insulin but the body is not capable of utilizing it properly. Many of these cats can be treated with dietary changes, but most still require insulin injections. The Type III form of diabetes is also known as Transitory Diabetes. These cats will initially need insulin injections and dietary changes like in Type II but they will eventually have a change in their metabolism and lose their dependency on insulin given by injection. These cats are definitely in the minority but respond to long term dietary changes of high protein and low carbohydrate diets. Regardless of which type of diabetes is diagnosed, the blood glucose must be monitored with periodic blood and/or urine sample analysis. Astute cat owners giving insulin injections daily can tell almost immediately if there is a change in their pets behavior and body functions and know if an adjustment in the amount of insulin is required.

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Otitis Externa

locustvalleyvet — Sat, 19 Feb 2011 15:24:27 +0000

It is estimated that over 20% of the dog and cat population suffer from this condition at some point in their lives. Many have it in the Chronic form but Acute Otitis Externa is also common. Otitis Externa is an inflammation of the lining of the ear canal. The inflammation can be cause by many things: allergy, excess wax, mites, bacteria, fleas, ticks, and yeast. Depending on the severity of the condition, the symptoms vary and include head shaking, scratching/rubbing of the ears, bad odor from the ears, discharge and sometimes even blood from the ears. Many times there is pain near the ears and occasionally there is a head tilt. Many skin allergies first show up as an ear problem. It is extremely important to, not only address the ears, but the entire body, as well. If there are signs of scratching and head shaking, keeping the ears clean and treated is not enough. All symptoms must be addressed and treated. Not only do we use ear cleansing solutions and therapeutic drops for yeast, bacterial and parasitic infections of the ears, but also corticosteroids often mixed with antihistamines to control all the scratching and head shaking. Cleansing of the ears is extremely important before instilling ointments or drops. This must be continued on a daily basis until the infection is under control. Then it can be done several times a week until gone. To avoid ear problems, a regimen of ear cleaning should be as routine as brushing your dog. Certain breeds like poodles produce a lot of hair in the ear canals which should be removed regularly when groomed. Many breeds, especially the spaniels, like cocker and springer spaniels, produce an excessive amount of wax in the ears, which also should be removed on a regular basis. It is ok to use a q-tip to clean the ear, just do not put it into the canal beyond where you can see the cotton tip. If you do not have any ear cleansing solution, use baby oil or mineral oil, but never use peroxide or alcohol. Prevention is always the best medicine, so avoid ear infections by keeping your dogs and cats ears clean.

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Ear Mites

locustvalleyvet — Fri, 11 Feb 2011 01:43:17 +0000

Contrary to what the name implies, ear mites can live not only in ear canals but also on the skin anywhere on the body. These are tiny parasites that are one of the causes of the most common infection of the ears known as otitis externa. Mites occur in cats more than dogs but they are very contagious among other household pets such as hamsters, gerbils, ferrets, mice and rabbits. They are not contagious to humans. The most common symptoms include: shaking of the head, scratching of the ears, redness of the ears, dark gritty discharge from the ears, and general discomfort and hypersensitivity around the head near the ears. In severe infestations, the ears may even have a bloody discharge. If left untreated, damage to the ear canals and ear drum (tympanic membrane) can occur, and even deafness. Secondary bacterial and/or yeast infections can also occur. With severe head shaking, another problem can occur known as hematoma. This is a swelling in the ear pinna because of a ruptured blood vessel. Ear Mite infestation is a very easy disease to diagnose, as the mites and/or eggs are readily found under the microscope. Years ago it was much more difficult to treat and took weeks. Today, with the advent of some of the newer insecticides it is easy to kill the mites and even the eggs with one treatment, but the ears must still be cleaned thoroughly and any secondary infections treated. A build up of wax helps feed the mites so the ears should always be kept clean of wax, even when there are no mites present. It seems that once an animal has an ear infection, regardless of the cause, they have a greater susceptibility for reoccurrence. Today we have preventative medications put on the skin 1 x each month that prevents mites as well as fleas and ticks. This is especially helpful for those cats that spend a lot of time outdoors.

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Follicular Conjunctivitis

locustvalleyvet — Mon, 31 Jan 2011 18:08:31 +0000

As previously written in my article on “Conjunctivitis” in January 2011, conjunctivitis is an inflammation and/or infection of the lining of the eye, not including the cornea or sclera (white) portion of the eyeball. Follicular Conjunctivitis is an inflammation and/or infection specifically of the third eyelid, also known as the nictitating membrane. Every time the eyelids close, or blink as we call it, the third eyelid sweeps across the cornea and part of the sclera. This functions as a windshield wiper does on a car, cleaning away any debris. The debris of an eye can be dirt, dust, pollen, pus, or foreign bodies such as pieces of leaves, hair, etc. This cleansing function is to protect the cornea from any damage. But, when the inflammation or infection is very severe, the inside lining of the third eyelid becomes irritated itself and small cysts or follicles develop. This is what we refer to as Follicular Conjunctivitis. Any eye irritant can cause the surface of the conjunctiva and especially the lining of the third eyelid to become this way. I once removed a cats’ nail from the inside of the third eye-lid. Obviously, they were fighting and fortunately the eyeball itself was not damaged. When severe irritants like this occur, the tear gland of the eye responds by producing more and more mucus (tears) to lubricate the eye. Sometimes the gland is so swollen it is visible in the corner of the eye. (See “Cherry Eye” at my website.) Fortunately, Follicular Conjunctivitis does not cause any visual impairment and usually will respond to a few weeks of therapy with properly prescribed eye ointment or drops. On occasion, for those resistant cases, a minor surgical procedure is necessary to remove the follicles so the medicine can get to the conjunctiva. The most common symptoms of Follicular Conjunctivitis are: excess blinking, excess tearing, pus discharge from eyes, redness of eyelids, rubbing and scratching of the eyes, swollen eyelids and sometimes sneezing, coughing. It is imperative that a diagnosis be made early and treatment is initiated early so the cornea does not get damaged. As with any medical condition, diagnose and treat early for the best success.

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Intestinal Parasites (worms)

locustvalleyvet — Tue, 25 Jan 2011 16:21:59 +0000

It amazes me that one of the afflictions of dogs and cats easiest to diagnose and treat is such a common condition veterinarians still see. Because of lack of sanitary conditions, ignorance, and/or greed, dogs and cats continue to be sold with intestinal parasites. The breeders, pet stores and even the puppy mills are all familiar with these parasites and choose either to do nothing about their eradication, or do it improperly. It is getting better though–twenty years ago over 80% of all dogs and cats used to have one or more of these intestinal parasites present when veterinarians first examined them, as compared to only 20% today. It should be 0 %. There are six common intestinal parasites of dogs and cats, and some are communicable to humans. 1. Roundworms live in the small intestines and pass eggs in the stool. Puppies can get an infection from their mother via the placenta, infected feces, or by ingestion of other infected animals such as rats. The larva can penetrate human skin and cause a condition known as “Visceral larval migrans”. 2. Hookworms also live in the small intestines and pass eggs in the feces. The larva can burrow through the dog and cat footpads and skin. The larva can also penetrate human skin and cause a condition known as “cutaneous larval migrans”. 3. Whipworms live in the large intestines and infection is also transmitted through the feces-oral route. Humans do not get any form of this parasite. 4. Tapeworms also live in the intestines but are transmitted by the consumption of fleas or infected rats or rabbits. Segments of the tapeworm are shed and occasionally the eggs. Human infection is very rare but can occur from eating contaminated meat. 5. Coccidia are microscopic protozoan parasites of the intestines and also shed eggs that are very contagious among all animals. They rarely cause a problem in humans but can be found in raw meat. 6. Giardia is a very common intestinal microscopic protozoan parasite of all animals. It is very communicable to people through infected drinking water, rivers, lakes, and animal feces, etc. All of these are easy to treat and require specific medications for varying periods of time. Have your pets’ stool checked by your veterinarian 1-2 times yearly. Remove feces from lawn and street daily. Try to walk and exercise your dog where other dogs DO NOT go. Prevent pets from eating rodents and rabbits, and control fleas.

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Addison’s Disease

locustvalleyvet — Mon, 17 Jan 2011 19:40:07 +0000

Last week I wrote of Cushing’s Disease, and this weeks disease is just the opposite of Cushing’s: Addison’s Disease, which occurs because too little steroids are produced by the body that are essential for life. Because the symptoms are very vague and similar to many other diseases, it is one of the misunderstood and misdiagnosed diseases that dogs can get. These symptoms can include all or some of the following: diarrhea, vomiting, fatigue, muscle pain, lack of appetite, and weight loss. Occasionally sudden collapse and shock occurs and, without proper treatment, it can be fatal. This collapse is known as an “Addisonian Crisis”. Addison’s Disease can show up in any breed of dog or sex, and occurs more frequently in young to middle age females. It is very rare in cats. Certain breeds seem to get it more which implies a genetic predisposition. These breeds are Standard Poodles, Great Danes, Soft Coated Wheaten Terriers, Bearded Collies, and Portuguese Water Dogs. A deficiency in the hormones produced by the adrenal glands is the usual cause of Addison’s Disease. The adrenal glands are located by the kidneys and produce cortisol and aldosterone. Cortisol is a glucocorticoid (steroid) that aids in metabolism and conversion of food into energy. It is essential in maintaining the body’s immune system and its response to inflammatory conditions. Aldosterone is a hormone in the mineral corticoid (steroid) family. It is essential in maintaining proper blood pressure and essential electrolyte balance, such as sodium and potassium. There are two forms of this disease: primary and secondary. Primary is the result of improper function or injury to the adrenal glands and secondary involves the pituitary gland located at the base of the brain, or the hypothalamus (part of the brain) which produces a hormone known as corticotropin. The pituitary produces a hormone known as ACTH which stimulates the adrenal gland to produce its hormones. If the pituitary and/or the hypothalamus does not do this properly, the dog gets secondary Addison’s Disease. Regardless which form of the disease occurs, both can be properly diagnosed by special blood tests and both can be successfully treated. Fortunately, once treated the dog can live a normal life, but will require medication for its entire life.

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Cushing’s Disease

locustvalleyvet — Tue, 11 Jan 2011 02:27:52 +0000

This is a disease that occurs more frequently than was initially believed. At one time it was considered the most misdiagnosed disease because it was confused with other diseases with similar symptoms. These symptoms include some or all of the following: increased thirst, increased urination, increased appetite, thinning of the hair, severe loss of hair, weight gain, and an enlargement of the abdomen. Diseases like diabetes, hypothyroidism, kidney disease, some forms of cancer, and certain skin disorders have the same symptoms. Cushing’s Disease occurs mostly in dogs, and occasionally in cats, and has no breed predisposition. The disease occurs because of the overproduction of glucocorticoids (steroids) in the body. There are three forms of the disease: Pituitary, Adrenal, and Iatrogenic. Simply put, the pituitary gland, located at the base of the brain, produces a hormone that stimulates the adrenal glands, located by the kidneys, to produce the steroids the body must have to survive. With Cushing’s Disease, 80% of the time there is a tumor of the pituitary gland that causes the overproduction of the hormone. 20% of the time there is a tumor of the adrenal gland that causes the same thing. The “iatrogenic” form occurs as the result of high doses of steroids being given to the patient, or lower doses given for a very long time. Usually, regardless of which form of Cushing’s Disease, the symptoms develop slowly in dogs 6 years and older, but rarely in younger dogs. The loss of hair appears to be the primary symptom for bringing the dog to the vet as the increased thirst and urination is usually thought, by the owner, to be the result of getting older. There are a number of blood tests available to veterinarians to make a proper diagnosis as well as ultrasound technology. In the last few years new drugs have surfaced and treatments are now more successful. Only rarely is surgery performed today. The ‘iatrogenic” form usually responds to the cessation of steroids administered either by the veterinarian or owner.

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Pancreatitis

locustvalleyvet — Mon, 03 Jan 2011 17:24:41 +0000

This painful condition occurs in dogs more frequently than you think, especially around holiday season. Dogs live on the floor, food drops onto the floor and the dogs eat it, or guests give your pet table food. Either way, eating the wrong thing is the most common cause of pancreatitis. Other causes include trauma, certain medications, obesity, high fat content in the diet, diseases like Hypothyroidism and Cushing’s disease, and genetics. The breeds more prone to the disease are Schnauzers and Yorkshire Terriers, but it occurs in Beagles, German Shepherds also. In fact, it can occur in any dog with a tendency to eat table food or get into the garbage. The pancreas is an important organ for the production of insulin and the two enzymes necessary for starch and fat metabolism. When inflamed, the enzymes overproduce and sometimes leak out into the surrounding tissue. This inflammation of the pancreas can be acute or chronic. The symptoms can include some or most of the following: vomiting, painful abdomen, fever, depression, lack of appetite and reluctance to move. If left untreated, it can cause heart irregularities and severe infection through-out the body, known as sepsis. Diagnosis is done by a complete physical exam, history, blood tests, radiographs, and sometimes ultrasound. There are no “anti-pancreatitis” drugs on the market, thus no simple cure. The treatment usually is successful and requires intravenous fluids for the associated dehydration and electrolyte imbalance, anti-vomiting drugs, antibiotics, antacids, pain-relief medications, and NO FOOD for a few days. This gives the pancreas time to slow down on the production of these enzymes, in case there is leakage, and gives the irritations in the stomach and intestines time to heal. Most of the treatment is done by injections the first few days, so nothing is given orally Special low fat foods are then gradually introduced to the patient, as well as oral medications. Once a dog has pancreatitis, there is a tendency for reoccurrence, so special diets and medications are often prescribed for life.

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Conjunctivitis

locustvalleyvet — Mon, 27 Dec 2010 16:29:43 +0000

This is the common term used to describe the most common condition affecting a dog or cats eye. It is an inflammation &/or infection of the tissue lining the eyelids, but not the eyeball itself. It usually does NOT impair vision unless the conjunctiva is severely swollen and covers the cornea. It does NOT imply human contagious “pink eye“, which is an inflammation and infection of the white portion of the eye known as the sclera. Conjunctivitis usually is not a symptom of a more systemic problem either, but there are exceptions like jaundice, causing a yellowish tint to the conjunctiva and sclera, which is a symptom of liver disease. There are many causes of non-systemic conjunctivitis. They include foreign bodies that get into the conjunctiva, allergies from pollens, grasses, leaves, etc. and infections caused by bacteria, viruses or fungi. The most common symptoms may include some or all of the following: redness of the conjunctiva, swollen eyelids, and a clear watery or thick pus type discharge from the eye. Often there is excessive blinking and rubbing of the eye, and even a sticking together of the eyelids. When allergies are the cause, sneezing and coughing may also be a symptom. It must first be determined that the eye ball itself is not involved and that there is no injury to the cornea. This is accomplished by the veterinarian using a topical anesthetic and sterile dye to check the intactness of the cornea. Once it is determined that there is no injury to the eye ball or cornea, many times a tear production test is then performed. If all these tests are negative, and the diagnosis of conjunctivitis is made, the veterinarian decides if treatment with an ointment or drops is warranted, and if antibiotics alone or a combination of antibiotics and a steroid is the course of treatment. Also, if allergies are suspected, various oral steroid/antihistamines medications may be used to treat an underlying allergy. Of course, avoidance is the best medicine. Always keep your dogs or cats eyes clean with cotton and warm water. Make sure hair is not brushing against the eye itself, and never let your dog ride in the car with its’ head out the window. As with all medical conditions, but most importantly with the eye, get a diagnosis early rather than later. The eyes heal slowly but do heal. A general thumb rule is to treat the conjunctivitis for 3-5 days after they appear back to normal.

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Atopy

locustvalleyvet — Mon, 20 Dec 2010 15:53:54 +0000

This is the abbreviated term for Canine Atopic Dermatitis. Atopy is one of the most common itchy skin allergy problems in dogs caused by a disorder of the dog’s immune system. It is an allergy to substances called “allergens” that are inhaled by the dog. These allergens cause the immune system to over-react and release an abundance of histamines, which irritate the skin. Some of the more common allergens are: house-hold dust mite excrement, dander, mold spores, and pollens from trees, flowers and grasses. Atopy is the 2nd. most common disorder causing hypersensitive skin reactions, flea allergy is #1. Atopy is 3-4 times more prevalent than food allergies in dogs, yet most dogs with a proven food allergy, also have atopy. The most common symptom of atopy is “pruritis” (itching), usually around the face and paws in the beginning and then around the ears, armpits, elbows and groin as the dog gets a little older. Often the dog suffers from recurring ear infections, and also chew on their paws. Symptoms can begin as early as 5 months of age up to 3 years and may start out as seasonal, but as the dog gets older it may exist all year round. Secondary skin infection are very common and often the eyes become red and itchy too (conjunctivitis). The skin may become unsightly brown from saliva due to constant licking. Unfortunately, there is no cure for atrophy. There are treatments and desensitization by allergy shots, but no permanent cure. Avoidance of dust mites by keeping your dog off carpeting and beds, keeping the dog inside as much as possible during pollen season, washing and vacuuming the dogs bed often, and keeping the dog out of damp moldy places can be beneficial. The treatment of atopy is short term cortisone use, sometimes mixed with an antihistamine. Frequent bathing is also prescribed, but these are only temporary measures. Fatty acid supplementation also may help. One of the newest drugs is an immune system suppressing drug known as Atopica, initially used in human organ transplant patients. It is very effective but initially expensive as the dose is high. The best thing to do is try and identify the offending allergens. Allergy testing is best to do in the winter when there are no fleas, ticks or outside pollens to worry about. The testing is approximately 80% reliable, not 100%. Once the allergens are determined, a long series of desensitization injections are prescribed which gradually stimulates the immune system to build up antibodies and thus resistance to the offending allergens.

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Vision & Hearing Capabilities of Dogs and Cats

locustvalleyvet — Sun, 12 Dec 2010 16:36:25 +0000

We gauge our vision in a number of ways: ability to see color, detail, movement, depth of field and night vision. Like human eyes, canine eyes have rods and cones, but they have less cones than us and cones are responsible for color perception. In fact, dogs are considered red-green blind. They see more yellowish, white and various shades of blue. As far as detail is concerned, it is estimated that they have 6 times poorer detail vision than the average human. However, dogs have more rods and that gives them superior night vision, estimated 4 x better than us. A dogs sense of motion is also much better than ours. They can spot movement ½ mile away but can not see properly up-close, less than 1 foot in front of their nose, unless there is movement. In general, the longer the nose of the dog, the greater the field of vision. For example, the peripheral vision of a labrador is better than a pug. Cats are more like dogs than humans and are neither nearsighted or farsighted. But, cat pupils are unique. Their pupils can dilate to round quickly and let in a lot of light. They can see light at eight times dimmer illumination than a human. Their pupils can constrict into a slit also very quickly which allows good vision in daytime and night time, even better than a dog. But, cats eyes lose good focus and as such have detail deficiencies. They also have red-green color blindness, like dogs, and see more yellows, white and blues. The cat’s eye is more specialized to see in rapidly changing light which assists in their hunting ability, and they also depend much more on movement than up close focusing. As far as our pets hearing is concerned, both dogs and cats hear better than us, especially in the upper ranges. In fact, cats can hear almost one octave higher than dogs, and both can hear in the ultrasound level. Because of the shape of their ears and their ability to move them, cats and dogs can “funnel” sounds into their ears. In fact, depending on the breed, dogs have 18 or more muscles to control ear movement, and cats have many more than that, closer to 33 muscles, and cats can move each ear independently. Our pets basically live in a world much different than ours and fortunately with their intelligence, trainability, and astute hearing and vision, many of these wonderful attributes help mankind, especially in search and rescue missions, and helping the handicapped, for example.

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Mange: 2 Types

locustvalleyvet — Tue, 07 Dec 2010 21:43:27 +0000

This term is usually used to describe a skin disorder caused by microscopic mites within the skin layers and/or hair follicles. There are two types: Demodectic Mange, caused by the mite Demodex canis, and Sarcoptic Mange, caused by the mite Sarcoptes scabiei. There are very distinct differences between them: Demodectic Mange is NOT contagious to other dogs, cats, or humans, while Sarcoptic Mange IS VERY CONTAGEOUS to humans and other dogs. Both mites are microscopic but the demodex mite usually is in large numbers and easy to find, while the sarcoptic mite number is low and very hard to find. Both are diagnosed by the veterinarian doing a skin scraping and seeing the live or dead mites under the microscope. More differences: Demodectic Mange is an immune deficient dermatitis, meaning the dog has little or no immunity against it, and Sarcoptic Mange is contagious and any and all dogs and humans can get it. The skin also responds differently: with demodex there is slight hair loss in the early stages around the face and forelimbs with little discomfort or scratching. In neglected cases the dog can go bald and have open infected sores. Sarcoptes causes an intense itch, a lot of discomfort and redness of the skin. In the early stages, the edges of the ears are usually irritated and very sensitive. It also can progress to baldness and open infected wounds in neglected cases. The treatments are different also. Demodetic Mange require weeks of treatment including injections of a parasitocide, and medicated bathes and sponge baths and no isolation. Because Sarcoptic Mange is so contagious, the afflicted dog should be kept in isolation until treatment is completed. This may require only one good bath and dip and cleaning of the environment, especially the bedding. Once the live mites are killed and eggs washed away the dog can be removed from isolation. All animals in contact with this form of mange should also be treated. Reoccurrence of Sarcoptic Mange is rare but dogs with Demodex can come down with it again if the immune system is challenged; however, it rarely shows up in dogs over 3 years of age.

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Hematoma

locustvalleyvet — Mon, 29 Nov 2010 20:09:37 +0000

This is also called Aural Hematoma. It is a firm, blood-filled swelling that usually occurs on the concave or anterior portion of a dog or cats ear flap (pinna). Much less frequently does it occurs on the posterior portion of the ear pinna. It often is small but left untreated it can fill up the entire ear pinna very quickly. Most of the time it occurs as the result of intense scratching or violently shaking of the head and ears. There are many tiny capillaries under the skin of the ear and when some rupture blood oozes out between the cartilage of the ear and the skin. It does not interfere with hearing, but is very troublesome to the dog or cat as they continue to shake their head and scratch at it. The underlying causes of hematomas include infections, allergies, insect bites, self-inflicted trauma to the ear, ear mites, fleas, ticks, dog or cat fights, etc. The treatment is empirical: treat the underlying cause, stop the head shaking/scratching, and fix the hematoma. This usually requires general anesthesia and surgery. Unlike all other surgeries which require the skin to be sutured together, this surgery 1st requires drainage of the hematoma of all blood, blood clot removal and cessation of bleeding capillaries. But, the skin is not sutured together– the space is obliterated by suturing the ear through and through, front to back. That means sutures go from the anterior portion of the ear, through the cartilage, to the posterior portion of the ear. This obliterates the space so there is no place for any oozing of blood to accumulate. The incision made to drain the hematoma is long and narrow and ideally slowly closes itself so healing occurs from the inside out. Bandages, Elizabethan collars, pain medications all are utilized to relieve discomfort until the healing process has occurred. This often takes several weeks. It is a highly successful and common operation and is done by most veterinarians. If left untreated, the ear usually shrivels up as scar tissue sets in, and becomes a very unsightly thick and wrinkled ear that can predispose the dog to additional ear problems as the ear canal becomes compressed.

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Getting a New Pet? Things to consider

locustvalleyvet — Sun, 21 Nov 2010 17:05:13 +0000

This is the time of the year when many people are “in the market” for a new puppy or kitten. There are many things to consider before you make this commitment and I am going to list just a few of them. 1. Do you have the time to properly care for and raise a new pet? 2. Do you have the financial resources to care for it properly? 3. Are your children old enough to understand the responsibility of pet ownership and help care for the new pet? 4. Do you have enough room inside for the size of the dog when fully grown and enough space outside for proper exercise? 5. Are you familiar with the personality and characteristics of the breed you chose and its ability to adjust to your lifestyle? 6. Do you know enough about the place you plan on making the purchase or adoption at? 7. Have you checked out the “animal shelters” and “pet rescue centers” before making a pet store or breeder purchase. It could save a life. 8. Are there any allergies in the household? These are just a few of the things to consider. I have written many articles to help you in your decision making. These include: “Where to Get Your Pet”, “Designer Dogs”, “Why Pets are Beneficial to Children”, “Pets and Allergies” and “Are Pets Healthy for You”, etc. I strongly urge you to read them first because too many times mistakes are made, especially with impulse buying. Just recently a client realized that too much of her time was being taken away from raising her young children by the needs a young puppy and training. She chose to give up the puppy and we helped her find it a good home. These scenarios occur too often, and with a lot of heartache and expense. There are definite guidelines to follow. For instance: researchers have indicated that age 4 is the youngest a child should be for proper understanding of the responsibility of pet ownership.

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Bedbugs–You and Your Pets

locustvalleyvet — Fri, 19 Nov 2010 19:35:32 +0000

There are several reasons that bedbugs have become a national epidemic recently. These include an increase in travel, especially international travel, a decrease use of pesticides in the house, the elimination of DDT and similar pesticides from the market, plus a resistance developed to pesticides in general. Infestations are all across America, and the world, and have been for centuries, but they are more prevalent in hotels, dormitories and high turnover residences. These bugs not only harbor in mattresses, but also hide in bed frames, cushions, and cracks and crevices near couches. They are also found in luggage, clothing, furniture and automobiles. They are not dangerous, and so far there has been no evidence that they transmit any diseases to humans or animals. Unlike fleas and ticks, they can not live on your pet. They can and do bite and cause an intense itch and redness at the site, and usually cause allergic reactions. They are blood suckers, and primarily feed at night for only a short time. But, they can go for months, up to a year, without eating. They are reddish-brown, oval and flat much like a beetle, only smaller, larger than a flea and more oblong than a tick. In humans, most bites are of the torso, but they can and do bite anywhere, especially if the infestation is severe. Flea bites in humans often are of the lower legs around the ankles. Lately, veterinarians are suspicious of bedbugs if a dog or cat is scratching and there is no evidence of any live fleas, flea dirt, or ticks. If people in the household are itchy and loosing sleep at night because of the desire to scratch, then bedbugs are considered to be a cause. Some clients confused bedbugs with ticks, but most ticks are attached to the skin of the host, while bedbugs do not attach themselves to the skin. The natural predators of bedbugs are cockroaches, ants, and spiders. You don’t want any of these in your house either, so if you suspect bedbugs you should call in a licensed exterminator. Vacuuming the premises, especially the mattress, bed frame, etc. helps as it sucks up the live bugs, eggs, feces and immature forms of the bugs, which should be put with the garbage and burned. If you use a professional exterminator, make sure you remove all pets from the premises as some pesticides used are very toxic to dogs, cats and birds, etc.

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Rodent Ulcers

locustvalleyvet — Tue, 09 Nov 2010 17:17:59 +0000

This is a lesion of cats, not of rodents. They are also known as Indolent Ulcers. They fall into a category known as the Eosinophilic Granuloma Complex that we see frequently. This complex manifests itself in 3 forms: the rodent ulcer, the eosinophilic plaque and the eosinophilic granuloma. The underlying cause of this complex is allergy. Allergy to something, or many things, or a lack of an innate ability to fight off an allergic reaction. This is known as immuno-deficient, a genetic problem. The most common form is the ulcer which manifests itself as an erosion of the edge of the upper lip. The plaque is less common and shows up on the skin of the lower abdomen or inner thighs. The granuloma form is even less common and manifests itself as a swollen lower lip or line of erosion down the inner thigh or raised patches on the pads of the feet. All 3 forms of this complex have one thing in common: a high concentration of a type of blood cell known as the eosinophil. These cells only manifest themselves in cases of parasitism or allergies. The concentration of eosinophils cause an intense itch and constant licking, rubbing and scratching are the primary symptoms. Some cats will pull their hair out and even bleed. As in human medicine, there is no cure for allergies unless the offending substance is found and eliminated from the environment, which is rare. Some common causes are plastic/rubber feeding and water dishes, the feeding of dairy products, and foods high in carbohydrates. Sometimes a “food trial” is recommended if food allergy is suspected. Blood tests and/or intradermal allergy testing for airborne allergy might be also recommended. Any breed of cat is susceptible as well as the mixed breeds. Fortunately, as with other allergies, this complex is successfully treated but not curable. Many treatments have been tried with varying success. They include progesterone, chemotherapy, radiation, cryosurgery, and even gold salts. The most success has been obtained with steroids. The lesions respond well to injectable repositol steroids. These are long lasting for up to 6 months. During this time the cat is comfortable and does not show any intense licking, scratching or rubbing symptoms. Although there is a down side of using steroids for long periods of time, the majority of cats seem to tolerate it well, especially if treated in the early stages. Some cats only need 1 or 2 injections in their life but the majority of the time these lesions do recur

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Lick Granulomas

locustvalleyvet — Sun, 31 Oct 2010 16:16:18 +0000

This is a common skin ailment of dogs and occasionally cats that is more annoying than serious. It is also known as acral lick dermatitis. A granuloma is a solid group of inflammatory cells that come together forming a lump. It is the bodies reaction to excessive licking of a specific spot on the body, usually a forelimb &/or rear limb. It is considered to be a form of neuritis which is the inflammation of a nerve ending. A simple insect bite or bruise can set it off. An intense urge to lick the affected area can become a habit and can progress to an obsessive-compulsive disorder. This self-inflicted lesion becomes a thickened, oval, firm raised mass called a granuloma. They often become infected which complicates the treatment. Some researchers believe there are other causes, which include: stress, boredom, separation anxiety, allergies, mange, and even joint disease. A vicious cycle develops of pain, itching, and licking. It is similar to nail biting and smoking in humans in some respects, as it becomes an addictive habit, extremely difficult to stop. It occurs more frequently in the popular larger breeds like Golden Retrievers, Labradors, and German Shepherds, but it can and does occur in any size dog. There are many treatments available that include steroids, bandaging, mind altering drugs, surgery, cryosurgery, laser surgery, radiation and even acupuncture. Most veterinarians are experienced in the various causes and methods of treatment and usually choose the conservative treatment first of injecting the lesion with steroids to decrease the itch/lick syndrome and then utilize bandaging and Elizabethan collars to keep the dog away from it. In addition, the treatment chosen has to be tailored to the personality of the dog and its’ “lifestyle”. For instance, if the dog is home alone a lot or does not get much exercise, mild sedatives might be added to the treatment. Occasionally lab tests are performed to eliminate thyroid problems, yeast infections, allergies, or mange, etc. Since there are so many possible causes, your veterinarian will recommend a course of therapy.

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Parvovirus (Oct. 2010)

locustvalleyvet — Wed, 27 Oct 2010 14:15:40 +0000

Because of recent outbreaks around the country of this horrid disease, and the fact that a very good client just lost 2 puppies to this disease, I feel compelled to write about it again. Canine Parvovirus (CPV) is a very serious, often fatal viral infection that is readily transmitted from the environment to a dog or from dog to dog. It mainly affects dogs, but raccoons and fox can carry it and “seed” the environment through their feces. It is very contagious and is spread by direct or indirect contact with infected feces. For instance, a person can bring it into a house on their shoes. Unvaccinated puppies and even unvaccinated mature dogs are most susceptible. Dogs not current on their vaccines are also very susceptible. The primary symptoms include the following: lack of appetite, depression,. fever, and vomiting and diarrhea, usually with blood. There are NO known drugs to kill the parvovirus, but proven treatments of supportive care are able to control the complications of the disease, if caught in the early stages. A lot depends on the innate immunity the puppies got from their mothers milk. The Parvovirus, which in Latin means small, is one of the most deadly and resistant viruses known to mankind. It is resistant to most detergents and even alcohol. The virus can survive freezing weather and the high temperatures of summer. However, a diluted solution of water to chlorine bleach (30:1) does kill the virus. Fortunately, prevention is the only way to ensure a puppy or dog is immune, and the vaccine that is routinely provided by veterinarians does induce immunity. It is very important to make sure your dog stays up to date on this vaccination, especially if the dog goes to grooming shops, pet food stores, boarding kennels, walks on the street, etc. In other words, if your dog is exposed to the environment where other dogs go, protect by vaccination. Vaccination works while does not always.

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Holiday Season Hazards

locustvalleyvet — Fri, 22 Oct 2010 19:51:13 +0000

The festive holidays are upon us again and the best gift you can give your pet is to keep them healthy and avoid the many holiday pitfalls. Every year, around this time, we see many pets with avoidable illnesses. The American Veterinary Medical Association lists some of the more common problems that veterinarians are faced with this time of the year. Table scraps, keep them from your pets and ask guests not to give them anything from the table unless approved by you. Especially avoid salty, spicy and greasy foods, as they can be life threatening, causing acute pancreatitis. Bones of all kinds should be avoided, always. Make sure the trash cans are secure and plastic garbage bags are out of reach. Chocolate should always be out of reach, the darker the chocolate the more dangerous, with baker’s chocolate being the most deadly. Avoid all sweets and artificial sweeteners, especially xylitol, which is usually found in dietary baked goods, candy and chewing gum. Make sure your Christmas tree is anchored and decorations are high enough up so pets can’t get to them. This is especially important for small ornaments and tinsel, as puppies and kittens love to play with them and often swallow them. Eating these ornaments can result in an intestinal blockage and require emergency surgery. Tree water usually has preservatives and sap in it which can cause severe gastrointestinal problems. Never leave electrical wires exposed, especially around kittens and puppies. Many common holiday plants are toxic to animals, especially the following: Poinsettia, holly, cedar, balsam, pine and mistletoe. The ASPCA lists the following on their “highest toxicity” list: expandable wood glues such as Elmer’s ProBond and Gorilla Glue, antifreeze/coolants, chocolate, rat and mice poisons, human cold and flu medications and decongestants, alcoholic beverages and homemade play-dough, ice melt and moth repellant. The annual top 10 most common poisonings of dogs regardless of season are the following: ibuprofen, chocolate, rat and mouse poisons, acetaminophen found in antihistamines, cold medications with pseudophedrine, human thyroid medications, bleach, fertilizer and hydrocarbons found in paint and varnish. In general, cats are more fastidious in what goes in their mouth, but there are exceptions. Very toxic to cats include: liquid potpourri, NSAIDS like ibuprofen, “Glow Jewelry and Glow Sticks”, human medications with acetaminophen or amphetamine, rat and mouse poisons, and “for dogs only” flea and tick medications. Avoidance is the best protection, so please read labels. For more articles, go to my website at: www.locustvalleyvet.com

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Urolithiasis in Cats, (FUS), (FLUTD)

locustvalleyvet — Wed, 13 Oct 2010 17:43:06 +0000

This condition, formally known as Feline Urological Syndrome (FUS), is now generally referred to as: Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD). It is very common in all species of cats, and in both males and females alike. Just as in dogs, crystals can precipitate out of the urine and become small aggregates, called calculi. Usually there is an associated infection of the bladder known as a cystitis. Many theories have been postulated through the years as to the cause. They include genetics (hereditary predisposition), stress, change in environment, viruses, obesity and diet. Diet and genetics seem to be most popular as sometimes just a change in the diet is all that is necessary to eliminate the precipitates. In males, the risk of a complete blockage is a very real and serious complication. It is a true emergency, regardless ot the time of day or night, as a complete blockage can become fatal. The common term is “blocked cat”. In females, most of the time, the small calculi can be passed to the outside through the very short and wide urethra. Males have just the reverse: their urethra is long and narrow and becomes tiny at the tip of the penis. Today, the number of surgeries that are performed to eliminate these obstructions have been reduced by over 50%. This is all because of client education, client compliance with their veterinarian, and most importantly the changes in the formulation of cat foods. However, an early diagnosis which requires a physical examination, urinalysis, and often a radiograph can save a lot of discomfort for the cat, and anxiety for the cat owner. The early symptoms of this disease is frequent urination and urinary accidents. But this can progress into straining to urinate, crying while urinating, blood in the urine, and attempting to urinate without success. Do not wait if this occurs regardless of sex. A complete blockage can occur in either sex, but usually occurs in males. Treatment includes general anesthesia, catheterization, iv fluids, antibiotics, antispasmodics, and pain medications. If the blockage is eliminated, no further surgical procedures are necessary. Regardless, an early diagnosis saves lives and eliminates the need for surgery. Once the diagnosis is made, treatment &/or surgery performed, special food is prescribed. Over 85%of these crystals are Struvite (magnesium ammonium phosphate) and special cat foods are used to dissolve these small crystals for 1-3 months. A different diet is prescribed for the rest of the cats life, to prevent crystal production. Occasionally, even with dietary change, reoccurring obstructions plague some cats and a major surgical procedure known as a perineal urethrostomy must be performed. This procedure actually changes the anatomy of a male into a female. For more articles, go to my website at: www.locustvalleyvet.com

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Anaplasmosis–In Locust Valley & Glen Cove

locustvalleyvet — Thu, 07 Oct 2010 14:40:06 +0000

As of this writing, April 10, 2010, we had 4 positive cases of Anaplasmosis diagnosed by my office, two dogs from Glen Cove and two from Locust Valley. This disease is transmitted by ticks, but it is caused by a bacterium carried by those ticks. In nature, the white-footed mouse is the primary reservoir. The same ticks that carry Lyme disease can, and do, carry this bacterium. Some dogs get both diseases at the same time which can be devastating for the dog and dangerous. Humans can get this disease also from the same ticks, but it is not communicable from dog to human or vice versa. In dogs, the symptoms vary and depend on the length of time from the tick bite. These symptoms may include: high fever, depression, lack of appetite, lameness, swollen joint(s), vomiting and diarrhea, neck pain, loss of balance, and even seizures. Sometimes nose bleeds, blood in the urine and skin bruising become apparent. Two of the four cases had symptoms of lameness and a swollen joint and the other two were found during a routine heartworm/lyme screening. The disease mimics Lyme disease and can only be diagnosed by means of a simple blood test. Most veterinarians use a test that screen these tick diseases and also Heartworm disease. This is very early in the year to see these tick diseases so I felt impelled to let my readers know. We had many cases of Lyme disease diagnosed at my office last year, but these are the first Anaplasmosis cases. If caught early enough it is successfully treated with a month supply of a specific antibiotic. Those dogs with dual infections are treated longer and some may even need a blood transfusion. These diseases are preventable. Have your veterinarian do a blood screening and if ok apply monthly tick/flea preparations to the skin (not the hair), avoid high grass and wooded areas where ticks live. Also give 1x a month prevention heartworm/intestinal parasite pills.

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Bladder Stones (Urolithiasis) Part 2

locustvalleyvet — Thu, 07 Oct 2010 14:26:02 +0000

Last week I discussed what these stones are and how common they are found in dogs and cats. Bladder stones are formed by minerals, which first precipitate out in the urine as separate microscopic crystals. The most useful diagnostic test used is the urinalysis. Many times these crystals show up in the microscopic analysis of urine and an early diagnosis of the potential of calculi development is determined. The most common type of stone is struvite. These stones are made up of magnesium ammonium phosphate. Other stones are made up of calcium oxalate, calcium phosphate, cystine, ammonium urate, etc. Some stones are a composite of more than one type. This reinforces the importance of a urinalysis, because the treatment varies with the chemical makeup of the crystals. Also, it is very important to determine if an infection is present, as well as the urine pH (level of acidity). Radiographs must be taken to determine the presence of the larger aggregates of minerals called calculi, and their size and location. In males, the size and location of these stones will indicate the risk of obstruction, while in females the small stones in the bladder or urethra can actually pass through the urethra to the outside. One the diagnosis is made, the size and location determined, a decision is made to try or not to try to reduce the size of the stone by means of diet and medication. Sometimes medical therapy is used in conjunction with surgery to treat the patient and eliminate the problem. In males the obstruction potential always looms, so usually surgery is the best choice. The usual associated infection is treated, as well as the correction of pH. The surgical procedure is known as a cytology (my favorite operation). If all the stones are located in the bladder only, and none lodged in the urethra further down the urinary tract, the procedure is very successful, with a quick recovery When the urethra is involved, although the procedure is also very successful, it is more involved, and recovery is longer. Once the immediate problem is resolved, whether by surgery or medical management, the prevention now is the key. We now know that this pet has the genetic capacity of stone production. The type of stone determines which food is recommended to prevent future stones from developing. For instance, struvite producing dogs require a completely different type of food than urate producing dogs. Keeping your pet on the special food is an absolute must. Otherwise, stones will reoccur and surgery has to be repeated. Frequent urine microscopic analysis is very important to determine if any crystals are beginning to form again. Next week my article will be Urolithiasis in Cats. To view more articles, go to my website at www.locustvalleyvet.com

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Bladder Stones (Urolithiasis) Part 1

locustvalleyvet — Wed, 29 Sep 2010 19:08:46 +0000

This is a condition frequently seen in dogs and cats and in both males and females. Stones can develop anywhere in the urinary tract: the ureters ( 2 small tubes that carry urine from the kidneys to the bladder), the bladder which stores the urine, and the urethra which takes the urine from the bladder to outside the body. Over 85% of the times, stones develop in the bladder. (Very rarely do stones develop in the kidney in dogs and cats, called renal calculi. Humans get renal calculi and not bladder stones.) In dogs and cats, certain minerals can precipitate out of the urine and become a sandy particle, more can develop and when they cling to each other a calculus (urolith, stone) develops. They can become 3-4” in diameter and can take up to 99% of a bladder. The largest one I every removed was the size of a goose egg and it took up the majority of the bladder. It was in a female standard poodle. Most stones develop as the result of a bladder infection known as cystitis. Diet is involved as the diet influences the ph (level of acidity) and the mineral content of the urine. Water is involved because if the urine is very concentrated from lack of water consumption, more precipitates occur. And the breed is involved because certain breeds are predisposed to calculi development. These breeds include: Schnauzers, Lhasas, Yorkies, Bichons, Shihtsus, and mini Poodles. In male dogs and cats, the urethra is long and narrows at the penis where stones can get stuck and cause a complete obstruction. This obstruction must be relieved, urine must flow, or else it can become fatal. The stones can get stuck near the neck of the bladder, or by the prostate as it narrows going through, midway down the urethra where it curves, or just behind the penis, (dogs have a bone in the penis known as the os penis, and the urethra is very small there). Early signs of bladder stones are the same as cystitis: frequent urination of small quantities, blood in the urine, urinary accidents, and apparent straining to urinate. The worse sign is attempting to urine but nothing comes out. Occasionally the bladder stones can be felt with gentle palpation of the lower abdomen, and often a urinalysis shows crystals in the urine which are the precursors of calculi, but usually x-rays are taken to confirm the diagnosis. If crystals show up in the urinalysis, and even if very small calculi are present, surgery is sometimes avoided by just changing the diet, especially in females. Small stones in males are the most dangerous ones because of the obstruction possibility.

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Pet Nutrition: Part 2 Update

locustvalleyvet — Fri, 24 Sep 2010 18:22:46 +0000

It is generally believed that dry pet food rather than canned is better for your pet for several reasons: teeth stay stronger and gums stay healthy because they have to break up the food with their teeth. Usually the dry food is eaten more slowly and mixes better with saliva, so the digestive tract functions more efficiently. Some canned foods are up to 75% moisture (water), which is much less expensive from the tap. Also, dry food is more stable during temperature changes which may occur during shipping from the manufacturer to the store and then to your home. Making a meal from your food is just fine, if the balance of all the essential ingredients are correct, but again it is usually soft. Adding table food to just “flavor” a commercially prepared food is okay, but too much table food again creates an imbalance in the diet which defeats the purpose of feeding a nutritionally completely balanced meal. When changing the diet, always do it slowly. Introduce something new gradually, over a period of 5-7 days, so that the digestive tract adjusts to the change. Dogs and cats have very simple digestive tracts, and they will have much less gastro-intestinal upsets if fed the same food consistently every day. Do not feed your dog bones of any kind, including steak bones as they break off pieces with sharp edges. I have had to operate many times to remove pieces of bones from a dog’s intestine. Cats should not be fed fish with bones because they can perforate the intestines. The amount of food to feed your dog or cat depends on a number of factors; the genetic makeup of your pet and its metabolism, the amount of exercise it receives, the amount of calories being consumed and the quality of the food. The less expensive the pet food, the cheaper the quality of ingredients, the less efficiently it is digested and more waste is produced, and thus the more you have to feed to maintain the proper weight and survive. We all want our pets to thrive, not just survive, and be healthy and happy companions. For more articles, check out my web site at www.locustvalleyvet.com

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