dogs&cats&more

Saddle thrombus, which is more accurately termed aortic thromboembolism, is a serious emergency which sneaks up on cats most often due to underlying heart disease.

Most owners don’t know what happened. Their cat’s back end suddenly doesn’t want to work. They are often dragging their back legs to move, may be open mouth breathing, and crying in pain. Some people confuse it with injury to the back.

What exactly happens is that a clot that has formed at some point dislodges from the place it formed and then lodges itself within a thinner portion of the vessel. Most times, this clot lodges in the far end of the aorta, which is located between the rear legs. Thus, blood supply is cut off to the back legs. They would feel cold on the feet and the paw pads may appear bluish from the lack of oxygen.

This is an extremely serious emergency and there is no home remedy. Even with quick attention, treatment is severe and the outcome not always a good one. Although many cases of saddle thrombus cannot be foreseen, it is always in a cat’s best interest to have a thorough physical exam every year to help early detection of heart disease that could lead to such an extreme situation. However, heart disease often lurks with no outward symptoms until something more severe occurs. Luckily, we do have the medications available today that can help some of these cats when they get medical attention a.s.a.p.

Christine, LVT

Leptospirosis is the disease contracted by contact with wild animal urine.

Lepto occurs all over the country and can be contagious to humans as well, though rare as it requires ingestion of urine (but can be a problem in cases of not washing hands well after cleaning up after one’s own dog or working in the woods/garden).

Lepto is on the rise in its diagnosis, and research at this time isn’t sure whether its increase is due to lack of testing in the past or a true increase. The bacteria is spread through the urine, as stated, which can get into water sources (puddles, streams) and soil. It can also enter open wounds or eyes/mucus membranes in rarer cases. any wild animals can excrete the bacteria and still live for months to years with no symptoms of their own.

It is best to avoid areas of stagnant water and wooded areas with dogs to avoid lepto, and clean feet well upon entering the household after being outdoors in more country-like settings.

Symptoms of lepto are non-specific, meaning just about anything can be seen: lethargy, vomiting, joint pains, inappetance, diarrhea, etc. Often either liver or kidney levels are elevated in the bloodwork and white cells high, indicating infection. Running a test for leptospirosis as a cause is becoming more common.

Obviously, because this bacteria can drastically and quickly affect organs like the liver, kidneys or even brain, catching it early and starting aggressive antibiotic treatment as well as intense IV fluid therapy as the best bets at beating it. However, many dogs aren’t especially lucky in beating it, and it’s often the organ failure, not the bacteria, that gets the better of them and takes them from us rather quickly.

The time from exposure to lepto to symptoms can be as little as a few days to as long as a month or possibly longer.

Rodents can also carry lepto. There is a vaccine available for those dogs higher at risk to getting it.

Christine, LVT

Constipation may certainly be the start of a larger problem. However, sometimes, in otherwise healthy cats, it’s just a small issue that can be easily solved at home if caught quick enough and while the cat is still eating.

I personally would start treating by adding a small amount of vegetable or mineral oil to the feedings. Just a few drops at first, as you don’t want to overdo it and cause diarrhea. You can always increase the amount a bit. The oil will lubricate the intestinal lining and push the contents along the tract more quickly than normal.

Once regulated, stop the oil, but you may want to add a higher fiber to the diet, like regular canned pumpkin or cottage cheese when starting to see firmer stools, or you can even compare what you are feeding now with higher fiber diets sold in the store (fiber content listed on packages).

If the problem becomes chronic regardless, there could be an underlying medical reason on why the intestines are not absorbing appropriate amounts of water, and then a vet visit with some blood work may be in order. If you ever see increased urinating along with constipation, that would be a key sign that your cat is getting dehydrated and needs vet assistance. Vomiting/ regurgitating with constipation is an emergency symptom.

Christine, LVT

Chicken bones, like pork bones as you know, can be dangerous if they splinter internally. You want to first feed something which can help pad this problem, hoping that the bones can pass without puncturing anything internally. I would give a couple of pieces of bread for this, perhaps with a small amount of mineral or vegetable oil as well (not a lot to cause diarrhea, just enough to smooth the way down for the bread and bones, getting it out quicker).

Then, keep your eye on your dog the next few days for any signs that there is a problem.

Tiny drops of bright red blood in the feces may be noticed and this would not be unexpected. However, large amounts of blood, bleeding even when not defecating, dark colored blood, vomiting, not eating, regurgitating, lethargy and/or a bloated appearance are all signs that your vet should see your dog quickly in order to get these bones out.

 Christine, LVT

Cats do not have very regular heat cycles like a dog. Instead, they remain in heat for anywhere from 14-21 days, and this repeats again every 2-3 weeks. Often, it seems like a cat in just continually in and out of heat throughout the year, usually taking a “break” in winter months when the amount of daylight is less.

Cats are induced ovulaters which means they don’t ovulate until they are stimulated. Therefore, don’t think you can possibly judge when it’s “ok” to let your cat out and not get pregnant. Just expect that if your cat isn’t spayed and you let her outside, she’s likely to get pregnant.

Cats whom are not spayed are at higher risk for infections, cancers, and running off, getting lost. Unneutered male cats in the neighborhood are also then more likely to ‘hang out’ at your house, spraying nearby with an extremely strong foul urine odor, and more likely to fight if you also have a male cat around.

Christine, LVT

It’s no secret now that grapes and raisins can cause some dangerous reactions in dogs. Some dogs can even go into acute renal failure after ingestion. What is scary is that after all the research being done into this, the mechanism within the grapes/raisins causing this is still unknown. It is also unknown whether other species besides dogs are affected.

Since there’s still so much to be learned on what exactly is causing this, therefore every grape or raisin ingestion should be considered potentially dangerous and veterinary attention should be sought. The first sign is likely to be vomiting, and most often that is when owners notice their dog had been eating this, as they will come up in the vomit. This usually occurs within 2 hours of eating it, and signs of kidney failure can develop with 24 hrs to several days afterwards. This may be noticed by increased thirst, increased urination, no urination, and/or neurological signs.

IV fluid therapy given after activated charcoal to absorb the toxic substance can help prevent renal failure from starting if done early enough. Supportive care and monitoring are especially important in these cases. Generally, if kidney values on blood-work appear normal after 72 hours, chances are good it was avoided. A life threatening toxicity can be avoided by quick detection and proper care.

 Not every dog reacts to grapes and raisins similarly. It is likely that in high amounts, all dogs will have a problem, but some dogs are sensitive enough to go into kidney failure after just 0.3 ounces per pound, while others can have much more and not be phased at all. The safest thing to do here? Avoid giving it intentionally, no doubt; and be careful with what is in your dog’s reach- both inside and out.

Christine, LVT

Many people confuse the word bloat with the condition known as gastric dilatation volvulus (GDV). Bloat is when the stomach gets filled, usually with food or gas (or both), and you can eventually notice it outwardly…think of a ballooned out abdomen 

Sometimes dogs, especially puppies, are “bloated” from a belly full of ‘worms’ as well, so deworming is a good idea in any pup.

GDV, however, starts as bloat, and in some dogs, most commonly big, deep-chested dogs who are either too active after eating or eat too fast or from non-elevated bowls, can have their stomach twist after being filled up, cutting off the chances of the stomach emptying either by vomiting or defecating. This is lethal if not treated immediately and needs to be surgically treated. The surgeon will have to open the abdomen, untwist the stomach and will often then staple to stomach to the body wall to help prevent the recurrence in the future; dogs who get GDV once are more prone to have it again if this isn’t done.

It’s a good idea to learn about GDV when you own a large breed dog, especially the deep chested dogs. I most often see the following with this problem: Great Danes, Akitas, Boxers, Shepherds, Mastiffs. Even though it is more common in the largest of breeds other dogs can and do get GDV as well. It’s important to not overfill bellies even in smaller dogs. And even bloat without the twisting can cause illness, many times requiring us to extract the contents in order to make them feel better. Here’s a link to read more about it:

http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=2&cat=1571&articleid=402

Even this article refers to GDV as ‘bloat’ which technically is incorrect. It is GDV after bloat.

Dogs who chronically bloat, without twisting, from gas can often improve significantly with a diet change. Some diets are more gas producing than others, and the problem should be discussed with your vet.

Christine, LVT

Euthanasia is obviously a touchy, emotional topic. Some people don’t believe in it. Others just can’t bring themselves to make that decision. And yet others just need that helping hand to get them through it.

As a vet tech, obviously I am exposed to it much more often than the average pet owner. I not only deal with it in my own pets when it is time, but working in an extremely large hospital, am faced with it in others’ pets quite often. Because it is seen often, and because I truly believe euthanasia is a humane, loving way to end our pets’ suffering, I indeed do not suffer the same shock as some owners do. Yet, that doesn’t ever make it ‘easy’ for me or any other staff member.

Each one hurts us, too. In fact, veterinarians and technicians alike tend to suffer more burn out in this field than in most jobs. It’s an emotional field to work in. It is not exactly professional for us to break down crying for each pet, and we try to keep in our minds that this is the right thing, but we see the owner’s suffering, we see the bond- whether it’s your first and last visit in one, whether this was something unexpected when you pulled in, or whether you made this appointment last week. We can see it in your face, hear it in your voice- we know how it feels because we love our pets so dearly and know how strong your bond is with your loved pet- each and every single euthanasia is a heartbreak for us, and we feel your pains.

I rarely have the right words. “I’m sorry” is all I can usually come out with, but I always hope that animal’s owner knows that they are not alone and that we understand. When you tell us it is the right thing to do, it IS the right thing to do. You know your pet better than anyone. And for that, we respect your decisions and feel for you and your pet.

When we send out sympathy cards, I again often say the same thing. I will remark on one aspect of that animal that touched me and made an impact in my life, as every single patient has, and will say that “I hope your sadness soon turns to happy memories spent with your loved one”. And even though I write it to each one,  truly mean it. To me, that is when suffering ends, we can enjoy the fact we loved that pet and made their life special, and we can smile thinking of something loving, funny, or enjoyable we did with them. I deeply hope that time comes from each pet loss as soon as possible.

Euthanasia isn’t easy on anyone involved. Don’t ever think we aren’t there for you…. we are.

Christine, LVT

AVERAGE VITAL SIGNS:

DOG (adult):

Heart rate: 70 - 160 (dependent on breed, smaller dogs usually higher end, larger- lower end)

Resting respiratory rate: 16-40

Body temperature: 99.5 - 102.5

CAT:

Heart rate: 130-200

Resting respiratory rate: 20-40

Body temperature: 100.0 - 102.5

FERRET:

Heart rate: 200-350

Resting respiratory rate: 30-40

Body temperature: 100.0 - 103.5

HORSE:

Heart rate: 25-45

Resting respiratory rate: 8-16

Body temperature: 99.5- 101.4

HAMSTER:

Heart rate: 310-480

Resting respiratory rate: 40-110

Body temperature: about 102

RABBIT:

Heart rate: 150-300

Resting respiratory rate: 30-60

Body temperature: 101-103

RAT:

Heart rate: 300-500

Resting respiratory rate: 70-140

Body temperature: 99.5-101.5

GUINEA PIG:

Heart rate: 240-310

Resting respiratory rate: 50-130

Body temperature: about 103

SUGAR GLIDER:

Heart rate: 200-300

Resting respiratory rate: 16-40

Body temperature: 96.5-98.0

The clear outer capsule of the front of the eye is termed the cornea. Instead of having blood vessels, it sits in a nourishing protective fluid of tears.

The cornea is subject to scratches, abrasions and ulcerations. The most common cause of ulcerations is a lack of protective tears, but can also be caused by bacterial and fungal infections. Older dogs, persian cats, and adult cats that have the herpes virus are all prone to corneal ulcers. Left untreated, serious complications can occur which destroy vision.

Ulcers can be shallow or deep. Once the cornea has been torn, it becomes irritated and painful, causing tearing and squinting. They also itch. In response, animals will try to rub their eye, worsening the condition. Once a lot of the cornea has eroded away, a bulge will form (called a descemetocele). Once this bulge bursts, the anterior portion of the eye will collapse, contents spill out and the eye is destroyed.

Superficial ulcers can heal in a few days with proper treatment, while deep ones may take weeks of fairly intense treatments. They may also leave a scar. When there are underlying issues for the ulcer, some refuse to heal or come right back after healing.

Your vet can stain the eye to detect the depth of an ulcer. There is also a tear test that should be done to determine if an adequate amount of tears are in the eye, as a lack of tear flow is a cause of ulcers. You’ll probably notice this condition is much more frequent in pets with genetically bulging eyes, like boston terriers, boxers, pugs, lhasas, chihuahuas, persians, himalayans, etc. These breeds and others as well can also have misplaced eyelashes due to the bulge, thus scratching at the cornea continually, causing this issue.

Any time there is a problem with the eye it is recommended to see a vet quickly. Problems with the cornea can heal quicker and cause less pain, and complications with scarring and vision can thus be avoided.

Christine, LVT

Kidney problems are a major finding in older pets, and in some younger pets, too, especially since the increase in tick borne illnesses. 

There are 2 main readings we look at with bloodwork that tell us about kidney functioning. They are: BUN (blood urea nitrogen) and Creatinine.

Urea should be excreted by the kidneys. In an aged kidney where cells are starting to die or shrivel, the kidney may not excrete all of this urea as it should but some may remain for a short time longer than necessary in the blood stream. Thus, on bloodwork, the blood levels of urea (BUN) can be slightly (and only slightly) increased. Not a big deal. Also, urea is made by the liver (thus low BUN in liver disease) but in an animal who eats a high protein diet (like your dog on his raw diet), more urea than typical is made by the liver, and the kidney, in order to not overwork itself and put undo pressure on itself, will still excrete the same amount or only slightly higher levels of urea at a time, thus BUN can be increased for this reason as well. Especially if your vet does not tell you to fast your dog from eating for 8-12 hours before bloodwork, this number, unless extremely elevated, is not a significant finding alone (unless accompanied by a high creatinine).

Creatinine is a much better stand alone test to evaluate kidney functioning. That is because a high creatinine level points to a kidney issue, and a kidney issue only. Creatinine is excreted by the kidney is a normal healthy kidney and should not be in excess in the blood. If it is, especially as it continues to rise in levels, it will cause internal toxicity and neurological symptoms. The kidneys try to fight this problem by flushing themselves (making a dog very thirsty and urinating extreme amounts) when this occurs.  This is often the first symptom noticed: the excessive urination and thirst!

A kidney on ultrasound in an older dog can look slightly smaller, and this is normal. Kidney cells can die off after time, but do know it takes about 75% of kidney cells to diet before kidney failure symptoms are seen. And luckily, dogs can live just fine after treatment even in these cases. When kidney symptoms do appear, of course, a low protein/ low phosphorus diet is highly recommended.

Christine, LVT

When most people hear about toxoplasmosis and cats, they think of the fear in pregnant women and those with weakened immune systems (HIV or chemo patients, for instance). The truth is, blood studies have been unsuccessful in showing that the household cat can transmit infections to humans at all.

Toxoplasmosis (“Toxo”) is much more commonly acquired eating raw/ undercooked meat, drinking contaminated water, and by gardening in contaminated soil. About half of The U.S. population has positive antibody titers for toxo, therefore their newborns are immune to it. It is in the off chance a pregnant woman gets first infected with it during pregnancy that the infection can spread to the baby, causing a problem. It is much more likely for toxo to pass to the fetus during the third trimester, and this is when it is rare to cause an issue. It would need to be: mother infected when first gets pregnant and transmitted to fetus in first trimester to cause serious birth defects.

If you were TRYING to get toxo from your cat, it would be difficult. It takes 1 to 5 days of exposure to air and correct temperatures before what is spread in the cat feces would be infectious to us. Furthermore, cats only pass this in their feces once in their lives- just after they themselves are exposed to toxo for the first time ever. So…. You somehow know your cat is first exposed and contracts toxo, you leave the litter box untouched almost a week, then you handle the feces and put your hands in your mouth while in your first trimester. Yeah, not likely.

Again, if pregnant, just use common sense. Do not believe those old school doctors that tell you get rid of your cat or ignore it during pregnancy. In fact, that’s a good way of developing behavior problems in your cat when what you want to do during this time is let your cat know she isn’t being replaced. Instead, common sense prevails, use good hygiene tactics and if you’re not cleaning the box out as often as you should, wear gloves while doing so. Not really necessary but better advice than dumping the cat!

Christine, LVT

Bad breath can really be a problem in some animals. It is more than just your typical ‘puppy breath’ or kitty smell. I’m talking about a foul odor coming from your pet’s mouth.

Of course, they sell lots of products on the market for bad breath: toothpaste, mints, supplements to the food and water. In my opinion, none of these work very well. Toothpaste and a regular brushing schedule with your pet can certainly help in preventing a build up of oral bacteria which is a major reason for this odor, but once you smell halitosis, chances are, there is underlying disease.

This doesn’t necessarily mean something not treatable. In fact, having a yearly physical exam should include an oral check and your vet should work with you in letting you know when plaque is starting to form or if brushing is recommended (strongly in certain breeds, like poodles for instance). Gingivitis is an inflammation of the gums and if you see yourself that the gums are looking redder and inflamed, it’s generally at this point we know dental disease is present and a dental cleaning may be in order. In animals not healthy otherwise to undergo a dental cleaning, we can also try a pulse therapy antibiotic regimen, which will not cure the problem but can help prevent further problems and keep the bacteria build up at a lower level. Bacteria in the oral cavity can lead to heart disease.

Other problems that can cause the odor include abscessed teeth, ulcerations, masses, and hair stuck in the mouth. All of these trap bacteria. Lung disease, stomach corrosions, and severe kidney disease as well can lead to some pretty foul breath.

So as with any other ‘changes’ noted in your pet, bad breath shouldn’t just be overlooked.

Anytime your pet has an itchy rash, this should definitely be checked by a vet to make sure it is not fungal related and something contagious, but it can often also be an inflammatory problem with itching and blisters. Until you can get to a vet, you can use any anti-itch ointment which contains hydrocortisone, which can be found at any pharmacy and many grocery stores. Just read the labels to see which contains this, as that could help with the inflammation and itch. You could also orally give benadryl at a dose of 1 mg per pound of body weight if the itching is severe to dogs who are healthy otherwise and not on other medications concurrently (without asking your vet first), but do know this could cause drowsiness which lessens the licking/scratching, not necessarily helping the itch.

Make sure any pet with a rash avoids lying in wet grass or other damp areas which could cause further spread of this problem. If they have a crate or bedding, check these as well for dampness, and change bedding frequently to something clean that hasn’t touched this area to help prevent spread. Younger animals and older ones with weakened immune systems can have more severe, more contagious rashes usually, and may be due to mites, mange, fleas, as well as fungal infections. Scratching at them can cause secondary bacterial infections. It is always best to have these looked at by a vet and have a skin scraping, thorough skin check and possible culture run to treat it best.

Christine, LVT

If your dog gets ahold of a peach and eats it, this is very serious. The kernel within the pit of a peach is poisonous to dogs. It basically contains a cyanide component.

Your safest bet is to get to a vet a.s.a.p. If you live further than 1/2 hour away from an open ER vet (or any vet open at the time), then you want to induce vomiting in your dog with hydrogen peroxide immediately. Calling the emergency clinic first will give you the correct info on doing this safely and properly. You can make him swallow the ‘prescribed’ amount of peroxide, then jiggle his belly about and keep him active and he should vomit within 15 minutes. Whether he vomits or not, you need to get him to an open ER vet at that point for activated charcoal treatment to absorb any remaining poison and they may also have a antidote, as well as give supportive care if symptoms arise. Your vet can also induce vomiting if you live not so far away or if the peroxide isn’t helping.

Starting symptoms of peach pit toxicity include vomiting, abdominal pain, lethargy, lack of oxygen circulating in the blood, seizures, muscle weakness, incontinence, coma and death.

Don’t underestimate the seriousness of peach pit ingestion and if you call your vet and they are closed, there often is an answering machine message stating where the closest ER is in an emergency. If not, the yellow pages is your best bet. Once this can be treated, your vet will also need to make sure your dog can pass the pit. Many times, the pit needs to be removed surgically. It is safest to keep peaches away from your dog’s reach.

Christine, LVT