During the spring we are all opening our doors and windows to the outside world again. Unfortunately,  it is also a time when a high number of pet runaways occur. But, do not worry, there is an easy and simple solution! Ask today about having your veterinarian at Community Pet Hospital administer a microchip.

What A Microchip is

A microchip is an identifying circuit about the size of a grain of rice that uses passive radio signals. The chip is powered when scanned, otherwise it has no power source of its own. The scanner picks up on a unique signal to the chip, and that code is registered to the owner and includes: the name, address and contact information.

The Microchip Scanner above gives the code that the microchip is registered to. This keeps your information anonymous, but connects you with your pet.

A Microchip is about the size of a grain of rice.

The ease of a microchip is as simple as a routine vaccination. It is administered by a veterinarian using a 12mm syringe and does not require anesthesia.

Why Microchips are important

When your pet runs away or becomes lost, you probably have information available on their collar. Licensing and nametags have become fairly standard. But these are not without their problems.  Collars can quickly get tangled and fall off, especially if the dog or cat is outside. A more permenant solution can be through microchiping. According to the American Humane only about “17% of lost dogs and 2% of cats ever find their way back from shelters to their original owners. Nearly 9.6 million pets are euthanized every year because their owners can’t be found.” When a pet is found and brought into a shelter or veterinarian, they are able to scan the microchip and locate the owner through the registered information. This is extremely valuable to shelters and veterinarians alike.

Below is a video showing a veterinarian administering a microchip:

Things to remember:

Microchip information should be updated regularly when the contact information changes

Licensing and collars are still valuable and should be kept current

Prevention of missing pets is key, keep a close eye on your dogs and cats!

Visit http://public.homeagain.com/ for more information on HomeAgain Microchips

photo credit: JensAar via photopin cc

Other photos by Community Pet Hospital

We are beginning to see the sun once again at Community Pet Hospital, and with it come a host of things that owners should be prepared for. The sun, the flowers, the bugs, all can have a strange impact on our pets. If you suspect your pet has consumed or beenin contact with one of the subjects listed, below contact your veterinarian at Community Pet Hospital or speak with Poison Control.

Spring Safety Tip #1 Flowers

Some flowers cause allergic reactions or are a toxin in general. Be sure to store bulbs in a pet free area, as in some cases the bulbs are more toxic than the flowers themselves. These flowers include: Daffodils, Lillies, Crocuses, and Lily of the Valley.

Symptoms to look for:

Gastrointestinal upset     Vomiting     Diarrhea     Breathing Difficulties     Cardiac Arrhythmia    Drooling

Spring Safety Tip #2 Fertilizers

Fertilizer comes out from the shed to brighten our yard, but ingesting fertilizer can be extremely detrimental to your pet’s health.

-Blood meal can cause diarrhea, vomiting and pancreatitis. It is typically fortified with nitrogen, but can also contain high amounts of iron which can lead to iron poisoning.

-Bone meal is easily consumed by pets, but because it is ground up bone it turns to a cement like ball in the stomach.

-Rose and Plant Fertilizers and Pesticides can contain organophosphates which in small doses cause salivation, lacrimation, urination, defecation, seizures, difficulty breathing and hyperthermia.

Spring Safety Tip #3 Allergies

Dogs and cats can get environmental allergies just like people!

Dogs and cats can suffer from the same environmental allergies that people can. With pollen, dust, and mold spores you may see your pet sniffling and sneezing this spring. Be sure to call your veterinarian if this is persistant or if discharge from the eyes or nose is off color instead of clear.

Poison Control 1-800-213-6680 a fee may be applied for questions. http://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/

 
photo credit: TexasEagle via photopin cc
photo credit: cafemama via photopin cc
 

Bordetella is a genus of small, Gram-negative coccobacilli of the phylum Proteobacteria.

Bordetella is a common name for a variety of strains of viral and bacterial infections that cause inflammation of the windpipe or trachea. It is an important infection to discuss as it is highly contagious between unprotected dogs. It is spread through airbourne droplets during respirations and dogs in close contact. Vaccines are available to help prevent Bordetella and is one of the first vaccination offered. Puppies tend to be at a high risk for infection as they are around many other dogs and puppies in socialization and they are unprotected.

At Community Pet Hospital we offer our Vaccine Value Day every Tuesday to help accomodate your vaccine needs. Call today and ask about our prices and what we can do to protect your pet!

Dog Parks, or areas where your dog encounters others and socializes are higher areas of risk for Bordetella.

Areas of higher risk for Bordetella:

-Dog Parks     -Boarding Facillities   

-Dog Daycare    - Kennels    

-Groomers    -Other  Socialization Meetings

Symptoms of Bordetella “Kennel Cough”:

-Harsh dry “honking” cough

-Persistant sneezing, gagging

-Vomiting (sometimes following coughing)

-Fever in rare occasions

Now that it is spring, summer is looming around the corner. Our pets can sometimes be the best indicator of warm weather to come, since around this time the shedding begins! There are many factors that influence a dog or cat’s shedding pattern. Most often, our pets will shed in the fall and spring to prepare for cold and warm weather. Other dogs can shed all year round. Unfortunately, all shedding types can pose a threat to the cleanliness of your home. While there is no way to cease shedding (unless the pet is hairless or shaved) there are many ways to curb the severity of shedding.

Causes of Excessive Shedding or Bald Patches:

• Parasites (fleas, lice or mites)
• Fungal or bacterial infections
• Inhalant or food-related allergies
• Kidney, liver, thyroid or adrenal disease (including Cushing’s)
• Pregnancy or lactation
• Certain medications
• Self-induced trauma due to licking
• Cancer
• Immune disease
• Sunburn
• Contact with irritating or caustic substances

Ways to Decrease Shedding

-Talk with your veterinarian at Community Pet Hospital about Nutrition.

•      A highly nutritious diet decreases shedding
•      Omega 3 Fatty Acids, Vitamins and supplements can decrease shedding

Brushing helps remove accumulated or loose hair, so that it doesn’t end up on furniture.

-Brushing more often can decrease shedding, even brushing as much as once daily or every other day.

• Use the correct brush for the right job, slicker brushes are for different uses than rake brushes.

-Address skin dryness, redness, or abnormal skin with you veterinarian at Community Pet Hospital.

• As shown above, many factors medically can change your dog’s skin and coat.
• Contact your vet if any of these symptoms last for longer than a week:
• • Skin irritation, including redness, bumps, rashes or scabs
  • Open sores of any kind
  • Bald spots or thinning of coat
  • Dull, dry hair that pulls out easily
  • Scratching
  • Constant foot licking or face rubbing

The Thyroid is located in the neck of the dog, it sits around the trachea. It releases Thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) into the bloodstream which maintain metabolism and assist in many of the cell and organ functions.

Written by Jessica

A endocrine disorder that is more likely to affect your canine companion is hypothyroidism, and as previously explained in the last article, hypothyroidism is a deficiency in thyroid hormone production and this causes a general slowing down of all metabolic functions. The disease occurs most often in middle-aged dogs of medium and large breeds. It is also common to see hair loss that involves the front of the neck down to the chest, the sides of the body, the backs of the thighs, and the top of the tail. The hair is excessively dry and brittle, and falls out easily. The exposed skin is dry, thick, puffy, and darkly pigmented.

Symptoms of Hypothyroidism

Hypothyroidism has a wide variety of symptoms and can only be thoroughly diagnosed with blood testing and an exam at Community Pet Hospital. One particularly well-done survey of 162 confirmed hypothyroid dogs showed the following common findings:

• 88% had some kind of skin abnormality
• 40% had hair loss (often this starts on the tail leading to a rat tail appearance or a bald area around the collar.)
• 22% had skin infection (often dogs are scaly and smelly due to an excessively oily coat.)
• 14% had brittle or dry coats (often the outer hairs break off leaving a short, softer under coat, classically described as a puppy-like coat.)
• 49% were obese
• 48% were described as lethargic or listless at home
• 36% were anemic (had a reduced number of red blood cells due to slowed red blood cell production in the bone marrow.) Elevated blood cholesterol levels are also considered a common finding of hypothyroidism.

A German Shepherd shown (on the left) with clinical signs of hypothyroidism before treatment. Notice the loss of hair, the dry, scaly skin, and increase of weight compared to the (right picture) after treatment.

Part of a thyroid snap test from Idexx. A little blood and solution is placed in this well and the results are read. Other tests are also available.

Diagnosing Hypothyroidism

A sample of blood is required for diagnosing hypothyroidism, and this is often done in more panels to make sure other body functions are normal. Multiple tests may be necessary to get the correct dosage of medication for the pet's needs. Lifetime medication is typical for hypothyroidism.

Below is a video summarizing common symptoms, diagnostics, and treatment.

Hyperthyroidism is a common condition in cats and tends to affect elderly cats over the age of 13 years. When symptoms of hyperthyroidism are noted, it is important to visit your veterinarian at Community Pet Hospital to determine further care and treatment. If left untreated or not managed, the effects of hyperthyroidism can lead to an increase in the thickness of the left ventricle of the heart leading to heart disease which can also increase fluid levels in and around the lungs. With proper treatment  many problems including heart issues can rectify, so time is of the essence.

The Thyroid

The Thyroid is located in the neck of the cat, it sits around the trachea. It plays a vital role in the body in that, when stimulated by Thyroid Stimulating Hormone, it releases Thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) into the bloodstream. These hormones maintain metabolism and assist in many of the cell and organ functions. When the body does not produce enough Thyroid hormone this is called hypothyroidism, when it produces an excess of Thyroid hormone it is called hyperthyroidism. Hyperthyroidism results in increased metabolic activity, the body’s cells and organs go into “overdrive” which leads to the symptoms noted below.

Signs of hyperthyroidism can include:    

Hyperthyroidism can present with symptoms of weight loss, decreased energy and poor hair coat as shown in this cat.

• Weight loss
• increased appetite
• increased activity and restlessness
• aggressive or “cranky” behavior
• a poor hair coat, a fast heart rate
• increased water drinking
• increased urination
• periodic vomiting
• increased amount of stool or diarrhea
• occasionally difficulty breathing
• occasionally weakness
• occasionally depression

Diagnosing Hyperthyroidism

The above symptoms would be discussed with your veterinarian. If hyperthyroidism is suspected the veterinarian will palpate (feel) the region of the thyroid to see if there is swelling present (this could be from a mass or the gland itself), and blood will be tested for the presence of thyroid hormone. If an overabundance of thyroid hormone is seen hyperthyroidism could be the diagnosis. The veterinarian will then discuss the plan for treatment, this can involve lifetime anti-thyroid medication to normalize thyroid levels, surgery to remove the mass (if present), or specialty treatments. Multiple blood work panels may be necessary over a period of time to determine the correct does of medication or to check that the dose is accurate.

Visit Community Pet Hospital for regular senior check-ups to assure proper care for your pet’s senior needs.

A veterinarian will palpate (feel) the area of the thyroid to note any swelling, which can indicate a mass, or an increase in size.

A small amount of blood is tested for the presence of thyroid hormone.

Above is a video that discusses Hyperthyroidism

Have your pet meet her sitter in advance
Always arrange a meeting with the pet sitter and your animals before you leave town, especially when it’s the first time you’re using this person. This increases the chances that your cat or dog will be comfortable with the pet sitter, and that you can fully discuss your pet’s needs.

Nail down your departure and arrival times with the sitter
If there are any changes while you’re away, call your sitter right away, especially if your trip takes longer than expected or you miss a flight home.

Leave all your phone numbers with the sitter
Do this even if you think your sitter already has them. Leave your home and cell phone numbers, your veterinarian’s number, and the phone number of someone who can fill in for you in case you can’t be reached.

Decide beforehand how you will communicate with the sitter
If you want to call for a moment every day, let the sitter know. Don’t be embarrassed to express your need for reassurance that your dog or cat is doing OK in your absence. With technology today it is possible to send updated photographs or video quickly and easily.

Don’t forget to give your sitter your house key
Also, tell your sitter who else has your key — and their phone numbers — in case the sitter loses the key.

Make sure your pet’s ID information is up-to-date
This includes tags, microchips, etc. This will be infinitely helpful in case your pet gets lost. This is one of the most important aspects of pet care.

Tell your sitter if your pet is not allowed somewhere in the house
This can mean everything from the basement or the kitchen to whether your pet is allowed on the bed or sofa. Dogs and cats can be quite clever at trying to get away with something when their owner isn’t there to scold them.

Write a complete list of everything your pet needs

This includes:
- Food and where it’s kept, and how much and how often your pet is fed.
- Medicines, including where they’re kept and written instructions on how they’re administered
- Your pet’s favorite toys.
- Your dog’s leash, harness and walking routine.
- Tell your sitter if there are any places your dog shouldn’t walk such as any places he may be afraid of or overly aggressive in.
- Whether any other animals are allowed near your pet.

Leave a copy of your pet’s medical records with your sitter
Also leave the name and number of an emergency veterinary hospital you would use if your regular veterinarian is not available.

Leave a signed and dated note giving permission for your sitter to take your pet to your veterinarian in an emergency Discuss beforehand under what circumstances you want to be notified first and what constitutes a real emergency in which your sitter should take your pet off to the vet immediately. And — this is very important — discuss how you will pay for emergency veterinary care. Some animal hospitals won’t treat an animal unless they have a credit card number to bill or receive advance payment.

Tell your sitter your pet’s favorite hiding places in the house
This is especially true with cats. Cats will often hide when an unknown sitter comes for the first few times. Also, cats tend to hide when they’re sick, so it’s important that your sitter be able to find your cat.

CLICK THIS LINK TO ACCESS THE PET-SITTER’S CHECKLIST

Heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) is a life threatening disease spread by mosquito blood transmission. Heartworm disease has not only spread throughout the United States, but it’s also now found in areas where people used to say “Oh, we don’t have heartworm disease.” Areas like Oregon, California, Arizona, and desert areas — where irrigation and building are allowing mosquitoes to survive. And if you have mosquitoes and you have animals, you’re going to have heartworms. It’s just that simple. According to the Veterainary Medical Association 1 in 368 canines tested had heartworm disease diagnosed in Oregon. The number of cases rises depending on what area of the state you reside in. You can look up the prevalence of heartworm on the Parasite Prevalence Map.

It takes about seven months, once a dog is bitten by an infected mosquito, for the larvae to mature into adult heartworms. They then lodge in the heart, lungs, and surrounding blood vessels and begin reproducing. Adult worms can grow up to 12 inches in length, can live 5-7 years, and a dog can have as many as 250 worms in its system.

Symptoms of Heartworm

Symptoms of heartworm are similar to symptoms of Congestive Heart Failure and your pet should be seen by a veterinarian if these symptoms present themselves. These include:

Prevention of Heartworm

The American Heartworm Society recommends year-round heartworm prevention. Here are some options for preventative administered monthly. Ask your veterinarian at Community Pet Hospital for more information.

IVERHART PLUS^® (ivermectin/pyrantel)

Just one IVERHART PLUS^® (ivermectin/pyrantel) Flavored Chewable given monthly protects your dog from heartworm disease and treats and controls roundworms and hookworms. This flavored chewable is tasty and safe even in puppies as young as 6 weeks.

Trifexis

Trifexis is a chewable tablet used for the prevention and control of fleas as well as a prevention of heartworms and heartworm disease! Trifexis uses the Comfortis flea tablet as a combined tablet for the prevention of fleas, so please see the Comfortis information above. This tablet also treats and controls Intestinal worms in the realm of adult Hookworms, Roundworms and Whipworms. This tablet needs to be given once a month for full coverage.

Now is the season that we start thinking again about fleas infesting our home. For those of us lucky to have not had them migrate in during the Winter, the Spring and Fall can be some of the worst times for flea problems. In Oregon fleas are an all-year-round issue because they thrive on our mild climate. By the time you notice them on your pet, there is a raging battle unseen to the naked eye. No matter where your cat or dog resides there will come a time when fleas will find a way to feed off of them unless they are properly protected year round.

The female flea can live 2 years and lay 500 eggs.

The Flea-Your Pet's Worst Friend

Fleas (Ctenocephalides canis and Ctenocephalides felis felis) are an insect that prefer to feed on hairy mammals like dogs and cats. Once a flea lands on an animal it feeds on it fairly continuously unless another host animal is present. When a flea bites the saliva is what causes the itching and pruritis (red, swollen, inflamed skin).

Oftentimes clients will say to us, "My pet doesn't have fleas, otherwise I would have been bit." This is not necessarily true because fleas prefer hosts with hair they can hide in.

An owner may never be bit even when their pet is covered in fleas.

Fleas have multiple life stages, from egg to larvae to pupae to adult flea. An adult female flea will lay 500 eggs in her lifetime that will hatch in 2-12 days. This can quickly lead to a high concentrated infestation. It can take 400 adult fleas present before an owner will notice them on their pet.

A general rule of thumb is that for every one flea you see there are at least 10-50 fleas that you don't!

By the time a person will notice fleas on their pet, the flea has laid hundreds of eggs in the environment, which hatch and have their own offspring. Every pet is susceptible to fleas once one pet has brought it into the house and every dog, cat and in many cases rodents and rabbits, will need treatment.

Treatment and Control of Fleas

It is best to contact your veterinarian at Community Pet Hospital before starting any flea treatment. Oftentimes we can steer you in the right direction for your needs and for your pets needs, and provide important information about these preventatives. Below you will find some information on the types of products available.

COMFORTIS:

Comfortis is a convenient chewable tablet that

 REVOLUTION:

Revolution is a topical flea prevention and control, as well as a heartworm preventetive. Revolution needs to be applied every month to continue with an overall coverage for fleas and heartworms.

TRIFEXIS:

  Trifexis is a chewable tablet used for the prevention

Activyl and Activyl Plus!

 Activyl is the fist and only monthly spot-on  flea control product made with indoxacarb, an active ingredient with a unique mode of action.  Available *only* through veterinarians.

Activyl Plus for Ticks and Fleas.

For the owners who have problems with ticks in their area. Works much in the same way as the regular Activyl but has an added ingredient of Permethrin which is what takes care of the ticks.

Below is a video on how to detect whether fleas are on your pet:

Come in or contact us at Community Pet Hospital if you have any concerns regarding flea treatments!  Call us to hear about deals we have on flea prevention products today.

It is common at Community Pet Hospital that a cat will come in and will be ill equipped to deal with the new environment of the hospital. They will hide, they will refuse to come out of the carrier, and they may be irritable upon examination. Their owners sometimes inform us that the cat has never been outside, or never ridden in a car. There are some things that our staff can do to try and quell the feline’s fears, but there is also much that can be done at home to acquaint your cat to the veterinarian’s office, the carrier, and the car ride here.

Chose the best type of carrier

Collapsible cat carriers are comfortable, and good for short distances. They are however not approved for airline travel.

Plastic carriers are durable and allow for ventilation, and are easy to clean.

There are many things to consider in choosing a carrier. You will want it to be durable, easy to clean, easy to dismantle, and an appropriate size for the cat and for your travel needs.

A carrier is very important when visiting a veterinary hospital as it allows the cat to feel secure and to easily transport the cat. Having a carrier with an easily removed top can make a world of difference for the cat and the veterinary staff. Without an easily removed top, it can take a lot energy and cause stress to remove a cat and examine it.  Preventing biting, scratching, and all-around discomfort is the key to having a successful visit to the veterinarian.

Choose the best location to train your cat

Find a quiet and secure place to place the carrier, and train the cat to enter the carrier for food and treats. This makes the carrier familiar and safe for the cat. This training is very successful when done gradually.

Make the carrier “cat-friendly”

Feliway helps calm cats from anxiety and stress by mimicking the scent of comfort.

Help your cat learn to ride in the car

Once the cat is comfortable being in a closed carrier they can learn to be in the car. Make sure your cat is secure in the car, you can use the seat-belt or tie the carrier into place. Gradual introduction your cat to longer and longer car rides. This helps them tolerate a transition better.

Help your cat when it is fearful

Go slowly with your cat. These changes can be sudden to cats that have a history of anxiety or have never been outside the home before. Rewards can make a valuable difference, so give treats for good behavior often. Your veterinarian at Community Pet Hospital can help if you are having difficulty as there is the possibility of a medical issue if training does not take. Below is a chart describing body language to make training easier, and to read your cat’s emotions better.

A video from the Catalyst Council: Cats & Carriers: Friends not Foes

This February we at Community Pet Hospital celebrate the continued dental health of our patients by offering 10% off of our anesthetic dental procedures! If you like us on the Community Pet Hospital Facebook  we will take another 2% off!

Many people are curious when scheduling their pet’s dental surgery, what all is involved? The short answer is a lot of the same things that occur in a human dentist appointment with the main difference being that the animal is anesthetized. The long answer is many interlinked steps that ensure healthy teeth. Today, we will go through what occurs at a typical Community Pet Hospital Dental surgery.

Anatomy of the tooth

1. Patients check in between 8:00 am and 8:30 am. Their diet is restricted from the night before to prevent an upset stomach during the anesthetic. A staff member will gather information about the pet’s weight and temperature, go over necessary paperwork and talk about any optional procedures as well. Oftentimes if you have considered getting a microchip placed, this is a good time to elect for one as your pet will be anesthetized will not the feel the chip being placed.

2. The Veterinarian does a preliminary exam to see that the pet is healthy for surgery and answers any questions you may have about the surgery.

3. The Veterinary Technician and Veterinarian examine each teeth once the pet is placed under anesthesia. They look for mobile teeth, fractures, malocclusion (misalignment of teeth), and any sign of periodontal disease. The Veterinarian removes any broken teeth.

4. The Veterinary Technician and Veterinarian probe for pocket depths between gums and remove calculus (hardened dental plaque) using hand instruments, and power scaling equipment.

An Ultrasonic scaler removes plaque and tartar.

6. Polishing smooths out defects and removes plaque that was missed in the previous steps

7. The teeth are irrigated to clear removed plaque and removed and damaged tissues.

8. Fluoride is applied and left on for a short time (4 minutes) to harden enamel.

Scaling done with a hand scaler.

After the surgery, the owner is given take-home directions that inform the owner of the food the pet can eat, and any special instructions for medications, if needed. These directions can vary based on whether the pet had extractions, further surgical procedures, or a routine dental cleaning. It is important to follow the instructions as anesthetic procedures can affect the appetite and energy of the pet.

The pet is able to leave the day of the procedure, with a much cleaner and healthier mouth.

This February we at Community Pet Hospital celebrate the continued dental health of our patients by offering 10% off of our anesthetic dental procedures! If you like us on the Community Pet Hospital Facebook  we will take another 2% off!

There is much you can do at home to maintain your pet’s dental health after dental cleanings are done at Community Pet Hospital. In this case, you will want to learn how to brush your dog’s or cat’s teeth. Brushing teeth can seem intimidating at first, but with practice and by introducing it correctly to your pet, you can see great improvement in your pet’s overall health. It is important to note that if you see excessive tartar, smell a foul odor, or see broken teeth, to bring your pet in for a professional cleaning. Brushing teeth that has excessive tartar can introduce bacteria into the gums which enters the bloodstream and causes infection.

Things you will need to brush teeth effectively:

-A toothbrush that is comfortable for use is small areas of the mouth. There are many options for this, including normal toothbrushes for large dogs, two sided, finger toothbrushes, and smaller cat brushes.

Finger toothbrush. Good for introducing your pet to teeth cleaning.

Two-sided toothbrush.

Cat toothbrush.

-Enzymatic Toothpaste. Pets have difficulty digesting human toothpaste and it causes gastrointestinal upset because it contains fluoride. Unlike human toothpaste, enzymatic toothpaste does not need to be rinsed and can be swallowed. Enzymatic toothpaste is available in a variety of flavors that are tasty for your pet.  Follow Community Pet Hospital on Facebook and like us for a coupon for $1.00 off at our hospital.

Enzymatic toothpaste comes in a variety of flavors including, vanilla mint, poultry, and beef flavored.

Other things to maintain clean teeth:

-CET Rawhide and Veggiedent chews help mechanically clean teeth just by chewing them. Chewing helps remove food debris and tarter buildup. Follow Community Pet Hospital on Facebook and like us for a coupon for $1.00 off at our hospital.

-Dental Diets including Purina DH (Dental Health) diet. The kibble size and texture is designed to mechanically clean debris and tartar from teeth in eating. Follow Community Pet Hospital on Facebook and like us for a coupon for $1.00 off at our hospital.

-Purinea Dental Chewz help mechanically clean teeth just by chewing them. Chewing helps remove food debris and tarter buildup.

A message from the AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association) about teeth brushing.

This February we at Community Pet Hospital celebrate the continued dental health of our patients by offering 10% off of our anesthetic dental procedures! If you like us on the Community Pet Hospital Facebook  we will take another 2% off!

Dental health is of extreme importance in humans and pets.  Often, people are surprised that dental health becomes a factor early in a pet’s life. An owner can begin brushing a puppy or kitten’s teeth as soon as they start to emerge so that the animal becomes used that handling. Signs of dental problems tend to show up after 3 years of age, but that can be changed with diligent teeth brushing. When a pet shows symptoms of dental problems, it is important to have them visit their veterinarian at Community Pet Hospital for a thorough examination of the teeth, gums, and mouth.

Symptoms to look for that may require dentistry:

Cleaning the teeth prevents harmful pathogens and bacteria from entering the body.

*Bad Breath: this is the leading sign that there is an infection in the mouth

* Tooth loss

* Subdued Behavior

* Abnormal Drooling

* Dropping food from the mouth

* Swallowing food whole

* Bleeding gums

* Going to the food bowl, but not eating

* Any change in chewing or eating habits

When teeth health is compromised the first stage to note is Gingivitis where the gingiva tissue, or gums, is swollen and plaque is present. This is reversible with a dental cleaning. If not treated, this can lead to the worse problem of Periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is damage to the surrounding tooth tissues including the gingiva, periodontal ligament, cementum, and alveolus. This is irreversible, and the build up of plaque and tartar on your dog’s teeth can enter the bloodstream and may cause damage to major organs like heart, liver or kidney disease.
 

Excerpts from a Dog’s Diary…

 

8:00 am – Dog food! My favorite thing!

9:30 am – A car ride! My favorite thing!

9:40 am – A walk in the park! My favorite thing!

10:30 am – Got rubbed and petted! My favorite thing!

12:00 PM – Lunch! My favorite thing!

1:00 PM – Played in the yard! My favorite thing!

3:00 PM – Wagged my tail! My favorite thing!

http://www.communitypetclinic.net/blog/?p=1056 Written by Jessica

There are some things that we see as a result of the aging process in dogs and cats regarding their eyes. Over time, tissues are worn and the elasticity is fatigued causing some of these problems. Some eye problems are a result of systematic diseases more prevalent in elderly pets. In many cases, with eyesight, it is important to see your veterinarian at Community Pet Hospital as soon as these issues present themselves. If left unattended, eye problems exacerbate themselves quickly. We are now offering a Senior Discounted Prevention Pet Program to our clients, to assist in getting the care that is essential and advised, just ask our staff.

Some common eye problems affecting senior pets include:

Nuclear Sclerosis where the lens reflects light.

Nuclear Sclerosis-is a condition where the lens during growth has become more compact, and instead of absorbing light, light is reflected.  This is normal and typically begins at around 7 years old, but can lead to a cataract which impairs vision.

Cataracts shown in the eye on the right. The lens is completely cloudy and has lost transparency.

Cataract-is a condition where the lens loses transparency and becomes white. There is nothing outside of surgery to fix this problem, but it can be a result of poor nutrition or genetics.

Early glaucoma notice that the eye appears to bulge from pressure.

Glaucoma-is a result of pressure in the eye. There is a constant stream of liquid in the eye and when this becomes compromised pressure buildup can cause pain and vision loss, it can also result in loss of the eye.

Dry-eye disorder, notice the almost thicker appearance of the cornea.

Dry-eye disorders- can pose a problem in that the cornea requires liquid and nutrients from tears, without those nutrients, eyes can develop ulcers and vision loss can occur. Treatments include addressing what is causing the tear production or tear quality problem.

Calcific corneal degeneration, notice the white grit on the cornea.

Calcific corneal degeneration-is a result of mineralization of the cornea, and is usually seen as white grit on the surface of the eye. It is advised to seek professional attention immediately as this degeneration is quick to progress if not treated rapidly.

Keeping your pet’s eyes healthy:

Monitor your pet for any eye irritation problems. If you see any redness, cloudiness, bulging, sinking, discharge, or tears to the white (sclera) of the eye, or retina, see your veterinarian at Community Pet Hospital. Oftentimes, especially with elderly pets, these conditions will not heal themselves.

Ask about nutritional supplementation from your veterinarian, as some nutritional changes like antioxidants can assist in eye health.

Diagram of the eye.

]]> http://www.communitypetclinic.net/blog/2013/01/senior-pet-eye-problems/feed/ 0 http://www.communitypetclinic.net/blog/2013/01/senior-pet-health/ http://www.communitypetclinic.net/blog/2013/01/senior-pet-health/#comments Sat, 19 Jan 2013 05:16:35 +0000 community http://www.communitypetclinic.net/blog/?p=1010 Written by Jessica

This January we are focusing on the health of senior pets at Community Pet Hospital. An amazing fact is that the lifespan of domestic pets has doubled in the last 50 years and this is due to the advancement in products, and importantly in medicine. To continue to have wonderful and healthy years with your pet, it is recommended to visit your veterinarian for any concerns or, if no concerns, annually. We are now offering a Senior Discounted Prevention Pet Program to our clients, to assist in getting the care that is essential and advised, just ask our staff.

Many people are often surprised by the age that their pet is considered a senior. At the age of 1, your dog and cat are sexually mature enough to reproduce, so they are considered to be ~15 years in “human years.” Therefore, depending on their size, they age more rapidly than humans, and the larger they are the older they are. (See the bottom of this post for a handy calculator to determine your pet’s age in human years.)

A senior cat has unique needs in comfort, nutrition and care.

People are sometimes quick to say that symptoms their older pet has are “just the aging process.” Contrary to this belief, there is a multitude of things that can be done to help animals to lessen and in some cases stop issues. For instance, supplements, including glucosamine, can help an older dog with joint issues, medication can assist with issues of incontinence, and many techniques can be employed to help make your pets more comfortable as they age. Your veterinarian at Community Pet Hospital can help determine ways to improve your pet’s day-to-day life.

With a commitment to health care, you may enjoy many years with your pet.

• Lethargy/inactivity/excessive time spent sleeping
• Loss of appetite
• Increased consumption of water/increased urination
• Frequent vomiting
• Frequent diarrhea
• Straining in the litterbox
• Blood in urine or in the stool
• Litterbox issues or house-soiling issues
• Lameness in the limbs
• Odor from the mouth or drooling
• Panting/heavy breathing
• Significant weight gain or weight loss
• Hair loss
• Any other unusual behavior

For more information visit: Vetmedicine.about.com on senior dogs, and Cornell University on senior cats.

The majority of people understand that getting their pets current on vaccinations is important. However, every once and a while, the question comes up, “My pet is entirely indoors, why does it have to get a Rabies vaccine?” To respond by saying “it is the law,” is not enough, the fact is that the reason we can even question the importance of the Rabies vaccine is because we are at a very different place in disease control today.

Rabies incidence in domestic animals from 1958 to 2008.

If you were to look at statistics from the 1940′s, cases of Rabies deaths in people was more than 100 cases a year. Today, that number has drastically improved to only 2-3 cases annually. In the 1960′s, Rabies was transmitted by domesticated animals. Today, the source of Rabies comes from wild animals, principally bats, foxes, and other mammals.

Common rabies carriers, the most common in Oregon being the bat.

Rabies is a virus that is damaging to the central nervous system. It causes disease of the brain and leads to death if the person or pet has not been currently vaccinated against it. Foaming at the mouth or hyper-salivation is perhaps the most well known symptom but others include: insomnia, anxiety, confusion, slight or partial paralysis, excitation, hallucinations, agitation, difficulty swallowing, and hydrophobia (fear of water). Transmission of Rabies occurs through the saliva of an infected animal usually in the form of biting.

THERE IS NO CURE FOR A RABIES INFECTION ONCE SYMPTOMS SHOW!

The only treatment for a Rabies infection is palliative care, meaning just easing the patient’s suffering. Vaccinations are available for humans before getting bit, or before symptoms show, but the best prevention is to vaccinate domestic animals and to have no instance of handling wild animals. If a wild animal is found with obvious symptoms of distress, refrain from touching or picking it up as it could be a carrier of rabies.

County law requires proof of rabies vaccination as a means of insuring public health.  Here is what Bonnie Hays in Washington County Oregon says:

“By law, all dogs in Washington County are required to be vaccinated against this deadly disease. Licenses and license renewals are issued after you have proof from your veterinarian that your dog has been vaccinated against rabies.

Dog licensing after rabies vaccination is the best way to protect the humans, dogs, and other animals from the spread of this disease.”

Visit the Centers for Disease Control’s website for more information.

Licensing is done through your local county. Visit Washington County for more information about Portland Metro area licensing.

Visit the Centers for Disease Control Website for more information

It is a question we hear often at Community Pet Hospital, “which vaccines does my dog need?” and it is a very good question indeed. Some vaccinations are recommended based on the lifestyle of the pet. Others are required by law, but why is that? We will explore the reasons these vaccinations are recommended, and required, by addressing why they are done. *If you ever have questions regarding this, please speak with your veterinarian. This write-up is just a general idea about vaccinating dogs and is not a substitution for the valuable guidance of a veterinarian.

Your Dog’s Lifestyle

First there are important questions to address:

Is your dog indoors only, outdoors only, or a combination of indoor and outdoor?

Is your dog exposed to other dogs? Does he/she get groomed, visit dog parks or dog kennels?

What climate/environment will the dog reside in, will the dog travel to other states?

Oftentimes a veterinarian will ask you these questions to determine if your pet is at risk for diseases that a vaccination can prevent. If your pet is not at risk, it is likely that you can forgo the vaccination (except in the case of those required by law), but it is important to allow sufficient time for vaccinating if your pet will need protection in the future.

Bordetella bronchiseptica

Bordetella (Bordetella bronchiseptica)

Symptoms: Harsh dry cough, and can lead to pneumonia.

Common to vaccinate when: the dog is in close proximity to other dogs, as it is spread from airborne vapor (inhalation).

Highly risky if: the dog is groomed (often vaccination proof is required to groom), visits dog parks, or stays in kennel facilities.

Leptospirosis

Leptospirosis

Symptoms: Fever, depression, loss of appetite, joint pain, nausea, excessive drinking, jaundice, and excessive bleeding.

Common to vaccinate when: the dog is exposed to the outdoors, typically where wildlife have been as it is spread from wildlife urine, blood, and saliva. This disease can live in a wet environment a long time.

Highly risky if: you see wildlife (raccoons, rats, skunks, etc) often, your pet drinks from standing water, or your pet comes into contact with wild animals.

DHPP or Distemper, Hepatitis, Parainfluenza, Parvo Combination Vaccine

Symptoms:

Distemper: Fever, anorexia, lethargy, coughing, ocular and nasal discharge, vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, nasal and digital hyperkeratosis.

Canine Hepatitis

Hepatitis: Sore throat, coughing, pneumonia, cloudy or blue cornea, liver and kidney failure, increased thirst, vomiting, and diarrhea.

Parainfluenza: Harsh, dry cough, can lead to pneumonia.

Canine Parvovirus

Parvo: Fever, anorexia, lethargy, vomiting and diarrhea (often bloody), and foul odor.

Common to vaccinate when: always recommended regardless of lifestyle, as transmitted airborne, in urine, and stays in the environment.

Corona

Symptoms: Fever, anorexia, lethargy, vomiting and diarrhea, lasts 3 days.

Common to vaccinate when: AAHA states that vaccinating into adulthood is not necessary. This is a disease of puppyhood and the vaccine is sometimes included in a combination vaccination. Vaccinating for coronavirus can suppress the immune response necessary for other vaccinations to work.

For more information visit the AAHA link Canine Vaccine Guidelines.

Next week we will go over the Rabies virus and other important factors about vaccinating.