Author Archives: Dr. Michael Dym, VMD veterinarian

Dr. Michael Dym, VMD veterinarian

As a practicing veterinarian, Dr. Dym has over 19 years of experience and dedication to enhancing the overall health and well-being of pets. His commitment and passion for pet health continuously drives him to learn more about the art and science of homeopathy through ongoing training and education.


Suture Site Healing in Pets

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Posted by Dr. Michael Dym, VMD veterinarian on January 10, 2012 – 8:15 am
Filed under Dr. Dym's Vet Blog

Most suture sites in pets heal within 10-14 days.

After most surgical procedures, veterinarians will typically use several layers of sutures in closing a wound.  Many times skin sutures and staples are also used.  The typical healing time of most surgical sites is 10-14 days. At that time the wound is usually adequately healed to remove the sutures.

In a small proportion of pets, suture reactions may sometimes occur. Symptoms of suture reactions typically occur 3 to5 days post surgery.

These signs may include swelling around the incision, as well as varying amounts of discharge, including pus if secondary infection occurs. Occasionally wound dehiscence, where the sutures come apart, may occur.

Treatment of suture reactions may include systemic antibiotics to prevent secondary infection, as well as warm compresses to the area several times daily.  With severe swelling, placement of surgical drains and/or re-suturing of the area may be needed. Elizabethan collars are also often necessary to prevent self trauma by the pet, and to allow healing of the suture site to occur.

Spraying in Cats

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Posted by Dr. Michael Dym, VMD veterinarian on January 8, 2012 – 8:30 am
Filed under Dr. Dym's Vet Blog

A cat that sprays outside the litter box should receive a full veterinary exam.

 Cats may spray for many possible reasons.  Most commonly, this inappropriate pattern of urination occurs on vertical surfaces, rather than in the litter box or on the floors.  Many times this type of spraying will occur near windows or doors.  Spraying in this manner usually means that a cat is emotionally aroused or upset about something going on either in the body or in its external environment.

Illness of any kind may cause changes in feline elimination habits, and so any cat with chronic spraying outside of the litter box should receive a full veterinary exam and medical workup, including a urine analysis.  If medical causes have been ruled out, then the pet is most likely spraying because of environmental stresses.  These stresses may involve other animals in the home, or animals in the yard.

Treatment of spraying may include environmental modification, including adding litter boxes, as well as trying different litter types, in addition to sometimes moving the litter box away from external stressors.   Pheromone products such as Feliway also may be helpful in some cases.  Natural calming agents including Be Serene or Composure may also help calm some cats.   Finally, prescription medication such as Amitriptyline or Clomipramine also can be tried to help reduce this unwanted behavior.

Chronic Renal Failure in Pets

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Posted by Dr. Michael Dym, VMD veterinarian on January 7, 2012 – 8:15 am
Filed under Dr. Dym's Vet Blog

There are many possible causes of chronic renal failure in pets.

One of the more common chronic diseases seen in veterinary medicine is chronic renal failure.  There are many possible causes of chronic renal failure including bacterial/viral infections, toxin exposure (i.e. antifreeze, non-steroidal anti inflammatory drugs, certain antibiotics), and autoimmune disease, where the pet’s immune system reacts against its own kidneys.

Symptoms of chronic renal failure include lethargy, appetite and weight loss, increased thirst and urination, dehydration, vomiting, as well as increased foul odor of the breath.  It is important to have a full medical workup including CBC/chemistry blood work, urine analysis and urine culture to differentiate chronic renal failure from other causes of these common symptoms. The finding of elevations in blood BUN and creatinine, as well as dilute urine with urinary casts seen on urine analysis is consistent with a diagnosis of chronic renal failure.  Other common laboratory abnormalities include elevation in blood phosphorus, decrease in blood potassium, and anemia of chronic disease.

Treatment of chronic renal failure will need to address many of these metabolic abnormalities in order for the patient to feel better.  If a patient is acutely ill with loss of appetite and/or vomiting, IV fluid therapy may be need initially in the veterinary hospital, along with systemic antibiotics, and medications to decrease nausea and vomiting.  Once patients are stabilized, it is often best to continue fluid therapy at home in the form of subcutaneous treatment given by the animal guardian several times a week. This will help in decreasing dehydration, as well as flushing kidney toxins out of the blood stream.

Another important part of long term treatment at home is the feeding of a low-protein diet, preferably a home-made diet, but commercial diets are acceptable alternatives as well.  Other ancillary drugs include oral medications to decrease nausea and vomiting, as well as stimulate appetite if needed.  Drugs to bind phosphorus are also important in slowing down progression of chronic renal failure.  With aggressive dietary and medical treatment, most pets may live many years with chronic renal failure.

Helping Build a Healthy Immune System For Your Pet

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Posted by Dr. Michael Dym, VMD veterinarian on January 6, 2012 – 8:24 am
Filed under Dr. Dym's Vet Blog

Feeding your pet a healthy diet can help build a healthy immune system.

 There are many things an animal guardian can do in building a healthy immune system in our animal companions.  By far the most important thing is to feed a healthy diet.  Hippocrates, the father of medicine, was quoted as saying “Let food be thy medicine.”

My favorite diets are proper and balanced fresh home-made diets, such as those described in the book, Dr. Pitcairn’s Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats, by Richard Pitcairn, DVM, Ph.D. No matter how old the pet, I have seen some amazing changes in pet health, vigor and activity in pets that are fed such wonderful balanced recipes. Donald Strombeck, Ph.D., also has a wonderful book full of healthy recipes that many of my clients have found very helpful.

If it is not possible to feed such diets, my next choice will be minimally processed commercial diets that are made with fresh whole meats, as well as preserved naturally with no fillers or artificial flavors.  My favorite diets here include Wysong, Pet Guard, Halo, and Nature’s Variety.

In addition to feeding a healthy diet, I also recommend certain supplements as well to help promote proper immune system health.  Probiotics and enzymes, such as NatureVet Enzymes and Fast Balance GI, help promote a healthy digestive tract, which is the cornerstone of a healthy immune system.   Antioxidants, including Vitamin C, Vitamin E, DMG and Proanthozone are critical in decreasing free radical inflammation involved with so many chronic diseases and cancer in our pets.

Finally, Omega 3 fatty acid supplementation is critical in any mammalian species to help promote a healthy digestive tract, heart, joints, kidneys and brain.  My favorite Omega 3 fatty acid supplements include Super Pure Omega 3, and Nordic Naturals Pet Omega 3 fatty acids.  By feeding a healthy diet and with proper supplementation, our animal companions are more likely to live long and happy lives.

Managing Inflammatory Bowel Syndrome in Pets

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Posted by Dr. Michael Dym, VMD veterinarian on January 5, 2012 – 8:40 am
Filed under Dr. Dym's Vet Blog

There are several medical options to manage inflammatory bowel syndrome in pets.

 Inflammatory bowel disease is being diagnosed with increased frequency in both dogs and cats. Symptoms may include vomiting, diarrhea, changes in appetite and weight loss. It is important to have a complete medical workup for any pet with chronic digestive tract symptoms to rule out other metabolic causes from inflammatory bowel disease.

Parasites also need to be ruled out by microscopic fecal exam. The definitive diagnosis for inflammatory bowel disease typically involves surgical or endoscopic biopsy. This is especially important in differentiating infiltrative cancer from inflammatory bowel disease. Once a diagnosis is obtained, there are several medical options for long term management of inflammatory bowel disease.

Many veterinarians will routinely worm pets with anti-parasitic medications such as Panacur C, even if stool samples are negative, as many pets may have hidden parasites contributing to the clinical symptoms. If worming is not successful in alleviating clinical signs, then dietary therapy is often instituted. The most common diets used will be novel protein diets that the pet has not been exposed to before, including rabbit, venison or buffalo. In other cases, hydrolyzed protein diets which are easy to digest may sometimes be used.

Medical therapy with antibiotics including prescription Metronidazole and/or Tylosin is also often prescribed, while dietary trials and/or worming are being tried. If there is no improvement with any of these measures, then immune suppressive medication with drugs like Prednisone and/or Atopica are next used, typically in tapering dosages over several weeks.

Through both dietary and medical interventions, most pets with inflammatory bowel disease lead normal lives and have a good prognosis.

Symptoms of Cancer in Pets

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Posted by Dr. Michael Dym, VMD veterinarian on January 4, 2012 – 8:42 am
Filed under Dr. Dym's Vet Blog

Cancer is one of the most common geriatric diseases affecting pets.

Cancer is one of the most common geriatric diseases affecting both dogs and cats.  Cancer may involve any organ system from the skin to more interior locations, including the lymph nodes, digestive tract, liver, spleen, kidneys, lung and brain.   While cancer may affect pets of any age, cancer is more likely to occur in adult and senior pets.

Symptoms of cancer are quite variable and often mimic many other chronic diseases. General signs of illness include lethargy, loss of appetite, weight loss, and changes in behavior. Other nonspecific signs may occur including vomiting, diarrhea, changes in urination, more rapid difficult respiration, and coughing. The development of sudden growths of lumps felt on the skin also may signal cancer.

It is important that pets with any of these clinical signs be thoroughly evaluated by the veterinarian, and that a full diagnostic workup including blood, urine and radiologic testing is done so that cancer may be differentiated from other diseases.  Most lumps or growths can often be routinely aspirated right in the office with a needle to find out if they are malignant, so that appropriate treatment can be instituted.

Is Rawhide Safe for Dogs?

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Posted by Dr. Michael Dym, VMD veterinarian on January 3, 2012 – 8:20 am
Filed under Dr. Dym's Vet Blog
Rawhides are indeed favorite chewy bones sold in pet stores across the country, and are available in many varieties.  Rawhide is a by-product of the meat industry, and is actually the tough inner layer of animal hide made from bull, horse, cow and water buffalo. The toughness of rawhides actually comes from the collagen linked together.

While chewing is often a very important healthy outlet for most dogs to help keep teeth clean and healthy, the use of rawhides is fraught with many dangers.

Rawhide is made from the tough inner layer of animal hide.

As rawhides are not food items, there is no regulation on rawhide products, especially those that are made overseas. Many rawhides contain chemical preservatives, artificial flavorings and colors. The imported chews may contain various heavy metals including arsenic, lead and mercury, all which are very toxic to mammalian enzyme systems.

The FDA has reported that even bacterial contaminants such as salmonella have been detected in most of the rawhides imported from other countries.   In addition to these chemical risks, rawhides also may swell inside a pet’s digestive tract, which may lead to life threatening obstructions.  I have also seen many dogs chew off and swallow large pieces of rawhide which can also result in digestive tract discomfort and obstructions.  The truth of the matter is that even the hardest of rawhides may splinter in this way.   It is for these reasons that I do not recommend giving rawhides to our canine companions. I much prefer alternatives including Kong toys and beef chews, which tend not to splinter and are also made with healthy minerals.

If clients are insistent on feeding rawhide to their pets, I recommend that they choose an American brand, as well as closely monitor their pet, being careful to throw away chewed down pieces as the rawhide gets smaller.

Litter Box Problems

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Posted by Dr. Michael Dym, VMD veterinarian on January 1, 2012 – 8:30 am
Filed under Dr. Dym's Vet Blog

There are several reasons your cat may eliminate outside the litter box.

 Cats will eliminate outside the litter box for several possible reasons.  Emotional stress or changes in the environment may be involved in many cases.  Medical issues including impacted anal glands, food allergies, metabolic disease such as inflammatory bowel disease, hyperthyroidism, infection, parasites, etc all may be involved.

A complete medical workup, including CBC/Chemistry/thyroid blood test, as well as urine analysis and stool check for parasites is indicated. If no medical reasons are found, then behavioral strategies including adding additional litter boxes as well as trying different litter types may be tried.  In some cases, anxiolytic medications with drugs such as Amitriptyline or Clomipramine may be needed.

Keeping Your Pet Calm on New Year’s Eve

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Posted by Dr. Michael Dym, VMD veterinarian on December 31, 2011 – 8:05 am
Filed under Dr. Dym's Vet Blog
New Year’s Eve is a time of celebration and parties.  However, for many pets that are fearful of loud noises, crowds and fireworks, New Year’s Eve can also be a very nervous time.  There are many natural and safe alternatives for those nervous and timid pets.

Bach flower essences are often wonderful natural alternatives to help calm a frightened pet. Formulas I have used include Rescue Remedy, rock rose, aspen and mimulus. I have also found the combination flower essence Be Serene also quite helpful in many pets. Some animal guardians have found the herbal remedy Composure quite helpful in many situations

There are safe and natural ways to keep your pet calm during New Year's Eve.

Homeopathic remedies that may be useful include the remedies aconitum and arsenicum album, particularly for sudden fears, or in those pets that become excessively clingy or restless when frightened.  The combination homeopathic remedy HomeoPet Anxiety drops also may helpful in some cases. Finally, there are some pets where prescription medications such as Acepromazine or Alprazolam are needed to calm overactive anxious responses.

Signs of Pain in Dogs and Cats

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Posted by Dr. Michael Dym, VMD veterinarian on December 30, 2011 – 8:41 am
Filed under Dr. Dym's Vet Blog
In recent years, there has been increasing awareness of pain in our pets and of ways to prevent, as well as manage, pain.  There are several clues that your veterinarian will use when diagnosing pain in your animal companions.  Many pets will moan and strain to get up, especially in the morning. Lameness may be present with limping during or after walking.

Your vet can implement a pain control program for your pet.

There are often changes in attitude and activity levels, as well as loss of ability or interest in regular activities and social interaction.  Jumping up may become increasingly difficult, as well as the ability to climb stairs and/or take walks.  These changes may be subtle initially, but over time typically become more obvious to animal guardians.

When detected early enough your veterinarian may implement a pain control program that may include medications such as non-steroidal anti inflammatory medications such as Rimadyl or Metacam, as well as opiate medications including Tramadol and Buprenex.  Physical therapy has also been increasing in popularity in recent years, as well as holistic modalities including chiropractic and acupuncture to help assist in pain management.