 |
A common question asked by many animal guardians is how often they should visit their veterinarian. The answer to this question will depend upon the age and clinical condition of their animal companion. During puppy- or kittenhood, pets are often seen every 3-4 weeks up until age 4 to 5 months when most vaccinations are completed. After this age, pets are typically seen for spaying or neutering after 6 months of age, and typically after that every year through middle adult years. |
After midlife, I typically recommend twice-yearly physical exams. At the time of these exams, vaccination status is reviewed, and blood work is taken for heartworm testing, and metabolic function testing. The results of these lab tests will determine how often a pet will need follow-up exams and laboratory testing. For example, if a pet is diagnosed with early kidney or liver disease, rechecks may be done as often as every few months in order to monitor for disease progression.
Diabetic pets may need even more frequent monitoring and laboratory testing. For large and giant breed dogs, middle age will start at age 4 to 5, while in most other breeds middle age starts at age 7 to 8. Between yearly health exams, animal guardians should watch for clinical signs of illness which may include increased thirst and urination, changes in appetite, weight or behavior, as well as increased vomiting, diarrhea or changes in respiratory patterns.
With careful client observation and early diagnostic testing and treatment plans, most veterinarians will be better able to properly manage most chronic diseases in our companion animals.
| A common question I get in the veterinary clinic is about whether it is okay to give a dog or cat aspirin for pain, or for reduction of fever or inflammation. The answer to this question will vary depending upon the clinical history and age of the pet, as well as whether other prescription drugs are being used.
If there is any history of digestive upset, bleeding tendencies or kidney/liver disease then it is important to have a full veterinary medical exam, in addition to possibly blood and/or urine testing before starting aspirin for even a short period of time. |
|
In healthy adult dogs not on any other prescription cortisone or non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (i.e. Rimadyl, Previcox, or Deramaxx), then aspirin at a dose of 5 mg per pound once to twice daily with food for a few days may be used for pain, inflammation and fever management. If there is no improvement in clinical signs within a few days, then veterinary consultation is recommended before aspirin therapy is continued.
One must be much more careful with cats in dosing aspirin or any other non-steroidal anti- inflammatory medication. Because of the feline unique liver drug detoxification pathways, I do NOT recommend animal guardians dose cats with any aspirin unless they first consult with a veterinarian. If a cat is cleared of health problems, than a small dose of 1/2 baby aspirin every 3 days may be used. It is important to recognize that even very low doses of Tylenol can kill a cat, and therefore Tylenol should never be used in any cat.
| Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) is a complex of various disease symptoms causing various lower urinary tract signs in both male and female cats. Symptoms may include bloody urination, increased urgency and frequency, as well as inappropriate urination. The lower urinary tract inflammation may lead to the development of crystals and mucous plugs, which may cause urinary tract obstruction, especially in male cats.
Primary urinary tract infections rarely are the cause of lower urinary tract disease in cats, and usually are only secondarily involved after urinary catheterization. Risk factors for cats in developing FLUTD include indoor-only overweight cats, and cats on dry food only diets. Environmental stresses often play a big role in cats with feline lower urinary tract disease. |
|
I have found that even polyvalent vaccination can also predispose some cats to recurrent episodes of urinary tract inflammation. If your cat is experiencing any urinary tract symptoms, a veterinary exam and urine analysis with possible x rays to asses for bladder stones is recommended. Treatment of feline lower urinary tract disease usually is palliative with use of anti-spasmodic prescription medications such as Phenoxybenzamine, as well as medications to lessen pain such as Buprenex and Amitryptylline. I have found the herbal remedy Tinkle Tonic from Animal Essentials also helpful in managing cats with urinary discomfort.
Most cases will spontaneously improve over 5-7 days; however, some cats do need chronic therapy. I have also found supplements such as Cosequin for cats helpful to soothe the urinary bladder. Feeding all canned food or a proper homemade diet is also important in reducing symptom relapses. I have not found many of the processed commercial pet foods sold by many veterinarians useful in my experience. I find that the poorer quality of these foods may lead to other health problems as well.
|
|
With increasing numbers of veterinarians, and the development of specialization, the opportunity for second opinions has greatly increased. As a veterinarian who has answered people’s questions for 1-800-PetMeds over several years, I am often recommending second opinions, especially when there are repeat veterinary visits for the same clinical complaints. |
By far the greatest number of questions I get is with respect to chronic skin and/or ear infection complaints. While medications such as topical antibiotic/steroid creams and systemic cortisone and antibiotics are frequently prescribed, I find that many veterinarians fail to educate animal guardians and address underlying causes of these problems, which subsequently leads to increased patient suffering and client expense.
Flea bite allergies, inhalant/contact allergies and food allergies are potential underlying factors, and need to be addressed in order to control patient scratching and secondary infections. If dietary trials and symptomatic medications don’t help, I will frequently offer referrals for blood or skin allergy testing with a veterinary dermatologist. With early diagnosis and treatment, long term expense and frustrating patient relapse can be avoided.
Second opinions should also be used with other relapsing or persistent clinical signs, including non-resolving lameness, chronic digestive symptoms, and respiratory symptoms. Referrals to orthopedic specialists, internists, veterinary gastroenterologists and cardiologists may help with proper diagnosis and treatment. With increasing incidence of cancer in pets, there are also more veterinary oncologists now available to help with long term management of these difficult cases as well.
If in doubt about your pet, there is never a wrong time for a second opinion. Your animal companion’s health is certainly worth it.
| Aflatoxins are toxins produced by certain strains of mold on grains such as peanuts, soybeans and corn, as well as other cereals. Aflatoxin production may occur during pet food storage when high temperatures and moisture allow for mold growth.
Recently and in the past few weeks, there have been 3 pet food recalls by the companies Proctor and Gamble, Cargill, and most recently Advanced Animal Nutrition. |
|
The latter recall involves the Dog Power Advanced maintenance formula, the Hunters Formula, and the Dog Power High Pro Performance Formula.
Symptoms of aflatoxin exposure include lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting and/or diarrhea. With progressive liver failure, yellowing of the eyes and/or urine may occur as well. While there have been no reported clinical cases of pets affected at this point, any pets who have consumed these foods and exhibit any of these symptoms should be seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible.
|
|
One of the hottest and most researched topics in veterinary medicine over the past few decades has been the development of malignant cancers at the sites of previous vaccinations in cats, and to a lesser extent, dogs. This has especially been a problem with rabies and feline leukemia virus vaccinations. While there has been much research in this area, no single vaccine manufacturer has been incriminated. |
Incidence of this disease is estimated to be between one out of 5,000 pets vaccinated. It is suspected that the adjuvants (chemicals used for preservatives, and vaccine cultures) in the vaccination may lead to chronic skin inflammation and the development of a malignant sarcoma months to years later. These cancers may be very difficult to treat, and often require potentially multiple surgeries and/or radiation therapy to try and control.
With the increasing awareness of over-vaccination and its risk to companion animals, it is highly recommended that each pet be looked at as an individual with respect to which, if any, vaccinations are used. Vaccinations should not be given more frequently than needed, and given only as required by law with respect to rabies vaccination. Given the innate resistance of adult cats to feline leukemia virus, I don’t recommend using this vaccination in strictly indoor adult cats that are not exposed to other cats.
Any new cats introduced into the household should receive a feline leukemia virus blood test, in lieu of vaccinating for this virus, as the chief method of controlling potential exposure to feline leukemia. If rabies and feline leukemia virus vaccinations are given, they should be given on separate dates (separated by at least 3 weeks), and as low down on the legs as possible, so that if tumor development occurs, limb amputation may be curative. Although less common in dogs, vaccination or injection site sarcomas rarely do occur, and treatment with wide surgical resection and biopsy is also recommended.
I am very, very excited and happy because there is less than one week until Santa Claws will be here! Even though I am not married, I am wearing a Mrs. Claws suit today. Can you see the diamonds on my belt buckle? I think my fur-trimmed dress almost matches my real furs!
Luckily, I have been a very, very good kitty so I am almost certain that Santa Claws will not bring me any coal.
I do have this special bag for coal though, just in case. Somebody with a name that rhymes with “Barley” might be getting some coal… on account of he is a maniac.
Santa, you can land your sleigh full of toys and treats right here, okay? I am waiting!
Oh and Barley… I mean HARLEY, I will put in a good word to Santa Claws for you… just to be safe. And I promise not to tell anybuddy that your beard is fake.
Is everybuddy ready for Santa Claws to arrive?!
|
|
Recurrent ear infections in pets can have many possible causes. Rather than just prescribing more topical antibiotic/steroid medications like Mometamax or Otomax, it is important for animal guardians and veterinarians to look at underlying causes to avoid frustrating relapses and repeat veterinary visits.
Many animal guardians will often erroneously think that their animal companions have ear mites; however, ear mites can be easily ruled out by having the ear discharge examined under the microscope. |
A proper veterinary otic exam can also rule out ear polyps, foreign bodies, and growths down the ear canals. The most common underlying causes of ear infections in dogs are inhalant/contact allergies and/or food allergies.
Amongst the many potential contact allergies are: molds, grasses, trees, dander, house dust mites, and pollens. Many of these problems tend to be seasonal. Diagnosis of inhalant/contact allergies is often made on clinical history; however, definitive diagnosis requires blood and/or skin testing. Treatment not only addresses the overgrowth of yeast or bacteria in the ear canals, but also must treat the underlying allergic causes either through symptomatic antihistamine or cortisone therapy, or through allergy shots.
Because many pets with food allergies will often present with recurrent ear infections, any pet with repetitive ear infections should also have a 6-8 week trial with a novel hypoallergenic diet such as rabbit, duck or venison based foods. Unless the potential underlying causes are addressed, pets will continue to suffer from relapses and veterinary visit expense.
|
|
As the holiday season now approaches, it is a good time to remind animal guardians of the increased risk of toxin and household poison exposure for our companion animals. This is especially important as people and their animals spend more time inside during the winter months.
One of the most common hazards seen is exposure to rodent poisons in the form of glue traps or live traps. It is very important for animal guardians to place such traps well out of their pet’s reach. As many rats and mice seek shelter in our homes in winter months, pets also may be exposed to secondary poisoning from rodents who have ingested bait used in many of these traps, and who may not be immediately killed. |
The greatest risk of rodenticide exposure is the effect on blood clotting in our pets, leading to potentially life threatening hemorrhage. Any pet suspected of being exposed to these rodenticides, either directly or indirectly, should be immediately taken to the nearest veterinary office so that prompt diagnosis and treatment with Vitamin K can be implemented.
Another common risk to pets during the holiday season is potential exposure to household plants and cleaning solutions. As plants like mistletoe, poinsettia, azalea and holly are brought into our homes, curious pets that ingest the stems and leaves may suffer from digestive upset and vomiting. Many cleaning solutions, including soaps, detergents, alcohols, and petroleum products also may cause vomiting and diarrhea, as well as organ damage if ingested. Christmas tree ornaments and gift wrapping with tinsel, string and ribbons all may cause stomach/intestinal blockages and must be kept out of reach of inquisitive pets.
The winter months are also a time of year when many will be changing antifreeze in their automobiles. Ethylene glycol (found in many antifreeze products and snow globe gifts) has a sweet taste that is very attractive for animals, and if ingested even in small amounts may cause acute kidney failure. Choosing antifreeze products that contain propylene glycol may be helpful in limiting potential ingestion.
As dogs and cats spend more time inside, it is also important to keep prescription and over-the-counter drugs out of reach to also prevent unwanted ingestion and exposure. Finally, during the winter there is increased exposure to deicing salts used on sidewalks and in streets that may cause irritation to paws and/or digestive upset if ingested. If there is any concern about possible exposure or ingestion to any household poisons, it is recommended that animal guardians contact their local veterinarian immediately, as well as 24-hour local and national poison control centers so that proper diagnosis and treatment can be implemented.
|
Recently, there have been increasing reports of a shortage of the heartworm killing drug called Immiticide. This arsenic derivative has been increasingly used in veterinary medicine as an alternative to the older arsenic compound. While Immiticide has many advantages to its predecessor in terms of safety and efficacy, I have still seen many pets suffer from complications, including secondary clots and organ failure.
|
 |
When a pet is diagnosed with heartworms, there is often also an expensive workup to include blood work, urine analysis, and x-rays. Many pets are started on the antibiotic Doxycycline to cut down on airway inflammation, as well as kill the Wolbachia parasite that often accompanies heartworm infection. The costs can often run up to several hundred dollars. It is certainly far better to prevent heartworm infection by using tried and tested monthly oral preventatives such as Heartgard and Interceptor. Certain topical medications such as prescription Revolution may also be used for heartworm prevention.
If your pet is diagnosed with heartworms, it is still possible to put your pet on monthly preventative medication while under the supervision of a veterinarian. Many pets will convert to heartworm negative status after 1-2 years of continuous heartworm medication. Annual heartworm testing is recommended at your veterinary office before prescriptions can be refilled.
