PetMeds^® Blog

One of the most frustrating problems for animal guardians is when their veterinarians prescribe an oral antibiotic or oral medication that is difficult for them to administer to their pets. Whether it be that a pet is very stubborn about pilling or can eat around medication hidden in food, this has long been one of the most frustrating problems encountered by both veterinarian and animal guardian. Over the years newer medications one-a-day prescription pet medications has made this issue easier, however, this problem still remains an obstacle for many animal guardians. A few years ago, an injectable antibiotic came out by Pfizer called Convenia, where a single injection of this cephalosporin-based antibiotic lasted for up to two weeks.

This versatile antibiotic, which has a broad use of activity in small animal practice from skin infections to other soft tissue or respiratory infections, it has been a godsend for many guardians; especially when dealing with an outdoor cat who is hard to catch and/or a dog who is difficult to restrain or medicate.

So, if your pet has been diagnosed with an infection, and it is difficult for you to properly medicate or pill your pet, you may want to ask your vet about prescription Convenia, now available from most veterinarians by prescription injection from their office. At the same time, I will often prescribe immune boosters as well, including Vetri-DMG liquid, Vitamin C, Super VitaChews and other nutritional supplements to help improve immune function and shorten the duration of the infection.

One of the most common eye problems seen in especially young dogs is the appearance of a swollen and protruding third eyelid.  While this can occur in any breed, we do see it more commonly in certain breeds, especially Cocker Spaniels and Shar-Peis. The swollen third eyelid actually looks like a small tumor as it is red and often engorged with blood and can cover much of the eye (from its origin at the inner corner of the eye near the nose).  While it most typically occurs in one eye, some dogs can eventually have both sides affected.

Because of its swollen and red appearance, this condition is often commonly referred to as a “cherry eye.”  While it is alarming in appearance, most dogs are not bothered at all by the swelling.  Since this third eye lid is a major source of tears for dogs, chronic protrusion can lead to a reduced tear production in the eye and the eventual development of a condition known as dry eye. In the past, many veterinarians often removed this third eye lid, but since a significant number of dogs developed dry eye after surgery, the standard of treatment for this condition is to now surgically replace the swollen third eyelid back in place, rather than removing it.

For those clients who can’t afford the surgery or need to wait, then I simply have clients use artificial tears several times a day keep the eyes moist, and use topical antibiotics as needed for any secondary infections. If needed, prescription drugs like Optimmune or Cyclosporine are often prescribed should a pet develop the complication known as dry eye, which often appears as a thick mucous covered eye that is red and inflamed.  The important point I want to make to clients is that this condition is not health threatening and can certainly be managed in the above manners, depending upon the pet and the given client’s financial constraints.

One of the most devastating, yet common diagnoses in both human and veterinary medicine is the diagnosis of cancer. While many types of cancer or tumors can be benign, such as common fatty lumps in pets known as lymphomas, warts, cysts, and skin tags, many other lumps both externally and internally can indeed sometime be malignant. When such masses or lumps are noted on exam or laboratory testing, it is often helpful for the veterinarian to try and obtain a diagnosis so that an appropriate treatment plan can be instituted.

While many times a needle aspirate and evaluation of the cells under the microscope (known as cytology) can yield a diagnosis, other times an excisional or surgical biopsy of the tissue is needed by your veterinarian. Depending upon the diagnosis, some tumors can be left alone, while others need more aggressive surgical treatment, chemotherapy and/or radiation, depending upon the tumor type. In recent years there have been tremendous advances in veterinary cancer therapy, both in terms of chemo and radiation therapy, as well as even now stem cell or gene therapy in veterinary medicine recently available for some diseases. Holistic veterinary medicine is also an option, including nutritional supplements, Western and Chinese herbs, acupuncture, and homeopathic remedies.

Dietary therapy is also very important in the management of many types of cancers. For conventional therapy, I usually recommend a consultation with a cancer specialist known as an oncologist, while for holistic veterinary medicine, I would also seek out a well trained holistic veterinarian in one of the above areas, whether as part of an integrative cancer approach or those interested in a more strictly holistic approach. No matter which approach is taken, with time, patience, and commitment, many pets diagnosed with cancer can indeed live long lives and in some cases even cured, depending upon the cancer type.

Another common complaint of animal guardians is why their pet has such bad breath, also known as halitosis by the medical and veterinary profession. Bad breath can have many potential causes. The first and most obvious includes some sort of oral periodontal disease. This can range from loose or infected teeth with bacterial plaque buildup, to more extensive lesions and swelling of the gums.

In older pets, tumors or growths which can range from benign gum growths called epuli, to more serious oral cancers can also be found. It is important, however, for an animal guardian to realize, that dental disease is not the only cause of bad breath in a pet. Sometimes upper respiratory and/or sinus infections, particularly in cats can be a common cause of bad breath. Poor digestion and/or digestive tract disease, including intermittent belching or reflux can present bad breath in a dog or cat who is otherwise not having any signs of vomiting or diarrhea.

Depending upon the cause of the bad breath will determine proper course of treatment. That is why any pet with chronic bad breath should have a full medical exam and veterinary assessment to rule many of these possibilities out. Once a diagnosis is obtained, an appropriate course of treatment can be instituted.

Clients are often asking about which vaccinations their pets truly need and how frequently do they need them. The answer to this question will depend upon both the age and lifestyle of a particular pet.  For example, kittens and puppies should receive certain core vaccinations such as parvo/distemper in dogs and panleukopenia in cats. However, unlike the popular practice of repetitively vaccinating dogs and cats for these core viruses every 1-3 years, if a dog or cat receives these vaccinations at age 16 weeks or older, immunity lasts for years to the life of the animal, and further vaccination is not necessary in my opinion and experience.

Vaccinations are medical procedures that are important, however, as with any medical procedure, it should not be overdone or misused.  Over vaccination has been linked with an increasing number of autoimmune diseases and rare cancers in dogs and cats. Most states also require that puppies and kittens receive rabies vaccinations as a core vaccination as well, which usually need to be repeated every three years in adulthood in most states. The other vaccinations are all optional and are based on the lifestyle of a particular dog or cat, and whether they are out hunting, etc. Many of these vaccinations, however, in my opinion, are of questionable efficacy, and I am concerned about chronic immune reactions to them in both dogs and cats. These would include FIV and FIP vaccination of cats, as well as leptospirosis and Lyme disease vaccination in dogs, which I do not recommend in my practice.