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Pet Food Recall
Have questions about the recent pet food recall? Visit the following websites -
www.menufoods.com/recall - Maker of the recalled foods. The website contains all the names of the recalled foods. Their number is 1-866-895-2708.
If your pet was affected by the recalled food and you wish to report the incident, you should contact the FDA by going to their website - www.fda.gov/opacom/backgrounders/complain.html to find the complaint coordinator in your state. Keep all of the food in case it needs to be tested.
You can monitor the American Veterinary Medical Association's website for the latest information on this matter - www.avma.org
What signs should I be on the look for in my pet?
Signs of kidney failure include loss of appetite, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, changes in water consumption and also changes in urination. Anyone who has a pet that is exibiting these signs should bring them into the office immediately.
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Heartworm
Heartworm is a parasitic disease that can affect any dog regardless of age, sex or habitat. It is found in virtually all parts of the United States. Heartworm is spread by mosquitoes. Dogs are considered the most common host for heartworms, however heartworms may also infect more than thirty species of animals (including coyotes, foxes, wolves, domestic cats, ferrets) and even humans, though transmission from animal to human (zoonotic infection) is extremely rare.
What are heartworms?
Heartworms are parasites that live in the blood of a dog’s heart and adjacent blood vessels. They can grow from four to twelve inches in length, reach maturation one year after infection and live for approximately five to seven years. Adult heartworms living in the heart produce offspring, known as microfilariae, which circulate in the animal’s blood. In many cases the infected dog will not show symptoms in the early stages.
Heartworm is the most serious common parasite for dogs because it stresses the dog’s heart by restricting blood flow and also damages other internal organs. The heart may enlarge and become weakened due to an increased workload, and congestive heart failure may occur. Left untreated, the disease can be fatal to dogs.
Blood screening tests can verify the presence of heartworms. Radiographs and x-rays are used to detect the disease in its later stages. Prompt detection prevents needless suffering.
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MEDICAL ALERT! Canine influenza is a highly contagious respiratory infection of dogs caused by a n H3N8, of the influenza A virus. The virus can survive in the environment on objects and on clothes up to 48 hours. It causes symptoms of cough, sneezing and nasal discharge ("runny nose"). There are no clinical signs that distinguish canine influenza from other respiratory infections. That is why diagnostic tests must be performed to determine the cause of respiratory infections in dogs. Most of the dogs exposed to the canine influenza virus become infected; about 80 percent develop a flu-like illness. Fortunately, most dogs recover within two weeks without any further health complications.
However, some dogs progress to pneumonia, which is usually due to secondary bacterial infections. We recommend vaccinating dogs who stay/visit at boarding and training facilities, day care centers, dog parks and grooming facilities. Dogs that mostly stay at home and walk around the neighborhood are at low risk.
Although the vaccine may not prevent infection, vaccination reduces the severity and duration of clinical illness, including the incidence and severity of damage to the lungs. In addition, the vaccine reduces the amount of virus shed and shortens the shedding interval. This means that vaccinated dogs that become infected are less likely to have severe symptoms and are not as contagious to other dogs. These benefits are similar to those provided by influenza vaccines used. It has been documented in 30 states and the District of Columbia. At this time, the canine influenza virus is very prevalent in many communities in Colorado, Florida, New York and Pennsylvania. Vaccine representatives now state that it is also prevalent in Virginia, Delaware and New Jersey.
We do encourage dogs who are at high risk (dogs who go to dog parks, boarding and training facilities, day care centers, and grooming) to consider this vaccine.
Please do not hesitate to contact our office at 410-420-6555 if you have additional questions or would like to make an appointment.
Dr. Esra and staff
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Ames, Iowa. -- The first documented case of H1N1 influenza in a cat was confirmed Nov. 4 at Iowa State University's veterinary college. Prior to this diagnosis, the H1N1 influenza virus had been found in humans, pigs, birds and ferrets. The 13-year-old cat tested positive for the H1N1 virus after it was taken to the Lloyd Veterinary Medical Center at Iowa State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, according to reports from the Iowa Department of Public Health. The confirmed diagnosis was achieved through collaboration between the Iowa Department of Public Health, Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine, and Center for Advanced Host Defenses, Immunobiotics and Translational Comparative Medicine, USDA, and IDALS Animal Industry Bureau.In a related briefing, the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) and the American Association of Feline Practitioners (AAFP) reminded pet owners that some viruses can pass between people and animals. Owners should seek veterinary care when signs, symptoms occur, the association says in a prepared statement. AVMA says it is actively tracking cases of H1N1 in animals and posting updates on its website at www.avma.org.
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Pre-Anesthetic Bloodwork and IV Fluids
As in human medicine, the anesthetics available for your pets are safe. As a result, the anesthetic risk is greatly minimized when a healthy pet is placed under anesthesia. However if your pet is not healthy, complications can occur. In order to minimize potential risk associated with anesthesia, it is vital for us to know the complete health status of your pet. Prior to anesthesia, pre-anesthetic bloodwork provides us an insight as to what is occuring internally. It is also recommended to do IV fluids during anesthesia just like in human medicine. Fluids will help maintain blood pressure during anesthesia and clear the anesthesia from the body. Performing pre-anesthetic bloodwork and IV fluids significantly minimizes the risk to your pet and provides you and us with peace of mind.
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Did your dog recently lose a canine companion?
Losing a companion can take its toll on your other pet. Changes in behavior can include an increase or decrease in appetite, and changes in sleep patterns and vocalization. Most people say there pet just appears "lost." Here are some suggestions to help them cope with the loss.
- Start a new activity with your dog, such as hiking, or sign up for a trick training class
- Go for more walks. And go somewhere new like a park or beach. If you work full time, hire a dog walker to take her for a stroll during the day.
- Give your dog a massage, or take her to a professional canine massage therapist.
- Play tour guide. Take your dog on short errands around town, or grab coffee at an outdoor cafe where you both can drink in the sights and sounds.
- Set up a play date with another familiar, friendly dog and owner.
- Think about possibly getting your dog a new companion. Adopt a pet from your local shelter.
Most of all, give your dog time to recover. Most dogs bounce back within two or three weeks.
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Dental Care
Regular dental check ups are vital to maintaining your pet's oral care as well as overall health. Plaque and tartar contain bacteria that irritate the gums allowing the plaque and tartar to reach the root of the tooth. When the gum bleeds, this allows the bacteria to enter the bloodstream where it can travel to the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys and nervous system and cause major infections. Ask us about professional dental cleanings. At home preventative dental care is simple and effective. Brush your pet's teeth daily. Use a finger brush or small soft tooth brush with C.E.T. toothpaste to maintain good oral health. Other products that help maintain good dental hygiene: C.E.T. Oral Hygiene Rinse is a great product is comparable to a mouthwash that pet's can digest. It is very simple to use just squirt on each side of mouth daily. C.E.T. chews are treated with enzymes to breakdown plaque buildup on the teeth of your pet. Regular professional dental cleaning is the most effective way to ensure good dental health of your pet. Call us to schedule a dental checkup for your pet.
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What does a dog in pain look like?
Your dog may never whimper or cry in pain. Your dog may still wag happily when you walk into the room. In fact, dogs frequently show pain from osteoarthritis in very subtle ways or even try to hide the joint pain from their human companions. Yet an estimated 20% of adult dogs suffer from osteoarthritis,* an extremely painful condition that affects a dog's joints. Osteoarthritis is one of the most common causes of chronic pain in dogs and can affect pets of all ages. Yet all too often, its early signs go unrecognized - even by the most attentive owners.
You are the person who best knows your dogs normal behavior. Here are a few signs of joint pain that may be caused by the early onset of osteoarthritis (OA):
§ Stiffness
§ Slower to rise
§ Reduced movement or willingness to play/reluctance or nipping when touched in a certain area
§ Reduced appetite
§ Excessive licking or biting at an area of the body
§ Altered sleeping pattern
Discuss these signs with Doctor Esra and her staff, they can assess whether osteoarthritis (OA) is causing your dog's discomfort.
Why is pain management so important?
No one wants to see a pet suffer from osteoarthritis. But pain control isn?t just about being humane. Pain can be harmful to your dog?s health, lengthen healing time and even cause problems with internal organs. While there?s no cure for canine osteoarthritis, the pain can and should be managed.
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If your pet has any of these symptoms, it is an EMERGENCY:
Bleeding that won't stop
Inability/difficulty breathing
Hit by a car
Inability to urinate/appears to be constipated
Inability to deliver puppies or kittens; in hard labor for over 1 hour
Pain; severe, continuous with no relief
Vomiting/diarrhea with the presence of blood
Ingestion of poison
Is convulsing
Loss of balance or consciousness
Is suddenly bloated
Has any type of eye problem/injury
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Hotlines
National Animal Poison Control Center
1-888-426-4435
USDA Voice Response Service
1-800-545-8742
Pet Poison Helpline
800-213-6680
www.petpoisonhelpline.com
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