Animal Medical Center of Bel Air

Salmonella Warning (Listed 1/23/100

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) posted a warning on its website this week about potential contamination of Merrick Beef Filet Squares for dogs. The product is distributed by Merrick Pet Care, and has a package date of “Best By 111911,” according to the agency.

The FDA found Salmonella in the treats during a routine test in December. A follow-up test discovered “deficiencies in the packaging and manufacturing processes.” No official recall has been announced, and the FDA says no illnesses have been reported from the products. However, consumers are being advised not to handle these products or feed them to their pets.

People who have Merrick Beef Filet Squares with the above package date should throw them away immediately, the FDA says.

Keep an eye out for our quarterly newsletter!!

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.

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.

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.

Children And Parasites

Be safe, not sorry. Children are more prone to contracting zoonotic parasites, as they tend to kiss and play more readily with pets. Parasite larvae are shed in the pet’s feces and may contaminate soil and sand. When children play in the contaminated areas and place their fingers in their mouths this allows the eggs to be ingested, causing infection. Hookworm larvae are capable of infecting a host through penetration of the skin. Be sure to pick up feces promptly and avoid eating while playing with your pet. Frequent hand washing, as well as good general hygiene for people and dogs, is recommended. Routine check ups by your veterinarian - including a diagnostic test for worms and heartworm – as well as a physical exam along with medical prevention, will not only keep your dog healthy but will reduce any risk to you and your family.

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.

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.

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