Blog

Keeping Your Pet Safe While Making Fleas Flee

March 12, 2012

We’ve been lucky to have had a very mild winter this year, however, we’re not the only ones to appreciate it.  We usually don’t start to see a rise in the number of pets coming in with fleas until the summer months, but with the warmer temperatures this past winter, we’re already starting to see more flea cases than is usual for this time of year.

You can take steps now to help ensure that you and your pets don’t suffer from fleas this coming year. As with most things, prevention is better than treating a flea infestation after it has taken hold. There are a variety of monthly topical products that you can get from your veterinarian to use on your pets to help prevent fleas. These come in a small applicator tube that is applied over your pet’s shoulders once a month. We would be more than happy to go over available products and help you decide which is best for you and your pet.

However, and this is a very important however, make sure the flea treatment you are using is for the species of animal you are treating. If a product says for dogs only, do not use it on cats or other animals. We recently had a case of a young cat that came into the hospital seizuring.  After talking with the owners, it was discovered that they had treated the cat with a flea product that was only labeled to be used on dogs. Luckily they had brought the kitty in soon enough for us to be able to treat it successfully. Some products that are safe for one species though can be fatal if used on others.

Make sure you carefully read all labels before using any product or medication on your pet. It’s also a good idea to get into the habit of checking the expiration dates as well. If you’re not sure whether a medication is safe, don’t use it. It’s better to be safe than sorry.

Hopefully you and your pet will be able to avoid having an invasion of parasites this summer, just be certain the steps you take are safe ones for your pet.

Posted in Alerts, Pet Care | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Why Blood Work is Important for the Health of Your Pet

March 4, 2012

If you’ve ever had to bring your pet into the veterinarian’s office because it was ill, there’s a good chance your vet has recommended having blood work done. You may also have had it recommended before your pet is anesthetized for a surgical procedure as well. “Blood work” is a catch all term that actually describes a wide range of possible tests that can be done. You don’t need to wait until your pet is ill though. Having blood tests done on your pet while they are healthy can help give a baseline of what their normal values are and it can even help discover health issues that might not have been discovered until after your pet was quite ill.

So, what types of things can your veterinarian learn from your pet’s blood work? Quite a lot actually. Here are just some of the things that routine blood work can tell your vet about your pet.

  • Low and high blood sugar levels. High levels would indicate that your pet might be diabetic. Blood sugar that is too low can be very serious as well.
  • How well your pet’s kidneys are functioning. Kidney problems can be caused by a number of conditions.  If kidney issues are caught early, your pet’s long term prognosis will be better.
  • Liver problems. Like kidney disease, liver disease can be caused by a wide range of conditions. The sooner abnormal liver values are found though, the sooner we can find out what the underlying issue is and start treatment.
  • Infection. If your pet has been acting “off”, but there’s nothing specific you can put your finger on, blood work can help discover if there may be an underlying infection somewhere that needs to be treated. If your pet is being treated for an infection, further blood samples can help tell us how well they’re responding to treatment.
  • Pancreatitis. The symptoms of pancreatitis can be the same as some other conditions seen in pets. Blood work will help your veterinarian decide whether pancreatitis is the possible cause of your pet’s illness.
  •  Dehydration. Dehydration is often seen in pets that have been ill, especially if they have had diarrhea or vomiting. Blood work can show how seriously dehydrated they are, so that we can treat appropriately.
  • Cancer. Some cancers can cause an increase in certain blood values.
  • Poor nutrition. Some blood values can increase or decrease with poor nutrition.
  • Anemia. If your pet does not have enough red blood cells, then anemia occurs. Anemia can be caused by injury, disease or some immune disorders. The sooner anemia is diagnosed, the sooner we can find out what the cause is.
  • Platelet levels. Platelets are your blood’s clotting agents. Platelet levels that are too low can lead to bleeding disorders.

These are just some of the many things your veterinarian can learn from your pet’s blood work.  Many pets, amazingly, have little to no objections when having their blood drawn.  The numbers of things your veterinarian can learn about your pet’s health through just a small blood sample are truly amazing as well.

Posted in Ask the Vet | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Pekingese-the Little Lion Dogs

February 27, 2012

I’m sure many of you spent time watching the Westminster Kennel Club annual competition and saw Ch. Palacegarden Malachy or Malachy as his friends know him, walk away with Best in Show.  If so, you may wish to know more about this diminutive breed. Here are some facts from the Pekingese Club of America.

  • Pekingese originated in China. They were bred early on by the Imperial kennels.  They originally came in short and longhair, and the short, bowed front legs were bred for to insure that the dogs wouldn’t wander off too far.
  • Pekingese were sometimes given as gifts to visiting dignitaries and the first five dogs to arrive in England were stolen as loot from Beijing in 1860.
  • The recommended weight for Pekingese is under 14 pounds and they have a stocky, muscular build for their size.
  • While a gold or reddish dog with a black mask is the most common, any coat color is allowed.
  • Pekingese can be prone to breathing issues, which are often seen in breeds of dogs with short faces. They can also have eye issues, back/spinal issues and heart issues.
  • Pekingese can make good apartment dogs due to their small size and since they need less exercise than larger dogs.

 

Some other things you may wish to keep in mind if you’re considering a Pekingese is that due to those cute, short noses, they can snore, and quite loudly at times. Also if you want to keep that pretty long coat, you will need to keep them brushed out on a regular basis. If daily grooming is an issue, we’ve known many Pekes who are happy to get regular haircuts at the groomer. They can be very loving and affectionate family dogs, although they are often suspicious of people they don’t know. These guys like mealtime and are prone to becoming overweight, so be sure to control how much they eat and make sure they get daily exercise.

If you think a Pekingese may be the right dog for you, you can look for reputable breeders at the Pekingese Club of America. If your only wish is for a pet dog, Petfinder is a good source to find Pekingese and Peke mixes in rescue groups or shelters that are in need of new homes.

 

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Time to Go to the Dentist

February 20, 2012

Imagine going years without brushing your teeth. Imagine you have a cracked tooth and it splits apart every time you chew with it. Imagine another tooth is broken off at the gum line and only the root remains. Imagine yet another tooth has a cavity with an abscess in it and is draining pus into your mouth.  None of these scenarios sound like much fun do they? Yet this is what many pets go through every day due to lack of proper dental care.

Dogs and cats both need dental care just as people do. While dogs and cats are not prone to the same types of cavities as people, they do have other dental issues to worry about. Cracked

teeth and tooth fractures are common in dogs. Fractures can lead to painful root exposure and abscesses. Cats are also prone to their own type of tooth problems, called resorptive lesions. These can cause cavity-like areas on the tooth, most commonly along the gum line. They can be hard to spot, but can be extremely painful for the cat. Both dogs and cats can also get gingivitis, which is an inflammation of the gums. Gingivitis can lead to infection, periodontal disease and eventual tooth loss.

Depending on the condition of your pet’s teeth, your pet may need to have his teeth professionally cleaned. The cleaning is done under a general anesthetic at the veterinary hospital. It’s recommended that preanesthetic blood tests be done for all pets to uncover hidden health problems before your pet is anesthetized. They will be given a complete physical exam as well. Dental radiographs may be performed to check the condition of the tooth roots and underlying bone. Your pet may need to have teeth extracted if a tooth is damaged or if they have severe gum disease. Pain medication will be given to your pet to help ease any discomfort and pets normally go home the same day.

After having your pet’s teeth cleaned, you may wish to consider brushing your pet’s teeth daily, or several times weekly. Your veterinarian can help show you how to do this. The AVMA (American Veterinary Medical Association) also has an informative video covering pet dental care and brushing at Dental Health: How to Brush Your Pet’s Teeth

Dogs and cats depend on us to keep them healthy and happy. Proper dental care is an important part of caring for your pet and your pet will appreciate being able to eat and “smile” without pain.

Posted in Ask the Vet, Illness & Disease, Pet Care | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Our Furry and Feathered Valentines

February 14, 2012

That we love our pets is a given for many people, but some may wonder if their pets love them. While there is no way for us to know what another species of animal is thinking or feeling, and there are some who may argue that animals don’t have emotions in the same way as people, there is no doubt for most pet lovers that our pets do care for us in their own ways.

Dog owners only have to walk in their front doors to the smiling faces and wagging tails of their canine friends to know that they were missed. It’s good to know that no matter how bad or long your day was that it seems to make your dog’s entire day when you get home. Dogs often follow their owners from room to room and enjoy snuggling up beside us on beds and couches. Many dog owners can attest to the fact that their dogs often know when they’re upset and try to comfort them. Even some behaviors that on the surface don’t seem quite as friendly are born out of our dog’s attachment to us. Dogs often jump up on us because they’re trying to get face to face contact and dogs will often chew up your shoes because they smell like you.

While cats are generally less demonstrative than dogs with their affection, they have their own ways of showing attachment. Anyone who has had a purring cat sitting on their lap knows what it means to have a cat love you. Cats will often lick or groom their owners, just as they would a feline friend. Weaving in and out of your legs with their tail wrapping about you is a sure sign of affection as well. And though humans see it as less than flattering, a cat that is stressed by your absence on vacation may urinate on your items, not out of spite, but because it finds having its scent mixed with yours comforting.

Pet birds, such as the many parrot species, also show affection. Parrots live in large flocks in the wild and can form strong pair bonds. A cockatiel sitting on your shoulder playing with your hair or earring is preening you as he would a bird buddy. Birds that are used to being handled will often lower their head asking for a scratch in return. And while not to be confused with vomiting when they’re ill, birds can voluntarily regurgitate food to those they love.

Even rabbits can show their owners affection. Bunnies will often lick those whom they like and if a rabbit is willing to stretch contentedly beside you then he trusts you a lot. Anyone who has seen a bunny zipping around and kicking its heels in the air has seen a happy bunny.

So as you celebrate Valentine’s Day this year with your human loved ones, be sure to give a pat on the head or a scratch behind the ear to our furry and feathered ones too.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Antifreeze Poisoning

February 7, 2012

This time of year, keeping sufficient antifreeze in your car is important to prevent problems. If you’re not careful though, you could create serious problems for your pets or other animals in your neighborhood. We sadly have already seen one fatality this year in a pet from antifreeze poisoning.

Antifreeze is usually described as having a sweet taste, something many animals will readily consume. As little as one teaspoon of antifreeze is a lethal amount for an average sized cat. Dogs are susceptible as well, the smaller the dog, the less it needs to ingest. If you are adding antifreeze to your radiator and spill some, your pet may lap it up off the ground, or could be poisoned by walking through it and then licking the antifreeze off its paws later.

The signs seen with antifreeze poisoning vary depending on how much time has passed since your pet consumed it. Shortly after ingesting it, your pet may appear as if it’s inebriated or drunk, or it may seem depressed or lethargic. It is not uncommon for pets to become thirsty and drink and urinate more than is usual for them. They may also start vomiting.  After this stage, your pet can appear to be feeling better, the antifreeze however is being metabolized in your pet’s body and will eventually lead to kidney failure, usually within one to two days.

The sooner treatment is started, the better your pet’s chances. If it’s not caught until after it’s already started to damage the kidneys, the prognosis is quite poor, so if you at all suspect that your pet has gotten into antifreeze it’s important that you get them in as soon as possible so that treatment can be started before permanent damage occurs. Waiting even more than a few hours can lead to a greatly decreased chance of survival.

If you do spill antifreeze, be sure to clean it up properly. Sprinkle kitty litter or sand over it to absorb the spill. Wear gloves when cleaning to avoid any chance of it being absorbed by your skin and use disposable towels to scoop it into a garbage bag. Use soapy water to clean up the area where it spilled and then be sure to rinse it well afterwards. You should check your local ordinances to see if you can throw the antifreeze soaked litter out with your regular trash or if you need to take it elsewhere for proper disposal.

Posted in Alerts | Tagged , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Why You Should Consider Spaying or Neutering Your Pet

January 31, 2012

Most of us have heard that we should have our pet spayed or neutered. What you may not have heard though, are the benefits of having this done for your pet. Here are some reasons that might convince you.

  • You can avoid or prevent health problems, some of which can be quite serious. A spayed cat or dog will not have to worry about having uterine infections and the incidence of breast cancer, especially if your pet is spayed by six months of age, is considerably less. Male pets will also not have to worry about developing testicular cancer.
  • If you have a female pet, you won’t have to worry about it going into heat. Female dogs go through a heat cycle twice yearly and female cats can have a heat cycle lasting several days and reoccurring every couple of weeks. Being around a female cat in heat can be no fun either as most tend to roam around the house crying loudly. We’ve had female cats brought into the hospital that the owners thought were in terrible pain, only to find out that they were really just in heat. Female dogs in heat can also leave “messes” around the house for you to clean up as well.
  • Unneutered male cats are much more likely to “spray” or urinate throughout your house and unneutered male dogs are more likely to mark territory as well.
  • Neutered male cats and dogs are much less likely to roam.  Male dogs have been known to dig under or climb fences to get out to find a female in heat.
  • Last, but certainly not least, is to prevent pet overpopulation.  There is no shortage of dogs and cats in need of homes. All you have to do is stroll through your local shelter to see them. And while many people think that the puppies and kittens from their purebred dog or cat are not at risk of ever being homeless, sadly the shelters have no shortage of purebred pets as well as mixed breeds. Pregnancy and delivery are also not without their risk for your female pet. Puppies and kittens need veterinary care, worming and vaccinations, so it can be far from an inexpensive endeavor even if there are no complications. Raising those puppies and kittens until they’re old enough to go to new homes and then finding good homes for them can be a stressful experience as well.

Spaying and neutering is done under a general anesthetic and most dogs and cats, especially when they are neutered at six months of age, have an uneventful recovery. Pets will stay overnight at the hospital after surgery and have their stitches removed ten days later.  Spaying and neutering will not change your pet’s personality and most are their usual happy selves within a day or two of surgery.  If you have any more questions about spaying or neutering your pet, please give us a call, we’ll be happy to answer any questions you may have.

Posted in Ask the Vet, Pet Care | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Getting to Know Us

January 23, 2012

I’d like to introduce one of our newest staff members, April, who is currently finishing up her degree in Veterinary Technology from Miami-Jacobs Career College. April started with us in June of 2011. She’d been looking for a new career after being laid off during the economic downturn.  A love of animals led her back to college to earn a degree in Veterinary Technology. Of course an animal lover has to have pets of her own, and April currently lives with her six dogs, two cats and also a duck, chickens and bunny.

April has been a wonderful addition to our staff, and says two of her favorite things are helping with surgery and dentistry. Here’s what April had to say about joining us.

I started working at Troy Animal Hospital last June, while finishing my degree at school in veterinary technology. Since then I have been able to apply my skills I have learned while going to school, in many ways. I have always enjoyed being around animals, and getting to help them feel better when they are sick and come into the clinic is a very rewarding experience. The team here at Troy Animal Hospital is very dedicated to giving the best quality care to every pet that walks through the door. It is a very rewarding experience to get to work with such a great team, and I can say that what I didn’t learn in school I have been able to learn here from the other staff members and their experience. I will be graduating from school this spring, and I feel that what I have learned from attending classes and from working has greatly prepared me for this career. I enjoy getting up and coming to work each day and I wouldn’t trade this job for any other.

We at Troy Animal Hospital look forward to getting to know you and your pet and hope that you get to know us as well!

Penny and Parker, two of April's pets

Posted in Staff intros | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Is Your Dog Overdue for his Vaccinations?

January 16, 2012

Many people today are looking for ways to save money, and wisely so. With the recent downturn in the economy the past few years, saving money has become a priority and trying to decide what you can do without and where you can cut back are important decisions.

When it comes to our pets, some owners have decided to forgo their pet’s annual checkup and vaccinations. If your pet seems otherwise healthy, this may seem like a good money saving decision.  It may however end up costing you a great deal more in the long run, or even end up costing your pet its life.

A recent outbreak of distemper at a humane society in Clark County led to the shelter closing for a week and sadly, at least 20 dogs had to be euthanized. The disease is extremely contagious, with symptoms including: discharge from the eyes and nose, coughing, congestion of the lungs, and diarrhea and vomiting. As many as one half of infected dogs will die, with puppies being more susceptible. The virus can be airborne, or passed by direct contact with contaminated stool, urine or other secretions from infected dogs.

Distemper, however, is easily preventable. Vaccination for distemper is included in the first vaccinations that a puppy receives, usually starting at 6 weeks, and is then part of an adult dog’s routine vaccinations. If your dog is overdue for her vaccinations, you should get her caught up as soon as possible. Everyone wants to save money where they can, but saving your pet from suffering and yourself from heartbreak is even more important in the long run.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | Leave a comment

Diabetes in Dogs and Cats

January 9, 2012

Most people know or have an idea of what diabetes is, a disorder where the body doesn’t produce or utilize insulin properly, which causes blood sugar levels to become too high. Not everyone is aware that disease can also affect dogs and cats. As in people though, diabetes in dogs and cats can be treated.

What are some signs that your pet may have diabetes? The first signs you as an owner may notice are that your pet is drinking an excessive amount of water and urinating excessively. They may also be losing weight although they are eating normally or even eating more than usual. It is more common in older, overweight pets.  As with most diseases, the earlier it is diagnosed the better the long term outcome. Your veterinarian will give your pet a thorough exam and run blood work and possibly a urinalysis to determine if diabetes is the cause. Left untreated, diabetes is fatal.

Pup doesn't let diabetes get in the way of nap time.

Although hearing that your pet is diabetic can be frightening, keep in mind that diabetes can be treated and many pets go on to live a normal, happy life. You will have a big part in the care and treatment of your pet though, so it’s good to have an idea of what will be involved in keeping your diabetic pet happy and healthy.

“Consistency” probably best describes what is involved in caring for a diabetic pet.  Mealtimes, amount of food and treats fed, exercise and insulin injections will all need to be given at roughly the same time every day.  The more consistent you are the better for your pet.
So what exactly is involved?

1. Diet-It’s important to feed a high quality diet to your diabetic pet. Your veterinarian may recommend a particular diet. It’s also important that you feed a consistent amount, at the same time every day. Most diabetics will need two meals a day, and are usually fed before being given their insulin injections. You also need to be careful not to give too many treats in between meals, as regulating your pet’s glucose (sugar) level is very dependent on how many calories it takes in. A wide fluctuation of calories can make it harder to regulate.

2. Exercise-Just as in providing consistent amounts of food is important, providing the same amount of exercise everyday is also important for keeping your pet’s glucose levels consistent. Strenuous exercise, especially for a pet that’s not accustomed to it, should be avoided.

3. Insulin-This is the part most owners dread. Yes, you will have to give your pet injections every day.  Most people find that this is not as bad as they had feared it wou

ld be. Your veterinarian or vet tech will show you how to draw up and administer the injections. If you have any questions be sure to ask! There are ways you can make this easier f

or you and your pet. Having someone else to hold your pet when you’re first learning how can help. They can often give a small treat to distract your pet while you give them the injection.  If given extra attention or a special treat, many pets will not even notice the injection as the needle used is very small.

There are a few other things you should know. When your pet is first diagnosed, it will usually have to stay at the hospital to have what is known as a “glucose curve” done. This is how your veterinarian finds out how much insulin your pet will need. For the first month or two, you will probably have to make a weekly trip to the vet so that we can monitor its glucose levels to see how it is responding to treatment. It’s not uncommon for the amount of insulin given to be adjusted over the first couple of months till we find the right amount for your pet. After that, if your pet is responding well to treatment, the amount of time between glucose checks can be lengthened. Your vet will also go over the signs of hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, some of which are lethargy, confusion, loss of coordination and vomiting. Hypoglycemia can be very serious if it occurs. Keeping a bottle of corn syrup on hand, that you can use to spoon into your pet, or rub on his gums if he is unconscious is a good idea. If your pet becomes ill, especially if it is not eating, you should have it checked right away. Illness can affect insulin levels, so it’s important to have your pet seen promptly.

As with any medical issue or disease that involves your pet we are here to help. Learning to care for your diabetic pet can seem overwhelming at first, so you may want to write down any questions you have to be sure you get all the answers you need. Commitment is needed, but diabetes can be treated, and the level of care you give your pet can be very rewarding in the long run for both of you.

Posted in Uncategorized | Tagged , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , , | 1 Comment