Giardia is a threat to dogs and humans

BY JULIE IRWIN, VMD, SEATTLE VETERINARY ASSOCIATES

Giardia is a protozoan parasite that is infectious to both humans and pets all over the world. It infects nearly 2% of adults and 6% to 8% of children in developed countries worldwide. Nearly 33% of people in developing countries have had giardiasis. According to the CDC, Giardia infection is the most common intestinal parasitic disease affecting people in the United States.

We are certainly seeing a rise in the numbers of our veterinary patients being diagnosed with Giardiasis. However, it is unclear whether the rise in the number of cases is due to a true increase inthe incidence of the disease or whether it is due to better methods of detection.

Method of transmission 
Giardia cysts are shed in the feces from infected people or animals and can persist in the environment for extended periods of time. When animals or humans ingest these cysts, the parasite attaches to the lining of the intestine in the new host.

An infected person might shed 1-10 billion cysts daily in their feces and this might last for several months. However, swallowing as few as 10 cysts might cause someone to become ill. Giardia may be passed from person-to-person and from animal-to-animal. There is also some concern that certain subspecies can be passed from animal-to-person.

Contaminated water is the classical source of a Giardia infection. This is one of the reasons that backpackers and campers are advised to boil or treat water obtained from fresh rivers or lakes prior to drinking.

Symptoms 
Infection with Giardia causes problems with normal intestinal absorption of vitamins and other nutrients. This leads to a profuse, watery foul-smelling diarrhea. Animals and humans can also be carriers of the organism without showing any symptoms.

Diagnosis
In the past, diagnosis in our veterinary patients was difficult. The stool sample being examined needed to be fresh, plus Giardia rarely show up on the usual fecal flotation testing methods used to detect other parasites. Additionally, Giardia cysts can be shed intermittently, so infections can be missed on a single fecal float.

Recently a commercial ELISA test has become available, which tests for the presence of Giardia proteins in the feces. This method has dramatically improved the ability to detect Giardiainfections and the test can be completed in the office.

Treatment 
A broad spectrum dewormer called fenbendazole (Panacur®) seems to be the most reliable treatment at this time. Metronidazole (Flagyl®) in relatively high doses has been a classical treatment for Giardia but studies show that it is not always effective as a sole agent. In some cases, the medications are used together.

Environmental Decontamination
Treatment with medication should also be combined with environmental decontamination.Because infected pets may have been shedding cysts into the environment for some period of time before detection, it is important to thoroughly clean the environment to prevent re-infection. Guidelines from the CDC for cleaning of the environmental are listed below. In addition, because cysts can stick to the fur of the infected patient and be a source for re-infection, the positive animal should be bathed at least once in the course of treatment.

Carpets: Steam clean the area at 158° F for 5 minutes or 212 F for 1 minute. Read the product labels for specifications, and follow all instructions.

Other items: Dishwasher-safe toys and water and food bowls can be disinfected in a dishwasher that has a dry cycle or a final rinse that exceeds one of the following: 113° F for 20 minutes, 122° Ffor 5 minutes or 162° F for 1 minute. If a dishwasher is not available, submerge dishwasher-safe items in boiling water for at least 1 minute. Toys and bedding can be washed in the washing machine and then heat-dried on the highest heat setting for 30 minutes. If a clothes dryer is not available, allow items to thoroughly air dry under direct sunlight.

The Yard: 

• Wear gloves when handling feces.
• Remove feces promptly and put it in a plastic bag.
• Limit access to common outdoor spaces, where possible, if pets have diarrhea or are being treated for Giardia. It has been demonstrated that dogs that play at dog parks are at greater risk for infection.
• Eliminate any source of standing water.
• Do not allow any new animals, especially young ones, to enter the yard or other outdoor spaces until the patient has been shown to be free of Giardia.

Giardia is hard to completely eliminate from the environment, but there are things you can do to help decrease the risk of pet reinfection and of human infection. Please remember that despite your best efforts to clean the environment, Giardia can persist in outdoor spaces and pet reinfection is possible. 

Follow up
In most cases, we do recommend follow up after treatment for Giardia to ensure that the organism has been completely cleared. In general, a fecal flotation is checked two weeks post-treatment to ensure that the animal is no longer shedding cysts. The ELISA test can be repeated 6-8 weeks post-treatment to ensure that the organism is no longer present.

Julie Irwin, VMD

Julie Irwin, VMD was born and raised in Cleveland, Ohio. She attended Cornell University, where she received her Bachelor of Arts degree with a dual major in Mathematics and Biology. She then attended the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, graduating in 1998. Julie and Steve met in veterinary school and were married shortly after graduation. Julie's other interests include rowing, cross-country skiing and hiking. She and Steve, along with their three children, have recently relocated to Seattle and are enjoying exploring the Pacific Northwest.

Source: http://www.seattledogspot.com/blog/dog-blog/post/giardia-is-a-threat-to-dogs-and-humans

Parvovirus: A Serious Disease That Needs Intensive Treatment

Ask Dr. Dye - Karen Dye

Q:   My puppy was diagnosed with parvovirus.  Can I treat him from home?

A:  Ideally, puppies with parvovirus should be treated as inpatients in the hospital.  Parvovirus infection is an acute systemic disease that requires prompt, intensive supportive care in the hospital to be most successful with treatment. 

Signs include sudden onset of lethargy, bloody diarrhea, anorexia and vomiting.  Some puppies may collapse and die without any signs.  Dogs that are from kennels, animal shelters and pet stores are at greater risk.  Also puppies that are younger than four months of age are at higher risk of severe infection.   Concurrent diseases such as intestinal parasites or other viruses such as coronavirus may exacerbate the illness.  Crowding and poor sanitation increases risk of infection as well. 

Virus can be detected in the stool at the onset of disease and for 2-4 days afterward with in-house laboratory testing.  Lymphopenia is very common (low lymphocyte counts) and leukocytosis is common during recovery (increased White Blood Cell count). 

Treatment is aimed at supportive, symptomatic care.  Controlling vomiting is of essence.  Correcting dehydration and electrolyte abnormalities are important as well.  This is best done in the hospital with intravenous balanced fluid therapy.  We are able to monitor patients’ response if they are hospitalized.  These patients do need to be hospitalized in isolation due to the highly contagious nature of the virus.  Thorough disinfection is needed with a bleach solution to destroy canine parvovirus shed into the environment.  Food and water is withheld until vomiting is controlled; once puppies are recovering, they should be fed a highly digestible, low fat diet.   Possible complications include secondary bacterial pneumonia, intussusception (prolapse of one portion of the intestine into the lumen of an adjoining segment of intestine), and septicemia (systemic bacterial infection).  This is another reason to keep puppies being treated for parvovirus in the hospital.

It is important to vaccinate appropriately for canine parvovirus.  Puppies that are vaccinated with reputable vaccines at the appropriate age intervals should be protected from parvovirus.   75% of puppies vaccinated with efficacious products will have developed immunity at 12 weeks of age.  Vaccination is not an effective control method in contaminated environments. 

Q:   Can my puppy transmit parvovirus to my cat?

A:   No, canine parvovirus is specific to dogs, but there is a similar, related virus in cats.  This virus is called feline panleukopenia virus and causes similar symptoms in cats as parvovirus does in dogs.

Kittens between 8 weeks and 6 months of age are most susceptible to develop severe disease.  Adult cats often have mild or subclinical infection.  Exposure to this virus (like parvovirus in dogs) is more common in a shelter or cattery.  The onset of disease is sudden and includes symptoms similar to parvovirus in dogs (vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia and lethargy).  Dehydration occurs rapidly and may be severe.  Kittens may be infected in utero or neonatally can develop cerebellar hypoplasia (stunted development of the cerebellum portion of the brain).  This causes a drunken-like walk and incoordination.

The main principles of treatment are rehydration with electrolyte balancing via intensive intravenous fluid therapy in the hospital.  Sometimes, whole blood transfusions are required if plasma protein or total White Blood Cell Counts decrease enough.  The virus remains infectious in the environment for years unless the premises can be adequately disinfected with bleach solution.

Patients should be monitored for hydration status, electrolyte balance and Complete Blood Cell Counts.  Most cases are acute and last only 5-7 days.  If death does not occur during this time, recovery is usually rapid and uncomplicated.  Concurrent upper respiratory infections may occur which makes the prognosis worse.

Dr. Dye practices companion animal medicine and surgery at Clevengers Corner Veterinary Care.  She and Dr. Watts can be reached at (540)428-1000 or through ClevengersCorner.com.

© 2013 The Daily Progress. All rights reserved. This material may not be published, broadcast, rewritten or redistributed.

Source: http://www.dailyprogress.com/starexponent/entertainment_life/columnists/article_6a2ec44a-84b8-11e2-8e5a-0019bb30f31a.html

Meet the Feline Station Master of the Wakayama Electric Railroad

By Kate Hinds

Here's another way to attract people to transit -- put a cat in charge of the local train station.

In 2007, Japan's financially beleaguered Wakayama Railroad was on the verge of closing its Kishi Station. But after a railroad executive adopted a local stray, Tama the calico cat became something of a local celebrity. Responsibility soon followed, and she was officially appointed station master. Her job, when she's not napping, is to greet passengers. (According to Wikipedia, "in lieu of a salary, the railway provides Tama with free cat food.")

Mitsunobu Kojima, the CEO of Wakayama Railroad, Kojima credits her with reviving the moribund railroad ("single-pawedly," according to the above Animal Planet segment.) Tama was credited with pumping as much as 1.1 billion yen (10.44 million dollars) into the local economy in 2007 alone.

Now, Tama has a Facebook page, Wakayama Railroad is chugging along, the trains have been redecorated, and the town is so cat-crazy it's possible to ride in a taxi cab festooned with 880 cats.

Find Video and Photo at Original Post

New Treatment Zaps Cat Allergy Symptoms for Two Years

Canadian researchers have developed a treatment that protects cat allergy sufferers for up to two years. Just four doses kept many symptoms at bay two years after patients started treatment.

The scientists are affiliated with Ontario's McMaster University. They pronounced their vaccine successful after the second phase of a clinical trial to treat allergies to cats, according to Medical News Today.

Michael Larché, professor of medicine, presented the findings at an annual meeting of the American Academy of Allergy, Asthma and Immunology (AAAAI) in San Antonio. McMaster partnered with Circassia, Ltd., a UK biotech firm, to develop the treatment.

The Asthma and Allergy Foundation of America (AAFA) reports that between 15 and 30 percent of individuals with allergies are allergic to cats and dogs. Allergies to cats occur about twice as often as those involving dogs.

One common misconception, the AAFA says, is that pet hair is the cause. People with cat allergies actually suffer from a reaction to the feline's dander -- dead skin the animal sheds -- instead of its fur. However, cat fur collects dander.

According to the AAAAI, there is no such thing as a hypoallergenic breed of cat or dog. While the easiest way to relieve an allergy is removing the pet from the environment, many cat owners instead opt for allergy injections from an allergist or immunologist. Over time, this treatment can reduce the symptoms of the allergy, which is actually allergic rhinitis, in many sufferers.

McMaster University says that the team's work built on research conducted for 10 years in Canada and Britain, and tested a vaccine that has almost no side effects. They developed the treatment by deconstructing a molecule in cat dander responsible for most problems connected to allergies to cats. By utilizing an amino acid code found within a protein that activates T-cells in the human immune system, they produced an effective vaccine.

The second phase of the trial included 202 patients who received either the vaccine or a placebo over a 12-week period. The researchers reassessed 50 subjects after two years for symptoms. Those who received four doses of vaccine still showed significantly fewer symptoms while exposed to cat allergens for four days. If additional tests prove positive, the vaccine could be available within two years.

My husband and I have taken over-the-counter medications for airborne allergies for years. In the 1980s, I completed eight years of injections for dust and mold. Five years ago, we founded a cat rescue. Our allergy symptoms significantly worsened within six months.

Although some cats are short-term guests, others are permanent residents. Given the volume of animals, it's impossible to figure out which might be culprits in order for us to be currently immunized. A broad-spectrum vaccine that could banish cat allergy symptoms for two years would definitely be on our medical wish list.

Vonda J. Sines has published thousands of print and online health and medical articles. She specializes in diseases and other conditions that affect the quality of life.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/treatment-zaps-cat-allergy-symptoms-two-years-191900413.html

Veterinary Acupuncture

Acupuncture is an ancient form of Traditional Chinese Medicine (TCM) that has become increasingly popular, and with many health insurance policies now covering the modality it has also become accepted as a viable medical option in human medicine. 

With increasing awareness of the benefits of acupuncture, people seek out acupuncture for their four-legged friends as well. Veterinary acupuncture is being widely integrated into both large andsmall animal practice all over the world. 

It is not new however as the ancient Chinese practiced acupuncture and mapped out acupuncture points on animals as well as people. Acupuncture has been used in humans and animals for over 3,000 years, and has been considered a valid modality and good adjunctive therapy for many conditions. 

How does Acupuncture work?

There are two main theories regarding how acupuncture actually works. There is much debate between people who ascribe to differing theories, however neither are easily studied and therefore have not been scientifically proven. I would like to briefly describe the basis of each theory because even though there is debate with regards to how acupuncture works, opposing sides will agree that it can be very helpful when treating the patient as a whole. 

Both theories utilize small, sterile needles inserted into specific areas of the body to stimulate a predetermined acupoint in the skin. Most acupoints run along meridians (or channels) that course over the patient's body, other acupoints have also been mapped out. 

Some meridians have been named after various organs in the body, for example Liver, Small Intestine, and Bladder, and others have been named after TCM tradition such as Governing Vessel. 

During a treatment, groups of points are stimulated to have an effect on the patient's own physiological properties to encourage 'homeostasis' or 'balance'. The difference lies in how this actually works. 

TCM believes that Qi (Chi) or life energy flows within the meridians, and by accessing Qi through acupoints we are normalizing stagnant Qi and bringing it back into balance. Western thought believes that by stimulating points we are accessing micro-sized nerve bundles and creating micro-trauma to the area. This, in turn, sets off a cascade of neurotransmitters that enter the bloodstream to enhance the body's own healing mechanisms. It has been shown that many of the acupoints ancient Chinese practitioners identified do correlate with areas on the body where there is decreased electrical resistance and an increased number of capillary and nerve endings. 

Is Acupuncture safe? 

In the United States veterinary acupuncture must be performed by a licensed veterinarian and it is currently illegal for non-veterinarians to provide the treatment. A sound understanding of anatomy, physiology, and disease mechanisms is required. 

There are three certification courses providing many hours of specialized continuing education to a veterinarian who would like to incorporate acupuncture into their practice. A veterinarian who has completed one of these courses can be distinguished by the suffix CVA- Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist. 

Because acupuncture balances the body's own system of healing and no chemicals are administered, complications and side effects are very rare. 

Is Acupuncture painful? How will my pet react? 

Although virtually painless, there may be some mild discomfort upon insertion of the needle. Humans describe this as a tiny pin prick or dull sensation. Once the needle is in place there should be no pain. Most patients become quite relaxed and often sleepy during the treatment. Humans describe it as calming and relaxing, and even many animals will fall asleep during the treatment. During the first few sessions the animal may not relax fully, but usually do after subsequent treatments. 

How often will my pet need treatments? 

Acupuncture has a cumulative effect and is usually performed once to twice a week for 4-8 treatments initially. A simple acute problem such as a sprain may only need one treatment, whereas chronic conditions may require 3-8 treatments to obtain a maximum response. 

Most patients will start to show improvement within the second or third treatments. Once the desirable effect is maintained or reaches a threshold of improvement treatments are tapered according to the patient's response- typically 2-6 treatments a year for ongoing conditions. 

What conditions can Acupuncture be helpful for?

Acupuncture is not a miracle cure, but in combination with other therapies it can be helpful in treating the following diseases: 

Musculoskeletal 

• chronic pain, arthritis, pain from hip dysplasia, intervertebral disk disease (IVDD), post-operative orthopedic surgery, muscle spasms

Neurologic

• IVDD, paresis (weakness), epilepsy, post-operative back surgery, nerve disorders (facial nerve paralysis), nerve-related pain

Gastrointestinal

• inflammatory bowel disease (IBD), chronic constipation or diarrhea, megacolon, decreased appetite

Urinary 

• incontinence, chronic kidney insufficiency (improvement of quality of life), cystitis, spraying/ inappropriate urination Skin o lick granuloma, allergic dermatitis and otitis, assistance in wound healing

Miscellaneous 

• KCS (dry eye), feline asthma, cancer pain and chemotherapy- related side effects, anxiety

How do I find a Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist? 

Many referrals come from word of mouth, and with more and more veterinarians becoming certified in acupuncture you may be surprised to find that your own veterinary practice offers acupuncture. 

If not, you can visit the International Veterinary Acupuncture Society's webpage or the search Medical Acupuncture for Veterinarians where you can search for availability in your area.

Dr. Maryam Salt earned her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree with honors from Washington State University. She then completed an internship at VCA West Los Angeles Animal Hospital. She earned her B.S. in Zoology and Anthropology from the University of Washington. In 2010 Dr. Salt also completed Certification in Veterinary Medical Acupuncture through Colorado State University. 

Her professional interests include internal medicine, emergency and critical care, geriatric pet care, and pain management. She also enjoys volunteerism in the veterinary field locally and spent time in the South helping the animal victims of Hurricane Katrina. 

Dr. Salt lives in North Seattle with two Basset Hounds (Henry and Cooper), a mixed breed dog (Mugsie), an Old Dog Haven foster dog (Granny Franny) and Ollie the cat. In her free time she enjoys swimming, hiking, camping, jewelry making, photography, and spending time with friends.

Source: http://www.seattledogspot.com/blog/dog-blog/post/veterinary-acupuncture

Green Cleaning for Humans Can Still Sicken Pets

LOS ANGELES (AP) — As the time nears for spring cleaning and companies offer more environmentally friendly alternatives to toxic cleaners, veterinarians say pet owners should keep in mind that what's green to a human can be dangerous — even deadly — to animals.

"People expose their animals without even realizing the risk," said Dr. Karl Jandrey, who works in the emergency and critical care units at the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital at the University of California, Davis. "That's the most common thing that happens when you come to our emergency room — the clients put their pets at risk because they were unaware of how significant the damage could be."

Most household cleaners are safe if used as directed on labels, but pet owners who make their own cleansers using natural ingredients don't have the warnings or instructions that come with commercial products.

Cats, for example, can get stomachaches from essential oils added for orange, lemon or peppermint scents in cleaners, said Dr. Camille DeClementi, a senior toxicologist at the Animal Poison Control Center run by the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals in Urbana, Ill.

Most commercial green products are safe for animals, DeClementisaid, but owners should still exercise the same precautions as with chemical alternatives, such as keeping pets away from an area being cleaned, not using sprays directly on a pet and making sure that dogs don't chew on the products.

If a product says "Keep out of reach of children," keep it away from pets too, DeClementi said.

Caroline Golon, an Ohio mother of two children under 5 and owner of two Persian cats, said she became concerned about cleaning products before her children were born, when she noticed how often the cats jumped between floors and counters. The Columbus resident uses only unscentedgreen products or vinegar and water to clean, a water-only steam mop on floors and washes the cats' dishes and litter boxes with hot water and green dish soap.

"There are varying degrees of green, and there are a lot of mainstream brands now that have a green version. You have to do a little research to see what you like best," said Golon, a pet blogger.

The "green" label on products can be misleading because it still can be dangerous, Jandrey added. "Some still have their own toxicities. In general, they probably are a little less toxic, but not free of toxic potential. They just have a need for a larger dose to cause the same kind of symptoms," he said.

He cited antifreeze as an example. The pet-friendly version of antifreeze, propylene glycol, is "still an antifreeze product. It's still intoxicating to patients, our dogs and cats. It's just not as intoxicating as ethylene glycol."

It takes more of the propylene glycol to be as deadly as the ethylene glycol, "but it is still intoxicating though it might say pet-friendly in the ads or on the bottle," Jandrey said.

Labels can't always account for every reaction, Jandrey said. "Each intoxicating product has different concentrations and each dog or cat, each species, has a different sensitivity to that product. So what might be intoxicating to a dog is really, really intoxicating to a cat because cats might be more sensitive," he said.

Nancy Guberti, a New York City nutritionist and healthy lifestyle coach for the past 15 years, said some products will say green when they are not.

"Natural means nothing. The consumer has to be educated. It's all about awareness," she said.

Extra care also should be taken when cleaning around a pet's area, such as its toys or bedding, the experts say. Don't use fabric softener sheets that contain cationic detergents because they will give your pet — especially cats — stomach distress, DeClementi said, referring to a type of chemical soap that kills bacteria.

Such detergents and soaps, normally associated with helping to get clothes clean and fresh-smelling, can have chemicals that can sicken humans and pets alike.

Guberti switched to green cleaners out of necessity when her youngest son developed a liver disorder and many allergies. Guberti said the whole family became green — even their family's 6-year-old Shih Tzu, Flower, because her son can't hold Flower "if she is full of toxic chemicals or perfumes."

She recalled how she took the dog to a groomer for the first time, and Flower came out covered in perfume. Guberti washed her again at home, and now she brings her own bottles to the groomer.

"I have a bottle of shampoo and a bottle of conditioner with her name on it. I always remind them: 'No perfumes whatsoever,'" Guberti said.

Golon, who uses a maid service once a month, said she had the same problem when they brought their own products when they first started cleaning the house.

"I hadn't thought about it but the smell was so overpowering, it really bothered me. I can just imagine what it was doing to the cats with their sensitivity to scents," she said.

Source: http://news.yahoo.com/green-cleaning-humans-still-sicken-pets-103315875.html

Why Small Pups Outlive Large Dog Breeds

Big dogs apparently die younger mainly because they age quickly, researchers say.

These new findings could help unravel the biological links between growth and mortality, the scientists added.

Normally, across species,larger mammals live longerthan their smaller counterparts; for instance, elephants can get up to 70 years old in the wild, while house mice reach only 4 years. Puzzlingly, within species, the opposite seems true — in mice, horses and perhaps even humans.

The apparent cost of bigger bodies is especially conspicuous with dogs, a species that people have bred over the millennia to come in an extraordinary range of sizes. The heaviest known dog may have been Zorba, an English mastiff that weighed 343 pounds (155 kilograms), while the smallest dog alive may be Meyzi, a terrier less than a quarter-pound (110 grams) in size.
Large breeds often die young compared with smaller ones, with a 155-pound (70-kg) Great Dane having an average life span of about 7 years, while a 9-pound (4-kg) toy poodle can expect to live up to 14 years. [The 10 Most Popular Dog Breeds]

To shed light on the possible tradeoffs of large size, researchers analyzed ages at death in 74 breeds, using data from more than 56,000 dogs that visited veterinary teaching hospitals. The researchers focused on why large dogs lived shorter lives on average.

"My main scientific interest is life-history evolution. I'm also a bit of a dog nerd in private life," said researcher Cornelia Kraus, an evolutionary biologist at the University of Göttingen in Germany.
The scientists found that large breeds apparently aged at faster rates; the speed at which the risk of death increased with age was greater with larger breeds than smaller ones. Indeed, among dog breeds, an increase of 4.4 pounds (2 kg) in body mass leads to a loss of approximately 1 month of life expectancy.

"Their lives seem to unwind in fast motion," Kraus told LiveScience.
The investigators now want to follow the growth and health histories of a large number of dogs and pinpoint the leading causes of death for large dogs. For instance, bigger canines apparently suffer from cancer more often, which could make sense; large dogs grow more than smaller breeds do, and cancer is rooted in abnormal cell growth.

"This research should be feasible in dogs, since I found that dog people in general seem very open, interested in and interested to contribute to research on their favorite species," Kraus said.
Kraus and her colleagues Samuel Pavard and Daniel Promislow detailed their findings in the April issue of the journal American Naturalist.

Source: http://www.livescience.com/27676-why-small-pups-outlive-large-dogs.html