Veterinarian Volunteerism

Last summer I spent 8 days working as a volunteer veterinarian for the Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association. I joined the Rural Area Veterinary Service (RAVS) for their annual trip to the Standing Rock Sioux Reservation in North Dakota.  RAVS provides veterinary care to underserved communities within the United States. Many of these communities are located on reservations in the western half of the US. These MASH-type surgical and medical clinics are held once a year at different community centers on the reservation. RAVS provides spay and neuter surgeries, vaccinations, and parasite control.

The Standing Rock Sioux Reservation occupies 1 million acres and straddles the North Dakota/South Dakota state line. On this trip, 3 of the veterinarians and 1 LVT (licensed veterinary technician) were Humane Society employees. The additional personnel, all volunteers, consisted of:  4 veterinarians, 4 LVT’s, 35 veterinary students, and 2 clerical staff.  We gathered in Bismarck, ND for introductions and orientation. From Bismarck, we drove in caravan fashion to the Standing Rock Reservation.

The focus of this trip was to spay and neuter as many pets as possible. Vaccinations and parasite treatment were secondary to the primary mission of sterilization.  All services were free of charge to the clients. Veterinary students performed all of the pre-surgery and pre-treatment physical exams. They administered vaccinations and medications and talked to owners about exam findings, treatments, and preventive care. They assisted in anesthesia and surgery and monitored recovery of surgical patients. Most students were between the second and third years of veterinary school. These clinics provide the students with valuable surgical and clinical experience beyond what they get in veterinary school.  The students were extremely hard working, well prepared, flexible, and thorough. I was very impressed with their skills and their commitment to the well-being of the pets and the owners.

We admitted puppies and kittens as young as 6-8 weeks of age for surgery. Mature animal spays, which are rare here in urban practice, were common. These patients were primarily post- partum females, many of which were still nursing litters. Kittens and puppies as young as 2-3 weeks of age arrived along with mom and needed to be kept warm and quiet until mom was awake enough to be reunited with her babies. Every animal greater than 12 weeks of age received a Rabies vaccine, and all pets were dosed with oral worming medication and topical flea medication.

 The RAVS veterans stressed that this was likely to be the only opportunity many of these pets would have to be spayed or neutered. Pets that could not be found, caught, or transported to the site would miss the clinic and go on to produce additional litters of unwanted animals.  Neutered pets fight less, roam less, and are more likely to demonstrate behaviors that we find acceptable in household companions. Sterilized pets will lead more comfortable lives and suffer less traumatic injury and illness than their non-neutered counterparts. And they will not continue to contribute to the burden of unwanted animals on the reservation.

Clients frequently spent 2-3 hours waiting to have a pet assessed and admitted for surgery. Some waited 4 hours or more to have a pet or pets seen. Waiting for veterinary care was often a family affair, with 1 to 3 adults and 1 to multiple children and/or grandchildren piled in the car along with a variable number of animals. All pets in a family were treated as a unit-they were examined, treated, and returned to the owner at the same time.  It was not unusual for clients to arrive with 4-5 large dogs loose in the back of a truck, or 4-5 cats plus kittens loose in the passenger compartment of a car. 

Puppies and kittens seem to find homes fairly readily on the reservation. It was not uncommon for an owner to say the pet had been in the household less than a couple of weeks. Children are very involved with the puppies but interest and interaction wane as the puppy becomes an adult.  Many of the smaller dogs (a surprising number of Chihuahuas and Chihuahua mixes) live inside the house with the owners. Most medium sized and large dogs live outside of the house. 

Yards may or may not be fenced and are equipped with varying degrees of shelter. Many dogs wander freely. Some days they are observed by the owner and some days they are not. Feeding occurs if someone remembers to do it. Fighting is very common as are hit by car injuries and other types of trauma. It was rare to encounter dogs or cats over 6 years of age.

Pets come and go –household composition is very fluid – this is a different dynamic than what we are used to here in the city. Geriatric care is a major part of the services we provide to our clients. Most of the animals on the reservation do not live into these later years. But people clearly care about their pets. They would spend the entire day and into the evening waiting for their pets to be attended to. They were very thankful for the services we provided and for the interest we showed in their pets’ well-being. 

Clients’ knowledge of current recommendations for vaccination, nutrition, parasite control was minimal to non-existent. Their ability to provide the level of care that we provide for our pets is lacking. But these owners do want to do what they can within their means to improve the health and longevity of their pets. It is hard to see this when one first enters a situation so different from metropolitan Seattle but it is a large factor in the participation of so many professional volunteers. I fully anticipate accompanying RAVS on another trip next summer.

SOURCE:

Ann Whereat, VMD
Primary Location: Northwest Veterinary Hospital 

Dr. Whereat earned her degree from the University of Pennsylvania. She also received a B.A. in Biology from Lawrence University in Appleton, Wisconsin.

She has a veterinary interest in internal medicine and the human-animal bond.

Outside the office, Dr. Whereat has one pet – a Great Swiss Mountain dog – and likes to spend time with her husband and three daughters.

Researchers Use GPS to Gain Feline Insights

Cat owners who live near the western edge of Boulder now have an opportunity to peek into the secret lives of their feline friends, thanks to an ongoing study by a doctoral student at Colorado State University.

Ashley Gramza is hoping to fit GPS collars on 30 kitties that live in the areas where Boulder's urban development collides with the city's vast western open space land. The collars -- which will collect data on each cat's whereabouts at 15-minute intervals over a couple of weeks each season -- are attached to harnesses that allow the units to face towards the sky, where they can make good contact with overhead satellites.

The goal for Gramza, who is earning a master's degree in human dimensions of natural resources and a Ph.D. in fish, wildlife and conservation biology, is to better understand how far domestic cats venture into open space, and what risks they face -- and pose -- once they're there.

"We know that mountain lions, coyotes and bobcats are using urban areas," Gramza said. "But we really don't know how far (domestic) cats are venturing out."

So far, Gramza has collared just seven cats, so she's looking for more volunteers who live within 175 meters of the western open space areas, including those who live in neighborhoods on the edge of the city and those who live in areas further west, such as Flagstaff Mountain.

One of the benefits for cat owners of signing up for the project is that Gramza promises to give them a map that sheds light on the mystery of where their cats go when they venture out of the house and into the great beyond. That was part of what enticed Chris Chandler, who lives in the Lake of the Pines neighborhood north of Boulder, to sign up her two cats: Totoro and Ringo.

"Many years ago, we had a cat and she disappeared for three weeks and then she turned up looking perfectly fine," Chandler said. "We always joked that we wanted to put a kitty cam on our cat -- I figured this was the closest we were going to get."

Chandler suspects that her current cats don't wander that far, but she's still eager to see how they spend some of their outdoor time.

Gramza also is asking participants to keep any prey that their cats bring home with them from their adventures so that she can identify it and keep track of it.

"We are going to be looking at whether or not there's a connection between how far cats are roaming and how many prey items they're bringing back," she said.

The project also includes the installation of 25 motion-activated cameras on open space land that's relatively near urban development. The idea is to get an idea of how many domestic cats are visiting open space, as well as how many other species are roaming around that might pose a risk to the cats.

So far, Gramza said she hasn't collected much evidence that would indicate that there are feral cats in Boulder -- a problem that has cropped up elsewhere in the country.

"There's really not a feral cat population," she said. "I don't know if that's because people aren't feeding them or if there is such a healthy carnivore population."

The cameras have shown that bobcats, mountain lions and domestic cats do overlap in their territories to some degree, which could be a concern because the cat species could potentially pass pathogens among each other, Gramza sad.

And the cameras have captured images of a number of other interesting critters, including a rare ringtail cat. And on at least one occasion, the camera snapped a picture of a housecat interacting with a larger predator.

"I got a picture of a cat and a coyote facing off," Gramza said.

Anyone who is interested in participating in the study can contact Gramza atagramza@rams.colostate.edu.

http://www.dailycamera.com/science-environment/ci_21286438/csu-study-gives-boulder-cat-owners-glimpse-lives-gps?IADID=Search-www.dailycamera.com-www.dailycamera.com

Lumps on your pet should always be examined.

There are very few surprises that will startle you more than discovering a lump or bump on your dog. 
As your hand wanders over your canine pal in affectionate scratching or petting, your fingers just may chance upon a lump that was not there before. 

It will scare the biscuits out of you ... GUARANTEED!  With that nagging "C" word drifting about the back of your mind, your first fear is that your dog might have cancer. Setting in motion your search for an answer as to what this lump is you make a quick trip to the I hope that lump isn't serious.

"How long has this been here?" the veterinarian asks. "Just found it yesterday, doctor," you respond.

"Let’s see if we can find any others," says the doctor as experienced and sensitive hands work the dog over.  Sure enough, "Here’s another one just like it!" says the doctor as she places your hand right over the small, round, moveable soft mass under the skin of the dog’s flank.

"I think these are what we call Lipomas, just fat deposits under the skin. They are very common and usually present no problems," says the doctor. Your relief at hearing the good news is cut short as the doctor continues …

"However, we honestly do not know what these lumps truly are unless we examine some cells under the microscope. So I’d suggest that we do a simple needle biopsy, place some cells on a slide and send the slides to a veterinary pathologist for a definite diagnosis."

The doctor in this case is being thorough and careful. How true it is that a definitive diagnosis of "what it is" simply cannot be made without microscopic examination of the lump’s cells. A veterinary specialist in pathology is the final authority and judge when it comes to shedding light on these lumps and bumps that we too often find on our canine pals.

The lipoma is one of the most commonly encountered lumps seen by veterinarians during a physical exam. These soft, rounded, non-painful masses, usually present just under the skin but occasionally arising from connective tissues deep between muscles, are generally benign. That is, they stay in one place, do not invade surrounding tissues and do no metastasize to other areas of the body. They grow to a certain size and just sit there in the tissues and behave themselves.

Most lipomas do not have to be removed. Occasionally, though, lipomas will continue to grow into huge fat deposits that are a discomfort to the dog and present a surgical challenge to remove. And even more rarely, some lipomas will be malignant and spread throughout the dog’s body. 

Is it a tumor?

And therein lies the true challenge in dealing with lumps and bumps on dogs -- we simply cannot predict with 100% accuracy just what any of these foreigners will do. So we do the best we can by removing them when indicated or keeping a close guard over them so that at the first sign of change they can be removed.

Not every lump or bump on your dog will be a tumor. Some superficial bumps are due simply to plugged oil glands in the skin, called sebaceous cysts. Skin cysts can be composed of dead cells or even sweat or clear fluid; these often rupture on their own, heal, and are never seen again. Others become chronically irritated or infected, and should be removed and then checked by a pathologist just to be sure of what they are. Some breeds, especially the Cocker Spaniel, are prone to developing sebaceous cysts. 

And yes, the sebaceous glands in the skin do occasionally develop into tumors called sebaceous adenomas.  According to Richard Dubielzig, DVM, of the University of Wisconsin, School of Veterinary Medicine, "Probably the most commonly biopsied lump from dog skin is a sebaceous adenoma. This does not mean it is the most commonly occurring growth, just that it is most commonly biopsied." Fortunately this type of skin growth rarely presents trouble after being surgically removed. 

So how are you to know which lumps and bumps are dangerous and which can be left alone? Truthfully, you are really only guessing without getting the pathologist involved. Most veterinarians take a conservative approach to the common lipomas and remove them if they are growing rapidly or are located in a sensitive area.

However, caution needs to be observed because even the common lipoma has an invasive form called an infiltrative lipoma. For example, when a nasty looking, reddened, rapidly growing mass is detected growing on the gum aggressive action is indicated.  Also, keep in mind that not all lumps and bumps are cancerous, and some are fairly innocent and do not warrant immediate surgery.

Types of Lumps and Bumps

Non-cancerous lumps

Cysts, warts, infected hair follicles, hematomas (blood blisters) and others do cause concern and can create discomfort for the dog, though non-cancerous lumps have less health impact than cancerous growths.

Cancerous lumps

Cancerous growths can be either malignant or benign, and occasionally even share characteristics of both.  Malignant lumps tend to spread rapidly and can metastasize to other areas of the body. Benign growths tend to stay in the place of origin and do not metastasize; however they can grow to huge proportions (see such an example of inoperable tumor pictured on the right).

Mammary gland tumors, mast cell tumors, cutaneous lymphosarcoma, malignant melanoma, fibrosarcoma and many other types of tumors with truly scary names command respect and diligent attention on the part of dog owners and veterinarians.

Diagnosis

Below are the most common methods of finding out "what it is" …

Impression Smears

Some ulcerated masses lend themselves to easy cell collection and identification by having a glass microscope slide pressed against the raw surface of the mass. The collected cells are dried and sent to a pathologist for staining and diagnosis. Sometimes the attending veterinarian will be able to make a diagnosis via the smear; otherwise, a specialist in veterinary pathology will be the authority regarding tumor type and stage of malignancy.

Needle Biopsy

Many lumps can be analyzed via a needle biopsy rather than by total excision. A needle biopsy is performed by inserting a sterile needle into the lump, pulling back on the plunger, and "vacuuming" in cells from the lump. The collected cells are smeared onto a glass slide for pathological examination. Usually the patient isn’t even aware of the procedure. Total excision of the mass is attempted if the class of tumor identified warrants surgery.

CT Scans

Superficial lumps and bumps do not require that CT Scans be done, so this procedure is usually reserved for internal organ analysis. If a superficial malignant tumor is diagnosed, however, a CT Scan can be helpful in determining if metastasis to deeper areas of the body has occurred.

Radiography

As with CT Scans, X-ray evaluation is generally reserved for collecting evidence of internal masses. Most lipomas are superficial and reside under the skin or skeletal muscles. There are other lumps that can be palpated by the veterinarian via manual examination; however, the extent and origin of that mass will often be best revealed via CT Scanning.

Treatment

Since every type of cell in the body potentially could evolve into cancerous tissue, the types and ferocity of tumors that develop in the dog are numerous and highly varied. Each case needs to be evaluated on its own circumstances and variables. For example, should surgery be done on a 16-year-old dog with what appears to be a 3-inch wide lipoma? Maybe not. Should that same dog have a quarter inch wide, black, nodular mass removed from its lower gum. Probably should! That small growth may be a melanoma that could metastasize to other areas of the dog’s body.

Surgery

An important basic tool in eliminating a nuisance or dangerous lump is to surgically excise it.

Chemotherapy

Chemicals that are highly toxic to rapidly dividing cells make up an important mode of treatment for fast growing tumors. A combination of surgery and radiation/chemotherapy can help the veterinarian gain the upper hand in achieving a cure. Chemotherapy is often employed as an additional precautionary procedure after a mass has been "removed" via surgery.

Radiation

For invasive tumors that do not have well defined borders and for tumors that tend to spread rapidly, radiation therapy can be a lifesaver. Available at most veterinary medical schools and some veterinary specialists in radiology, radiation therapy is appropriate for certain types of tumors. Radiation is often employed in addition to surgical excision.

Experimental

Emerging science such as gene therapy and immunotherapy hold promise for some amazing ways to combat tumors. The future looks promising for these new methods of dealing with tumors.

According to Dr. Dubielzig, the best approach to understanding what to do about a lump or bump on your dog is to be vigilant and treat each situation individually. "In cases where vigilance for tumors is part of the animal’s care, such as in animals where a malignant tumor has been removed and the veterinarian wishes to keep abreast of the stage of disease, then every lump should be submitted for histopathology," Dubielzig said. "In other cases where the clinician is sure of a benign diagnosis such as lipoma or a wart-like skin mass then it might be understandable to use discretion. The clinician also has to take into consideration the risk of surgery compared to the risk of health problems from a particular lump or bump."

Take a good surface inventory of your dog today, then at least once a month from now on. If you find any imperfections, take heart in knowing that modern veterinary medicine has some very effective remedies for almost all of these lumps and bumps.

Exposure to Pets Can Make Young Children Healthier

A new study published online from the journal Pediatrics found that children who had pets as part of their environment during their first year of their lives were on average healthier than children who did not have exposure to pets. The study specifically looked at the impact that the presence of cats and dogs had on the children, and found that when a pet was present during the child's first year, the child on average suffered fewer ear infections and colds, among other health benefits.

How was the study conducted?

According to the article in Pediatrics, the study was conducted in Finland. It involved some 397 children, who were followed from pregnancy up until they passed their first year. All the children were born in the three-year period between 2002 and 2005. Households were asked to keep weekly diaries regarding the presence of dogs and cats, and then at the end of the child's first year, filled out an additional questionnaire.

What did the study find, specifically?

A link was found between the number of ear infections, colds, and other respiratory ailments and the amount of time that a child spent exposed to animals. In addition, the number of times a child required a course of antibiotics for their ailments was also studied against exposure to animals.

In general, researchers found that exposure to a pet decreased the chances that a child would develop respiratory ailments or other ailments needing antibiotic treatment. This correlation was far stronger in dogs, where exposure appeared to coincide with as much as a 31 percent reduction in respiratory issues, including infections, as well as a 44 percent reduction in the number of ear infections and a 29 percent smaller risk that a child would need antibiotic treatment, as reported by MyHealthNewsDaily. In cats, that link between exposure and health was still present, but the benefits appeared to be somewhat reduced in comparison to exposure to dogs.

Why do the health benefits appear to be greater with exposure to dogs?

Researchers speculated that the nature of the animal may have something to do with it. Dogs are more likely to be outside, which also means that they can pick up more dirt. Dr. Eija Bergoth, one of the study's authors, told WebMD that it is likely that the greater exposure to dirt and other outside elements facilitated by dog ownership is probably the reason that dogs bring more measurable health benefits to a child's respiratory system than cats, as cats are more likely to stay indoors. Bergoth also said that differences in dander could be a culprit, but more study is needed to determine the cause of the disparity.

What are the challenges to the study?

The study did not separate the children into different categories per their living environment. Researchers did not differentiate between children who lived in a rural versus an urban environment. Critics told CNN that oversight could have had an affect on the results, as the microbes and other agents that exist in the city differ from those in a rural environment.

http://news.yahoo.com/study-exposure-pets-young-children-healthier-172800246.html 

Today is Take Your Cat to the Vet Day

How long has it been since your cat visited us at Seattle Veterinary Associates? Today is National “Take Your Cat to the Vet” Day! If your cat is due for a visit, it’s time to get them checked. Remember, there’s supposed to be 6-12 months between each visit, depending on your pet’s age! Regular visits can help your cat live longer, because we can identify and treat problems sooner.

How to handle pet allergies in the home

As much as 20% of the population deals with allergies to proteins in animal dander, saliva and more. However, it may be possible to coexist with pets by employing strategies such as regular pet grooming including weekly baths, installation of an air purifier and establishment of an allergy-free space in the home.

1. Create an allergen-free room. A bedroom is often the best and most practical choice. By preventing your pet from entering this room, you can ensure at least eight hours of freedom from allergens every night. It's a good idea to use hypoallergenic bedding and pillow materials.

2. Vacuum and dust frequently using a vacuum equipped with a HEPA (high-efficiency particulate arresting) filter or a disposable electrostatic bag. Wiping down the walls will also cut down on allergens.

3. Install an air purifier fitted with a HEPA filter. Modern, energy-efficient homes lock in air that is loaded with allergens, so it's smart to let in some fresh air daily.  

4. Invest in washable pet bedding and cages that can be cleaned often and easily.

5. Bathe your pet at least once a week. Your veterinarian can recommend a shampoo that won't dry out his skin. Bathing works to wash off the allergens that accumulate in an animal's fur.

6. Brush or comb your pet frequently. It's best to do this outdoors, if possible.

7. If possible, have someone other than yourself do the housecleaning, litter box work and pet washing, wiping and brushing. If you must clean the house or change the litter, be sure to wear a dust mask.

8. Wash your hands after handling your companion animal and before touching your face. The areas around your nose and eyes are particularly sensitive to allergens.

Read more: http://www.myfoxhouston.com/story/19043815/2012/07/17/keeping-pets-despite-allergies-to-them#ixzz22t9pjTni

First CPR Guidelines For Cats And Dogs Released

If your dog has a heart attack and collapses, what should you do?

For years, different veterinarians may have offered different pieces of advice -- but now veterinary medicine researchers from the University of Pennsylvania and Cornell University have produced the first set of evidence-based guidelines for resuscitating dogs and cats with stopped hearts.

University of Pennsylvania researcher Manuel Boller and his colleagues looked at decades of peer-reviewed data and determined that the proper rate for chest compressions on dogs and cats is between 100 and 120 per minute. That's the same rhythm recommended for humans. It also happens to align to the 103-bpm Bee Gees classic disco hit "Stayin' Alive," which studies have shown aids medical students in performing chest compressions.

The guidelines, while primarily for veterinarians, are "very translatable to pet owners and bystanders," Boller said in a phone interview.

Of course, performing chest compressions on a Pekingese is very different from doing so on a full-grown person, or even on a Great Dane.

For most dogs, you can apply chest compressions to the widest part of the chest while the animal lies on its side. Credit: Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care.

For most dogs, chest compressions can be performed on the widest part of the chest while the animal's lying on its side. But in some breeds like greyhounds with more keel-shaped chests, the guidelines recommend pushing down closer to the dog's armpit, directly over the heart. Barrel-chested dogs like English bulldogs can be laid on their back and compressed on the sternum, like people.

Smaller cats and dogs can either be chest-compressed with one hand wrapped around the sternum, encircling the heart or two-handed on the ribs.

For cats and small dogs, you can use one hand wrapped around the sternum to try and restart the heart. Credit: Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care.

One fundamental difference between human patients and animal patients is that dogs and cats have much lower rates of coronary heart disease, the most common cause for cardiac arrest in people.

"Sudden cardiac arrest in dogs is therefore not as common as in people and may be more comparable to what occurs in young athletes with structural abnormalities of the heart muscle or a defect in the electrical circuitry," Boller said in an email.

Pets can also suffer a cardiac arrest due to difficulties with breathing or a severe illness that also affects the heart.

Boller says it's gratifying to have these standards, especially since the original experiments on animals used in their review were instrumental in developing CPR guidelines for people.

"Now we can translate that benefit back to their own kind," he says.

SOURCE: Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care 22. Reassessment Campaign on Veterinary Resuscitation: Evidence and Knowledge Gap Analysis on Veterinary CPR.

Ask the Vet - What should I do if my dog has a constant cough?

My dog "coughs" alot. She is a chihweenie, & it almost seems to be a nervous habit of hers. It does seem to happen when she is excited, like when we get home aftet being gone awhile. It sounds like honking. Every dog I have ever had has coughed a few times in their lives, but, this one excessively coughs. Do you know what this could be and should I have it checked?

Coughing can occur for a variety of reasons in our canine patients. A cough originates from the respiratory structures, but can be caused by primary disease in the lungs or in the heart. Physical examination can give us clues as to what the cause of the cough might be.

Coughing that originates from the trachea, or the windpipe, is frequently described as a 'honking' cough. Tracheal irritation can occur from infectious diseases such as Infectious Tracheobronchitis (commonly known as Kennel Cough) or from structural problems in the trachea.

A commonly seen structural problem in middle aged, small breed dogs is called Collapsing Trachea. The trachea is a tubular structure that is held in place by C-shaped rings of cartilage. A ligament connects the two ends of the 'C'. This ligament can become floppy as the pet ages and the cartilage rings weaken. When the ligament 'collapses ' into the airway, the patient coughs. Unfortunately, the more the patient coughs, the more inflamed the ligament becomes, allowing it to further collapse into the trachea. An important part of treating the disease is stopping this cycle of coughing.

Radiographs of the patient's thorax and neck, especially if taken while the patient is coughing, can often be diagnostic for this condition.

Many patients with Collapsing Trachea can be treated medically with cough suppressants and anti-inflammatory medications. Removing any sources of airway irritants, such as secondhand smoke, is also very important. Weight loss can be helpful in patients that are overweight.

However, in some severely affected patients, surgery is indicated. Recently, a procedure has been adapted from human medicine that involves placement of a wire mesh stent that holds the trachea open.

It is important that any coughing patient be seen by your veterinarian to rule out other causes of coughing, such as primary heart disease or disease of the lower airways.

Dr. Julie Irwin

Dr. 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.

http://www.seattledogspot.com/blog/2012/07/20/ask-the-vet

Pets & Insects

It's time to go outdoors with your pet and check out all flowers and plants. Make sure to keep an eye on your pet in case a bee decides he doesn't want your pet to get up close and personal. There are all sorts of flying critters out in the garden, so make sure your pet is protected from allergic reactions to insect bites or stings. Protect your pet so you both can enjoy the summer season together!

Ask the Vet: Can my dog contract distemper if he's had a vaccine?

Question: Can my dog contract distemper if he’s had a vaccine?

Answer: Unfortunately, the short answer to this question is “yes”. Vaccines are unable to 100% completely protect against a disease, however providing your dog with the recommended vaccination protocol will greatly reduce his chances of becoming sick. Vaccines are designed to do 3 things: boost immunity, lessen severity of clinical disease, and help control the incidence of infection.

In the first, boost immunity, a series of vaccines provides your dog’s immune system with anti-bodies against the infectious virus so that if he does become exposed to the virus his own immune system can attack it more effectively, and hopefully clear it before he becomes sick.

In the second, lessen severity of disease, if your dog does become exposed to the virus and also does get sick, he will likely not become as sick as if he had not had a vaccine series, and his chances of recovery are better. His boosted immune system will still be helping to clear the virus, and less of the virus will make your dog sick.

In the third, vaccines help to control the amount of virus out there in the environment, therefore lessening the chances of your dog getting exposed in the first place. This happens because most of the diseases we vaccinate our dogs for are transmitted from dog to dog, usually either by respiratory or fecal secretions depending on the virus. If we live in communities where vaccines are widely used, and dogs are therefore free from these diseases, then they are not potential carriers and shedders of the virus for other dogs to pick up.

The distemper vaccine is a core vaccine, meaning all dogs should be appropriately immunized against it, unless they are exempt for rare medical reasons. It is the “D” component of widely used vaccine combinations (such as DAP, DHPP, DHPPC). Distemper is a good example of how adequate vaccine protocols can greatly reduce the incidence of the disease- it was much more common before the vaccination was widely used. The usual protocol for Distemper vaccination is a series of 3-4 vaccines as a puppy and then annual or 3 year boosters depending on your veterinarian’s recommendations. The number one best way to reduce your dog’s chances of contracting Distemper is following the recommended vaccination schedule outlined by your veterinarian.

CATEGORIES: Ask the Vet, Dog Health and Wellness

TAGS: Ask the Vet, Distemper, dogs, Dog Health, Canine Distemper

Dr. Maryam Salt

Dr. 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. 

http://www.seattledogspot.com/blog/2012/06/26/ask-the-vet-can-my-dog-contract-distemper-if-hes-had-a-vaccine

Happy Work Anniversary Michelle!

Happy Work Anniversary to Michelle, Licensed Veterinary Technician, who has been a part of the Seattle Veterinary Associates team for 4 years! Thank you for all that you contribute and for being a great team member!

 

Ask the Vet - How do you keep a dog inactive while he recovers from ACL surgery?

Question: 

We have a 10 year German Shepherd, in good health, other than what has been diagnosed as a partial ACL tear in one rear knee. We both work and we also have a second, younger and very playful german shepherd. This makes it seem impossible to me to make it through a post surgery recovery period. I am leaning towards trying a brace option as it seems more "appropriate" or a better fit for our situation. Obviously you can't comment based on the extent of the injury. Is there a general comment you could make about recovery processes and or braces?

Answer: 

This is a challenging problem! The recovery period is an important strategic challenge with any patient undergoing a cruciate surgery. Practical considerations such as the layout of your home, the temperament of your pets and the ability to restrict activity are important factors. Most clients faced with these challenges have figured out temporary solutions to optimize their pet’s recovery such as ramps, sedatives, kennels to limit activity, separating other pets, etc.
With respect to the orthopedic braces, they may help stabilize the joint in the short term and in theory could help recovery if there truly is a partial cruciate. Most partial cruciate injuries progress with time and I question the long term return on a brace with respect to stabilizing the joint and minimizing the inflammation associated with chronic instability. Osteoarthritis will develop quicker and with more severity if the instability is not eliminated 100% of the time. If your shepherd has torn its meniscus (50-75% of cases) the brace will do nothing for recovery. In my opinion, the long term benefits obtained from surgery far outweigh the short term inconveniences of setting the proper stage for recovery. I am also not aware of any legitimate studies showing braces are an effective alternative to surgery. For more information on cruciate injury please see our previous blog posts or visit our website.

Categories: Ask the Vet

http://www.seattledogspot.com/blog/2012/06/15/ask-the-vet-how-do-you-keep-a-dog-inactive-while-he-recovers-from-acl-surgery

Dr. Jeb Mortimer, Greenlake Animal Hospital

Dr. Mortimer earned his degree from Iowa State University. He received a B.A. in Biology from Baylor University, and completed an internship in Small Animal Emergency Medicine and Surgery in Rochester, New York. His interests include internal medicine and surgery, including minimally invasive surgery (endoscopy and laparoscopy).
“Above all, I have a strong interest in people and animals. The relationship between my patients and their owners is the reason I am in this profession.”
When away from the practice, he spends most of his time having fun with his family (his wife Kristie, three children, three cats and one “Labrador non-retriever”. Personal interests include fly-fishing, hiking, gardening and travel.

Dog Scouts of America

Move over, kids. Scouting is no longer just for boys and girls. The Dog Scouts of America has troops and camps across the country. And just like their human counterparts, canine members can work toward accruing more than 80 badges for skills like sledding, painting, agility, backpacking, sign language, lure coursing and even improv.

http://dogscouts.org/ 

Ask the Vet - How dangerous are bee stings to dogs?

Question: How dangerous are bee stings to dogs, and what should I do if my dog is stung?

Answer: Bee stings can sometimes cause severe allergic shock reactions (anaphylaxis). Fortunately, most of the time bee stings only cause minor swelling and pain. More common than shock, but still relatively uncommon are hive reaction (urticarial) that involve facial swelling, itchiness and raised bumps on the skin.
Most dogs don’t develop an allergy to bee venom and I don’t recommend routine screening for sensitivity but instead rely on symptoms after a bee sting to make a diagnosis. There are blood tests that check for specific immunoglobulins. That can detect sensitivity to bee venom but our local allergy specialist doesn’t believe these tests are reliable. A dermatologist can reliably screen for bee venom allergy by skin testing but this is relatively expensive and there is a risk of an allergic reaction during the test.
Most bee stings don’t need treatment. If your dog gets hives when stung I recommend you give Benadryl at the time of the event and every eight hours until all swelling has resolved. If hives are already present you will need to see a veterinarian immediately for injectable Benadryl and possibly a steroid injection. If you have a very rare dog that reacts to a bee sting with sudden shock (i.e. collapse, difficulty breathing, decreased blood pressure) you should talk to your veterinarian about an Epipen. Epipen can save lives but are extremely dangerous and should only be considered under the direction of a veterinarian that knows your dog very well.
Remember, most bee stings are a minor nuisance. Severe allergic reactions are very rare. So get out there and don’t those bees stop you from having a great day with your canine buddy at the park.

Categories: Ask the Vet, Dog Health and Wellness

Tags: Seattle Vets, Seattle Veterinarians, Dogs and Bee Stings, Dog Health, Bee Stings

Dr. Stuart Spencer, Queen Anne Animal Clinic

Dr. Spencer earned his degree from the University of California, Davis. He received a B.S. in Animal Science with a minor in Range Management from Cal Poly San Luisobispo.
“I have a special interest in well patient care, geriatrics, internal medicine, endoscopy and laser surgery.” He has two dogs, one of which “has a talent for challenging all of my medical abilities with his many chronic illnesses.”
Dr. Spencer has a strong interest in international development and resource management. Away from the office, he spends time fly-fishing, sea kayaking, mountain biking, soapstone carving, snow skiing, and snowshoeing.

http://www.seattledogspot.com/blog/2012/06/09/ask-the-vet-how-dangerous-are-bee-stings-to-dogs 

Pets In Cars

Summertime is almost here and that means a wonderful time to be outdoors and enjoy longer days with our pets, but caution is advised; danger lurks on these bright beautiful days. Driving around, parking, and leaving your pet in the car for "just a minute" can be deadly. Just a few minutes in a car during the summer months can raise the temperature to as much as 120 degrees -- even with the windows cracked.

Social PETworking Month

June is Social PETworking Month! This is a month designated to help pair families with homeless pets. The campaign allows Facebook, MySpace and Twitter addicts to put their hours online to good use by advertising adoptable pets to their networks to help get them seen and into loving homes. So if you know of any pets in need of good homes, take to Facebook, MySpace, Twitter, and get the word out this June!

Ask the Vet - Does my dog have ringworm?

Question: My dog has sores that are black in the middle and a red ring around them. Is it ring worm or something could it be something else?

Answer: Ringworm is a fungal infection that can affect the skin, hair, or nails of dogs and cats as well as people. Ringworm is actually rarely diagnosed in dogs. This is primarily because its true incidence (in dogs) is very low. Typically the fungal spores need to penetrate a thick coat of fur to enter a crack in the skin surface or to populate hair follicles. Although ringworm is not commonly diagnosed in canines, it is more likely to be a problem in shelter populations as well as in puppies and other individuals with a lower functioning immune system. The classic appearance in humans is a circular, red lesion, but in dogs it usually looks like a circular patch of hair loss with some degree of redness, flaking or crusting. It is impossible to diagnose ringworm based on its appearance alone, however. The diagnosis is verified by a positive fungal culture or by visualizing the organism under the microscope.

In general, if your dog looks like it has ringworm, it probably doesn’t. It is far more likely that the lesions are something else – specifically a staphylococcal bacterial infection. Staph skin infections are extremely common among dogs and are typically secondary to another problem such as hypersensitivities (ie allergies) or hypothyroidism. Treatment typically involves either a topical antibacterial product or a systemic antibiotic and addressing the underlying medical issue.

Dr. Valissitie Heeren, Greenlake Animal Hospital

Valissitie Heeren, DVM
Primary location: Green Lake Animal Hospital
Dr. Heeren earned her degree from Iowa State University. She interned in small animal medicine and surgery at Denver Veterinary Specialists in Colorado and earned a B.A. in Medical Biology from Beloit College in Wisconsin.
She has a strong passion for surgery and emergency medicine, and volunteers her time spaying and neutering feral cats with the Feral Cat Project. She also provides veterinary care at the Doney Clinic.
She has one pet – a white feline named Dexter – and likes to spend time gardening or exploring the hiking trails in the Seattle area.





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http://www.seattledogspot.com/blog/2012/05/14/ask-the-vet-does-my-dog-have-ringworm

WSU veterinarians are caring for infant owls

PULLMAN, Wash. (AP) — Veterinarians at Washington State University are raising nine tiny great horned owls after the birds' nests were destroyed.

 Baby horned owls are rarely seen by the public because adult owls aggressively protect them, making it difficult to get near a nest.

The babies, five from one nest and four from another, are being hand-fed until they are strong enough to eat on their own. The first four were brought to the university April 13 at roughly one week old. Just four days later, the second group arrived at only a few days old.

"We've had great horned babies before, but in 10 years, I've never had any this young," said Nickol Finch, who oversees the school's Raptor Rehabilitation Center. "Pretty much all they're doing is eating and sleeping."

The palm-sized birds are living at WSU's Veterinary Teaching Hospital, where they are being fed cut-up mice soaked in water.

Four of the infant owls survived a fall to the ground near Colton after someone unknowingly cut down a tree where they were nesting, Finch said. The other five were brought to a veterinarian in Lewiston, Idaho, after their nest was destroyed inside a chimney during a home remodel.

"With no nest to be returned to, babies on the ground are vulnerable," Finch said. "At this age, they would probably not survive if left on the ground. The parents will still try to protect them and feed them if they are on the ground, but keeping them warm is another story."

The owls must be fed three times a day, and if they survive will stand 2 feet tall with a 4-foot wingspan.
Great horned owls are fierce-looking predators with yellow eyes and tufts resembling pointy ears. They hunt rodents, rabbits, snakes and skunks.

People working with the baby owls are instructed not to talk when feeding them.
"It's important that the owls don't imprint on humans," said Finch, who plans to release the baby owls this summer. "The more independent they are, the better."

Read more: http://www.seattlepi.com/news/article/Wash-State-University-raising-infant-horned-owls-3509780.php#ixzz1tS0VBIoN

http://www.seattlepi.com/news/article/WSU-raising-infant-horned-owls-3509780.php

Pets & Swimming

Is your dog a swimmer? Remember to protect their ears from infection. Dogs can develop chronic “swimmer’s ear” from water that gets lodged in the ear canal after a dip in the water. Because of the shape of a dog’s descending ear canal, it is difficult for water to drip out. The moisture left over in the ear canal is the perfect environment for ear infections. After your dog is finished playing in the water, take a towel and gently cover your dog’s ear and gently shake their head. This will keep any excess water from settling in your dog’s ear canal. When bathing, water can get trapped in a pet’s ear canals and cause the same kind of infection. If your pet is still experiencing irritation, call us and we'll be happy to help in any way we can.

Pet Food Recall

Salmonella contamination of one bag of Diamond Pet Food's Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover's Soul Adult Light Formula dry dog food has led the company to recall bags with four production codes. There have been no canine illnesses reported, but the company has a history of pet food contamination, including one event in 2005 in which dozens of U.S. dogs died after eating food contaminated with fungus. Production was suspended at the plant where the food was made after a separate recall this month.

http://www.google.com/hostednews/ap/article/ALeqM5gqvqakavYo8d--jjPoBp5wa_UkOw?docId=d62753c60fb84fc291da4d50f1e068bf