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.

Tips for identifying & treating allergic dermatitis in your dog

Any dog owner whose pet suffers from allergic dermatitis is all too familiar with the constant scratching and itching this condition presents. Understanding the underlying cause for the disease is the first step in finding relief for your dog. There are three main causes of allergic dermatitis: flea allergy dermatitis, atopic dermatitis, and food allergy dermatitis. Additionally, some dogs can have more than one type of allergy. 

Clinical signs of allergic dermatitis include pruritus (itching), rubbing, licking, scratching, and chewing. The scratching can be so intense that it causes alopecia (hair loss), reddening of affected skin, and hot spots. A real concern is that dogs suffering with these allergies are prone to secondary bacteria and yeast infections that can result from the damage inflicted by these reactive behaviors. 

Atopic Dermatitis (Atopy)

Atopy is a hypersensitivity reaction to inhaled allergens in the environment. Common allergens include pollens, dust mites, and mold spores. Antihistamines, glucocorticoid steroids, and medicated baths are often used to help alleviate the symptoms of atopy. In order to diagnose atopy in canines, veterinary staff use a technique called intradermal skin testing.  Allergy shots are then formulated to help desensitize the dog to the allergens that the dog reacted to. The onset of atopy occurs between one and three years of age in most cases, but can occur as early as six months or as late as seven years of age. The areas of skin most commonly affected are the face, areas around the eyes, ears, feet, axillary region (underarm), and groin.  However, itching can be generalized throughout the skin. Atopy can be seasonal or non-seasonal depending on the allergen.

Food Allergy

Food allergies are a hypersensitivity reaction to a substance in food. Some of the more common foods that dogs are allergic to can include beef, dairy products, wheat, chicken, chicken eggs, lamb, and soy. Food allergies can occur in dogs ranging from four months to around fourteen years of age, but approximately one third of these dogs will have the onset of food allergies within their first year of life. Skin areas affected by food allergies are practically identical as those caused by atopic dermatitis, making the diagnosis between the causes difficult.

To make this determination, a strict dietary elimination trial must be performed. These diets should consist of a single source of protein (such as duck) and single source of carbohydrate (such as potatoes). It is a requirement that the dog has not been exposed to these food choices previously. There are prescription diets that meet these requirements, such as novel protein or hydrolyzed protein dog foods. If feeding a home cooked diet, work with a veterinary nutritionist to make sure the diet is properly balanced. 

During the diet trial, the dog must AVOID the following:

• Flavored medications and vitamin supplements
• Treats
• Table scraps - keep your dog out of the kitchen, especially with young children that may drop food
• Medication in food
• Food intended for other household animals
• Flavored chew toys

The trial diet is fed exclusively for two to three months before reintroduction to the previous diet. If there is an allergic reaction to the reintroduced food within 14 days, then the dog has a food allergy and should return to eating the trial diet. Once the food allergy reaction dissipates again, individual ingredients can be introduced, one at a time, for a period of two weeks each. This will likely determine the specific food substance that causes the reaction. 

Flea Allergy Dermatitis

Flea allergy dermatitis (FAD) is a reaction to an antigen in flea saliva. FAD is very common in dogs. Although canines of any age can develop FAD, it usually affects younger patients. Individual dogs react differently to flea bites, and the reaction is worse if the dog has another skin disease as well. Symptoms of FAD include itching the tail base, thighs, and rear third of the dog’s back. 

Since flea allergy dermatitis is a reaction to flea saliva, the treatment is preventing flea bites, decreasing the duration fleas are able to feed, and decreasing the number of fleas present on the dog. This is best done by eliminating exposure to fleas. There are many flea control products available in both topical and oral formulations. It is important to treat all animals in the household when dealing with a flea infestation along with treating the inside (home) and outside (yard) environment.  Vehicles that pets commonly ride in should be treated as well.  

Canine skin allergies create a frustrating problem for dog owners, because what often begins as a seemingly simple condition can evolve into a confusing, and usually painful situation. By properly diagnosing, and subsequently addressing, the root cause of the allergic dermatitis, the daily comfort of your companion can be greatly improved. 

Dr. Catherine Gamber received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine and Bachelor of Science in Biomedical Science from Texas A&M University.   Before moving to the Pacific Northwest she practiced general veterinary medicine in Dallas, Texas. 

Her special interests in veterinary medicine include internal medicine, dermatology, and soft tissue surgery. She is passionate about providing the highest quality of care for her dog and cat patients, and has a particular fondness for pot-bellied pigs.  

When she isn’t practicing veterinary medicine, she enjoys spending time outdoors running, hiking, and kayaking. Her own pets include a brown tabby cat named Amber and a pot-bellied pig named Eleanor Pigby.

SOURCE: http://www.seattledogspot.com/blog/dog-blog/post/tips-for-identifying-treating-allergic-dermatitis-in-your-dog

Is Your Cat Missing the Litter Box?

You have a problem. Your cat is thinking outside the box, and not in a good way. You may be wondering what you did to inspire so much “creative expression.” Is your cat punishing you? Is Fluffy just “bad”? No, and no. House soiling and missing the litter box is a sign that your cat needs some help.

According to the Winn Feline Foundation, house soiling is the number one complaint among cat owners. The good news is that it is very treatable.

An accredited veterinarian can help you determine if the problem is medical or related to social or environmental stressors. In addition to a complete physical exam, the doctor will ask you specific “where and when” questions.

Health factors

Tony Buffington, DVM, PhD, a specialist in feline urinary disorders at The Ohio State University, and founder of the Indoor Cat Initiative says that many veterinarians recommend a urine test for every cat with a house soiling problem. The urinalysis will determine if blood, bacteria, or urinary crystals are present — signs that your cat might have feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD).

FLUTD is very common and can cause painful urination. Cats that begin to associate the litter box with pain will avoid it. Other medical possibilities include hyperthyroidism, kidney disease, diabetes, and arthritis and muscle or nerve disorders that might prevent your cat from getting to the litter box in time.

Environmental factors
If there is no medical cause, the next step is to look at environmental factors. Start with the litter box. Your cat might be avoiding the litter box because it is not cleaned well enough, you’ve changed the type of litter you use, or there is only one box for multiple cats.

Another possibility is that your cat is “marking” — spraying urine, typically on vertical objects such as walls and furniture, or in “socially significant” areas near doors or windows. Both male and female cats mark. The most common offenders are cats that have not been spayed or neutered.

Buffington says that stress can cause elimination problems too. For example, subtle aggression or harassment by other house cats or neighborhood cats may be an issue.

Indoor Cat Initiative

Even unremarkable changes in your home can make your cat anxious or fearful. Look around. Did anything change right before your cat started having problems? Did you get a new pet? A new couch? Maybe you just moved the old couch to a different part of the room, or had a dinner party. Cats are sensitive creatures and changes that seem small to you can throw your cat off his game. Check with your veterinarian about finding solutions that work for both you and your cat.

Source: http://www.aaha.org/pet_owner/pet_health_library/cat_care/behavior/missing_the_litter_box.aspx

Christmas Pet Safety

“My pet would never eat food off the table!”

“My pet would never knock over the Christmas tree!”

“My pet would never bite someone!”

We all know our pets pretty well, but what we don’t always realize is that stress can make anybody do crazy things! When you have holiday guests or flashing Christmas lights or loud holiday music—or all of the above—at your house all at once, your pet may get stressed and frustrated, causing them to act out in unexpected ways. Most pet accidents are met with the statement, “He’s never done anything like that before!”

We recommend always making sure that your pet has a safe place to sit and relax during your holidays parties. Just like some people, pets need to get away from the action and de-stress, but most of the time they don’t know how to ask for their space. If your pet is comfortable in their crate, we recommend moving it into a quiet room and letting them spend some time resting during your holiday get-togethers. Your pet will be happier, and by extension, you and your guests will be happier! And holidays disasters will be prevented.  

10 Subtle Signs of Illness in Cats

Cats are very good at hiding signs of illness. They are prey animals as well as predators in the wild and have evolved the ability to hide disease, even when it is serious. This can make identification of illness extremely challenging for the cat owner. It is very important to consult your veterinarian if your cat shows any of these subtle signs.

1.      Inappropriate elimination

A cat that urinates or defecates outside of the litter box is telling you that something is wrong. Urination outside of the box can indicate multiple issues, including diabetes mellitus, kidney disease, lower urinary tract disease (infection, bladder stones, and stress related bladder inflammation), hyperthyroidism, or cancer. Defecation outside of the box can indicate problems with the gastrointestinal tract such as inflammatory bowel disease, parasites, constipation, or cancer.  Getting into and out of the box may also become painful for a cat with arthritis or musculoskeletal issues.

2.      Changes in vocalization

The change in the pitch and sound of a cat’s meow may indicate that there is a problem in the area of the larynx or that a systemic illness is occurring. Cats that vocalize or howl more frequently than usual may be suffering from hypertension or hyperthyroidism.  Stress or pain can also increase vocalization in cats.

3.      Bad Breath

Admittedly, cats may not always have the freshest breath, but a sudden change in odor may indicate significant dental disease, oral cancer, or even an underlying systemic illness, such as kidney disease.

4.      Changes in Activity

A decrease in activity or change in daily routine can be a general indicator of illness.

5.      Changes in food or water consumption

Decreased or increased water and/or food consumption may be an indicator of various illnesses.  Increased water consumption may be a result of kidney disease or diabetes mellitus.  Increased food consumption may indicate gastrointestinal disease or hyperthyroidism.  Decreased food and water consumption may occur secondary to many illnesses, all of which are serious.

6.      Unexplained weight loss or gain

Sudden unexplained weight loss may be caused by hyperthyroidism, gastrointestinal disease, cancer, diabetes mellitus, or a whole host of illnesses. Weight gain and obesity can puts cats at risk for diabetes mellitus and arthritis issues.

7.      Changes in Social Interactions

Cats are typically social and enjoy interacting with people and other pets.  Changes in interactions with others in the household may indicate pain, stress, or illness.

8.      Signs of stress

Stressed cats may hide more, eat less food, interact less with others in the household, inappropriately urinate of defecate, and appear outwardly agitated.  Ruling out physical ailments that could result in stress is very important.

9.      Changes in grooming behavior

A decrease in typical grooming behaviors is a sign of some sort of underlying health issue. It may indicate pain, anxiety, decreased energy or be secondary to obesity. Over grooming can indicate a skin issue or psychological disorder.

10. Changes in sleeping habits

Cats normally sleep during a large portion of the day. When they seem to be sleeping more than normal, it could be a sign of an underlying disease process.  If they are sleeping much less than usual, it may indicate hyperthyroidism, pain, or stressors within the household.

All of the above subtle signs of illness in felines may not be easy to pick up, especially if the changes are gradual. Veterinary wellness exams once to twice yearly are especially important for this reason. They can prevent many diseases and illnesses from reaching an advanced stage and keep our kitties happy and healthy.

How to Identify and Treat Stress in your Dog

Seattle Dogs are Vulnerable to Heat Stress

Seattle’s temperate weather provides the perfect environment for our pets to have a very comfortable summer.  However, when things start to heat up, pets have the potential for developing life-threatening heat stress – otherwise known ashyperthermia.

Cats and dogs lack the ability to effectively sweat and thus their only method of regulating body temperature is through breathing off the heat through panting or finding an environment that helps them maintain a proper body temperature (water, shade, etc.).

Signs of Heat Stress in Your Pet

Normal body temperature for cats and dogs can vacillate between 99-102.5 degrees.  When temperatures exceed this norm, pets will begin to pant, act lethargic or become restless.

As temperatures continue to elevate things can progress to the pet becoming unsteady on its feet, abnormal gum color (purple to bright red), abnormal stools and if untreated  - multi-organ failure and cardiac arrest.

Dogs are More Vulnerable to Heat Stress

Dogs are markedly more prone to heat stress due to the fact that they have more exposure to the outside and are also more likely to be riding with their owners in automobiles. Automobiles are a significant source of heat stress and can be a concern on a relatively cool day (70°F). 

A study from Stanford University Medical Center found the temperature within a vehicle could increase by an average of 40 degrees Fahrenheit within one hour regardless of the outside temperature.

Predisposing Factors to Heat Stress in Pets

• Exposure to hot/humid conditions without adequate shade
• Exercising in hot/humid weather
• Obesity and/or diseases affecting a pet’s airway
• Brach cephalic (short-nosed) breeds such as Pekingese, Pugs, Lhasa apsos, Boston terriers and Bulldogs have an anatomic predisposition based on a narrowed airway
• Age and hair coat

What to Do if Your Dog has Heat Stress

If you have a remote concern that your pet is experiencing heat stress, you need to take immediate action.

• First, remove your pet from the source of heat where the hyperthermia occurred to a shaded and cool environment
• If possible, obtain a rectal temperature and record it.
• Begin cooling your dog with cool water. You can place wet cold washcloths on the footpads, around the head, in the armpits and the groin region.  Remember to also replace them frequently as they warm up.
• Avoid covering the whole body with wet towels, as it may trap in heat. Directing a fan on these wetted areas will also help to speed evaporative cooling.
• Most pets with hyperthermia have body temperatures exceeding 105°F, and a reasonable goal for cooling is to reduce your pet’s body temperature to 102.5-103°F while transporting her to the closest veterinary facility. 
• DO NOT put your pet on ice or in ice water! Extreme cold can cause the blood vessels to constrict, preventing the body from cooling and actually causing the internal temperature to further rise. Over-cooling can also cause hypothermia, introducing a host of new problems.
• Offer your pet small amounts of cool water, but do not force water into their mouth or allow them to drink excessive amounts in one sitting.

Call or visit your veterinarian right away - even if your dog appears to be improving. Internal damage might not be obvious to the untrained eye, so an exam is recommended (further testing may be necessary). For advanced heat exhaustion, the sooner your pet receives medical attention the better its prognosis.

Most pets with hyperthermia have body temperatures exceeding 105°F, and a reasonable goal of cooling is to reduce your pet’s body temperature to 102.5-103°F while transporting her to the closest veterinary facility. 

In summary, heat exhaustion is a significant concern and can happen under what we would consider fairly mild temperature conditions.  If you suspect your pet has had a concerning amount of exposure act quickly and call your veterinarian as soon as possible.

Jeb Mortimer, DVM 
Seattle Veterinary Associates

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.

Source: http://www.seattledogspot.com/blog/dog-blog/post/how-to-identify-and-treat-heat-stress-in-your-dog

National Pet Preparedness Month

This month is National Pet Preparedness Month. In order to be sure your pet is prepared for a disaster, make sure your safety kit includes food, water, leash and collar, bowls, pet ID, medications, immunization records, pet carrier, first aid kit, and a contact list for all pet emergency contacts.

Parasite prevention for your pets

When thinking of the word parasite, many things come mind.  None of them are good.  No one likes a parasite. Though they have evolved to exist and live besides or within the hosts they plague, they remain unloved and unwanted.  And that is OK by me.

This feeling of abhorrence is as natural as the interactions between these pests and their hosts.  The parasite’s goal is to live in conjunction with the animal they live upon or within.  They must coexist and obtain some benefit from the host organism in order to survive, multiply and procreate.  They don’t wish any major harm to come of the host, as it is often their meal ticket.  After all, the word “parasite” is derived from the Greek word “parasitos” meaning “one who eats at another’s table”.  Nevertheless, I want to focus on how these natural evolutionary companions can be controlled keeping our pets and ourselves as free of them as possible !

marubunnytown.com

It is fairly common for our cats and dogs to become infected with an internal or an external parasite at some point in its lifetime. Parasites can affect your pet in a variety of ways, ranging from simple irritation to causing life-threatening conditions if left untreated. Some parasites can infect and transmit diseases to people.  This type of transmission of a disease or condition from an animal to a human being is a zoonosis.  Some zoonotic conditions can be quite serious public health concerns.

Parasites can infect humans

For many people, pets are an important part of the family circle. Naturally, you want to protect your family and your children in particular, from needless exposure to internal parasites such as worms and external parasites such as fleas. Yes, our beloved pets can harbor zoonotic parasites that may potentially be transmitted to their human family.

Internal parasites such as some intestinal worms are invaders that are often acquired during early life directly from the mother’s body (i.e. via milk or across the placenta) or later from the pet’s environment (e.g. yard, neighborhood, parks, etc.).  They are also acquired if the dog or cat consumes prey that has been hunted down.  Even the lowly common tapeworm is typically contracted when our pets ingest a flea that has been contaminated by a microscopic tapeworm larva!  The life cycles of such intestinal parasites are often complex and unique. Your veterinarian possesses the knowledge and tools to test for, eliminate and prevent many of these type pests from causing problems or harm.

Some important facts about the more common cat and dog intestinal worms:

CDC

- Toxocara (a type of roundworm or ascarid) is a zoonotic parasite that can be acquired from soil/sand contaminated with the feces of cats and dogs. It is of little concern for pregnant women but does pose a potential risk to infants and small children. Roundworm eggs are extremely hardy and remain in the environment (e.g., dirt, sandboxes) for up to several years in the Pacific NW climate. They cannot be decontaminated with bleach or other standard antiseptics.  Prevent with monthly heartworm tablets or topicals.

-Baylisascaris (the raccoon roundworm) can infect people, as well as a variety of other animals, including dogs. Human infections are thankfully rare, but can be severe if the parasite eggs are inadvertently ingested then invade the eye (ocular larva migrans), organs (visceral larva migrans) or the brain (neural larva migrans). In some dogs, ingested Baylisascaris eggs may develop into adult worms and then pass these dangerous eggs in the pets' feces.  Keep dogs away from raccoon latrine sites or nesting areas.  The same heartworm preventative tablets or topicals that block dog roundworms work vs. Baylisascaris worms too.  Cats may be also adversely affected by the migrating larval damage, but never develop or spread the adult worms.

- Dogs and cats with tapeworm infections usually are not sick and do not lose weight from the worms. Contrary to popular belief, dogs that “scoot” on their rear ends are generally doing it for reasons other than having tapeworms, such as blocked or irritated anal sacs (pouches located in your dog’s rear end) or other skin inflammation of the rear.  Tapeworms can reduce the pet’s comfort level, may result in mild diarrhea, and often compromise their nutrition. Furthermore, they are unpleasant and should be treated when identified even if your pet exhibits minimal signs.  Try to prevent your pet from hunting and eating prey to avoid tapeworms.  In addition, you should always use excellent flea control.

Don’t forget about fleas

Providenceveterinaryhospitalblogspot.com

Fleas are insects that parasitize the skin and fur coats of our dogs and cats.  The actual flea species commonly seen on the dogs of our area is really the cat flea, Ctenocephalides felis. Our flea season can be year round in Seattle due to our mild climate, yet it truly kicks into a higher gear from May through November most years.  It is essential to understand the flea life cycle in order to be most successful at preventing fleas from infesting your pet and your home.  Your veterinary team is the most informed about this important concept and what you can do to control these annoying pests.  The flea is a blood feeder in its adult form, and the females are quite prolific with the ability to lay upwards of 50 eggs per day when feeding consistently.  Very quickly a few fleas can multiply becoming many and thus creating an infestation which is much harder to deal with!

- While fleas are primarily an annoyance, they can carry other illnesses and some dogs and cats may be highly allergic to flea bites.  Dealing with fleas requires both controlling flea populations in your pet's environment and killing fleas on your pet.

Proactive prevention can stop fleas

Suidoo.com

To control fleas well, you must stop them from reproducing and thus break their life cycle. Carpets, pet bedding, furniture, and other indoor areas where your dog spends much time will contain the highest number of developing fleas in their immature stages.  Frequent vacuuming of these areas (throw the vacuum cleaner bag away afterwards) and regularly washing your pet’s bedding can greatly reduce the number of developing fleas inside your home.  In some cases, home premise insecticide spraying or even professional pest control help (e.g. Flea Busters) may be necessary once an infestation has been established indoors.  To avoid fleas infesting your abode, proactive prevention is the best solution, and it starts by directly treating the cat and dog.  Monthly flea treatments are available under the guidance of your veterinarian and should be used regularly.

Check your pet for fleas regularly

Although your pet may be harboring fleas, they are not always easy to find. Waiting for it to become scratchy and itchy is not being proactive. One of the best methods for checking your dog or cat for fleas is to look for flea dirt (actually flea feces) in your pet’s hair coat:

- To check for flea dirt, briskly comb or rub a section of the hair on your pet’s back while they are sitting or lying on a white piece of paper. If your friend has fleas, black flecks that look like dirt (as a result, we use the term “flea dirt”) will fall onto the surface for you to see clearly. If you transfer these black flecks to a damp piece of paper towel or tissue, in a short time they will appear red or rust-colored.

(The red color results because blood sucked from your pet is therefore partly digested and passed in the flea’s waste matter. If the dirt specks do not turn red, then they are probably just plain old dirt.)

Create parasite prevention program for your pet

In summary, each and every pet has a unique and individual lifestyle of its own. Your veterinarian can help you tailor the complete parasite prevention program that best fits you and your pet’s particular needs.  Discuss how to be proactive against all potentially unhealthy parasites with your professional veterinary team and then select what is right for you.

Making sure your pet is on a year-round parasite control program is good health care for your pet and your family!

-Mark Donovan, DVM

Dr. Donovan earned his degree with Honors from the University of Florida (Go Gators!). His veterinary interests include soft-tissue surgery, endocrinology, epidemiology, and zoonotic diseases.

Dr. Donovan enjoys spending time with his wife and two daughters, hiking and backpacking, snowboarding, playing tennis, gardening, going to Mariners games, and reading. 

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