Gainesville Florida Veterinary Pet Care Tips

The Oaks Veterinary Hospitals take great pride in educating our clients regarding the health and upkeep of their loved pets. To this end, our pet care tips will be an ever growing catalog of information covering a variety of topics. Should there be any specific information your would like covered, feel free to suggest an article topic to us.

Brushing your Cats Teeth

Visit this website to watch a very informative video demonstrating how to brush your cat's teeth:

http://partnersah.vet.cornell.edu/node/301

New Products for Flea Control!

Comfortis:

Comfortis is a new canine flea control medication available in a beef-flavored, chewable tablet. It starts killing adult fleas in 30 minutes and is effective for 30 days. Comfortis is safe to use in puppies as young as 4 weeks old. With Comfortis, you do not have to worry about your dog getting wet and washing off the medication. Ask us today, if Comfortis is right for your pet.

Vectra for Cats:

Vectra is a new monthly topical flea control treatment for cats. It starts killing fleas within 4 hours and lasts 30 days. Vectra is the first product to kill all stages of the flea lifecycle. It is safe to use this product in kittens as young as 8 weeks of age. Call us for more information about Vectra and other flea control medications.

Vectra 3D for Dogs:

Vectra 3D is a new medication for the treatment and control of fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes. It starts killing fleas within 6 hours and lasts one month. Vectra 3D is the first flea control product to kill all stages of development. This product also repels and kills 4 species of ticks and 3 species of mosquitoes. Vectra 3D is still effective after bathing and swimming. Ask us today, if Vectra 3D is a good choice for your pet.

Top Ten Hot Weather Tips

In summertime, the living isn’t always easy for our animal friends. Dogs and cats can suffer from the same problems that humans do, such as overheating, dehydration and even sunburn. By taking some simple precautions, you can celebrate the season and keep your pets happy and healthy.

· A visit to the veterinarian for a spring or early summer check-up is a must; add to that a test for heartworm, if your dog isn’t on a year-round preventative medication. Do parasites bug your animal companions? Ask your doctor to recommend a safe, effective flea and tick control program.

· Never leave your pet alone in a vehicle-hyperthermia can be fatal.
Even with the windows open a parked automobile can quickly become a furnace in no time. Parking in the shade offers little protection, as the sun shifts during the day.

· Always carry a gallon thermos filled with cold, fresh water when traveling with your pet.

· The right time for playtime is in the cool of the early morning or evening, but never after a meal or when the weather is humid.

· STREET SMARTS: When the temperature is very high, don’t let your dog stand on hot asphalt. His or her body can heat up quickly and sensitive paw pads can burn. Keep walks during these times to a minimum

· A day at the beach is a no-no, unless you can guarantee a shaded spot and plenty of fresh water for your companion. Salty dogs should be rinsed off after a dip in the ocean.

· Provide fresh water and plenty of shade for animals kept outdoors; a properly constructed doghouse serves best. Bring your dog or cat inside during the heat of the day to rest in a cool part of the house.

· Be especially sensitive to older and overweight animals in hot weather. Brachycephalic or snub-nosed dogs such as bulldogs, pugs, Boston terriers, Lhasa apsos and shih tzus, as well as those with heart or lung diseases, should be kept cool in air-conditioned rooms as much as possible.

· When walking your dog, steer clear of areas that you suspect have been sprayed with insecticides or other chemicals. And please be alert for coolant or other automotive fluid leaking from your vehicle. Animals are attracted to the sweet taste, and ingesting just a small amount can be fatal. Call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 if you suspect that your animal has been poisoned.

· Good grooming can stave off summer skin problems, especially for dogs with heavy coats. Shaving the hair to a one-inch length helps prevent overheating. Never shave completely down to the skin, because it robs Rover of protection from the sun. Cats should be brushed often.

BONUS TIP: Please make sure that there are no open, unscreened windows or doors in your home through which animals can fall or jump out of.

Fireworks are no Fun for Your Pet!

1. Resist taking your pet to the fireworks displays. Most animals don’t enjoy the holiday’s noisy spectacles.

2. Don’t leave your pet in the car. In addition to the danger posed by pet thieves, cars can heat up to a deadly temperature in minutes, even with the windows partially opened.

3. Keep your companion animal in a safe place indoors. Some animals can become destructive when frightened, so be sure that you’ve removed any items that your pet could destroy or that would be harmful to your pet if chewed on. Leave a radio or TV on at normal volume to provide him or her with some companionship while you are attending the picnics and parades.

4. If you know that your pet is seriously distressed by loud noises like thunder, consult with your veterinarian before July 4 for ways to help alleviate the fear and anxiety he or she will experience during firework displays.

5. Never leave pets outside and unattended, even in a fenced yard or on a chain. Animals may panic, escape and get lost, or get injured by becoming entangled in their chain.

6. Make sure your pets are wearing identification so they can be returned if they do get lost. Animals running at large should be taken to the local animal shelter, where they will have the best chance of reuniting with their families.

7. If you plan to go away for the holiday weekend, visit the HSUS online at www.hsus.org to find information about traveling with your pet or on choosing a professional pet sitter or boarding kennel.

Gentle Leader

The Gentle Leader is a special facial harness that aids in training. This product works similar to a horse lead. Instead of the dog pulling and choking itself, The Gentle Leader guides the dog into the direction that you lead him. The Gentle Leader is an excellent training tool, and helps stubborn dogs learn to walk on a leash.

Chronic Renal Failure in Cats

The kidneys have several important functions: remove waste products from the body through the urine, adjust hydration by concentrating the urine, stimulate the bone marrow to produce red blood cells, and adjust the body’s chemistry. Healthy kidneys produce concentrated urine with large amount of waste products. In chronic renal failure, the kidneys fail to concentrate urine requiring more urine to eliminate the waste products and stimulate the bone marrow.

With aging, there may be a gradual or “chronic” loss of normal kidney function. At least 70% of kidney function must be lost before illness occurs.

Chronic renal failure is most commonly seen in cats over 8 years old. There may be weight loss, poor grooming, and an increase in thirst and urination. At first, increased thirst and urine volume may be the only symptom. Later signs are loss of appetite, lethargy, vomiting, or constipation.

Chronic renal failure must be diagnosed by a veterinarian. The patient’s symptoms, physical examination findings, and labwork are required. There are specific changes in blood and urine to make this diagnosis.

Treatment for chronic renal failure includes administering fluids by injection, feeding a special diet for kidney disease, giving supplements of vitamins and iron, and occasionally giving hormone injections. With treatment, cats can have a good quality of life for months to years.

Diabetes Mellitus

Diabetes mellitus occurs when an excessive amount of glucose (sugar) is circulating in the bloodstream. Hyperglycemia (high blood glucose) is caused by a deficiency of insulin, a hormone secreted by the pancreas.

The most common early clinical signs include increased thirst and urination and weight loss despite an increased appetite. Later signs include anorexia, lethargy, depression, and vomiting. Pets with diabetes are prone to urinary tract infections, since excess sugar accumulates in the bladder making it a great environment for bacterial growth. Cataracts can develop in dogs with diabetes since glucose is able to enter the lens.

Diabetes mellitus is diagnosed by patient history, physical exam findings, and labwork. Elevated glucose levels in the bloodstream and urine confirm the diagnosis of diabetes.

Diabetes mellitus is a manageable condition. Diabetics are placed on special diets low in carbohydrates and high in protein to encourage weight loss and started on insulin therapy. Initially, your pet will need to stay in the hospital for the day for serial blood glucose measurements to determine the appropriate amount of insulin to be administered. Most pets are maintained on once or twice daily insulin injections which are administered via a small needle. Once an appropriate level of insulin is determined, routine follow up exams and glucose measurements are required for monitoring. Clients need to develop daily records which include the type of insulin, amount of insulin administered, amount and time of food eaten, and current weight of pet. It is also recommended to monitor the amount of glucose present in the urine, usually collected at night or early in the morning. Glucose levels vary day to day, but trends are important to note for changes in insulin dosage.

If your pet receives too much insulin or fails to eat prior to insulin administration, the blood glucose level can become dangerously low creating a condition known as hypoglycemia. Clinical signs associated with hypoglycemia include weakness, ataxia, lethargy, shaking, and seizures. In cases of mild hypoglycemia, such as mild incoordination, give your pet a tablespoon of karo syrup, honey, or sugar solution. If more severe signs are noticed, such as ataxia, severe incoordination, or convulsions, it is important to seek immediate veterinary care.

Urinary Tract Infection (UTI)

The urinary tract consists of the kidneys, the ureters (tubes connecting the kidneys and bladder), the urinary bladder, and the urethra. A urinary tract infection (UTI) most commonly occurs in the bladder.

Pets with a UTI will usually urinate small amounts more often. The urine may contain blood and have a bad odor. Sometimes, the pet may drink more water.

A diagnosis is usually made after a physical exam and a urinalysis. Sometimes, x-rays (radiographs) or urine cultures are also needed.

Bacterial infections are treated with antibiotics. Although the pet’s symptoms should resolve within the first few days of treatment, the entire course of antibiotics must be completed. Inadequate treatment can lead to infection recurrence and bacterial resistance.

Pyoderma

Pyoderma is a skin infection caused by bacteria. The most common symptoms are papules or pustules on the skin, dry, crusty, or flaky areas, hair loss, and itching. Pyoderma can occur for several different reasons. The most common is secondary to allergic dermatitis because pyoderma develops in abrasions caused by the patient scratching. It can also occur if the skin is broken for other reasons, if the skin has been injured from constant exposure to moisture, if the skin’s normal bacteria flora has been altered, if the immune system is compromised, or if normal blood flow to the skin is impaired.

Pyoderma is diagnosed by the doctor based on symptoms and medical history. Patients with a history of yeast or fungal skin infections, fleas or ticks, thyroid disease, or a hormonal imbalance may be at an increased risk. It is also hereditary and can be passed down from generation to generation. In most cases, pyoderma will resolve with oral antibiotics and topical medications. Bathing the patient with a medicated shampoo can also help. In patients with chronic pyoderma, more testing will need to be done to determine the underlying factor, such as allergies or endocrine diseases such as hypothyroidism or Cushing’s disease.

Otitis Externa

Otitis externa is an infection of the external ear canal that can be very painful and itchy. Dogs with large, floppy, or hairy ears are the most prone to ear infections, although all dogs and cats are susceptible. Symptoms include scratching at the ears, shaking the head, redness and inflammation, black or yellow discharge, and a bad odor. Bacteria, yeast, ear mites, foreign bodies, or a tumor in the ear canal can cause otitis externa. The doctor will use an otoscope to look inside the ear canal and use swabs to collect a sample of the discharge. The discharge is then looked at under the microscope to determine the cause of the ear infection. Treatments for otitis externa vary depending on the cause.

Otitis externa can be prevented by cleaning the ears on a regular basis. Ear cleaning is to be done by filling the ear canal with ear cleaning solution, squeezing the base of the ear to release the debris that is deep in the canal, and then using cotton balls to clean the fluid and debris out of the ear.

Microchips

Microchips are tiny encapsulated computer chips, about the size of a large grain of rice, which are programmed with unique identification codes. Microchips are a form of permanent identification, which cannot be lost or removed.

A microchip is injected under the skin, similar to a vaccination, between the pet’s shoulder blades. Clients register their pets with 24PetWatch, which maintains a database of pet and guardian information.

When a pet is found, veterinary hospitals and shelters use a hand-held scanner to read the microchip information. Once the microchip is read, the 24PetWatch Recovery Center is contacted to identify the lost pet’s guardian’s information to reunite you with your pet.

Intestinal Parasites

Several types of intestinal parasites can be found in dogs and cats. The most common types are hookworms, roundworms, whipworms, tapeworms, coccidia, and giardia. Tapeworm segments are easily seen in the feces or around the rear end of the animal; they look like small, flat, white rice granules. Roundworms can also be seen with the naked eye. Roundworms are white to off-white small tubular structures and look similar to angel hair pasta. The other intestinal parasites are only seen under a microscope.

Hookworms:

Hookworms attach to the lining of the intestines and feed on blood, resulting in severe anemia. Infective larvae can be ingested orally, enter the host through the skin, be passed through the placenta from mother to fetus, or passed to puppies and kittens through the mother’s milk. Signs of a hookworm infection include dark or bloody diarrhea, weakness, pale gums, weight loss, and death. Hookworms are zoonotic parasites and can be passed to humans by burrowing through the skin.

Roundworms:

Roundworms are free-living in the bowel, feeding on the food that the host eats. They can cause serious digestive upsets and gas formation, leading to a characteristic ‘pot-bellied’ appearance. If a growing puppy or kitten is infected with a large number of roundworms, they can experience stunted growth, which leads to developmental problems. Other signs include diarrhea, vomiting, loss of appetite, weakness, and weight loss. Roundworms are transmitted from dog to dog via infective eggs shed in the feces. Roundworms are zoonotic parasites and can be transmitted to humans by ingestion of infective eggs.

Whipworms:

Whipworms are acquired by ingesting the eggs, which are resistant to drying and heat and can survive dormant in the animal’s environment for years. Whipworms cause severe irritation to the lining of the intestines. Signs of infection include diarrhea, pale gums, and dehydration. Whipworms are not contagious to humans.

Tapeworms:

Fleas are required as intermediate hosts in order for dogs and cats to get tapeworms. Pets need to ingest an infective flea allowing the tapeworm to grow inside the intestines, causing digestive upsets and stunting of growth in puppies and kittens. Humans can also get tapeworms by ingesting the infective fleas.

Coccidia:

Coccidia live in the lining of the intestine and can cause severe diarrhea, vomiting, and dehydration. The immature coccidia, called oocysts, are resistant to environmental conditions, meaning they can survive for some time if the feces is not picked up immediately, and can be transmitted to other animals that come in contact with the feces. The species of coccidia that infect dogs and cats is not contagious to humans.

Giardia:

Giardia can cause severe watery diarrhea. A dog becomes infected with Giardia when it ingests the parasite. Giardia may also be transmitted through drinking infected water. Giardia can also be transmitted to humans.

Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD)

Feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) is not a disease but instead a group of clinical signs including bloody urine, straining to urinate, increased frequency of urination, urinating in unusual places, and urinary blockage (inability to urinate) which is a medical emergency.

There are several different potential causes of FLUTD, including bacterial infections, bladder stones, tumors, or anatomical abnormalities. However, many cats experience severe inflammation of the bladder and/or urethra without an identifiable cause, known as idiopathic FLUTD. FLUTD is diagnosed by patient history, physical exam findings, and the results of diagnostic tests, including bloodwork, urinalysis, bacterial culture of the urine, and radiographs and/or ultrasound of the bladder and urethra.

Treatment depends on the underlying cause. Idiopathic FLUTD responds to anti-inflammatories or pain-relieving drugs. Bacterial infections must be treated with antibiotics. Bladder stones must be surgically removed and patients need to be placed on special diets or additives to avoid recurrence. If the urethra becomes blocked, inhibiting urination, emergency treatment is required to remove the blockage.

FLUTD is more common in overweight and inactive cats and in cats with lower water consumption.

Corneal Ulcers

The cornea is the transparent, shiny membrane creating the front of the eyeball. It is composed of three layers, the epithelium (outermost layer), stroma (middle layer), and Descemet’s membrane (innermost layer). If the epithelium is damaged it is called a corneal erosion or corneal abrasion. Deeper erosions through the entire epithelium and into the stroma are called corneal ulcers. If the erosion goes all the way through to the level of Descemet’s membrane, it is referred to as a descemetocele. In the most extreme cases where the Descemet’s membrane is ruptured, the liquid inside the eyeball can leak out, causing the eye to irreversibly collapse. There are several causes of corneal ulcers, the most common being trauma to the cornea. Another common cause is chemical burn, such as from irritating shampoo getting in the eye. Corneal ulcers can also be caused by bacterial infections, viral infections, and other diseases that originate in the eye or develop secondary to disease elsewhere in the body.

Common symptoms of a corneal ulcer include the patient rubbing the eye, squinting or keeping the eye shut, and discharge or fluid coming from the eye. A doctor will use a stain called fluorescein to diagnose the ulcer. The stain is placed on the cornea and the dye will adhere to the area of the ulcer, which can then be seen clearly with the use of ophthalmic lights.

Feline Heartworm Disease

Cat heartworm disease can be just as deadly as canine heartworm disease. Heartworm disease occurs in 15% of cats, of which one-third are indoor cats.

Myths and Misunderstandings about feline heartworm disease (“Heartworms Easy to Overlook in Cats”, Veterinary Practice News, April 2007):

1. Dogs vs. Cats: Heartworm is not just a canine disease. Heartworms affect cats differently than dogs, but the disease they caused is equally as deadly.

2. Indoor vs. Outdoor cats: Heartworm disease is mosquito-borne and evidence has shown indoor cats are just as susceptible to it as outdoor animals. In a North Carolina study, 28 percent of the cats diagnosed with heartworm were inside-only cats.

3. It’s a Heart Disease: “Heartworm disease” is a misnomer; it mostly affects the lungs, not just the heart. The disease frequently is mistaken for asthma and other respiratory diseases.

4. Adult Heartworms vs. Larvae: New research shows that the heartworm larvae at all stages, not just adult worms, can cause serious health problems.

Diagnosis is difficult. Negative blood tests do not rule out the presence of heartworms. Chest radiographs and an echocardiogram are often needed to support the suspicion of heartworms.

Currently there is no treatment for feline heartworm disease.

Therefore, it is strongly recommended all cats receive year-round monthly heartworm prevention. Prevention is safe and easy.

Advantage Multi for Cats Topical Solution is applied to the cat’s skin once a month for heartworm prevention. Advantage Multi also kills adult fleas and treats hookworms, roundworms, and ear mites.

For more information, visit www.heartwormsociety.org and www.knowheartworms.org.

Home Dental Care for Your Pets

Your Pet and Periodontal Disease

After your pet finishes a meal, tiny food particles combine with bacteria to form
plaque. If not removed, plaque hardens into tartar and can ultimately lead to
periodontal disease. Untreated periodontal disease is the single greatest cause of health problems in pets causing mouth pain and potentially leading to infections of any internal organ. More than 80% of all animals over three years of age have periodontal disease.

How You Can Help

Regular checkups with your pet’s veterinarian and routine professional cleaning are essential to keep your pet’s teeth free of tartar. Routine home dental care is also important in helping to keep your pet and its teeth healthy. Simply removing food debris and plaque from the teeth and gum line can greatly reduce the chance of tartar build-up, periodontal disease, and bad breath.

Home Dental Care

Routine daily brushing is one way to prevent plaque accumulation. Always use a veterinary toothpaste and soft toothbrush. The Enzadent Dual-Ended toothbrush is specifically designed to adapt to small and large tooth surfaces and can be used for any size dog or cat. Enzadent Enzymatic Toothpaste (Malt or Poultry Flavor) does not need to be rinsed and is safe to swallow. To introduce your pet to brushing, start by introducing toothpaste. Offer a small amount of Enzadent toothpaste on a toothbrush or place a small amount on your pet’s nose for them to lick off. Once your pet likes the toothpaste, start brushing. Gently lift your pet’s upper lip on one side and brush the teeth and gums a few times. Gradually brush more as your pet accepts the process. The most important teeth to brush are the large upper back teeth as your pet’s salivary glands open right over these teeth. Try to brush daily for 30 seconds on each side of the mouth.

Another excellent option is Enzadent Oral Care Chews. The Oral Care Chews combine enzymes found naturally in your pet’s saliva with the abrading action that occurs when chewing to help remove food debris before it becomes a problem. Give one Oral Care Chew of appropriate size daily.

A third option for oral care is Enzadent Oral Rinse. While not as effective as brushing or chewing for plaque prevention, Enzadent Oral Rinse can be a useful part of an oral hygiene program. The unique formulation of Enzadent Oral Rinse is a palatable and highly effective antimicrobial, anti-plaque and anti-calculus rinse that aids in the prevention of tooth and gum disease. To use the Oral Rinse, shake the bottle, lift your pet’s upper lip, point and squeeze gently to apply a stream of rinse along the gum line. Enzadent Oral Rinse disperses rapidly and completely covers the entire oral cavity. Enzadent Oral Rinse may be used alone or may be used on days when you are unable to brush or give your pet a chew.

Adequan

Arthritis is a crippling disease which affects millions of dogs. This painful condition may cause lameness and stiffness, but may also have less obvious symptoms. A sweet dog may bite, a dog who enjoys food may stop eating, or a playful pet may become depressed and lethargic. There are several causes of arthritis, including aging, poor joint conformation as with hip dysplasia, and injury.

Why Should Arthritis be Treated?

Although pets cannot complain of pain, they surely feel it and suffer. Treatment of arthritis can result in a longer, healthier, and happier life for your pet. Improved joint mobility allows dogs to be more active and loss of pain improves attitude, appetite, and temperment.

How Can We Help?

We can provide a treatment that can actually stop joint disease and alleviate pain. Adequan is a state-of-the-art therapy which breaks the cycle of joint degeneration, inhibits destructive enzymes, and stimulates production of joint lubricants and new cartilage. This prescription medication is injected into the muscle by our veterinarians, and begins to work within hours. Adequan has no side effects and is completely safe. It may be used in young animals with conformation defects such as hip dysplasia, injured animals, or geriatric patients. Adequan can actually prevent arthritis in animals diagnosed with hip dysplasia or other defects in joint conformation.

The protocol for treatment begins with a series of injections, given every 4 days (or alternatively twice a week) for a total of 8 treatments. Following this series, we recommend a booster of Adequan monthly.