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From Winter 2008/2009....
Dogs become infected by Leptospira when abraded skin or mucous membranes (eyes, ears, nose, or mouth) comes into contact with the urine of another infected animal either on the ground or in stagnant water. The organisms quickly spread through the bloodstream leading to fever, joint pain, and general malaise which can last up to a week followed by more severe symptoms. Typical symptoms include fever, depression, loss of appetite, joint pain, nausea, excessive drinking, jaundice (yellow discoloration), excess bleeding brought on by low platelet count and can lead to organ (especially kidney) failure. PEOPLE CAN BECOME INFECTED, TOO! Treatment includes antibiotics and intravenous fluids, which are crucial to support blood-flow through the damaged kidneys so recovery is possible. There is a vaccination available for Leptospirosis. It works against the common versions of Leptospirosis but vaccination is not routine because the vaccine can cause your pet to have various types of reactions, from mild to serious. If your pet is exposed to heavily wooded areas with a lot of wildlife or farm animals, or goes hunting or swimming in small ponds or creeks, your pet may be at high risk for Leptospirosis and be a good candidate for the vaccine. Please contact us if you would like further advice on whether your pet should be vaccinated for Leptospirosis.
Most of us have insurance of some kind – health, life, automobile, home or apartment dweller insurance. Why not consider insurance for your pet? This industry has been in existence for over 20 years and interestingly, the European countries have more readily embraced it than the United States has. For example one source of ours shows that in Sweden, 48% of pet owners have insurance for their pets.Modern veterinary medicine can diagnose and treat illness or serious injury through use of sophisticated tools equal to those available to humans. However, there is a significant cost burden with these. This puts the pet owner in the difficult position of having to choose between their pocketbook and their pet. Pet insurance may be able to help out in these times. For the most part, pet insurance is similar to human health insurance and can be obtained to help out with maintenance and routine care as well as the more serious accidents or illnesses. Many different plans are available. The clients of our Clinic that have pet insurance are extremely happy with it. The two insurance companies listed below are recommended by our clinic. If you would like more information about how to choose the right insurance program for your needs please contact our office. For the most current information, contact the carriers listed below or search the Internet for additional carriers: Veterinary Pet Insurance PetCare Pet Insurance Programs
Prevention is key to avoiding accidental ingestion of antifreeze! Here are suggestions from the ASPCA regarding the safe use, storage and disposal of antifreeze to help prevent accidental ingestion.
If you suspect your pet has ingested antifreeze, contact us immediately! From Fall 2008....
Chocolate may be America’s favorite flavor. We like chocolate candy, ice cream, chocolate drinks, chocolate cakes, just about anything with chocolate. We may want to share our favorite treat with an eager pet but it is best to think twice and reach for the dog biscuits instead. Everyone who has ever eaten candy knows there are many types of chocolate. Sometimes we eat chocolate plain. Sometimes we eat it baked into cakes, mixed into ice cream, etc. The first problem with these sweets is the fat. A sudden high fat meal can create a lethal metabolic disease in pets called pancreatitis. Vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain are just the beginning of this disaster. Remember, in the case of pancreatitis, it is the fat that causes the problem more than the chocolate itself. The fat and sugar in the chocolate can create an unpleasant but temporary upset stomach. This is what happens in most chocolate ingestion cases. Chocolate is, however, directly toxic because of the theobromine. Baking chocolate is the worst for pets, followed by semisweet and dark chocolate, followed by milk chocolate, followed by chocolate flavored cakes or cookies. Theobromine causes:
It takes nearly 4 days for the effects of chocolate to work its way out of a dog’s system. If the chocolate was only just eaten, it is possible to induce vomiting; otherwise, hospitalization and support are needed until the chocolate has worked its way out of the system. Be sure to keep all of the holiday candy out of the reach of our furry friends!
If the immense scope of the recent tragedy in our southern states hasn't convinced everyone of the importance of disaster planning, I can't imagine what will. As relief and recovery efforts continue for humans and animals alike, those of us who are fortunate to have been spared this time around must make it a priority to prepare our entire family -- including our pets -- for potential calamity. Here are the basics you need to know. -- Have a plan -- Practice preventive care Prepare a file with up-to-date medical records, your pets' microchip or tattoo numbers, your veterinarian's phone number and address, feeding and medication instructions, and recent pictures of your animals. Trade copies of emergency files with another pet-loving friend or family member. It's a good idea for someone else to know about your pet, should anything happen to you. Keep leashes, muzzles and carriers ready for emergencies. The means to transport your pet shouldn't be something you have to find and pull from the rafters of your garage. Harnesses work better than collars at keeping panicky pets safe. Shipping crates are probably the least-thought-of pieces of emergency equipment for pet owners but are among the most important. Sturdy crates keep pets safe and give you more options for housing your pets if you have to leave your home.
Obesity in pets causes a lot of the same problems it does in people. An overweight pet is prone to a host of related problems including: diabetes; joint, ligament and tendon difficulties; breathing and heart challenges. Overweight cats can even develop skin problems from not being able to groom themselves properly. The overall impact on comfort and longevity can be dire. The good news is that it's not as difficult to trim down pets as it might be for us. After all, pets can't open the refrigerator on their own, nor can they grab the car keys for a fast-food run or phone out for pizza. What pets eat is wholly dependent on what we give them and our pets are always up for a brisk walk, a game of fetch, or some play with a toy on a string. They love to move, especially if we're moving with them. Is your pet overweight? Healthy pets have some padding on them, but a little is plenty. Rub your hands over the ribs of your dog or cat. The skin should move easily back and forth, and you should be able to feel the ribs. Your pet should have a definable "waist" at the bottom of the rib cage, a small tuck-in at the stomach. Take a look from the side: If your pet looks pregnant, it isfat. From above, a bump out from the middle into an apple shape is equally bad news. Crash diets aren't good for pets, especially not for fat cats, who can develop a fatal liver problem if forced to reduce too quickly. A pet doesn't get fat overnight, and he shouldn't be forced to change course any more rapidly. What you'll need to do is change your pet's eating and exercise habits gradually. The best place to start is with a trip to see us. We'll make sure your pet doesn't have any problems that might make lifestyle changes difficult or dangerous and get you started on a food plan that might help.From Spring 2008....
Should you get a puppy, or an adult dog? What size of dog should you get? Puppies require additional time for housetraining, socialization, and obedience training, as well as more frequent feeding, exercise, and supervision. Consider the possibility of an adult dog; older pets are often already housetrained, know some basic commands, and usually adapt very well to their new home. Larger dogs require more space than smaller ones, and may be harder to maintain in an apartment or condominium. Regardless of the size of your dog, it must be provided with access to the outdoors multiple times a day for elimination and exercise. Can you afford a dog? The purchase price for a dog can vary tremendously by breed and source, and is only the initial expense incurred for a dog. Dogs need high quality food, proper housing, mental stimulation (e.g., toys, play time), and regular visits to a veterinarian for preventive care. Other costs may include emergency medical treatment, grooming, boarding, identification, licensing, sterilization (spaying or neutering), training, and accessories. Pet health insurance is available and can help defray unexpected expenses resulting from illness or injury. The staff at East Dallas Veterinary Clinic can help you decide which breed may fit you best after you've considered the above questions. (some of the above information provided by the AVMA) Have you decided to get a mixed breed dog? They go by a dozen different names, but whether you call them mutts, curb setters, or crossbreeds, there's one thing you can always count on about a mixed-breed dog. No two of them look alike! In fact, some owners say it makes them feel special to know no one else has a dog quite like theirs. Good news for mixed breed dog owners. Have you ever wanted to know what breed your mixed breed dog is mixed with? Mars Veterinary launched a DNA based mixed breed test for dogs last summer. The Wisdom Panel MX is said to identify more than 100 American Kennel Club recognized breeds. DNA is obtained from a small blood sample at East Dallas Veterinary Clinic and submitted. Two to three weeks after the test, Mars Veterinary will provide veterinarians and owners a report that includes the dog's breed analysis and information on the appearance and behavioral characteristics of detected breeds. Call for more information today!
As dogs move into the senior phase of life, they experience changes that are very similar to aging humans. Diseases and conditions that are commonly known to affect older people also affect our animal companions: kidney, heart and liver disease, tumors, cancer, diabetes, depression, arthritis, thyroid conditions, hormonal problems, neuroses and loss of sensory perception. Understanding these changes and how you can provide for your pet's needs are essential to quality of life. Age is never just a number but rather a measure of the effect of aging to the body. Variables such as genetics, nutrition and environment all contribute to how your pet will be influenced by the aging process. For practical purposes, your dog at age 7 and older and your cat in their “teens” are considered to be senior. Small dogs tend to have a longer life expectancy than medium to large breeds. Since dogs and cats age more rapidly than people, dramatic changes in health can occur in as little as 3 to 6 month. Studies have shown that senior animals that appear healthy upon physical examination may still have an underlying disease. Once symptoms appear, the conditions may be too difficult or costly to treat. A Senior Wellness Exam includes laboratory testing that can detect diseases and conditions early, when treatment and prevention is the most effective.Several non-invasive tests and procedures preformed regularly can help us detect early-stage disease when control or even prevention is possible and more cost effective. Wellness exams also provide a baseline from which we can measure changes. These tests include:
While an annual exam may be sufficient younger animals, we may want to see your older pet at least every 6 months. For a dog or cat, this can be comparable to as many as 5 to 8 years in the life of a human.
The goal of a Senior Wellness Exam is to maintain the highest quality of life for the longest possible time. Together, we can make the senior years the most rewarding you and your beloved companion have ever shared.
If your pet is diagnosed with arthritis there are multiple treatment options specifically designed an approved for canine arthritis available. While nothing will stop the progression of arthritis completely our goal is to slow it down and keep our pets as comfortable as possible. We take a multi-modal approach to achieve those goals. The following is a summary of some options: Weight Control Reminder: over the counter products used for people such as aspirin, ibuprofen, and acetaminophen should not be used in dogs. These drugs can be toxic in dogs. Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate Omega 3 fatty acids Adequan
More Tips and Advice: Click Here to view our archives of tips and advice from the Veterinarians at East Dallas Veterinary Clinic. From Spring 2007.... Summer’s coming along soon and folks are starting to think about their vacation plans. Those with children and pets have special considerations. While we can’t really advise you about the children, we can give you some thoughts about your pet.
If you decide your pet should not travel with you, consider your alternatives. You can board your pet at our facility, you can get a responsible relative or friend to look after your pet or you can hire a pet sitter. Keep in mind animals can get lonely when left at home alone, but you want to make sure your pet is comfortable if it is going to another home. If you are asking someone other than your veterinarian to be responsible for your pet, be sure to give them appropriate information regarding the pet’s health and the telephone number of the veterinarian who normally cares for the pet. You should also provide any medications the pet normally takes, the food the pet is used to eating and you may also want to send along a favorite toy or two. And don’t forget to leave contact information where you may be reached in case of emergency. Whatever choice you make, your pet needs to be up to date on vaccinations and current on heartworm medications. If you are not boarding your pet with your veterinarian, you may want to consider leaving a letter of instruction regarding emergency care of your pet.
Parvo Virus Alert We have run this before, but due to the number of cases of parvo virus we have already seen this year, we feel it is important to remind everyone. Spring and early Summer are prime times for parvo virus to appear. If your pet’s vaccinations are not current, be sure you update your vaccinations. Parvo is very costly to treat and can be fatal. Puppies are especially susceptible to this disease, which is characterized by vomiting and diarrhea. Parvo is very easily passed to other dogs. Wait six months before introducing a new puppy into a household that has had an outbreak of parvo. Treatment is costly, vaccinations are not. Keep in mind, this is a virus, so once your pet catches parvo we can only treat the symptoms – vomiting, diarrhea, electrolyte imbalances and dehydration Call us if you aren’t sure of the status of your pet’s vaccinations. Kids, Pets and Worms Humans can become infected by roundworms or hookworms. These are two of the parasites EDVC checks for at the annual exam.
Once soil is contaminated it can take seven years for the eggs to die off. Puppies and kittens are the primary shedders of these parasites. Another good reason to use a broadspectrum heartworm prevention like HeartGard, Interceptor or Sentinel is parasite control. These treat monthly for intestinal parasites as well as serving as heartworm prevention. Maintain the normal feeding and walking schedule as much as possible. Be sure to bring old bath towels or paper towels in case of an accident and plastic bags to dispose of your pet’s waste. It is a good idea to bring a picture of your pet for identification purposes in case you and your pet become separated. You should also consider getting a microchip – these chips are universally readable and veterinarians typically check for these when someone brings in a dog they found wandering. Remember when traveling out of state by car, plane or train, most state laws require your pet to have a health certificate. These can be obtained up to 10 days prior to travel and require a physical exam. From Fall 2006....
Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease transmitted when a dog encounters infected urine of wildlife such as raccoons, skunks and rodents. Flooding can wash these bacteria into urban environments. It requires a warm, moist environment to live. This bacterium enters the body through abraded skin, water-softened skin or infected drinking water. Once exposed it takes 4-7 days for the dog to show signs of illness and can cause acute kidney and liver damage requiring intense hospitalization. Damage to these organ systems can lead to death. This disease is also transmittable to humans. Animals exposed to wildlife and bodies of water, along with those competing in dog shows and events are at a higher risk to contract this disease. Prevention includes limiting your pet’s access to marshy low-lying areas and wildlife, good kennel sanitation and rodent control. There are many varieties of Leptospirosis and the vaccine offers no cross reactivity. That means for the vaccine to be effective, the dog has to encounter the specific strains of the disease that are in the vaccination. Immunity from the vaccine lasts for 6-8 months. If exposure is high, vaccine recommendations are every 6 months. However, this vaccine can cause more severe adverse reactions than seen with other vaccinations. Signs to look for are facial swelling, vomiting, diarrhea, itching and death. The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) does not include this vaccination in what is considered CORE vaccination recommendations. If your pet fits into the “at risk” category, please discuss the issue with your veterinarian.
School Has Started — Let's Be Safe Now that school has started, children may have more opportunity to meet unknown dogs or cats. The best rule is to never pet a strange dog or cat, but knowing the connection between children and animals, parents may want to share these thoughts with their youngsters. Never go near an angry of frightened dog – it may bite you. Danger signs from dogs that tell you to stay away:
Also stay away from an angry or frightened cat – you may get hurt. Dangers signs from cats that tell you to stay away:
If your child is bitten or scratched by a strange dog or cat, contact your doctor for the appropriate treatment. Always keep in mind dogs and cats can transmit rabies, and bites can become seriously infected if not treated properly. WARNING: Hidden Dangers of Shredders We as a society are becoming more aware of the dangers and prevalence of identity theft. To that end, more and more households are purchasing and using convenient paper shredders. While these are absolutely critical to maintaining security and peace of mind, they present a danger most folks may not be aware of. There are numerous cases where someone’s child, dog, puppy, cat or kitty has been seriously harmed by these seemingly innocuous devices. The problem is most are left turned on at all times. Dogs have been known to get tongues severely damaged (sometimes ending in need to euthanize), and have also gotten ears or long hair caught, resulting in serious bodily harm. Cats have gotten tongues, ears or long hair caught ending in equally devastating circumstances. Do your children and your pets a favor – buy a shredder which has an on/off switch and turn it off when you are finished, or even better – unplug it. Such measures can help you avoid these catastrophic situations. Pet Insurance Most of us have insurance of some kind – health, life, automobile, home or apartment dweller insurance. Why not consider insurance for your pet. This industry has been in existence for over 20 years and interestingly, the European countries have more readily embraced it than the United States has. For example one source of ours shows that in Sweden, 48% of pet owners have insurance for their pets. Modern veterinary medicine can diagnose and treat illness or serious injury through use of sophisticated tools equal to those available to humans. However, there is a significant cost burden with these. This puts the pet owner in the difficult position of having to choose between their pocketbook and their pet. Pet insurance may be able to help out in these times. For the most part, pet insurance is similar to human health insurance and can be obtained to help out with maintenance and routine care as well as the more serious accidents or illnesses. Many different plans are available. The clients of our Clinic that have pet insurance are extremely happy with it. For the most current information, contact the carriers listed below or search the Internet for additional carriers:
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8541 Ferguson Road
Dallas, Texas 75228
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