Cat’s eye discharge has many potential causes
A cat with unilateral, chronic eye discharge improved with topical and oral treatments, but the owner can’t sustain the expense for all the medications and asks for help. Veterinarian Michael Brown offers some possible causes for the chronic discharge and notes that some of those need lifelong treatment. Dr. Brown suggests an over-the-counter supplement that could help but emphasizes that the owner should work closely with a veterinarian to determine the best course of action for the cat’s eye problem.
I have a 5-year-old male domestic shorthair tabby cat (Pokey) that I have had for about 3 years now. Ever since I got him, he has had a black discharge from his right eye, and I was told that he had it from birth. It’s not bad, but I have been cleaning it for him with a paper handkerchief and an eye rinse.
A veterinarian gave me an antibiotic to put in his eye. I finished the tube and renewed it several times, and although it helped, it never cured the situation. Recently, because Pokey couldn’t really open his right eye one day, I went to a new vet who gave me (for almost $200) another tube of antibiotic (neomycin and polymyxin B sulfates and dexamethasone ophthalmic ointment) to put directly in the eye, a suspension of Clavamox (a liquid suspension by mouth), and an oral paste Enisyl-F (an oral paste by mouth).
Pokey can open his eye completely and it’s completely clear of the discharge, but the oral paste was not completely used up. I called to see if it needed to be completely used up (like an antibiotic), and the vet said he had to take it for the rest of his life.
I’m a senior citizen, living on Social Security, trying to maintain a house on a limited income, so the cost of this is rather scary, but I’d try to continue to maintain it for him if it wasn’t for the fact that he hates taking the Enisyl-F.
Can you suggest anything else that I can do to maintain a clear eye for Pokey? Or is it not too bad for him to have the discharge? I’ve seen many dogs with a dark stain by the corner of the eye, sometimes staining quite a section of the face, and although it’s not pretty, if it doesn’t do any harm, I’d hate to spoil Pokey’s personality just for beauty.
Your cat Pokey likely had a condition called conjunctivitis. In cats, there are several infections of the eye that are possible causes that include feline herpes, bartonellosis, mycoplasma and chlamydia. Numerous other infections are possible but are rare in this area.
In the northeast, feline herpetic conjunctivitis is by far the most common cause of upper respiratory and eye infection. The clinical signs include tearing, squinting, conjunctivitis, corneal ulcers, sneezing and coughing. Many kittens are exposed to the herpes virus during birth. Every cat mounts a different immune response to this challenge.
The bottom line for your cat is this: topical (eye) antiviral therapy is preferred for this condition (idoxuridine, cidofovir) when an active infection is present. Antibiotics and steroids do not treat herpes infections. Oral L-Lysine is used to help prevent recurrence, as the virus lives in the body forever. You may use Lysine tablets by mouth (over the counter nutritional supplement) to help keep costs minimized. You need to speak to your veterinarian about the appropriate dose for your cat and for advice on how to administer a pill to a cat (crumble in food, dissolve in water, etc.). The tearing may persist as the viral infection may reduce normal function of the tear duct, thus causing the drainage from the eye. This is sometimes permanent. Feline herpes cannot be transmitted to a person or other species so there is no risk to anyone in the house.
Bartonella (cat scratch fever) is a potential zoonotic disease, especially to immunocompromised individuals, and if your cat tests positive for this condition, specific therapy is recommended. Good hygiene with the litter box and the owners’ hands is always recommended, regardless. Please speak to your veterinarian about any concerns you may have about Pokey.
— Michael Brown, DVM, MS, Diplomate, ACVO
College students considering pets should study their options
Homesick college students should carefully consider several factors before adopting a pet such as a dog, writes veterinarian Ann Hohenhaus. Dogs can need preventative medical care such as vaccinations and spay or neuter surgery as well as emergency care, not to mention everyday living supplies, Dr. Hohenhaus notes. There are several other factors to evaluate, Dr. Hohenhaus points out, but if students have done their homework and determine that they still want a pet, they will likely benefit from the friendship they’ll forge. WebMD/Tales from the Pet Clinic blog
Should Pets Go to College?
By Ann Hohenhaus, DVM
For college students, the fall semester is well underway. While undergrads percolate chemistry experiments, burn the library lights late into the night, and strike keyboards as they type out the latest term paper, some will find themselves homesick and missing their family pet. Often on a whim, many students go so far as to take a quick trip to the local animal shelter to adopt a puppy or kitten to fill the void. But is this a good idea?
I asked this exact question of my college best friend when she simultaneously announced her daughter, Colleen, had been accepted to Mississippi State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine and was getting a puppy named Fripps as a graduation gift. As you can see, veterinary college suits Fripps and Colleen and they have made lots of friends already.
First, a backup plan
Colleen is lucky — her parents love Fripps. If Colleen’s academic demands become overwhelming, her parents will keep Fripps at their home with their own dogs. Many parents might not be as accommodating as Colleen’s are. So, if you are a college student considering a pet adoption, think about how you will provide for your pet if you have the opportunity for a semester abroad or if your roommate develops allergies. Check with your parents to see if they would agree to provide you with the backup you might need. If the answer is no, you will need to think of another alternative, such as a friend or relative who can take in your pet when necessary.
Before adopting
Since Fripps came before Colleen found a place to live, she leased a pet-friendly apartment. If you already have an apartment, check your lease to determine if yours is pet friendly. Talk to your roommate(s) regarding his or her feelings about having a pet in the shared areas of your apartment. Considering a dog adoption? Investigate doggie day care options for days when you have late classes – or simply want to have a burger out with friends before going home. Fripps goes to the Shaggy Dog three days a week, since there is a three days for the price of two special, and being a college student, Colleen is on a budget. Remind yourself, a pet is a lifetime commitment and those lives can last 10-15 years. A college education is partly about exploring opportunities. Although adopting a pet is a wonderful experience, it may limit opportunities for academic travel and work experiences offered by your college.
Budget suggestions
Not only does your new furry friend need food, a collar and leash, and a crate or carrier, but preventive healthcare will be a must. A puppy or kitten series of vaccines and a spay or neuter surgery are just the start. Fripps has access to good medical care through Community Veterinary Services at Mississippi State University, but college students on a limited budget must consider how they will pay for routine veterinary care. For some budgets, a prepaid plan might make sense. To help handle the cost of emergency care, college students — and all pet families — should investigate pet insurance. If you are an automobile-less student, investigate how you and your new pet will get home to visit your family and the veterinarian.
Parents listen up!
If your college student sounds pet homesick on the phone, guide them in making a wise decision about adding a pet to their list of college experiences. With some advance planning, your homesick college student may benefit from a friendly furry face greeting him at the door every evening.
Exercise tools help pets shed unhealthy pounds
Pet obesity is soaring in America, according to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, with 53% of U.S. adult dogs considered obese. Various exercise aids, such as treadmills and activity monitors, are helping pets shed excess, unhealthy pounds and are gaining popularity among owners, veterinarians and other pet-centered businesses. Tufts University’s Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine recently opened an obesity clinic geared toward helping pets slim down. FoxNews.com/Reuters (10/15)
Puppy Pilates and canine cardio: How pudgy pets are slimming down
As the obesity rate soars among Americans, their dogs are getting potbellied, too, encouraging fitness companies to come up with a range of equipment and classes to get pampered pets back into shape.
From canine-tailored treadmills, to puppy pedometers and group fitness classes, there’s no shortage of tools to trim and tone the sagging paunches of pooches.
“If you can’t lay your hands on them and feel the ribs pretty easily, they’re obese.”
– Dr. Dennis Arn, veterinarian at the Desert Inn Animal Hospital in Las Vegas
As part of his fitness routine, Rocky, a rotund dachshund, traipses a mini-treadmill designed for small dogs.
“When Rocky first came to us, he looked like a small marine animal,” said Dr. Dennis Arn, veterinarian at the Desert Inn Animal Hospital in Las Vegas, Nev. “He’s got a waistline now and his conditioning is significantly better.”
Just like their owners, obesity affects pets’ longevity and quality of life. About 53 percent of adult dogs are classified by their veterinarians as obese, according to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention.
To combat the weighty issue, Tufts University’s Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine in North Grafton, Mass., announced the creation of the nation’s first obesity clinic last month, geared specially towards pets.
“If you can’t lay your hands on them and feel the ribs pretty easily, they’re obese,” said Arn, adding that too many pet owners reward their charges with treats.
“As a blanket statement, a dog needs at least 30 minutes (of exercise) a day,” said Geralynn Cada, who has been training dogs for more than 30 years. “A dog who is less active is less happy and has more health problems.”
Cada, who is based in Nevada, teaches classes such as dog yoga, puppy Pilates, and a canine interval training course known as Retrieve and Burn.
Physical issues aside, dogs that are denied exercise often develop behavioral problems, she said.
“A tired dog is a happy dog,” Cada said. “If your dog gets bored, they’ll search for purpose and that purpose will be to chew up your wallet.”
Canine cardio
To burn off her high-strung husky’s extra enthusiasm as well as calories, Cada runs him regularly on his dog treadmill, dubbed the DogPACER.
David Ezra, CEO of DogPACER, said he got the idea for the canine cardio machine after observing clients at his fitness centers.
“I thought, “Why not a treadmill for dogs?”” he said.
Hundreds of canine treadmills – which sell for $500 and come in regular and mini sizes – have been sold since they hit the market seven months ago.
“We’ve run over 1,000 dogs at this point,” said Ezra, adding that 60 to 70 percent of the treadmills go to dog owners, including seniors whose health problems prevent them from exercising their animals.
Others are purchased by grooming salons, veterinarians, police and government agencies, and animal rehabilitation centers.
“Grooming facilities will throw the dog on (a treadmill) to de-stress them before grooming,” he said, adding that dogs must be supervised and will initially be taken aback by the equipment.
Studies have shown that people who wear pedometers routinely walk more. Perhaps in that spirit, developers of Tagg, a pet location device, developed an activity monitor that makes it possible for owners to keep tabs on their dog’s exercise.
“Tagg’s combination of activity monitoring and GPS location tracking puts pet parents in control of their pet’s well-being,” Dave Vigil, president of Snaptracs Inc. which created Tagg, said in a statement.
Cada is so devoted to keeping animals fit, she has also devised ways to stimulate her dogs mentally.
“I have them doing a mental obstacle course for me,” she said. “I’ll have them sit down, roll over, jump on and off the bed, and do all the tricks they know in a random order.”
The animals will also fetch and engage in a series of rapid-fire hand-to-paw high-fives.
“It’s like a test,” she explained, “for a treat.”
7 Ways to cope with the death of a pet
from www.onlinepsychologydegree.net
Pets are more than just animals — they’re family. And anyone who’s ever lost a pet knows it’s terribly heartbreaking. Whether it’s your first time to lose a pet or your third, it never really gets easier, only more familiar. Thankfully, there are many ways to ease the sorrow and help you recover from such a devastating loss. If you or someone you know is suffering from the loss of a pet, then take a minute to read these seven tips to help you cope and return to a more peaceful state of mind.
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Allow yourself to grieve:
One of the most important things you have to remind yourself of following the loss of a pet is that it’s important and perfectly OK to grieve. Everyone grieves in different ways and for different periods of time. It may last a few days or a few years. Either way, it’s a completely personal experience that may require taking off work or spending some time alone to bounce back.
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Express your grief openly:
A big part of the healing process is expressing your grief openly. Don’t be afraid to talk about your feelings and memories. Holding it in will only make the grieving process more difficult and painful. This is especially important to remember when talking to your children about the loss of a pet. When explaining the situation, be sure to express your own grief and reassure your kids that it’s OK to be sad and that you also feel the same way.
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Spend time with your surviving pet:
Spending time with your surviving pet can help you cope with grief and ease the pain of losing an animal. Surviving pets may need a lot of TLC at this time because they are also affected by the loss. Even if they weren’t close, your surviving pet may whimper and act lethargic because they are distressed by the sudden changes. Comfort your surviving pet and try to create a positive emotional state within the home.
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Do something in your pet’s memory:
Whether it’s spending time at the park where you used to walk your dog, volunteering at an animal shelter, or making a donation in your pet’s memory, these special moments can help you turn a painful situation into a positive one. If you like to write, paint, or make music, you can dedicate it to your beloved pet.
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Keep a journal:
Keeping a journal is one of the best things you can do to record your feelings, thoughts, and memories about your pet and keep track of your grieving process. Doing so will help you work through the grief and make sense of the things happening around you.
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Memorialize your pet:
Memorializing your pet can help you overcome your loss and remember the good times you had together. You can have a memorial for your pet in private or with the company of friends and family. Some people write a letter to their pet or create a photo album and leave it by an urn or their pet’s burial spot. You can memorialize your pet on his or her birthday or anytime you feel like reminiscing.
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Seek support:
Many people have been in your exact shoes and know what it’s like to lose a beloved pet. Seeking support is a healthy and encouraged way to cope with the death of a pet. There are many forms of support available to grieving pet owners, including pet-loss support hotlines, pet bereavement counseling services, and online support groups with chat rooms and message boards where people can tell their story and share comforting words. Support can also come from friends and family who knew your pet and can help you hold on to the good memories.
Coughing cats likely have respiratory disease
A cat with a cough is more likely to have a respiratory disease, such as asthma, than a heart problem or an infectious disease, writes veterinarian Kathy Gagliardi. The most common symptoms of feline asthma, a dry cough and wheezing, are often misinterpreted by owners as failed attempts to expel a hairball. Because feline asthma is a chronic, progressive disease, Dr. Gagliardi recommends having a coughing cat evaluated by a veterinarian to make the diagnosis, identify the trigger — usually an environmental allergen — and begin treatment. Daily Camera (Boulder, Colo.)
Cats, unlike dogs, rarely cough due to heart disease or an infectious disease such as a common cold. Coughing in a cat is actually often due to a disease called feline asthma.
Feline asthma can be called by other names including chronic bronchitis, bronchial asthma, and allergic bronchitis. Regardless of the name, it is a common feline ailment that affects cats of any age and any breed.
Cats with feline asthma have inflammation and narrowing of the lower airways in their lungs — sometimes known as chronic obstructive pulmonary disease (COPD). Allergens are generally the cause, although which ones must be determined for each cat. Common allergens include grass and tree pollens, various sprays (hair sprays, deodorants, flea sprays, deodorizers), and dust from cat litter. Parasitic lung infections can also be linked to asthma, although such parasites are rare in Colorado.
Symptoms: Although symptoms can begin at any age, most cats are between 2-8 years of age when diagnosed. The common symptoms in cats with asthma are wheezing and coughing. The coughing is typically described as a dry, hacking cough that could be confused with gagging or retching. Often a cat’s guardian may think the cat is having hairball trouble, since the symptoms are similar.
The amount of the coughing varies from occasional in mildly affected cats to daily in severely affected cats. In addition to daily coughing, the most severely affected cats may have many bouts of airway constriction. This constriction of the airway can lead to open-mouth breathing and panting that can be life threatening. If severe and left untreated, the airway constriction can lead to irreversible lung damage, heart disease or even death.
Diagnosis: Diagnosis is typically made based on radiographs of the cats lungs and a history of coughing or wheezing. However, definitive diagnosis can require extensive testing to rule out infectious and neoplastic lung diseases. In addition to blood work and X-rays, diagnosis may require anesthesia, so that samples can be taken from deep in the lungs for culture and cytology.
Treatment: There are many different treatment options for feline asthma. The most common treatment is with medications that are aimed at decreasing inflammation and opening airways. These medications can be oral, injectable or even inhaled — yes, there is such a thing as a kitty inhaler! Some cats need continuous therapy while others just need it during asthma attacks. Along with medications, many asthmatic cats benefit from acupuncture or at-home oxygen therapy.
The most effective treatment for feline asthma has been the use of inhalers, the same as for human asthmatics, and decreasing the cat’s exposure to allergens. Unfortunately, there is no cure for feline asthma. It is a chronic, progressive disease, and medications may not fully eliminate the coughing but will reduce the severity of symptoms.
To decrease symptoms:
Avoid exposure to smoke from fireplace or cigarettes
Reduce use of household sprays or air-fresheners
Change litter to low dust clay or alternative material
Avoid cold temperatures or activity that exacerbates coughing
Avoid excess body weight or obesity
Although many cats with feline asthma act fairly normal between asthma attacks, the disease is progressive over time and does need to be addressed as early as possible. So if your cat is coughing like it has a hairball, but never produces a hairball, talk with your veterinarian about the possibility of your cat having feline asthma.
Negotiating a truce in litter box wars
When two cats are in the house, owners need at least three litter boxes to keep the peace between pets, writes veterinarian Marty Becker. Boxes should be in locations that offer easy access yet privacy, adds Dr. Becker. Although most cats prefer soft, unscented, clumping litter, preferences may differ, so Dr. Becker recommends trying several types to find the best fit. The Sacramento Bee (Calif.)
Q. We already had an adult cat. We adopted a kitten, and now that she’s half-grown, we have litter box issues, specifically wars over the box. What should we do to make them “share the bathroom”?
A. One box is not enough. You should have one box for each cat, plus one. If you have one cat, you need two litter boxes. Two cats, three litter boxes. Put them in different locations. For instance, keep one upstairs and one downstairs. That way, one is always convenient. And with more than one cat, it prevents fights over who gets to use which box when it’s needed.
Some cats like to ambush others when they use the litter box, so place litter boxes in locations with easy escape routes. Privacy is important, too. Another good reason to have multiple litter boxes: Each cat may prefer a different type of litter.
What about what goes inside the box? There are all kinds of different cat litter, and they all have pros and cons. Most cats prefer clumping litter because of its soft, sandy feel. It’s easy on the paws and easy to scoop. Other cats might like a fine-grained clay litter. Look for one that comes in a dust-free formula. Some cat litter is easier on the Earth, made from recycled paper or natural substances like corncobs or wheat. But if your cat doesn’t like it, you’ll be throwing a lot of it out, which is not that environmentally friendly. Let the cats pick their preferences by offering a “litter box buffet.”
Avoid scented litter. It might smell good to you, but that perfumed odor can be sensory overload for a cat.
– Dr. Marty Becker
People can pass influenza to pets
Dogs, cats and ferrets have contracted influenza from humans, and some of those animals have died, prompting concerns over “reverse zoonosis,” the transmission of disease from people to animals. “We worry a lot about zoonoses … but most people don’t realize that humans can also pass diseases to animals, and this raises questions and concerns about mutations, new viral forms and evolving diseases that may potentially be zoonotic,” said veterinarian Christiane Loehr, an associate professor at Oregon State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Loehr and veterinarian Jessie Trujillo at Iowa State University’s College of Veterinary Medicine are researching reverse zoonosis to help predict and prevent emerging threats.
CORVALLIS, Ore. – By KTVZ.COM news sources
As flu season approaches, people who get sick may not realize they can pass the flu not only to other humans, but possibly to other animals, including pets such as cats, dogs and ferrets, Oregon State University scientists said Wednesday.
This concept, called “reverse zoonosis,” is still poorly understood but has raised concern among some scientists and veterinarians, who want to raise awareness and prevent further flu transmission to pets. About 80-100 million households in the United States have a cat or dog
It’s well known that new strains of influenza can evolve from animal populations such as pigs and birds and ultimately move into human populations, including the most recent influenza pandemic strain, H1N1.
It’s less appreciated, experts say, that humans appear to have passed the H1N1 flu to cats and other animals, some of which have died of respiratory illness.
There are only a handful of known cases of this phenomenon, and the public health implications of reverse zoonosis of flu remain to be determined. But as a concern for veterinarians, it has raised troubling questions and so far, few answers.
Veterinary researchers at OSU and Iowa State University are working to find more cases of this type of disease transmission and better understand any risks they pose to people and pets.
“We worry a lot about zoonoses, the transmission of diseases from animals to people,” said Christiane Loehr, an associate professor in the OSU College of Veterinary Medicine.
“But most people don’t realize that humans can also pass diseases to animals, and this raises questions and concerns about mutations, new viral forms and evolving diseases that may potentially be zoonotic,” Loehr said. “And, of course, there is concern about the health of the animals.”
The researchers are surveying flu transmission to household cat and dog populations, and suggest that people with influenza-like illness distance themselves from their pets.
If a pet experiences respiratory disease or other illness following household exposure to someone with the influenza-like illness, the scientists encourage them to take the pet to a veterinarian for testing and treatment.
The first recorded, probable case of fatal human-to-cat transmission of the pandemic H1N1 flu virus occurred in Oregon in 2009, Loehr said. Details were published in Veterinary Pathology, a professional journal.
In that instance, a pet owner became severely ill with the flu and had to be hospitalized. While she was still in the hospital, her cat – an indoor cat with no exposure to other sick people, homes or wildlife – also died of pneumonia caused by an H1N1 infection.
Since then, researchers have identified a total of 13 cats and one dog with pandemic H1N1 infection in 2011 and 2012 that appeared to have come from humans. Pet ferrets have also been shown to be infected, and some died.
All of the animals’ symptoms were similar to that of humans — they rapidly develop severe respiratory disease, stop eating and some die. Serological studies suggest there is far more exposure to flu virus in cats and dogs than previously known.
“It’s reasonable to assume there are many more cases of this than we know about, and we want to learn more,” Loehr said. “Any time you have infection of a virus into a new species, it’s a concern, a black box of uncertainty. We don’t know for sure what the implications might be, but we do think this deserves more attention.”
Natural and experimental transmission of the H3N2 influenza virus from dogs to cats in South Korea showed the potential for flu viruses to be transmitted among various animal species, Loehr said. It’s unknown if an infected cat or other pet could pass influenza back to humans.
The primary concern in “reverse zoonosis,” as in evolving flu viruses in more traditional hosts such as birds and swine, is that in any new movement of a virus from one species to another, the virus might mutate into a more virulent, harmful or easily transmissible form.
“All viruses can mutate, but the influenza virus raises special concern because it can change whole segments of its viral sequence fairly easily,” Loehr said. “In terms of hosts and mutations, who’s to say that the cat couldn’t be the new pig? We’d just like to know more about this.”
Veterinarians who encounter possible cases of this phenomenon can obtain more information from Loehr or Jessie Trujillo at Iowa State University. They are doing ongoing research to predict, prevent or curtail emergent events.
A variety of strategies for treating arthritic pets
Veterinarian Donna Solomon can relate to owners of arthritic pets, as she recently diagnosed her own dog with severe degenerative joint disease. Dr. Solomon describes a multifaceted approach to treating arthritis in pets, including an initial veterinary exam with radiographs, medications, supplements and appropriate exercises. The Huffington Post/The Blog
Caring for an Arthritic Dog or Cat
The following day, I took radiographs of his forelimbs and discovered severe degenerative joint disease (arthritis) not only in his left elbow but also in his right elbow. It truly amazes me how he was so asymptomatic until this beach injury. Immediately, I started supportive medical therapy and restricted his activity to leash walks only.
Is your pet having difficulties going up and down the stairs or jumping onto the couch? What do you do when your dog or cat starts to limp? Here are some of my suggestions for potential therapy options for your aching pet to discuss with your veterinarian:
1. Complete physical examination. If your pet is showing joint pain, take your pet to your veterinarian and discuss his/her symptoms. Take radiographs to document your pet’s problem and degree of pathology. If your dog is diagnosed with arthritis or a soft tissue injury, consider starting your dog on a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID) to decrease joint inflammation. Did you know that an inflamed joint heals much slower than one that is not? By decreasing inflammation, a NSAID allows your dog to feel better and heal faster. For cats, in my opinion, there are no safe NSAID available today. In cats, NSAID can cause or aggravate kidney disease.
2. Pain medication. Today, there are a number of effective pain medications available to pets- like gabapentin, buprenorphine and tramadol. In addition, there is a drug, called amantadine, which enhances the effect of your dog’s NSAID. It is an antiquated and non-compassionate thought to withhold pain medication in pet’s with orthopedic injuries for fear that they will be more active and re-injure themselves. As pet owners, it is our responsibility to restrict their activity and minimize their pain. For cat owners, buprenorphine is a great drug choice because it can be given either orally or as a simple injection underneath the skin. Initially, my clients are nervous about giving injections to cats, but soon find it easy, non-stressful and relatively painless.
3. Evaluate your pet’s body condition. Does your pet look like an ottoman? If you can’t easily touch your pet’s ribs or the belly swings when it walks, then I suspect your pet is overweight. Excessive weight is a burden for worn joints. By simple weight reduction alone, it’s amazing how much better your pet will feel. Weight loss can be achieved by a combination of restricting your pet’s caloric intake and by exercising your pet.
4. Start your pet on a glucosamine chondroitin supplement. Did you know that nutrapharmaceutical products are not FDA regulated? It is for this reason that I only recommend an independently tested product produced by Nutramax, called Dasuquin. This product supplies your pet’s joints with building materials to help rebuild your pet’s cartilage and decrease joint inflammation. For dogs, it is a tasty chewable product. For cats, it’s available as a capsule that you sprinkle on their food. I find this product works well in most pets, but not all. Try it for at least six weeks before you evaluate its efficacy.
5. Add Fish oil — omega 3’s — to your pet’s diet. Omega 3’s decrease joint inflammation up to 20 percent. This product can be purchased over-the-counter at any pharmacy. It does not have to be specifically labeled for pets only. I recommend dosing fish oil based on the omega 3 concentration of eicosapentaenoic (EPA). Dose 20 mg EPA for every pound of body weight ONCE daily. (Pets with fish allergies should avoid Fish oil.) For example, a 20 pound dog will need approximately 400 mg EPA per day.
6. Keep your pet active with horizontal play. Good muscle mass can help compensate for structural abnormalities. I do not encourage jumping activity or running great distances. Walking and swimming are great exercises for arthritic dogs. In Chicago-land area, there are a number of rehabilitation facilities that have swimming pools just for dogs. Swimming is a non-weight-bearing activity that can increase your dog’s joint range of motion and muscle mass. For cats, I recommend playing with a flashlight, or putting their food in a food- dispensing ball and letting them play with it. Another inexpensive and fun toy for most cats are empty boxes . Cats love to climb in and out of cardboard boxes. Lastly, I have a few clients that put their cats on a leash and take them outside for walks. Try it! You and your cat may enjoy the walk together.
7. Physical and acupuncture therapy. Just like in human medicine, physical therapy and acupuncture can help pets recover from injuries. When choosing a therapist, make sure they are certified and licensed to work on pets. I believe a therapist should be a veterinarian or a certified veterinary technician working directly under the guidance of a veterinarian. For the greatest long-term success, I find it best if the therapist teaches the owner how to perform as many exercises as possible at home. With regards to laser therapy, I’m still unsure of its benefit. If you’d like to try it on your pet, go ahead — in experienced hands, there are no side effects and only a potential gain.
8. Adequan — polysulfated glycosaminoglycan (PSSG). For pets that have degenerative joint disease or have experienced a traumatic musculoskeletal event — like a torn cruciate — I really like this product. It helps decrease the rate of decay of cartilage, stimulates the synthesis of new collagen and hyaluronic acid (a lubricant in joints). In addition, Adequan works synergistically with Dasuquin. This is an injectable product that I teach clients to give their dog or cat underneath the skin. This product is initially given twice weekly for three to four weeks and then, once monthly. In both species, by the fifth or sixth injection, most clients usually see a more comfortable and agile pet. This product is extremely safe and well tolerated by most pets.
9. If your pet does not respond to the above recommendations, surgical intervention may be necessary. For an orthopedic evaluation, please consult a board certified veterinary surgeon.
So, it’s been a few weeks since Zack’s injury on the beach. He’s doing much better but unfortunately we have had to make some major adjustments in our life together. We do go to the beach regularly. But now, it’s only for 15-30 minutes to play in the water. I throw his ball in the water and he happily swims out to get it. We no longer walk or run along the shore. I’m sad about this, but I don’t want to risk Zack re-injuring himself as he twists and turns on the sand chasing after his tennis ball. Yes, he’s on a restricted caloric diet, Dasuquin, Fish Oil, Metacam (his NSAID), Adequan and occasional pain medication. And yes, I believe he is enjoying life — which is the most important thing!
Finally, for this week’s Adoptable pet; Mickey is a 10-year-old blind sweetheart of a boy who is a snuggle buddy through and through! While his favorite pastime is lying in the grass, listening to the world go by, don’t let his age or impairment fool you — Mickey also loves to explore the world, romp with other dogs and go for walks with his human companions!
In addition to his calm and docile temperament with people, Mickey lights up like it’s Christmas morning every time he gets a chance to play with other laid back dogs. A home with another “vintage” canine companion could be the key to Mickey’s happiness.
Though some dogs are relinquished due to lack of commitment from their owners, that is not the case with our buddy Mickey. This lovely gentleman was a beloved companion to a doting owner, but at the age of 91 she was no longer able to provide adequate care and decided Mickey would thrive most in a new home. Mickey is available for rescue through One Tail at a Time. For more information, please visit www.onetail.org.
Pet trusts protect animals if they outlive their owners
According to the 2012 AVMA pet ownership survey, there are some 164 million cats and dogs in homes across the U.S., and attorneys Elizabeth Carrie and Robert Kass recommend that pet owners plan for the possibility that they may no longer be able to care for their animals. Naming a caregiver, providing detailed pet care instructions and dedicating money specifically to the pet’s care are all important parts of the plan, according to Kass and Carrie. Bundling all the essentials into a specific, separate trust is the best way to ensure the plan will be implemented in the manner the owner intends, they said. Fox Business
If you’re a parent, odds are you’ve thought about the unthinkable: Who will raise your children if something happens to you? Who do you trust to love and care for them the way you would? How do you provide the money needed and ensure that it will be used properly?
These concerns also come into play if you become disabled, even temporarily. Who can you depend on to step in until you recover?
Now consider this: there are three times as many households in the U.S. that have pets than have children- 57%, according to the American Veterinary Medicine Association’s 2012 survey
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Compared to the 28 million children living in this country, Americans own more than 164 million cats and dogs. Adding birds to the mix brings the total to nearly 181 million pets (not to mention horses, small animals, fish, etc.).
For many of us, our pets are our “children.” And, if you want to know they will be properly cared for in the event you can no longer do this yourself, Detroit attorneys Robert Kass and Elizabeth Carrie stress that you need to take some basic steps to ensure your wishes will be carried out.
Kass cites the case of a woman who committed suicide by jumping off a bridge. Although her body wasn’t recovered for months, it took five days for co-workers and neighbors to realize she was not just away on a trip, but actually missing. During that time her cats were without food, water, and of course, their primary human companion. “When the authorities finally went into her apartment, the cats were crazed,” he says.
If no one steps forward to take in an animal that, for whatever reason, can no longer be cared for by its owner, it is routinely taken to a shelter and put up for adoption. That’s traumatic enough. Unfortunately, unless it is a “no-kill” shelter, if it isn’t adopted within a certain period of time, an animal that was once your beloved pet, will be euthanized.
As Kass and Carrie point out in their book, Who Will Care when You’re Not There?, the biggest mistake a pet owner makes is assuming she or he will outlive her cat, dog, rabbit, African Grey. If you truly care about your pet, that’s a pretty big risk. Depending upon your age and health, the life expectancies of many species- parrots, for instance- make it very likely your pet will outlive you.
Another potential disaster is assuming that your cousin (Fast) Eddie- who always got along great with Fido on Thanksgiving visits- will: 1) know how to care for him (favorite toy, food allergies, medications, afraid of thunder, etc.) and 2) be willing to do so, even when Fido grows old and arthritic
While Eddie may, in fact, be an animal lover (he’s always been fond of the horses- the Kentucky Derby and Belmont kind), there have been sporadic family rumors about money problems. If you leave a bequest to cover the cost of Fido’s care, are you certain Eddie will use it for this purpose?
In the event Eddie surprises the family and ends up being a flawless replacement for you, what if he, himself, is incapacitated, hospitalized, or dies? Naming a successor caregiver is essential, say Kass and Carrie.
There are various avenues you can take to provide for the care of your furry and feathered “kids” if you become incapacitated. You can start with a Power of Attorney, which, unlike a typical POA (which generally covers financial assets) gives another individual the legal power to make decisions about your animal’s care. This includes everything from moving it into their own home, to giving them discretion to take it to the vet, and so forth. If the individual isn’t familiar with the pet, it’s a good idea to attach an instruction sheet listing the veterinarian and grooming names, the preferred type of food and any other important notes about the pet to help it assimilate to a new home.
However, to be on the safe side, Kass and Carrie recommend creating a free-standing trust, separate from the trust that deals with your material possessions and human children. You can fund it with an amount of money that you feel will cover the care of your pet(s) for the remainder of their lifetimes, leaving anything that remains to, perhaps, a pet-affiliated charity. They recommend using attachments to the trust since these can be easily amended as your pets and the care they need change.
Ideally, you want to have an attorney with experience in pet planning and the laws of your state draw up the documents. “If you can’t afford to do this,” says Carrie, “legalzoom.net offers pet trusts online for less than $100.” This document won’t be as customized, but it’s far better than nothing.
Consider everything you pet gives you- unconditionally and daily. Don’t you want to be sure it will receive the care it needs if and when you’re not able to provide it?
Ms. Buckner is a Retirement and Financial Planning Specialist and an instructor in Franklin Templeton Investments’ global Academy. The views expressed in this article are only those of Ms. Buckner or the individual commentator identified therein, and are not necessarily the views of Franklin Templeton Investments, which has not reviewed, and is not responsible for, the content.
Pets can have high blood pressure, too
Hypertension occurs in humans and pets, but the causes are different in each species, writes veterinarian Ann Hohenhaus. Humans with hypertension may have a genetic predisposition to the problem or lifestyle habits that increase their risk, such as smoking and obesity. Dogs and cats develop hypertension from health conditions, most often kidney disease, but also from other ailments, according to Dr. Hohenhaus. Eye problems, strokes and heart enlargement are potential consequences of hypertension in pets, and treatment is similar to that in humans, Dr. Hohenhaus explains. WebMD/Tales from the Pet Clinic blog
When you visit the doctor, before the physician comes into an examination room, a nurse measures your weight, temperature and blood pressure. When your pet goes to the veterinarian, the nurse comes in to take his weight and temperature, but not blood pressure. Does this mean blood pressure is not important in dogs and cats?
Blood pressure measurement is important in our pets, but in a different way than in humans. As many as one-in-four Americans suffers from high blood pressure and most may not even know it. Hypertension, aptly named the silent killer, causes heart attacks, strokes, and kidney disease.
Smoking, drinking, and obesity increase our risk of developing hypertension. Some of us are prone to developing hypertension even without smoking, drinking, or eating too much due to a predisposition in our genetic profile. Pets become hypertensive from completely different medical conditions.
Pets have different risks
Genetics is the first point where we and our pets differ with regard to hypertension. Inherited hypertension is extremely rare in dogs and cats, and because dogs and cats do not drink alcohol or use tobacco, these are not risk factors either. Obesity causes serious medical problems in pets, but not hypertension.
What causes pet hypertension?
The number one cause of hypertension in pets is one form or other of kidney disease. The normal kidney plays a critical role in controlling blood pressure. A diseased kidney can no longer perform well as a blood pressure regulator. Since we see more kidney disease in cats, we see more hypertension in cats, but I have a nice Wirehair Fox Terrier patient who has hypertension as a consequence of kidney disease. Hyperthyroidism, exclusively a feline disease, is another cause of hypertension. Finally, some rare tumors of the adrenal gland can cause hypertension, and I have seen only a small handful of pets with this type of hypertension.
Consequences of pet hypertension
Untreated hypertension causes serious problems in pets: strokes, heart enlargement and damage to the eye, causing blindness. Controlling hypertension decreases the risk of these disorders.
Treatment is the same for everyone
If you have hypertension, your doctor has recommended lifestyle changes such as quitting smoking and losing weight. You will be prescribed drugs to decrease blood pressure and you may even be asked to monitor your blood pressure at home since some patients get nervous at the doctor’s office and suffer from “white coat” hypertension.
If your pet has hypertension, your veterinarian will recommend lifestyle changes such as a special kidney-friendly food. A common drug used to treat pets with hypertension is amlodipine, a drug also used in people with hypertension. Other treatments will be needed to manage kidney disease or an overactive thyroid gland. Finally, your veterinarian may ask you to monitor your pet’s blood pressure at home since pets also get white coat hypertension. The procedure is not very difficult and The Animal Medical Center has blood pressure monitors to lend pet owners for home monitoring. If your pet has hypertension, ask if home monitoring is necessary.