Posts in Category: Dogs

Veterinarian Karen Dye explains two canine intestinal disorders: hemorrhagic gastroenteritis and inflammatory bowel disease. The symptoms of intestinal disease are nonspecific, but characteristics such as breed, as well as blood tests of metrics such as packed cell volume, help the veterinarian pinpoint the cause, Dr. Dye writes. The recommended treatment varies depending on the diagnosis but usually includes fluids, medications and dietary changes. The Culpeper Star-Exponent (Va.)

Ask Dr. Dye – Dr. Karen Dye The Daily Progress

This is American Heart Month, and dogs and cats don’t want to be left out, writes veterinarian Ann Hohenhaus, who discusses a canine cardiac patient. A dachshund named Chad suffers from a rare heart wall tumor, leaky valves and heart failure. Dr. Hohenhaus suggests owners get any coughing dog evaluated by a veterinarian. Chad is doing well on his veterinarian-directed treatment. WebMD/Tales from the Pet Clinic blog

By Ann Hohenhaus, DVM

This year, we have a spokes-dog who does not want to be outdone by last year’s spokes-cat. This dog has not one, but two types of heart problems at the same time!

An accidental tumor

Chad is a rescued, older male dachshund. After he found a forever home, he needed some dental work.  Because his regular veterinarian heard a heart murmur, an echocardiogram was ordered as part of the pre-dental evaluation. Echocardiograms evaluate the heart noninvasively using sound waves. The test showed Chad’s heart murmur was due to leaky valves. Leaky valves are the most common cause of a heart murmur in a dog.

In Chad’s case, the test surprisingly found a tumor near the base of the heart and he came to The Animal Medical Center in March of 2012 for further evaluation.

Magnetic resonance imaging

Heart tumors are quite uncommon; one study showed heart tumors occur in less than 0.2% of all dogs. The two most common types are often hard to distinguish using an echocardiogram. To image the heart, we use a special type of MRI. The MRI showed the tumor was located in the heart wall and could not be removed surgically. We started chemotherapy and between  treatments, when he was feeling well, his teeth were cleaned. Chemotherapy finished in November 2012 and an echocardiogram showed the tumor was smaller.

Heart problem number two

In January 2013, Chad’s leaky valves worsened causing heart failure, a buildup of fluid in his lungs. The AMC’s Emergency Service treated him with diuretics (water pills), oxygen and other medications to decrease the fluid in his lungs. The Cardiology Service prescribed medications to keep his broken heart working and the fluid from building up again in his lungs. After two days in the ICU, his heart was ticking well and he went home to his anxiously waiting family.

Is your dog coughing? It might be heart failure. Our friends at the Washington State College of Veterinary Medicine have a nice list of the causes of coughing in dogs.

Still worried your dog might have heart failure? Review the clinical signs and see your veterinarian if you think your dog has heart failure.

If owners take their pet along for a car ride, experts recommend properly restraining pets and purchasing veterinary medical insurance for animals who may be injured in a car accident. Some 56% of dog owners in an AAA survey reported they brought their dog in the car at least monthly within the previous year. Many automobile insurance companies offer coverage for pets injured in vehicles, but prices and coverage vary, so owners should do their homework, experts say. Fox Business/CarInsurance.com (1/31)

Americans shared their homes with 377.4 million animals in 2011, according to  the American Pet Products Association survey.

Cats were the most popular pet, at 86.4 million, and dogs came in a close  second with 78.2 million.

But while a car ride with a cat is an exercise in tension, a dog goes along  for the fun of it. A recent AAA survey found that 56% of dog owners had driven  with companions at least once a month over the past year.

Unfortunately, most people are driving dangerously when Fido is riding  shotgun. 65% admitted engaging in distracting activities such as petting their  dog (52%) and using their hands to restrict the dog’s movement when braking  (23%).

Despite knowing better — 83% agree that driving with an unrestrained dog is  dangerous — only 16% use a restraining device.

The danger of an unrestrained pet is very real. According to Jennifer  Huebner-Davidson, AAA National Traffic Safety program manager, an unrestrained  10-pound dog in a crash at 50 mph will exert roughly 500 pounds of force, while  an unrestrained 80-pound dog in a crash at only 30 mph will exert approximately  2,400 pounds of force.

Adam Fell of Veterinary Pet Insurance  says the most common types of injuries suffered by pets in car accidents are  bruises and lacerations, chest and head trauma, major wounds, fractures and  ruptured organs. All of these require extensive — and expensive — medical  care.

So is my pet covered?

If the accident was your fault, your vet bills are your own problem, says  Penny Gusner, consumer analyst at CarInsurance.com. A pet is considered personal  property, and collision and comprehensive typically cover damage only to the  vehicle.

On the other hand, if the other driver was at fault, you can make a claim  against their property damage liability  coverage.  The bills for your car and the bills for your pet would come out of the same pot  of money, so if the at-fault driver’s limits aren’t high enough to pay  everything, you would still be on the hook.

Fortunately, a number of car insurers value your pet like a member of the  family and include some coverage on their collision policies.

Progressive was the first insurer to add pet coverage back in 2007. Other  insurers have jumped on the bandwagon, but availability varies by insurer and by  state.

Here is a quick rundown of the major insurers that will cover your pet in  an accident:

• AAA Insurance – Dogs and cats only. This is not a national program so check  with your local club. $500 injury or burial.
• Auto-Owners – Coverage is for cats and dogs only. $750 for injury or burial  per animal or $1,500 per incident.
• Erie – Coverage is for dogs and cats only. Up to two pets per claim. $500  each for medical care or $1,000 per loss.
• Progressive – Coverage is for dogs and cats only. $1000 per loss for medical  care or burial. Coverage also extends to boats and RVs. Dogs and cats of  relatives that live with you are protected as well.
• Chubb – Coverage extends coverage to all pets except animals used to  generate income such as racing dogs or horses. $2,000 for injury or death.
• Safeco – Coverage is for dogs and cats only. $500 for injury or death.

While pet coverage is a great perk, Gusner says, it’s shouldn’t be a deciding  factor when you comparison shop for car insurance. (See “Pocket $1,102 just by shopping  around.”)

“The difference in rates between companies can be hundreds or even thousands  of dollars,” Gusner says. “You might be able to buy separate pet insurance with  the savings and have money left over.”

According to Dr. Jules Benson of Petplan Pet Insurance, pet  insurance covers treatment for all accidental injuries including those sustained  in car accidents, as well as illnesses.

Costs vary by pet age and size and the deductible you choose; $8,000 in  coverage for an 8-year-old Lab would run about $42 a month.

Keeping your best friend safe

The best way to keep your pet safe is to use a harness or crate when rolling  with your pet. Experts recommend crating dogs or cats and putting them in the  rear cargo area. In smaller cars, buckling them up in the backseat using a  harness is the safest way to travel.

Harnesses are widely available and are priced from $15 and up depending on  the pet size.

Dog trainer and pet expert Amy Robinson offers a  few do’s and don’ts for keeping your pet safe while in the car:

Do:

• Measure your dog for a cushioned, well-fitted car harness.
• Use treats to entice the dog to put his head through the harness.
• Go on a short walk wearing the harness to let him get used it.
• Use a crate as an alternative, but secure it in the car.

Don’t:

• Feed your dog a big meal just before departing.
• Put a dog unrestrained in the front seat, air bags can injury pets.
• Allow the dog to sit on your lap. This can be a huge distraction.
• Tie your dog down using his leash and collar.
• Roll the window all the way down. This is an accident waiting to  happen.

Read more:  https://www.carinsurance.com/Articles/pets-car-coverage.aspx?WT.qs_osrc=fxb-163582110#ixzz2KAT6B8SV

SANTA CRUZ — An Iraq War veteran has received a slew of good fortune during the past few days — learning late Monday morning that the tumor removed from her four-legged, steadfast companion last week is benign.

If you visit Banner Desert Medical Center in Mesa, you may see a K-9 team patrolling the halls: a majestic, 68-pound Belgian Malinois imported from Holland and his handler, security Officer Brandon “Rudy” Morgan.

The dog, Stuka, is named after a type of World War II German bomber plane.

Stuka’s calming presence is used in the emergency room when someone on street drugs, spice or “bath salts” comes in angry and aggressive. The dog is used in the neonatal intensive-care unit when a mother gets angry that her infant is being taken from her by Child Protective Services. Stuka also has searched rooms for illicit drugs and weapons.

But mainly just his presence is enough.

“He’s 99 percent deterrent,” Morgan said. “I’ve had people see the dog and get up and leave. They might have something on them, or they might be here for no good reason.”

Morgan and Stuka, who patrol all seven floors of Cardon Children’s Medical Center and the four floors at nearby Banner Desert, walk 12 miles a day. Another dog takes the night shift.

The dogs are among a stable of canines at all Banner properties in Arizona as well as North Colorado Medical Center in Greeley, Colo. Other hospital systems around the nation visit Banner sites when planning to start a canine program.

The Banner dogs are imported from Europe and are trained to receive commands in their native languages of Dutch, German or Czech.

At Banner Desert, Morgan said, if a person becomes aggressive with a doctor, Morgan or another officer intervenes with the dog.

A tight, sensitive bond exists between Morgan and Stuka, and if someone’s movements raise Stuka’s suspicions, he’ll alert Morgan.

“Nine times out of 10, he’s right,” Morgan said. “He’ll pick up on someone’s mannerisms before I do. … Many times, that person has become a problem in the hospital, and instead of me telling (Stuka), it’s (the dog) telling me.”

“I usually give a warning first before I deploy the dog,” he said. “We practice crisis prevention. He’s the last resort.”

Stuka, who is sensitive and alert, does not like people making exaggerated movements, which Morgan said is one of the dog’s “triggers.” Stuka will communicate with a whine.

“He lets me know that guy is not doing what he should be doing.”

Stuka usually goes without his muzzle but wears it in the emergency room and on Mondays, when more people than usual are walking the hallways.

Stuka lives with Morgan, his wife and two small children, and when the dog is not working, he’s playful and loving.

All handlers are certified through the National Police Canine Association, and training is constant.

Handlers and dogs participate in competitions that include handler-protection scenarios, bomb-sniffing exercises and agility.

Dogs will compete in the 11th annual Desert Dog Police K-9 Trials on April 13-14 at Scottsdale Stadium, sponsored by the Arizona Law Enforcement Canine Association.

A new online application helps owners gauge their dog’s intelligence with a series of scientific tests. Dognition, a tool created by Duke University evolutionary anthropologist Brian Hare, uses questions and simple games to measure a dog’s aspects of intelligence: communication, cunning, empathy, memory and reasoning. The release of the app coincides with the publication of “The Genius of Dogs: How Dogs Are Smarter Than You Think,” written by Hare and his wife, Duke research scientist Vanessa Woods. TechNewsDaily.com (2/4), The Wall Street Journal (2/3)

A dog scooting butt-down across the carpet may not seem like the clever animal that comes closest to human babies in communication skills. But a Web appaims to build on the discovery by enabling thousands of dog owners to record the results of playful experiments with their canine companions.

The “Dognition” project could revolutionize scientific understanding of dogs by gathering data from man’s best friends all over the world. Such an effort would help answer broad questions such as whether different dog breeds really have different levels of intelligence — even as dog owners gain new appreciation of their beloved pets’ individual personalities.

“In a weekend, we could have 10,000, maybe 50,000 people give data,” said Brian Hare, associate professor in evolutionary anthropology at Duke University and director of Duke’s Canine Cognition Center. “I can’t even say how big of a quantum leap this will be.”

Poor oral health has serious repercussions, AVMA reminds owners
The AVMA designated February as National Pet Dental Health Month to highlight the importance of oral care for overall animal health. The majority of adult cats and dogs have dental disease, and if left untreated, the condition can have serious consequences. “Dental problems are extremely common, and many are very painful and can lead to serious systemic conditions,” said AVMA President Dr. Douglas Aspros. “An untreated dental infection can spread to the heart, kidneys and other organs and suddenly become life-threatening.” PetSide.com

Sponsored by the American Veterinary Medical Association, (AVMA) the month of February has been set aside as National Pet Dental Health Month. And while I’ll wager almost anything that the majority of humans don’t consider a trip to the dentist to be one of their top 10 most favorite things to do, it’s no secret that regular dental checkups are essential to maintain overall good health. It’s equally just as important for pet parents to provide regular dental care for their pets.

According to studies made by the American Animal Hospital Association, (AHHA) sadly, 85 percent of dogs and cats over the age of 3 years have already suffered dental or gum disease. Without regular dental care and cleaning, pets can develop gingivitis, (an often painful inflammation of the gums) from the bacterial laden plaque which, if not taken care of on a regular basis, develops into tarter or calculus.

The AAHA studies also found that two-thirds of pet guardians do not provide the regular dental care recommended by veterinarians.  Kate Knutson, co-owner of the Pet Crossing Animal Hospital and Dental Clinic, located in Bloomington, Minnesota, said, “We believe that one of the most important parts of pets’ health care is attention to dental disease.”

Board president of the Academy of Veterinary Dentistry and certified veterinary dentist, Dr. Brook A. Niemiec said, “Unfortunately, only about one percent of pet owners brush their pet’s teeth. Not only do more pet owners need to brush their pet’s teeth, they should also use chew toys, treats and rawhides to help keep their pet’s teeth clean.”

Dr. Douglas Aspros, President of the AVMA said, “Dental problems are extremely common, and many are very painful and can lead to serious systemic conditions”. He reminds pet guardians that, “an untreated dental infection can spread to the heart, kidneys and other organs, and suddenly become life threatening.”

Although the AVMA is promoting Pet Dental Health Month in February, at the same time the organization is reminding dog and cat owners that in addition to making an appointment with their veterinarian for a complete dental checkup and cleaning, that learning how to brush their pet’s teeth and do so on a regular basis that their veterinarian recommends is equally essential.

Learn the symptoms of pet dental disease which many are hard to ignore. One of the first signs of gum disease is unrelenting bad breath. Additionally, pets may exhibit: difficulty in eating, pawing at their mouth, gums that are sore and red gums, and tooth discoloration caused by tarter.

In order to celebrate Pet Dental Health Month, many veterinary practices are offering a special discount for their pet’s oral care.

Ninety-five percent of therapy animals with one group that oversees 11,000 teams in 14 countries are dogs, but not all dogs are right for the job. Animals that comfort people in times of illness or trauma must be calm amid sometimes chaotic situations. Desensitization, training and certification are important steps for the owner and animal in the process of becoming a therapy team

By Associated Press,

Feb 05, 2013 06:30 PM EST

APPublished: February 5

Even the most football-obsessed owners have to remember their pets may need special attention during the Super Bowl, according to veterinarians Debra Horwitz and Marty Becker. The noise and activity, coupled with all the guests and food that often accompany the Super Bowl, can cause stress for pets, and owners should take time to pet their animals, take them out for bathroom breaks, avoid feeding them human food and give anxious pets a quiet room away from the festivities if needed, they advise.

If you’re an American, have eyes and ears, and enjoy eating, then you’re probably celebrating Super Bowl Sunday this weekend — that wonderful time of year when it’s all about delicious finger foods, screaming fans and, yeah, football too.

But while you’re shrieking at the TV and jumping around like you’ve never seen a football game before in your life, your poor, confused pets will be taking the brunt of your excitement.

That’s why animal behaviorist Dr. Debra Horwitz and “America’s Veterinarian” Dr. Marty Becker have partnered with Petco to help you help your pet cope with football fever.

1. Don’t forget your pets’ needs.

Just because the biggest game of the year is on TV doesn’t mean your pet can forgo his bathroom breaks and social needs. Record the commercials — or watch them online later — and use that time to tend to your four-legged friend. You can even take a quick trip to the dog park if you can stand missing a few minutes of the game.

2. Keep the greasy wings away.

We mean from your dog — although it wouldn’t hurt if you banned them from your own stomach as well. Do not be tempted to throw fattening foods to your pets — particularly chicken wings, which they can choke on. And make sure to remind your guests to refrain from the same.

3. Pause and pet.

There are moments during the Super Bowl when even humans can get a tad frightened by the screaming fans — especially when you’re not paying attention (or have no idea what’s going on). So how do you think your pets feel when your neighbor takes a flying leap at the television? Make sure to take a few moments during the game to show your pet some love. The best part? Stopping to pet your dog (or even watching fish swim) can help reduce your blood pressure and decrease cortisol, a hormone related to stress and anxiety.

4. Find a quiet place.

If you find your pet looking anxious, set aside a quiet room for him to retreat. It will calm him down and even give you some relief from the insanity.