Posts in Category: Medical Issues

Osteoarthritis, a painful inflammation of one or more joints, can occur in birds, but careful management by a veterinarian, along with some lifestyle changes, can help affected birds live comfortably, writes veterinarian Margaret Wissman. Diagnostic tests to ascertain the health status of the bird, including blood count, kidney and liver tests and other parameters, will help the veterinarian select the most appropriate medications, Dr. Wissman notes. Owners can make changes such as providing perches of several sizes and shapes and keeping a pet bird’s weight within the normal range to help avoid exacerbating the condition, she advises.

Arthritis is a degenerative disease of the joints that can be a primary disease or secondary to defects or injury of the joints or supporting tissues. The most common form diagnosed in pet birds is osteoarthritis. Multiple joints are often affected, unless the disease is brought on by trauma. Pain accompanies this joint inflammatory disease.

This is typically an acquired disease with age but it can be brought on by an injury or if a tumor, either malignant or non-malignant, involves a joint. Infections such as mycoplasmosis can also result in arthritis in pet birds. Affected joints may be red, swollen or hot.

You should have your bird evaluated by an avian veterinarian who will want to perform tests to ascertain the cause of the joint problems. You may want to purchase braided rope perches or soft synthetic perches, and make sure that you have perches of several different diameters so feet don’t cramp up from always being in the same position on a perch.

Have your bird’s blood count, chemistry profile, kidney and liver checked out before getting a medication prescribed. In some cases, antibiotics or antifungal medications are indicated. There are choices of NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatories) to give a bird for long-term arthritis relief; however, most of these medications are not labeled for use in birds. The old stand-by, aspirin, is actually a wonderful anti-inflammatory for birds; however, dosing is critical, so this must be prescribed by an avian veterinarian. Other NSAIDs can also prove useful in the long-term management of arthritis. Narcotics, such as codeine, and steroids are not commonly used for long-term treatment of birds because of potentially dangerous side effects. To keep your bird more comfortable when afflicted with arthritis, provide appropriate perches as well as flat corner perches. Do not let your bird get overweight, as it will bring added stress to already damaged joints. If your bird is already overweight, discuss a long-term diet and exercise plan for your bird with your avian veterinarian.

Allergic dogs are common visitors to veterinarian Brian Jenkins’ office, making up an estimated 20% of his clientele, and he can relate to their plight because he also suffers from allergies. The three categories of allergies in pets are flea allergy, food allergy and atopic dermatitis. While there is no definitive cure for allergic conditions, Dr. Jenkins says that with time and consistent treatment, many animals can experience relief from their symptoms.

Nan Sterner could not figure out what was wrong with Sadie.

Since she was a puppy, the 4-year-old golden retriever and poodle mix – a goldendoodle – was constantly scratching.

“She was itching and scratching all the time,” Sterner said. “I thought it was fleas.”

But Sadie was found to be flea-free. She was still scratching, though, to the point where she had red and irritated patches of skin all over her body, and even had some scratched-open sores.

So Sterner brought Sadie to Aloha Animal Hospital in Hanover to find out what was wrong, and she was relieved to discover that her condition is treatable.

“Sadie has a huge amount of allergies,” said Dr. Brian Jenkins, veterinarian and co-owner of the animal hospital.

Some cats and dogs suffer from allergies, and often are allergic to the same things as people, like trees, grasses, weeds, and pollen, Jenkins said. While people usually suffer the effects of allergies through their respiratory systems, cats and dogs feel it in their skin.

And over the last year, with continuous warm and often wet weather, those allergies seem to be worse, and Jenkins is seeing more and more cases coming into his office all the time.

The good thing is while allergies are no fun, they are treatable.

Treating pet allergies

Even pets who have not shown signs of allergies before might be scratching their coats and looking for relief from the itching this year.

Jenkins said allergies have a threshold. An allergen might have no effect on a dog or cat in a normal year may flare up with more exposure.

Pets typically have three different kinds of allergies. One is a flea allergy, in which they have a reaction to flea saliva.

Along with common allergens, fleas have been thriving with weather conditions over the last year.

A second allergy is one that’s often difficult to diagnose, which is a food allergy. Most allergies start in the first few years, but food allergies can start at any time. Dogs are usually allergic to beef, followed by dairy and wheat. Cats are also allergic most to beef and dairy, as well as fish.

But the third and more common allergy, and the one Jenkins likes to study, is atopic dermatitis – or the skin allergy.

These allergies typically hit pets that are between 6 months and 3 years old. And they can be seasonal, caused by things like weeds, grass, mold or pollen, or they can be caused by things like dust that are present throughout the year. Tree pollens are particularly bad in Hanover this time of year, Jenkins said. And he said he is seeing lot of allergies to ragweed now, too, as well as sagebrush and a whole host of molds and spores.

“You won’t cure an allergy, but you can treat it,” Jenkins said.

One way to treat these is through the use of steroids, which is quick and cheap, but it can have negative side effects, such as ulcers, vomiting, diabetes and skin and coat problems.

Jenkins treats Sadie, and many of the pets he sees, with topical treatments for the skin, as well as allergy shots. It can be time consuming, and a financial commitment, but it’s often the best way to keep allergies under control, he said.

Every pet and each allergy is different, and Sadie is a pretty extreme case, too, suffering from a whole list of allergies, he said. But even with an extreme case like Sadie, and with the help of an owner who constantly monitors and applies medication, treatment can been successful, he said.

A doctor who understands

Allergies are not fun for pets. Or people. Jenkins takes a special interest in treating allergies because he has suffered from them since he was a little kid.

And as an allergy sufferer, he’s empathetic with what pets are going through when they come in his office with allergies.

He’s allergic to many of the same things as Sadie – particularly ragweed, which he said is vicious this time of year.

Like Sadie, he goes to his doctor for treatment, and is able to keep it under control.

Though he’s a general practitioner of veterinary medicine, and does not specialize in allergies, he takes a special interest in it. And with the hundreds of dogs and cats that come through his doors, he said he could open an allergy clinic if he wanted to. About 20 percent of the dogs he sees have some form of skin allergies.

Any breed is susceptible, he said, but allergies are particularly common among golden retrievers, labs, Boston terriers and shih tzus.

But there’s hope for all allergy sufferers.

“Dogs and cats are allergic to many of the same things as people,” Jenkins said. “And they can be treated in some of the same ways.”

While there is no silver bullet to treat all allergies, he said with time, patience, and constant treatment, allergies can be brought under control.

And dogs like Sadie can continue to live happy, itch-free lives

Pancreatitis — inflammation of the pancreas that can be fatal in severe cases — causes pain, vomiting, lethargy, decreased appetite and a fever in dogs and may be caused by ingesting a fatty meal, such as turkey from the holiday table, writes veterinarian Kristel Weaver. Diagnostic tests including blood work and ultrasound help veterinarians diagnose pancreatitis. Treatment involves withholding food to rest the pancreas as well as giving pain medication and antibiotics, according to Dr. Weaver. Cats also can suffer from pancreatitis, but it’s usually not associated with eating a high-fat meal, and cats tend to have more subtle symptoms than dogs

Over the holidays we frequently hospitalize dogs and cats with pancreatitis. Even if your cute little one is looking up at you with big, sad eyes it’s better for them not to eat the greasy turkey leftovers. This month’s article is all about pancreatitis.
What is pancreatitis and what causes it? Pancreatitis results from swelling and inflammation of the pancreas. The pancreas not only produces hormones like insulin but also digestive enzymes. These enzymes are normally inactive until they reach the intestinal tract. But when the pancreas becomes inflamed they activate prematurely and digest the pancreas itself, causing a lot of damage.
How do I know if my dog has pancreatitis? Dogs with pancreatitis vomit, aren’t interested in food, and have a painful belly. They might show their abdominal pain by walking with a hunched back or stretching out in the prayer posture. They might also be lethargic, have diarrhea, or a fever. Your veterinarian will use a combination of history, examination, blood work and ultrasound to diagnose pancreatitis.
How is pancreatitis treated?
Based on severity, pancreatitis is usually treated with a combination of fluids, pain medications, anti-nausea medications, and antibiotics. Food is withheld for the first one to two days to “rest” the pancreas and give it a chance to heal. Moderate to severe cases of pancreatitis require hospitalization on IV fluids, whereas mild cases might be treated as outpatients. Severe pancreatitis can be fatal despite aggressive treatment.
Are some dogs more predisposed to pancreatitis than others? Yes, dogs with diabetes, hypothyroidism, Cushing’s disease, or high lipids are more likely to get pancreatitis. Dogs that are obese or that eat a rich, fattening meal are also predisposed. Dogs who have had a previous episode of pancreatitis are more likely to get it again. Any dog can get pancreatitis and sometimes we cannot identify a reason why.
Do cats get pancreatitis too? Yes! Cats also get pancreatitis. When cats have pancreatitis it is different from dogs in several ways. First, they don’t usually have a history of eating a rich or fattening meal. Second, they often have a chronic problem instead of a sudden attack. Third, they are not typically vomiting and often only shows signs of a poor appetite and lethargy. Diagnostics and treatment are similar for cats and dogs.
If you want to give your pet something special for the holiday buy a special treat from the pet store. It may be hard to resist those pleading eyes but your pet’s health is worth it! I hope you and your entire family have a wonderful Thanksgiving without an emergency visit to the veterinary hospital.

Dr. Kristel Weaver is a graduate of the Veterinary School at the University of California, Davis where she received both a DVM and a Master’s of Preventative Veterinary Medicine (MPVM). She has been at Bishop Ranch Veterinary Center & Urgent Care in San Ramon since 2007. She currently lives in Oakland with her husband and their daughter, Hayley. If you have questions you would like Dr. Weaver to answer for future articles, please email info@webvets.com.

A 15-year-old, indoor pet cat that was not current on its rabies vaccination tested positive for rabies after biting its owner and exposing another person to the virus. Both people are being treated. The owner does not know how the cat contracted the disease.

DALTON, GA (WRCB) —  Two Whitfield County residents are now undergoing rabies treatments after exposure to a pet cat that the Georgia Public Health Laboratory has now confirmed as positive for rabies.

The 15-year old cat bit its owner and exposed the owner’s fiancée to the disease before it died. A test for rabies came back positive October 26, 2012.

The cat was reported to have had rabies vaccinations in the past but was not current with its vaccinations.

Due to the age of the animal and being kept indoors, the expected probability of rabies was considered small. The cat’s owner could not remember an incident when the cat may have been exposed to rabies.

Public health officials have gone on a door-to-door campaign in Dalton delivering rabies notices, since the area is well-populated.

Domestic dogs and cats typically become rabid within one to three months from exposure, longer incubation periods have been documented. In some cases,  humans have not developed rabies until several years after exposure.
Rabies is usually transmitted by exposure to the saliva of a rabid animal through a bite or scratch. Wild carnivores such as bats, raccoons, skunks, coyotes, bobcats and foxes serve as a reservoir for the disease virus and these wild animals can transmit it to domestic dogs, cats, livestock and people.

Bats are considered to be one of the primary conduits for rabies transmission to humans. Contact with bats should be avoided.

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

Facing a diagnosis of an autoimmune condition in their pet, the owners of a small dog ask veterinarian John de Jong for advice. Dr. de Jong explains that their dog likely has one of two conditions — immune mediated hemolytic anemia or idiopathic thrombocytopenic purpura/immune thrombocytopenia. He writes that in animals with such conditions, the body targets its own blood tissue, and he suggests following their veterinarian’s recommendations for treatment.

By Dr. John De Jong / Ask the Vet Sunday, November  4, 2012

Although there is a possibility of side effects, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs can be effective for treating arthritis in dogs, says veterinarian Robin Downing. Dr. Downing notes that dogs may respond differently to therapies, and regular veterinary visits including blood work are an important part of monitoring a pet’s response to treatment. “The best answer is multimodal therapies designed specifically for each individual,” Dr. Downing says. “In the end, most dogs can live virtually pain free.” This article also addresses arthritis in cats, skin conditions and the best time to spay or neuter. ChicagoNow.com/Steve Dale’s Pet World blog

Q: My dog has bad arthritis in his knee. I’ve read a lot of stuff about Rimadyl that scares me, so I’m thinking of using Zubrin — or do you have any suggestions about what might be safer? — V.W., via Cyberspace

A: Well, you’re not going to use Zubrin. The drug is no longer available. This has nothing to do with safety, but instead with mergers and acquisitions and related business decisions.

Dr. Robin Downing, past president and founder of the International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management and a certified pain practitioner, says, “Don’t believe all the untrue hoo-ha on Rimadyl and other non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs for dogs. Each of these (NSAID) drugs are very effective, but like most drugs not without potential side effects. The risk is similar (for each of the NSAID drugs for dogs), though one individual dog might have an adverse event with one drug but not another.”

Though they are all similar, some NSAID drugs might be more effective for some individual dogs than others. “If one drug doesn’t seem to be as efficacious as expected, we often advise another,” adds Downing, of Windsor, CO. She adds that NSAID drugs should never be “given in a vacuum.” Blood work should always be done before prescribing a drug, and over the course of a drug’s use. Regular veterinary visits are important to keep tabs on how the dog is doing.

By diminishing pain, a NSAID drug may make it possible for a dog to exercise (talk to your veterinarian about an appropriate workout). Physical therapy (including underwater treadmill), acupuncture, chiropractic and therapeutic laser may also help. The most important factor may be weight loss.

“The best answer is multimodal therapies designed specifically for each individual,” adds Downing. “In the end, most dogs can live virtually pain free.”

Not all dogs need the influenza vaccine, writes veterinarian Lawrence Gerson, but he says those in contact with other dogs, such as those that spend time at kennels and shows, are more at risk and therefore may be good candidates for the vaccine. The vaccine is not associated with any significant side effects, Dr. Gerson notes, adding that owners should consult with their veterinarian when deciding whether to vaccinate for influenza. Pittsburgh Post-Gazette

Read more: https://www.post-gazette.com/stories/life/pet-stories/pet-points-should-your-dog-get-a-flu-shot-657334/#ixzz29UZ6K17S

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

Read more: https://www.foxnews.com/health/2012/10/15/puppy-pilates-and-canine-cardio-how-pudgy-pets-are-slimming-down/#ixzz29UXT2b00

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.