Ticks!!

Ticks are remarkable arachnids.  There are many species that have adapted to survive and thrive in many environments.  They will feed on many different hosts at nearly any time of year, including the cold winter months for the Blacklegged (deer) tick.  But the most challenging aspect of this particular pest is the sheer number of diseases they can carry and transmit. 

The problematic ticks found in southern Wisconsin and northern Illinois include the American dog (wood) tick, the Blacklegged (deer) tick, the Brown dog tick, and now even the Lone star tick according to the CDC (Centers for Disease Control and Prevention).  The range of ticks is expanding, leaving many finding ticks when they have never seen or had them before. 

Ticks go through distinct stages of development.  Hatched from an egg, transitioning through larval, nymph, and adult stages, a blood meal will be taken at each stage.  Some ticks can take up to three years to complete their life cycle.  While the American dog tick and Lone star tick may not be active in the fall and winter, the Blacklegged (deer) tick will be active anytime the weather is above freezing.  In fact, the Blacklegged (deer) tick adult is most active in the cool fall months through spring, while its nymphs are active in the spring and summer. 

Lyme disease is most commonly recognized, but many other diseases are carried and transmitted by ticks.  Diseases such as anaplasma, ehrlichia, and babesia affect the blood cells, though in different ways depending upon the species.  All diseases carried by ticks can be debilitating and life threatening.  Some also have zoonotic potential, which means they can affect humans as well. 

Avoidance of ticks and rapid removal if one is found is imperative.  The longer the attachment period, the more likely disease could be transmitted.  The CDC website has basic recommendations to help prevent tick bites, how to limit ticks in your yard, and how to remove attached ticks.  There are effective tick and flea preventative options for dogs and cats.  Preventatives can kill and even repel ticks depending upon the product.  Dog products cannot be used on cats.  Annual heartworm testing in dogs also identifies exposure to many tick-borne diseases and an effective vaccine is available for Lyme disease in dogs. 

Idexx Laboratories, the laboratory used by the veterinary hospital, has a website dedicated to ticks and dogs.  It is a great reference and worth checking out.   Ticks seem to be here to stay, so being diligent with tick prevention and avoidance will limit the risks.

article written by:

Laura Rau-Holl, DVM

Wolf Merrick Animal Hospital, Kenosha, WI

Sources:

The CDC website:  http://www.cdc.gov/ticks/index.html

Idexx Laboratories Dogs and Ticks website:  http://www.dogsandticks.com/

University of Rhode Island Tick Encounter Resource Center:  http://www.tickencounter.org/

Microchipping Your Pet

Microchips are an effective form of permanent identification for your pet.  They can easily be implanted during a routine visit to your veterinarian.

A microchip is a small, electronic chip enclosed in a glass cylinder that is about the same size as a grain of rice.  It is injected under the skin using a needle.  Although the needle is slightly larger than those used for vaccines or other injections, implanting a microchip is not significantly painful and is typically done without sedation or anesthesia.  Alternatively, many pet owners choose to have the procedure done during a routine spay or neuter.  Once implanted, your pet will be completely unaware the microchip is present.

Microchips contain the name and description of the animal, the owner’s contact information, emergency contacts in case the owner can’t be reached, and the information for the veterinarian or rescue organization that implanted the microchip.  All veterinary clinics, shelters, and rescue organization have microchip scanners and will routine scan pets.   After the microchip is implanted, the necessary information will be collected and the microchip registered.

So, do microchips increase your chance of being reunited with your pet?  According to the American Veterinary Medical Association,   “A study of more than 7,700 stray animals at animal shelters showed that dogs without microchips were returned to their owners 21.9% of the time, whereas microchipped dogs were returned to their owners 52.2% of the time. Cats without microchips were reunited with their owners only 1.8% of the time, whereas microchipped cats went back home 38.5% of the time. (Lord et al, JAVMA, July 15, 2009) For microchipped animals that weren't returned to their owners, most of the time it was due to incorrect owner information (or no owner information) in the microchip registry database – so don't forget to register and keep your information updated.”  Microchip information can be updated if your information changes(name, address, phone numbers, etc).  

Many types of microchips have additional benefits.  Microchip companies often have insurance policies on the lost pets.  If the pet has been reported missing and is found injured, these insurance policies will pay for medical expenses.  They are also used for permanent identification which is required for health certificates for international (or in some cases interstate) travel. 

We recommend all pets be microchipped.  Please talk to us at your next visit if your pet hasn’t been chipped.  We want to do anything we can to keep you and your pet together long term! 

article written by:

Derek Williamson, DVM

Companion Animal Hospital Vernon Hills

Why can’t I give my pets my medications?

Many owners are surprised to find that there is a lot of overlap between the drugs their veterinarian prescribes for their pet and the drugs their doctors prescribe for them.  For example, you may be surprised to find that many antibiotics, pain medications, and even insulins can be prescribed for humans and pets. However, it is very important to realize that there can be huge differences in drug doses in a human versus an animal, and some human drugs can be quite toxic to pets! Even a drug that is usually benign to us, such as Tylenol, can be deadly in a cat! This is because our pets metabolize some drugs very differently than we do. Below is a list of some classes of drugs that are potentially dangerous for pets.

1)      Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), such as Advil, Aleve, and aspirin

These drugs are by far the most common drugs I see owners giving to their pets. However, our pets metabolize these drugs very differently than we do. So while Advil may help with your aches and pains, it can cause issues like intestinal ulceration and bleeding and even kidney failure in your pet.  The other issue is that if you give these drugs to your pet before a vet visit, your vet may have a hard time prescribing an appropriate anti-inflammatory drug until the human NSAID is out of their system.  There are NSAIDs made specifically for dogs and cats, so speak with your veterinarian if you think your pet may benefit from these.

2)      Tylenol (acetaminophen)

This is another popular human pain medication that can have deadly consequences in our pets. Acetaminophen can cause anemia (decrease in red blood cells) and prevent appropriate distribution of oxygen in the body, resulting in hypoxia (lack of oxygen).  Liver failure can also occur in cats and dogs. Pets exposed to Tylenol will likely require hospitalization and extensive supportive care, and even then could still die with or without medical intervention.

3)      Benzodiazepines (Xanax, Klonopin)

While there are certain situations that warrant benzodiazepines in cats and dogs, such as storm phobias, it is important to realize that some animals may have adverse reactions. Some patients may become excessively sedate while others may have an excitatory effect and actually become agitated.  If your vet decides these drugs are necessary for your pet, they can guide you on appropriate doses to minimize the chance of seeing these side effects.

4)      Antidepressents (Prozac, Cymbalta, etc)

There are numerous drugs available to treat anxiety in pets, and some of these drugs are even the same as those used in humans. For example, Prozac is often used to manage behavioral issues in dogs and cats. However, it is important to remember that animals’ weights and metabolisms are very different from humans, so allow your vet to decide if one of these medications is appropriate and to prescribe an appropriate dose and frequency of administration.  Additionally, your vet may be able to help you with training tips, as these drugs often work best when paired with behavioral modification.

5)      Antihistamines (Benadryl, Zyrtec, etc)

These are wonderful drugs to help with mild itching and allergies, however it is very important to consult with your vet to find an appropriate dose for your pet. If overdosed, these medications can cause profound sedation, excessive panting, pacing, and other undesirable effects.

6)      Pseudoepherdrine (decongestant found in Sudafed)

While your vet may prescribe pseudoephedrine to help control urinary incontinence, an overdose of this drug can lead to tremors, pacing, rapid heartbeat, overheating, and even collapse.  Again, consult your vet for appropriate dosages if need be.

Please remember to NEVER give your pet ANY medicine unless advised by a veterinarian. Drugs are great tools when used appropriately, but can be deadly when used incorrectly! Your veterinarian can safely guide you on what medications are ok to give your pets, so don’t hesitate to reach out to them if you need guidance!

http://www.petpoisonhelpline.com/pet-owners/basics/top-10-human-medications-poisonous-to-pets/

article written by:

Erin Walsh, DVM

Companion Animal Hospital Mount Prospect

Ears 101

One of the most common problems we see as veterinarians are dogs and cats with ear infections.   Signs of an ear infection are scratching at the ears, shaking the head, or discomfort when the ears are touched, but some pets have few if any signs.  Fortunately, most ear infections are very treatable but the underlying causes, methods or treatments, and medications we use are very different from what we are used to in people.  Add to that, the fact that many animals don’t like having their ears touched and the situation can get frustrating to say the least.  So here are some basics about ears that may prove useful!

Basic Anatomy:  Dog and cat ears are very different from our ears.  Their ear canals are very long and have a “bend” in them creating a horizontal and vertical ear canal.  Most ear infections in pets are external ear infections, or otitis externa– meaning only involving this long external portion of the ear.   These types of ear infections are commonly caused by yeast and bacteria, and although the pet is itchy and uncomfortable, they are typically otherwise healthy.  However internal ear infections, or otitis interna, are possible as well.  Just like in people, otitis interna is associated with more signs of systemic illness.  This type of ear infection in dogs and cats typically involves bacteria in the middle and inner part of the ear.

Ear cleaning:  If your pet suffers from an ear infection, cleaning the ear is an important component of treatment.  This can be a little intimidating but ear cleaning is something most pet owners can do at home.  First, always use an ear cleaner that is intended for dogs and cats.  For dogs with very dirty or waxy ears, pour the ear cleaning solution into the ear canal.  Massage the base of the ear to break up wax and debris, allow them to shake their head, then use cotton or soft gauze squares to wipe out the ear.  You can use your finger to wipe deep into the external ear canal because of that long winding canal that they have.  As a general rule, there is no need to use q-tips.  For cats, puppies, or less dirty ears, you can wet the cotton or gauze with the ear cleaner and use that to wipe out the ears in a similar fashion.  Be thorough yet gentle!  How often to clean you pets’ ears can vary based on a number of factors so it is best to ask your veterinarian.  Typically you can clean up to twice weekly if there is a problem and then weekly to monthly for maintenance.  Clean anytime after bathing or swimming as water or other moisture in the ear can be a cause of an ear infection!

Applying ear medications:  If your pet has an ear infection (otitis externa), your veterinarian will likely prescribe a topical medication to treat it.  The goal is to get the medication as deep into the ear as possible!  It is OK to place the medication bottle into the canal to apply the medication.  The medications are designed so they will not hit the ear drums.  Apply the medication deep to the ears as often as directed and then massage the base of the ear to distribute the medication.  If you are cleaning and treating, always do the cleaning first!  For internal ear infections (otitis interna), your veterinarian may also prescribe oral medications or perform cultures of the ear.  It is very important to use medications as directed and to finish all medications prescribed.  For either type of ear infection, it is also imperative to recheck as recommended to ensure it has resolved!

article written by:

Jessica Smith, DVM

Companion Animal Hospital Mount Prospect

10 tips to keep your cat using the litterbox

10 tips to keep your cat using the litter box

1.      Make sure the box is big enough (1.5 times the length of the cat)

2.      Box is not too deep

3.      Use unscented litters

4.      Use fine grain clumping litters

5.      Scoop every day and take out the trash – don’t leave it next to the box unless you are using a Cat Genie

6.      Wash with mild dish soaps once per month – no harsh detergents they will deter your cat from coming back

7.      Make sure you have 1 more box than number of cats in the home (ie 4 cats = 5 boxes)

8.      Place in low traffic areas and away from food / water sources

9.      Prevent access from dogs / children etc

10.  Depth of litter should be approximately 2 inches (5 cms)

If you have followed all these tips and your cat still isn’t using the litterbox always remember to seek help from a veterinary professional right away.  The sooner we address the problem the more likely we can help your cat.  The longer your cat stears clear of the box the harder it will be to get him back in it.

Transition to Interceptor Plus

Heartgard is an oral heartworm preventative which is recommended to be given once monthly on a year round basis.  It prevents heartworm disease as well as a few intestinal parasites.  The medication comes in a beef flavored chew and is generally well tolerated by dogs.

Though we have used Heartgard successfully for years, the hospital recently made the switch to Interceptor Plus.  Our doctors are excited to recommend this product for several reasons:

• It is just as effective at preventing heartworm disease when given monthly on a year round basis. 
• It not only prevents roundworms and hookworms, but also whipworms and tapeworms. 
• Certain breeds can be very sensitive to the drug Ivermectin (the active ingredient in Heartgard). Toxicity in these sensitive breeds could occur with an overdose. Thankfully, this is not the case with Interceptor Plus. 
• The chewable tablet is safe and tolerated very well. It is also smaller than Heartgard so easier to give to smaller pets. Most dogs will readily take it as a treat. 
• Price is a huge benefit! This product will save the average pet owner money each year. There are great manufacturer rebates!

We made the switch to Interceptor Plus because the product does MORE for LESS cost and in a similar SAFE, TASTY treat.  At this point, it is the most broad spectrum oral preventative on the market.  Please don’t hesitate to call the hospital if you have any questions about Interceptor Plus!

Feline Infectious Peritonitis or FIP

Many cats, if not most, are exposed to feline coronavirus (FCoV) when they are young.  It causes a mild diarrhea that usually clears without treatment.  The virus is spread from cat to cat via saliva, nasal discharge and stool.  The virus is stable in the environment for a few days to a few weeks but is easily killed by most cleaning agents.  The majority of cats who have had FCoV go on to live normal lives.

photo by Lucie B Photography

The problem is that, in some kittens and cats, the virus will mutate into the deadly Feline Infectious Peritonitis (FIP).  FIP comes in two forms: the wet (or effusive) form and the dry (or non-effusive) form.  The wet form is the most common and it tends to affect cats under 2 years of age.  This form of FIP results in fluid leaking into the chest and/or abdomen.  The dry form more commonly affects adult cats and causes build-ups of inflammatory lesions in various organs.  The signs of this form of the disease depend on the organ involved.  

There is no way to prevent cats from developing FIP.  Although rare, any individual cat can mutate FCoV into FIP.  Research has shown that there is a genetic component to developing FIP, so some related cats and some breeds are more likely to mutate the coronavirus into FIP.  The mutated FIP virus itself is not contagious. 

A new test available through veterinarians can distinguish between cats with FCoV and cats with FIP.  Unfortunately, this test can only be run after the cat has signs that go along with FIP;  it is usually run on chest or abdominal fluid.  There is no test that can tell if a healthy cat will develop FIP later in life.

The worst part of all this is that once a cat has developed FIP, there is nothing that will cure the disease.  Some cats, mainly those with the dry form, feel better for a short time with treatment but in the end it is always fatal.

References:

Small Animal Internal Medicine 2nd edition, Nelson and Cuoto.

International Cat Care website: http://icatcare.org/advice/cat-health/feline-infectious-peritonitis-fip

article written by:

Stephanie Altneu, DVM

Companion Animal Hospital Vernon Hills