The Dangers of Doctor Google

Having a pet can be stressful. Did that sneeze from Fluffy this morning mean something?  Why didn’t Rex want to eat his breakfast? Why is Muffin so itchy lately? We have all been there with a pet that does something to cause us to worry. In this day and age, we have the internet at our finger tips and many pet owners are apt to Google a pet’s symptoms to try to get to the bottom of things. While this can be a good start, veterinarians have seen this gone astray many times. Below are some examples of times the internet has failed our pets:

1) Your dog is running in the yard and all of a sudden becomes lame. A quick Google search may lead you to websites with suggested doses of Aspirin. What the internet can’t do is use logic to decide if this is truly a good idea for your dog. What if he has a clotting disorder? That dose of aspirin can be deadly. What if he has kidney disease? That aspirin can push him into kidney failure. What if he is actually limping because he has a cut on his paw and it becomes infected?    What if he develops a bleeding GI ulcer because the suggested dose is actually way too high?

2) Marley has been very itchy for the past couple of weeks, to the point that he’s starting to lose his hair. Several internet sites show doses of Benadryl for dogs so you decide to give that a try, but a week later he’s itchier than ever! The internet’s next suggestion is a grain free diet. Weeks later he now has bald patches and scabs, and he’s still itchy! Why? What the internet can’t do is a thorough exam of Marley. Maybe Marley has fleas or mites that are causing him to be itchy. Maybe he has developed allergies to his food, which led to a secondary skin infection that will require antibiotics to treat. Maybe he caught ringworm from the neighborhood cat he plays with and now he needs to be prescribed an anti-fungal medication to treat it.

3) Your dog Bailey has been straining in the yard all morning and can’t seem to go to the bathroom! Google searches suggest mineral oil, but despite giving her several rounds of mineral oil, she’s still straining! What the internet can’t do is a rectal exam and an abdominal palpation on your dog that shows she’s not straining because she’s constipated, but rather because she’s having diarrhea, and the mineral oil is making it worse! A quick fecal exam under the microscope at the vet may also reveal that it was a parasite that caused the diarrhea in the first place, but the parasite is so small you never even noticed it!

The truth is that while there’s tons of great information on the internet, there’s also lots of inaccurate information out there. We need to be very selective in what sources we’re using, and that we’re not using it to replace medical treatment.  It’s so important to remember that nothing makes up for a veterinarian that knows your pet and will advocate in their best interests. They will be your best guide to helping your pet feel better.  Find a veterinarian you trust and feel comfortable with so when the time comes that an issue arises with your cat or dog, they can help you work through it (and remember, that often includes a physical exam because it provides so much needed information to help pinpoint the problem). If your vet finds an issue affecting your pet, and you’d like more information on it, please ask them! They can point you in the right direction to accurate, science based sites. Some of this veterinarian’s favorites include:

1)  https://www.veterinarypartner.com/; this site has articles on all sorts of topics ranging from inappropriate urination in cats to different types of cancers, and everything in between! Use their search bar to see if they have an article on your topic of interest. (link on our homepage)
2) http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/animal-poison-control; a great site with a phone number to contact a medical professional. They can instruct you on if your pet needs to be seen by a veterinarian depending on what they’ve ingested (please note there is a consultation fee).
3) http://www.merckvetmanual.com/; If you’re looking for detailed, scientific explanations for different disease processes, this is a great site!
4) https://www.aaha.org/pet_owner/pet_health_library/default.aspx; the Pet Health Library has interesting articles on day to day care of your dog or cat, including things like diets, litter habits, pet insurance, etc.


article written by:
Dr. Erin Walsh
Companion Animal Hospital Mount Prospect

What is laser therapy? and can it help my pet?

                Laser light therapy has been used in human medicine for several decades. This safe and

affordable modality has gained popularity in veterinary medicine over the last decade.  The laser light

has the ability to send energy deep into tissues and repair the injured or inflamed cells by a process

called photobiomodulation (say that 3 times fast!).  Basically, the laser light speeds up the healing

process by decreasing pain and inflammation as well as increasing circulation.

                Laser therapy can treat a myriad of inflammatory conditions, including arthritis, painful ear

infections, soft tissue injuries, hot spots, anal sac disorders and lick granulomas, just to name a few. 

Slow-healing wounds, surgical incisions and fractures can also benefit from this safe modality. 

One of the few contraindications is that the laser light may not be directed into the eye.  For this reason, everyone in the room must wear protective eye wear during treatment (including Fido!). 

There are no known side effects to laser light therapy.

article written by:

Kathy Anderson, DVM

Companion Animal Hospital of Norridge

Preventative Home Dental Care for Your Pet

Preventive home dental care is one of the least expensive and most important things you can do for your pet’s health. Decreasing plaque and preventing tartar formation has wide-spread health benefits throughout your pet’s body. There are many options for a home dental care routine; you can combine daily brushing with the use of special diets, like Hill’s t/d, CET chews and VOHC (veterinary oral health council) approved treats. The more you can do at home, the less will need to be done by your veterinarian.

 

Daily brushing is the single most effective way to control plaque and tartar build up. Brushing the teeth mechanically eliminates the soft plaque that forms on your pet’s teeth before it turns to hardened tartar that causes gingivitis (inflammation of the gums). Tooth pastes come in pet-friendly flavors, like poultry, beef and seafood. It is important to use an enzymatic paste specifically for pets as human toothpaste can be harmful. You only need to brush the outside surfaces of the teeth, paying particular attention to where the teeth and gums meet. Keep it positive for your pet and give them a treat, a favorite toy or play time afterwards as a reward. Your pet will also be more accepting if this is part of their daily routine every day. Dogs and cats thrive in predictability and routine.

In addition to tooth brushing, there are many other options that can be part of an effective home dental care routine. From special foods to treats, like Greenies, VeggieDents, Dentabones and more, there is something to help every mouth. The VOHC (Veterinary Oral Health Council) is an independent organization that evaluates the effectiveness of products that claim to control plaque and tartar in dogs and cats. There is a list of products that are proven effective – treats, food, etc – on their website at www.vohc.org. It’s best to chose from this list. Other products may or may not work as they claim.

Have fun keeping your pets’ mouths healthy and giving them the best chance at a long, healthy life.

article written by:

Sheila Newenham, DVM

Companion Animal Hospital Mount Prospect

Cold Weather Rules For Running With Your Dog By Adrienne Zimmer

There is a class of people - strong-willed people, I believe - who will run outside no matter the temperature. Perhaps you’re one of them. When it gets hot outside, you shed layers and bring water and when it gets really cold, you grab mittens, a hat, and you bundle up.

As humans, we have the ability to modify our dress for the surrounding temperatures. Our pets, on the other hand, don’t have that luxury. Sure, our furry friends are oftentimes overjoyed to be going out for a run when they see you lacing up your shoes and grabbing their leash, but have you ever stopped to ask yourself, “Should I be taking my pet for a run in this weather?”

Dr. Joe Whalen, a veterinarian with Hyde Park Animal Hospital, says that sometimes, that answer should be ‘no’. If you’re a pet owner, it’s wise to be mindful of a few rules when it comes to winter running.

Rule #1 - If you’re covering your face, leave your dog at home

“A general rule I have for taking your dog for a run in the winter is that if you have to wear a facemask to cover up because of the chill, it’s too cold for your dog to go with you,” said Dr. Whalen. On the other end of the spectrum, he recommends also leaving your dog at home when it is above 80 degrees Fahrenheit.

Rule #2 - Be mindful of running surfaces

One of the biggest hazards to taking your dog for a run in the winter is what happens to their paws. “Running on sand and salt will really make your dog’s paws sore, “ said Dr. Whalen. The pads on your dog’s feet can burn or blister depending on the condition of the road or sidewalk. To remedy this, Dr. Whalen recommends ordering dog boots made of rubber or cloth or carrying your dog over areas covered in salt, if the dog is light enough. Otherwise, steer clear of surfaces that have been treated. “A dog will lift up their paw if they are too cold or uncomfortable,” he continued.

Rule #3 - Remember hydration

Although we don’t consume as much liquid in cold temperatures as we do in warm ones, dogs need to be hydrated if you’re going for more than an hour, said Dr. Whalen. Bring a bottle of water with you or make a stop at home mid-run because there will most likely not be any working water fountains.

Rule #4 - Pay attention to what your dog is telling you

There’s no straightforward answer when it comes to taking your dog for a run in the cold. Overall, Dr. Wahlen notes, most dogs love the cold, so running with them in the winter shouldn’t be an issue as long as it’s for a shorter amount of time, about 3 to 5 miles. The size and type of dog definitely matters as well, he notes. You will be able to tell whether your dog is enjoying the time outside simply by paying attention to their actions. “If they are giving you big puppy dog eyes, that means they probably want to go inside,” he said. Pay attention to your pet’s needs and know that sometimes, it’s OK to leave them at home.

Do you have more questions about running with your pup in the winter? Check out Hyde Park Animal Hospital here or give them a call at (773) 324-4484.

Check out the original article at:
http://www.mychicagoathlete.com/cold-weather-rules-for-running-with-your-dog/

article written by:
Adrienne Zimmer

About the Canine Flu Virus

Canine influenza virus (CIV) has been an emerging concern within the veterinary community when the highly contagious type H3N2 was identified in the U.S. via the Chicago area in March 2015.  It has quickly spread across more than 30 states.

CIV is highly contagious.  Direct contact and droplets from sneezing or coughing can spread CIV directly from dog to dog. Droplets can also contaminate surfaces, food, bowls and other objects, increasing the potential for further infections.

CIV is difficult to diagnose and potentially difficult to treat. Clinical signs—including coughing, sneezing, nasal and ocular discharge, lethargy and lack of appetite, rapid breathing and fever—sometimes don’t emerge until after the majority of virus shedding has occurred.

In the contiguous United States from 2006 to 2014, CIV H3N8 was reported in 36 states. From March 2015 to July 2016, CIV H3N2 was found in 30 states.

All dogs can be at risk of contracting CIV—regardless of breed, age, sex or health status.  In some cases, CIV symptoms can be severe. Prevention remains the best course of action.

Our hospital carries both strains of the CIV H3N2 and H3N8 vaccines.  We are recommending both vaccine strains to all dogs who are in high risk environments, such as boarding, grooming, dog parks, and training.

The vaccines are currently both a series of 2 injections 3-4 weeks apart the first time a patient receives the vaccine, so a total of 4 vaccines the first year.  

article written by:

Scott Petereit, DVM

Companion Animal Hospital Mount Prospect & Wolf Merrick Animal Hospital

Dental Care for your pets

During an annual exam for your pet, your veterinarian may have told you your dog or cat needs a dental cleaning. However, many people don’t understand exactly what that means. Is the vet brushing your pet’s teeth? Why do they need to be “asleep” for it? Below is a basic outline for dental cleanings in pets!

Step 1: First step is to have your vet do an oral exam on your pet.

·         During this time, the veterinarian will assess things like degree of plaque buildup, gingivitis (inflamed gums), or gum recession (how much gum loss there is over the tooth). This will allow the veterinarian to discuss things like obvious extractions that may be needed. However, remember that there can be more dental disease hiding underneath that tartar, so this is why the cleaning itself is so important!

Step 2: Schedule the dental and drop your pet off to the vet’s

·         Once you arrive, vet technicians will typically check vitals on your pet (temperature, respiration rate, pulse) and run blood work. The veterinarian will then do an exam on your pet and review the blood work results to make sure that your pet is a good candidate for anesthesia.  Once it’s determined that anesthesia is a safe option, an IV catheter is placed to give your pet fluids and other medications to help keep them stable and comfortable under anesthesia.

Step 3:  The cleaning

·         Once your pet is placed under anesthesia, an endotracheal tube is placed into their trachea to protect their airways from any excess water while the teeth are being cleaned. This tube also allows oxygen and anesthetic gas to flow into your pet to keep them at a safe anesthetic plane.  The teeth are then cleaned and polished by a veterinary technician, while a veterinarian oversees the whole process.

Step 4: Assessing the teeth

·         Once your pet’s dental cleaning is finished, any teeth that are loose, broken, discolored or otherwise suspicious looking will be further examined, probed and x-rayed. If the teeth are found to be diseased, a local anesthetic block will be applied and the tooth will be extracted.  Some teeth have several roots, so the use of a gum flap and drill are needed- this is why we are so careful to use pain medications in our anesthetic protocol as well as local nerve blocks.  

Step 5: Recovery

·         Once the dental treatment is finished, your pet is woken up and our vet team oversees their recovery. They typically will go home to their pet parents that afternoon. If there were extractions, they may also go home with pain medications.

As you can see, there is a whole lot more to a “dental cleaning” than just brushing you pets teeth! Most people find that their pet is happier and perkier after a dental cleaning, especially if they had bad teeth (just think how crummy you feel when you have a tooth ache).  Your pet will thank you (and their breath will stink less!) 

article by:

Dr. Erin Walsh

Companion Animal Hospital Mount Prospect

Dear Santa letters from the dog and cat

Dear Santa, 

I’ve been such a good, good, dog this year!  My humans say so nearly every day.  I have kept the yard free from squirrels, only chewed up one couch since last Christmas, and I have stopped chasing the cat (well, OK, I’m down to only once a week but still better)!  I am the best snuggler, sloppy kisser, tail wager for miles.  So if possible could I have the following for Christmas?  If not, that’s OK too, we can still be friends.

1. TOYS! – Bring it on – chew toys to keep my teeth healthy, balls for fetching and much needed exercise, puzzle toys for my mental health.  I’m not picky.

2. Treats – I love treats.

3. Walks – I know I have a yard but I love to get out and meet people, sniff a lot, keep my weight down, and get my wanderlust out of my system.  It is so good for me and my human.  So maybe you could bring some extra cold weather gear for my human so we can get out every day!

4. New collar, new leash, and a microchip to make sure I don’t get lost on my walks or while ridding the yard of invading squirrels.

5. Grooming – I want to look great for my Christmas pictures!

6. A professional dental cleaning by my veterinarian – My human sometimes turns their face away during my awesome kissing.  They say I have bad breath, whatever that means.  I don’t always like going to the vet but it keeps my mouth healthy which in turn keeps my other organs healthy as well!

7. More cats to chase, …uh…, I mean play with.

8. Year round heartworm prevention – It tastes delicious and keeps me free of parasites including intestinal parasites that are present year round.  I don’t want to gross out my family.

9. Did I list treats yet?  OK fine, healthy ones like carrots, no salt green beans, apple slices, Cheerios.  I can share them with the Reindeer so we can all be friends.

Love,  

The Dog

______________________________________________________

Dear Santa, 

Oh poor guy, you can’t read my mind and know what I want for Christmas?  I guess I can help you out with that.  It goes without saying that I have been a good cat this year.  I let the humans pet me sometimes, I keep a spot on the couch warm, and I only swat at the dog once a week now.   So here is what I require for Christmas:

1. Sufficient litterboxes – We should have as many litterboxes in the house as we have cats + 1.  They should be scooped daily, cleaned weekly, filled with unscented litter,  uncovered, and away from noisy areas of the house.  This helps me be as happy as I can be and minimizes the chances that I will not use the box.

2. A cat tree – I love different levels to play and perch.  It makes me feel safe and allows me to survey my realm.  Who knows, it might even keep the dog safe from me.

3. An annual check-up – I haven’t been to the vet in years.  Yeah, I know I’m low maintenance and I don’t go outside, but I’m also really good at hiding my illnesses and things such as dental disease until much later in their course than the dog.

4. A scratching post – Apparently, the humans don’t like it when I scratch their couch and drapes.  A scratching post will help me direct my natural behavior appropriately.

5. Feather toys and laser pointers – I need exercise and mental stimulation just like the dog!  I only act like I don’t care.  I mean, would I be grooming myself all day if I didn’t want to look my best?

6. Take the dog with you back to the North Pole.  He loves the snow anyway.

7. Catnip

8. Catnip

9. Catnip

With Regards,  

The Cat

article written by:
Jessica Smith, DVM
Companion Animal Hospital Mount Prospect