The parasite Giardia is contracted by dogs that drink contaminated water, commonly found in puddles or lakes or even on wet kennel floors.
Symptoms include diarrhea, weight loss, and hair loss, and puppies are at highest risk.
Keep your dog away from water sources that may be contaminated and from wildlife fecal matter, and make sure to wash your hands after playing with pets.
See your vet if you suspect that your dog has been infected.
3.26.2009
3.21.2009
Factoid About Puppies and Kittens
I was watching Dogtown and since I record it on my DVR I usually wiz right by the commercials, but I was multitasking and missed hitting the button. Anyway, Puperoni* sponsored a public service spot that stated;
70,000 puppies and kittens are born everyday while only 10,000 babies are born each day.
Now you have a frame of reference for the pet overpopulation problem.
*Puperoni is chemical laden, doggie junk food. Please do not give it to your dogs. But I do appreciate their public service on behalf of dogs and cats.
70,000 puppies and kittens are born everyday while only 10,000 babies are born each day.
Now you have a frame of reference for the pet overpopulation problem.
*Puperoni is chemical laden, doggie junk food. Please do not give it to your dogs. But I do appreciate their public service on behalf of dogs and cats.
3.18.2009
Parvovirus
My heart goes out to Oprah for the loss of her Cocker Spaniel puppy, Ivan, she recently adopoted from PAWS-Chicago. He died from Parvovirus despite receiving the best medical care possible. His sister, Sadie, also adopted by Oprah, is currently battling the disease and we are hoping she makes a full recovery very soon.
Needless to say since Oprah is involved, Parvovirus is all over the news. I thought it was a great time to clear up much confusion about Parvo.
What is Parvo?
Canine Parvovirus is currently the most common infectious disease of dogs in the United States and is a huge killer of puppies. It is extremely contagious.
Parvo targets rapidly dividing cells in the body. For this reason, the dog's intestines -- where cells divide at a rapid rate -- are usually affected first by Parvo. This causes Parvo symptoms such as bloody diarrhea, dehydration, lethargy and intestinal inflammation that prevent the dog's digestive system from absorbing nutrients.
In rare cases, Parvovirus can also attack the dog's heart, causing inflammation and sudden heart failure. Heart failure from Parvo is most common in puppies and less common in adults, as the heart cells in puppies rapidly divide as the dog's heart grows.
Parvo Symptoms
Many adult dogs exposed to the virus show very few, if any, symptoms. The majority of cases of disease are seen in dogs less than 6 months of age with the most severe cases seen in puppies younger than 12 weeks of age.
The most common form of the disease is the intestinal form known as enteritis. Parvovirus enteritis is characterized by vomiting (often severe), diarrhea, dehydration, dark or bloody feces, and in severe cases, fever and lowered white blood cell counts. Acute Parvovirus enteritis can be seen in dogs of any breed, sex, or age. The disease will progress very rapidly and death can occur as early as two days after the onset of the disease. The presence of gram negative bacteria, parasites, or other viruses can worsen the severity of the disease and slow recovery.
How Do Dogs Get Parvo?
Parvovirus is most commonly transmitted when a healthy dog contacts the feces of an infected dog. In ideal conditions, the Parvovirus can live on surfaces (i.e. clothing, food bowls, cages floors, dog toys, bedding, blankets, kennels) and in the environment for nearly six months, making it possible for a dog to get Parvo months after an infected dog has visited a location. Insects and rodents may also serve as vectors playing an important role in the transmission of the disease. Puppies can also get Parvo from their Mom while still in the womb.
The normal incubation period (time from exposure to the virus to the time when signs of disease appear) is from 7-14 days. Feces can contain the virus as soon as the third day after exposure, often before clinical signs appear, and may last for one to two weeks after they contract the disease.
How is Parvo Diagnosed?
Not all cases of bloody diarrhea with or without vomiting are caused by Parvovirus and many sick puppies are misdiagnosed as having 'Parvo.' The only way to know if a dog has Parvovirus is through a positive diagnostic test. In addition to the more time consuming and expensive traditional testing of the blood for titers, a simpler test of the feces with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay antigen test (ELISA), commonly called the CITE test, is also available through most veterinary clinics. Testing of all suspect cases of Parvo is the only way to correctly diagnose and treat this disease. A complete physical exam and additional laboratory tests such as a CBC and chemistry panel help to determine the severity of the disease.
How is Parvovirus Disease Treated?
Replacing fluids lost through vomiting and diarrhea is probably the single most important treatment. IV administration of an electrolyte solution is preferred, but in less severe cases, oral fluids may be used. In severe cases, blood transfusions may be necessary and have proven successful. Antibiotics are usually given to help control secondary bacterial infections. In those dogs who have severe symptoms, antiserum against endotoxins may be given. Corticosteroids may be given if the animal is in shock. In cases of severe vomiting, drugs to slow the vomiting may also be used. After the intestinal symptoms begin to subside, a de-worming agent is sometimes used. Restricting the food during periods of vomiting is also necessary and IV nutrition may be necessary. Even with the best available care, the mortality of severely infected animals is high.
Parvovirus Vaccinations
The generally recommended protocol is to vaccinate puppies against Parvovirus beginning at 6-8 weeks of age, and revaccinating every 3 weeks until the puppy is 16-20 weeks of age. A booster is given at one year of age and every 1-3 years thereafter.
While Parvo vaccinations will prevent most cases of Parvo, no dog is immune. So even if a puppy is vaccinated against Parvo, there's a chance the puppy could still contract Parvo and die from the virus. If a puppy recovers from Parvovirus infection, he is immune to reinfection for at least twenty months and possibly for life.
Parvovirus -- like all viruses -- has the ability to morph into new strains. So when a new strain emerges, dogs are not protected from this new strain until scientists can identify the new Parvo strain and develop a new version of the vaccine.
Preventing Parvo Transmission
Cleanliness is the only way to prevent transmission. This is why Parvovirus most commonly arises in places where numerous dogs are in close contact - animal shelters, kennels, daycare facilities. However, even the cleanest facility can still have Parvo floating around. It is virtually impossible to have a kennel or dog facility that will not eventually be exposed to Parvo because of its ability to be transmitted through hands, clothes, paws, rodents and insects...
Parvovirus is extremely hardy, resistant to normal cleaning products and high heat. The only household disinfectant that kills the virus is bleach. Ultraviolet light also kills Parvo.
If your dog has been exposed or infected with Parvo, any fecal material or vomit needs to be removed with a detergent first and then a bleach solution. (Use a solution of ½ cup bleach to 1 gallon of water. Make sure the bleach solution is properly concentrated and allowed to soak the infected area to work effectively.) The bleach solution should be used on bedding, bowls, toys, dishes, kennel floors and other impervious materials that may be contaminated.
Obviously there is much unknown about the virus or the best way to control the disease, but new information is being learned daily. But, prompt treatment by a veterinarian will increase survivability if your dog is infected and working with your veterinarian on a vaccination program that is best for your dog is important. Remember that current vaccinations have helped to control the spread of this disease but despite the best vaccination protocol, all puppies will have a window of susceptibility where they will be at risk and even some vaccinated adult dogs still contract Parvo.
Hopefully with a better understanding of the disease, you will be able to make good health decisions for your dog that will help prevent and reduce the spread of this disease.
P.S. Humans cannot catch Parvo but they can spread it.
Needless to say since Oprah is involved, Parvovirus is all over the news. I thought it was a great time to clear up much confusion about Parvo.
What is Parvo?
Canine Parvovirus is currently the most common infectious disease of dogs in the United States and is a huge killer of puppies. It is extremely contagious.
Parvo targets rapidly dividing cells in the body. For this reason, the dog's intestines -- where cells divide at a rapid rate -- are usually affected first by Parvo. This causes Parvo symptoms such as bloody diarrhea, dehydration, lethargy and intestinal inflammation that prevent the dog's digestive system from absorbing nutrients.
In rare cases, Parvovirus can also attack the dog's heart, causing inflammation and sudden heart failure. Heart failure from Parvo is most common in puppies and less common in adults, as the heart cells in puppies rapidly divide as the dog's heart grows.
Parvo Symptoms
Many adult dogs exposed to the virus show very few, if any, symptoms. The majority of cases of disease are seen in dogs less than 6 months of age with the most severe cases seen in puppies younger than 12 weeks of age.
The most common form of the disease is the intestinal form known as enteritis. Parvovirus enteritis is characterized by vomiting (often severe), diarrhea, dehydration, dark or bloody feces, and in severe cases, fever and lowered white blood cell counts. Acute Parvovirus enteritis can be seen in dogs of any breed, sex, or age. The disease will progress very rapidly and death can occur as early as two days after the onset of the disease. The presence of gram negative bacteria, parasites, or other viruses can worsen the severity of the disease and slow recovery.
How Do Dogs Get Parvo?
Parvovirus is most commonly transmitted when a healthy dog contacts the feces of an infected dog. In ideal conditions, the Parvovirus can live on surfaces (i.e. clothing, food bowls, cages floors, dog toys, bedding, blankets, kennels) and in the environment for nearly six months, making it possible for a dog to get Parvo months after an infected dog has visited a location. Insects and rodents may also serve as vectors playing an important role in the transmission of the disease. Puppies can also get Parvo from their Mom while still in the womb.
The normal incubation period (time from exposure to the virus to the time when signs of disease appear) is from 7-14 days. Feces can contain the virus as soon as the third day after exposure, often before clinical signs appear, and may last for one to two weeks after they contract the disease.
How is Parvo Diagnosed?
Not all cases of bloody diarrhea with or without vomiting are caused by Parvovirus and many sick puppies are misdiagnosed as having 'Parvo.' The only way to know if a dog has Parvovirus is through a positive diagnostic test. In addition to the more time consuming and expensive traditional testing of the blood for titers, a simpler test of the feces with an enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay antigen test (ELISA), commonly called the CITE test, is also available through most veterinary clinics. Testing of all suspect cases of Parvo is the only way to correctly diagnose and treat this disease. A complete physical exam and additional laboratory tests such as a CBC and chemistry panel help to determine the severity of the disease.
How is Parvovirus Disease Treated?
Replacing fluids lost through vomiting and diarrhea is probably the single most important treatment. IV administration of an electrolyte solution is preferred, but in less severe cases, oral fluids may be used. In severe cases, blood transfusions may be necessary and have proven successful. Antibiotics are usually given to help control secondary bacterial infections. In those dogs who have severe symptoms, antiserum against endotoxins may be given. Corticosteroids may be given if the animal is in shock. In cases of severe vomiting, drugs to slow the vomiting may also be used. After the intestinal symptoms begin to subside, a de-worming agent is sometimes used. Restricting the food during periods of vomiting is also necessary and IV nutrition may be necessary. Even with the best available care, the mortality of severely infected animals is high.
Parvovirus Vaccinations
The generally recommended protocol is to vaccinate puppies against Parvovirus beginning at 6-8 weeks of age, and revaccinating every 3 weeks until the puppy is 16-20 weeks of age. A booster is given at one year of age and every 1-3 years thereafter.
While Parvo vaccinations will prevent most cases of Parvo, no dog is immune. So even if a puppy is vaccinated against Parvo, there's a chance the puppy could still contract Parvo and die from the virus. If a puppy recovers from Parvovirus infection, he is immune to reinfection for at least twenty months and possibly for life.
Parvovirus -- like all viruses -- has the ability to morph into new strains. So when a new strain emerges, dogs are not protected from this new strain until scientists can identify the new Parvo strain and develop a new version of the vaccine.
Preventing Parvo Transmission
Cleanliness is the only way to prevent transmission. This is why Parvovirus most commonly arises in places where numerous dogs are in close contact - animal shelters, kennels, daycare facilities. However, even the cleanest facility can still have Parvo floating around. It is virtually impossible to have a kennel or dog facility that will not eventually be exposed to Parvo because of its ability to be transmitted through hands, clothes, paws, rodents and insects...
Parvovirus is extremely hardy, resistant to normal cleaning products and high heat. The only household disinfectant that kills the virus is bleach. Ultraviolet light also kills Parvo.
If your dog has been exposed or infected with Parvo, any fecal material or vomit needs to be removed with a detergent first and then a bleach solution. (Use a solution of ½ cup bleach to 1 gallon of water. Make sure the bleach solution is properly concentrated and allowed to soak the infected area to work effectively.) The bleach solution should be used on bedding, bowls, toys, dishes, kennel floors and other impervious materials that may be contaminated.
Obviously there is much unknown about the virus or the best way to control the disease, but new information is being learned daily. But, prompt treatment by a veterinarian will increase survivability if your dog is infected and working with your veterinarian on a vaccination program that is best for your dog is important. Remember that current vaccinations have helped to control the spread of this disease but despite the best vaccination protocol, all puppies will have a window of susceptibility where they will be at risk and even some vaccinated adult dogs still contract Parvo.
Hopefully with a better understanding of the disease, you will be able to make good health decisions for your dog that will help prevent and reduce the spread of this disease.
P.S. Humans cannot catch Parvo but they can spread it.
3.17.2009
How Old is Your Dog?
The old saying that a dog ages seven years for every human year isn't exactly true. A dogs weight factors into how fast he ages.
Use this chart to accurately determine your dog's age in human years:
Bailey is 11 years old and he weighs 11 lbs. In human years he is 60 and considered a 'Senior'.
Use this chart to accurately determine your dog's age in human years:
Bailey is 11 years old and he weighs 11 lbs. In human years he is 60 and considered a 'Senior'.
3.14.2009
ACV - An Apple A Day
For centuries, people have recognized apple cider vinegar’s health benefits and lately this ‘old world’ super product’s benefits are making a come back.
Apple cider vinegar can do wonders for your pets (and you too). It contains more than 30 important nutrients, 12 minerals, over 6 vitamins, essential acids and several enzymes. It has a large dose of pectin for a healthy heart, lowers blood pressure, is antibacterial and anti-fungal and gives the immune system a good boost. As a high potassium electrolyte balancer, it remineralizes the body and helps balance pH levels.
Though not a cure-all, when used daily, apple cider vinegar is said to treat, and may even cure, many common pet conditions and ailments. Taken internally it helps them maintain a healthy weight level, aids in digestion, relieves arthritis stiffness, removes body toxins, prevents tear stains and helps to repel fleas. It gives them beautiful coats, more vitality, improves digestion, can help with urinary issues and is a natural deodorant. Used topically, ACV helps maintain healthy skin, prevents itching, helps with dandruff, soothes hot spots and sore muscles.
Organic, unfiltered, raw apple cider vinegar is the type to choose. I use Bragg’s which is readily available. I pick it up at Whole Foods but it is popping up in more mainstream retailers and health food stores.
Many holistic Vets recommend a daily dosage of ACV as follows:
1 tsp (5 ml) for cats and small dogs (up to 14 lb)
2 tsp (10 ml) for medium dogs (15 to 34 lb)
1 tbsp (15 ml) for large dogs (35 to 84 lb)
Give half the daily dosage with breakfast and half with dinner, just pour over their food.
Note: this is for healthy pets with no medical conditions. Please consult with your Vet when adding any type of supplement to your pet’s diet.
Topically, you can use either full strength or diluted ACV on affected areas avoiding the eyes and mucous membranes.
ACV is a great bath treatment: shampoo, rinse, apply ACV, rinse again. Any residue shampoo will be washed out and you will feel and see an increased softness and sheen to your pet’s coat. You can also follow with a conditioner. I suggest that you use an extremely gentle, all-natural, organic shampoo free of SLS and Parabens.
ACV is cheap, easy to use and it really can benefit your pet’s overall health.
3.07.2009
Overnight Vet Stay
Does your veterinarian provide around-the-clock care following surgery? You need to ask.
Several years ago when Bailey was having emergency bladder stone surgery I was a total wreck. The vet gave me very few details but told me that Bailey would have to stay overnight. I was hesitant to be away from him but the vet told me that it was necessary for his recovery. I agreed but I asked if I could meet the person that would be staying with him. (I wanted them to know just how special Bailey is and give them my cell number.) I was completely shocked to find out that there would be no one monitoring him overnight.
I promptly said that I would be picking him up and bringing him home after surgery. The vet protested but I would not back down. How could Bailey be better off alone in a vet's office than at home with me watching him constantly? (Would they do that to a human after major surgery?) If anything looked strange I could get him to the Emergency Vet, but if I left him alone in the vet's office and something happened, he would suffer and not get any help.
If your dog needs surgery that requires an overnight stay, make sure a vet or trained assistant is available to monitor them throughout the night. If not, you might want to consider bringing your pet home. My instincts were right on the money to protest no overnight monitoring because problems associated with surgery are most likely to arise during the first 24 hours of recovery.
Be warned, if the surgery was 'major' your pet is going to be in really bad shape. You need to provide a quiet, comfortable , stress-free environment for them, think Intensive Care Unit at a hospital.
I was not prepared to see Bailey in his 'after surgery' condition. It took all my strength to hold back the tears and pay the bill. He laid on my lap the entire way home like a wet noodle. His incision leaked blood on my jeans. He barely moved the entire night. But I was right next to him monitoring every breath.
Luckily my little trooper recovered from this one fast and without incident. Fingers crossed if there is a next one.
Several years ago when Bailey was having emergency bladder stone surgery I was a total wreck. The vet gave me very few details but told me that Bailey would have to stay overnight. I was hesitant to be away from him but the vet told me that it was necessary for his recovery. I agreed but I asked if I could meet the person that would be staying with him. (I wanted them to know just how special Bailey is and give them my cell number.) I was completely shocked to find out that there would be no one monitoring him overnight.
I promptly said that I would be picking him up and bringing him home after surgery. The vet protested but I would not back down. How could Bailey be better off alone in a vet's office than at home with me watching him constantly? (Would they do that to a human after major surgery?) If anything looked strange I could get him to the Emergency Vet, but if I left him alone in the vet's office and something happened, he would suffer and not get any help.
If your dog needs surgery that requires an overnight stay, make sure a vet or trained assistant is available to monitor them throughout the night. If not, you might want to consider bringing your pet home. My instincts were right on the money to protest no overnight monitoring because problems associated with surgery are most likely to arise during the first 24 hours of recovery.
Be warned, if the surgery was 'major' your pet is going to be in really bad shape. You need to provide a quiet, comfortable , stress-free environment for them, think Intensive Care Unit at a hospital.
I was not prepared to see Bailey in his 'after surgery' condition. It took all my strength to hold back the tears and pay the bill. He laid on my lap the entire way home like a wet noodle. His incision leaked blood on my jeans. He barely moved the entire night. But I was right next to him monitoring every breath.
Luckily my little trooper recovered from this one fast and without incident. Fingers crossed if there is a next one.
3.03.2009
Epulis
An epulis is the most common benign tumor of the mouth in dogs. It is usually located in the gum tissue near the incisors or canine teeth. It originates in the connective tissue that holds the teeth to the bone of the jaw. The literal translation of "epulis" is "gum boil." The cause of epulides is unknown, but they do occur more commonly in older dogs and Boxers. And they occur equally in both sexes.
There are three types of epulides (the plural for epulis):
1. Fibromatous: Consists of tough, fibrous tissue.
2. Ossifying: In addition to fibrous tissue, also contains bone cells. These may transform into cancerous tumors.
3. Acanthomatous: More invasive, growing into the normal bone around it and destroying it, but not metastasizing.
How is an Epulis Found?
Usually, epulides are simply noticed during teeth brushing. The tumor is usually the same color as the gum tissue, has a smooth surface, and may be attached to the gum via a peduncle (a stalk-like structure). As the epulis enlarges a dog may drool, have difficulty eating or lose his appetite, have bad breath, bleed from the area of the tumor, or even have trouble breathing depending upon the size and location of the tumor. It may push apart and misalign the adjacent teeth. There is often more than one epulis present.
How is an epulis diagnosed?
An epulis may be suspected by its location and appearance, but it is necessary to biopsy the tumor to distinguish if from other oral tumors. A pathologist will examine the tissue microscopically to determine if it is an epulis, and of what type. Other oral tumors include squamous cell carcinoma (malignant), and other benign tumors such as fibromas, lipomas, and histiocytomas.
How is an epulis treated?
Surgery is necessary to remove the epulis. A wide margin (large portion of healthy tissue around the tumor, possible including some bone) needs to be taken to assure all of the epulis is removed. If a portion remains, it will often regrow. The teeth next to the epulis usually need to be removed, as well. Large epulides may also be treated with radiation.
What is the prognosis for a dog with an epulis?
If the epulis is small and all of the tumor is removed, the prognosis is good. The larger the tumor, the more likely a recurrence or complications. Acanthomatous epulides have a more guarded prognosis since they are much more difficult to completely remove. On rare instances, radiation therapy has resulted in the tumor becoming cancerous.
Bailey had not one but two Epulides removed, not once but twice. They grew back in less than a year. He is recovering nicely from his surgery yesterday.
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