Kelowna Vet - Westbank Veterinary Hospital - Animal Boarding - Pet Grooming - Westbank, BC

Patellar luxation

noa — Wed, 02 May 2012 17:29:41 +0000

Interestingly enough, I’ve noticed in all of my history with veterinary medicine both as a student and as a doctor, that cases tend to appear in pairs or multiples. Very often, I find myself dealing in the same week with three blocked cats, or two snake bites for example. This phenomenon has no logical explanation, but somehow it is just like that. Lately I got visited by few limping dogs that later were confirmed to suffer from the same problem in their knee. This particular knee abnormality is called Patellar luxation.
The patella is the knee cap. It is situated between the two long bones of the back leg, the Femur and the Tibia. In normal leg anatomy the patella is situated in a special groove in the femur (the thigh bone), attached to the two long bones by tendons and muscle. The Patella’s location in the femur groove allows normal gliding motion in flexion and extension of the knee joint.
Patellar luxation is a condition in which the patella jumps out of the groove sideways when the knee is bent. This causes the leg to “lock up” with the paw up in the air.
The condition has four grades of severity. In grade 1 the patella is normally in the femoral groove but can be manually manipulated outside of the groove. The 2nd and 3rd grades are the most common, in which the patella intermittently slides outside of the groove. In the most severe 4th grade the patella is permanently situated outside of the groove.
Patellar luxation is the most common congenital abnormality in dogs, affecting about 7% of puppies. Small breeds are most commonly affected especially Boston terriers, Chihuahuas, Pomeranians, Miniature poodles,and Yorkshire terriers. The incidence in large breed dogs has been in rise over the last 10 years.
Beside being a congenital abnormality, patellar luxation can also be caused in a normal dogs as a result of a traumatic injury.
The most common sign associated with the condition is limping. The duration and the severity of the limping depends on the grade of the condition. The more severe the condition is, the more frequent the limping episodes are. In a typical patellar luxation case the limping will be intermittent(on again- off again) and will be resolved spontaneously, sometimes after only few minutes.
The diagnosis of the condition is done by a manual manipulation of the joint. X ray exam can confirm the presence of the patella outside of its normal groove.
Unfortunately conservative treatment has little to offer, and the best permanent treatment for patellar luxation is by a corrective surgery.
Over time, if stays untreated the condition worsen,s severe arthritis develops which may lead to permanent damage and compromise mobility.
If your dog shows signs of permanent or intermittent episodes of limping on his back leg, along with yelping and signs of discomfort take it to be checked by your vet.
Early treatment of patellar luxation can yield a long, happy and pain free life for your dog. Ask your vet to assess your dog’s knee condition to make sure your dog does not have a knee problem

Constipation

noa — Tue, 17 Apr 2012 17:37:45 +0000

Constipation is not a disease by itself, but a symptom of some other underlying problem. Animals are very individual when it comes to the number of bowel movements per day. There is no set number of bowel movements per day representing a normal function of the intestine. A normal animal usually passes stool once or twice a day in average.
Constipation is a condition in which there is a reduction in the frequency of bowel movements and the consistency of the stool is dry and hard.
Constipation can appear in any type of animal but it is much more common in cats than in dogs.
The most common reasons for constipation are: dehydration, changes in the diet (the food has to be rich enough in fiber to produce normal stool), painful defecation, such as anal gland infection that leads to reluctance to defecate. Cats are very finicky about their litter box.If the litter box is not clean enough, changes in the type of litter, or changes in the litter box location, can make the cat refuse to use the litter box and later to constipation. Other reasons for constipation include certain drugs side effects, anatomical changes in the intestine that cause partial obstruction such as polyps or tumors,metabolic or hormonal imbalances (for example in Hypothyroidsm) pelvic injuries, prostate gland enlargement and more. Very frequently the exact reason for the constipation is unknown and there is no apparent cause, these cases are called in medical terminology- idiopathic.
The hallmark of constipation is straining to defecate. When the cat does pass stool, it may be watery at first and then followed by dry feces. The defecation may be accompanied by crying in pain. Defecation outside of the litter box can also be a sign that something is wrong. In advanced cases of the condition, other symptoms such as vomiting, lethargy, hunched back, appetite loss and weight loss can appear.
The diagnosis of constipation is based on a physical exam, including palpation of the abdomen. X rays confirm the presence of constipation and are also done in attempt to find out the cause. Other tests such as a blood test, abdominal ultrasound or other tests may be required in the diagnosis process of isolating the underlying cause for the constipation.
The treatment of constipation consists of laxatives and a high fiber diet. Severe cases may need to be treated by an enema, a penetrative procedure that is done under sedation/anesthesia in which the feces is evacuated from the colon.
In order to try to prevent constipation you should feed your pet a diet that is high in fiber, make sure your pet has constant access to fresh water at all times. Cat owners should keep the litter box clean. If your cat has long hair, brush it often. If your cat tends to swallow hair and form hairballs, you can treat it with a mild lubricant paste that can help it safely pass the hairball.
Chronic constipation may lead to permanent dilatation of the large intestine, a condition called Megacolon. This condition is found primarily in cats but can also be found in dogs. The treatment for megacolon is more complicated and in addition to the constipation treatment, other drugs that affect the intestinal innervation and motility are also prescribed.
If you recognize any of the constipation symptoms described, take your pet to be seen by your vet and get help for it.

Heartworm prevention

noa — Tue, 27 Mar 2012 17:48:35 +0000

The good news are that the winter is over. The bad news are that we are not the only creatures that are going to enjoy the upcoming spring, mosquitoes are also thriving in warm weather. Beside being a nuisance to people, mosquitoes have the capability of transmitting a dangerous disease to our pets known as Heart worm.

Heartworms (Dirofilaria immitis) are large roundworms that live in the right side of the heart and the blood vessels that supply blood to the lungs. The mature form of the worm can grow to a length of 23-30 cm, and in severe cases a dog may be infested with hundreds of worms.
Heart worm infestation can potentially cause damage to the heart, lungs and liver as well as obstruction of blood flow and eventually, death due to respiratory and heart failure.
Although dogs are the natural hosts for heartworm, cats will occasionally become infested as well.
Heartworms are spread by mosquitoes. Mosquitoes are active in warm temperature environment. The high-risk areas in Canada are the Okanagan valley in British Columbia, southern Ontario, southern Quebec and Manitoba. Heartworm is also found in most states in the US.
A mosquito bites an infected dog and sucks its blood. The worm develops in the mosquito’s body, and passes to an uninfected dog with mosquito’s saliva in its next bite. The worm in its immature form travels through the bloodstream and lodge in the right side of the heart and the blood vessels that supply the lungs, where it matures and multiplys.
There are no symptoms at all until the disease is very advanced. Then, the symptoms are those of congestive heart failure: dull coat, lack of energy, coughing, difficulty breathing, perhaps fainting spells and an enlarged abdomen.
A blood test is available and is the most common method of diagnosis. It takes approximately 6 – 7 months from the time of infection until the test becomes positive. The dead worm poses a lot of potential damage by breaking loose, obstructing blood vessels and causing respiratory failure and death.
Treatment for heartworm disease is available. However, treatment is costly and not without risks. The treatment consists of series of injections. While on treatment the dog has to be kept on strict activity to allow the body to absorb the dead worm.
Prevention is the Key, Preventive drugs are highly effective and when regularly administered will protect more than 99 percent of dogs and cats from heartworm.
There are few different types of preventative medications. The medications differ in their administration route, spectrum of activity and cost.
In general, I recommend to my clients to administer the preventative medications throughout the warm months of the year ,in the active period of the mosquitoes. Here in our beautiful warm Okanagan Valley the medications should be administered between April- October.
Discuss heart worm prevention with your vet, and get specific recommendation for keeping your beloved pet safe and heart worm free.

Adjusting your dog to a new baby in the house

noa — Tue, 13 Mar 2012 17:35:05 +0000

There is nothing more exciting than welcoming a new baby into the family. Becoming parents is challenging and a life changing experience. It takes lots of preparation of all the family members including the family pets to make the transition as smooth as possible.
I recommend to all dog owners to consult with a behaviour specialist or trainer prior to introducing the new baby to the dog. It is essential to make sure that the dog is well trained and obedient. Getting to know your dog, being able to foresee its reactions, recognizing “what pushes its buttons”, and above all being able to control your dog is essential in order to form a safe relationship between your kids and the dog.
Lets face it, as much as you love your dog right now, when the new baby arrives, your dog status in the family will change. Many people treat their dogs as if they were their babies. When the real baby enters the family, many of the dog privileges might be taken away. New rules come into effect along with new boundaries and restrictions. I can’t stress enough how important it is to apply all the new rules as early as possible before the baby’s arrival. It is very important that the dog will not associate the baby with negative consequences. All changes has to be done very gradually. Start by slowly reducing the amount of attention you give your dog. If there are specific places you know the dog will not be allowed to be in (the parents bedroom or on the furniture for example), apply the new rule right away.
Expose your dog to babies and toddlers, in a well controlled fashion (on a leash and with a muzzle on ,if required). Babies and toddlers walk, smell and sound differently from adults, and it might take some training for the dog to understand that they are not a threat. Remember to praise the dog by petting it , and you can consider giving it a special treat every time it behaves properly around babies. The idea is to associate the baby with positive connotation.
After the baby is born, and before you bring it home, take a blanket or a piece of the baby’s clothing and introduce it to the dog. Do not let the dog play with that object, make it clear that this not a toy. Make your dog sit, let your dog sniff the object and praise the dog with a treat. Again, the idea is to associate the baby with good behaviour and a positive consequence.
When you bring the baby home, let a friend or another family member hold the baby. Make sure that the person who the dog is most attached to, attends to the dog. Give the dog lots of attention, the dog probably missed you a lot when you were away in the hospital. After appropriately greeting the dog, introduce the baby to the dog. have the dog on a leash for better physical control, and slowly let it sniff the baby. If the dog misbehaves, calmly take it aside and try again later. Remember to praise the dog and give it a treat every time it behaves well.
It is very very important not to exclude your dog. Your dog is one of the family members. Excluding the dog, once the new baby arrives will not only harm your dog but also may lead to the dog’s negative association with baby, resulting in a vindictive revengeful behaviour often towards the baby itself.
I have witness cases in which the dog did not have any difficulty adjusting to the new born, but once the baby became more independent, started to crawl around and get into the “dog’s territory” (in the dog’s eyes) the problems started. Do not feel too comfortable with your dog if initially he or she did not show signs of jealousy. It is important to closely monitor the dog’s behavior even after few months from the baby’s arrival. Teaching the child appropriate behaviour, and gentle handling of the dog is also very important for the dog’s well being.
Never leave your baby alone with the dog, regardless of how much you trust your dog, dogs can be very unpredictable.
If your dog starts to show signs of new bad behaviors such as urinating in the house, distracting things in the house, becoming aggressive etc, it is probably signals of anxiety and a call for help. Involve a behaviour specialist immediately.
I’m stressing again that introducing a new baby into an existing family that includes pets is a step that requires preparation and special attention. These tips given here are very general and probably not sufficient enough in some cases. Consult your vet and ask for directions or recommendation for a behaviour specialist that will guide you through the process, taking under consideration the specific personalities and dynamics of your family and pets.

Dental disease in pets

noa — Mon, 27 Feb 2012 17:40:37 +0000

Many vet clinic have devoted this past month to promote the awareness of oral hygiene importance. As a part of this effort I’ve decided to republish this article that deals with one of the most important aspect of veterinary preventative medicine. Oral hygiene has both medical and cosmetic significance. Being aware and proactive about your pet’s oral hygiene can positively influence your pet health and longevity.
We humans, brush our teeth at least twice a day in order to keep them healthy. Dogs and cats have teeth just like we do, and the same conditions that lead to our tooth and gum problems also occur in our pets’ mouth. Oral hygiene has perhaps been the most neglected aspect of pet health care. Researches showed that 90% of pets over 2 years of age have significant mouth disease and 50% of them require immediate attention. Small breed dogs such as Yorkshire Terriers, Toy Poodles, etc. are more prone to tartar buildup. Dental disease in pets goes beyond bad breath. Your pet can also be affected by serious oral health threats that can have an impact on more than just its mouth.
When a dog eats, food, saliva and bacteria will stick to its teeth. This combination of food, saliva and bacteria is called plaque. The bacteria in plaque produce toxins, which cause inflammation and breakdown of the gums and tissue surrounding the teeth. Inflammation of the gum around the teeth is called gingivitis. When plaque stays on the teeth for long enough, it will harden and turn into tartar also knows as calculus. Tartar allows more bacteria and debris to accumulate, which makes inflammation of the gums worse.
If this process goes unchecked, the supporting structures of the tooth degenerate. This process is known as periodontal disease. The gums become separated from the tooth (periodontal pockets) a condition, which might lead to tooth abscess (formation of pocket of puss around the tooth’s root) and eventually to loss of the tooth. Dental diseases are causing pain and discomfort, bad breath, and bleeding from the gums.
The dental disease significance goes way beyond the oral heath. A pet with an advanced oral disease is at risk of developing multiple medical problems because of shifting of the bacteria from the mouth to various internal organs through the bloodstream. Severe dental disease can lead to life threatening conditions. The main target organs at risk are the lungs, heart, kidney, and joint infections.
So what can you do to maintain good oral health of you pet? The best way to prevent tartar accumulation and gingivitis is daily brushing. You can use a baby tooth brush but I personally find that the easiest is to use pet oriented toothbrush that you can wear on your finger. You should always use pet toothpaste and not human toothpastes, nor salt, or baking soda. Toothpastes foaming action is irritating and all of these substances can cause illness if swallowed. Dental diet is also recommended to healthy pets that do not require special medical diet. Pets that are getting fed with canned food are more prone for dental diseases formation.
I recommend avoiding giving cow’s bones to dogs for teeth cleaning because the bones can cause fractures of the teeth, ask you vet about dental treats and products.
The best way to treat gingivitis and tartar accumulation is with a professional veterinary cleaning. This procedure requires general anesthesia. While a dog is under anesthesia, the teeth are cleaned and polished in the same manner that a human dentist cleans and polishes people’s teeth. The teeth are cleaned both above and below the gum line. In some cases, where there is an abscess or severe infection under or around the tooth root, a tooth may need to be extracted. Most dogs do very well after having teeth pulled. A great many of them can even continue to eat dry food after losing a large number of teeth.
Providing your pet with good oral care is extremely important to its health. Unfortunately some pets are reluctant to cooperate so it can can be very challenging. An annual oral exam is recommended. Your veterinarian will assess the teeth condition and will consult you about specific ways to improve your own pet’s oral hygiene.

Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease

noa — Fri, 10 Feb 2012 19:54:39 +0000

If you share your life with a cat you should be aware of a syndrome called Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease (AKA FLUTD). This term refers to a number of abnormalities in the urinary tract including bladder infections and formation of crystals/stones. In severe cases an obstruction of the urethra can occur, preventing the excretion of urine from the body. This condition is a true emergency situation that is fatal if left untreated.
The most common urinary disease in cats is a bladder infection of an unknown cause. In these cases an inflammation is recognized but it is impossible to detect the specific cause for it. Often the cause for the chronic inflammation in the bladder is the formation of urinary crystals or stones which are rock hard collection of minerals deriving from the food.
Few factors promote the formation of urinary crystals and stones, the most significant ones are the urine PH and the amount of magnesium in the cat’s diet.
Besides the diet and the urine PH, other factors promote urinary problems in cats such as obesity, dehydration, and bacterial infections.
The condition is most common amongst cats at the age 2-5 years old.
Cats are very finicky about their litter box. If the litter box is not clean the cat may be reluctant to use it, the prolonged urinary retention makes the cat prone to develop urinary issues.
People who experienced urinary tract infection know how irritating and uncomfortable it makes one feel. Your cat can show you its distress by signs such as frequent urination, voiding small amount of urine in each urination, presence of blood in the urine, difficulty to urinate exhibited by prolonged squatting and straining accompanied by pain and excessive licking of the genital area. Urination outside of the litter box is also a common sign that something is wrong.
The most serious problem associated with urinary function is urethral obstruction. The obstruction is usually formed by either small urinary stones that are too small to stay in the bladder but are too large to pass in the urine. Another common cause is urinary plugs, formed by minerals, cells and mucus.
Regardless of the specific cause, the severity of the condition is the inability to pass urine and eliminate of the waste toxic substances in the urine and the imbalance of the body’s electrolytes lethally affecting the heart. If the obstruction is not relieved, the cat will eventually lose consciousness and die within 24-48 hours from the time of the obstruction.
Male cats are more prone to develop urethral obstruction than females due to their long and narrow urethra. Statistics show that neutered males are even at greater risk of developing the condition.
A blocked cat will show the same signs of FLUTD- frequent attempts to urinate, straining and pain. However, as time passes, an obstructed cat typically becomes much more distressed, they cry in pain, they are very restless and very sensitive to touch in their abdomen. These kind of symptoms should make you rush into your vet’s office as soon as possible.
The treatment of urethral obstruction is to unblocks of the urethra by inserting a urinary catheter. This procedure is done under anesthesia or deep sedation. The treatment may also involves other aspects of support such as IV fluids and electrolytes supplementation, depending on the cat’s state. This condition usually requires hospitalization until the cat is stabilized and able to urinate on its own.
Unfortunately this condition tends to reoccur. Owners of cats who experienced it before should monitor their cats closely for early identification of the next episode.
Diagnosing the reason for the blockage can assist in helping reducing the chance of recurrence.
In case of urinary crystals or stones, a special diet is available that helps regulating the urine PH.
Often the removal of urinary stones has to be done surgically. In some cases, a special diet can be prescribed in order to shrink down and eliminate the stones.
Other things you can do to hopefully prevent the condition are: provide clean, fresh water at all times. You can try to encourage your cat to drink by letting it drink from running water in the sink or by using a water fountain. Make sure the litter box is inviting, clean it frequently and place it in a quiet place.
Urinary issues in cats are often diagnosed as incidental finding in performance of other medical procedures. A routine urinary test may help you detect a problem in an early stage and spare grief from both you and you cat. Consult your veterinarian about more information of urinary tract health in cats.

Giving human medication to animals can be dangerous

noa — Tue, 31 Jan 2012 20:15:46 +0000

Some pet owners attempt to help their pet themselves hoping to avoid the trip to the vet. I was very surprised to find out the extent of the phenomenon of people treating their pets with human medication they have at home without veterinary instructions or supervision. Using human medication in pets can be very dangerous. One of the drug group most commonly used by owners is the Non Steriodal Antinflammatories (SNAIDS). This group includes Acetaminophen (Tylanol), Ibuprofen (Advil) Aspirin, and more. Human NSAIDS are usually sold “over the counter” and are used as pain and inflammation relievers. People tend to administer those medications to their pets in cases of fever and pain. Using human NSAIDS can be very dangerous to pets. Cats are especially sensitive to the adverse effects of these drugs. NSAIDS readily cause stomach ulcers. They damage the kidneys to the extent of kidney failure. They may also damage the liver and adversely affect the blood’s clotting ability.

The severity of the damage is determined by the amount substance given in correlation to the pet’s size. A typical human pill is designed to be used by a grown adult which may weigh 10 or even 20 times more than a pet.
Signs of NSAIDS toxicity are depend on the tissue affected. Stomach ulcers may manifest by vomiting and or diarrhea, both may contain blood. The pet is usually weak and has no interest in food, and may show pain reaction around its abdomen.
On top of the signs mentioned, kidney failure is also manifested by either lack of urine production or excessive urination and drinking. If the liver is involved the pet may show signs of Jaundice (yellowing of the skin and tissues)
As a rule of thumb, I recommend you not to give your pet human NSAIDS, or any other human drug for that matter, without consulting a vet. In some cases the animal helps itself to the drug, those cases are usually even more dangerous because the overdose tends to be greater. In order to prevent these intoxications, keep your medication in a high, non accessible place for your pet. If your pet consumed the medication take it to the vet ASAP. If treated immediately, the vet may be able to eliminate the drug absorption by inducing vomiting, or feeding the pet with active charcoal. If the drug got absorbed by the time the pet is presented to the vet, a supportive treatment such as intravenous fluids may help the animal’s body cope with the drug.
Veterinary NSAIDS are available and commonly prescribed by vets for pain relief. These medications are designed to be used by pets. Their concentration is lower, and only the types that are less dangerous to pets are used. Long term treatment by NSAIDS in case of Arthritis management for example, requires the veterinarian supervision. I recommend my clients to perform a periodic partial blood test, while their pet is treated by the medication, in order to make sure that no harm is done to the animal’s internal organs.
Always contact your veterinarian before giving any medication to your pet. If needed, using the appropriate NSAID product may benefit many suffering animals, if done carefully, sensibly and with the right professional veterinary supervision.

Onion and garlic intoxication

noa — Tue, 13 Dec 2011 20:06:24 +0000

Many pet owners consider their pets a part of the family and like to include and share their holiday dinners with them. It is important to know that some foods that are very healthy to humans actually bare risk to pets. Onion and garlic are the best example. Onions and garlic in any form may cause anemia in dogs. Whether raw or cooked, fresh or dehydrated, in seasoning or in powder. Onion and garlic contain substances which are highly toxic to pets and may cause anemia.
Anemia is the condition where the number of red blood cells and/or hemoglobin is unusually low.
The blood red cells are special cells that are have a flexible consistency. These cells contain Hemoglibin, a molecule that is responsible for carrying oxygen to the body tissues, enabling all normal physiologic functions. Since red blood cells carry much needed oxygen to the tissues and organs, lack of red blood cells can create a range of problems.
Onion and garlic toxicity in dogs can create a specific form of anemia, that is called Heinz-body hemolytic anemia. Heinz bodies are formed by damage to the hemoglobin and eventually rapture of the red cell.
The hallmark of hemolytic anemia is Jaundice- yellowing discoloration of the the tissues, externally appearing on the skin, gums and eyes. Other symptoms of onion and garlic toxicity in pets are: general weakness, increased heart and respiratory rate, vomiting, diarrhea, decreased appetite, lethargy, and blood in the urine.
There is no specific antidote for this toxicity. The treatment is a supportive treatment that includes gastric lavage/ vomiting induction along with IV fluids supplementation and blood transfusion if necessary. As always awareness and avoidance are the keys. Onion and garlic are very common in human food and are often included in a variety of processed foods. Human food manufacturers use them to make food tastier and they can often be found within the long list of ingredients.
Another common human food that may be harmful to DOGS (not cats) is raw salmon. The salmon itself is harmless to the dogs but it might contain an organism which is a sort of parasite that can even be deadly to dogs. Luckily this condition is treatable. If your dog shows illness signs such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, fever and you suspect it may have ingested raw salmon, contact your vet ASAP. Informing your vet of your suspicion is crucial for performing the right tests for diagnosing and treating the condition.
This is also a reminder of the importance of avoiding fatty food. Consuming fatty food can cause an inflammation of the pancreas called Pancreatitis.
The pancreas is an organ situated between the stomach and the intestine. The pancreas function is to secrete digestive enzymes into the first part of the intestine to allow digestion of food. The second function of the pancreas is to secrete hormones that are regulating the sugar in the blood, including Insulin.
Pancreatitis is an inflammation of the pancreas. The enzymes that are secreted from the pancreas are in inactive form. When the enzymes reach the intestine they become active. The active enzymes are breaking down the food and allow digestion and absorption of the nutrients. Pancreatitis occurs when the enzymes are becoming active while still in the pancreas, which leads to “self digestion” of the pancreas. Pancreatitis can be a severe and life threatening condition. Chronic Pancreatitis can lead to long term damages such as Diabetes (impairment of Insulin secretion)
Because the cause of Pancreatitis is unknown it is hard to prevent it. Keeping your pet in good body weight and avoiding high fat diet will decrease your pet’s chances of having Pancreatitis.
Hopefully this information along with my last article about chocolate toxicity will help you decide on how to include your pet in the holidays festivities in a safely manner.

Chocolate toxicity

noa — Tue, 29 Nov 2011 16:51:17 +0000

The Christmas holiday season is upon us. In the season of giving, chocolate is a very popular gift people like to exchange. As a chocolate lover my self, I know how a chocolate indulgemet can raise your spirit. As well as most people, dogs tend to have a “sweet tooth” too, but for dogs chocolate in large amount is harmful and can be even fatal.

Chocolate is made from cacao beans. Cacao beans contain a toxic substance called Theobromine. Cacao beans also contain Caffeine but in much smaller amounts than Theobromine. Both Theobromine and Caffeine are members of a drug class called Methylxanines. The reason why Theobromine is toxic for dogs is because they process it much more slowly than humans. At 17 hours after the chocolate ingestion, half of the Theobromine is still in the dog’s system. Theobromine is also toxic to cats, however cats are less likely to ingest chocolate than dogs.
Theobromine and Caffeine can adversely affect the nervous system, and the heart. They can also lead to increase of the blood pressure. The early signs of chocolate intoxication are nausea (manifested by drooling and smacking the lips)
The more Theobromine a cocoa product contains, the more poisonous it is to your dog. Researches showed that, one ounce of milk chocolate per pound of body weight is potentially lethal. Dark chocolate and baker’s chocolate are riskiest, milk and white chocolate pose a much less serious risk. So 20 ounces of milk chocolate, 10 ounces of semi-sweet chocolate, and just 2.25 ounces of baking chocolate could potentially kill a 22-pound dog.
Small dogs are at greater risk of chocolate toxicity than large dogs. This is because they can be poisoned by small quantities of chocolate.
In most instances diagnosis is based upon physical exam findings in combination with a history of access to chocolate. There is no definitive test for chocolate ingestion.
Unfortunately Theobromine has no antidote (medication that can reverse the adverse effects)
The treatment for chocolate toxicity is primarily supportive. Treatment focuses on addressing symptoms and problems that develop until the toxins are excreted by the body. In most cases, intoxication resolves within 24 -36 hours. If the dog was presented shortly after the ingestion, attempts to reduce the poison absorption can be made by inducing vomiting or feeding active charcoal. Intravenous fluids and anti seizure medication are also frequently required. Symptoms of intoxication usually occur 4-24 hours after the ingestion.
Prevention is the key. Keep all chocolate goodies in a non accessible place for your pet. Don’t share any chocolate with your pet on any circumstances. (yes, not even on its Birthday)
If you suspect that your dog got exposed to chocolate, contact your veterinarian. The dog’s weight, the type and amount of the chocolate ingested are all important information for the vet, in order to assess the dog’s risk and condition.
The holiday season is a wonderful time for families to spend time together and connect. Paying attention to your gluttonous pet’s eating is a one sure way of keeping you joyful and away from the vet’s office.

Cat scratching habits

noa — Tue, 08 Nov 2011 22:55:51 +0000

Unfortunately it turned out that your favorite couch is also your cat’s favorite couch… to claw on….Most of cat lovers got to experience this unpleasant behaviour of the feline members.
Some people find this behaviour unbearable, therefore this is one of the most common reasons for surrendering cats to animals shelters.
Clawing by scratching animate objects is a part of a normal behaviour in cats. It is very important to remember that your cat does not scratch your furniture in order to spite you. They do that to sharpen their nails as a part of self grooming, mark their territory, to exercise, and yes, also out of pleasure. It would be unrealistic to expect your cat to stop scratching. You better accept the scratching as a part of your cat behaviour and try to guide it to scratch on legitimate items instead of on your furniture. In order to do that, you should supply your cat with an alternative options. Scratching post is your best bet. Some cats take after the post right away, others might need some training. I know,you won’t find the scratching post in home decoration magazines, and this is probably the last thing you want in your living room, but remember cats are social creatures. Because they use scratching to mark their territory I would place the scratching post in the common living area, preferably close to the area it is used to scratch on. The idea is to try to make the cat like and use the post. Different cats have different preferences. The post you choose should be tall enough for the cat the dig it’s claws in and to stretch. Cats tend to like it when there is a toy attached to the post and many cats adopt the post as their sleeping area. Avoid any fluffy posts, cats prefer rough and coarse consistency. Pet stores carry all kind of different posts. Buying more than one post, and placing them in different areas of the house, will increase the chances of your cat getting to like and use the posts. In order to make the post more inviting, you can rub some cat nip on it. Is in OK to place the cat on the post, but don’t
If your cat continues to scratch on your furniture you can try a few other methods. First, do not punish the cat. This will not help. The cat will continue scratching but not in front of you. Another way to try to break the habit is by placing an aluminium foil on the area. This makes the area not pleasant for scratching. Cats are also averted by citrus smell. Spraying the area with a citrus odor can help keeping the cat away. One more method I find successful is using a water spraying bottle to spray the cat every time it scratches the furniture. It is important that the cat will not associate the spraying with you. The idea is to associate scratching the furniture with a bad consequence that “comes out of nowhere”. This not a punishment.
Some cats are very stubborn. You are more likely to train the cat if you start from early age. It might be very difficult to break the habit in an older cat. In order to prevent the damage done by the nails you can apply soft plastic covers, that are glued on the cat’s nail. They should be replaced periodically depending on the cat’s nail growth rate. This should only be used on strictly indoors cats. Cats that are exposed to the outdoors need their nails for self defence.
Some people choose to surgically declaw their cat. This is a permanent drastic solution. This surgical procedure is very controversial and is not done by all vets. If performing this surgery crossed your mind, consult your veterinarian to learn all the aspects involved in this kind of procedure.
Protecting your furniture and other household items is not impossible but it may take a little effort and patience on your behalf. Perseverance and understanding that this process might take a while can lead to the desired harmony of sharing your home with your feline friend.