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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.

Winterize your pet

noa — Mon, 24 Oct 2011 22:52:49 +0000

Just as your car may need a little special attention as cold weather approaches, so does your pet. Here are some tips on how to keep your pet safe and healthy during the cold season.
One of the most common reasons for rushing into vets offices in the winter time is antifreeze poisoning. The antifreeze we use in our vehicles is toxic to pets. Unfortunately it has a pleasant taste, so pets enjoy licking it. Antifreeze has a severe toxic effect on the kidneys which may be lethal. When you place antifreeze in your car, make sure your pet is not around. Make sure to clean any leaks on the ground thoroughly. Store the antifreeze container in a non accessible place for pets. A pet that ingested antifreeze will look like it has been drinking alcohol. The list of symptoms you may observe are staggering, confusion and disorientation. Excessive thirst and urination, vomiting and listlessness. If you suspect that your pet got exposed to antifreeze, take it to your vet ASAP.

Prepare proper shelter to your pet. Make sure it has a well isolated and protected area to sleep in. Pad the ground with blankets. Deeply bedded straw is another good insulator. Make sure the area is not exposed to drafts and stays dry at all times.

Hypothermia occurs when a pet has been exposed to very cold temperatures and/or wind for an extended period of time. Symptoms include: low body temperature, shivering,clumsiness and stumbling, drowsiness and exhaustion.

Animals in this condition should be placed immediately in a warm place. Cover your pet with warm blankets and contact your vet for further advice.

Many people do not associate dehydration with the winter season, but in fact dehydration is very common in dogs that are kept outdoors. When the temperature drops the pets drinking water may freeze and therefore put the pet at risk of dehydration. Using a heated drinking bowl can prevent this problem from happening. Special heated bowls are available in variety of pets stores.

Keep in mind that dogs that are kept mainly indoors may not get the opportunity to build up a proper winter coat. Using a pet’s sweater or jacket is very recommended, especially to owners of petite breeds of dogs such as Chihuahuas.
It is very important to maintain the dog’s physical activity also in the winter time, so don’t avoid walking your dog outside. Having said that, it is crucial to try to protect them from frost bites.
Dogs’ ears, paws and tails are especially susceptible to frostbite. Initially, frostbitten tissue may appear pale or gray in color. The area will be cold to the touch, and hard. As the area thaws, it may become red. In severe frostbite, within several days the tissue will start to appear black and slough. In order to prevent that, when you return home from your walk, dry up your dog, clean your dogs paws and remove all the snow remnants. Dogs with fury paws are more prone to get frost bites from the snow that entraps between the toes.
Cats are known to climb into car engines to stay warm. Before you start your car, bang on the hood and honk the horn to scare away the cat.

The same as with Humans, cold weather aggravates arthritis in pets. If your pet is having trouble getting up or laying down, navigating the stairs, or has started to snap or cry when picked up, Its probably time to consult your veterinarian on some remedies for arthritis relieve.

Cold-weather pet care is a matter of compassion and common sense. Use both in equal measure, and your pet will get through the winter safe and happy.

Dogs mental health

noa — Sun, 25 Sep 2011 22:47:16 +0000

Nowadays there is a growing awareness of the importance of good mental health. There is an increase in the number of people seeking help and counseling. People are striving to improve their quality of life by using medications not only for severe mental problems but even for mild mood disorders. Well, did you know that our canine friends may suffer from mental disorders as well?
Dogs mental problems usually manifest in behaviours that annoy and aggravate their owners. This results in anger reaction of the owner that may exacerbate the dog’s problem. This vicious cycle can be resolved by understanding the dog’s behaviour and the management options.
The most common behavioral problem of dogs is separation anxiety. Separation anxiety in dogs is usually manifested by destructive and inappropriate behaviour when the dog gets left alone even in a familiar environment. The most common complaints I hear from owners are that the dog constantly howls barks or whines, destroys by chewing various objects in the house, furniture ,doors and windows. Some dogs urinate and defecate in the house despite being house trained.

This condition is extremely irritating for the dog’s owner but it is crucial to understand the nature of this behaviour. These are symptoms of severe stress. Dogs are social creatures, they consider the family as their “pack” in which they are an equal member. It is not natural for dogs to be separated from their owners and some dogs get very distressed by it. When they express destructive behaviour it is not done out of vindictiveness, it is their way of trying to free themselves. Soiling the house may represent a sign of severe emotional distress.

Because we can not converse with the dog, the diagnosis of separation anxiety is tentative and is done by ruling out other medical problems that may result in a similar behaviour. Puppies may show destructive behaviour as a part of teething and not due to separation anxiety.

Punishing the dog will not help solving the problem. On the contrary,when you punish your dog when you return home, it may associate the punishment with your return rather than with the mischief it caused. This may stress it even more when you will leave home the next time.

The management of this condition is not straight forward. This problem will not go away on its own. It requires perseverance in a process that is meant to ensure the dog that when you are leaving you are not deserting it and you will be back. I strongly recommend to the owners of dogs who suffer from behavioural problem to consult a behavioral specialist. The treatment process usually involves desensitization training in which the dog learns to cope with periods of separation that are gradually extended. It is also important to create a safe area for the dog in which it will feel secured and its ability to cause damage will be limited. The key is to confine the dog without making it feel isolated. leaving an object with your smell such as shirt may help the dog feel closer to you.

Behavioural modification medication are available for dogs. These medications are similar to human antidepressants and anxiolytics. Most people find these medications very effective in reducing their dog’s stress level without sedating them.

Owning a dog with a behavioral disorder will affect both the dog’s and the owner quality of life. There is no need to suffer any longer. If your dog is trashing your house it is probably a call for help. Consult your veterinarian about more information on how to manage your dog’s behavioral issues and help both of you to live a better life.

Back pain in pets

noa — Tue, 06 Sep 2011 22:45:39 +0000

Back pain is the bane of many people’s life. We are in good company, as it turns out, our four legged fury friends are not immune to back pain either.
The spinal cord is one of the most important and sensitive organs in the body. It is responsible for the transmission of the neurologic signals from the brain to the rest of the body and vise versa , hence responsible for the motor ability, sensation and reflexes. If it is damaged, the nerve cells do not regenerate but are replaced with fibrous or scar tissue. Spinal cord injuries may result in a permanent paralysis.
Spinal cord injuries may be a result of trauma (for example hit by car or sports injuries), arthritis of the vertebral column which leads to anatomical changes in the vertebrae, infections or even tumors. The most common reason for back pain in
Due to its sensitivity, the spinal cord is protected in a very special fashion. It runs through the vertebral column which protects it. It is basically surrounded by bones everywhere except in the junctions between the vertebrae. This junctions between two adjacent vertebrae are filled by rubber like cushions called intervertebral discs. These discs are allowing the spinal flexibility and also serve as shock absorbents. There are two types of intarvertebral disc disease. The disc material undergoes chemical changes, it loses its elasticity, and ultimately raptures (in type 1) or bulges (in type 2) causing a direct pressure on the spinal cord . Pressure on the spinal cord results in pain and/or loss of information transmission causing partial or complete paralysis.
Type 1 of the disease is the more common form (%80 of cases). This condition is genetically inherited and most common in: Dachshunds, Beagles, Lhasa apsos, Pekingese, Shih Tzus, miniature Poodles,and Cocker spaniels. These breeds often start to develop the condition as puppies, although the signs usually don’t appear until the age of 3-6 years.
The type 2 of the condition is seen most often in large breed dogs, usually older then 5 years of age.
Dogs with back pain will be hunched over, or have their spine twisted to one side. The dog may have trouble moving and jumping or cry when you pick it up. Severe cases result in a partial or complete paralysis.
The diagnosis of disc disease is not straight forward. After the initial information gathering the vet will conduct a physical exam. It is important to distinguish between back pain and abdominal pain. This can be challenging at times because many of the conditions that cause severe abdominal pain may appear as back pain. Once the vet establishes that the pain originates from the back he may suggest performing x rays. Since neither the disc nor the spinal cord are visible on X rays, the test may suggest but can not proof the disc herniation. It can also help in ruling out the other causes of back pain. Disc disease is proven by performing either Myelogram, a specialized radiographic technique that involves injection of contrast dye to the spinal cord in order to pinpoint the location of the spinal compression, or by performing CT.
The treatment for disc disease depends on the duration and severity of the condition. Conservative treatment of medication and strict cage rest may help in relieving the pressure on the spine. Surgical treatment is the only option for an actual removal of collapsed disc material. The surgery is not risk free and is recommended only in cases of complete paralysis or when there was no improvement with the medication treatment.
Unfortunately disc disease can not be prevented, but if your dog belongs to the breeds that are prone to the disease you should be more cautious and try to decrease any shocks on the spinal cord . Do not encourage your dog to jump. When you play fetch, roll the ball on the ground rather than throwing it high in the air. Hold your dog in your arms when going up and down the stairs and pick it up and down from furniture.
Take you dog to the vet when you notice the first signs of back pain. Early diagnosis may help in affecting the prognosis of your dog.

Intestinal foreign body and obstruction

noa — Wed, 24 Aug 2011 05:06:22 +0000

Dogs and cats, especially the young ones are naturally curious and playful hence tend to chew and swallow various objects. The foreign object may lodge in any part of the gastrointestinal system- the esophagus, the stomach or the intestine. Dogs have been known to swallow bones, balls,corncobs, toys, sticks, stones, pins, needles, wood splinters, cloth, rawhide, leather, strings, fruit pits, and other objects. The most common foreign bodies found in cats are strings. Any household object your pet chews on can become a foreign body problem. Although some smaller objects can get through the gut without getting stuck, the larger pieces can result in serious gastrointestinal complications. The presence of the foreign body can lead not only to either partial or complete obstruction but also to a tear of the gastrointestinal tract. Some foreign objects ingestion can lead to intoxication such as coins and batteries.
Partial obstruction allows limited passage of fluids and gas through the gastrointestinal tract, whereas complete obstruction does not allow any passage of gas and fluids past the obstruction. A complete obstruction is a very severe condition, usually with a rapid progression and poses potential severe consequences if not treated right away. Gastrointestinal blockage can lead to impairment of the blood flow and often to a permanent damage to the area of the blockage, infection due to bacterial overgrowth and severe dehydration.
The clinical presentation of foreign bodies depend on the location of the object and whether the object caused a partial or complete obstruction. The most common symptom associated with gastrointestinal foreign body is vomiting. In a complete abstraction the vomiting will be profound and frequently will be accompanied also by lethargy, loss of appetite, and depression. A pet with an untreated case of complete obstruction will probably die within 3-4 days. In a partial obstruction the symptoms will be less severe and intermittent. The animal will lose weight, but as long as the animal keeps drinking it may live for 3-4 weeks.
Foreign bodies are usually diagnosed by imaging. Some objects can be seen on a plain x ray, in other cases the object itself can not be seen, but the shape of the intestine reveals typical pattern that highly suggests the presence of a foreign body. Sometimes a contrast x ray is required. In this type of test the animal is fed by a special dyeing material that helps determining if there is obstruction and its nature. Some foreign bodies can also be diagnosed by ultrasound or an endoscopic exam.
Once the diagnosis of foreign body was established, the treatment depends on the location of the object and the pet’s medical condition. If the pet’s condition allows it, the vet will repeat the x rays in order to assess whether the object is moving and can pass on its own. In many cases a surgical intervention is required. In simple cases the surgery involves only removing the object. In more complicated cases, where the blockage has caused permanent damage, the surgery is more involved and may include a partial removal of the damaged intestinal segment.
Beside removing the object most animals also require hospitalization with intravenous supply of fluids till the animal gets back on tract and is able to drink and eat on its own. The treatment usually also involves medication such as antibiotics and electrolytes supplementation.
Prevention is very important and may spare your animal from getting through a very painful and potentially life threatening condition. It is important to pet proof your house. Keep away any object that your pet might ingest. Make sure that the toys that you give to your pets are large enough so they can not be swallowed. Also make sure that the toys are made of good quality and can not be broken into pieces easily. Some dogs tend to chew on objects more then others, I would keep away toys from these kind of dogs, better be safe than sorry. It is very important to make sure that your pet will not have access to garbage and garbage bins. Some dogs have extreme tendency to chew on an object when they are walked outdoors. If that is the case with your dog and you feel that you are having difficulty controlling what your dog chews on, you can consider walking it with a muzzle on.
If your pet shows any of the symptoms mentioned, especially severe or intermittent vomiting, take it to be seen by your vet. Your vet can gather information on your specific pet habits and living environment and suggest more methods of preventing gastrointestinal foreign bodies.

Approach to tumors in pets

noa — Tue, 02 Aug 2011 16:48:23 +0000

Tumors are very common in animals, especially in the senior animal population. According to researches, cancer is the cause of almost 50% of death in pets over 10 years of age. It is important to understand that not every tumor is cancerous.
Tumor definition is any abnormal growth of cells. Tumors, or as frequently called by vets- masses, can be either benign or malignant. Benign neoplasms do not grow aggressively, do not invade the surrounding body tissues, and do not spread throughout the body. Malignant neoplasms, on the other hand, tend to grow rapidly, invade the tissues around them, and may spread, or metastasize, to other parts of the body. Only malignant tumor are considered cancerous.
The diagnosis of tumors is done by pathological examination of the specific tissue involved.
The most common diagnostic procedures that are done by vets are either Fine Needle Aspiration (FNA) or biopsy. In fine needle aspiration, the veterinarian uses a needle and a syringe to obtain a sample of cells from the mass. The advantage of this procedure is that it is fairly simple to perform. In many cases this procedure does not require anesthesia, sedation or any other preparation, unless is done on an internal organ. The disadvantage of this method is that the results are not guaranteed as reliable. A much better method of diagnosing the nature of the tumor is by obtaining a real biopsy of the tissue. This requires cutting a piece or the whole tumor out. This procedure yields much more reliable results, but usually requires some sort of sedation or general anesthesia.
The sample that was obtained then get sent to a special laboratory to be assessed by a pathologist. The pathologist will determine the nature of the cells and if the tumor is benign or cancerous.
Cancer is a very broad term. Diagnosing a tumor as cancerous is just the first step in determining the severity of the condition and the prognosis of the pet. Different cancer tumors have various levels of aggressiveness in terms of rate of growth and ability to metastasize and affect more organs. If the tumor is diagnosed as cancerous the veterinarian will likely recommend to perform additional tests such as blood tests, x rays or ultrasound to assess whether the tumor has spread.
Early detection is extremely important in managing most of cancerous tumors.
In general tumors can develop anywhere in the body. They can be external or internal .External tumors are usually easier to detect and diagnose. If you notice any lump or mass on your pet, get it to be checked by your veterinarian. External tumors may also appear as wounds that do not heal.
Internal tumors are harder to detect. Internal tumors usually manifested by symptoms related to the organ affected. The most common symptoms that are associated with cancer in general are:
decreased appetite and weight loss,vomiting, diarrhea, bleeding or discharge from any body opening, persistent lameness or stiffness, difficulty breathing, urinating, or defecating, and of course any abnormal swelling or enlargement of a tissue.
Unfortunately the cause of most tumors is unknown, hence can not be prevented. Spaying your dog around 6 months of age can significantly reduce the chances of mammary tumors. Neutering males prevents testicular tumors as well.
Once a tumor is diagnosed as cancerous,the treatment depends on the type of the cancer, and the severity of the condition. Each tumor is treated differently depending on its nature. In general, most commonly the treatment includes surgical excision of the mass if possible, and or Chemotherapy.
Your pet’s overall health is important too, and your veterinarian may recommend dietary changes or other things to help your pet better respond to treatment. Once you have a diagnosis, your veterinarian will discuss the best treatment options for your pet and the risks and side effects associated with each option. Pain management is also recommended in many cases.
Unfortunately sometimes the condition is too advance to attempt curative treatment, and measures will be taken only to try to improve the pet’s quality of life.
Early detection can be crucial in affecting the course of the disease and the prognosis of your pet. Please consult your veterinarian about more information on tumors and their best medical management.