For those of you who have been following this blog, you already know that I do, indeed, see chickens. You may even know that it stems from my time as an undergraduate at the University of Delaware.
I found this article and it is in line with what I have heard and seen - that there are more people with pet chickens or hobby chicken farms (usually for eggs).
Owners of Pet Chickens Scramble When Their Pets Feel Afowl
On another cool chicken related note, I recently found out that my veterinary alma mater, Purdue University started a veterinary residency program for poultry medicine!
Snow Leopard
Snow Leopard cub (7 mos old) - Cape May County Zoo
Wednesday, September 25, 2013
Friday, July 5, 2013
Top Dogs
Once again, the American Kennel Club has released the list of America's favorite dogs.
A few comments I'd like to make. This is simply a compilation of which breeds are most commonly owned, in numerical order. However, many dogs are not AKC registered and don't even get "counted." Even purebred dogs, depending on where they come from, can be unknown to the AKC. Then of course, there are the mutts and the overpriced mixes (also called designer dogs.)
As a small animal veterinarian, who has been in practice 15 years, I can say the list is fairly on target. We DO see a lot of Labs, Goldens, Rotties, and the smaller dogs on the list. I also see a LOT Of Pit Bulls (they are a tremendous unreported population - 99.9% of the time amazing sweet dogs - but over represented in our shelters and often needed to be labelled as "lab mixes" due to homeowner's and other insurances. THAT is sad, considering that it's not Pit Bulls that I fear or have gotten bitten or nearly bitten by most. Not by a VERY long shot.
Anyhow, before you get any dog, research it - especially if you are fixed on a specific breed. I urge to you seriously consider a shelter dog. They are great pets and often they are there for reasons that have nothing to do with them but with the humans that had them. Every breed has it's own rescue too so you can still save an animal without contributing to the over population problem. If those don't meet your needs, be very careful and stick with a reputable breeder - and yes, you will pay more because they do it the right way and spend $ on their breeding animals.
Here is The List
A few comments I'd like to make. This is simply a compilation of which breeds are most commonly owned, in numerical order. However, many dogs are not AKC registered and don't even get "counted." Even purebred dogs, depending on where they come from, can be unknown to the AKC. Then of course, there are the mutts and the overpriced mixes (also called designer dogs.)
As a small animal veterinarian, who has been in practice 15 years, I can say the list is fairly on target. We DO see a lot of Labs, Goldens, Rotties, and the smaller dogs on the list. I also see a LOT Of Pit Bulls (they are a tremendous unreported population - 99.9% of the time amazing sweet dogs - but over represented in our shelters and often needed to be labelled as "lab mixes" due to homeowner's and other insurances. THAT is sad, considering that it's not Pit Bulls that I fear or have gotten bitten or nearly bitten by most. Not by a VERY long shot.
Anyhow, before you get any dog, research it - especially if you are fixed on a specific breed. I urge to you seriously consider a shelter dog. They are great pets and often they are there for reasons that have nothing to do with them but with the humans that had them. Every breed has it's own rescue too so you can still save an animal without contributing to the over population problem. If those don't meet your needs, be very careful and stick with a reputable breeder - and yes, you will pay more because they do it the right way and spend $ on their breeding animals.
Here is The List
Sunday, June 16, 2013
The Role of a Veterinarian
When most people hear the word "veterinarian" they think of one or two things, such as their dog or cat's doctor or James Herriot (showing my age here huh?) If they live on a farm, they may also be familiar with the large animal vet who makes farm calls, no matter the time or weather. We got the US Postal Service beat on this one, I can assure you!
However, as I've said before - probably on here as well as at educational venues I've spoken to - there are SO many more things we do. Things you don't see. Things you don't think about.
Veterinarians, above ALL medical professionals, are the best trained and most knowledgeable about zoonotic diseases - those that can be transmitted between humans and animals. In vet school, we are given numerous examples of cases where animals were either incorrectly blamed or the wrong info was given by well meaning physicians. They just don't know sometimes. Then "Fluffy" ends up at the shelter. For no good reason.
In any case, we have a HUGE role to play. Even those of us in small animal practice. There are a list of diseases that are "reportable" as well as those that are "foreign." These are SERIOUS in their impact - be it economic or health related or BOTH. It was a vet who helped find West Nile Virus. Veterinarians work with and for the CDC, the USDA, the NIH, state health departments and a host of other agencies and private companies to help protect YOU and your family, not just the family pet or the income your farm animals provide.
They call this concept "one health" because we all get affected by many diseases, toxins and pollutants. Physicians AND veterinarians are on the look out for these diseases or changes in a disease pattern or species. We can learn from each other how to combat and prevent these diseases too.
If you are interested in this please go to this website at the AVMA to learn more.
However, as I've said before - probably on here as well as at educational venues I've spoken to - there are SO many more things we do. Things you don't see. Things you don't think about.
Veterinarians, above ALL medical professionals, are the best trained and most knowledgeable about zoonotic diseases - those that can be transmitted between humans and animals. In vet school, we are given numerous examples of cases where animals were either incorrectly blamed or the wrong info was given by well meaning physicians. They just don't know sometimes. Then "Fluffy" ends up at the shelter. For no good reason.
In any case, we have a HUGE role to play. Even those of us in small animal practice. There are a list of diseases that are "reportable" as well as those that are "foreign." These are SERIOUS in their impact - be it economic or health related or BOTH. It was a vet who helped find West Nile Virus. Veterinarians work with and for the CDC, the USDA, the NIH, state health departments and a host of other agencies and private companies to help protect YOU and your family, not just the family pet or the income your farm animals provide.
They call this concept "one health" because we all get affected by many diseases, toxins and pollutants. Physicians AND veterinarians are on the look out for these diseases or changes in a disease pattern or species. We can learn from each other how to combat and prevent these diseases too.
If you are interested in this please go to this website at the AVMA to learn more.
Thursday, June 13, 2013
Leptospirosis: What is it?
Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection. However, it's not quite THAT simple. There are a number of different subtypes or "serovars." The vaccines we use get some, but not all that are out there. This is a zoonotic disease, meaning we can acquire it from animals, notably our dogs. Humans can and do acquire this infection apart from dogs too however.
It is, despite not getting the "media hype", the most common zoonotic disease in the world. It is most often carried by rodents and disseminated through their urine into water sources or puddles of water. Humans and other animals contract it via contact with these - licking paws, consuming the water or just splashing and contact with wounds or mucous membranes.
The "risk" groups as listed by the CDC are as follows:
It is, despite not getting the "media hype", the most common zoonotic disease in the world. It is most often carried by rodents and disseminated through their urine into water sources or puddles of water. Humans and other animals contract it via contact with these - licking paws, consuming the water or just splashing and contact with wounds or mucous membranes.
The "risk" groups as listed by the CDC are as follows:
Leptospirosis occurs worldwide, but is most common in temperate or tropical climates. It is an occupational hazard for many people who work outdoors or with animals, such as:
- farmers
- mine workers
- sewer workers
- slaughterhouse workers
- veterinarians and animal caretakers
- fish workers
- dairy farmers
- military personnel
The disease has also been associated with swimming, wading, kayaking, and rafting in contaminated lakes and rivers. As such, it is a recreational hazard for campers or those who participate in outdoor sports. The risk is likely greater for those who participate in these activities in tropical or temperate climates.
In addition, incidence of Leptospirosis infection among urban children appears to be increasing.
Also to note:
It is estimated that 100-200 Leptospirosis cases are identified annually in the United States. About 50% of cases occur in Hawaii.
The largest recorded U.S. outbreak occurred in 1998, when 775 people were exposed to the disease. Of these, 110 became infected.
Although incidence in the United States is relatively low, leptospirosis is considered to be the most widespread zoonotic disease in the world.
Significant increases in incidence have been reported from Peru and Ecuador following heavy rainfall and flooding in the spring of 1998. Thailand has also reported a rapid increase in incidence between 1995 and 2000.
The following article discusses leptospirosis in our dog population. Lepto in dogs
Why do I bring this disease up? Is it something I see often?
Well, no. It is a core part of my vaccination protocols for most dogs. Most. It is definitely out there though.
This IS something I have seen. It can be fatal. I actually believe it's underdiagnosed. It can cause a wide variety of signs which can be present in OTHER disease processes. It's not that "simple" to diagnose and the antibiotics we often use to treat those "other" things often get this too.
The biggest issue is vaccine reactions. This vaccine or vaccine component (it can be found combined with other vaccines) causes the most vaccine reactions of all the ones we have and give to our dogs.
However, it is still important for all dogs UNLESS they have a vaccine reaction that is so severe, to get this vaccine. They can be pre treated with diphenhydramine.
I can tell you I vaccinate MY own dogs, including my smaller 17lb dog.
There are some breeds more prone to vaccine reaction and in small breeds, I do recommend splitting vaccines up and not giving 3 or 4 at once.
Combination vaccines have been found to be less likely to cause reactions than single vaccines. This is why we choose combination vaccines where we can.
Talk to your veterinarian about this. Not the breeder. Not the groomer. Not someone who also owns a "x" dog.
Saturday, May 25, 2013
Hairballs: It's not just YOUR cat with this problem
Hairballs or trichobezoars (the technical name for them) are common in our domestic feline friends. I have also seen them in rabbits. In fact, they can occur in any animal that grooms themselves. Most animals pass these or bring them back up, and if you are a cat owner, you know it's usually on your light colored carpets.
Thankfully, they very rarely cause an obstruction but at times we do need to remove them surgically.
This is a surgery I would've loved to have been in on....
4 lb Hairball Removed from Lion
Thankfully, they very rarely cause an obstruction but at times we do need to remove them surgically.
This is a surgery I would've loved to have been in on....
4 lb Hairball Removed from Lion
Monday, May 13, 2013
It's Probably NOT Ear Mites
Other than in kittens and occasionally puppies, we don't see ear mites as the most common cause of ear problems in pets, especially adult dogs.
Pet owners, however, seem to assume this IS the likely problem, run out and get an over the counter "ear mite" treatment, to find, that it doesn't work. That's when I see them.
Ear problems are one of the top 10 reasons we see dogs. While every breed can be affected, it is those "floppy eared" breeds like Goldens, Labs, Cockers, hounds, etc that are more likely to have a problem. This is because there is much less air flow and more humidity in these ears versus a straight up ear breed like a German Shepherd.
While what we see is often an infection, there is usually also an underlying allergy component. This can be an allergy to a food component/s and/or inhalant agents. It's not always easy to get to the bottom of this. Diet trials must be done with 8-12 weeks of an EXCLUSIVE diet that involves a novel protein and carb source (one your dog's body has not seen). This means no treats, no table food, etc. NONE. Not even a "small piece." Many dog foods have common components and your dog may be reacting to one of those. Also, grain is not evil and not the cause of all allergies. This is the current "fad" that people think is the miracle cure. When I was in vet school, it was "lamb and rice." The thing is, when all the foods started having lamb and rice, guess what? It was not something "new" to our dogs immune systems. There is no ONE cure for all dogs. Each dog is different. I've seen dogs allergic to egg, chicken, beef, soy and other components. Speak to your veterinarian about what is the best way to start trying to find out what your dog is reacting to.
Inhalant allergies can often been found via a blood test or referral to a veterinary dermatologist for the "gold standard" - a skin test.
In the meantime, you will need to clean and treat those ears. You also need to be prepared for the fact that this is not something we often "cure" but more often manage.
It is for this reason that it is important that you get your puppy used to having his or her ears touched. You should play with them, massage them and wipe them out. I recommend unscented baby wipes. Then when they are 70 lbs they won't be fighting with you for the treatment needed to help them. Oral meds are NOT better than direct topical treatment and often are very expensive because of the type of antibiotics needed to treat these types of infections.
Pet owners, however, seem to assume this IS the likely problem, run out and get an over the counter "ear mite" treatment, to find, that it doesn't work. That's when I see them.
Ear problems are one of the top 10 reasons we see dogs. While every breed can be affected, it is those "floppy eared" breeds like Goldens, Labs, Cockers, hounds, etc that are more likely to have a problem. This is because there is much less air flow and more humidity in these ears versus a straight up ear breed like a German Shepherd.
While what we see is often an infection, there is usually also an underlying allergy component. This can be an allergy to a food component/s and/or inhalant agents. It's not always easy to get to the bottom of this. Diet trials must be done with 8-12 weeks of an EXCLUSIVE diet that involves a novel protein and carb source (one your dog's body has not seen). This means no treats, no table food, etc. NONE. Not even a "small piece." Many dog foods have common components and your dog may be reacting to one of those. Also, grain is not evil and not the cause of all allergies. This is the current "fad" that people think is the miracle cure. When I was in vet school, it was "lamb and rice." The thing is, when all the foods started having lamb and rice, guess what? It was not something "new" to our dogs immune systems. There is no ONE cure for all dogs. Each dog is different. I've seen dogs allergic to egg, chicken, beef, soy and other components. Speak to your veterinarian about what is the best way to start trying to find out what your dog is reacting to.
Inhalant allergies can often been found via a blood test or referral to a veterinary dermatologist for the "gold standard" - a skin test.
In the meantime, you will need to clean and treat those ears. You also need to be prepared for the fact that this is not something we often "cure" but more often manage.
It is for this reason that it is important that you get your puppy used to having his or her ears touched. You should play with them, massage them and wipe them out. I recommend unscented baby wipes. Then when they are 70 lbs they won't be fighting with you for the treatment needed to help them. Oral meds are NOT better than direct topical treatment and often are very expensive because of the type of antibiotics needed to treat these types of infections.
Friday, May 3, 2013
Top Ailments
Every year, one or more of the pet insurance companies releases a list of the top ten reasons pets were taken to the vet, based on their claim data.
They are pretty accurate when I think of what I see year in/year out and the problems don't generally change from year to year.
Here's a link with the information along with some links to other cool pet related lists: Common Dog and Cat Issues
They are pretty accurate when I think of what I see year in/year out and the problems don't generally change from year to year.
Here's a link with the information along with some links to other cool pet related lists: Common Dog and Cat Issues
Saturday, April 20, 2013
A Few Things
As we get into spring and thunderstorms start to pop up, you may notice your dog getting anxious, pacing, panting, hiding, etc. This is a very common issue that we see and there are remedies that your veterinarian can offer so your dog doesn't have to suffer during this time. There are things like thunder shirts, which offer non pharmaceutical ways to address anxieties and there are good sedatives as well.
I can tell you that I personally use 5mg of acepromazine on my Shih Tzu because, starting at age 6 (he's 8 1/2 yrs old now), he developed severe anxiety during storms. I have no idea why. Nothing bad or traumatic happened to him during one of these. He tremors and shakes throughout the entire thing if NOT given medication. However, with the ace on board, he's able to relax and sleep.
Please call your veterinarian if your pet is experiencing these signs.
The other thing I wanted to share today is a great article on what a proper dental is again. I know I discussed this topic once before but it's important enough to go over again.
You cannot and should not do a dental cleaning on an awake animal. A few reasons:
-you cannot get below the gum line
-scraping teeth without polishing creates MORE grooves for
tartar and bacteria
-your groomer or "friend" does not have the proper dental equipment to do a proper assessment and cleaning (this includes checking for pockets that may call for removal of teeth)
A few things I'll add to this:
*not ALL vet practices have a dental x-ray machine but you can still do an excellent job - I've seen many cases long term post dental and they were fine - it's the person doing IT that matters the most - what is their training, experience, etc?
*I do not recommend brushing teeth. Why? Well, we brush our teeth 2-3x a day and STILL have dental disease. I do not think anyone can even do that with their pets. I have seen that giving your dog something good to chew on (a bully stick or knuckle bone) will DEFINITELY improve dental health. I have seen it scrape the tartar off the teeth. If you dog will NOT chew, there is nothing you can do to change that.
The 9 Steps to a Professional Dental Cleaning
I can tell you that I personally use 5mg of acepromazine on my Shih Tzu because, starting at age 6 (he's 8 1/2 yrs old now), he developed severe anxiety during storms. I have no idea why. Nothing bad or traumatic happened to him during one of these. He tremors and shakes throughout the entire thing if NOT given medication. However, with the ace on board, he's able to relax and sleep.
Please call your veterinarian if your pet is experiencing these signs.
The other thing I wanted to share today is a great article on what a proper dental is again. I know I discussed this topic once before but it's important enough to go over again.
You cannot and should not do a dental cleaning on an awake animal. A few reasons:
-you cannot get below the gum line
-scraping teeth without polishing creates MORE grooves for
tartar and bacteria
-your groomer or "friend" does not have the proper dental equipment to do a proper assessment and cleaning (this includes checking for pockets that may call for removal of teeth)
A few things I'll add to this:
*not ALL vet practices have a dental x-ray machine but you can still do an excellent job - I've seen many cases long term post dental and they were fine - it's the person doing IT that matters the most - what is their training, experience, etc?
*I do not recommend brushing teeth. Why? Well, we brush our teeth 2-3x a day and STILL have dental disease. I do not think anyone can even do that with their pets. I have seen that giving your dog something good to chew on (a bully stick or knuckle bone) will DEFINITELY improve dental health. I have seen it scrape the tartar off the teeth. If you dog will NOT chew, there is nothing you can do to change that.
The 9 Steps to a Professional Dental Cleaning
Friday, April 5, 2013
Vaccine Components: Distemper
Most pet owners get yearly reminders about the vaccines their cat or dog is due for without even understanding what diseases the vaccines are preventing. The reason is that, for the most part, we just don't see too many of these diseases any more, especially in most parts of the United States.
I thought it would be a good idea to break down what is in each vaccine and explain to you what that "letter" stands for exactly!
So we'll start with dogs and the DHPP or the DHLPP or the DA2PP. Different vaccine manufacturers and different combinations of components are the reason for some of these letter differences.
Today we are focusing on the "D" which stands for distemper.
This is directly from the Merck Veterinary Manual. It may surprise you to know it's not just dogs that can succumb to this disease. Raccoons, red pandas and large cats can also get this disease.
Canine distemper is a highly contagious, systemic, viral disease of dogs seen worldwide. Clinically, it is characterized by a diphasic fever, leukopenia, GI and respiratory catarrh, and frequently pneumonic and neurologic complications. The disease is seen in Canidae (dogs, foxes, wolves), Mustelidae (eg, ferret, mink, skunk, wolverine, marten, badger), most Procyonidae (eg, raccoon, coatimundi), some Viveridae (binturong), red pandas (Ailuridae), Elephantidae (Asian elephant), primates (Japanese monkey), and large Felidae.
I have seen this disease in young puppies that most likely came from Midwest "puppy" mills to be sold at pet stores. They did not survive. It is rarely seen here in the US in our pets, but is still prevalent in 3rd world countries. It is by no means "elminated" and since wild animals can get it and carry it, your pet should be protected as recommended by your vet.
The "distemper" name comes from the neurologic signs shown by the animal. Over the years, many people have genuinely asked if it was going to "calm" their animal down. No. It has no effect on your dog's behavior.
We have excellent vaccines that have a high rate of protection. It's important for puppies to get a series started at 6-8 weeks and continuing every 3-4 weeks until 16 weeks of age. The next vaccine would be a year from that last pup shot and after that, it may be a 3 yr or a 1 yr vaccine. Currently there is only ONE licensed 3 year vaccine (in other words, this company has done the studies that back up it's claim that IF exposed to the disease, your dog will not get it in that time period.) Wishing or "thinking" it might be so is another thing and a vaccine company will only stand by what it's studies have shown.
I thought it would be a good idea to break down what is in each vaccine and explain to you what that "letter" stands for exactly!
So we'll start with dogs and the DHPP or the DHLPP or the DA2PP. Different vaccine manufacturers and different combinations of components are the reason for some of these letter differences.
Today we are focusing on the "D" which stands for distemper.
This is directly from the Merck Veterinary Manual. It may surprise you to know it's not just dogs that can succumb to this disease. Raccoons, red pandas and large cats can also get this disease.
Canine distemper is a highly contagious, systemic, viral disease of dogs seen worldwide. Clinically, it is characterized by a diphasic fever, leukopenia, GI and respiratory catarrh, and frequently pneumonic and neurologic complications. The disease is seen in Canidae (dogs, foxes, wolves), Mustelidae (eg, ferret, mink, skunk, wolverine, marten, badger), most Procyonidae (eg, raccoon, coatimundi), some Viveridae (binturong), red pandas (Ailuridae), Elephantidae (Asian elephant), primates (Japanese monkey), and large Felidae.
I have seen this disease in young puppies that most likely came from Midwest "puppy" mills to be sold at pet stores. They did not survive. It is rarely seen here in the US in our pets, but is still prevalent in 3rd world countries. It is by no means "elminated" and since wild animals can get it and carry it, your pet should be protected as recommended by your vet.
The "distemper" name comes from the neurologic signs shown by the animal. Over the years, many people have genuinely asked if it was going to "calm" their animal down. No. It has no effect on your dog's behavior.
We have excellent vaccines that have a high rate of protection. It's important for puppies to get a series started at 6-8 weeks and continuing every 3-4 weeks until 16 weeks of age. The next vaccine would be a year from that last pup shot and after that, it may be a 3 yr or a 1 yr vaccine. Currently there is only ONE licensed 3 year vaccine (in other words, this company has done the studies that back up it's claim that IF exposed to the disease, your dog will not get it in that time period.) Wishing or "thinking" it might be so is another thing and a vaccine company will only stand by what it's studies have shown.
Sunday, March 31, 2013
Bunnies are Cute....
..but they do require a lot of care!
This is the time of year when people think it might be cute to get their child a bunny. It is worth considering the "cost" before you make a decision based on emotion.
While rabbits are cute and can make excellent pets, there are some caveats and things to consider.
1. Is this rabbit going to be inside or outside (in a hutch)?
2. Are you aware of the proper feeding requirements of a rabbit?
3. Are you aware of the proper habitat (be it in or out) for a rabbit?
4. Are you prepared for veterinary expenses?
5. Is there a veterinarian in your area that sees rabbits (not all vets do!)?
A great resource for rabbit owners and those interested in rabbits is The House Rabbit Society.
Some caveats from my personal experience:
-they don't live that long overall - 6 to 7 years, with a rare 10-12 year old
-once they get sick - or rather, show YOU that they are, they decline rapidly and fairly often, die even with treatment
-they can be aggressive (see my comment below)
-if not handled properly, they can literally break their back, leading to the need for euthanasia
-some need to have their teeth trimmed every 4-6 weeks by a vet
FYI..*I* do see rabbits for medical and surgical conditions. Spaying and neutering of rabbits is also often recommended for behavioral and medical reasons.
This is the time of year when people think it might be cute to get their child a bunny. It is worth considering the "cost" before you make a decision based on emotion.
While rabbits are cute and can make excellent pets, there are some caveats and things to consider.
1. Is this rabbit going to be inside or outside (in a hutch)?
2. Are you aware of the proper feeding requirements of a rabbit?
3. Are you aware of the proper habitat (be it in or out) for a rabbit?
4. Are you prepared for veterinary expenses?
5. Is there a veterinarian in your area that sees rabbits (not all vets do!)?
A great resource for rabbit owners and those interested in rabbits is The House Rabbit Society.
Some caveats from my personal experience:
-they don't live that long overall - 6 to 7 years, with a rare 10-12 year old
-once they get sick - or rather, show YOU that they are, they decline rapidly and fairly often, die even with treatment
-they can be aggressive (see my comment below)
-if not handled properly, they can literally break their back, leading to the need for euthanasia
-some need to have their teeth trimmed every 4-6 weeks by a vet
FYI..*I* do see rabbits for medical and surgical conditions. Spaying and neutering of rabbits is also often recommended for behavioral and medical reasons.
Thursday, March 28, 2013
Tiger Gets New Surgery
A novel way of eliminating pain is to remove the "signal" pathway. In the case of Tacoma, the 13 year old Siberian tiger this means cutting the nerves that "tell" his brain his aging hips hurt.
Thursday, March 7, 2013
Meet Tama
This is too cute and heartwarming NOT to share!
Check out this story about a cat and a Japanese train that, well, saved each other.
Feline Station Master Tama
PS. I love the ailurophilia going on in that nation!
Check out this story about a cat and a Japanese train that, well, saved each other.
Feline Station Master Tama
PS. I love the ailurophilia going on in that nation!
Tuesday, February 26, 2013
Use it ALL or CALL!
It has come to my attention recently that people have been doing all sorts of things with medications and their pets.
Here are a few examples:
1. Using meds from another pet in the household
2. Having "leftover" antibiotics for the same patient for the same problem
3. Using medications from a friend's pet
4. Using medication here and there, a few days at a time or whenever "x" happens (red ear, diarrhea, etc you name it!)
Ok, there are NUMBER of problems with these situations.
First of all, you should NEVER have "left over" antibiotics unless one of two things has occurred
A. Your pet had a problem with them and you called your vet for a NEW or different medication to treat the problem
B. Your vet gave you a second round of them because he/she knows it's a recurrent problem and understands you KNOW how that when it recurs you are to give the entire second course as directed
B is not usually a problem - because those cases/clients are familiar to us and "get it." A however, is a HUGE problem. People stop giving medications for all sorts of reasons, never call us to discuss it and then return 2 weeks to 6 months later to tell us that "Gee, doc the problem never got better." AND sometimes they are upset about it!! Yes, really! We do answer phone calls and we don't even charge for that!
No antibiotic or anti fungal - be it topical or oral - should be used here and there. It's for a certain course or length of time to kill the bacteria or yeast in that location. Even if your pet seems to be doing better, by stopping early you are in essence breeding more resistant forms of bugs for the next go round.
All I can say is PLEASE follow the instructions and if there are any issues or concerns, PICK up the phone and call your veterinarian. YOUR vet. Your VETERINARIAN. Not your groomer, Aunt Susie, your neighbor, etc.
We do know a thing or two after 8 years of school and many years of in the field practice and most of us are more than happy to help and if we don't know, can find out for you!
Here are a few examples:
1. Using meds from another pet in the household
2. Having "leftover" antibiotics for the same patient for the same problem
3. Using medications from a friend's pet
4. Using medication here and there, a few days at a time or whenever "x" happens (red ear, diarrhea, etc you name it!)
Ok, there are NUMBER of problems with these situations.
First of all, you should NEVER have "left over" antibiotics unless one of two things has occurred
A. Your pet had a problem with them and you called your vet for a NEW or different medication to treat the problem
B. Your vet gave you a second round of them because he/she knows it's a recurrent problem and understands you KNOW how that when it recurs you are to give the entire second course as directed
B is not usually a problem - because those cases/clients are familiar to us and "get it." A however, is a HUGE problem. People stop giving medications for all sorts of reasons, never call us to discuss it and then return 2 weeks to 6 months later to tell us that "Gee, doc the problem never got better." AND sometimes they are upset about it!! Yes, really! We do answer phone calls and we don't even charge for that!
No antibiotic or anti fungal - be it topical or oral - should be used here and there. It's for a certain course or length of time to kill the bacteria or yeast in that location. Even if your pet seems to be doing better, by stopping early you are in essence breeding more resistant forms of bugs for the next go round.
All I can say is PLEASE follow the instructions and if there are any issues or concerns, PICK up the phone and call your veterinarian. YOUR vet. Your VETERINARIAN. Not your groomer, Aunt Susie, your neighbor, etc.
We do know a thing or two after 8 years of school and many years of in the field practice and most of us are more than happy to help and if we don't know, can find out for you!
Friday, February 15, 2013
Turtle Medicine
Ok, I freely admit this is NOT from my personal case files. It is from a colleague that I work with a few days a week.
So this turtle had an abscess. The pictures below best show it:
Here is a good link for turtle owners: http://www.boxturtlefacts.org/Ear_Infections_in_Chelonians.pdf
What was very cool was seeing the doc give propofol INTO the sinus and slowly watching the turtle go to sleep. FYI, reptiles do everything slowly including heal.
But what was needed was to open this up and flush it out. So once the sedation had taken effect, this is what the outcome was:
So this turtle had an abscess. The pictures below best show it:
Here is a good link for turtle owners: http://www.boxturtlefacts.org/Ear_Infections_in_Chelonians.pdf
What was very cool was seeing the doc give propofol INTO the sinus and slowly watching the turtle go to sleep. FYI, reptiles do everything slowly including heal.
But what was needed was to open this up and flush it out. So once the sedation had taken effect, this is what the outcome was:
Saturday, January 26, 2013
I See Chickens Too
Yes, I see chickens as patients too. I don't generally do birds, but by "birds" I really mean what are classified as Psittacines - parrots and the like. I never saw enough of them to feel very comfortable doing the best for them or their owners. I would of course, on an emergency basis but most people who have these birds - if they seek veterinary care - want and deserve someone who does a LOT of bird work.
I love raptors too but I rarely get the chance to work on them either. I did a little at a few jobs and in my time at the Cape May Zoo.
I am very familiar with chickens, however. This is because of my time at the Univ of Delaware - and not just because we ARE the Fighting Blue Hens. Delaware is a huge poultry producing state - both eggs and meat. There is a lot of research at the University regarding poultry health and nutrition, as well as related topics like agricultural methods, environmental impacts, etc.
I did research as an undergrad in poultry nutrition and I loved it. I also helped a few grad students with other topics like poultry immunology, etc. It was here that I learned what I now use to treat the occasional chicken that comes in to my office.
The chickens I see are often pets. They may be used for eggs but overall they are truly dearly loved and very sweet to work with.
I love raptors too but I rarely get the chance to work on them either. I did a little at a few jobs and in my time at the Cape May Zoo.
I am very familiar with chickens, however. This is because of my time at the Univ of Delaware - and not just because we ARE the Fighting Blue Hens. Delaware is a huge poultry producing state - both eggs and meat. There is a lot of research at the University regarding poultry health and nutrition, as well as related topics like agricultural methods, environmental impacts, etc.
I did research as an undergrad in poultry nutrition and I loved it. I also helped a few grad students with other topics like poultry immunology, etc. It was here that I learned what I now use to treat the occasional chicken that comes in to my office.
The chickens I see are often pets. They may be used for eggs but overall they are truly dearly loved and very sweet to work with.
This is a sweet girl named Buffy who was attacked by a beagle one morning that had gotten out of his owner's property. She came in with multiple lacerations to the left hind end - thigh and very close to the vent (which is the shared GI, urinary and reproduction - egg laying - outlet).
She was in stable condition but needed some wound cleaning and closing. Due to the discomfort she was experiencing we used gas anesthesia to sedate her and cleaned up the wounds. One involved muscle so I sutured that up as well as closed most of the skin. Fortunately there was not a lot of tension on it. And also fortunately, the vent was untouched and in tact. Her tail feathers were torn off and the the tail head itself was shredded pretty bad but we got it back to a pretty normal anatomy.
Here are some immediate post op pics:
We sent her home on some injectable antibiotics that we showed her owner, a knowledgeable pet parent, how to give.
This is her one week later and all the sutures are still there and the tissue appears to be healing very nicely. She is enjoying a pampered life at home in a very protected area and is apparently the envy of the other chickens in the flock!
Friday, January 25, 2013
Important Info!
I'm sharing a list put out by the AVMA on some of the top poisonous HUMAN drugs that our pets may ingest and the harm they can cause.
Please, keep your medications out of the reach of your pets. You may not understand it (frankly, I don't) but they sometimes will eat them, no matter what they taste or look like!
Check this out: 10 Poison Pills for Pets
And if your pet does eat these or any other human medications, please call YOUR veterinarian (not your neighbor, the breeder, your uncle, your hairdresser, etc). If it's after hours, call an emergency veterinary center in your area.
AND please - PLEASE - call us BEFORE you give any medications we didn't prescribe. We will talk to you about things over the phone if you are a client. Please don't give something for 3 weeks and then call to see if it's ok! Dogs are different than humans and cats, well, they are a whole different animal!
Please, keep your medications out of the reach of your pets. You may not understand it (frankly, I don't) but they sometimes will eat them, no matter what they taste or look like!
Check this out: 10 Poison Pills for Pets
And if your pet does eat these or any other human medications, please call YOUR veterinarian (not your neighbor, the breeder, your uncle, your hairdresser, etc). If it's after hours, call an emergency veterinary center in your area.
AND please - PLEASE - call us BEFORE you give any medications we didn't prescribe. We will talk to you about things over the phone if you are a client. Please don't give something for 3 weeks and then call to see if it's ok! Dogs are different than humans and cats, well, they are a whole different animal!
Monday, January 21, 2013
A Long Awaited Answer
Now that the holidays are behind us, we can get back to learning and experiencing life in the world of veterinary medicine.
I posted a picture of a dog's skin toward the end of last month, asking readers to take a guess as to what was going on. I didn't get any responses but I won't take that personally - I know it was a busy time of year AND I've been away from the blog for a bit.
Well, here's what's going on with that dog. That dog happens to be MY dog, a 4 yr old Golden Retriever named Theo.
Theo has hydrocephalus which is explained at the link. We don't know whether it was congenital or not, but we do know he was normal at 9-10 months of age.
He began exhibiting restlessness at about 2 1/2 - 3 yrs of age. Sedatives did not help his condition. The MRI was the definitive diagnosis and the reason he was put on the medications he was on and they have helped tremendously. He is not a 100% "normal" Golden and probably never will be, but he has come a long way.
He was on a low dose of steroids, which are used to treat a wide variety of neurologic conditions in animals. Dogs and people tend to have more issues with long term steroids than our feline friends, who do quite well with them.
Theo developed a rare condition called calcinosis cutis, which IS what it sounds like - calcium deposits in the skin. It can be quite irritating.
The photos were pretty classic or as we say in veterinary medicine - pathognomonic for this disease. I sent photos of Theo to my favorite local dermatology vet - Dr. Brian Palmeiro, VMD and he agreed it was likely that. We needed a few skin biopsies to determine 100%, so I performed those in my office and yes, it was indeed that.
Now we are weaning him off the pred slowly - SLOWLY - that's the key. Why? Well, when we give dogs or cats (or people) steroids, we shut down the pituitary adrenal axis pathways for these being produced naturally in our bodies. If we simply stopped cold turkey, our bodies would go into shock! We need steroids, so to let the adrenal glands get back up to production mode, we slowly wean off the prednisone. Fortunately, it's the phenobarb that's helping with most of the neurologic signs AND I have to have him possible evaluated for surgical drain placement, which might mean no meds are needed down the road.
I posted a picture of a dog's skin toward the end of last month, asking readers to take a guess as to what was going on. I didn't get any responses but I won't take that personally - I know it was a busy time of year AND I've been away from the blog for a bit.
Well, here's what's going on with that dog. That dog happens to be MY dog, a 4 yr old Golden Retriever named Theo.
Theo has hydrocephalus which is explained at the link. We don't know whether it was congenital or not, but we do know he was normal at 9-10 months of age.
He began exhibiting restlessness at about 2 1/2 - 3 yrs of age. Sedatives did not help his condition. The MRI was the definitive diagnosis and the reason he was put on the medications he was on and they have helped tremendously. He is not a 100% "normal" Golden and probably never will be, but he has come a long way.
He was on a low dose of steroids, which are used to treat a wide variety of neurologic conditions in animals. Dogs and people tend to have more issues with long term steroids than our feline friends, who do quite well with them.
Theo developed a rare condition called calcinosis cutis, which IS what it sounds like - calcium deposits in the skin. It can be quite irritating.
The photos were pretty classic or as we say in veterinary medicine - pathognomonic for this disease. I sent photos of Theo to my favorite local dermatology vet - Dr. Brian Palmeiro, VMD and he agreed it was likely that. We needed a few skin biopsies to determine 100%, so I performed those in my office and yes, it was indeed that.
Now we are weaning him off the pred slowly - SLOWLY - that's the key. Why? Well, when we give dogs or cats (or people) steroids, we shut down the pituitary adrenal axis pathways for these being produced naturally in our bodies. If we simply stopped cold turkey, our bodies would go into shock! We need steroids, so to let the adrenal glands get back up to production mode, we slowly wean off the prednisone. Fortunately, it's the phenobarb that's helping with most of the neurologic signs AND I have to have him possible evaluated for surgical drain placement, which might mean no meds are needed down the road.
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