Noah’s Animal Hospitals – Spanning Four Decades

Some of our younger clients, and even a majority of our employees may find this hard to believe, but Noah’s Animal Hospitals has seen a lot of interesting changes in our world over the years.  When we first started with our flagship hospital in 1982, parachute pants, mullets and getting “Physical” with Olivia Newton John were the rage. 

 In the intervening 30 years, we have seen changes in technology, like the growth of the Internet and popularity of the mobile phone, changes in the world, like the reunification of Germany and the dissolution of the Soviet Union and we have seen our share of horrific events, from the 9/11 bombings to space shuttle disasters.  We have also experienced shifts in popular dog breeds, changing vaccine protocols and a whole gamut of new products and diets designed to help our pets live longer, more comfortable lives. .

Heck…even our communications with our clients have changed…we now text people about their appointments or email reminders about medical care instead of sending post cards!  Instead of finding us in the phone book, clients can look us up on the Web or on Facebook!

Through it all, one thing has remained constant…our strong desire to provide the highest quality care for your four legged family members.  Our tools and technology may transform, but our passion for you and your pets remains unwavering.

I graduated from Auburn University’s College of Veterinary Medicine with honors in 1968.  Like most veterinarians, I was eager to get out and learn all I could from the leaders of that time.  After an internship in Chicago, I spent time working in North Carolina and owned my own practice in Miami for 13 years. That was a very exciting time for me as I spent time healing dogs and cats, but also got to treat exotic animals, like monkeys and large macaws.

Glass Emerson Way - built 1970

Getting back to my home state of Indiana was important and when I saw the opportunity to purchase Glass Animal Hospital near 56^th Street and Emerson in Indianapolis, I knew the time was right.  From the moment we took over and renamed it “Noah’s”, this hospital has been state of the art and the centerpiece in our group of veterinary clinics.  The building is beautiful, highly functional, and serves as the hub for all of our businesses.

As an added bonus, the energetic, smart high school student who was helping in the kennel at that time has remained with us today…you may know her now  as Dr. Mary Grabow, the hospital director at our Noah’s Caring Hands Animal Hospital.

Dr. Mary Grabow

My vision has always been to provide the best care and value for pet owners and it was just a logical extension of that vision to expand Noah’s to Speedway in 1987.  From there, it’s been a thrilling journey as we have reached out to help pets and their people all across Central Indiana.  Our hospitals now include four in Indianapolis,  2 in Greenfield and our newest location that just opened this fall, in Carmel  Along the way we have met some great friends and incorporated some fantastic ideas, all in the goal of making sure that your pets have everything that they might need when it comes to healthcare.

I am very proud of our accomplishments and achievements during these past 30 years.  Perhaps the most apparent of these has been the development and growth of our 24 hour Emergency and Critical Care facility at the 56^th Street location.  We saw the need for a full-time animal emergency hospital on this side of Indianapolis and we have been greatly encouraged by the positive response we have had from the community over the past twelve years.  Our recent remodel and expansion at this facility is further proof that our services are needed in this area.

Remodel in progress

But, we have grown in other ways too…we offer affordable plans to help people with their pet’s care at many of our locations.  This has helped pet owners understand that veterinary medicine and their pets’ care is not always a “one size fits all” solution.  We work with our clients to help them not only understand their pets’ needs, but also how we can help them meet those needs.

We have seen our staff grow from 1 full time and three part time in 1982 to more than 120 today.  From graduate veterinarians to registered technicians, highly trained assistants and friendly front office staff, we all believe that our purpose is to help you take care of your best friend.  We pride ourselves on the training and education we provide for these team members.  We encourage them always to consider furthering their own development by attending lectures, seminars or even returning to school to become a Registered Veterinary Technician, Certified Practice Manager or a specialist in any of the many aspects of veterinary medicine.

Dr. Mike Thomas, Jessie (Dr. T's Border Collie) and Santa

As I stay involved with many different national veterinary associations, like the American Animal Hospital Association, the American Veterinary Medical Association, the Veterinary Information Network and National Board of Veterinary Medical Examiners, I have the opportunity to learn how to make caring for your pets a little easier.  All of us at Noah’s see our role not only being “the best friend of your best friend”, but also a trusted resource for you and any questions that you might have.

I am honored to be part of the Central Indiana community and part of the veterinary profession.  But above all, I treasure the wonderful clients and pets that I have met over these past 30 years and look forward to helping many, many more.  Thanks to everyone who has helped us build Noah’s into an amazing, caring place for your pets.

Dr. Mike Thomas

Winter and the Holidays

Keeping your pets safe with the cold temperatures and excitement of the season

    Winter is an exciting time!  The temperature drops, snow starts to fall, fires roar in our fireplaces, holiday parties abound, and decorations go up.  But this fun season holds some dangers for our pets.  Here are some tips for you to make this season as safe as possible for your pets and others.

Keeping Warm

   It's cold out there!  Outdoor pets need appropriate shelter from the cold temperatures and wind.  Ensure enclosures are windproof, and contain a thick layer of bedding, such as straw.  Change the bedding at least weekly, or when it becomes soiled.  Pets that get too cold can suffer from frostbite.  Check the water supply frequently to make sure it doesn't freeze, and use a heated water bowl if you can.

    Outdoor/feral cats find the warmth of a recently running car to be a comfortable place of refuge.  Before getting into your vehicle, consider slapping the hood to scare away any resting felines. 

 

Dangerous Chemicals

   Winter is the season for automobile coolant flushes.  Antifreeze is one of the most deadly chemicals to pets and wildlife.  The sweet taste of antifreeze attracts animals, and just a few licks can be deadly due to kidney failure.  Read a previous Noah's blog post for more information about this deadly toxin.

     Ice melt salt is often used this time of year to melt the snow and ice from walkways and driveways.  If ingested, these substances can be dangerous to pets and wildlife.  Consider using a pet safe ice melt option.  Many such products are available on the market now. 

    

Poisonous Plants

    Poinsettias, mistletoe, and Christmas cacti make wonderful additions to holiday decorations.  However, curious dogs and cats may chew on the leaves or stems.  Though not usually deadly, the ingestion of these plants can cause vomiting, diarrhea, inappetance, and general malaise.  It is best to keep these plants out of reach of your pets, so they are not tempted.

Holiday Decorations

    What fun it is to decorate for the holiday season!  But many of the decorations we love may be hazardous to our pets.  Electrical cords for lights and moving decorations may be tempting for pets to chew on, so be sure to keep them out of reach.

     Christmas trees have many hidden dangers.  For the safety of humans and pets, make sure your tree is secured at the base.  A toppling tree may cause injury toanyone.  Sparkling and shiny Christmas tree decorations may also tempt pets to play with or chew on them.  If ingested, ornaments may cause stomach or intestinal obstructions, which require emergency surgery.  Tinsel is especially alluring to cats - they are mesmerized by the shiny string.  Ingestion of tinsel can cause severe intestinal obstruction, symptoms of which include vomiting, inappetance, dehydration, lethargy, and abdominal pain.  

     If you choose to have a live Christmas tree in  your home, you will need to provide it water.  Keep in mind your pet may find the water under the tree to drink.  This may be a problem if you have added anything to the water, such as fertilizer. Take measures to keep your pets away from treated water, such as using a tall planter for your live Christmas tree.

As always, if you are concerned about your pet, contact your Noah's Animal Hospital.  Noah's Central 24 Hour Emergency Hospital is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year to assist in case of emergency.  We wish you a safe and happy winter season!

 

Did you know - Noah's is on Facebook!

Did you know you can find your favorite Noah's Animal Hospital on Facebook!  It's easy!  Just click one of the links below to "Like" your favorite Noah's hospital, and get their latest and greatest updates!  "Like" them all, and you can stay in touch with the entire Noah's family!

Noah's Central 24 Hour Animal Hospital

 Located at 56th Street and Emerson Avenue, Noah's Central is staffed with experienced veterinarians, technicians and assistants 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, 365 days a year!  Your pet's annual wellness care, dentistry, specialty surgery, boarding, grooming, and emergency care needs can all be addressed here.  This Thursday, Thanksgiving Day, Noah's Central will be staffed should your pet have an emergency.  Call 253-1327 if you need assistance.

  Noah's Caring Hands Animal Hospital

Located at 7815 Sunnyside Rd, Noah's Caring Hands is available if you live near Geist Reservoir.  General care to your beloved pets is provided by 3 doctors.  Boarding and grooming services are available as well.  Call 823-6922 to schedule an appointment.

Noah's Westside Animal Hospital

Doesn't Westside's new digital sign look great!  Noah's Westside is located conveniently in Speedway at 5901 Crawfordsville Rd.  Two full-time doctors provide care at this location.  Boarding and grooming services are provided.  If interested in meeting our Westside staff, call 244-7651.

Noah's Brandywine Animal Health Care Center

Noah's is in Greenfield for your pet's healthcare needs!  Come in to meet us at 1479 N. State Street.  General medical care as well as boarding and grooming services are available.  Call us at 462-7818.

Noah's Animal Clinic at Carmel

NACC, the newest addition to the Noah's family, is excited to be opened in Carmel, and can't wait to meet you!  We're working closely with the Humane Society of Hamilton County to keep their adoptable pets healthy.  General medicine services are available currently Monday through Friday.  Schedule your appointment by calling 818-8554.

All Pet Health Care on W. Washington

All Pet Health Care is located at Holt Rd. and West Washington St., convenient to downtown, Avon and Plainfield.  Boarding, grooming, and general medical care are provided at this location.  Ask about convenient walk-in hours beginning at 2 pm Monday through Friday!  Call 481-1738 to learn more.

All Pet Health Care at Sugar Creek

Located at 2195 West  US 40 in Greenfield, our Sugar Creek location features an upscale boarding facility.  Medical care is provided by a Noah's doctor during limited weekday and weekend hours.  Grooming services available as well.  Call 462-1218 to schedule your pet's stay with us today.

From our entire Noah's family, we wish you a safe and happy Thanksgiving holiday!

 

Noah's Animal Hospitals are excited to announce we are GROWING!!!

Carmel residents have traveled to Noah’s Animal Hospital at 56^th and Emerson since Dr. Mike Thomas returned to his native Indiana and began building the Noah’s group in 1982.  Dr. Thomas’s dream was always to provide extraordinary pet care and service for those who desire it.

Since that time, the Noah’s organization has grown to six locations with 21 doctors!  This includes a specialist in surgery, and a team of over 130 pet care professionals.

Noah's Animal Clinic at Carmel (NACC)

On October 29^th, a new Noah’s location opened to serve Carmel clients.  Noah’s Animal Clinic at Carmel is located at 3309 E. 146^th. St.  Their phone number is 317-818-8554.

Dr. Joni Kirch is the veterinarian at NACC.  Dr. Kirch is a graduate of Purdue University School of Veterinary Medicine, 1993. She has spent a total of 13 years working with Noah's Animal Hospitals. Six years as a general practitioner, five years as Hospital Director, and two years doing emergency work all, at the Central Noah's location. She spent a total of about 6 years in central Florida as a general practitioner. Being very family oriented, Dr. Kirch has elected to return to Indiana to be closer to them. She is very excited and looking forward to the opportunity to continue Noah's philosophy of providing exceptional veterinary care on the north side of Indy.  She has 2 dogs; Posh, a 6 year-old Rottweiler that she adopted from Noah's during her emergency stent and Giggsy, a 1 year-old poodle that was relinquished to her practice in FL after being diagnosed with parvovirus. She has 2 cats; Tre, a 13 year-old amputee who is also a Noah's adoptee and Zizou, a 3 year-old cat that she found hanging out under her car in a parking lot. They make a "Pawsitively Purrfect" pet family for her! 

Jenny w/Libby and Molly

Dr. Kirch is not alone though. She has the help of Jenny Hostetler. Jenny joined the Noah's team in 2012 for the opening of Noah's Animal Clinic at Carmel. She has worked in the veterinary field for over 12 years and considers herself a wearer of many hats. She began her career as a kennel attendant, moving on to work as veterinary assistant, receptionist, and administrator. She also attended Animal Arts Academy in 2006 and earned a dog and cat grooming certification. She is very family oriented and spends most of her time with her sister and nephew, as well as other family and friends. Jenny adores fawning over her two Siberian Huskies, Libby who is 5 and Molly who is 8, and her tabby cats Bently and Spike who are both 13 years old. Jenny believes in a compassionate and ethical approach to veterinary medicine. She enjoys close interactions with clients and their pets, and she strongly believes that good client education is of the utmost importance in helping clients make the best decisions in caring for their furry family members.

As an adjunct service, Dr. Mary Marcotte will be making house calls and referring patients for follow up to Noah’s at Carmel. 

The Noah’s at Carmel location offers preventive care, examinations, and diagnostics, including digital radiography.  Laboratory testing is available with a well equipped in-house laboratory, as well as the use of an outside reference laboratory when necessary.  In addition, soft tissue surgical procedures will be performed by an experienced surgeon.

The Noah’s group includes over 130 pet care professionals, including 21 doctors, 25 veterinary technicians, and a host of client service representatives, veterinary assistants, groomers and other support staff.

Noah’s Animal Clinic at Carmel is also looking forward to the opportunity to work closely with the Hamilton County Humane Society to help them deliver on their mission:  “Saving Lives.  Educating Communities.  Completing Families.”  NACC hopes to help even more pets entrusted to the HCHS to find loving homes by providing medical care in a cost effective manner.

We are excited to be in such a wonderful community and are looking forward to serving clients and their pet’s health care needs.  Should a pet experience an after hours emergency, or require specialty surgery, our Noah’s Central Animal Hospital and 24 Hour Emergency Center is available 365/24/7.

Noah's Central Animal Hospital and 24 Hour Emergency Center

Noah’s Animal Clinic at Carmel is open Monday through Friday, 8:00 am – 6:00 pm.  This hospital is currently closed on weekends.  After hours emergency services at Noah’s Central are available 24/7/365.  The phone number for after hours care is 317-24-HR-PET (317-244-7738).

   

Intestinal Parasites

You asked me to bring a fecal sample, Doc.  What are you looking for in my pet's poop, anyway?!

A common request to our clients is to bring a fresh sample of feces from their pets to an appointment to be tested.  Many of you are probably wondering what, exactly, we are looking for in that smelly sample!  We're looking for intestinal parasites.  There are many types of intestinal parasites we may find in your pet's feces, and not all of them are worms.  Here we have listed the most common types of parasites in dogs and cats, and their importance to your pet and the rest of your family. 

Most of the time we are checking a fecal sample, we are not looking for adult worms.  Instead, we prepare the sample and place it under a microscope to find worm eggs.  In some cases, the parasite is a single celled organism (protozoa) which is very different from a worm.  Intestinal parasites have many symptoms, ranging from no symptoms at all, to severe diarrhea, or even fatal anemia.

Unfortunately, our fecal sample tests are not 100% accurate.  Intestinal worms only shed eggs into the feces intermittently, and protozoan organisms can be very difficult to find.  For this reason, we often recommend medications for deworming of dogs and cats, even if we do not find parasites.  This is especially important for puppies and kittens.  We may also recommend multiple fecal sample tests, to increase the chance we will find parasites if they are present. 

 

 

 

Roundworm eggs under a microscope

Roundworms

Roundworms are very common in puppies and kittens, and can affect adult dogs and cats as well.  They can be transferred to puppies and kittens through the uterus from the mother, or they can be contracted from the environment after birth.  The adult form of this parasite is a long white worm that can look like a piece of spaghetti.  You may see these worms in your pet's feces yourself, and they are sometimes vomited.  It is often the cause of the "potbelly" appearance some puppies and kittens have.  This parasite can be transmitted to humans as well, especially children, through the fecal-oral route.  Frequent handwashing is important to prevent the spread of this parasite to your human family members.

Hookworm egg magnified

Hookworms

Hookworms are also common in puppies and kittens, as well as adult dogs and cats.  They are spread in much the same way as roundworms.  However, the adult worm is not visible to the naked eye.  You are not likely to see this type of worm yourself.  Hookworms latch on to the lining of the intestines and suck blood.  They are a common cause of anemia in puppies and kittens.  A large load of hookworms can be fatal to your young pet.  This parasite can be transmitted to humans through burrowing of larva through the skin, or fecal-oral transmission.  Migration of the hookworm larva in humans can cause skin rashes and even blindness.  This is especially important in children.  Again, frequent handwashing and appropriate hygeine is important to prevent the spread of this parasite. 

Whipworm egg

Whipworms 

Whipworms are common causes of diarrhea in young and adult dogs, and less frequently in cats.  Sometimes it is very difficult to diagnose whipworms, as they are notorious for shedding only low numbers of eggs in the feces, and they shed them infrequently.  Whipworms live in the cecum and colon, and even the adult worms are very tiny.  You are not likely to see adult whipworms with the naked eye.  This parasite is not transmissible to humans, but is an important cause of chronic diarrhea in dogs, due to the difficulty in finding the parasite during fecal testing.

Rare tapeworm egg under microscope

Tapeworms 

Tapeworms are long, segmented worms usually spread by fleas.  Dogs and cats with a flea infestation will groom fleas from their haircoat, which will in turn infect their intestines with tapeworms.  Cats that hunt small critters such as mice can also contract tapeworms through the consumption of the prey they catch.  Tapeworm eggs are almost never found during fecal testing.  You will know your pet has tapeworms if you see the tiny white segments from the worm under your pet's tail, or on your pet's feces.  They often look like grains of rice, and sometimes move.  These parasites are not directly transmissible to humans.  

Tapeworm segments - like grains of rice

 

 

 

Coccidia Oocysts

 Coccidia

Coccidia is a type of protozoal parasite that commonly causes diarrhea in puppies and kittens.  It may cause vomiting as well.  Adult dogs and cats can be infected with this organism, but do not usually show symptoms of disease.  It requires medication that is different from common dewormers.  It is not transmissible to humans.

Giardia Trophozoite

Giardia

Giardia is also a type of protozoal parasite.  It causes very watery diarrhea, that can lead to dehydration.  Any age of pet can be affected with this parasite.  Hikers and backpackers are familiar with this disease, as the organism can be transmitted through poorly filtered water.  This parasite is notoriously difficult to find during standard fecal testing, and is becoming more common as a cause of diarrhea in dogs.  Special testing is often ordered to determine if a patient has been infected with this parasite.  Treatment often requires medication different from normal deworming protocols. 

As you can see, the diversity of intestinal parasites in our pets is remarkable.  It is important to have fecal samples checked on your pets on a regular basis, and especially if diarrhea develops.  To decrease the chance of an infected environment, pick up and dispose of your pet's waste immediately.  Monthly parasite prevention with an approved heartworm preventative will usually help protect your pets against hookworm, roundworm, and sometimes whipworm infection.  

Remember that every pet is different, and as common as parasites are, they are not always the primary problem.  Seek the advice of your Noah's veterinarian if you are concerned about your pet. 

 

Halloween Hazards

Halloween is such a fun time, and will be here soon!  Keep in mind, however, that Halloween may not be your pet's favorite holiday!  Here are some tips to make this spook-tacular holiday a little easier for your pets.

   1) Trick-or-Treating

Going out for trick-or-treating dressed in our best costume is always a great time!  Some of us even like to take our dogs with us, complete with their own cute costume.  But does your pet relish large crowds of strangers?  Or is it just a little too spooky for him or her?  Please take your pet's own personality in mind when deciding if trick-or-treating is right for him!

If you think your pet would have a good time with all the other ghosts and goblins about, please be sure to use a secure leash and collar or harness!  Keep to the sidewalks as well.  And of course bring a baggy with you for any messes your pet may need to leave along the way!

If your pet stays home, it can still be scary to hear the doorbell and groups of children enjoying the holiday.  If your pet gets nervous or scared when other people come to the door, find a secure place in the house for him or her to stay for the evening.  A crate or bedroom with a comfortable bed and a kong toy or busy bone will help make the night less stressful for your furry friend.  Make sure your pet is microchipped in case she accidentally runs out the door when trick-or-treaters come around!

 2)  Decorations

Halloween decorations really bring the ambiance of the holiday to a new level!  But many decorations may be hazardous to your pet.  Electrical cords for lights and moving decorations are dangerous if chewed on.  Small plastic goody-bag items such as spider rings and fake eyes can cause problems if swallowed.  Do you best to keep decorations and other items out of reach of your pets.    

3)  Candy

One of the best parts of Halloween is candy, of course!  However, if your pet happens upon your bag of treats, illness can result.  Chocolate and other sugary treats can be toxic to your pet.  Candy wrappers can also be ingested, potentially causing a stomach or bowel obstruction.  Keep your treats secure in a cupboard or pantry, where they can't hurt your four-legged family member!

4)  Black Pets Beware

It is a sad reality, but black-furred pets are targets for some mean-spirited activities around Halloween.  If you have a black cat or dog, make sure you take extra precautions on All Hallows Eve to keep them safe!

Please have a safe and happy Halloween!

 

Spaying and Neutering Your Pet

Perhaps the most common surgeries veterinarians perform, spaying and neutering are important for so many reasons!  

It is no secret that there is a pet overpopulation problem in our country.  The Humane Society of the United States estimates over 4 million cats and dogs are euthanized in animal shelters across the country each year.  That is a staggering number.  By spaying or neutering your pet, you are helping to decrease this number the most important way you can!

Females - The Spay

Ovariohysterectomy, or "spay," is the term used for the surgical procedure performed to remove the major reproductive organs from females.   During this procedure, the ovaries and uterus are removed.  This prevents the female from going into estrus, or "heat," and prevents pregnancy.

There are many medical benefits to spaying your dog or cat!  Female dogs have a heat cycle every 6 months on average.  Puppies can have their first heat cycle anywhere between 6 months and 1 year of age.  When a dog goes into heat, bleeding from the vulva occurs, which can be messy.  Cats can go into heat any time after 6 months of age, and they remain in heat until they are bred by a male cat.  During a heat cycle, females cats make loud, yowling noises, attempting to attract a mate.  Spaying your pet eliminates messy and irritating heat cycles, and prevents "accidental" pregnancy.

A patient being clipped for her spay surgery.

We all know October is "Go pink for breast cancer awareness month!"  Dogs and cats can get breast cancer, too!  The good news is that spaying your dog or cat prior to her first heat cycle drastically reduces the chances of mammary (breast) tumors later in life.  In dogs, 50% of mammary tumors are malignant, and half of those are life threatening.  In cats, upwards of 85% of mammary tumors are life threatening.  Check out this link for further discussion about mammary tumors in dogs and cats.  Having your female pets spayed early can prevent this awful disease.  Because of this, we believe dogs and cats should NOT have a heat cycle or pregnancy prior to being spayed.

After repeated heat cycles throughout the life of a female dog or cat, the uterine lining can change.  The changes that occur make the uterus more susceptible to infection.  An infection of the uterus, known as a pyometra, is a life threatening condition.  This condition is best treated through immediate, emergency spay of the animal.  This surgery is much higher risk than a usual spay, as the patient is sick from the infection, and the uterus can rupture, causing release of infection into the abdominal cavity.  Spaying your pet early prevents this disease!

Antiseptic scrub to prepare the skin for surgery.

Males - The Neuter

Orchiectomy is the medical term for the procedure more commonly known as a "neuter."  During this procedure, the testicles are removed.  In dogs, both testicles are removed through a single incision, while for cats, a separate incision is usually made for each testicle.  This dramatically decreases testosterone production, and eliminates the production of sperm.  Some testosterone is still produced in the body by the adrenal glands.  Neutered males are unable to make a female pregnant.

Non-neutered (intact) males can sense a female in heat from miles away.  When an intact male dog or cat senses a female in heat, their hormones drive them to find the female.  This leads to many dogs and cats getting loose and roaming, where they can become lost or suffer injuries such as being hit by a car.  Intact males are also more likely to urine mark their territories and get into fights.  Intact male tom cats have a particularly foul-smelling urine that they spray on vertical surfaces to mark their territories.

Doctor performing a spay procedure.

 
Male dogs have a prostate gland that can develop hyperplasia, infections, cysts, and cancer.  (Cats do not have a prostate gland.)   Intact male dogs are much more likely to have problems with their prostate as they age, which can lead to straining to urinate or painful urination.  Neutering male dogs reduces the risk of most types of prostate problems.  Neutering does not reduce the risk of prostate cancer in dogs.


Typically, healing time for a standard spay or neuter surgery is 10 to 14 days.  At Noah's Animal Hospitals, we ensure our patients comfort by providing pain medications for you to administer your pet at home.  During the healing process, ensure your pet does not lick the surgical incision, and do not give a bath for at least 10 days.  Some pets need to wear an elizabethan collar to protect their incision from licking.  

As always, if you have questions regarding these procedures or their benefits, talk to your Noah's doctor or technician.  We are here to help! 
 

   

Make Your Pet A Star!

Is your pet a star?  Does he or she like dressing up for Halloween?  This month, Noah's Animal Hospitals are sponsoring the Fox 59 Facebook Fan of the Day!

To make your pet a star, go to the Fox 59 Facebook Fan of the Day page to enter.  Change your Facebook profile picture to one of your pet in his or her best Halloween costume, and fill out the form on the bottom of the page for your pets chance to be a star (in Indianapolis, anyway)!

Here is our pal Peeps, with his loving owner.  Maybe he should enter?

     Tomorrow, September 28th, is annual World Rabies Day.  Organized by the Global Alliance for Rabies Control, this day is set aside to spread the word and educate the world about rabies.  Rabies is a virus that affects the neurologic system of mammals.  How much do you really know about rabies?  Are your pets protected?  Are you and your family protected?  Did you know that more than 55,000 people die around the world every year from rabies?!

    In the US, we often forget how serious the rabies virus really is.  It is no longer a part of our day to day lives.  But it remains a large problem in certain parts of the world, especially third world countries.  Most human deaths due to rabies occur in Africa and Asia.  A lack of preventive medical care for humans and animals, funding for vaccination programs, and education all contribute to this worldwide problem.

     In most states, including Indiana, rabies vaccination of dogs and cats is required by law.  This is for good reason.  According to the World Rabies Day website, the most important global source of rabies in humans is from uncontrolled rabies in dogs.  The reason we don't live with rabies on a day to day basis any more in the US is widespread and proper vaccination of our pets!  However, we have not eliminated this virus in the US completely.  Because any mammal can become infected with the rabies virus, wildlife have become important vectors for this disease.

     In the US, the most important rabies wildlife vectors are bats, raccoons, skunks, foxes, and coyotes.  Here in the midwest, our rabies problem is mostly with bats, raccoons, and skunks.  However, ANY mammal can contract rabies.  Feral or outdoor cats and dogs are at risk of contracting rabies from wildlife.  Does your dog chase (or even catch?) wildlife that come into the yard?  We have had many canine patients at our Noah's hospitals that have come into direct contact with these vectors.  Because the rabies virus is most often contracted through fight and bite wounds from an infected animal, this is important for you and your family!

     The single most important thing you can do to protect your pets and your family from rabies is to have your dogs, cats, and ferrets properly vaccinated against the rabies virus.  If your pet gets into a fight with or kills a wild animal, and your pet is not vaccinated properly against the disease, he or she is at risk of contracting rabies.  If your pet contracts rabies, you and your family are at risk.  The only known test for rabies is by postmortem examination, and there is no cure for rabies in humans or animals once symptoms develop.

Vaccinating dogs in Liberia World Rabies Day 2010

     Other steps you can take to protect your family from rabies include:

1) Report any animal bite (including dog and cat bites!) to local health authorities
2) Seek immediate treatment of any bite at a hospital - if exposed to the rabies virus, EARLY treatment can prevent the disease
3) Do not touch or "adopt" wildlife that comes into your yard
4) Secure outdoor garbage bins and feed your pets indoors to prevent attracting wildlife to your yard

     Looking for more information about rabies?  Check out the Indiana Board of Animal Health website.

Allergy Season!

 Allergy season is now upon us!  Did you know your pet dog and cat can suffer from allergies?  Allergies in our pets are unfortunately becoming more and more common.  Many of us humans are familiar with the runny, red eyes and sneezing that our seasonal allergies bring upon us.  Dogs and cats can develop respiratory, eye and nose symptoms due to their allergies, but skin and ear problems are a much more common form of allergies in our pets.  Below we will discuss the most common allergies we see in our veterinary hospital patients.  Do you recognize symptoms in your pet below?

A flea. Don't worry - they're not really this big!

  

Flea Allergies

 

Obviously, any pet that develops a flea infestation is going to be itchy.  (In veterinary terminology, we refer to "itchiness" with the medical term "pruritus.")  But some dogs and cats actually develop an allergy to the proteins present in flea saliva.  This causes their body to overreact with an intense inflammatory response, causing more severe itching, hairloss, and the development of bacterial and/or yeast skin infections.  The areas of the body affected by flea allergies are usually quite distinctive.  The back, flanks, rump, tail, and hindquarters are usually the worst areas affected.  Some patients will lose all of the hair in these regions, and develop extremely red, scabbed skin from the secondary infections.

One flea bite can make a patient with flea allergies itch for THREE WEEKS!  This is why your veterinarian may diagnose "flea allergy dermatitis" (or FAD for short!) in your pet without the presence of a single flea on physical examination.

Treating flea allergies requires an approach that includes flea treatment/prevention, treatment of any skin infection with appropriate antibiotics or antifungals, and medications to help decrease the inflammation and resultant itching (antihistamines and corticosteroids such as prednisone are common choices).  Animals with flea allergies must receive a monthly flea preventative every 3 to 4 weeks, the environment must be treated for fleas, and all of the other pets in the house must also receive a monthly flea preventative product.   

  

Food Allergies

Dogs and cats with allergies to certain food ingredients will often manifest with skin problems.  We often see hairloss, red skin and skin infections on the face, lower portions of the legs, and belly in dogs and cats.  Cats especially like to develop skin problems on their face with food allergies.  Recurrent ear infections are also often related to food allergies in pets.  Symptoms of food allergies differ from some other types of allergies, as the pet will usually have allergy problems all year round, as opposed to symptoms resolving during a certain time of year.

Hill's Prescription Diets for Allergies

It can be difficult to pinpoint the causative agent of food allergies in a particular pet.  The most common ingredients causing allergic responses in dogs are (in no particular order) beef, chicken, pork, soy, corn, and wheat.  The most common ingredients that affect cats are similar, but also include fish.  Of course, these are the most common ingredients found in commercial pet food.  This does NOT mean that commercial pet foods are bad!  Not every pet has a food allergy, after all.  But for those that do, most commercial pet foods will cause a reaction.

Food allergies are unique in pet allergies, as the medications we use to treat itching in pets (corticosteroids in particular) are not quite as effective if the itch is due to food allergies as opposed to flea allergies or environmental allergies.

If your vet suspects food allergies in your pet, he or she will likely recommend a special diet trial.  Many options are available.  In a food allergic pet, finding the right food makes all the difference in symptoms and quality of life!

Environmental Allergies

Dogs and cats can be allergic to just about anything in their environment.  Environmental allergies, also called "atopy" or "atopic dermatitis" can be broken down into two categories - seasonal allergies and nonseasonal allergies.  These allergens are breathed into the respiratory system, and cause skin manifestations of allergies.  Contact skin allergies can also occur.

Ragweed Pollen

Seasonal allergies are currently upon us!  These are the pets that begin to be itchy and develop skin problems when the seasons change, and then symptoms resolve when the particular season is over.  Fall is particularly bad for seasonal allergies.  Changes in pollens from changing plant life are often the culprit.  Treating resultant skin infections and antihistamines/corticosteroids are often used during the pet's bad season to treat this condition.

Nonseasonal allergies cause similar symptoms to seasonal allergies, except the symptoms last all year.  Nonseasonal allergies can develop due to environmental components such as house dust mites, molds, fibers (like cotton) and other irritants constantly present in the environment.  These are very frustrating to treat, as the pet seems to be in a constant state of irritation.

In cases of severe seasonal and nonseasonal atopy, referral to a veterinary dermatology specialist may be necessary for skin testing.  With skin testing, the offending allergens can be identified, and an allergy serum can be developed specifically designed for each individual patient.  This serum is administered as an injection at home on a decreasing basis, to sensitize the pet to the allergen, and subsequently decrease the inflammatory response.  Other treatment options are available as well, and are best discussed on an individual basis with your pets doctor.

As you can see, allergies cause an awful lot of skin problemsin pets.  A complicating factor is that many patients have more than one type of skin allergy.  However, not all skin problems are due to allergies!  Keep in mind that your veterinarian may recommend certain tests, such as skin scrapings, ear cytologies, cultures, or bloodwork if he or she suspects another cause of skin problems.