Our Blog has Moved!

We just wanted to inform you, our followers, that our blog has moved.

Noah's has multiple locations and we felt it would be better to give each location their own blog.

If you would like to keep following a Noah's blog, please choose your location below.

Noah's Central 24 Hour ER Hospital - http://noahsemergencyveterinary.com/blog
Noah's Carmel - http://noahsveterinarycarmel.com/blog
Noah's Brandywine - http://noahsveterinarygreenfield.com/blog
Noah's Caring Hands - http://noahsveterinarygeist.com/blog
Noah's Stop 11 - http://noahsveterinarystop11.com/blog
Noah's Westside - http://noahsveterinaryindianapolis.com/blog

Our website is www.noahsanimalhospital.com

Thank you!

Dental Awareness

Dental Awareness

By Dr. Karen Roach

Our pets are part of our family!  We love them, feed them, provide fresh water, keep them warm and take care of all their needs, even sometimes before our very own!  In return, they are there for us, unconditionally.  Current vaccines, parasite preventative medications and pet friendly activities will help keep them healthy and long-lived.   However, there is one aspect of care that is often ignored…dental health. 

Most pets will suffer from some form of dental disease during their lifetime.  You don’t have to let this happen to your pet though!

Mild Gingivitis

Every pet owner should know some terminology concerning dental disease.  After all, the same forms of dental disease affect people as well.  The earliest form of dental disease is gingivitis.  This is an inflammation of the gums, or gingiva, adjacent to the teeth.  Gingivitis is caused by bacteria living in the plaque and tartar film along the gumline.  Gingivitis can occur anywhere in the mouth but it is most common on the outside surfaces over the upper teeth in the front and the back of the mouth.  Gingivitis first appears as mild redness along the gumline.  The gums can then become very red, swollen and even start bleeding.  If left untreated, this form of dental disease progresses to periodontal disease.

Advanced Stage of Periodontal Disease

 Periodontal disease occurs when bacterial infection of the soft tissues surrounding the tooth starts to involve the bone and attachments of the tooth.  Severe gingivitis that progresses to periodontal disease is irreversible.  Advancement of the disease can be slowed by dental cleaning and antibiotic therapy but the disease never really goes away.  That is why it is so important to prevent this stage of dental disease.  Periodontal disease leads to root exposure and sensitivity or pain (not just during chewing) and tooth loss eventually.  Also, chronic infection of the gums can allow bacteria to pass through to the bloodstream and then to the organs of the body, leading to disease there as well. 

Another important form of dental disease seen in pets is tooth fracture.  Dogs bite down on objects of all kinds with tremendous force.  Items, such as real bones (including knuckles), antlers, cow hooves, hard plastic toys, sticks and sometimes ice cubes are common causes of fractures of the largest chewing teeth in the back of the mouth.  Avoid these items as much as possible.  Opt instead for Veterinary Oral Health Council Approved dental chews. 

Cats more often break the fang teeth, called canine teeth, during falls or hunting.  If the pulp canal (the live center of the tooth that contains the nerve and blood supply) is compromised by the fracture, the tooth is lost.  It will need to be extracted or have a root canal to treat pain and infection.  More often, extraction is advisable since a tooth that has had a root canal eventually becomes more brittle and easily broken again.

In puppies and kittens, malocclusion can occur.  This is when the teeth do not line up correctly.  This can cause painful sores inside the mouth or the lips and lead to permanent damage of emerging adult teeth. 

All puppies and kittens have “baby teeth” called deciduous teeth until about 6 months of age.  Some puppies, especially smaller breeds and rarely kittens, can retain deciduous teeth inappropriately.  This is easily treated with extraction of the baby teeth, usually when they are under anesthetic during spaying or neutering.

Does your pet need dental care or even a professional dental cleaning?  Lift up your pet’s lips.  Are the teeth shiny and white or covered with a yellow film or hard tartar?  Is your pet’s breath pleasant or not?  Review your pet’s last veterinary health report card.  Follow your veterinarian’s advice!  Remember, the goal is to prevent disease in the mouth and avoid periodontal disease.  If a dental cleaning is recommended, do not wait.  Do not let a fear of anesthesia prevent you from caring for your pet’s teeth either.  The anesthetics and monitoring equipment used today are very safe and veterinary teams are often trained in identifying trends in vital signs so that they can prevent adverse events.  Also, it takes less time under anesthesia to clean and treat teeth that are not in a state of advanced gingivitis or periodontal disease.

Professional cleaning is the best way to take care of your pet’s teeth when your veterinarian thinks it is time to do so.  You can help at home too.  There are many products available for caring for your pet’s teeth at home.  The very best is to teach your pet to sit for brushing.  Our recommendation is to use a human toddler soft toothbrush.  Even the handle is soft so you cannot hurt your pet with it.  Use a flavored pet toothpaste or even just a tiny bit of baking soda mixed with water.  (Human toothpastes have more fluoride content than a pet should have.)  Focus on the outside surfaces of the teeth along the gumlines.   Do not try to pry your pet’s mouth open, just pull the lips back.


It is best to brush as often as possible, even daily.  This prevents the soft plaque film from hardening into tartar.  Tartar cannot be brushed away.  Give a small treat reward afterward.  Start with just touching the teeth and work up to brushing.  Even adult dogs can learn to sit for this!  Hills Pet Nutrition makes a prescription diet for helping to clean pets’ teeth while eating called t/d®.


Your veterinarian should have a variety of other options for your pet.  Try to use Veterinary Oral Health Council Approved products.

Go ahead and sit down with your pet.  Lift up the lips.  What do you see?  Now that you are dental-aware, you will know what to do!

Dental Special Month!

            From now through February 28^th, Noah’s Animal Hospitals are featuring our annual Dental Special Month! (OK, it’s longer than 1 month, but we are the generous type!)  If your pet receives a dental cleaning during our special, he or she will go home with a FREE bag of Hill’s Prescription diet t/d OR Hill’s Healthy Advantage food! Other promotional deals may be available during this time.  Call your Noah’s Animal Hospital today to schedule an appointment!

Noah's Animal Hospital & 24 Hour Emergency Hospital 2013 Angie’s List Super Service Award

Award reflects company’s consistently high level of customer service

Noah's Animal Hospital & 24 Hour Emergency Hospital  has earned the service industry’s coveted Angie’s List Super Service Award, reflecting an exemplary year of service provided to members of the consumer review service in 2013.

“We are once again, very proud and excited to accept this award! We are proud to be the Best Friend of Your Best Friend This is our second year in a row and it means a lot to us Thank you!!” – Dr. Amber Leistner, Hospital Director of Noah’s Animal Hospital and 24 Hour Emergency Center.

“Only about 5 percent of the companies Noah's Animal Hospital & 24 Hour Emergency Hospital  competes with in the Indianapolis area are able to earn our Super Service Award,” said Angie’s List Founder Angie Hicks. “It’s a mark of consistently great customer service.”

Angie’s List Super Service Award 2013 winners have met strict eligibility requirements, which include an “A” rating in overall grade, recent grade, and review period grade; the company must be in good standing with Angie’s List, have a fully complete profile, pass a background check and abide by Angie’s List operational guidelines.

Service company ratings are updated daily on Angie’s List. Companies are graded on an A through F scale in areas ranging from price to professionalism to punctuality. Members can find the 2013 Super Service Award logo next to company names in search results on AngiesList.com.

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Angie's List helps consumers have happy transactions with local service professionals in more than 720 categories of service, ranging from home improvement to healthcare. More than 2 million paid households use Angie's List to gain access to local ratings, exclusive discounts, the Angie’s List Magazine and the Angie's List complaint resolution service.

DOGS AND CATS CAN DEVELOP BREAST CANCER TOO! by Dr. Kerri Suhr, D.V.M.

DOGS AND CATS CAN DEVELOP BREAST CANCER TOO! 

By Dr. Kerri Suhr, D.V.M.

 

    

October is National Breast Cancer Awareness Month.  Did you know pets can develop this cancer, as well?

   

     In women, one in eight or nine will develop breast, or mammary, cancer.  In dogs that have not been spayed, that number jumps to one in four.   In intact female cats, mammary cancer is the 3rd most common cancer.  Most dogs and cats that develop breast cancer are intact females (have never been spayed), or females spayed after the age of 2-3 years, and are around 10 years of age at diagnosis.  In cats, Siamese cats are more prone to have tumors show up at a younger age than other breeds.  Male dogs and cats can also develop breast cancer, but it is not very common. 

     This sounds scary, but there is some good news!  In dogs, if a female is spayed before her first heat cycle ( which usually occurs between 8 months to a year of age) there is almost no chance of her developing breast cancer.  With one heat cycle, the percentage increases a little - to about 7%.  With multiple heat cycles, the incidence rises to one in four females developing cancer.      

Small mammary tumor in a dog.

     If female cats are spayed before they are 6 months old, they have a 91% lower incidence of mammary cancer.  They have an 86% lower rate of cancer if spayed before 1 year of age.  Studies also show that there is an 11% reduction of breast cancer if spayed before the age of 2 years.  Spaying after the age of 2 does not seem to lower the risk of mammary cancer in cats.  Having kittens does not seem to affect these numbers one way or the other. 

     Spaying your pet early is the best way to help prevent the development of mammary cancer later in life!

     Even though spaying later in life or after tumors have been detected does not seem to decrease the risks of developing mammary cancer, most of these cancers are at least early in the disease responsive to hormones.   It is thought by some to be advantageous to still spay them, as this may help them have a longer survival time after surgery.   

     If your pet happens to develop a mammary tumor, there are some important facts that you need to know:    

     50% of mammary tumors found in dogs are malignant, which means they are invasive forms of cancer with the potential to spread.  About 50% of malignant tumors of mammary glands have already spread ("metastasized") by the time they are detected. 

     The other half of mammary tumors in dogs are benign (noninvasive). In these cases, removing the tumor surgically will cure the problem. 

     Unfortunately, in cats, about 90% of mammary tumors are malignant.  These tumors in cats have a very aggressive nature, and spread quickly to lymph nodes and other surrounding mammary glands.  They can spread to the lungs and other tissues as well.     

      What should you do if you suspect a mammary tumor in your pet? 

     If you feel a hard lump in the skin on the underside of your dog or cat, call your veterinary office to schedule an appointment for further diagnostics.  Your pet will need to be examined.  Tests are usually run to determine whether cancer has spread to the lungs and lymph nodes, and to determine the overall health of the animal.  This usually includes x-rays, cytology (looking at the cells under a microscope) and bloodwork.  Fine needle aspirates that show cells under the microscope can help to determine if the mass is indeed arising from breast tissue, but this test is not great at determining a prognosis or continued treatment plan for mammary cancer.  In most cases, a surgical removal ("biopsy") with histopathology is necessary to determine what type of cells are present and if it is malignant or benign.  This means the mass is removed and is sent to a laboratory to be evaluated by a veterinary pathologist.   

Mammary tumor cells under a microscope.

     The biopsy will provide a lot of valuable information.  The pathologist will determine the type of tumor and whether it is benign or malignant.  This gives an idea of prognosis and the best type of treatment.  The biopsy also will determine if the margins of the skin  and tissues around the tumor are clean. (No signs of cancerous cells extending out to the edge of the removed mass.) This will determine whether a second surgery is necessary to remove remnants of abnormal cells.   

     Treatment recommendations depend largely upon the type of mammary cancer, the size of the mass, whether it has metastasized, and the overall health of the animal.  Removal of the mass with clear margins is often curative for benign masses.  For more aggressive tumors and tumors removed without clean margins, further surgery, chemotherapy and radiation therapy are adjunct therapies available after the initial surgery in dogs.  In cats, aggressive surgical removal of the mammary chain can lead to patients being cancer-free for up to a year in 50% of cases. 

     Every pet with mammary cancer is different, and no two cases are alike!  Your veterinarian is your best resource to help guide your decisions for your pet's care.  If you are concerned about a lump you have found in your pet, call your favorite Noah's veterinarian to schedule an appointment. 

references:

Chemotherapy for Malignant Mammary Carcinoma  ACVIM 2013; Antony S. Moore, BVSc, MVSc, DACVIM(oncology)

VeterinaryPartner.com  The Pet Health Care Library, Wendy C. Brooks, DVM, DipABVP

      

Friendly Ferrets

Friendly Ferrets

Ferrets are the third most popular pet species in the United States (after dogs and cats).  They remain playful throughout their entire life, even when they are seniors.  The average lifespan of a ferret is 5-8 years.  So, relatively speaking, a ferret’s life is about half that of a typical cat or dog life.  To gain perspective on a ferret’s lifespan, each year a ferret ages is approximately equal to 10-13 years in a human life.  This means that ferrets become seniors when they are about 5 years old. 

Diet

Ferrets require a very high protein diet.  It is important that they are fed a high quality ferret diet.  They should never be fed dog or cat food.  A high quality kitten food can be fed for short periods of time, but ferrets will do their best when fed a food specifically designed for ferrets.  Acceptable food brands include Marshall, Totally Ferret, or Evo.

Marshall Ferret Diet

Vaccines

Ferrets should be vaccinated annually for Rabies and Canine Distemper.  Both of these diseases are fatal to a ferret if contracted.  Ferrets are, however prone to having reactions to vaccinations.  It is best to schedule your appointment on a day when you are able to wait at the vet office for at least 30 minutes after your appointment time.  This will allow your veterinarian to observe your ferret for an immediate vaccine reaction.  It is also important that you are able to observe the ferret at home for 2-3 hours after the vaccines.  This will allow you to pick up on a delayed reaction if it were to occur.

Dental care

Ferrets have teeth too!  Even though they have a relatively short lifespan, ferrets are prone to dental disease.  Regular brushing at home with a veterinary toothpaste and small, soft-bristled toothbrush is recommended.  Professional dental cleanings may also be recommended by your veterinarian, as well as possible extractions for infected or broken teeth.

Ferret with significant tartar and gingivitis. A professional dental cleaning is necessary.

Young Ferrets

Along with the never ending playfulness, come medical concerns that start early in life.  Young ferrets are extremely curious and mischievous.  If not closely supervised when not in their cage, a ferret can get into many predicaments.  Because of their sleek build, a ferret can fit into any space that he can squeeze his head into.  This includes spaces behind appliances, underneath cabinets, and inside furniture (a big problem with reclining furniture).  Take care to “ferret proof” your home before letting a ferret roam free in the house.  Young ferrets are also notorious for ingesting foreign objects, especially rubbery things.  Two out of the 5 ferrets that I had when they were young kits required surgery to remove foreign objects that they had eaten.

Keep your ferret safe in a comfortable ferret cage.

Older Ferrets

As ferrets age, which occurs quickly, they are prone to diseases that come with age, just as any other animal.  It is important to have regular vet exams and annual blood work to help screen for diseases such as kidney disease, liver disease, cancer, etc.  Ferrets are also prone to 3 diseases that are more “ferret specific."

1.        Insuinoma:  This is a condition in which the insulin-producing cells located in the pancreas overgrow (typically non-cancerous tumor growth of these cells).  When these cells overgrow, they also overproduce insulin.  This, in turn, causes the ferret’s blood sugar to drop to a dangerously low level (the opposite of diabetes).  This low blood sugar can lead to weakness and ultimately can lead to seizures and death. 

2.       Adrenal disease:  Ferrets are prone to tumors of the adrenal glands.  These are most commonly benign (non-cancerous), but can become cancerous in some ferrets.  These tumors secrete excessive amounts of sex hormones which lead to hair loss, vulvar swelling in females and prostate enlargement in males.  Adrenal disease is typically not life-threatening in females unless it is cancerous.  However, in males, we can see urinary obstruction due to prostate enlargement.

A ferret with hair loss due to adrenal disease.

3.       Lymphoma:  This is a cancer of the lymph tissue.  It can affect the lymph nodes and virtually any other organ system, including liver, kidney, intestinal tract, etc.  We can see lymphoma occur at virtually any age, young or old.  I lost a 6 month old ferret to lymphoma several years ago.

Take time to observe your ferret for changes in behavior, sleeping habits, or eating habits.  Here are some of the signs to watch for:

·         vomiting

                  ·         diarrhea
                  ·         hairloss (often starts at the base of the tail)
                  ·         weakness
                  ·         difficulty walking on rear legs
                  ·         excessive sleepiness
                  ·         becoming tired more easily (shorter play times)
                  ·         grinding teeth/pawing at mouth/drooling
                  ·         straining to urinate (this may be an emergency)
                  ·         decreased appetite
                  ·         increased drinking or urination

Summary

Ferrets are a joy to have as pets.  They are fun and playful and full of life.  If you are considering a ferret as a pet, please think it through carefully.  They are such a joy, but do require special housing and ferret-proofing.  They require regular wellness veterinary care and are prone to medical problems that require additional veterinary care.  Many of the diseases they get are treatable, so early detection is the key.

Help! My Pet Is Lost! What Do I Do?

     Unfortunately, we sometimes find ourselves in a situation in which our pet has become lost.  It can happen to anyone.  Maybe there was a hole in the fence in your back yard you didn't know about; maybe your pet scurried out the front door when you greeted a friend; or perhaps you were on a leisurely walk with your pet and the leash got away from you.  It is scary to know your pet is out there, alone and at risk for injury.  Here are some tips to help you become reunited with your best friend!

Microchip Your Pet!

     Microchips are tiny implantable devices that can be easily placed under your pets skin for identification purposes.  These tiny chips can be read by microchip scanners that most shelters and veterinary clinics have on hand.  Each chip has it's own alpha-numeric code that is unique to you and your pet.  When your pet is implanted with a microchip, you register your contact information with the microchip manufacturer.  When the chip is scanned, this code is displayed.  The microchip manufacturer can then be contacted with this code, and your contact information can be provided to the person that found your pet!  It is not a foolproof method of identification, but it is the best form of permanent identification your pet can have!

     Microchips are placed under the skin using a large bore needle.  The procedure to place the microchip takes only a couple of minutes, and can be done during a brief office visit to your veterinarian!  It is a small price to pay for peace of mind in case your pet is lost.

Scanning a pet for a microchip.

     Remember - most furry friends can be microchipped, as well as your feathered and scaly friends as well!

     Lastly, if you find a lost pet, please take it to the nearest shelter or veterinary clinic to be scanned for a microchip!  Odds are, the pet belongs to someone living in or frequenting the area you found the pet in need.  We know pets can look quite disheveled when they have been lost for even just a day or two.  Please don't assume their owners are bad, have not been taking care of them, or do not want them back - they may have been searching for them for quite some time!

   Check out these news stories that illustrate the success of microchipping:

     Dog missing for 2 years, reunited with owner due to a microchip!

     Dog found over 1000 miles away, and reunited with the owner!

     Pet missing for 2 years, happy reunion with owner!

     The Today Show - Cat missing for 5 years found in New York City!

Check Your Local Shelters

     Make phone calls and personal visits to your local shelters and animal control.  If you don't find your pet locally, consider travelling to shelters a bit farther away.  Sometimes, well-meaning good samaritans will pick up lost pets and take them to a shelter a bit farther away.  Arrive at the shelters well prepared, with photos and a written description of your pet that they can display or keep for their records.

Template for a lost pet poster

Call Local Veterinarians/Place Public Posters

     Many veterinarians will take a description of your lost pet to keep in their records to refer to if someone that has found a lost pet calls or takes it to the veterinary clinic.  Some hospitals also allow you to post your lost pet flier in their office.

     Visit grocery stores and coffee shops to post your lost pet fliers in their public posting area, and place posters in other areas as well!  Posting fliers in some areas, such as on light poles, may not be legal in your area, so check state and local laws!

Get Online!

     There are a host of websites you can visit to post lost and found pet information.  This list is not all inclusive, but a great place to start!

     If you are in the Indianapolis area, be sure to check out:  www.IndyLostPetAlert.com

     Also try:

     www.PetAmberAlert.com
     www.Petfinder.com
     www.CraigsList.com
     www.Pets911.com
     www.PetHarbor.com
    

     We hope you never have to experience a missing pet!  But if you do, we hope these ideas help you to reunite with your beloved friend.  And remember - if you find a lost pet, take it to the nearest shelter and have it scanned for a microchip.  After all, that is what you would want someone else to do if they happened to find your pet in need!

Zoonosis – Can I get sick from my pet?

Zoonosis – Can I get sick from my pet?

Animals do so much good that it is hard to believe anything bad can come from them. However, we need to be aware that we can contract some diseases from them and they can get diseases from us.

While most pet owners are clear about the immediate joys that come with sharing their lives with companion animals, many remain unaware of the physical and mental health benefits that can also accompany the pleasure of playing with or snuggling up to a furry friend.  But the bigger issue is that far too many owners, and their families, are oblivious to both common and uncommon diseases and parasites that can be spread from the four legged family members to the human ones.  A zoonotic disease is a disease that can be transferred from animals to humans.

Licking is just one way your pet may spread a zoonotic disease to you.

Some people are more likely than others to get diseases from pets. A person's age and health status may affect his or her immune system, increasing the chances of getting sick. People who are more likely to get diseases from our animals include infants, children younger than 5 years old, organ transplant patients, people with HIV/AIDS, and people being treated for cancer. Special advice is available for people who are at greater risk than others of getting diseases from animals.

Dogs and cats can carry a variety of germs that can make people sick. Some of these germs are common and some are rare. For example, puppies may pass the bacterium Campylobacter in their feces (stool). This germ can cause diarrhea in people. Puppies and some adult dogs often carry a variety of parasites that can cause rashes or illness in people.   Less often, dogs in urban or rural areas can carry the bacterium Leptospira. This germ causes the disease leptospirosis in people and animals. Some cat-related diseases that make people sick are common, such as cat scratch disease (or cat scratch fever), and others such as plague, are rare. Toxoplasmosis is a disease that can come from cats, but people are more likely to get it from eating raw meat or from gardening.

Dogs and cats can also carry rabies, a deadly viral disease. Rabies from dogs is rare in the United States, but we are see increasing reports of rabies in cats, both feral and even some owned cats.  Check out this previous blog post about rabies for more information!

Probably the most common zoonotic diseases that dogs and cats can pass to any person is infection with either hookworms or roundworms.  These intestinal parasites are found in almost every puppy and kitten and during stressful periods in their lives.  Dogs and cats can shed hundreds of thousands of microscopic eggs into the environment from these parasites.  Once in the grass, the sandbox, or even on the beach, these parasite eggs hatch into larva, ready to infect another warm-blooded animal.  Children are very susceptible to infection, as we all know that they rarely wash their hands after play.  Sun-worshipping beach lovers may find themselves the target of hookworm larva who can actually penetrate skin and cause a serious, intensely itchy skin condition.  Roundworm larva can cause vision problems, or even blindness.  Check out the CDC's information on hookworms and roundworms.

Hookworm egg

Roundworm eggs

         

If you are a “fan of feathers”, you should be aware of a few things as well.  For example, baby chicks and ducklings often carry the bacterium Salmonella. This germ causes salmonellosis in people. Parakeets and parrots can carry the bacterium Chlamydia psittaci. This germ causes the disease psittacosis. Pigeon droppings can have germs that make people sick.

Like birds, reptiles and amphibians that are commonly kept as pets also harbor the Salmonella bacterium, and they can carry the bacteria without any symptoms of disease.

Red-eared slider, a common pet turtle.

It’s important to remember that although dogs, cats and other animals can pass germs to people, you are not likely to contract anything from touching or owning pets. To best protect yourself from getting sick, thoroughly wash your hands with running water and soap after contact with animals, their saliva, or feces (stool).  Teach younger children the importance of washing up after playing with their pets or out in the yard where the pets also roam.

Don’t feed or promote the feeding of wildlife. Many wild animals, like raccoons, coyotes and foxes, are adapting to a more urban environment and an easy food source will encourage the wildlife to return.  These animals often carry parasites and bacteria or viruses that can infect your pets or your family.

Finally, maintain a good relationship with your family veterinarian.  Routine physical examinations (we recommend twice a  year) and regular fecal sample checks (again, at least 2x per year) can help ensure that your pets are NOT harboring potentially dangerous germs.  Remember, here at Noah's we are the best friend of your best friend!

Summer Time Issues for our Pets

Each year, school kids anxiously look forward to the last days of school, eager to be away from the responsibility of homework and assignments.  Summer is a time for adventure, staying up late and enjoying the warm weather holidays, like the Fourth of July.

Unfortunately, our pets may not see things EXACTLY the same way!!

For many dogs, cats and even large animals, like horses and livestock, the noise and excitement associated with Independence Day is almost unbearable.  Local animal shelters report higher numbers of loose and roaming animals after the fourth of July and some pets have even been known to injure themselves in an effort to get away from the loud noises.  Even if your pet seems to tolerate fireworks, curious dogs have been burnt or hurt chasing sparklers, bottle rockets and even running towards a thrown firecracker!

Your pet may not be bothered by the noise of fireworks, but we still recommend that you avoid taking your pet to any area where people congregate to watch fireworks.  Even the best behaved pet might act erratically with the combination of large numbers of people and the loud booms, crackles and explosive lights.  You don’t want to risk losing your dog in a crowd of strangers OR the chance that someone might be bit.

Likewise, if you are heading out to enjoy the celebrations, don’t let your dog stay alone outside, even in a fenced in yard.  Our emergency hospital routinely sees cases of lacerations or other injuries caused by pets attempting to jump, climb or dig under fences.

If you know your pet will be bothered by the noises, or if you aren’t 100% sure, find a quiet interior room for your pet to stay the evening of the Fourth of July.  Sometimes, a radio or TV will provide enough distractive noise to drown out the worst of the fireworks.  In severe cases of noise anxiety, we might be able to prescribe a medication or supplement to help your pet relax a little bit. 

We all want to spend quality time with our pets and the summertime offers lots of opportunities for that.  Just remember that there are a few events where it’s best to leave the pet at home and firework celebrations definitely fit that bill!

CANINE AND FELINE DEGENERATIVE JOINT DISEASE

By: Dr. Joni Kirch

Have you noticed that your furry canine family member may be having some reluctance taking their usual walks, seems stiff when they are getting up from lying down, having some difficulty jumping into the car for that cherished car ride they so much enjoy?  

Maybe they are limping or licking at one of their joints excessively.  Possibly not spending as much time as they used to with the family or they seem sore or even grumpy when touched?  What about your kitty?  Maybe they’re not jumping up on the counters like they used to (even though you tried so hard over the years to get them not to!), they seem a little stiff, resent being held, not grooming themselves as usual, or even having accidents outside their litter box?  Well, these can all potentially be signs of Degenerative Joint Disease (aka osteoarthritis or arthritis) in either your beloved canine or feline friend. 

Both dogs and cats very commonly suffer from arthritis pain. Did you know that degenerative joint disease (DJD), is the number one cause of chronic pain in dogs and cats?  DJD occurs when cartilage becomes damaged.  Cartilage is the gelatinous “shock absorber” on the ends of bones that helps decrease joint stress by reducing the impact on these bones.  The damaged cartilage results in inflammation which in turn leads to the destruction of the cartilage and then damage to the underlying bone resulting in discomfort and pain.

DJD is more often associated with older pets due to “normal wear and tear” of a joint over the years, but can also affect many young pets due to congenital joint abnormalities or even trauma.  The degree of wear and tear on a joint over the years can be affected by how athletic your pet is as well as obesity.  Congenital bone diseases that can result in arthritis include such things as canine hip dysplasia and OCD (osteochondritis dessicans, a hereditary defect in the cartilage).  DJD is best diagnosed by your veterinarian with a thorough history, complete physical exam as well as radiographs (x-rays). 

There are several key points to keep in mind when diagnosing and treating DJD.  Keep in mind that there is no cure for arthritis and only control. The goal is to help alleviate patient discomfort, decrease further degenerative changes, and to help keep the joints as pain-free and as functional as possible. Treatment often involves what is termed as a multimodal approach, meaning that several approaches for treatment are utilized to obtain better results than a single treatment option alone.  Your veterinarian can tailor a treatment plan that best meets the needs of your pet by considering any of the following factors or treatment options:

    1.      Signs of arthritis may be subtle and easy to overlook. This is especially true for cats since they may not show obvious signs of lameness.  Many times an owner just thinks their cat is aging.   Clinical signs that your cat may have arthritis are usually in the form of behavioral or lifestyle changes.  As stated above, they may be reluctant or unwilling to jump, may not jump as high, may seem a little grouchier, possibly have accidents outside the box, and may not groom themselves as much because it hurts to twist their bodies in all sorts of angles and directions like they used to when they were young and more flexible (kind of sounds like what happens when we age as well!) 

2.      Early treatment is very important to help slow down the progression of this disease.  Starting pets on chondroprotective agents (such as Adequan) or nutraceuticals (such as glucosamine/chondroitin sulfate) early can help keep the joint healthier by supporting the cartilage structure, prevent further deterioration, and decrease inflammation and free radical damage.

3.      Keeping your pet at a healthy, lean body weight is absolutely critical not only to help prevent the development of DJD but also to help slow down the progression if it develops.  Your veterinarian can give you your pet’s body condition score.  A normal healthy weight to strive for is a 5/9.  They can also give you advice to achieve this goal if your pet has a score of greater than 6/9. 

4.      Proper exercise helps to maintain muscle mass and decrease pain.  Low-impact exercise such as swimming or walking through shallow water is best but if that is not an option, then daily leash walking or controlled jogging can help as well.  Controlled exercise is good but it is also important to rest your pet if they are having any type of flare-up of pain associated with arthritis for a few days until they are feeling better.

5.      Prescription medications to help with inflammation and pain are very useful as arthritis progresses.  There are many options for various non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDS) such as deracoxib (Deramaxx), carprofen (Rimadyl), etodolac (Etogesic), etc.  These medications are typically used in dogs when arthritis pain advances and your pet appears painful.  Some dogs may respond to one NSAID over another and your veterinarian can decide what may be the best medication for your pet.  Keep in mind that these medications can have potential side effects such as gastrointestinal disorders and liver or kidney dysfunction. It is therefore recommended if your pet is on any NSAID to have blood work done routinely to monitor for any problems and to watch closely for any signs of gastrointestinal disease, changes in appetite, changes in urination or drinking, etc. 

6.      It is very important to note that cats are very sensitive to NSAIDs and many of them can be very toxic or have serious side effects.  Therefore, it is recommended that you never give your cat any type of NSAID and only follow the advice of your veterinarian when considering giving your cat any type of medication.  It is also critical that it is very accurately dosed to help avoid serious, even life-threatening side effects.

7.      Therapeutic diets enriched with omega-3 fatty acids, chondroitin and glucosamine can also be very  important in helping to manage DJD.  They may help with reduction of inflammation and aid in the management of arthritis.  One example of such a diet is Hill’s J/D. 

8.      Acupuncture and massage can also be alternative therapies that can provide additional pain control to help improve your pet’s quality of life as the arthritis advances.

A cat receiving acupuncture.

9.     Taking radiographs of your large breed dog while they are young (typically when they are under anesthesia for spaying or neutering) is a great time to assess whether they may have canine hip dysplasia or at risk for developing DJD in their hips as they age.  There are also options to have your dog’s hips screened either through the Orthopedic Foundation of America (OFA) or via PennHip.  These methods of radiographs allow you and your veterinarian to know whether your dog’s hips are normal.  This is very important to know especially if you have any intentions to breed your purebred dog.

Although arthritis is a very common problem amongst dogs and cats, it is not the only cause of pain or discomfort.   If you are concerned that your pet is experiencing any pain or discomfort, please contact your veterinarian as soon as possible to set up a consultation with them to determine if DJD is the cause or if there may be another reason for their discomfort.  With a thorough history, a complete examination and possibly radiographs, they can determine what is causing your pet’s discomfort and what options are available for treatment and management to help your pet feel better soon.