10 Ways to Help out your Blind BFF

10 Ways to Help Out Your Blind BFF

So your loving pooch has gone blind? That’s ok. As many of us can imagine, being blind stinks, but isn’t the end of the world. Dogs are resilient. Dogs don’t let a little issue like not seeing get them down. The most important thing is that your dog is confident. Praise, achievement, and confidence allow your dog to adjust to their new situation quicker and easier. 

If you’ve ever played “Pin the Tail on the Donkey”, then you know how easy it is to veer off course when you cannot see. Here are some tips for you to help your pooch maneuver around the homestead.

• Use rugs and any other textured flooring already in the house to help your dog realize and remember where they are. Plastic rug runners under toenails make noise and help keep your dog on a straight path down hallways.
• Do not rearrange the furniture. Find a great spot for that table and keep it there! Consistency is the game here.
• Unique air fresheners in each room will help a pet to recognize where they are if they get disoriented. A light scent is all you need, remember, a dog’s sense of smell is stronger than ours.
• Keep drawers closed and doors open 
• Padding Padding Padding!!!  Pad any sharp edges.
• Stairs are too dangerous!  Have you ever tried to maneuver down the stairs in the dark?
• Block them off with baby gates unless you two will be taking the stairs one at a time together.  Once your dog has transitioned to their new life, then the stairs are something you can accomplish together
• Reduce the amount of landscape in your yard. No obstacle courses here.
• Bells on the collars of other pets prevent your blind dog from being startled.
• Fountain type water bowls make noise which helps your dog to always find their water. Keep their food bowl next to it too.
• Vocalize to your pet more often to reassure them of your presence. Give them praise and talk to them in an upbeat and happy tone.

You will probably have a harder time adjusting to the idea of your pet going blind than they will. Blind dogs are happy, playful, and loving. They’ll run alongside you or any other canine companion as if they have perfect vision. Bumping and banging into the occasional wall or door frame won’t faze them for more than a second. Just some patience and praise from you, and your dog will live a normal and joyful life.

Written by:  Stephanie Goetz, CVT

 

Getting your feline to the vet...without STRESS!!!

Since, thankfully, our cats aren’t quite so self sufficient as the kitty below, we are responsible for that sometimes dreaded car trip to the vet.  Here is some information to hopefully ease that challenge.

Cats are officially the most popular pet in the US but vastly underrepresented at the veterinarian, often missing out on important preventive veterinary care.  Many cats (and people, for that matter) become very anxious at the mere thought of a trip to the vet.  Here are some suggestions to make your cat’s trip to the vet as positive as possible:

The crate—make it a friendly place to hang out: 

·        Invest in a crate with accessibility through the top or a carrier with a removable top portion.

·        Allow your cat free access to the crate at home to make it more inviting.  You can provide treats, a favorite blanket, food, and toys so your cat is comfortable with the carrier during visits to the vet.  You can eventually try feeding your cats enticing meals within the crate.

·        A feline pheromone product like Feliway may help to ease your cat’s stress level and can be sprayed on the bedding placed in the crate.

Click HERE for a great video on crate introduction and transport by the Catalyst Council.

The car ride—practice runs can make all the difference:

·        Get your cat used to going on rides in the car.  Take the opportunity to take your cat for a ride around the block and don’t forget to put a favorite toy, treat, or catnip in the carrier.

·        Covering the carrier with a blanket or towel can further ease anxiety and increase confidence.

·        Make sure to keep the stereo volume low, the windows up, and the air vents on to decrease stress.

·        Slowly progressive introduction to the car can decrease stress and anxiety related to trips.  Hopefully, after some practice runs in the car, your kitty will be more accustomed to trips and it can be a more positive experience.

·        Never leave your cat in a hot car or unattended for an extended period of time!

The visit to the veterinarian:

·        Bring special toys or treats for the visit to make the it as positive as possible.

·        Call ahead to see if the doctor is running on time to expedite your visit and shorten the time in the waiting room.

Please let us know if there’s any other we can ease your feline friend’s trip to the vet.  We are very happy to be part of your kitty’s health and well-being!

Written by:  Stephanie Kotas, DVM

What is a FORL?

What is a FORL?

Well, you guessed it, it has something to do with your cat's teeth.  

Feline Odontoclastic Resorptive Lesions (FORL)

What are Feline Odontoclastic Resorptive Lesions?

Dental health is a very important aspect of general health in both our canine and feline patients.  Cats are particularly susceptible to painful dental disease known as a “feline odontoclastic resorptive lesion” (FORL), previously known as caries, cervical neck lesions, or root resorptions.  This condition is an inflammatory disease whereby the tooth resorbs and eventually breaks.  Studies have shown that more than half of all cats over the age of three will have at least one tooth affected by resorption.

The cause of FORL’s is not completely understood, but the involvement of odontoclasts, cells normally responsible for absorbing deciduous (baby) teeth, is seen at a microscopic level.  It is likely that these cells are triggered by an autoimmune response, meaning the tooth is most likely being destroyed by the cat’s own immune system.

FORL’s can be very painful as the protective outer layer of the tooth, the enamel, is worn away, exposing the sensitive dentin and pulp.

How do I know if my cat has a resorptive lesion?

During your cat’s physical exam, the doctor will closely examine the mouth, looking for obvious signs of resorption, often found along the edge of the tooth at the gumline, as well as evidence of pain or sensitivity.  Pain may manifest as jaw trembling, drooling, bleeding, or a decreased appetite. Cats, however, do not often show outward signs of oral pain.  A complete examination and oral evaluation require anesthesia, assessing the mouth with a probe similarly to a human dentist, cleaning both above and below the gumline, and radiographs (x-rays) of the entire mouth. According to the American Veterinary Dental College, intraoral radiographs are the required to properly evaluate this condition.

How do you treat my cat’s resorptive lesion?

All of the information above combined allows for development of an accurate, complete treatment plan.  Because teeth suffering from resorptive lesions are being destroyed by the cat’s own immune system, continued breakdown is inevitable and the only treatment available is extraction of the affected tooth. 

During extractions, our standard of care involves a multimodal approach to pain management including nerve blocks during the procedure, pain medication before and after the procedure, and pain medication to go home.  Further, teeth are extracted surgically, a post extraction x-ray is taken to ensure the complete removal of the tooth, and the gums are closed with absorbable suture material.

Written by:  Stephanie Kotas, DVM

Case Study: Why Maddy's tail didn't wag that day

“Maddy” is a bouncy, outgoing 5 year old Cavalier King Charles Spaniel.  Her very worried family called us in late October because she had lost her spunk.  In addition, she refused to eat breakfast, which never happens with Maddy!  They had seen blood in her stool that morning as well.

When “Maddy” presented for her examination, she really felt bad-not even a tail wag. 

The reason quickly became apparent, as seen below:

“Maddy” had developed an anal gland (sac)  abscess, which ruptured externally.  Anal glands are glands located on either side and slightly below the anus.  Their sole function is to deposit a pungent, fishy discharge, usually after bowel movements, as a way to mark her territory.  The glands can become infected with bacteria, which causes the duct leading from the gland to the outside of the body to become blocked.  The gland continues to make new secretions, but they can’t leave the gland due to the blocked duct.  The gland becomes bigger and bigger until it pops…much like an over-filled balloon.  

This is what “Maddy’s” gland looked like after the area was cleaned up:

Although “Maddy” did not display typical signs of anal gland discomfort, dogs with anal gland disease will usually lick at the anal area and may scoot.  In addition, they may becomed depressed, stop eating and act like are painful in the hind end, with reluctance to raise their tail or wag.  Treatment centers around pain control-as you can imagine, this is a very painful condition!  Antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications are also prescribed. 

“Maddy”, 14 days later:

Moving forward, it will be important to make sure “Maddy” doesn’t have another abscess.  Frequent anal gland emptying, every 1-3 months, will help keep her enthusiastic and bouncy!

Written by:  Wendy Hauser, DVM

Holiday Safety Tips: Topic #3 - Christmas Tree Dangers

Christmas Tree Dangers

O Christmas Tree, O Christmas Tree, How dangerous you can be……

If you are anything like me, I love to trim the tree right after Thanksgiving. This way I can enjoy it as long as possible.  My pets, especially my cats, seem to enjoy the tree just as much as I do.  All those shiny ornaments and draping garland make such great toys.  I have at least one ornament that doesn’t make it to see the next holiday season.  Live tree or artificial, there are several hazards to be aware of with this splendid piece of holiday décor (yes…I love Christmas trees!).

Christmas tree water –

If you have a live tree, this is real hazard.  The water can contain fertilizers which can cause stomach upset.  It is also considered stagnant water and can be a breeding ground for bacteria.  Bacteria can lead to vomiting, nausea, and diarrhea, if ingested. 

Safety suggestions:  1. Use a covered tree base.  2. Switch to an artificial tree.  3.  Keep the tree in a room that your pet is unable/not allowed to enter. 4. Place a pet/baby gate around your tree so you pets are unable to get to tree water. 

Electric cords

Exposed electric cords can look like string and toys to your pets.  If they are chewed this can lead to electrical burns and even electrocution.  Cover cords to help prevent your pet from chewing on them. 

Safety suggestions:  1. Cover the cords with plastic guards (available at most electronic stores).  2. Keep the tree in a room that your pet is unable/not allowed to enter.  3. Place a pet/baby gate around your tree so you pets are unable to get to decorations.  

Ribbon, tinsel, and ornaments

These bright and shiny decorations are very attractive to inquisitive and playful pets.  A cat playing with a piece of tinsel might seem innocent, but this can lead to ingestion of the tinsel, ribbon, or ornament.  Ingesting of any type of decoration can lead to an obstruction (a blockage in the intestine) which requires surgery to correct.  Obstructions can be life threatening.  Glass ingestion (by way of glass decorations and ornaments) can be particularly dangerous due to the possibility of the glass cutting the esophagus and intestines.  Do not allow your pet to play with any decorations. 

Safety suggestions:  1. Keep all breakable ornaments at a high point on your tree out of reach.  2. Switch to shatter proof/plastic ornaments.  3. Place a pet/baby gate around your tree so you pets are unable to get to decorations.  4. Do not use decorations (like tinsel ‘icicles’) that can easily fall off or be removed in small pieces. 

Batteries

These are often found under your tree.  Batteries contain corrosive material.  If a battery is chewed, these corrosive materials can leak out and cause ulceration to the mouth, tongue, and the rest of the gastrointestinal tract.  In addition, there is also a danger of obstruction (a blockage to the intestine) if a battery is swallowed by your pet. 

Safety suggestion:  1. Do not place gifts under the tree until it is time to open them, especially gifts with batteries.  2. Do not leave unopened gifts under the tree.  3. Place a pet/baby gate around your tree so your pets are unable to get to gifts.  4. Keep batteries out of reach of your pets at all times.

Potpourris

The holiday season is one of the most popular times for household fragrances.  Liquid potpourri can be exposed to your pet through direct ingestion from simmer pots or spills, by rubbing against leaky bottles or simmer pots containing the potpourri, or from spilling the containers.  Tissues in the mouth become exposed following one of these events from the pet grooming themselves.  Exposure to potpourri can result in severe damage to their mouth, tongue, skin, and eyes.  With dry potpourris, there is the added risk of possible obstruction (a blockage to the intestine) or toxic plant ingestion.

Safety suggestions:  1. Keep potpourris in a safe location where pets can not nock them down, spill, or disturb them.  2. Use other forms of household fragrances like plug in diffusers or room sprays to fragrance your home over the holidays. 

DO NOT use any scented fragrances if you have birds in your home.

We hope that these tips can help prevent a potentially scary and stressful event for your pet and your family.  The best thing you can do is try and prevent an exposure and be prepared. 

What to do if your pet has been exposed to a holiday hazard:

1. Gather information about the exposure – What, When, How Much
1. What were they exposed to
2. When were they exposed to it
3. If applicable, how much were they exposed to/how much they ingested
2. Call your veterinarian – Have a hospital contact sheet handy
1. Coal Creek Veterinary Hospital – 303-680-2200 (we have FREE hospital magnets for this purpose, please ask for yours today).
3. If it is after hours or a holiday, call your local Pet Emergency Clinic
1. Animal Emergency and Specialty Center - 720-842-5050 (we have FREE magnets for this purpose that include a map, please ask for yours today).
4. Remain calm and follow directions from your veterinarian or pet emergency clinic.

We hope no pet owner ever has to go through a pet being exposed to these hazards.  Please use good judgment and keep your pets in mind when decorating your home this holiday season.

Written by:  Jamie A. Davis, CVPM

Is your pet’s food contaminated with Salmonella?

Is your pet’s food contaminated with Salmonella?

Salmonella is a bacteria that is most often spread through ingestion of food or water contaminated with fecal material.  Salmonella contamination has recently been implicated in pet food recalls and concerns over exposure to pets and humans alike have increased.  Pet food, supplements, and treats may all carry a risk of contamination directly or can be infected by cross contamination in facilities that handle these products.

Illness from Salmonella most often affects the young and old and the immune compromised in both animals and humans, but the bacteria can be carried by apparently healthy individuals.  There are a reported 1.4 million reported cases of salmonella-related illness and 400 related deaths per year in the United States.  To protect both your two-legged and furry family members, it is important to take precautions to avoid exposure or continued contamination by Salmonella bacteria.

Here are some important guidelines from the American Veterinary Medical Association to prevent the spread of Salmonella in your home:

• Avoid feeding raw diets, commercial or homemade, to your pets which can habor the bacteria if precautions are not properly taken during processing, handling, and storage.
• Purchase individually packaged pig ears, rather than buying from bulk bins—more than 50% of pig ears tested from bulk bins have been found to be contaminated with Salmonella. (Note: Coal Creek Veterinary Hospital does not generally recommend pig ears as treats because of the risk of tooth fracture).
• Make sure packaging of pet food products are in good condition and return if they appear tainted, discolored, or smell abnormal.
• Discourage children, the elderly, and immunosuppressed people from handling food and treats.
• Wash hands thoroughly with soap and water before and after handling pet food, treats, and nutritional products.
• Use a clean scoop to dispense food and regularly wash water and food bowls with hot water in sink other than the kitchen or bathroom to prevent spread of the bacteria.
• Avoid feeding pets in the kitchen.
• Make sure to save the original food packaging materials including date code and product code in case your pet’s food is recalled.

Written by:  Stephanie Kotas, DVM

Daisy's story of what lies beneath.

Meet Daisy.  She is a sweet, 3 year-old Mastiff that had a run-in with the TV on Wednesday.   

One of her family members pulled a sharp object out of her neck that evening and everything seemed to be just fine.  They cleaned the area with some hydrogen peroxide just to be safe.  The next day, her guardians noticed that there was swelling on the left side of her neck, and Daisy just wasn’t acting like herself.  She seemed agitated and her energy was off.  She wasn’t painful when the site was touched, but they were concerned and brought her in for an examination.

To get a closer look, the area was shaved, revealing a small (1/4 inch) puncture wound, and some bruising.  While Daisy was being distracted, Dr. Fein aspirated the area with a needle, and got pinkish, milky fluid.  This pus is characteristic of an abscess.  The skin appeared to be healed, but underneath the skin, bacteria had begun to grow, forming an abscess.  Left untreated, abscesses can cause a fever, making our pets feel under the weather.

Daisy was treated with pain medication and antibiotics.  An incision was made to drain the infected material from the abscess.  The area was flushed with a sterilizing solution until it flushed clear instead of milky pink.  Daisy had a drain placed, to allow the wound to heal from the inside-out, and to prevent the skin from closing over again.  If the skin is allowed to close, another abscess can form.

Here is a picture of the drain that was placed: 

It took her a couple of days for her energy and appetite to return to normal, and we were able to removed the drain 5 days later.  Here is what the area looked like when the drain was removed:

The most important thing was that there was no more infected discharge.

Just 2-3 days later, this is what the area looked like:

 

Daisy made a full and speedy recovery.

Written by: Karyn Fein, DVM