No Excuse Not to Spay and Neuter

A Tooth Brush A Day Keeps the Dentist Away

Dog breath isn't the only reason to brush your pet's teeth. Most animals--whether it be dog, cat, or horse--can benefit from some level of dental hygiene. Horses require teeth floating, a process through which the sharp edges of the teeth are filed down to prevent oral ulcers, while dogs and cats benefit from simple brushing to help keep their teeth healthy.

An animal's mouth is an extremely hospitable environment for bacteria; it is warm, moist, and there is a constant supply of food coming in. Bad breath (halitosis) is caused by built up bacteria in the mouth. Luckily, most humans brush their teeth on a regular basis, thereby diminishing some of the bacteria and lessening the chances of dental disease or bacterial infections throughout the body.

Unfortunately, many pets do not get the same oral treatment as we give ourselves, probably because people just don't know that it is important. Tartar and plaque can accumulate on the teeth causing inflammation of the gums surrounding the teeth. This is especially true in toy breed dogs. Smaller breed dogs have the same amount of teeth in their mouth, less bone to surround the teeth, and less space to house them. This results in the teeth being crowded, and a more rapid accumulation of tartar and plaque. Older dogs are also at a higher risk of developing inflammation around the teeth.

Dr. Gwenn Schamberger, a veterinarian and dental resident at the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Urbana, Ill. believes, "Brushing your pet's teeth is really the gold standard for dental care."

But let’s get serious--not all dogs or cats are going to sit there with their mouths wide open while you scrub away. There is no substitute for a good toothbrush, but there are some other ways to help reduce some of the tartar buildup.

There are certain diets that are considered prescription diets, and can be bought at your veterinarian’s office, that are specifically formulated as dental diets. These dog or cat foods have a large amount of fiber built into the kibble. This keeps the food together long enough to scrape some of the plaque off of teeth.

Dental chews are always a good way to help improve dental health, and serve two functions because they often allow dogs to have an outlet for their instinct to chew. Caution should be used when choosing a dental chew for your pet. Over-zealous chewing on hard chew toys can result in painful dental fractures and chewing large pieces off of chew toys leading to intestinal problems. Always monitor your pets when giving chew treats.

Chew treats with plaque-reducing additives seem to have a reasonable efficacy. However, Dr. Schamberger reminds us that these additives work on a contact time basis. The longer they are on a tooth, the better they work. Rinses can be beneficial. There are a number of veterinary rinses sold over the counter. You should use caution when selecting a rinse because xylitol, a common ingredient in rinses, can cause hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, in animals.

When shopping for an oral health additive for your animal it is important to look for the label "VOHC," which stands for Veterinary Oral Health Council. This council is in place to protect consumers from buying products that may not have been tested and whose efficacy may not be proven.

Recent human studies have shown that brushing teeth with pet toothpaste (use pet toothpaste ONLY because pets swallow toothpaste and human toothpaste is not meant to be swallowed) as opposed to using water yielded only a three percent increase in plaque removal. It doesn't really matter what you put on the brush, it just matters that you brush. Often, animals really like the pet toothpaste and this can add to the enjoyment of the brushing process.

To get your pet to allow you to brush its teeth it is best to start when they are young. Work slowly. First start with pet toothpaste on your finger and allow them to lick it off. Then lift their lip. Next try brushing one tooth at a time and so on until brushing is not something to be dreaded by animals and owners alike.

With simple measures taken towards dental health you can provide your pet that little extra assurance that it can remain healthy, happy, and active.

For more information about dental health for your pet, contact your local veterinarian.

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Mild Winters Spell L-E-P-T-O

Published: May. 23, 2007  Source: Dr. Carol Maddox

Several years of mild winters in the Midwest may bring veterinarians and physicians more than the usual number of cases of leptospirosis, or "lepto," a bacterial disease that can affect cattle, swine, horses, wildlife, dogs, and humans.

According to Dr. Carol Maddox, a microbiologist at the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine in Urbana, Ill., several strains of the bacterium Leptospira interrogans survive in water and can persist in the natural environment in lakes, streams, and retention ponds.

In the spring the bacteria are ingested by raccoons, opossums, and other wildlife. While these animals may not get sick from lepto, they act as hosts for the disease, enabling the bacteria to multiply. The bacteria are spread through the animals' urine during spring and summer. Then pets and people come into contact with contaminated water, and cases of the disease usually peak in the fall.

Normally, Leptospira numbers dwindle during cold winters, keeping the disease in check. However, Dr. Maddox predicts that places may see a heavier caseload, starting sooner than usual, since many lepto organisms probably survived the recent mild winters.

Hunting dogs that retrieve game from water and people who swim in contaminated water have historically been at high risk of acquiring lepto. In 1998, for example, several participants in a triathlon in Springfield, Ill., contracted leptospirosis after swimming in a contaminated lake.

Recently urban sprawl has contributed to a rising incidence of lepto infections. Housing developments are built closer to wild areas, and thus closer to the wildlife that may carry lepto. Pets no longer have to go to remote ponds to drink contaminated water; the retention pond in their local subdivision may be contaminated with lepto from wild animals' urine.

Lepto is most often acquired through oral ingestion, but it can also enter the body through open wounds, abrasions, or mucus membranes in the eye or nose. Dr. Maddox notes, "It takes only a small number of organisms to infect and cause disease."

Leptospira can infect the blood and spread to the lymph nodes, liver, and kidneys. Signs of lepto mimic signs of many other diseases, and include fever, lethargy, gastrointestinal upset, and loss of appetite. Owners should consult a veterinarian whenever their pet displays signs of liver trouble, such as jaundice (yellowing of the eyes, skin, or gums) or yellow foamy vomit, or signs of kidney problems, such as increased urination, dark or bloody urine, or unusual "accidents" in the house.

Since leptospirosis can lead to liver or kidney failure if left untreated, accurate diagnosis is crucial. Veterinarians can quickly identify Leptospira during acute infection by sending urine, liver, or kidney biopsies to a diagnostic laboratory for an inexpensive qPCR test, a type of DNA detection. Blood tests usually can't detect lepto antibodies until 2 to 3 weeks after infection and may be a better indicator of a longstanding or chronic disease.

Antibiotic treatment for lepto is effective if the disease is caught early, but, of course, prevention is the best medicine. Make sure dogs do not drink out of puddles or ponds outdoors; bring tap water for your dog or horse when you take them on long outings. Always keep wild animals away from barns, food, and water supplies to prevent lepto and other diseases. Vaccination may also be advised by your veterinarian.

Cats and many dogs may carry the bacteria without developing disease, so they can spread the diseasewithout owners knowing. Since lepto may make humans ill, household sanitation is important. Pet owners should always wash their hands after touching their pet and cleaning household "accidents" and litter boxes. People who camp should also protect themselves by filtering, boiling, or treating lake or stream water before drinking it.

For more information about leptospirosis, contact your local veterinarian.

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Independence Day Not Always Cause for Pets to Celebrate

Published: Jun. 26, 2007

Most Americans pause about this time each year to celebrate Independence Day with parades, fireworks, and picnics. However, for some of our beloved family members the very thought of celebrating this patriotic holiday shifts their normally calm demeanor to one resembling a rocket's red glare.

From sun-up to sun-down, the traditional Fourth of July celebrations often bring harmful hazards to our furry friends. Dr. Amy Totten, veterinarian and internal medicine resident at the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Urbana, Ill., recommends that pet owners err on the side of caution by leaving their pets in the safety of their home.

"I'm no different; I want to take my dog along with me to help celebrate the day. But, I know that the day's activities are not always enjoyable for him and must leave him at home where he is the most safe and comfortable," says Dr. Totten.

Most Fourth of July celebrations start out with a parade through town. While this provides a great source of entertainment for most family members, dogs can be frightened by the unfamiliar noises that accompany a parade. The blare of a police or fire siren, the harmonious toot from a marching band, and joyful shrieks from excited children are all enough to produce anxiety in your pet. With most parades also comes tossed candy. These sweet treats intended for humans are often snatched by the four-legged friend who is closer to the ground and can produce some unwanted outcomes in our pets, such as an upset stomach or even a toxic reaction.

The celebrations continue with barbecues and backyard picnics, accompanied by a spread that rivals Thanksgiving dinner. An unattended plate of food and an adult beverage can quickly become a feast for Fido, and can even more quickly turn into a holiday gone wrong for your pet.

Sparklers and small fireworks are also popular entertainment for children at Fourth of July celebrations. Although seemingly harmless for properly supervised children, pets can be easily injured by an errant spark or spooked by a small firecracker.

When the day winds down and the "oohs" and "aahs" begin flowing at the sight of a spectacular fireworks show, dogs often have a dramatically different reaction to the display. Your pet will likely be frightened by the big boomers, resulting in any number of anxiety-driven reactions. Normally calm pets who become frightened often result in an uncharacteristically aggressive behavior.

To prevent an unpleasant situation, Dr. Totten recommends leaving pets in the safety of your home. To minimize any anxiety-driven reactions, she recommends confining your dog to a crate or kennel in a well-secured room inside your home. This will reduce the sounds your pet is able to hear. You should provide your pet with ample food and water and any comforting items, such as a familiar toy or blanket. Dr. Totten also recommends relocating any outdoor pets to a well-ventilated indoor area, such as a garage.

Should it be necessary for your pet to accompany you to your celebration, Dr. Totten suggests several preventative measures:

Be cautious of the temperature. A pet can succumb to heat and humidity just as quickly as a human. Provide your dog with adequate water and never leave an animal in a vehicle or in direct sunlight.

Stay a safe distance away from fireworks or loud noises that can produce anxiety in your pet.

Remain alert to your pet, making sure it doesn't eat something not intended for pets.

Be cautious of aggressive behavior, which is often a reaction to high anxiety situations.

Keep proper identification on your pet. Dogs often flee stressful situations; ID tags and microchips help identify where a lost pet belongs.

For more information about helping your pet cope with anxiety associated with loud noises, contact your local veterinarian.

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Fall Hazards: How to Keep Your Pet Safe Oct. 22, 2007 Source: Dana Farbman, CVT

In neighborhoods around Illinois preparations for autumn and winter weather are underway and thoughts of apple picking, trick-or-treating, long walks with Spot and Fido, and other fall activities are beginning to enter our heads. Unfortunately, many of the things we use to tend to yards and gardens to prepare for the pending cold, to winterize cars, and to keep fall pests away contain substances that are toxic to pets.

As the dog days of summer leave us, the cool autumn breezes lead rodents and other pests to seek refuge in our heated homes. Dana Farbman, a certified veterinary technician at the Animal Poison Control Center in Urbana, explains that the pesticides and rodenticides we use in our homes to rid ourselves of these unwanted pests could potentially be harmful, even fatal, to our pets.

"Unfortunately, rodenticides and pesticides may be just as attractive to pets as they are to rodents, making them especially dangerous to our cherished companions," says Farbman. "If owners decide to use any of these substances it is important that they place the poison in areas that are not accessible to pets and ensure that the packaging is kept intact so that they can provide accurate information to their veterinarian or to poison control in case of ingestion."

Certain rodenticides are sold as pellets or blocks, and may have blue, green or other types of dye added to them. Pet owners should contact a veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center immediately if they recognize something like this in their pet's stool or vomit.

However, unless pets are caught in the act it can be difficult for pet owners to know if their pet has ingested a rodenticide. And, unfortunately, signs of a problem vary depending on the type of product and the effect that it has on the body. Clinical manifestations of rodenticide poisoning in a pet can include weakness, bleeding or bruising, seizures, or even damage to the kidneys and other vital organs. If your pet is displaying any of these symptoms it is important to seek veterinary attention immediately.

Because many people winterize their cars early, antifreeze is another toxin common in the fall. Unfortunately, the toxic nature of antifreeze is masked by its bright color and sweet flavor that is often irresistible to curious pets and young children. The main ingredient in many of these products is ethylene glycol, a substance with a toxicity that increases dramatically when metabolized by the liver.

According to Farbman, it is important to seek veterinary care immediately if you suspect that your pet may have ingested antifreeze, as early treatment is imperative.

Owners should also be able to recognize the first signs of poisoning that often go unnoticed: a pet may appear "drunk," weak, or wobbly, especially in the hind legs, may appear lethargic and very thirsty, and may urinate frequently. Unfortunately, by the time these signs are present, the window for treatment may be closing. For this reason, you should seek veterinary care immediately if a pet is suspected of ingesting antifreeze.

After this first stage, it may appear that the animal has recovered, when in actuality, the ethylene glycol is being metabolized into its poisonous form. If the pet is not treated at this point, it will likely suffer serious, and often fatal, kidney failure.

If you suspect antifreeze poisoning, take your pet to a veterinarian, who will perform a number of tests to help confirm exposure.

Hazards of fall yard work include iron-based fertilizers, herbicides that contain lead arsenate, and mulch made from cocoa hulls, which, like chocolate, can cause stomach upset when ingested and can be toxic to pets if ingested in large enough quantities. In order to keep pets safe, owners should always read and follow label instructions exactly and keep pets away from freshly fertilized lawns and gardens.

Compost and leaf piles can harbor molds and other fungi that produce toxic byproducts, and can appear to be perfect hiding places for pets and other four-legged critters. For this reason, it is important to keep compost piles fenced or covered, and to not let leaf piles sit too long.

If you suspect your pet has ingested a questionable substance, call a veterinarian or ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center immediately. If possible, have the package or label of the suspected poison in hand.

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals (ASPCA), an affiliated agency of the University of Illinois College of Veterinary Medicine, runs a 24-hour hotline at 888/426-4435. The hotline is staffed by licensed veterinarians with specialized training in toxicology and maintains a database with the latest research and information on new toxic products and appropriate treatments. There is a $55 fee per case, which includes follow-up calls made to the hotline by both you and your veterinarian.

For more information about household toxins and your pet, contact your veterinarian or visit www.aspca.org/apcc.

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Holiday Precautions for Pet Owners Dec. 13, 2007;  Dr. Steven Hansen

In homes around the nation preparations for the winter holiday festivities are in full swing; parties are being planned, houses cleaned in anticipation of guests, and decorations hung. Unfortunately with the hustle and bustle of the holiday season it is easy to forget that our holiday celebrations can pose potential hazards to our beloved pets.

Pet owners should be careful with any plants that they choose to bring into the home.  When deciding what flowers to include in your holiday party centerpiece, Dr. Hansen recommends taking a look at the lists of toxic and non-toxic plants that can be found on the ASPCA's Web site. Cat owners should completely avoid bringing any of the lily species, like the Easter lily, stargazing lily, and tiger lily, into the home. Dr. Hansen urges cat owners to be wary of these plants even if your cat is not normally a plant chewer since even one mouthful can be enough to induce kidney failure.

Other plant decorations that should be avoided during the holidays are holly berries, which can cause vomiting and depression if ingested, and mistletoe with real berries, a plant that can cause a severe drop in blood pressure and cardiac problems. If these plants are essential for the maintenance of your holiday décor, use the plastic variety. Interestingly, pet owners who love the look of poinsettias can breathe easily.  If ingested, poinsettias can cause some mild stomach upset, but will not result in any long lasting internal damage.

Holiday parties can also pose potential health hazards for pets since guests may be tempted to indulge your pet with food from the table. Guests may think that they are giving your pet a treat when they can actually be causing more harm than good.

"Don't be afraid to tell your guests what your pet's normal routine is and lay down some ground rules for what your pet can and cannot be fed," Dr. Hansen asserts. Let your family and friends know that your pet should only be given appropriate treats and in the appropriate amount. If your guests are prone to giving in to those big brown eyes staring up at them, try this little trick: put your pet's normal dinner in a bowl on the table with a note indicating "Treats for Fido." This way both your guests and your pet will be happy with the situation.

"There is a long list of food items that your pets should never be fed," says Dr. Hansen. "It is important that your guests and members of your family are all aware of that these foods can cause potentially life threatening problems with your pets."

Some foods to consider would be any xylitol-sweetened (artificially sweetened) products, chocolate, macadamia nuts, raisins, grapes, and alcohol. The dangers of candy and baked goods sweetened with xylitol have only recently been discovered and thus far have only been found to affect the canine members of our families. Xylitol can cause a very rapid and severe drop in your dog's blood sugar and can lead to acute liver failure, even if only a small amount has been ingested.

Chocolate has long been known to be toxic to pets, and while darker chocolate has a higher potential to cause problems it is wise to keep any and all chocolate away from your pets. Raisins and grapes are food items that are also only dangerous to dogs; these items cause a syndrome which results in acute kidney failure. While the mechanisms behind this syndrome are unknown, the treatment to reverse the damage needs to be extremely aggressive in order to prevent long term damage or death.

Another holiday food item is the macadamia nut, which is a common addition to cookies, candies, and the infamous fruit cake. Macadamia nuts pose an interesting problem for dogs that ingest them. These nuts induce a syndrome that causes hind limb paralysis. Fortunately this paralysis is not long lasting, according to Dr. Hansen. With proper care to make sure your pet does not fall down any stairs or otherwise injure itself, the paralysis should be completely resolved within 72 hours post-ingestion.

"The most dangerous part of macadamia nut ingestion is the potential for a missed diagnosis. If owners don't witness their dog eating the nuts, or see nuts in the vomit or stool, macadamia nut toxicosis is not usually high on your veterinarian's list of differentials," warns Dr. Hansen. "It is important to keep these nuts out of reach of your pet since the paralysis they cause can potentially result in euthanasia if diagnosed as a more serious disease."

When having overnight guests staying at your home, like grandparents or other individuals taking prescription or over-the-counter medications, it is important to stress to these guests that medications should be stored out of Fluffy or Fido's reach. Dr. Hansen recommends keeping all medications in a drawer or cabinet that your pet cannot open in order to prevent accidental ingestion. While some containers may be childproof, no container is "pet proof." Pill containers, and even metered dose inhaler cartridges, can be easily punctured by your pet's teeth. As always, prevention is the best medicine so to discover ways to make your home safe for your pet. Dr. Hansen suggests taking a look at the information about holiday and home hazards for pets on the ASPCA Web site (www.aspca.org/apcc/). Parents can also visit AnimaLand to find fun interactive games to play with their children to help them learn about household hazards and how to care for a pet.

If you suspect that your pet has ingested something that is potentially toxic, immediately contact your local veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888/426-4435.

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