Laboratory Tests Promote Preventive Health Care

Heartworms—can you imagine actually having worms in your heart? Not a pleasant thought, but that’s exactly where they are.

The technical term for heartworm disease is dirofilariasis. Your veterinarian is checking for the presence of an antigen that would be in your dog’s bloodstream as a result of this disease when he/she does a yearly heartworm blood test.

Heartworm disease is one of the major health problems affecting dogs in the United States, and it is now being found in cats. The disease develops when a pet becomes infected with parasites transmitted through the bite of an infected mosquito. Dogs may be infected by a few or up to several hundred heartworms. Cats are similarly infected, although usually by only a few worms.

Having heartworm disease can lead to other medical problems beyond the heart, including lung, kidney and liver disease. The worms are found in the right side of the heart and in the major vessels that bring blood to and from the right chambers of the heart. The worms cause inflammation of the blood vessels and block blood flow. This can lead to pulmonary thrombosis (clots in the lungs) and heart failure. If left untreated, heartworm disease can result in liver and/or kidney failure. And heartworm disease can result in death due to one or a combination of these problems.

AAHA-accredited practices take a team approach to your pet’s health, and providing important tests to determine and prevent diseases is just one of the things they do to help your pet be healthy. It’s easier, better for your pet and less expensive to prevent diseases than it is to treat them.

Heartworm is a preventable disease for both dogs and cats but, prevention begins with you. With the right tests and preventive medications, your AAHA-accredited health care team can work with you to prevent many kinds of parasites. The practice staff members have access to a full array of appropriate tests to help prevent diseases and parasites from affecting your pet’s health.

Heartworm disease is evident in species other than dogs and cats. Ferrets can also be infected. Pets that spend a lot of time outdoors are at a greater risk for infection, especially in areas with a lot of mosquitoes. But even indoor pets can become infected by heartworms because infected mosquitoes can get inside your home. While heartworm disease primarily used to be a problem in the south and humid regions of the United States, it’s now found throughout the country.

If you travel with your pets, you may go into areas where there’s an increased risk of infection. Preventive medications are really important because heartworms breed in unprotected animals. Dogs that are not on heartworm preventive medications and certain wildlife, such as coyotes, wolves and foxes, can be carriers of heartworms.

The best way for easy, safe prevention of heartworm infection is to administer a year-round heartworm preventive prescribed by your veterinarian.

The American Heartworm Society and the Companion Animal Parasite Council recommend that all pets receive year-round heartworm protection so that pets are protected every month. It is critical that doses not be skipped or intervals between doses be extended because this results in an unprotected time during which animals may be exposed to heartworm larvae. Pets should also have annual heartworm testing by a veterinarian prior to prescribing a heartworm medication.

Adult female heartworms can live in an infected dog or other hosts and release their young, called microfilaria, into the bloodstream of that host. Mosquitoes are infected by the microfilaria when they bite an infected animal. In 10 to 14 days, the microfilaria mature to the infective larval stage within the mosquito. When the mosquito bites another dog, cat or susceptible animal, the infective larvae exit the mosquito’s mouth and are deposited onto the surface of the animal’s skin. The infective larvae can then enter the new host through the fresh bite wound.

It takes about 6 months for the infective larvae to mature into adult heartworms in the new host. Mature, heartworms can live 5 to 7 years. Because they live so long, each mosquito season has the potential of an increasing number of infestations and increased infections in our pets.

Per guidelines from the American Heartworm Society, all dogs should be tested for heartworms annually and before starting a preventive program. Giving preventives to dogs that already have adult heartworm infection can be harmful or even fatal because adult heartworms produce millions of microscopic “baby” heartworms in the bloodstream.

Giving a monthly heartworm preventive to a dog with circulating microfilaria could cause the sudden death of the microfilaria, triggering a shock-type reaction. Even if your dog does not have this type of reaction, heartworm preventives do not kill the adult heartworms (although they may shorten the worms’ lives). This means an infected dog will remain infected with adult heartworms.

So both adult and baby heartworms must be eradicated to actually cure a dog. As long as the dog remains infected, heartworm disease will progress and damage organs, increasing the possibility of life-threatening problems. Giving heartworm preventives to heartworm-positive dogs can mislead you into thinking that everything is all right, while the heartworm disease is actually worsening.

Heartworm disease is more challenging to detect in cats than in dogs. The preferred method for screening cats includes both an antigen and an antibody test. Cats should be tested prior to starting a preventive program and then annually thereafter. There is no approved treatment for heartworm infection in cats, so prevention is very important.

Early detection and treatment are always best. With annual testing, you’ll know your pet is heartworm-free.

This article originally appeared in PetsMatter July / August, published by the American Animal Hospital Association. Copyright © 2012 AAHA

Importance of wellness exams

Veterinarians recommend regular wellness exams for the same reason your physician and dentist recommend them – if you can detect a problem in its early stages, it's more likely to be treated and resolved with less expense, less difficulty and better success.

As the saying goes, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Vaccinations, heartworm prevention and routine deworming are important components of wellness care and can prevent diseases that are not only life-threatening, but very expensive to treat.

Your veterinarian can recommend a wellness program based on your pet's breed (some breeds are predisposed to certain health problems), age, lifestyle and overall health.

Originally published by the AVMA.

Traveling by Car With Your Pet

At Webster Groves Animal Hospital, we know that you may need to travel with your pet for a variety of reasons, including vacation or moves! Traveling with cats, especially, can be extremely exhausting if you don't know the proper way to transport them. We encourage you to read this helpful article about traveling with cats if you have the need to do so. Remember, as always, if you have questions or concerns about an issue with your pet, never hesitate to contact our practice.

Traveling by Car With Your Pet

Traveling with a pet usually involves more than putting the animal in a car and driving off, especially if you will be driving long distances or be away for a long time. The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) offers these tips to help you prepare for a car trip with your pet and make it go a little smoother.

If your pet is not accustomed to the car, take it for a few short rides before the trip. This can help keep your pet from becoming nervous or agitated, and may lessen the effects of motion sickness. If, after a number of practice trips, your pet continues to cry excessively or becomes sick, consult your veterinarian.

Buckling up is an important safety precaution for your pet. Many states now require that pets be restrained while in a moving vehicle, and restraints have several advantages. They help protect pets in case of a collision, and they keep pets from running loose and distracting the driver. They also keep pets from escaping the car through an open window or door. Cats and smaller dogs are often most comfortable in pet carriers, which can be purchased in various sizes at most pet stores.

Carriers give many animals a sense of security and familiar surroundings, and can be secured to the car seat with a seat belt or a specially designed carrier restraint. There are also pet restraints available that can be used without carriers, including harnesses, seat belt attachments, pet car seats, vehicle barriers, and truck/pickup restraint systems. No matter what kind of restraint you use, be sure that it does not permit your pet’s head to extend outside the car window. If pets ride with their heads outside the car, particles of dirt can penetrate the eyes, ears, and nose, causing injury or infections. Excessive amounts of cold air taken into lungs can also cause illness.

While packing for your trip, remember to throw in a few of your pet’s favorite toys, food and water bowls, a leash, and food. You should also carry a first aid kit for your pet, and know basic pet first aid. If your pet is on medication, be sure to have plenty for the trip -- and then some. Dr. Walt Ingwersen, AAHA veterinarian in Whitby, Ontario, points out that veterinarians cannot write a prescription without a prior doctor/patient relationship. This means that in order to get any drugs, your pet will need to be examined first by a new doctor. This may be inconvenient if you need medication right away. Also, if your pet is on a special therapeutic diet, bring along an extra supply in case you can’t find the food in a strange area.
Stick to your regular feeding routine while traveling, and give your pet its main meal at the end of the day or when you’ve reached your destination. It will be more convenient to feed dry food if your pet is used to it.

Dispose of unused canned food unless it can be refrigerated. Take along a plastic jug of cold water to avoid possible stomach upset the first day, as new areas can have minerals or bacteria in their water supply that pets need time to adjust to. Give your pet small portions of both food and water and plan to stop every two hours for exercise.

Remember that your veterinarian is a good source of information about what your pet will need when traveling. Consider having your pet examined before you leave as well, to check for any developing problems. If an emergency occurs while you are on the road, you can call the American Animal Hospital Association at 800/883-6301 or visit our hospital locator for the names and phone numbers of AAHA veterinarians near you. Have your current veterinarian’s phone number handy in case of an emergency. Also, be sure to travel with a copy of your pet’s medical records, especially if the animal has a difficult medical history.

Some pets travel better while tranquilized. Tranquilizers can lessen agitation and motion sickness in pets traveling by car. Discuss this with your veterinarian. Your veterinarian may suggest giving your pet a tranquilizer three to four weeks before your trip to check the dosage and adjust it if necessary.

Find hotels, motels, and campsites that accept animals and book them ahead of time. "Vacationing with Your Pet" by Eileen Barish is a directory of pet-friendly lodging throughout the United States and Canada. Copies can be ordered by calling (800) 496-2665.

Learn more about the area you will be visiting. Your veterinarian can tell you if there are any diseases like heartworm or Lyme disease and vaccinations or medications your pet may require. A health examination following your trip should be considered to determine if any internal parasites (roundworms, hookworms, heartworms) or external parasites (ticks, fleas) were picked up in contaminated exercise or wooded areas. Also, be aware of any unique laws. Some places have restrictions on exotic animals (ferrets are not allowed in some cities), and there are restrictive breed laws in others, such as no pit bulls allowed. Your pet could be affected by these laws, so call ahead to the city or travel information bureau for more information.

To avoid losing your pet during a trip, make sure your pet is wearing an i.d. tag. To be doubly protected, consider having your pet tattooed or having a microchip implanted. "The more methods of identification, the better chance that the owner will be found," says Dr. Ingwersen. Microchip databases are specific to the United States and Canada, so register your pet in both countries if you will be driving from one to the other. Dr. Ingwersen also suggests owners register the name and phone number of a relative who can identify the pet in case the owner can’t be reached while traveling.

It’s important to carry health and rabies vaccine certificates, particularly if you will be crossing the border into Canada, the US, or Mexico. All three countries allow dogs and cats to enter if they meet stringent entry requirements. Depending on the country, exotic pets may be allowed to enter, though they may need further documentation. Call the Agriculture Department or embassy of the country or state to which you are traveling for information on the vaccinations, documentation, fees, or quarantine that may be required to bring your pet into the country.

Most importantly, try to plan ahead for unusual or emergency situations. What you don’t need in the middle of a trip is one more thing to worry about. "People get into a panic if they don’t have enough medication for their pet, no appropriate documentation for travel to other countries, or money to pay for border fees," says Dr. Ingwersen. "Be prepared by bringing a copy of your pet’s medical records, proper documentation and medication and knowing the laws going into the new city or country." Preparation is the most effective way to help ensure a smooth, enjoyable trip for you and your pet.

Originally published by Healthy Pet.

Pets a Go Go: Tips for Traveling with Fido and Fluffy

Pet Travel Tips from Webster Groves Animal Hospital

Traveling with your pets is extremely popular, but it's important to make sure that your pets are safe! We found this great article that we wanted to share with you about the importance of pet travel safety. We encourage you to ask us if you have any questions. 

Tips For Traveling with Fido and Fluffy

Travel season is here, and if you are like many pet owners, you will be packing a bag for your pet too.
Traveling with your pet can be a rewarding experience, but a successful trip depends on more than packing your pet’s favorite tennis ball or catnip toy.

To ensure the safety and happiness of your pet, start planning early, research transportation and lodging options, and make an appointment with your veterinarian.

Jet Setters

Most major airlines transport animals, but before booking a flight, consider all the factors, including your pet’s size and temperament and possible weather conditions.

Pets that are too large to fit in a pet carrier under your seat must fly as checked baggage in the plane’s cargo section.

Many animals become anxious in unfamiliar environments, particularly when separated from their owners, and can suffer both emotionally and physically during a flight.

Sedation is not considered a safe option.

"An animal’s natural ability to balance and maintain equilibrium is altered under sedation," says Patricia Olson, DVM, of the Morris Animal Foundation. "When the kennel is moved, a sedated animal may not be able to brace and prevent injury.”

Gary L. Rose, DVM, of AAHA-accredited Cabrillo Veterinary Hospital in San Diego, Calif., adds “When heavily sedated, some short-nosed breeds can have trouble breathing.”

Temperature extremes can also put your pet at risk. Many airlines do not transport pets during the hottest months of the year, or will not accept pets when the forecasted temperature is above a certain point.
Look for flights in the early morning or late evening, when temperatures are at their lowest.

On the Road

Of course there are also safety concerns when traveling by car. Pet crates are strongly recommended.
If an accident occurs, pet crates can protect animals from impact injuries and also prevent them from running out into traffic.

Marci Cook, DVM, of AAHA-accredited Shiloh Veterinary Hospital in Billings, Mont., says, “A crate offers a safe environment for your pet and helps them to feel comfortable.”

Rose recommends introducing your pet to the crate over several weeks. “Get them used to it by feeding them in it, and by taking short trips around the neighborhood to see how they do.”

For pets prone to motion sickness, Rose advises, “Make sure there’s adequate ventilation in the car. Keep [it] cool and comfortable. If your pet still shows signs of motion sickness, medication is available through your veterinarian.”

Lodging

Always research accommodations before leaving home, and make reservations whenever possible.
Many hotels and inns allow pets but may have size and weight limits, breed restrictions, or a limit on the number of pets allowed per room.

Campgrounds also have pet policies and occasionally prohibit pets altogether. State and national parks that allow pets often restrict them from certain areas, such as hiking trails and beaches.

Health Certificates

Most airlines require pets be examined by a veterinarian no more than 10 days prior to the date of travel. Be prepared to present health and rabies certificates at the time of departure.

If you are traveling by car, pack a copy of your pet’s prescriptions and vaccination records. Some states require proof of rabies vaccination.

Your veterinarian can also tell you if your pet needs additional vaccinations or preventive medications for the area in which you will be traveling.

Travel Tips and Car Safety

• Be sure your pet is wearing a flat collar with identification tags at all times.
• If your pet doesn’t have a microchip, consider having one implanted.
• Know basic pet first aid, and carry a first aid kit.
• Never allow your pet to travel with its head outside the car window.
• Do not allow pets to ride in the front seat. They are at risk of being thrown into the windshield, can interfere with your ability to drive, or could be injured by an airbag.
• Disable electric window controls. Dogs have have been know to get their heads stuck in windows after stepping on the buttons.
• Stop for “potty breaks” every two hours.
• Always leash your pet before opening the car door.

Originally published on Healthy Pet.

How to Help Pets with Arthritis Stay Comfortable In the Cold Months

With winter just around the corner, it’s a good time to be conscious of the symptoms of osteoarthritis, one of the most common afflictions of senior dogs and cats (yes, cats get arthritis too!).
As people with the same condition can tell you, cold weather can wreak havoc on diseased joints and cause a great deal of discomfort. But a little preparation and coordination with your vet can help your pet keep the pep in his step through the cold months ahead.

What is osteoarthritis?
Arthritis (i.e. joint inflammation) can have a variety of causes. Prior trauma, degenerative disease, developmental disorders, and infection are just some of the most common causes for a painful joint. Although most people think “old dog” when they hear the word arthritis, it affects all sorts of pets, of all ages.

What are the symptoms?
The signs of arthritis are many and often subtle, and may go unnoticed until well into the disease process. Pets with arthritis don’t tend to cry out in pain, leading many people to think that their older pet is “just slowing down” instead of having a medical problem that can be helped.
Owners may notice slowness when the pet rises from the floor or a seated position, especially in the morning; being a little cautious on the stairs; a subtle but persistent limp. Cats are even more subtle in their disease symptoms, which may be nothing more than reluctance to jump onto a counter or bed.
Once your veterinarian confirms the diagnosis of arthritis, there are many treatment options that can help your pet age gracefully and feel more spry and limber well into his or her golden years.

Treatment options:
Many people come into my clinic and tell me, “Oh, he’s slowing down, but he’s just getting older,” thinking nothing can be done. Nothing could be further from the truth! Here are a few of the possible treatments I go over with people in my clinic:

1. Heat therapy: There are lots of choices to help pets through the cold winters. Sweaters and heated pet beds are some of the most common choices. There are heating pads on the market specifically made for dogs, with pet-friendly fillings and Velcro straps to help the pad stay on a canine hip. Ask your vet for recommendations so you don’t unintentionally cause burns to your pet with a heating source she can’t get away from.
2. Prescription medications:The most well-known choice for arthritis treatment, medication can be a lifesaver for many dogs and cats. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are the most commonly used, though other options are available. Products such as Rimadyl, Deramaxx, Previcox, Metacam, and Zubrin are some of the most popular options.While it’s tempting to just ask your vet for a prescription, there are a few things you need to keep in mind, as NSAIDs are not without side effects. Your veterinarian will want to monitor your pet regularly and will likely require blood work to make sure his liver and kidneys are functioning well. Pets with other medical conditions may be best served by other treatment options. Do not give your pet any over-the-counter human medications! They are not as effective in pets as in people, and carry the risk of some very serious side effects. Just ask the Rottweiler I treated who had a perforated gastrointestinal ulcer after taking Aleve.
3. Dietary supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate: So-called neutraceuticals that support joint function and help reduce inflammation are very popular with both people and pets. While usually not strong enough to be the sole treatment in later-stage disease, they are an excellent addition to other treatments and can help slow down the degenerative process in inflamed joints. There are many brands in various forms, from flavored pills to liquids, and most are available over the counter.
4. Adequan injections: Adequan is a cartilage component, given as a series of injections, that provides building blocks for damaged cartilage in addition to slowing down the enzymes responsible for degeneration. This is an FDA-approved product that, like glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate, can be used in conjunction with other treatments.
5. Acupuncture: Lots of people may chuckle at the idea of a dog relaxing on the exam-room floor with needles sticking out of his head, but those who have seen the results aren’t laughing — they’re smiling. Acupuncture has been shown to reduce pain and increase endorphin release in arthritic pets, often reducing and sometimes eliminating the need for prescription medications. This can be a boon to pets who are unable to use NSAIDs due to underlying renal (kidney) disease or other medical conditions. Acupuncture can be performed in combination with other treatments.
6. Weight control: Without question, the pain and inflammation of arthritis is worsened by carrying extra weight. Owners who have spent hundreds of dollars on medications are often amazed at the difference in their pet when they finally give in and commit to a weight-loss regimen for their overweight pet. Arthritic dogs don’t like to exercise, leading to more weight issues, leading to more arthritis — it’s a vicious circle. But low-impact exercise such as walking combined with a diet is extremely beneficial to arthritic pets.

The bottom line is, there are many approaches to managing arthritis, and the most successful ones combine more than one of the above treatments. With your veterinarian’s guidance and your own commitment, you can do a great deal to improve the quality of life for your arthritic pet!

 

 

Originally published at PetFinder.

Thanksgiving Safety Tips

‘Tis the season for friends, family and holiday feasts—but also for possible distress for our animal companions. Pets won’t be so thankful if they munch on undercooked turkey or a pet-unfriendly floral arrangement, or if they stumble upon an unattended alcoholic drink.

Check out the following tips from ASPCA experts for a fulfilling Thanksgiving that your pets can enjoy, too.

Talkin’ Turkey

If you decide to feed your pet a little nibble of turkey, make sure it’s boneless and well-cooked. Don't offer her raw or undercooked turkey, which may contain salmonella bacteria.

Sage Advice

Sage can make your Thanksgiving stuffing taste delish, but it and many other herbs contain essential oils and resins that can cause gastrointestinal upset and central nervous system depression to pets if eaten in large quantities. Cats are especially sensitive to the effects of certain essential oils.

No Bread Dough

Don't spoil your pet’s holiday by giving him raw bread dough. According to ASPCA experts, when raw bread dough is ingested, an animal's body heat causes the dough to rise in his stomach. As it expands, the pet may experience vomiting, severe abdominal pain and bloating, which could become a life-threatening emergency, requiring surgery.

Don't Let Them Eat Cake

If you’re baking up Thanksgiving cakes, be sure your pets keep their noses out of the batter, especially if it includes raw eggs—they could contain salmonella bacteria that may lead to food poisoning.

Too Much of a Good Thing

A few small boneless pieces of cooked turkey, a taste of mashed potato or even a lick of pumpkin pie shouldn’t pose a problem. However, don't allow your pets to overindulge, as they could wind up with a case of stomach upset, diarrhea or even worse—an inflammatory condition of the pancreas known as pancreatitis. In fact, it’s best keep pets on their regular diets during the holidays.

A Feast Fit for a Kong

While the humans are chowing down, give your cat and dog their own little feast. Offer them Nylabones or made-for-pet chew bones. Or stuff their usual dinner—perhaps with a few added tidbits of turkey, vegetables (try sweet potato or green beans) and dribbles of gravy—inside a Kong toy. They’ll be happily occupied for awhile, working hard to extract their dinner from the toy.



Originally published by the ASPCA.

Pumpkin Safety and Pets

While pumpkins are generally considered non-toxic for pets, making them a safe Halloween decoration, remember that jack-o-lanterns are a different story! Jack-o-lanterns often have lit candles inside of them, making them potentially hazardous for pets who may knock them over. Candles have open flames and hot melted wax that could do a lot of damage. We encourage you to keep jack-o-lanterns out of your pet’s reach, and consider using powered lights instead of candles. These can be purchased cheaply at most stores that sell Halloween decorations. They look almost as natural as flames but are so much safer!