AMC Quarterly Fall 2010
Volume 4 Number 3
The Doctor Is In In This Issue The Doctor Is In Fall Toxins What to do if your pet is poisoned. Cat whiskers. Dog grooming tips. When to know it is time.
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The red eye is a very common presentation for cats and dogs. Conjunctivitis, Dry eye, Anterior Uveitis, Glaucoma, Lens Luxation, Trauma, and several others can cause red eye. Conjunctivitis (pink eye) is the most common ocular (eye) disorder. The most consistent signs are redness, swelling of the conjunctiva (eyelids), ocular discharge, and discomfort. It may have a quick onset or be chronic, one eye or both eyes. In cats it is frequently caused by an infectious organism but can also be caused by allergies or foreign material in the eye. In dogs conjunctivitis is more commonly due to (1) irritation (foreign material, eyelids rolled in, hair rubbing the eye, or trauma), (2) exposure (eyelids rolled out, sleeping with eyes open), (3) allergies, (4) dry eye, or (5) infection. Dry Eye (keratoconjunctivitis sicca or KCS) is a more common disorder in dogs than in cats. KCS is a deficiency in the watery portion of the tear film. Signs include red eye, swelling of conjunctiva, dry appearance to the eye, yellowgreen discharge, and discomfort. Anterior Uveitis involves inflammation of the iris and front portion of the eye. There are many causes of anterior uveitis in the dog and cat, therefore making this one of the most difficult diagnostic problems.
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Signs include red eye, small pupil, sensitivity to light, low eye pressure, blue appearance to cornea (surface of eye). Glaucoma is the increase in pressure within the eye with vision impairment. Most cases of glaucoma are the result of obstruction of normal drainage of fluid from the eye. It is divided into primary (hereditary) and secondary (acquired). Glaucoma is a very serious disease that can result in permanent blindness in a very short period of time (24-72 hrs). Dogs that present for acute (rapid onset) glaucoma usually have severe pain manifested as depression, anorexia, rubbing the eye, and severe squinting. The eye will also be red, and may have a dilated pupil or a blue appearance to the cornea. Cats usually hide the problem and may just have redness, increased tearing, and/or a large pupil.
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Lens luxation is when the lens of the eye dislocates or moves out of place. It results in a painful, red, squinted eye.
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Trauma to the surface of the eye can result in a scratch or ulceration. Signs include redness, discomfort, squinting, and discharge/increase tear production. Because the signs of these conditions are all very similar, there may be several steps needed to reach the correct diagnosis. Our veterinarians will work with your pet to determine the best course of action beginning with a thorough eye exam followed by one or more tests to look for scratches/ulcers, test eye pressure, and/or measure tear production.
Fall Toxins Now that summer has drawn to an end, it’s important to be aware of upcoming seasonal toxins. Chocolate – With Halloween just around the corner, make sure to keep chocolate out of reach of your pets. The less sweet and the darker the chocolate, the more toxic it is to a pet. Baker’s chocolate and dark chocolate pose the biggest problem. Other sources include baked goods or chocolate covered espresso beans. Ingestion can result in vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis), an abnormal heart rhythm, seizures, and rarely, even death. Table Food – Thanksgiving dinner can be unsafe for your pet. While there’s not a toxicity issue from fatty table foods (such as bacon, gravy, turkey skin, grizzle, etc.) it can result in symptoms from mild gastroenteritis (vomiting and diarrhea) to severe, fatal pancreatitis. Desserts made with xylitol, a natural sugar free sweetener, can result in an acute drop in blood sugar and even liver failure at high doses. Foods containing grapes or raisins can cause severe, fatal acute kidney failure. Mouse and Rat poisons (rodenticides) – As we prepare to winterize our garage, cabin, or house, keep in mind that rodenticides are toxic to our pets as well. If you choose to use them, always make sure to place these items in areas where your pet can’t reach them (such as high up on shelves). And keep in mind that rodenticides also pose the potential for “relay toxicity”. This is when your pet eats dead animals poisoned by rodenticides and gets secondary effects from this. Also keep in mind that there are several different types of rodenticides (Long-Acting Anticoagulants, Chlecalciferol, Phosphides) that work in different ways. Make sure you know what kind of rodenticides you have put down because treatment for toxicity will be different for each type. Mushrooms – There are various types of mushrooms located throughout Minnesota. Some types of mushrooms are non-toxic, other types may be irritating to the stomach and intestines, and others may be hallucinogenic or result in liver failure. While the likelihood of mushroom toxicity is low, it is very difficult to readily identify the exact species of mushroom without the help of a mycologist (mushroom expert). Signs seen from mushroom ingestion include vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain, walking drunk, depression, tremors, and seizures, with liver and kidney damage occurring later. Compost bins or piles – These piles of decomposing and decaying organic matter and molding food products have the potential to contain tremorgenic mycotoxins. Even small amounts ingested can result in signs such as agitation, hyperthermia, hyper-responsiveness, panting, drooling, and vomiting and can progress to serious neurologic signs such as tremors or seizures. Antifreeze (Ethylene Glycol) - Due to its sweet taste, antifreeze from leaking radiators or spilled bottles is quickly consumed by household pets. Antifreeze is highly toxic - it is rapidly absorbed (initial signs appear approximately one hour post-ingestion), and there is a high mortality rate. Initially (within 12 hours of ingestion) animals often present as if they were intoxicated with alcohol: stumbling, vomiting and depression are common signs. The kidneys are most severely affected, and even if the animal seems to improve initially with treatment, they may succumb shortly after to kidney failure. The kidneys shut down, and the animal is unable to produce urine. Success of treatment is dependent upon quick treatment. If you suspect that your animal has come into contact with antifreeze, contact your veterinarian immediately.
What to do if your pet gets poisoned. If you think your pet consumed something that might be toxic… Don’t panic Take a minute to safely collect any material involved in the incident. Call your vet and/or animal poison control center (ASPCA) at 1-888-426-4435. If you have to see your vet, bring the material(s) involved and anything that he/she vomited or chewed in a sealed container. When you call, be ready with the following information Species, breed, age, sex, weight, and number of animals involved. Animal’s symptoms if any Info regarding exposure, agent name if known, amount involved and the time elapsed since exposure time. Have product container/packaging available. NOTE: If your pet is having a seizure, losing consciousness, is unconscious or having difficulty breathing, call your vet IMMEDIATELY and come right over.
What do you really know about a Cat’s Whiskers? How many total whiskers does the average cat have coming from the “whisker pad” (the puffy area between the top corners of your cat's mouth and the outer edges of his nose)? A. 20 B. 24 C. 12 D. 16 2. How many times thicker than ordinary cat hairs are cat whiskers? A. 2-3 times B. 1-2 times C. 3-4 times D. 4-5 times 3. Cat whiskers fall out and are replaced. A. True B. False 4. It is okay to trim or cut your cat's whiskers. A. True B. False
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5. Whiskers help the cat feel his way around. This is because whiskers are so sensitive that they can detect the slightest change in...? A. Air currents B. Air speed C. Air temperature D. Air humidity 6. Cat whiskers can give an indication of your cat's mood. When the whiskers are relaxed or pushed forward, which of the following is NOT how your cat feels? A. happy B. defensive C. curious D. content Answers found at the bottom of the next page!
Dog grooming tips Frequent trips to the dog groomer can be inconvenient, so consider do-ityourself dog grooming. If you have the right tools and techniques, you can make grooming enjoyable for you and your pet. Here are some tips to help you get started: 1. Start teaching your dog at an early age to grow accustomed and look forward to grooming. Brush your puppy everyday so it gets used to the activity. 2. Use a good quality brush and comb when grooming your dog. 3. Some breeds with long or curly hair need to be groomed every day, while others with shorter coats can be groomed once or twice a week. 4. Full grooming includes bathing, trimming nails, cleaning and trimming hair in ears, and brushing the teeth. 5. Brush in the direction the hair grows, never against it, and start brushing at the head and work your way back. 6. Dog grooming is not that difficult to do once you know how to do it. 7. Establish a regular grooming schedule for you and your dog, and before you know it your dog will learn to enjoy his grooming routine.
When to know it is time. A decision concerning euthanasia may be one of the most difficult decisions you will ever make for your pet. It is important to consider not only what is best for your pet, but also what is best for you and your family. Quality of life is important for pets and people alike. How will I know when? If your pet can no longer experience the things it once enjoyed, cannot respond to you in its usual ways, or appears to be experiencing more pain than pleasure, you may need to consider euthanasia. Likewise, if your pet is terminally ill or critically injured, or if the financial or emotional cost of treatment is beyond your means, euthanasia may be a valid option. It is important to discuss your pet’s condition with your veterinarian and fully understand your options.
What if the animal is healthy? Euthanasia might be necessary if a pet has become vicious, dangerous or unmanageable. Some undesirable and abnormal behavior can be changed, so the proper resources should be used in these situations. Economic, emotional, and space limitations or changes in lifestyle may also cause an owner to consider euthanasia for their pet. Sometimes it is possible to find another home for the pet and that option should be pursued prior to opting for euthanasia. How do I tell my family? Family members usually are already aware of a pet’s problems. However, you should review with them the information you have received from your veterinarian. Even if you have reached a decision, it is important that family members, especially children, have their thoughts and feelings considered. Will it be painless? Euthanasia is most often accomplished for pets by injection of a deathinducing drug. Your veterinarian may administer a tranquilizer first to relax your pet. Following injection of the euthanasia drug, your pet will immediately become deeply and irreversibly unconscious. Death will be quick and painless. How can I face the loss? After your pet has died, it is natural and normal to feel grief and sorrow. For some people, spending some time with the pet after euthanasia is helpful. The grieving process includes accepting the reality of your loss, accepting that the loss and accompanying feelings are painful, and adjusting to your new life that no longer includes your pet. By understanding the grieving process, you will be better prepared to manage your grief and to help others in the family who share this loss.
Answers: 1. B, 2. A, 3. A, 4. B, 5. A, 6. B
