Feline Heartworm Prevention Awareness

Remember CATS CAN GET HEARTWORM DISEASE TOO!!!

We hope the following information will help to shed light on this under-diagnosed disease in our feline friends! Remember they are susceptible to heartworm disease too!

What Is Feline Heartworm Disease And How Is It Different From Canine Heartworm Disease


Our feline companions are infected with heartworms in the same manner as our canine companions. However cats are considered to be resistant hosts for heartworm disease with less than 20% of infected cats even displaying circulating microfilariae (adult heartworm offspring). When microfilariae are present in an infected cat’s body some cats seem to be able to rid themselves of the infection spontaneously. Medically, there is an assumption that felines have developed a strong immunity to heartworm which is why they are able to clear infections on their own.


Cats infected have a significantly smaller population of worms as compared to dogs. There are usually only a few worms present that live for 2-3 years. Typically only 1-25% of the worms circulating even fully develop into adults in experimentally infected cats.


So if all of the above is true, why even worry about heartworm preventative in cats? While our feline friends may be able to clear infections on their own the presence of heartworms causes significant bodily damage even if eliminated. New and dying worms can result in mild-severe lung inflammation that may often mimic (and therefore be incorrectly diagnosed) asthma or bronchitis. However, the lung inflammation due to heartworm in our feline friends is now known to be a serious medical concern and is called Heartworm Associated Respiratory Disease (HARD).


Which Cats Are Affected?


Logically outdoor cats with more time spent around mosquitos are more likely to become infected. However, research has shown that a relatively high proportion of cats, considered by their owners to be indoor only, also develop heartworm disease.


What Are The Clinical Symptoms?


The symptoms heartworm positive cats display may be very non-specific and will often mimic other diseases (bronchitis, asthma). An infected cat may display generic signs of illness including lethargy, cough, open mouth breathing, wheezing, vomiting intermittently, weight loss, lack of appetite, gagging, and rapid breathing. As the symptoms are non-specific and often overlooked heartworm disease is thought to be much more prevalent in our feline population than we actually know.


How Is Feline Heartworm Disease Diagnosed?


Feline heartworm disease is a difficult diagnosis which often results in it being overlooked as a possible cause for respiratory symptoms. If clinical symptoms create a suspicion of heartworm disease multiple diagnostic tests need to be performed to gather evidence of heartworm disease. Sending a blood sample out to a laboratory can add evidence to support heartworm disease, and often needs to be combined with clinical symptoms, radiographs (x-rays) and potentially echocardiograms (ultrasound of the heart).


How Is Feline Heartworm Disease Treated?


If your cat is found to have feline heartworm disease but is not symptomatic, some time may be given without treatment to allow natural elimination of an infection. A positive cat with clinical symptoms can take steroids to decrease lung inflammation and minimize lung symptoms such as cough and difficulty breathing. There is currently no FDA approved medications to actually kill adult heartworms. Felines exhibit particularly dangerous allergic responses to the dead worms with treatment, and therefore treatment is very risky. The mediation used to treat canine heartworm disease has been shown to be very toxic to cats even at very low doses. The lack of available medication and treatment protocols for feline heartworm disease should prompt us as feline owners to take prevention very seriously.


Feline Heartworm Preventatives:

At Glove Cities Veterinary Hospital we carry one specific product that is safe and effective at heartworm prevention.

Revolution (by Pfizer) is a once a month topical preparation (applied to the skin) that is approved for heartworm prevention in cats. It has the added benefit of being approved for the use of flea control, treats and controls hookworms and roundworms, and treats and controls ear mites.

Thank you for your attention to this serious issue! I hope this information has been helpful and informative. Call or stop by anytime for more information about these products.

Dr. Santspree

Canine Heartworm Disease Prevention Awareness!

With this warm weather this is a PERFECT time to begin educating ourselves about canine and feline Heartworm disease and prevention!

What Is Heartworm Disease?


Heartworm (Dirofilaria immitis) is a parasitic disease that has been documented in our companion canines for over 100 years and affects over 30 species of animals, (including humans!)


How Is Heartworm Transmitted?


Heartworms are transmitted by mosquitos that harbor heartworm larvae (immature stages) that are capable of infecting our pet. When the mosquito bites your dog (which can happen even through thick fur) the mosquito transmits the infecting heartworm larvae into the blood stream. Within your pet’s body the larvae grow, develop, and migrate becoming sexually mature male and female heartworms. Adult heartworm will eventually reside within the heart, lungs, and those blood vessels closely associated with these major organ systems. When mature, the female and male heartworms will mate and produce offspring called microfilariae that will enter into your pet’s blood stream. Detection of the microfilariae (offspring of the adults) within your pet’s circulating blood can occur as soon as 6 months after your pet was bitten by a mosquito carrying heartworm larvae. Male and female heartworms become mature in approximately one year (reaching up to 12 inches in length!) and can live for 5-7 years. Usually, the number of adult worms in an infected dog is very large ranging from just a few to 250 in number.


What Does Heartworm Infection Mean?


Microfilaremia (presence of heartworm offspring in the blood) is common. However, not every dog bitten by an infected mosquito results in an infection with heartworm offspring (known as occult heartworm disease). This may be due to infection with only a single sex of heartworm resulting in a lack of production of offspring, the dog’s natural immune response, and most significantly by heartworm preventative medications.


Where is Heartworm Disease Found?


Heartworm disease has been found in all 50 states. All dogs, regardless of their age, sex, breed, fur length, and living situations (indoor only) are susceptible. In the northeast, mosquito’s have been found within households ALL YEAR round and outside for the majority of the year.


What Clinical Symptoms Does Heartworm Disease Produce?


Heartworm disease has been known to cause a variety of clinical symptoms that involve the heart, lungs, and kidneys primarily. The onset of symptoms and severity of the disease is primarily due to the number of worms, how long the infection has been present, and the overall health/activity level of the dog. Dogs with a higher number of worms have more severe disease symptoms. Medically, we know that until the number of worms reaches a threshold level (approximately 50 for a 55# dog) almost all of the worms like to stay within the arteries of the lower lung lobes. When the numbers become higher we begin to see heartworms within the right side of the heart. Most of the initial symptoms seen are a result of a local inflammatory response to the presence of the worms in the lower part of the lungs. Later on in the progression of the disease signs of heart failure may be seen as the heart enlarges/weakens to try and compensate for the extra work created by the presence of the worms. Logically, a very active dog whose heart and lungs have to work hard may have more severe disease with less worms present than a sedentary dog with a large worm burden. In very severe cases, there can be so many worms present they obstruct the primary vein (vena cava) between the heart and the liver which can result collapse/death if not manually removed in surgery. Usually symptoms begin slowly (some dogs that are not active may never have symptoms) and usually involve signs associated with heart and lung disease. Look for the following


Early infection: (from time of mosquito bite to 6-7 months): no symptoms
Early Disease: Mild cough
Moderate Disease: Cough, exercise intolerance, harsh lung sounds
Severe Disease: Cough, exercise intolerance, harsh lung sounds, trouble breathing, collapse, enlarged liver, abnormal heart sounds (murmur), fluid in the belly


How Is Canine Heartworm Disease Diagnosed?


Diagnosis of canine heartworm disease is often multi-faceted. At Glove Cities Veterinary Hospital we recommend (supported by the American Heartworm Association) annual screening of canine heartworm disease. This test, performed within the clinic in 10 minutes using only three drops of blood, is a very sensitive test for heartworm disease. The test that we use also tests for three tick borne diseases (lyme, erhlichia, and anaplasmosis). We recommend annual screening for a number of reasons including that no preventative is 100% effective, many owners forget or do not treat year round or at all for heartworm prevention, and parasites become resistant to our preventatives. This quick in hospital test performed once a year is the best screening method available to initially diagnose heartworm disease as early as 5-6 months after initial infection and with as few as 1-2 adult female worms present in the pet’s body.


A physical examination in addition to radiographs (x-rays) may be needed if heartworm disease is suspected. A physical examination is important for any animal thought to be ill, and should be performed once a year on a wellness basis. If lung abnormalities are heard on auscultation of the chest, x-rays may be recommended. Radiographic (x-ray) abnormalities can be seen early on in the course of disease and the findings can be used to evaluate the severity of the disease and discuss the prognosis. Changes to the lung, heart, and surrounding vasculature are often seen.


Advanced diagnostics such as an ultrasound of the heart may be recommended in certain situations. An ultrasound of the heart can evaluate the size, structure, and function of the heart, the connecting lung structures, and the actual heartworms themselves can sometimes be visualized.


How Is Heartworm Disease Treated?


Most canines diagnosed with heartworm disease can be successfully treated. However treatment is time consuming, expensive, and not all dogs fully recover. Treatment seeks to kill the adult worms with one medication and kill the circulating microfilariae with another medication. The goal is to try and minimize harmful side effects of the medications and dying worms on the pet’s body.


Adult heartworm therapy utilizes a singular FDA approved drug for the elimination of adult heartworms. The compound is an organic arsenical called Melarsomine (brand name Immiticide). Most canines need more than one treatment and close observation during treatment is recommended. The most dangerous aspect of adult worm treatment is the presence of the dead worms within the body. Some degree of pulmonary thromboembolism (blockage of the lung vessels with dead worms) and long term damage is expected to occur with successful treatment. It is critical when being treated that the pet is kept quiet to minimize post-treatment complications.


Microfilariae treatment is most effectively performed with anthelmintics (ivermectin, selamectin, milbemycin oxime, and moxidectin). These drugs are known as the majority of the active ingredients in prescription heartworm preventatives. When a heartworm positive dog is treated with these medications they should be hospitalized for at least 6-8 hours after they are given as the rapid death of the microfilariae can cause an anaphylactic (allergic) response. This is another reason why we advocate yearly screening of heartworm disease BEFORE giving out heartworm preventative. If a heartworm positive dog is given the heartworm preventative medications it is possible for severe side effects to occur. The microfilariae will be slowly eliminated over the course of a few months.


With any treatment confirmation of the elimination of all the adult worms is necessary. The best way to do that is to re-screen for heartworm antigen with in house testing. As this test shows only female adult heartworms, it is possible to still have male heartworms present. Depending on the patient, even if the repeat antigen test is negative, long term monthly treatment with another product or repeat treatment with Immiticide might be recommended.


Canine Heartworm Preventatives:


While heartworm disease can be treated, use of a veterinary recommended preventative is logically safer and more cost effective. There are a variety of products available from chewable tablets to topical products applied to the skin that are all very effective when used on a year round monthly basis to prevent heartworm disease. The American Heartworm Association and Glove Cities Veterinary Hospital recommend year round prevention. This adds to increased overall compliance, better year round protection, and better control and prevention of intestinal parasites (as most of the products also treat and prevent intestinal parasites that are also transmitted to people).


At Glove Cities Veterinary Hospital we carry two specific products that are very safe and effective at heartworm prevention.


Revolution (by Pfizer) is a once a month topical preparation (applied to the skin) that is approved for heartworm prevention that also is used for flea and tick control. It has an alcohol base which quickly evaporates leaving very little residue and has the added benefit of providing flea, tick, and heartworm all in one. It is also safe to use with canines with food allergies that cannot have chewable tablets due to flavoring components.


Iverhart MAX is a once a month chewable tablet given orally that is approved for heartworm prevention. It has the added benefit of being approved to treat and control a number intestinal parasites that can be transferred to humans including hookworms, roundworms, and tapeworms.


We hope this information has been helpful and informative!


Dr. Santspree

Lyme Disease Prevention Awareness!

Lyme Disease Prevention Awareness at Glove Cities Veterinary Hospital!

Thanks for tuning in as we focus on Lyme disease prevention awareness. Lyme disease has been recognized for over a century. It is currently the most commonly recognized arthropod-borne disease in humans and one of the most commonly seen arthropod-borne diseases in clinical practice for our companion animals.

What Causes Lyme Disease?
• Lyme disease is caused by a spiral shaped bacterium (spirochetes) called Borrelia burgdorferi. Within the United States, New England accounts for >90% of the cases of lyme disease with prevalence in the northern Midwest, California, and some southern states. Infection occurs only after a tick (nymph or adult female) has been attached to the host for at least 12-18 hours

How Is The Disease Transmitted?
• Ticks transmit Lyme disease by first seeking out and attaching themselves to the host. The primary mechanism of transmission is a direct bite by the tick on the person or animal. After the tick attaches to the animal or person and begins to feed, spirochetes that are present in the body of the tick move into the saliva of the tick and then into the person or animal on which the tick is feeding. The danger of transmission of Lyme disease is thought to increase significantly after 12 hours of feeding, usually when the tick becomes engorged.

What Are The Clinical Symptoms?
• Lyme disease in dogs often presents in either acute, or sub-acute (chronic) arthritis. The arthritis causes a reoccurring, intermittent lameness seen in one or multiple joints. Dogs may develop sudden acute pain in one or more joints/limbs. The affected joints may be swollen, hot and painful, and your pet may develop a fever, become lethargic, and have less or no appetite. The acute phase may become sub-acute after 3-4 days where the lameness becomes intermittent and shifts legs/joints. Your pets lymph nodes may become swollen as well. In more severe cases renal failure and less commonly, cardiac and neurologic dysfunction can be seen. Based on experimental studies, it can take up to two to five months after tick exposure to develop clinical symptoms. Chronic Lyme disease left untreated, or treated after prolonged exposure can result in persistent infection despite anti-biotic treatment.

How Is Lyme Disease Diagnosed?
There are several ways to test your pet for Lyme disease including in hospital diagnostics and tests at laboratories to which samples can be sent. Glove Cities Veterinary Hospital recommends screening your pet once a year for heartworm, and several tick borne diseases in a single test. A fast (10 minutes) antibody test (shown in the attached picture) that is very sensitive for the presence of Lyme disease can be performed with as little as three drops of blood. Follow up testing, if a positive response is seen on in house screening, can help confirm these results and provide titer levels (amount of antibody present) to use to confirm successful treatment with anti-biotics.

How Is Lyme Disease Treated
Anti-biotics are the best way to treat Lyme disease. Even though symptoms can begin to clear within days of treatment, prolonged treatment is necessary to clear all of the bacteria. Tetracycline’s such as Doxycycline as the most commonly prescribed anti-biotics often given for 3-4 weeks at a time. After treatment another titer level can be checked to compare to the original titer to make sure initial treatment was successful. Dogs with recurrent episodes of Lyme disease whether from a re-infestation from another tick exposure or a relapse from the initial infection will often still respond favorably to another course of anti-biotics. There are steroids, pain medications, and other anti-inflammatory medications that can help ease the pain of the arthritis as well.

If My Dog Has Lyme Disease What Is The Prognosis?
• The prognosis for Lyme Disease in general is excellent. The majority of dogs respond extremely well to anti-biotic therapy. Complete recovery in the majority of cases is usual. However there are instances of relapsing disease and chronic disease that have been seen.

Can My Dog Give Me Lyme Disease?
• No studies have supported the ability of a Lyme positive dog being able to infect their owner through any kind of bodily fluid or contact. Our companion animals certainly can act as a source of parasites to enter into our homes, but have not been documented to directly infect humans with Lyme disease.

How Can Lyme Disease Be Prevented?

At Glove Cities Veterinary Hospital we believe in a multi-modal approach to controlling Lyme disease in our pets. No one product, vaccine, or technique is 100% effective, therefore using more than one approach is necessary. We, in the northeast, live in endemic area meaning that 75% of our unvaccinated and unprotected pets at some point will test positive for Lyme disease, and many will continue on to develop clinical symptoms.
Topical products/collars

• We recommend protecting your pet through a combination of topical products/collars, vaccination, and environmental control. We offer a number of topical products that are applied once a month to the skin that offer protection against fleas and ticks (Revolution, Vectra, Frontline) as well as collars that last from 3-6 months at a time (Scalibor collar, Preventic Collar). All flea and tick products and collars ARE NOT created equally. Please talk with your veterinarian about which one is right for your particular pet and situation.
Vaccination

• We recommend yearly vaccination of your pet against Lyme disease. Again, not all vaccines are created equally. At Glove Cities Veterinary Hospital we use what we believe to be the best Lyme disease vaccine on the market that will protect your pet for a year, is a safe vaccine to give, and has been shown to completely block the transmission of the spirochete to your pet. If your pet has never had the vaccine before they will need a series to begin their protection.
Environmental Control

• When a tick wants to feed, they will make their way up to the tip of the leaf, brush, grass or material on which they are waiting. They are attracted to the carbon dioxide, warmth, and movement of a person or animal and respond by opening their front most pair of legs. As our pet brushes against the grass/plants etc, the tick will grab ahold with its legs. This means that we can help prevent Lyme disease by keeping our yards well manicured. Mow your yard often, remove excess shrubs and debris, and trim all shrubs in the yard. Consider walking your pet way from tall grasses or fields with many shrubs. If you often take your pet into heavily wooded areas and tall grasses, check them over after each excursion.

If I Find a Tick On My Pet What Should I Do:

DO:
• Use tweezers or a recommend tick removing device, grab the tick as closely to the skin of your pet as possible, and pull straight up to remove the tick. The tick inserts only its feeding mouth parts, not the entire head into your pet’s skin. Do not touch the tick.
• If the tick is unattached, use tape (any kind) and grab the tick, then fold the tape fold to cover the tick and dispose of the tape. If tape is not available, use a paper towel or Kleenex and then place in alcohol or soapy water, or flush down the toilet.
• Gently clean the wound site with a wash cloth and soapy water, and make sure to wash your own hands as well

DO NOT:
• Try and burn the tick with a match, or suffocate it with petroleum jelly, nail polish, or any other substance. These methods are ineffective and also potentially dangerous to your pet.
• Do not yank, twist, squeeze or rupture an engorged tick.
• Do not wait to take a tick off of your pet. If you find a tick and are uncomfortable removing it bring your pet to your veterinarian and a licensed technician can show you how to properly remove an engorged tick.

Can My Pet Cat Get Lyme Disease?
• Yes! Although much rarely seen, your pet cat is susceptible as well. Our felines are not screened on a yearly basis for Lyme disease, and no vaccination is available. This means they are potentially much more significantly affected than is currently known! If you have an outdoor cat, we highly recommend using a product that prevents ticks as well as fleas!

We hope this information has been helpful! Stay tuned with us next week as we continue to provide coverage of a variety of topics this April to raise awareness about disease in our companion pets!

Dr. Santspree

Red Cross Pet First Aid Awareness Month

Help us kick off April by celebrating the American Red Cross’s Pet First Aid Awareness month. All this week we will be providing information, as directed by the American Red Cross and based on our veterinary training, on how to best prepare for an emergent situation.


How Can You Prepare for an Emergency?

Lodging
• Know which hotels in your surrounding area accept pets in the case of an emergency evacuation. If you know you will need lodging call ahead to place a reservation, or see if the hotel or motel will be willing to waive the pet policy in the case of an emergency. Keep in mind Red Cross facilities DO NOT accept pets in the case of an emergency, but can accept service animals needed by owners with disabilities. Know which friends or family members would be willing and able to care for your pets in the case of an emergency

Care
• Know what veterinarians in your direct, and surrounding area you can contact in the case of an emergency or evacuation. Compile a list of numbers and locations of boarding facilities within your area that could also care for your pet during an evacuation or emergency. Many veterinarians may also be able and willing to board your pet as well, especially if they have medical concerns that need to be attended to on a daily basis.

Records
• Keep your pets up to date on all necessary vaccinations. Many facilities require vaccination and proof for your pet to stay there. Keep a concise and current medical file for each of your pets to have on hand in the case of an emergency or evacuation.

Transportation
• Make sure all your pets have a securely fastened collar with clear identification tags with up to date contact information and their name. Have a leash, crate, or carrier ready for transportation. Be prepared to transport your pets individually. Although keeping all your pets together in an emergency or evacuation is ideal, they might need to be separated and each require their own transportation carrier/leash etc.

Micro-Chipping
• Consider having a microchip placed by your veterinarian. This is an inexpensive way of providing your pet with information that can link them back to you. A small metal chip with a number is placed under the skin. It only takes a minute, is relatively painless, and is affordable. Most shelters and veterinary clinics routinely scan any animal that comes in without an owner for a microchip. If found, the microchip company, to which you give your contact information, can call and let you know your pet is found. Many dogs, and a VERY small proportion of cats that are lost are never returned to their owner.

What To Do If There Is An Emergency:

Assemble A Kit

When an emergency happens quickly assemble, or have assembled, a portable kit, within a sturdy (ideally water proof/resistant) container in an easily accessible place containing the following:
Sturdy leashes (pet’s collars with identification if not already wearing) harnesses, carriers, muzzle etc. for transport
A short supply of food, bowls (traveling bowls are especially easy to store) bottled water, a can opener, and a cat pan with
some stored cat litter
Medications and a copy of current medical records in a water proof container
Pet beds, blankets, and even some toys if they are easily transportable
A photo that is current and has your pet with you in it. Ideally the picture should highlight any unique markings your pet
may have. This will decrease confusion and aid in returning the right pet to the right owner.
A first aid kit

Know what to do as the disaster approaches!
Pay attention to warnings issued over the internet, television, or radio. At the first sign of an impending disaster begin to
act to protect your pet.
Call to any places with which you have established emergency information such as boarding facilities, veterinarians, family
members that can keep your pets etc.
Ensure all your pets are wearing their collars with up to date information clearly visible including their name (a rabies tag is
NOT sufficient)
Check that your pets emergency supplies are ready to go at a moments notice
Make sure that all of your pets are inside. Our feline friends in particular have a way of disappearing right as we need to
get them into their carrier. Minimize their fear of the carrier by leaving their carrier out within the living room with treats,
cat nip, blankets, and toys within the carrier so that they have a more positive association.


What To Do After a Disaster Has Occurred

Consult Your Veterinarian
• After a disaster has occurred your pet may need medical care and behavioral support. Consult your veterinarian after a disaster occurs to go over any care that may be needed and discuss any behavioral changes.

Keep Tabs on Your Pet
• After a disaster normal boundaries such as fences, runs, and doors may have become damaged. Keep direct watch of your pet as they may have a greater chance of escaping.

Behavioral Changes
• Emergencies and natural disasters are scary. They can be especially traumatizing for your pet, and you may notice mild to severe behavioral changes after a traumatic experience. Spend time with your pet and pay close attention to their behavior especially if they are displaying defensive, aggressive, or anxiety related behavioral changes.

Damages and Hazards
• Use caution bringing your pet(s) back into the area where the disaster occurred. Remember they are not wearing shoes and therefore their paws, belly, and nose in particular can become exposed to dangerous debris such as broken glass, and harsh chemicals such as bleach.

We appreciate your interest in pet first aid awareness month! If you are looking for more information contact the red cross or visit redcross.org. Keep in mind the Red Cross offers pet first aid and CPR classes across the country to help teach people what to do in emergency situations. Contact your local Red Cross for more information. As always feel free to contact us at our hospital at 725-8117. If you are interested in more specific information, or information regarding a topic not covered like preparedness for emergencies for your small mammal pets, please let me know!

Dr. Santspree

Poison Prevention Awareness Month

Poison Prevention Awareness Month Final Post!

We can hardly believe it is already the end of March. This week we will conclude the month by focusing on what to do in case of a toxicity, and how to better prepare yourself as pet owners. We never expect these things to happen. However, part of being a responsible pet owner is to be prepared in case the unexpected occurs. The information provided will focus on general guidelines. Every toxicity and every pet is different.

What do I do?

To begin, DON’T PANIC! I know this is easier said than done. When something happens to one of our pets that is unexpected it can seem terrifying. Take a minute to collect yourself and gather the information. Remember that our pet’s cannot tell us what’s wrong, where they hurt, and how serious something is. We need your help in figuring out what went wrong to determine how to best treat your pet. Below is a quick list of the materials that are ideal to have on hand in case of an emergency toxicity:

Name, age, approximate weight, sex, and breed of your pet
Every pet is different. There are various breed differences and gender differences that can matter in the case of a toxicity. Know the approximate weight of your animal. A yearly physical examination is the best way to keep track of your pet’s weight. Remember, it does not cost anything to stop into our hospital to keep the weight of your pet accurate.

Brief file of your pet’s previous/current medical history/medications
Being able to give a brief summary of the previous medical issues, current medical issues, and current medications your pet might have/have had is very important. Do not forget to mention things like monthly preventative products such as flea and tick products.

The name, number, and directions to various hospitals
Have the number and location of your regular veterinary clinic on hand at all times. At Glove Cities Veterinary Hospital if you have an emergency during the day, we will always try to find time for your pet. If you have a emergency after hours call our hospital at 725-8117 to be transferred to the emergency numbers. Dr. Will and myself try and make ourselves available as much as possible to come in after hours for medical emergencies. We both have emergency phones at our homes that we will answer if we are home, depending on which doctor is covering that day. However, we are NOT available all the time and are not equipped as a 24 hour emergency hospital. If your emergency can wait for a call back, please leave us a message. If your emergency is critical you need to have the name, numbers, and locations of other resources.
No matter where you live you can call the ASPCA Poison Control Center. This hotline staffs experts in the area of animal toxicity. Please be advised there is a $65 non-refundable consultation charge that may be applied to your credit card for this service for the ASPCA to continue to staff and run this hotline.
If you live in the Gloversville area please be advised of the following veterinary emergency hospital numbers and locations:
The Capital District Animal Emergency Clinic is located on Rte 2, just east of the Latham Circle. (518)785-1094

The Northway Animal Emergency Clinic is located just North of Saratoga in Gansevoort (about 1 hour drive). They are located on Fawn Road, .5 miles North of Exit 17N, of the Northway. (518)761-2602

Information about the intoxication
One of the most useful things you will be able to do in the case of exposure to toxic substance is take a few minutes to collect any products involved. If possible have the name and amount of the substance to which your pet was exposed. If the product came in a canister or box, grab that container and have it with you while you are on the phone or bring it with you to the hospital. The more information we have, the better we are able to treat your pet. We are going to want to know:

WHEN did this happen- many exposures are time sensitive, or may take days to develop symptoms

WHAT was ingested or your pet exposed to. This means ideally having the product with you, or knowing what the item/food/substance was, the specific name, and the active ingredients.

HOW much was ingested by your pet, or how much could have possibly been ingested.

Information about your Pet’s Symptoms
When you call us, another hospital, or the poison hotline we are going to want to know what symptoms your pet is exhibiting. If you witness an ingestion or exposure to something you are not sure is toxic CALL ANYWAY! It is better to be safe and consult your veterinarian. If you witness an ingestion or exposure to something that you know is harmful but your pet is not exhibiting any symptoms, CALL ANYWAY! Some poisons or toxic foods etc may take days before your pet begins to develop symptoms. Intervention AS SOON AS POSSIBLE is the best chance for your pet to have a good outcome.

I recommend having a pet first aid kit available in your house to address a variety of needs should the occasion arise. An alternative would be to make sure you have these items available and know the location in an emergency. (Please keep in mind these are items necessary that are MOST related to an intoxication. A general first aid kit may need other items for other types of emergencies)

1. Hydrogen peroxide
A number of ingestions can benefit from inducing vomiting at home. Always contact your veterinarian, an emergency clinic, or the ASPCA poison control center BEFORE inducing vomiting as some substances SHOULD NOT be vomited up even if toxic.

2. A Muzzle
Having a muzzle handy for both a dog and cat will be useful. If your pet is having seizures or is biting due to fear or pain you will need to properly muzzle them in order to protect them, yourself, and get them where they need to go as quckly and safely as possible.

3. Saline eye solution
Remember your pet investigates with their nose and face. This means your pet’s eyes may become traumatized. Keep eye solution (consider artificial tears) in case your pet’s eyes need to be flushed.

4. A large syringe (cooking baster can substitute)
You will need a way to administer peroxide or other fluids such as milk in the case of an emergency ingestion. A large syringe or cooking baster can help do this while not having your hands directly in your pet’s mouth

5. A bottle of mild dishwashing liquid
In the case of a topic liquid causing a toxicity (topical flea and tick products, insecticides etc) you will need grease-cutting liquid
dishwashing solution with which to bath your pet.

6. Several large plastic baggies
Make sure you have a few baggies available to place any vomited items (rat bait) or items that represent what might have been
ingested in your kit to quickly collect materials necessary to bring to the hospital or reference over the phone.

7. Information List
Any emergency kit should have a list of the names, numbers, locations, and directions to the most accessible sources for
information and treatment

Thank you so much for staying with us as we discussed this important topic. It is important to Glove Cities Veterinary Hospital to be there for your pet. Please do not hesitate to call anytime to ask a question or voice a concern regarding your pet.

Dr. Santspree

Poison Prevention Awareness Month

Common Household Toxicities

This week we are continuing to recognize March as poison prevention awareness month as we extend our discussion of common household toxicities of your pet dog and/or cat. There are many human medications kept around the house that if accidentally ingested or deliberately given could cause medical issues for your pet. We will touch on just a few of the more commonly reported ones this week. As always if you would like more information about a particular topic or have any questions feel free to contact us via email or call 725-8117!

Acetaminophen Toxicity:
Acetaminophen is the main active ingredient in a number of prescription and over the counter non-aspirin pain reliever medications such as Tylenol. It works as a pain medication and also reduces fever. Acetaminophen is VERY toxic to our feline companions. In GENERAL (varies with size of kitty and strength of pill) one regular strength (325mg) tablet can cause toxicity and a second could potentially be lethal. One extra-strength tablet (500mg) is enough usually to cause toxic symptoms.
Once ingested most species are able to metabolize acetaminophen normally, excreting any toxic products produced during the body’s processing in the urine. However, cats lack the ability to process acetaminophen in this way. This means that toxic products from processing the drug acetaminophen stay within your cat’s body and cause serious, potentially fatal, illness.
The affects of acetaminophen toxicity targets your feline’s liver and red blood cells. It results in the red blood cells being unable to carry oxygen normally, loss of red blood cells (anemia), and liver damage. If your cat ingests Acetaminophen look for these symptoms within 4 hours of ingestion: Pale, white, or blue tinged mucous membranes such as the gums, red or brown tinged urine, swelling of the face and front limbs, not eating, drooling, vomiting, lethargy.
If you notice any of these symptoms contact your veterinarian or closest emergency hospital as soon as possible. If caught within time there is an antidote for the toxicity. However, if left untreated death for our feline companions can occur within 18-36 hours after ingestion. The prognosis depends on how quickly the toxicity is caught.

Our canine friends are susceptible to acetaminophen toxicity as well. Unlike cats, they ARE able to process acetaminophen properly. However, if they ingest too much acetaminophen they are susceptible to liver damage and potentially liver failure. Look for vomiting, lethargy, unwilling to eat, salivation, and yellow-tinged eyes and/or mucous membranes.

Make sure all medication in your household are out of reach from all canine and feline friends. Make sure they are not only elevated but stored within a second area that your cat cannot access. Always know what medications you have that they could potentially become exposed to, and NEVER give any medication that has not been prescribed to your pet by a veterinarian without consulting your veterinarian first.

Ibuprofen:
Ibuprofen is a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug with fever reducing, inflammation reducing, and pain reducing properties found in many HUMAN over the counter medications such as Motrin and Advil. Ibuprofen is available in tablet and liquid form, and may be found in topical skin ointment and general cold medicine formulas as well.

Ibuprofen works by inhibiting a the formation of compounds called prostaglandins which are responsible for bringing about the local inflammatory response. However, prostaglandins are necessary for other normal bodily functions such as protecting the lining of the stomach and gastrointestinal tract and making sure your body can clot blood properly.

Although ibuprofen has been used therapeutically in dogs and cats for inflammation, you should NEVER give over the counter or prescription human formulated ibuprofen to your pet due to the high likelihood for side effects. Ibuprofen, even in small amounts can be toxic to your pet and cause life threatening illness. Ibuprofen is not recommended for your pet due to its ability, and high likelihood, of causing stomach ulceration which can lead to life threatening perforation of the stomach and intestines. Ibuprofen also causes blood flow to the kidneys to decrease and may lead to serious kidney side effects and possible failure. An inability to clot blood correctly and liver disease are also known consequences of ibuprofen toxicity.

If you have given your pet, or your pet has accidentally ingested ibuprofen look for these symptoms: not wanting to eat, nausea, salivation, lethargy, vomiting, increased drinking and urination, dark tarry stool, and bloody vomitus. If you notice any of these symptoms, or have witnessed an ingestion contact your local veterinarian or emergency hospital right away. Treatment for ulceration, kidney failure etc can be very successful if instituted quickly.

It is important to remember that not all pain medications are the same. While we do have veterinary formulated non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications such as Rimadyl (carprofen) and Metacam, they ARE NOT THE SAME as the anti-inflammatory medications you take and can buy over the counter. You should always contact your veterinarian before giving anything at home. We are your best source for safe, reliable information on how to keep your pet healthy and happy.

Adderall
Adderall is a prescription amphetamine commonly prescribed to treat attention deficit disorders in adolescents and adults. This medications and others like it are considered to be in the class of central nervous system stimulants, that also affect the heart. They work by changing the amounts of natural substances within the brain to produce a desired result. Ingestion by your pet can result in very serious consequences and even death. Accidental ingestion by your pet my result in the following symptoms: restlessness, seizure, coma, increased heart rate, panting, abnormal heart rhythm, and trembling. If you witness an ingestion or suspect accidental ingestion call your local veterinarian or emergency hospital right away.

Nicotine products
Products such as cigarettes, nicotine patches, nicotine gum, and other smoking cessation aids can be very harmful to your pet if ingested in a large enough quantity for that particular weight animal. Nicotine, when ingested, has the potential to cause vomiting, diarrhea, elevated heart rate, depression, seizures, dangerous drops in blood pressure, and in very severe cases, death. Always make sure you keep tobacco products out of the reach of your pet, and dispose of smoking cessation aids in a waste bin that is not available to your pet. If accidental ingestion occurs contact your local veterinarian or emergency clinic.

Respiratory Inhalers:
Many inhalers commonly used for human respiratory conditions such as asthma contain medication that if inhaled by your pet in a large dose could cause toxicity. Our dogs and cats like to play and respiratory canisters can easily become punctured therefore expelling a large amount of inhaled medication to your canine and feline friend. One of the most common medications used in respiratory inhalers is albuterol. If your pet punctures one of these containers you might see any/all of the following symptoms: dilated pupils, elevated heart rate, weakness, incoordination, hyperactivity, vomiting, muscle tremors, irregular heart rhythm, and panting. If you notice your pet puncture one of these canisters or find the canister contact your local veterinarian or emergency hospital right away as a high dose can cause death. Always keep these canisters away from your pet’s reach, do not assume they wont chew on them!

Top Ten Common Toxicities according to the ASPCA

In 2011 the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center in Illinois fielded more than 165,000 phone calls about substances ingested by their pet that were potential hazardous. Below is a list compiled from their phone calls of the most commonly reported toxicities. Make sure to pay attention to these items that you might have around your house:

1. Prescription human medications (ADHD meds, heart meds)
2. Insecticides
3. Over The Counter human medications (Tylenol, ibuprofen)
4. People Food (chocolate, onions, grapes etc)
5. Household products (mothballs, cleaners etc)
6. Veterinary Medications
7. Rodenticides (rat bait)
8. Plants (lilies, rododendrons, azaleas etc)
9. Lawn and Garden Products (fertilizers, bone meal, manure)
10. Automotive Products (anti-freeze, deicers)

We appreciate your interest an responsible pet owner's regarding potential toxic substances your pet may become exposed to. Please feel free to stop by anytime (35 Harrison st Gloversville NY) or call anytime (715-8117) with more specific questions or concerns.

Dr. Santspree

Poison Prevention Awareness Month

As we continue to recognize March as poison prevention awareness, we will focus on common household, yard, and garage toxic substances. We have to remember that our companion pets are not humans, and will expose themselves to toxic substances without knowing any better. As responsible pet owner’s we need to advocate for their safety. Hopefully the information we will provide will help to decrease the number of toxicities of our companions.

Rodenticides (indoor and outdoor toxicity)
Rodenticide toxicity in our feline and canine pets is commonly seen and if left untreated is deadly. In dogs, rodenticides are the THIRD MOST COMMONLY reported toxicity, and cats are susceptible as well (eating mice that have been poisoned). Rodenticides are found in pastes and pelleted formulas that are often placed in high traffic areas inside or outside of the house around the yard/garage. A majority of the rodenticides available contain toxic substances that are designed to kill the rodent by inhibiting coagulation (clotting). In simplistic terms our bodies are continuously in the process of coagulating (clotting) microscopic bleeding that occurs naturally. When an animal ingests a rodenticide that contains an anti-coagulant the normally controlled microscopic bleeding is inhibited and the animal begins to bleed internally. Eventually, if not treated, the animal will die from blood loss anemia. Symptoms begin to start around 6-12 hours after ingestion. You might notice trouble breathing, lethargy, weakness, pale gums or bleeding in the mouth, anorexia, dark tarry feces, and collapse. The sooner you notice these symptoms and contact a veterinarian the better. If treated the prognosis for recovery is good, left untreated rodenticide toxicity can be fatal.

Some rodenticides (less common) work to kill rodents by a different mechanism. Some rodenticide products may contain the compound cholecalciferol (vitamin D3). When ingested the rodenticide leads to toxic levels of calcium within your pet. Symptoms usually begin 12-36 hours after ingestion and will include depression, anorexia, vomiting, increased thirst and urination and possible bad breath. Ultimately, left untreated, cholecalciferol toxicity will result in multi-organ failure (heart, kidneys, liver). Left untreated most pets will die within 2-5 days after ingesting the toxin.

If you are using a rodenticide around your property or house, educate yourself as to what type, what active chemicals, and safe guard your pet. If you notice any of the aforementioned symptoms, contact your veterinarian or the emergency clinic right away.

Ethylene Glycol Toxicity:
Ethylene glycol is a chemical that is found in about 95% of commercial radiator antifreeze and 75% of windshield deicers. It is the second most common cause of fatal poisonings in small animals. Antifreeze and deicers can taste sweet to animals, making it appealing. Cats in general are more sensitive (1-2 licks of a puddle can cause death) however dogs are susceptible as well. As ethylene glycol is metabolized, its intermediates (metabolic products) are highly toxic. Symptoms include central nervous system depression in the early stages: “drunken” stagger, lethargy, incoordination, anorexia, vomiting. As the ethylene glycol is further processed by the body crystals form in the kidneys and urine. Ultimately intoxicated animals go into kidney failure, and you may notice bad breath, urination, increased thirst, vomiting, lethargy, inability to walk, and neurological symptoms (eyes moving abnormally). If caught early, ethylene glycol is a treatable intoxication, but aggressive action is needed. There are some formulations of deicers and anti-freeze that are safe for animals and should be used when possible. Always make sure these chemicals are far away from your pets, and any animals that may be around outside as well. Call your veterinarian and/or emergency clinic if you witness or suspect an intoxication.

Household Cleaning Products

General Cleaners, Deodorizers, Disinfectants (Pine sol, Lysol, bleach products)

Products such as Pine sol contain pine oil. This compound, even at low levels, is highly toxic (cats are more susceptible). Pine oil is readily absorbed and can cause gastrointestinal upset: vomiting, diarrhea with blood, lethargy, respiratory depression, unconsciousness, kidney failure and death. If your pet ingests Pine sol or a cleaner with Pine Oil, give your pet milk and/or water and call your veterinarian right away. DO NOT induce vomiting.
Alcohols (ethanol, isopropyl alcohol, Lysol) can cause central nervous system depression. As little at 1ml per 5 pounds in weight can cause symptoms such as lethargy, incoordination, decreased respiration and heart rate. If ingested call your veterinarian or/and emergency clinic and follow their direction to induce vomiting.
Household bleach solutions are mild to moderate toxicants that mainly affect the lungs and eyes. Ingestion can cause difficulty breathing, salivation, abdominal pain, and vomiting. The vapors from the bleach solutions can cause damage to the eyes and lungs. If your pet steps in the residue from the cleaners and then cleans themselves (cats mostly) it can cause trauma directly to your pet’s skin which can look like a superficial burn. If ingested try and dilute the bleach with milk and/or water and call your veterinarian and/or emergency clinic right away.

Detergents
There are three chemical classifications of detergents (nonionic, anionic, cationic) that determine their relative toxicity and treatment if ingested.

Non-ionic Detergents (Hand Dishwashing detergents, shampoos, some laundry detergents) are considered to be almost non-toxic. However, if ingested mild irritation can occur and you may notice vomiting or diarrhea Even though considered non-toxic, if a large amount is ingested check in with your veterinarian or closest emergency clinic to be on the safe side.

Anionic Detergents (ELECTRIC dishwashing detergent, laundry detergent, some shampoos) are considered to be mildly-moderately toxic. ELECTRIC dishwashing detergent can be highly toxic due to its alkalinity. When ingested injury and irritation can occur to the esophagus. Once absorbed in the gastrointestinal tract these substances can cause red blood cells to burst open and potentially cause kidney failure. Exposure to the eye can cause eye damage. If your pets ingest one of these substances DO NOT MAKE THEM VOMIT!!!! Causing your pet to vomit is CONTRAINDICATED and can cause severe irritation of the entire gastrointestinal tract. Call your veterinarian and/or local emergency hospital and give your pet some water and milk to help dilute the toxin and counteract the alkalinity of the toxic product.

Cationic Detergents (Fabric softeners, germicides (germ killing), sanitizers) are considered HIGHLY TOXIC. These compounds often contain ammonias that can cause corrosive burns to the mouth, esophagus, stomach and intestines. Effects on your pet after ingestion include drooling, weakness, respiratory depression, shock, seizures, and collapse. In case of ingestion DO NOT MAKE YOUR PET VOMIT!!! These compounds if vomited can cause even more corrosive burning of your pet’s gastrointestinal system. Call your veterinarian and/or emergency clinic right away and dilute your pet’s stomach with milk and water.

Soaps (bar soap, hand soap)
Bar soap and hand soap you have within your house are the salts of fat that has been rendered. Their toxicity is considered mild, and usually results in mild-moderate gastrointestinal illness. Homemade soap has the potential to be more toxic than commercial soap due to a higher alkaline content (high pH). You might notice vomiting and/or diarrhea in your companion pet. If a very significant amount has been ingested (greater than 40 grams per pound of your pet) contact your veterinarian or the closest emergency clinic to discuss inducing vomiting at home.


Corrosive Chemicals are considered acids (Toilet Bowl Cleaners, Metal Cleaners, Anti-rust Compounds, Battery Fluid, Swimming Pool Acids). These chemicals tend to cause very LOCALIZED symptoms. Dermal (skin) exposure causes significant pain, and usually does not progress to ingestion (esophageal damage). Acute inflammation within the mouth or on the skin is followed by scarring. Treatment requires dilution of the chemical with water and/or milk. DO NOT MAKE YOUR PET VOMIT. Call your veterinarian or emergency hospital right away as immediate treatment is beneficial.

Caustic chemicals (corroding/dissolving) are considered to be localized toxicities and are considered alkalis (Drain and Toilet bowl cleaners, denture cleaner, ammonias, disc batteries). These compounds are common sources of toxicities and in general are more serious when ingested than acids (previously discussed). These chemicals can easily penetrate the skin and result in significant toxicity such as seizures (within 5 minutes of ingestion) sloughing of the skin and mucosa of the esophagus, and irritation of the entire gastrointestinal tract. If ingestion occurs DO NOT MAKE YOUR PET VOMIT. Dilute your pet’s ingestion with milk and/or water and call your veterinarian and/or emergency clinic.

Thank you for following us as we strive to increase awareness about some common sources of toxicity among our companion animals! Stay with us next week as we continue this discussion. As always, call us anytime at 725-8117 with any questions or concerns, and please let us know if you would like to hear information about any particular topic! We appreciate your dedication to being a responsible pet owner!

Dr. Santspree, Jen LVT

Poison Prevention Awareness Month

Toxicity Flowers and Plants

This week we will discuss a few of the more common toxic plants. Stay with us this month as we continue to cover various toxicities in honor of March as poison prevention awareness month. We hope to raise awareness about toxicities from flowers to foods and ultimately at the end of the month provide the information needed to deal with a toxicity should one occur.

There are more than 700 plants identified that are dangerous if ingested by our four legged friends. The plants we will discuss this week can produce toxic substances with side effects that can range from mild gastrointestinal upset to death. The reaction depends on the type of plant, what part and how much was ingested, and the size and species of the animal.

Lilies and Peace Lily
Plant members of the Lilium spp. are considered to be highly toxic to our feline and canine companions. While the toxic substance is not yet known even small amounts of lily ingestion can cause severe kidney failure in our feline friends. The peace lily contains high levels of calcium oxalate crystals that can cause gastrointestinal upset such as drooling, vomiting, irritation of the mouth and trouble swallowing, and burning of the mouth, lips, and esophagus.

Tulips
The Tulipa/Narcissus species contain toxic substances within the bulb portion that can cause a range of symptoms from severe gastrointestinal irritation to depression of the central nervous system (convulsions, seizures) and cardiac abnormalities.

Rhododendron/Azalea
Plants of the Rhododendron spp. contain toxic substances (grayantoxins) that can produce mild to severe symptoms. A small ingestion could cause mild gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting, diarrhea and salivation. A more significant ingestion can cause depression of the central nervous system (your pet may seem dull/unresponsive), seizures, coma, and possibly death.

Chrysanthemum
These popular blooming flowers are often part of a bouquet of flowers. They are part of the Compositae family which contain pyrethrins that when ingested can result in gastrointestinal upset: vomiting, diarrhea, salivation.

Oleander
All parts of the oleander plant are considered highly toxic. This plant contains cardiac glycosides that are considered to be dangerous toxins that can result in low body temperature, gastrointestinal upset, coma, and even death.

English Ivy
English Ivy, also known by various other names such as branching ivy, contain toxic components known as triterpenoid saponins. When ingested these toxic substances can cause gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting, diarrhea, salivation, and abdominal pain.

Marijuana:
If your pet ingests Cannabis sativa it can cause serious neurological toxicity. Symptoms include depression of the central nervous system which can manifest as incoordination, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, seizure, coma and even death.

Yew:
The Yew plant of the Taxus spp. contain toxic substances known as taxine. Taxine affects the central nervous system and can cause symptoms such as trouble breathing, incoordination with movement, stumbling, and trembling. At high enough doses of ingestion it can also cause cardiac failure and and severe gastrointestinal upset.

Castor Bean:
The castor bean contains a highly toxic compound called ricin. When ingested this toxin causes severe gastrointestinal upset resulting in salivation, vomiting, diarrhea, significant abdominal pain, weakness, anorexia, and excessive thirst. If left untreated the severity of the gastrointestinal upset can result in significant dehydration and even death

Even though there are MANY toxic plants, there are also MANY non-toxic plants. Keep your pet’s safety in mind when you make a decision to have plants in the house, or in the yard that your pets can access. Below we will list briefly a number of toxic plants without going into detail and the main body system they affect. If you have further questions about specific symptoms of an individual plant listed please contact our hospital or reputable source for more detailed information:

Neurologic toxins (cause neurologic signs such as tremors, seizures, lack of coordination, dull mentality, coma)
* Tobacco
* Jimson Weed
* Bleeding Heart
* Crocus
* Morning Glory

Gastrointestinal Toxins (Cause gastrointestinal signs such as vomiting, diarrhea, salivation, dehydration)
* Buttercup
* Bird of Paradise
* Hyacinth bulbs
* Buckeye bulbs
* Amaryllis bulbs
* Daffodil

Cardiovascular Toxins (Cause heart changes leading to increased/decreased heart rate, heart failure)
* Foxglove
* Hyacinth
* Hydrangea
* Milkweed
* Lily of the Valley

Kidney Failure/Organ Failure Toxins
* Begonia
* Calla lily (also Easter, Asiatic, day, and star-gazer lily)
* Shamrock
* Oak

Please call anytime with any questions or concerns about any of the information shared this week or in the weeks prior! Stay with us next week as we cover common toxic substances found within your house, basement and garage!

Dr. Santspree, Audrey LVT

Poison Prevention Awareness Month

Poison Prevention Awareness Month: Toxic Foods

March represents poison prevention awareness! All this month we will provide information about different poisonous items ranging from foods to flowers that you should be aware of as a responsible pet owner. We will also discuss what to do in the case of an emergency. We hope we will be able to provide you all with some useful information!

Toxic Foods

Methylxanthines (Chocolate, soda, tea, guarana, coffee)
All of these products contain a substance call methylxanthines. Methylxanthines are found in cacao seeds, the fruit of the plant used to make coffee, and in the nuts of an extract found in some sodas. When ingested by your pet they stimulate the central nervous system and heart which can cause vomiting, diarrhea, restlessness, excessive panting, abnormal heart rhythms, excessive thirst and urination, hyperactivity, seizures and even death. Among chocolate, baking chocolate and dark chocolate are the most dangerous while white chocolate has the lowest levels of methylxanthines.

Avocado
The fruit, seeds, leaves and bark of the avocado contain persin which can cause vomiting and diarrhea in our canine companions. Birds and small mammals (rodents) are especially susceptible to avocado poisoning which can result in fluid building up around the heart and difficulty breathing.

Apples/Crabapples/Plums/Peaches/Cherries
The seeds, leaves, and stems of these fruits contain cyanide. Toxic levels of cyanide can result in your pet being unable to oxygenate their blood properly. Symptoms include brick red gums, difficulty breathing, panting, and other signs of shock.

Macadamia Nuts
These nuts are commonly used in many cookies and baked goods, however they can cause numerous issues in your companion pets. Macadamia nuts have been known to cause weakness, depression, tremors, elevated temperature, and vomiting. These symptoms can occurs within 12-24 hours after ingestion and usually last 12-24 hours.

Yeast Dough
Yeast dough, once eaten, can rise within your pet’s stomach and cause gas to accumulate in your pet’s digestive system. Trapped gas can cause significant pain and even lead to rupture of your pet’s intestines. Even though small pieces of bread contain yeast, the risk is minimal as the yeast has already been cooked and the yeast has already risen. Therefore your pet can have pieces of bread as a treat as long as they do not have specific medical or dietary restrictions.

Grapes/Raisins (raw and cooked)
Scientifically, the toxin substance within grapes and raisins has not been determined . However it is known that grapes and raisins can cause kidney failure, which may be more pronounced if your pet has other serious medical issues. Signs of toxicity can include vomiting, lethargy, anorexia, and diarrhea.

Milk
Our companion pets do not have a significant amount of the enzyme lactase (lactase is needed to breakdown lactose in milk). Milk itself, and milk based products in excess or even small amounts can cause gastrointestinal upset such as vomiting and diarrhea.

Onions (raw, powdered, cooked)/Garlic/Chives
All onions — whether cooked or raw — are a danger to your pet. Even a small amount of ingestion can poison your pet. Onions contain an ingredient called thiosulphate which causes the red blood cells circulating through your pet’s body to burst. Garlic and chives at high enough levels result in the same thing. Small amounts, such as those found in pet treats are usually safe. However, these items should never be fed at home to your pet in large amounts. Symptoms of this condition include breathlessness, lethargy, diarrhea, vomiting and decreased appetite. It may take up to two to four days after your pet eats the onion for symptoms to appear.

Xylitol (gums, mints, sweeteners, toothpaste)
Xylitol is a sugar substitute commonly used in gum, candy, toothpaste, and baked goods. Ingestion of even small amounts will cause the rapid release of insulin (from your pet’s pancreas) which will subsequently result in hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) and can cause liver failure. As little as two or three sticks of xylitol gum could be toxic to a 20-pound dogs. The toxic effects can be seen within 30 minutes and can be very severe. Symptoms associated with xylitol poisoning include: vomiting, weakness, lack of coordination, depression, seizure, and coma. In some cases, xylitol poisoning can result in liver failure.

Undercook/raw meat/Bones/Eggs
Raw meat and eggs has been shown to harbor significant amounts of harmful bacteria such as E.coli and Salmonella. These bacteria can cause significant gastrointestinal upset resulting in vomiting, diarrhea, and dehydration. Raw bones can result in bacterial contamination as well as physical trauma from sharp splinters and pieces injuring your pet’s digestive track.

While we touched on the most common foods and substances there are more. If you have any questions or concerns please call the hospital anytime at 725-8117. Check out our blog to find all the information in one posting. Be sure to check in with us Monday as next week we will discuss common plants and flowers that could be toxic to your companion pet.

Dr. Santspree, Abbey LVT

PERIODONTAL DISEASE

Periodontal Disease in our Companion Animals

Periodontal disease occurs when bacteria in the mouth attach to the surface of the tooth and form a layer called plaque. Plaque will slowly move underneath the surface of the gum line into the surrounding tissues and supporting structures eventually setting into motion a viscous cycle against the root of the tooth. The bacteria that invade the tissues and tooth root secrete toxins which cause damage to the tissue and supporting structures. The bacteria present also elicit a response from your pet’s immune system. Immune cells such as white blood cells and inflammatory cells will leak out of the gum tissue into the space between the tooth or tooth root and gum tissue. Within this space the inflammatory cells and white blood cells will try and kill the bacteria by releasing enzymes, but these enzymes will also end up damaging the gum tissue, tooth root, and tooth attachments. As this cycle progresses the pocket between the gum tissue and the tooth and tooth root with slowly increase causing a loose, compromised tooth and painful gum tissue. This process can also ultimately weaken the bone beneath the tooth root such as the jaw bone leading to jaw instability as well.

The inflammation seen in your pet’s mouth is due to inflammatory cells attacking bacteria invading that area of tissue. Inflammatory cells that are responding to these bacterial invaders also allow bacteria to access your pet’s body. Bacteria from the mouth in the presence of inflammation can enter your pet’s bloodstream and circulate throughout the body. Scientific research has shown this bacteria is filtered through vital organs such as the liver and kidneys and can result in micro-abscesses in these organs. Studies have also shown the bacteria is capable of attaching to the valves of your pet’s heart causing a bacterial heart disease that can be fatal. As this bacteria is constantly present on your pet’s teeth and therefore constantly filtered through your pet’s blood, periodontal disease results in a chronic infection your pet battles on a daily basis. Periodontal disease is also incredibly painful! Any of us that have had an abscessed tooth, cavity, or cold sore in their mouth can sympathize!

Periodontal disease is characterized by disease of the gum tissue and tooth defects (such as a compromised tooth root) due to the presence of bacteria. Other things, can also lead to periodontal disease such as masses on the gum tissue that are not removed, an improper bite or extra teeth that are not removed, trauma, oral cancers, and even some viruses (especially in our feline friends).

The first step to treating periodontal disease is to visit your veterinarian. A comprehensive physical exam will include an exam of the mouth. Based on your pet’s degree of periodontal disease and other factors, a plan can be formulated to include a dental cleaning and any other needed procedures. Many times x-rays and dental surgery such as extractions are necessary when a tooth has been compromised and can not be saved.

How Do I Know If My Dog or Cat Has Periodontal Disease

If you notice that your dog or cat has any of the signs or symptoms listed below, a trip to your veterinarian for an oral exam and discussion about treatment is warranted for the health and happiness of your pet:

Bad breath (one of the first and most common signs of periodontal disease)
Red, swollen, and/or bleeding gums
Yellow/brown tartar on the teeth and along the gum line
Loose, discolored, or missing teeth
Discomfort, aggression, or crying out when the mouth or gums are touched
Difficulty chewing, chewing on one side, picking through food
Avoiding hard foods, hard chew toys, or hard treats
Weight loss due to decreased food intake

Stage 1 Periodontal Disease
Stage one periodontal disease is classified by mild gingivitis. Often what is seen are teeth with a mild-moderate amount of tartar present, and a mild inflammation of the gum tissue, often right along the gum line. These signs are generally more prominent in the teeth towards the back of the mouth. If you look at your dog’s gums and notice these symptoms, even though they are mild, now is the time to take action! At this point, a simple scaling of the tartar under anesthesia might be all your pet needs! The sooner your intervene on behalf of your pet dog or cat’s dental disease the better! Even mild irritation of the gum line is painful, and represents a chronic infection that will only progress with time.

Periodontal Disease Stage Two:

Stage two periodontal disease is characterized by mild periodontitis, a progressive inflammation and infection of the gum tissue. As your pet’s immune system continues to try and respond and destroy the bacteria present (tartar) it sends immune cells and inflammatory cells into the spaces between the tooth and gum tissue. The immune cells that attack the bacteria release enzymes to try and kill the bacteria that also result in destroying gum tissue, supporting structures, and can compromise the tooth and tooth root. The inflammation from this process allows access of the bacteria to your pet’s blood stream. At home what you might notice are markedly reddened/swollen gums, brown/yellow tartar, and bad breath. At this point in time, your pet will definitely need to have a dental scaling and could possibly need further intervention. If nothing is done, these teeth will eventually loose all of their supporting structures and become loose with a progressively worsening infection. Most pets will continue to eat normally even with the pain associated with these changes.

Stage Three Periodontal Disease:
Stage three periodontal disease is characterized by moderate periodontitis, a continually worsening infection of the tissues within the mouth and compromised teeth. At this stage moderate to heavy brown yellow tartar is often present that can obscure the view of the normal tooth enamel and some of the gum tissue. The gums are often red, inflammation, swollen and painful. At this stage the gums might easily bleed and have lost a significant amount (~50%) of the supporting structures to hold the tooth in the socket. You might notice loose teeth, changes in your pet’s eating habits, bad breath, and bleeding gums. Stage three disease is unequivocally painful, and needs to be addressed for the health and happiness of your pet. A dental cleaning, dental x-rays, and probably dental oral surgery will be needed.

Many pet owners think that as long as their pet is eating there’s no problem! This is NOT TRUE. Animals are instinctual, and will continue to eat on a survival basis even if they are in pain. They have no other option, and no other process. It is YOUR job as a responsible pet owner to advocate for their oral health. Most pets, even with end stage severe dental disease, will continue to eat. DO NOT WAIT until your pet’s teeth are so bad they would rather starve than chew. Gingivitis and periodontal disease is painful by its very nature of infection and irritation

Stage Four Periodontal Disease:
Stage four periodontal disease is characterized by severe periodontitis, an extensive infection of the mouth with severe tooth compromise. At this point the infection has progressed so far as to cause the gum line to recess away from the teeth, exposing more of the teeth and roots. The gums are red, swollen, painful, and may bleed easily. The teeth are loose, with little to no structural support and the bone of the jaw might also be affected. The infection has extensively invaded the tooth root and caused necrosis (death) of the socket around the tooth root. These animals usually have horrible breath and suffer dietary habit changes such as only chewing on one side or only eating wet food due to the pain in their mouths. However, even most of these pets continue to eat! At this point, many of these teeth will probably need to be extracted, and your pet may have suffered liver, kidney, and heart compromise due to systemic absorption of the bacteria. Antibiotics are almost always needed.

Thank you for taking the time to follow us this week to educate yourself as a responsible pet owner about the oral health of your pet. If you notice any of the aforementioned signs in your pet, or are concerned about your pet’s oral health, do not hesitate to call and make an appointment at 725-8117 or stop by anytime at 35 Harrison St Gloversville!

Dr. Santspree

Routine Dental Cleaning: Step by Step

Routine Dental Cleaning for your Dog or Cat

As we continue to celebrate February as Dental Health Month, this week we will focus on what generally happens during a routine dental cleaning at Glove Cities Veterinary Hospital. We will take you step by step through the process from the initial exam to recovery after the cleaning. We know how much you love your pet, and it is often difficult to leave them here at the hospital with us for the day. Knowing exactly what happens during a routine dental cleaning may make the process easier.

An estimated 60-70% of all adult cats and dogs have some degree of dental disease. A dental cleaning is advised for any pet that has a build up of tartar with or without dental disease (infection of the gums and surrounding tissues).

When your pet has tartar on their teeth (solidified bacteria) they will eventually develop dental disease. The best time to do a dental cleaning is BEFORE your pet has dental disease due to prolonged build up of tartar. Maintaining your pet’s oral health will result in fewer cleanings needed, better overall health, less time under anesthesia, and less time/money spent at the hospital. If your pet is diagnosed with tartar AND periodontal disease, they are considered to have dental disease and will require a cleaning and possible dental surgery.

(For the sake of keeping these posting relatively short, these steps will cover a general ROUTINE dental cleaning without extractions. Extractions due to periodontal disease will be discussed next week)

The First Step: A Comprehensive Physical Exam
The first step is a visit to your veterinarian. A full physical exam will include an exam of your pet’s mouth. If your pet is particularly difficult to examine, sedation might be necessary. At that time, your veterinarian will be able to show you areas of tartar, and other signs of dental disease. Oral health is only one part of your pet’s overall health. All aspects of your pet’s health need to be considered to make a good recommendation on what is needed. Based on your pet’s overall health and dental needs, your veterinarian will make a recommendation on how to proceed. Part of this conversation will include your needs, your pet’s needs, cost, after care etc. After this discussion, a date can be scheduled for the dentistry. At that time pre-operative blood work can be drawn and sent out to the lab if appropriate.

The Second Step: Pre-operative Blood Work
All dental cleanings at Glove Cities Veterinary Hospital are performed under general anesthesia. In order for us to properly treat your pet’s mouth they need to be completely asleep during the process. At Glove Cities Veterinary Hospital we take anesthesia of any pet extremely seriously. All patients to go under anesthesia will have pre-operative blood work (recommended blood work may vary depending on the age and other concurrent illnesses of your pet). If any abnormality of concern is found on your pet’s blood work we will discuss those abnormalities with you and make a decision together as how to proceed. If the blood work is normal, your pet’s dental procedure can move forward!


Third Step: Drop Off The Day of Surgery
The day your pet is scheduled to have their dental cleaning we will ask you to drop off your pet early in the morning. At that time, we will go over the plan for the procedures and the estimate provided for the cost of care. An estimate is given with a low and high range of cost. This is necessary as the true extent of the dental care needed cannot be fully assessed until after the tartar is scaled off the teeth. Many times tartar can mask more extensive lesions, and an oral exam on an awake patient does not allow for as extensive of an exam as does a patient under anesthesia. A licensed veterinary technician will go over some simple paperwork and check in your pet for their surgery. Your doctor will stop in and make sure you understand what will happen and make sure you have no other questions. We will make sure we have the proper phone numbers to call you as soon as your pet is awake from anesthesia, and set up a time for your pet to go home.

After you leave your pet with us, they are brought into the treatment area. If we had not already sent out pre-operative blood work, blood will be drawn at that time and run in the hospital. Your pet will be provided with a kennel to themselves with a blanket, litter box for kitties, and identification card. Your veterinarian will construct a written plan for your pet in their chart, review all blood-work and work with the licensed veterinary technicians to get started on your pet’s procedure. A licensed veterinary technician will set up the dental surgery area making sure all necessary equipment is set, all anesthetic agents prepared, and that we are completely ready for your pet to go under anesthesia.

Fourth Step: Pre-medications and Catheter Placement
Once the dental area is set up and your pet’s blood-work has been reviewed your pet will be ready for their scheduled dental time. Depending on the pet and the procedure, your veterinarian may decide to provide pre-medications before surgery. Pre-medications can include sedatives, anti-biotics, and pain medications. Once everyone is ready for the procedure, two licensed technicians will work together to place an intravenous catheter in a vein in your pet’s arm. Placement of a catheter allows for direct access to the bloodstream for any needed medication and administration of fluids throughout surgery.

Fifth Step: Induction and Intubation
Once the intravenous (I.V.) catheter has been placed your pet is now ready to go under anesthesia. Most pet’s will be induced (go to sleep for a short period of time) with an injectable anesthesia through the I.V. catheter. This short acting anesthetic agent will last just long enough for a licensed technician to place a breathing tube down your pet’s trachea (wind pipe). Placement of a breathing tube will allow us to provide an inhalant anesthesia (gas) directly to your pet and keep them asleep during the procedure. It will also allow us to make sure only the anesthetic gas and nothing else (saliva, water etc) goes down your pet’s wind pipe during the cleaning.

Sixth Step: Gas Anesthesia and Monitoring
Once the breathing tube has been placed, your pet will immediately be placed on an inhalant gas anesthetic. Glove Cities Veterinary Hospital takes anesthesia of your pet very seriously. We use only Sevoflurane, which is an incredibly fast acting and safe gas. This means if we encounter a problem, or your pet does not handle anesthesia well, we can turn off the gas anesthesia and have your pet awake in minutes. During this entire process another licensed veterinary technician will be placing monitoring equipment on your pet to check heart rate, respiration, and other vital parameters. Your pet will have fluids running through their I.V. catheter the entire surgery to maintain hydration and blood pressure. Once your pet is stable and asleep on the gas anesthetic, all monitoring equipment has been placed, and your pet has been positioned correctly they are ready for their cleaning. A team of licensed veterinary technicians will be there with your pet the entire time, one performing the cleaning and the other monitoring anesthesia constantly. A veterinarian will help during the entire procedure as well.

Seventh Step: Dental Scaling
Once your pet is asleep under anesthesia and stable, a licensed veterinary technician will use an ultrasonic scaler to scale the tartar off all surfaces of your pet’s teeth. They will also scale up under the gum line to remove all tartar that may be hiding.

Eighth Step: Exam of the mouth by a Veterinarian
Once your pet’s mouth has been scaled and cleaned completely, the veterinarian will then check your pet’s teeth. A probe will be used to check for deep pockets under the gum line. The entire mouth will be examined, and all surfaces of the teeth checked for areas that might indicate a compromised tooth. All findings will be recorded. If your veterinarian notices any teeth that may need to be extracted or addressed they will ask the licensed veterinary technicians to take dental radiographs (xrays). Glove Cities Veterinary Hospital has DIGITAL dental x-rays. This results in almost instantaneous x-rays (no chemical processing), allowing the veterinarian to make a decision quickly to avoid your pet being under anesthesia any longer than necessary. Dental x-rays will allow the veterinary to examine the tooth root and surrounding structures to make an educated decision on the best course of treatment for a compromised tooth. If dental x-rays indicate the need for dental surgery your veterinarian will proceed (to be covered next week). If your pet’s teeth appear healthy after the tartar has been scaled and all teeth have been checked by a veterinarian they will proceed to the next step!

Ninth Step: Polishing and Rinse
Once your pet’s teeth have been checked by the veterinarian and been determined healthy, a licensed technician will then polish all surfaces of the teeth. During the scaling process microscopic grooves were created by the scaler as it removed the tartar. These grooves can act as perfect little areas for bacteria to grow if they are not polished off. A licensed technician will use a paste with small amounts of gritty material to polish all surfaces of the teeth to result in clean and smooth teeth. A fluoride foam will then be applied at the very end.

Tenth Step: Recovery from Anesthesia
Once your pet’s teeth has been polished and treated, they will begin to wake up from anesthesia. The licensed technicians will turn off the gas anesthesia but continue to provide oxygen through the breathing tube. Nail trims and other procedures can be done at this time. Your pet will continue to have their vital signs monitored, and will eventually be transported to a recovery kennel. A licensed technician will stay with them the entire time, and will not remove the breathing tube until they are awake enough to swallow and breathe on their own. We will leave their I.V. catheter in place until they are fully awake and ready to go home. Once your pet is awake, we will make sure they are comfortable, warm, and pain free as the anesthesia continues to wear off.

Eleventh Step: Going Home!
After your pet has been placed within a kennel to continue to wake up, a licensed technician or the veterinarian will call you and let you know how everything went. They might discuss any findings or procedures needed such as extractions. We will set up a discharge time for you to pick up your pet. When you come to pick your pet up, the technician and doctor if needed will go over the dentistry. At this time, it would be excellent to begin an at home care regimen to keep your pet’s teeth as clean and healthy from this point forward to avoid or prolong the next cleaning! All medications to go home or take home instructions will be thoroughly explained.

This concludes our basic step by step explanation of a routine dental cleaning! As previously mentioned, next week we will discuss what happens if your pet’s teeth are known to have or found to have disease that requires dental surgery. However, we hope this explanation of a routine cleaning has been helpful. We are more than happy to answer any questions anytime. Also please feel free to stop in and get a tour of our dentistry suite! We are more than happy to discuss the procedures, equipment, and make sure you understand exactly what we are providing for your pet! We appreciate your trust with their care and try and go above and beyond to make sure they are happy, safe, and healthy!

Dr. Santspree