Leptospira is a gram negative spirochete bacteria that is very common in certain parts of the United States. There are over 250 different serovars (subtypes) and it is a zoonotic (meaning that people can contract it) disease. There has been increased prevalence of Leptospira disease since 1983 due to urbanization of rural areas, increasing contact between dogs and wildlife.
Leptospira penetrates through the mucosal membranes—eyes, conjunctiva, mouth, any breaks in the skin. After disseminating in the blood, leptospira tends to target the liver and kidneys but can also go to other organs in the body such as the spleen and central nervous system (CNS).
A reservoir host is an animal that harbors the organism with no clinical signs of disease. The organism is shed in high quantities in the urine. Dogs, rats, pigs, cattle, raccoons, deer, skunks, possums and small rodents (mice) can all serve as reservoir hosts for the different serovars. Man and dog can be an incidental host, in which clinical disease occurs, but the organism is not shed in high quantities.
Leptospira generally targets adult animals one to six years of age, but all ages can be affected. Dogs who are most commonly infected are those who are outdoors with exposure to surface water, dogs over 15 pounds, males, hounds, and hunting, working, or herding breeds. However, all dogs are susceptible. If a house or apartment has a problem with mice or rats, dogs and humans that live there are at risk of exposure.
Environmental risk factors include rural areas; housing developments that encroach on areas previously inhabited only by wildlife, leading to greater exposure of dogs to this organism; and areas with poor drainage or that frequently flood.
Leptospirosis can cause kidney failure, inflammation/toxicity of the liver (hepatitis), inflammation of the blood vessels (vasculitis) causing hemorrhage, inflammation of muscle tissue (myositis and myalgia), inflammation in the eye (uveitis) causing blindness, inflammation in the nervous system (meningitis), abortion in food animals and immune mediated illness with chronic disease.
The most common route of disease transmission is indirect, by contact with stagnant or slow moving water contaminated by urine . Wildlife urinate in a small pond or lake that people and dogs swim in. Leptospira organisms are able to survive for long periods in surface water. Transmission can also occur by direct contact with infected urine; bacteria enter through damaged skin or mucous membranes.
Prevalence of the disease varies markedly and usually correlates with rainfall and warm weather. Incidental host infections can be either sporadic or epidemic. The organism can live for long periods of time in warm water. Freezing will kill it. It is endemic in the wildlife population with infection rates as high as 30-40 percent.
In dogs, the incubation period (time from exposure to signs of clinical disease) varies between 3 and 20 days; therefore, this is the relevant period of exposure that must be considered. The most common signs of disease early on are anorexia, lethargy, vomiting and fever. Also seen are weight loss, increased drinking and urinating (polydipsia/polyuria), diarrhea, abdominal/lumbar pain, icterus/jaundice, stiffness/reluctance to walk (myalgia), enlarged kidneys (renomegaly), small areas of hemorrhage (petechia) or sometimes severe hemorrhage, and low platelet count (thrombocytopenia).
Diagnosis can be made from several different types of diagnostic tests with the most common test involving serology. Treatment involves supportive care and antibiotics. Dogs that recover are carriers of the disease and still shed the organisms when they go home.
Prognosis depends upon how early treatment begins. Diagnosis of this disease can sometimes be difficult if the patient is seen early in the disease before increases in kidney and liver values occur and the symptoms are vague. Even after treatment with antibiotics, liver or kidney disease may still develop. Up to 25% of infected dogs will not survive the initial infection. Thirty-three to 40% of infected dogs will develop chronic renal failure.
Leptospira bratislava and L. icterohemorrhagia were the leading serovars causing disease in the mid 1970’s. Since the mid 1990’s, Leptospira grippotyphosa and L. pomona are the leading infectious causes of acute renal failure in dogs.
Prevention in animals:
Avoid exposure
Isolate suspected cases in the hospital
Quarantine carriers (shedders) in the home or kennel
Vaccination
Owners of infected pets need to wear gloves and masks when cleaning cages and handling bodily fluids/waste. Do not hose down cages of infected animals because it can aerosolize the organism.
Vaccination of dogs for leptospirosis has been a controversial issue for the past several years. Early vaccines protected against strains bratislava and canicola. However, there is no cross protection between the various serovars in vaccines. It was also suspected that older leptospira vaccines caused a large number of vaccines reactions. It has been determined that it was the cellular debris in the vaccine (contaminants) and not the leptospira which caused the reaction.
Fort Dodge’s vaccine, Duramune Max 5-CvK/4L, is a killed vaccine that protects against the four most common serovars: L. grippotyphosa, L. pomona, L. icterohemorrhagia, and L. cannicola. This newer vaccine incorporates state of the art sub-unit technology. This involves separating the surface immunogens from the extraneous cellular debris and reducing the level of contaminants in the vaccine; thereby reducing the potential for adverse reactions while maintaining immunogenicity.
Efficacy studies with the vaccine demonstrated a 90% reduction in clinical signs in the vaccinated animals compared to control animals (those exposed to disease with no prior vaccination). All vaccinated animals were able to clear the infection before it could cause disease. Vaccination with the new Fort Dodge vaccine also prevented clinical shedding by infected dogs.
Numerous safety studies demonstrated less than 1.1% incidence of adverse effects (vaccine reactions) from vaccination. Adverse reactions can include injection site pain and swelling less than 24 hours duration, pruritis (itching) at the injection site immediately, lethargy for one day, increased thirst and anaphylaxis (shock). Banfield Veterinary Hospitals performed their own safety study involving 144, 387 doses of Duramune Max5-CvK/4L to their patients. They estimated less than 0.27% reaction rate over all with 0.01% rate of anaphylaxis. Of those patients that had reactions, small breeds did have a slightly higher reaction rate of 1% compared to 0.25% with large and mixed breed dogs. Interestingly enough, their rabies vaccination (brand not stated) had a slightly higher reaction rate than did the leptospira vaccine. Vaccination with DHPPC (again, brand used not stated) produced the same percentage of reactions as did those vaccinated for leptospira.
Who should be vaccinated? It is recommended that all dogs be vaccinated because of the zoonotic potential of the disease. We strongly recommend that all dogs used for hunting and working, dogs taken camping, dogs living in rural/farm areas, and dogs with access to ponds, lakes, or drainage ditches be vaccinated. Dogs housed where there are problems with rodents, raccoons and wildlife exposure should also be vaccinated.
Vaccines protecting against viral diseases, such as Parvovirus and Distemper virus, are given once every three years after an initial puppy series and a booster vaccination one year later. However, Leptospira is a bacterin, not a virus, and it needs to be given more frequently. Leptospira vaccine initially should be given two times at three weeks apart and then annually. Those dogs that receieved the older leptospira vaccines should still receive the two boosters of the newer vaccine because of the added serovars.
Televets is a FREE online service for pet owners to ask certified pet advisors any pet health related questions. Visit them today at http://www.televets.com
Article donated by the Claws & Paws Veterinary Hospital. For further information visit http://www.cpvh.com
Sunday, January 27, 2008
Saturday, January 26, 2008
Pacemakers in Dogs
Many people know someone who has had a pacemaker implanted for a cardiac rhythm disturbance. Like so many treatments, this has now made the switch from human to veterinary medicine and pacemakers are widely available for implantation into dogs that would otherwise be reliant on less effective drugs.
What is a pacemaker?
A pacemaker is an electronic device for use in certain cases of heart disease to assume the functions of the natural cardiac pacemaker. The first pacemaker to be implanted in a human was in 1957, the first dog to have a pacemaker fitted was in 1968. Since then, the implantation technique has developed so that a pacemaker can now be implanted by feeding it up a peripheral vein to the heart, rather than via open chest surgery.
When is a pacemaker required?
Pacemakers are useful in the treatment of a slower than usual heart rate (bradyarrhythmia) that causes symptoms in the patient. These types of rhythm disturbances are poorly responsive to drugs.
The 2 most common types of bradyarrhythmia in dogs are:
1) Third-Degree Atrioventricular Block
2) Sick Sinus Syndrome
Dogs with either of these conditions usually have a history of a slow heart rate, exercise intolerance, lethargy and sometimes collapse (syncope). Some dogs with third-degree atrioventricular block may already have signs of congestive heart failure, such as fluid in the abdomen (ascites) and fluid between the lungs and chest wall (pleural effusion).
What is required for diagnosis?
A complete baseline blood profile, including hematology and biochemistry, should always be conducted to rule out concurrent disease.
Chest xrays often show an enlarged heart, and are useful to rule out primary respiratory disease.
Ultrasound is used to assess the contractility of the heart muscle, the dimensions of the heart chambers and the function of the valves.
The most important of all diagnostic tests is electrocardiography (ecg). This measures the electrical pulses in the heart itself, so is the most useful for studying rhythm disturbances.
How is a pacemaker fitted?
The dog is put under general anesthetic, taking care to maintain circulation and ventilation as best possible during the procedure. Sometimes a temporary pacemaker is placed via a leg vein, from induction of anesthesia until the permanent one is implanted.
The permanent pacemaker is fitted via a lead in the right jugular vein in the dogs neck. The lead is passed all the way down into the right ventricle of the heart. Once in place, the lead is connected to the pulse generator and the heart is paced as necessary. A pulse generator is implanted under the skin on the right side of the neck. Once implanted, the pacemaker can be interrogated to find out information about sensing and pacing thresholds. The heart rate can be set according to the heart disease present.
Is there much postoperative care?
A bandage is placed around the neck for 7 days following surgery. Dogs should be kept calm for the 48hrs following surgery, the anti anxiety drug acepromazine is sometimes prescribed for this purpose. Antibiotics and painkillers are given for a week or so after the implantation.
What about longer term aftercare?
Aftercare of pacemaker dogs is vital. Animals must be kept quiet for 28 days after implantation to allow the lead to become imbedded in the heart wall. If the lead becomes dislodged the pacemaker with fail, with potentially disastrous results.
Regular follow up appointments with the cardiologist are very important. Stitches are removed 10 days after the procedure, with further appointments at 4 week intervals for several months.
Summary
Whilst for many uninsured pets pacemakers might not be affordable, technological advances mean they are becoming cheaper and more widely available. Although implantation is considered a high risk procedure, complications rates are low and the severity of the disease means it is the treatment of choice.
Pacemakers allow many dogs to return to their normal day to day activities, and most of them can enjoy a relatively normal life expectancy.
Author bio: Matthew Homfray is an online pet advisor at FREE pet Q&A service Televets. Visit them at http://www.televets.com and ask your question today!
What is a pacemaker?
A pacemaker is an electronic device for use in certain cases of heart disease to assume the functions of the natural cardiac pacemaker. The first pacemaker to be implanted in a human was in 1957, the first dog to have a pacemaker fitted was in 1968. Since then, the implantation technique has developed so that a pacemaker can now be implanted by feeding it up a peripheral vein to the heart, rather than via open chest surgery.
When is a pacemaker required?
Pacemakers are useful in the treatment of a slower than usual heart rate (bradyarrhythmia) that causes symptoms in the patient. These types of rhythm disturbances are poorly responsive to drugs.
The 2 most common types of bradyarrhythmia in dogs are:
1) Third-Degree Atrioventricular Block
2) Sick Sinus Syndrome
Dogs with either of these conditions usually have a history of a slow heart rate, exercise intolerance, lethargy and sometimes collapse (syncope). Some dogs with third-degree atrioventricular block may already have signs of congestive heart failure, such as fluid in the abdomen (ascites) and fluid between the lungs and chest wall (pleural effusion).
What is required for diagnosis?
A complete baseline blood profile, including hematology and biochemistry, should always be conducted to rule out concurrent disease.
Chest xrays often show an enlarged heart, and are useful to rule out primary respiratory disease.
Ultrasound is used to assess the contractility of the heart muscle, the dimensions of the heart chambers and the function of the valves.
The most important of all diagnostic tests is electrocardiography (ecg). This measures the electrical pulses in the heart itself, so is the most useful for studying rhythm disturbances.
How is a pacemaker fitted?
The dog is put under general anesthetic, taking care to maintain circulation and ventilation as best possible during the procedure. Sometimes a temporary pacemaker is placed via a leg vein, from induction of anesthesia until the permanent one is implanted.
The permanent pacemaker is fitted via a lead in the right jugular vein in the dogs neck. The lead is passed all the way down into the right ventricle of the heart. Once in place, the lead is connected to the pulse generator and the heart is paced as necessary. A pulse generator is implanted under the skin on the right side of the neck. Once implanted, the pacemaker can be interrogated to find out information about sensing and pacing thresholds. The heart rate can be set according to the heart disease present.
Is there much postoperative care?
A bandage is placed around the neck for 7 days following surgery. Dogs should be kept calm for the 48hrs following surgery, the anti anxiety drug acepromazine is sometimes prescribed for this purpose. Antibiotics and painkillers are given for a week or so after the implantation.
What about longer term aftercare?
Aftercare of pacemaker dogs is vital. Animals must be kept quiet for 28 days after implantation to allow the lead to become imbedded in the heart wall. If the lead becomes dislodged the pacemaker with fail, with potentially disastrous results.
Regular follow up appointments with the cardiologist are very important. Stitches are removed 10 days after the procedure, with further appointments at 4 week intervals for several months.
Summary
Whilst for many uninsured pets pacemakers might not be affordable, technological advances mean they are becoming cheaper and more widely available. Although implantation is considered a high risk procedure, complications rates are low and the severity of the disease means it is the treatment of choice.
Pacemakers allow many dogs to return to their normal day to day activities, and most of them can enjoy a relatively normal life expectancy.
Author bio: Matthew Homfray is an online pet advisor at FREE pet Q&A service Televets. Visit them at http://www.televets.com and ask your question today!
Friday, January 25, 2008
Aural Hematomas in Dogs & Cats
Aural hematoma is an accumulation of blood between the cartilage and skin of the ear flap. It is caused by damage to the cartilage from vigorous repeated head shaking or scratching at the ears with the back feet. Occasionally, the damage results from the ear striking a sharp edge during head shaking. Aural hematomas can occur in both dogs and cats, but are more common in dogs.
The most common underlying causes of head shaking are ear infections, ear mites and fleas.
Important Points in Treatment
If a dog or cat is very relaxed and easy to handle, the fluid can sometimes be drained via a needle and syringe, without and sedative or anesthetic. Sedation is usually advised to do the job properly and with minimum stress. Once the fluid has been drained, a steroid (dexamethasone) is injected into the space where the fluid had accumulated. This technique only has approximately a 50% success rate though - half of these animals will refill their hematoma again, and need surgery.
Those animals whose ears fill up again after simple drainage and a steroid injection, require surgery. Surgery is performed under general anesthesia, and involves cutting away a strip of tissue on the inside of the ear flap, and placing stitches to close the gap between the cartilage and the skin, eliminating the space so that it cannot fill up. The stitches are removed 10-14 days later.
Treatment of ear infections and/or ear mites is necessary to allow healing and prevent recurrence of the conditions that caused the hematoma in the first place. The opportunity is used while the animal is sedated or under anesthetic to examine the ear canal closely with an otoscope, and the ear is flushed out to visualise the ear drum.
Post surgery or after simple drainage, the pet is given medication to help prevent recurrence. This usually consists of antibiotic ointment to put into the affected ear canal daily, for at least a week.
Instructions for care of incisions, drain tubes and/or suture
Notify your veterinarian if any of the following occur:
Your pet exhibits discomfort by rubbing or pawing at its ears or by shaking its head.
Fluid continues to accumulate under the skin of the ear.
The surgical area appears to be infected (looks inflamed, pus present, foul smell)
Televets is a FREE veterinary service connecting pet owners worldwide with certified online pet advisors 24/7. Visit them today at http://www.televets.com and ask your question, you will be impressed by the quality of answer and speed of response.
The most common underlying causes of head shaking are ear infections, ear mites and fleas.
Important Points in Treatment
If a dog or cat is very relaxed and easy to handle, the fluid can sometimes be drained via a needle and syringe, without and sedative or anesthetic. Sedation is usually advised to do the job properly and with minimum stress. Once the fluid has been drained, a steroid (dexamethasone) is injected into the space where the fluid had accumulated. This technique only has approximately a 50% success rate though - half of these animals will refill their hematoma again, and need surgery.
Those animals whose ears fill up again after simple drainage and a steroid injection, require surgery. Surgery is performed under general anesthesia, and involves cutting away a strip of tissue on the inside of the ear flap, and placing stitches to close the gap between the cartilage and the skin, eliminating the space so that it cannot fill up. The stitches are removed 10-14 days later.
Treatment of ear infections and/or ear mites is necessary to allow healing and prevent recurrence of the conditions that caused the hematoma in the first place. The opportunity is used while the animal is sedated or under anesthetic to examine the ear canal closely with an otoscope, and the ear is flushed out to visualise the ear drum.
Post surgery or after simple drainage, the pet is given medication to help prevent recurrence. This usually consists of antibiotic ointment to put into the affected ear canal daily, for at least a week.
Instructions for care of incisions, drain tubes and/or suture
Notify your veterinarian if any of the following occur:
Your pet exhibits discomfort by rubbing or pawing at its ears or by shaking its head.
Fluid continues to accumulate under the skin of the ear.
The surgical area appears to be infected (looks inflamed, pus present, foul smell)
Televets is a FREE veterinary service connecting pet owners worldwide with certified online pet advisors 24/7. Visit them today at http://www.televets.com and ask your question, you will be impressed by the quality of answer and speed of response.
Thursday, January 24, 2008
Umbilical Hernias in Puppies & Kittens
General information
An umbilical hernia is the protrusion of abdominal contents beneath the skin at the navel (umbilicus).
The umbilicus is the healed scar (“belly button”) in the mid abdominal area. It marks the opening through which the prenatal blood vessels and other fetal structures passed before birth. After the umbilical cord is cut at birth, the opening rapidly closes. Occasionally, however, it does not close completely, and an opening in the abdominal wall remains.
The danger of a hernia is the potential entrapment of intestines through this opening. If the hernia interferes with the blood supply to the trapped bowel, passage of food through the bowel is blocked. Also, the strangulated tissue dies and releases toxins that may kill the animal.
Hernias can be hereditary and affected animals should not be bred.
Important Points in Treatment
Small hernias: Most small hernias are no danger to your pet’s health. They usually consist of a small amount of abdominal fat poking through the body wall. Some may even close before the animal reaches maturity - therefore, no treatment is necessary. Hernias are easily corrected in female dogs at the time of spaying (ovariohysterectomy), so if there is a small concern with a bitch, surgery is often delayed to coincide with the anesthetic performed for the neutering.
Large hernias: These hernias may be very serious, since a portion of intestine may become entrapped and its blood supply cut off. Immediate surgery is recommended in these cases.
Your pet has an umbilical hernia.
Notify your veterinarian if any of the following occur:
You observe redness and tenderness at the hernia site.
Your pet vomits or shows sudden signs of distress.
Your pet has painful or difficult bowel movements.
An umbilical hernia is the protrusion of abdominal contents beneath the skin at the navel (umbilicus).
The umbilicus is the healed scar (“belly button”) in the mid abdominal area. It marks the opening through which the prenatal blood vessels and other fetal structures passed before birth. After the umbilical cord is cut at birth, the opening rapidly closes. Occasionally, however, it does not close completely, and an opening in the abdominal wall remains.
The danger of a hernia is the potential entrapment of intestines through this opening. If the hernia interferes with the blood supply to the trapped bowel, passage of food through the bowel is blocked. Also, the strangulated tissue dies and releases toxins that may kill the animal.
Hernias can be hereditary and affected animals should not be bred.
Important Points in Treatment
Small hernias: Most small hernias are no danger to your pet’s health. They usually consist of a small amount of abdominal fat poking through the body wall. Some may even close before the animal reaches maturity - therefore, no treatment is necessary. Hernias are easily corrected in female dogs at the time of spaying (ovariohysterectomy), so if there is a small concern with a bitch, surgery is often delayed to coincide with the anesthetic performed for the neutering.
Large hernias: These hernias may be very serious, since a portion of intestine may become entrapped and its blood supply cut off. Immediate surgery is recommended in these cases.
Your pet has an umbilical hernia.
Notify your veterinarian if any of the following occur:
You observe redness and tenderness at the hernia site.
Your pet vomits or shows sudden signs of distress.
Your pet has painful or difficult bowel movements.
Wednesday, January 23, 2008
Dogs That Eat Poop
General Information
Many dogs develop the unpleasant habit of eating feces (coprophagy). In some animals, it becomes almost compulsive behavior. These pets eat not only their feces, but those of any other animals. Several theories have attempted to explain this behavior. Among the possible causes are boredom, too much confinement, lack of certain enzymes in the digestive system, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, and neuroses.
Coprophagy usually does little harm except transmission of intestinal parasites and fecal bacteria, which may cause tonsillitis or intestinal upset. As long as you deworm your dog regularly (every 3 months with most worming tablets is sufficient, though certain brands are monthly), your dog shouldn't get sick from parasites.
Important Points in Treatment
In some pets, nothing seems to stop this behavior. However, here are a few suggestions that may help:
1) Remove the feces from the premises daily. Prevent access to cat litter boxes.
2) Do not confine your dog to an area where it has bowel movements.
3) Provide regular exercise for your pet.
4) There is a supplement which can be added to your pets food to give the feces a bitter taste. For some dogs though, even this is not a deterrent.
One or more laboratory examinations may be required to rule out hidden causes. Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI) is one such cause. This is a condition common in German Shepherd dogs where the pancreas fails to produce enough digestive enzymes, so the dog cannot absorb enough nutrients from its diet. This results in weight loss, despite a ravenous appetite. This condition can be tested for by a blood test, and if diagnosed, can be well managed by supplementing the diet with artificial pancreatic enzymes.
NOTIFY YOUR VETERINARIAN IF ANY OF THE FOLLOWING OCCURS:
- There is blood in your pets stool
- Your pets bowel movements are abnormal (e.g. diarrhea)
- Your pets general health changes (e.g. weight loss)
Matthew Homfray is an online veterinarian at free pet Q&A service http://www.televets.com. Pet advisors are online right now waiting to answer your questions for free.
Many dogs develop the unpleasant habit of eating feces (coprophagy). In some animals, it becomes almost compulsive behavior. These pets eat not only their feces, but those of any other animals. Several theories have attempted to explain this behavior. Among the possible causes are boredom, too much confinement, lack of certain enzymes in the digestive system, vitamin and mineral deficiencies, and neuroses.
Coprophagy usually does little harm except transmission of intestinal parasites and fecal bacteria, which may cause tonsillitis or intestinal upset. As long as you deworm your dog regularly (every 3 months with most worming tablets is sufficient, though certain brands are monthly), your dog shouldn't get sick from parasites.
Important Points in Treatment
In some pets, nothing seems to stop this behavior. However, here are a few suggestions that may help:
1) Remove the feces from the premises daily. Prevent access to cat litter boxes.
2) Do not confine your dog to an area where it has bowel movements.
3) Provide regular exercise for your pet.
4) There is a supplement which can be added to your pets food to give the feces a bitter taste. For some dogs though, even this is not a deterrent.
One or more laboratory examinations may be required to rule out hidden causes. Exocrine Pancreatic Insufficiency (EPI) is one such cause. This is a condition common in German Shepherd dogs where the pancreas fails to produce enough digestive enzymes, so the dog cannot absorb enough nutrients from its diet. This results in weight loss, despite a ravenous appetite. This condition can be tested for by a blood test, and if diagnosed, can be well managed by supplementing the diet with artificial pancreatic enzymes.
NOTIFY YOUR VETERINARIAN IF ANY OF THE FOLLOWING OCCURS:
- There is blood in your pets stool
- Your pets bowel movements are abnormal (e.g. diarrhea)
- Your pets general health changes (e.g. weight loss)
Matthew Homfray is an online veterinarian at free pet Q&A service http://www.televets.com. Pet advisors are online right now waiting to answer your questions for free.
Tuesday, January 22, 2008
Kennel Cough in Dogs
Infectious tracheobronchitis is a contagious disease of the upper respiratory tract, which includes the trachea (windpipe) and bronchi (large air passages in the lungs). The tem 'kennel cough' is a non specific term for a contagious upper respiratory tract infection causing a dry, hacking cough.
Sometimes changes in the environment will cause dogs to develop a harsh, throaty cough. Owners often get the impression that their dog has 'got something stuck in his throat'. This is very common when a new pet is obtained, be it from an individual, humane shelter, or pet shop. Kennel cough can also be associated with vacations away from home, weather changes, boarding, or even a visit to the groomer. When away from home, many dogs often do a lot of barking which can cause irritation in the throat, making it more susceptible to bronchitis. The normal healthy body is very resistant to infection, but changes resulting in any form of stress (such as barking) can lower the body’s resistance to disease, allowing bronchitis to develop.
Many viruses and bacteria can be normal inhabitants of the pet’s body causing no problem until stress lowers the resistance. Even though boarding kennels (including ours) do everything possible to keep your pet healthy, there are some factors, such as the stress of barking, we simply cannot control.
The most common sign of kennel cough is a harsh, dry cough that is often followed by gagging and coughing up foamy mucus. Otherwise, the patient appears alert and generally healthy. The disease is very contagious among dogs, but it does not affect people. The disease is usually self-limiting. This means that, unless complications (such as pneumonia) occur, the signs usually disappear in 1-3 weeks.
Antibiotics and/or other supportive treatments can help decrease the clinical signs and length of illness. Ordinarily, no special diet is required. Exercise stimulates coughing and should be severely restricted. Sudden changes in air temperature or pressure on the neck from collars and leashes may also stimulate coughing.
Fortunately, there is a vaccine available for one of the major causes of canine coughing—the so-called “kennel cough.” Bordetella bronchiseptica is a highly contagious bacteria that is one of the major causes of the coughing syndrome. Vaccination is required for all boarding and grooming patients at most kennels and veterinary hospitals.
Vaccination is NO GUARANTEE that bronchitis will not develop, but it does provide some protection. With some Kennel Cough vaccines, 1/20th of dogs getting the vaccines will actually get a very mild version of the disease from the vaccine itself. The vaccine is usually applied intranasally - i.e. squirted up the nose of the dog, where it is absorbed across the nasal mucosa. This can be quite stressful for a nervous dog - and for the vet administering it too!
Should your pet develop a cough after boarding or a visit to the groomer, please understand that it probably is not the fault of the facility, just as it wouldn't be the fault of a bus operator if you were to catch a cold off another passenger who sneezed near you.
Sometimes changes in the environment will cause dogs to develop a harsh, throaty cough. Owners often get the impression that their dog has 'got something stuck in his throat'. This is very common when a new pet is obtained, be it from an individual, humane shelter, or pet shop. Kennel cough can also be associated with vacations away from home, weather changes, boarding, or even a visit to the groomer. When away from home, many dogs often do a lot of barking which can cause irritation in the throat, making it more susceptible to bronchitis. The normal healthy body is very resistant to infection, but changes resulting in any form of stress (such as barking) can lower the body’s resistance to disease, allowing bronchitis to develop.
Many viruses and bacteria can be normal inhabitants of the pet’s body causing no problem until stress lowers the resistance. Even though boarding kennels (including ours) do everything possible to keep your pet healthy, there are some factors, such as the stress of barking, we simply cannot control.
The most common sign of kennel cough is a harsh, dry cough that is often followed by gagging and coughing up foamy mucus. Otherwise, the patient appears alert and generally healthy. The disease is very contagious among dogs, but it does not affect people. The disease is usually self-limiting. This means that, unless complications (such as pneumonia) occur, the signs usually disappear in 1-3 weeks.
Antibiotics and/or other supportive treatments can help decrease the clinical signs and length of illness. Ordinarily, no special diet is required. Exercise stimulates coughing and should be severely restricted. Sudden changes in air temperature or pressure on the neck from collars and leashes may also stimulate coughing.
Fortunately, there is a vaccine available for one of the major causes of canine coughing—the so-called “kennel cough.” Bordetella bronchiseptica is a highly contagious bacteria that is one of the major causes of the coughing syndrome. Vaccination is required for all boarding and grooming patients at most kennels and veterinary hospitals.
Vaccination is NO GUARANTEE that bronchitis will not develop, but it does provide some protection. With some Kennel Cough vaccines, 1/20th of dogs getting the vaccines will actually get a very mild version of the disease from the vaccine itself. The vaccine is usually applied intranasally - i.e. squirted up the nose of the dog, where it is absorbed across the nasal mucosa. This can be quite stressful for a nervous dog - and for the vet administering it too!
Should your pet develop a cough after boarding or a visit to the groomer, please understand that it probably is not the fault of the facility, just as it wouldn't be the fault of a bus operator if you were to catch a cold off another passenger who sneezed near you.
Sunday, January 20, 2008
The Canine Weight Loss Drug
The FDA in the USA approved a drug over a year ago, on 5th January 2007, that claims to be a useful weapon in the fight against canine obesity. Slentrol (dirlotapide), manufactured by Pfizer, is aimed at dogs that are clinically obese rather than those that are just slightly overweight. Could your dog be a candidate for this new drug? Here we look at what Slentrol is and how it works.
Indications
Slentrol Oral Solution is indicated for the management of canine obesity. With canine obesity on the increase globally, many veterinarians see it as the most important health issue facing pets today. Though the approval of this drug has been welcomed by the veterinary community, they are also stressing that it must be used together with an appropriate weight loss diet and exercise program to be effective. It is not a cure for obesity, once the dog stops taking the medication, the obesity will return unless lifestyle changes are enforced.
Presentation
Slentrol is a solution formulated at a concentration of 5 mg/ml of dirlotapide for oral administration to dogs. It can be administered directly into the dogs mouth or on a small amount of food, with a meal or at a different time of the day.
Slentrol is available in 20, 50 and 150 ml bottles.
Slentrol should be stored in its original container at room temperature, 15 to 30 degrees centigrade.
How it works
Dirlotapide is a selective microsomal triglyceride transfer protein inhibitor that blocks the assembly and release of lipoprotein particles into the bloodstream (via the lymphatic system).
The exact mechanism for producing weight loss is not completely understood, according to the FDA, but seems to result from reduced fat absorption and sending a feeling to the dogs brain of being full.If used correctly, Slentrol helps to achieve weight loss of at least 2.8% body weight per month.
Dosage
Slentrol is given dosed in 2 phases:
1) Weight loss phase
2) Weight management phase
Weight loss phase
The initial dosage of Slentrol is 0.01 ml/kg (0.0045 ml/lb) body weight, administered once daily orally for the first 14 days.
After the first 14 days of treatment, the dose should be doubled to 0.02 ml/kg (0.009 ml/lb) body weight, administered once daily for the next 14 days.In subsequent months of therapy, the recommended dose varies for each individual dog and the dose volume must be specifically calculated each month, based on percent of weight lost during the previous month of therapy.
Dogs should be weighed monthly on accurate weighing scales at your veterinary clinic and the dose volume adjusted every month, as necessary, to maintain a target percent weight loss of at least 0.7% per week.
Weight management phase
A 3 month weight management phase is recommended to successfully maintain the weight loss achieved. During the weight management phase, the veterinarian and the pet owner should together establish the optimal level of food intake and physical exercise required.
When Slentrol is discontinued, the daily amount of food offered and physical activity should be continued as established during the weight management phase. Reverting to previous food intake or exercise levels at this point can contribute to a regain of some or all of the weight loss that has been achieved.
What if my dog is not losing any weight despite after 1 month of therapy?
The dose volume (number of ml administered each day) should be increased by 100%, resulting in an increase of the dose volume to 2 times the dose administered during the previous month. Only perform a 100% dose increase once during treatment after day 14.
What if my dog is still not losing weight after increasing the dose?
If additional dose increases are necessary in the following months, the dose volume should be increased by 50%, resulting in an increase of the dose volume to1.5 times the dose administered the previous month of dosing.
The dose should not exceed a maximum daily dose of 0.2 mL/kg (0.09 mL/lb), based on the dogs current body weight, during any part of treatment.
Precautions
Prior to starting treatment with Slentrol, all dogs should undergo a thorough history and physical examination by a veterinarian. This should include laboratory tests to screen for underlying conditions that can cause weight gain, such as Cushings syndrome and hypothyroidism.
The safety of Slentrol use in dogs has not been evaluated beyond 1 year.
Safety in breeding, pregnant or lactating dogs has not been established.
Slentrol has not been evaluated in dogs less than 1 year of age.
Slentrol is not recommended for dogs receiving long term corticosteroid therapy or dogs with liver disease.
Slentrol must not be used in cats due to the risk of causing hepatic lipidosis in obese cats.
Slentrol causes serious adverse reactions in humans such as abdominal distention, abdominal pain, diarrhea, flatulence, headache, nausea and vomiting. Keep well out of reach of children.
Adverse Effects
Vomiting / Diarrhea.
Almost 1 in 4 of dogs placed on Slentrol therapy experience occasional episodes of vomiting and diarrhea. In most cases these episodes lasted for one or two days before clearing up. Vomiting occurs most often during the first month of treatment or within a week of a dose increase. If vomiting is severe or lasts longer than 2 days, consult your veterinarian and have your dog examined.
Inappetance
Of course this is the aim of the therapy to an extent, but if during therapy a dogs food consumption is excessively reduced for several consecutive days, stop giving Slentrol until the appetite returns (usually 1-2 days) and then resume dosing at the same volume as before.
Lethargy
Further information for the pet owner
Achieving your weight loss target for your pet requires a great deal of motivation. It is important to maintain an active and on-going line of communication with your veterinarian for the duration of therapy, until the medication has been discontinued and beyond. Above all else, veterinary weighing scales are likely to be far more accurate than your average human bathroom scales, and it is important to get your measurements correct so you can chart your progress and adjust the dose as necessary.
Remember that successful long-term weight management requires changes that extend beyond the period of drug therapy. To maintain the weight lost when treated with Slentrol, the adjustments in dietary management as well as exercise that were begun as part of the overall weight loss program must be continued by the owner after drug therapy is discontinued. The appetite suppression caused by Slentrol only lasts for 1 to 2 days after stopping treatment, so unless food is limited the dog will gain weight again.
Author bio: Matthew Homfray is a veterinarian and online pet advisor at FREE pet Q&A service http://www.televets.com
Indications
Slentrol Oral Solution is indicated for the management of canine obesity. With canine obesity on the increase globally, many veterinarians see it as the most important health issue facing pets today. Though the approval of this drug has been welcomed by the veterinary community, they are also stressing that it must be used together with an appropriate weight loss diet and exercise program to be effective. It is not a cure for obesity, once the dog stops taking the medication, the obesity will return unless lifestyle changes are enforced.
Presentation
Slentrol is a solution formulated at a concentration of 5 mg/ml of dirlotapide for oral administration to dogs. It can be administered directly into the dogs mouth or on a small amount of food, with a meal or at a different time of the day.
Slentrol is available in 20, 50 and 150 ml bottles.
Slentrol should be stored in its original container at room temperature, 15 to 30 degrees centigrade.
How it works
Dirlotapide is a selective microsomal triglyceride transfer protein inhibitor that blocks the assembly and release of lipoprotein particles into the bloodstream (via the lymphatic system).
The exact mechanism for producing weight loss is not completely understood, according to the FDA, but seems to result from reduced fat absorption and sending a feeling to the dogs brain of being full.If used correctly, Slentrol helps to achieve weight loss of at least 2.8% body weight per month.
Dosage
Slentrol is given dosed in 2 phases:
1) Weight loss phase
2) Weight management phase
Weight loss phase
The initial dosage of Slentrol is 0.01 ml/kg (0.0045 ml/lb) body weight, administered once daily orally for the first 14 days.
After the first 14 days of treatment, the dose should be doubled to 0.02 ml/kg (0.009 ml/lb) body weight, administered once daily for the next 14 days.In subsequent months of therapy, the recommended dose varies for each individual dog and the dose volume must be specifically calculated each month, based on percent of weight lost during the previous month of therapy.
Dogs should be weighed monthly on accurate weighing scales at your veterinary clinic and the dose volume adjusted every month, as necessary, to maintain a target percent weight loss of at least 0.7% per week.
Weight management phase
A 3 month weight management phase is recommended to successfully maintain the weight loss achieved. During the weight management phase, the veterinarian and the pet owner should together establish the optimal level of food intake and physical exercise required.
When Slentrol is discontinued, the daily amount of food offered and physical activity should be continued as established during the weight management phase. Reverting to previous food intake or exercise levels at this point can contribute to a regain of some or all of the weight loss that has been achieved.
What if my dog is not losing any weight despite after 1 month of therapy?
The dose volume (number of ml administered each day) should be increased by 100%, resulting in an increase of the dose volume to 2 times the dose administered during the previous month. Only perform a 100% dose increase once during treatment after day 14.
What if my dog is still not losing weight after increasing the dose?
If additional dose increases are necessary in the following months, the dose volume should be increased by 50%, resulting in an increase of the dose volume to1.5 times the dose administered the previous month of dosing.
The dose should not exceed a maximum daily dose of 0.2 mL/kg (0.09 mL/lb), based on the dogs current body weight, during any part of treatment.
Precautions
Prior to starting treatment with Slentrol, all dogs should undergo a thorough history and physical examination by a veterinarian. This should include laboratory tests to screen for underlying conditions that can cause weight gain, such as Cushings syndrome and hypothyroidism.
The safety of Slentrol use in dogs has not been evaluated beyond 1 year.
Safety in breeding, pregnant or lactating dogs has not been established.
Slentrol has not been evaluated in dogs less than 1 year of age.
Slentrol is not recommended for dogs receiving long term corticosteroid therapy or dogs with liver disease.
Slentrol must not be used in cats due to the risk of causing hepatic lipidosis in obese cats.
Slentrol causes serious adverse reactions in humans such as abdominal distention, abdominal pain, diarrhea, flatulence, headache, nausea and vomiting. Keep well out of reach of children.
Adverse Effects
Vomiting / Diarrhea.
Almost 1 in 4 of dogs placed on Slentrol therapy experience occasional episodes of vomiting and diarrhea. In most cases these episodes lasted for one or two days before clearing up. Vomiting occurs most often during the first month of treatment or within a week of a dose increase. If vomiting is severe or lasts longer than 2 days, consult your veterinarian and have your dog examined.
Inappetance
Of course this is the aim of the therapy to an extent, but if during therapy a dogs food consumption is excessively reduced for several consecutive days, stop giving Slentrol until the appetite returns (usually 1-2 days) and then resume dosing at the same volume as before.
Lethargy
Further information for the pet owner
Achieving your weight loss target for your pet requires a great deal of motivation. It is important to maintain an active and on-going line of communication with your veterinarian for the duration of therapy, until the medication has been discontinued and beyond. Above all else, veterinary weighing scales are likely to be far more accurate than your average human bathroom scales, and it is important to get your measurements correct so you can chart your progress and adjust the dose as necessary.
Remember that successful long-term weight management requires changes that extend beyond the period of drug therapy. To maintain the weight lost when treated with Slentrol, the adjustments in dietary management as well as exercise that were begun as part of the overall weight loss program must be continued by the owner after drug therapy is discontinued. The appetite suppression caused by Slentrol only lasts for 1 to 2 days after stopping treatment, so unless food is limited the dog will gain weight again.
Author bio: Matthew Homfray is a veterinarian and online pet advisor at FREE pet Q&A service http://www.televets.com
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