I had the pleasure of going to a recent Continuing Education meeting in Dallas on the ABCDs of Chronic Mitral Valve Disease in dogs. We know that dogs get heart disease, but mostly old dogs get mitral valve heart disease that progresses to Congestive Heart Disease, not coronary artery disease like people that causes heart attacks (but some people do get congestive heart disease too). The valves leak blood backward, which is inefficient for the heart as a pump. This makes the heart work harder, get larger, stretch, and ultimately fail. We can monitor the heart size with radiographs or echocardiography (like an ultrasound of the heart). The back pressure causes fluid buildup in the lungs, which makes the dogs cough and have lower stamina.
As a vet in general practice, I see a lot of old dogs that develop heart murmurs (the turbulence of the leaky valves). Most start out not causing the dog any symptoms, but can progress to congestive heart disease, which shortens dogs’ life and decreased their stamina and quality of life. The average from time of congestive heart disease diagnosis to point of euthanasia is 12 months. We have been looking for years for treatments to slow or stop this progression. Humans have the option of valve replacement surgery, which was pioneered on dogs, but seldom done in pet dogs.
The most common treatment for dogs with CHD is diuretics (water pills), blood pressures medicines, and (in the old days) digitalis to strengthen a weak heart. For the last several years, we have had a new drug called pimobendan ( Vetmedin), and it has replaced digitalis. Worldwide, a large double blinded placebo study called the EPIC study was done which studied the effects of pimbobendan on early congestive heart disease. These dogs had to have a slightly enlarged heart on echocardiography but not symptomatic or on other heart medicines. The study convincingly showed that the dogs on pimobendan hearts got smaller, the onset of any symptoms was delayed, and they lived longer overall. The median life expectancy on the dogs on the placebo was 25 months, but the dogs on pimbobedan life expectancy increased to 41 months, or 16 months of good quality life longer! And the time to first heart symptoms went from 13 months to 21 months. Sign me up for that!
For more information: https://www.epictrial.com/ but when it prompts you if you are a US citizen, click NO so you can see the international findings. If you click yes, it directs you to the website for Vetmedin brand of pimobendan, and doesn’t include these new findings yet.
Category: Dog
59 Emotional Support Animals and Flying
This week, American Airlines, based in Dallas, has changed their rules for flying Emotional Support Animals. This won’t apply to true Service dogs, which have been credentialed. And it won’t take place until July 1, 2018. The flying public had been really pushing the limits of the previous rules by claiming nontraditional animals like peacocks and goats were Emotional Support Animals. Here are the new rules:
They must be able to fit by your feet, under the seat, or on your lap (smaller than a 2 year old child)
They can’t protrude or block the aisle
They can’t occupy a seat
They can’t eat from tray tables
They must be trained to behavior properly in public.
They must be on leash or harness and under your control at all times
They can’t display disruptive behavior (that can’t be corrected) including: growling, biting, or jumping
It now excludes nontraditional pet species like reptile, insects, livestock, and water fowl
If you want to fly with your Emotional Support Animal on American after July 1, you have to do some paperwork. There are 3 forms that must be submitted 48 hours before the flight. One has to be completed by a Mental Health Professional stating that you have a need, you will need it at your destination, and documenting their credentials. There are quite a few international destinations with many more restrictions.
These seem like common sense rules for animals inside the cabin. I would certainly love to take my little Sheltie with me at my seat, but I don’t “need” him there with me. And if I did need him for emotional support, I am sure my health provider would provide the documentation necessary. I am not sure I want 25 pounds on my lap, and he won’t fit under the seat. I traveled once with my 18 month old son on my lap and he was squirmy. I wish I had paid for the extra seat.
You can still fly your pet in cargo, and most airlines require a health certificate from a veterinarian 10 days before the flight. Only American Airlines has published their new Emotional Support rules, but I imagine other airlines will follow suit and be similar. Stay tuned.
For more information:
https://www.aa.com/i18n/travel-info/special-assistance/service-animals.jsp
58 This is National Pet Week. Thursday’s (May 10) focus is spaying and neutering.
This is National Pet Week. Each day has a theme. Today in spaying and neutering.
We all know that spaying and neutering are important for reducing pet overpopulation. Every year, millions of unwanted dogs and cats, including puppies and kittens, are euthanized. By having your dog or cat spayed or neutered, you’ll do your part to prevent the birth of unwanted puppies and kittens.
It used to be very simple: Dogs and cats, male and female, all had surgery at 6 months at age. This has changed in the last decade to a wider range of ages. Many dogs and cats are spayed (ovarian-hysterectomy) and neutered (castration) through shelters, often at 8-12 weeks of age. This solves the problem of adopting a pet that hasn’t had surgery, the owner NOT getting around to spay/neuter, and accidental pregnancy happening. This early surgery has been shown to decrease behavior problems associated with sexual hormones and improves adoption retention rates. It also helps prevent some cancers, especially breast cancer.
We have also learned from the large Golden Retriever study that early neutering was associated with an increase in the occurrence of hip dysplasia, cranial cruciate ligament tear and lymphosarcoma in males and of cranial cruciate ligament tear in females. The new recommendation on giant and large breed dogs is to wait to 12-18 month before neutering. And some of these dogs also get an elective gastropexy (stomach tacking surgery) to prevent bloat!
Cats seem to do well getting spayed or neutered at a young age OR at the standard 6 months. Just get it done!
If you have a puppy or kitten that isn’t “pre-neutered”, I recommend discussing your options with your veterinarian to make the right decision for your pet. http://bit.ly/1qpuVXG #LifetimeofLove #PetWeek
57 May the Fourth Be With You
I am having so much fun looking at pictures of dogs dressed up in Star Wars costumes that I just had to share some. Here are some links. “Do or do not. There is no try.”
https://barkpost.com/dog-star-wars-may-the-fourth/
http://www.pawsforreaction.com/photos-may-the-4th.html#sthash.zfobdfgv.dpbs. ( I especially love the Whippet At-At)
And a short video with Dachshunds- https://www.thesmoothestore.com/blogs/dachshund-blog/123176259-may-the-4th-be-with-you-wiener-dog-style
There is a lot of Star War hype every May 4, but this year we also have the new Disney Han Solo origin movie coming out later this month. With so many classic and new series running, it is a great time to be a fan. My own granddaughter had her infant pictures made with Leia “buns” on a stocking cap, sleeping next to a Wookie & R2Dw, and is too cute for words.
Also, the annual Star Wars movies marathon with be on TBS Friday, May 4, starting at 2:30 am, till 11 pm. All 8 movies, not the spin offs. Some will repeat on Sat, May 5. “It’s a trap”, but “let the Wookie win”. And “the Force will be with you always.”
56 Medication disposal event on April 28, 2018
Our local cities are teaming up with Lewisville school district and the Drug Enforcement Agency to hold a free medication disposal event. The goal of this operation is two-fold: to reduce the risk of prescription drug abuse and increased awareness of this critical public health issue. Plus it is a safe way to disposed of expired prescription and Over The Counter Drugs, for humans and pets. ). This a great way to keep medications OUT of the landfills and water supply. For more information-https://www.lisd.net/Page/1587
The event is scheduled for Saturday, April 28, from 10 a.m. to 2 p.m. As with past events, the Lewisville disposal location will be the parking lot of Lewisville High School at 1098 West Main Street. Many other cities are participating in this event, and all the high schools in the LISD are involved ( Marcus, Flower Mound, Hebron and The Colony)
This is a great opportunity for those who have missed previous events, or who have subsequently accumulated unwanted, unused prescription drugs, to safely dispose of those medications. So check out those medicine cabinets and dog medicine stashes and get rid of expired medicines!
55 What is a “Dangerous Dog”?
After the recent attack of a woman in South Dallas by 4 dogs, I have heard this phrase being used. Legally, Texas defines a Dangerous Dog as one that “makes an unprovoked attack on a person that causes bodily injury and occurs in a place other than an enclosure in which the dog was being kept and that was reasonably certain to prevent the dog from leaving the enclosure on its own.”
https://www.animallaw.info/statute/tx-dangerous-subchapter-d-dangerous-dogs
In the recent attack, there were 4 dogs outside their fence: 2 pit bull terrier mixes, 1 boxer mix, and a Queensland heeler mix. None were current on rabies vaccination, not spayed or neutered, and not microchipped. (But the neighbors knew whose dogs they were). Certainly, 4 medium to large dogs “at large”, or roaming the neighborhood can be hazardous. Dogs in a pack can behave very differently than individual dogs, just like teenagers. I see lots of pit bulls, and don’t believe they are more aggressive to humans than other breeds, but they can be dog aggressive. I also caution my pit bull owners to always have the best behaved and well trained dog on the block because they will always get blamed because of the breed’s “reputation”.
When a human gets injured, especially in this case, they seek medical attention. The doctors often are the first to report that a bite has taken place. That triggers the local Animal Control to investigate, ensuring proper management of biting animals, and enforcing local and state rabies laws. Usually, if the pet is current on rabies vaccination, they can be quarantined at home for 10-14 days, and then released. If the rabies vaccination is not current, they will have to be quarantined at Animal Control. If the animal is suspected to be rabid, euthanasia might be recommended, and the head will be sent to Austin to be checked for rabies. There is no “blood test” for rabies. Sometimes after the pet completes the rabies quarantine, the owner does not want the dog back. Or they can’t afford to fix the fence, get all their vaccines, etc. It doesn’t always end happily. In the South Dallas case, the owner authorized euthanasia on all 4 so they could be tested for rabies so the victim wouldn’t have to go through rabies treatment while waiting the 10 days of quarantine.
If owners elect to keep a dog that has attacked a person, a judge might legally deem the dog “dangerous”, and that triggers another set of rules to follow. Those owners must register their dog, keep them vaccinated for rabies, provide proof of homeowners insurance, have them microchipped, keep the fences locked and childproof, and have their fences inspected regularly. They can’t go out in public without a muzzle.
https://www.cityoflewisville.com/about-us/city-services/animal-services/animal-services-ordinances
So a legal “dangerous dog” has to have an unprovoked attack on a human (not a pet), that causes bodily injury, outside the pet’s normal enclosure. If a person comes into your home or fenced yard, and the dog bites them, this doesn’t apply since they were in their normal enclosure. If two dogs “fence fight” and one gets injured, this doesn’t apply. If a dog on leash bites a stranger that wasn’t provoking it, it might be deemed a “dangerous dog”. I worry about some of my canine patients that just don’t like children, are out on a leash, minding their own business, when a child runs up to it and tries to hug them. Those dogs feel provoked, and might bite a child in the face or hands.
The bottom line is keep all your pets (cats too) vaccinated against rabies for your legal protection, and make sure they can’t get out of the yard, or off leash. You are legally responsible for any damages that your pet causes, including injuring another human. Fortunately, most home owners’ insurance policies cover this. If you see a dog “at large”, call Animal Control. They are trained to handle lost, scared, fearful dogs and cats. They can scan them for microchip and identification. And they will be the first place a concerned owner will call to find them.
https://www.animallaw.info/statute/tx-dangerous-subchapter-d-dangerous-dogs
54 Just Add Water
Last week I attended a veterinary seminar on IV fluid therapy. We reviewed when to start intravenous fluids, how much, and which kinds to give depending on the pet’s illness and blood test results.
I was reminded about how important water intake and basic hydration status can affect the health of our pets and us. If Fido or Fluffy become just 5% dehydrated, it is significant. And that can happen easily on a hot day without fresh water to drink, or with diarrhea and vomiting. When they get to 8% dehydrated, they are seriously dehydrated, and we need to intervene quickly.
Most of the time, my patients can drink water and stay hydrated. I was taught “if the gut works, use it.” Sometimes we give fluids subcutaneously instead of oral or intravenous. But I don’t hesitate to go IV if I have to. Staying hydrated all the time is critical to life.
Drinking plenty of water is also very important for my older patients with kidney disease, diabetes, bladder infection, or bladder stones. I talk to owners every day about this.
http://www.akc.org/expert-advice/health/common-conditions/warning-signs-dehydration-dogs/
I was pondering this as I was flattened by kidney stone pain a few days later. I have passed numerous kidney stones in the last 10 years, and I know I need to stay hydrated and drink lots of water, but I fail sometimes. I like tea and coffee which are diuretic, and they can leave me a little dehydrated.
We are fortunate in Lewisville to have outstanding local water, rated “Superior Public Water Supply,” so I can’t blame the tap water or justify buying bottled water. Good old tap H20 should be just what the doctor ordered to prevent more stones. But I struggle following my own advice.
https://www.cityoflewisville.com/about-us/departments-services/public-services/water-production
The bottom line is pets and humans need to stay hydrated. So watch your pet’s water consumption and urination. Make sure they have access to fresh water at all times. And if they aren’t drinking normally, or having losses like vomit and diarrhea, bring them in immediately. Dehydration is serious, but sometimes we just have to add water.
Top 10 Animal Toxins of 2017
Every year the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) releases the top 10 categories of toxins that affect pets. The 2017 list was based on 199,000 cases of potential poisonings. This is not the same ratio I see at Garden Ridge, but it is interesting to see the trends.
1.Human prescription medications: 17.5%
At the top of their list is prescription pain medicine, antidepressants and heart medicines. They are usually accidental exposures
2. Over-the-counter medications: 17.4%
Just like last year, OTC came in 2nd place, and this includes vitamins, NSAIDS( like Tylenol, ibuprofen, and Aleve), antihistamines, cold medicines and probiotics.
3. Food: 10.9%
Some food may not be safe for pets, including, grapes and raisins, onions and garlic, avocados, macadamia nuts, alcohol, raw yeast bread dough and xylitol ( an artificial sweetener).
4. Veterinary products: 8.9%
This is usually over ingestion of flavored or chewable veterinary products. I once had a dog eat an entire bottle (30 doses) of a chewable Rimadyl, an arthritis medicine. We had to induce vomiting on that one.
5. Chocolate: 8.8%
In 2017 the Animal Poison Control Center fielded more than 48 calls a day about chocolate! It is a common problem around Valentine day, Easter and Christmas.
6. Household items: 8.6%
The Tide Challenge for dogs. These laundry pods are a problem for pets too.
7. Insecticides: 6.7%
The most common sources of insecticides are ant baits, bug strays, and yard products. I don’t see nearly as many of these as I used to.
8. Rodenticides: 6.3%
I would put this much higher on my list. While anticoagulant rodenticides are still available, bromethalin, a neurotoxin, is also seen and also very serious..
9. Plants: 5.4%
Plants like lilies (Lilium sp and Hemerocallis sp.) pose a serious danger for cats while Sago palm and oleander plants continue to be a serious danger for both dogs and cats. I have treated several dogs of the years for Sago palm liver toxicity. I wish plant nurseries would stop selling them.
10. Garden products: 2.6%
Garden products are another category that many pets find very tasty. Fertilizer, bone meal and compost are all garden products dogs find irresistible. APCC also gets a fair number of calls about herbicides. While not as tasty, use of herbicides in areas that pets frequent is usually the cause of those calls.
https://www.aspcapro.org/resource/top-10-animal-toxins-2017
#50 National Poison Control Prevention Week- March 18-24, 2018
Every year, the 3rd week in March is the National Poison Control Prevention Week. It is more geared for humans, but pets can be poisoned too.
As a vet, I get to see lots of accidental exposures to poisons in dogs and cats. The most common ones are chocolate (saw one today), rat poison, insecticides, sorbitol (an artificial sweetener), and human pharmaceutics (heart meds, ADHD, birth control pills). Fortunately, I seldom see the nasty ones like Tylenol toxicity in cats, antifreeze, and marijuana toxicity in dogs,
Just like we have to be careful with medications around children, we have to do the same around pets, especially the “my dog will eat anything” kind. So lock them up, use baby latches for cupboards, and store them up high. Don’t assume a childproof bottle will keep a determined Labrador out. It won’t, because they just eat the plastic! And just because your mom’s medicines are on her nightstand, don’t assume the cat won’t explore, knock them on the floor for the Chihuahua to eat. I’ve seen that.
But accidents sometimes happen, and they we go into Poison Control mode. The first step is always:
WHAT did he eat? Not as easy as it sounds when the bottle is missing, or the chocolate bag is shredded. But it is imperative that you bring in the box/wrapper/whatever with you for a possible toxicity. We can look up the exact ingredients. I have even had clients use their cell phones to look up the product on Amazon where they bought it. That helps.
HOW MUCH did he eat? Again not always easy, but we make our best guesses.
WHEN did he eat it? I used to think this was easy, but what if you just came home at 5 pm, and found chewed up pill vials. We never know if they ate it at 8 am or 5 minutes ago.
WHO ate it? I have had numerous cases of multiple dog households where we weren’t sure WHO at the rat poison. So we had to make them ALL vomit. They we could tell. Sometimes the answer is ALL of them.
WHY did he eat it? I never ask that. But I did have one dog that got into bags of Easter Candy not once, but twice before Easter. I did wonder why the owner bought more candy and assumed the dog wouldn’t get into the pantry again.
You can’t just call 911 and get a pet poison control. The best one for pets is Animal Poison Control Center, 855-764-7661, and it costs $59. It’s the one vets use.
# 49 National K9 Veteran Day March 13, 2018
Next Tuesday, March 13 is National K9 Veteran Day. There is a fascinating history of “War Dogs” in the US that started with the “K9 Corp” during WWII. Of course, dogs have been used for centuries during war, sometimes not very humanely. But during WWII they resurfaced as sentries for military bases and to prevent sabotage. They were used extensively in Vietnam and lately in the Middle East. I liked the recent movie Max which is about a Malinois service dog that comes home to “Texas” after his handler dies, is placed with the handler’s family, with adjustment problems. (They were wearing sweaters at July 4th picnic, with mountains in background, so I doubt it was filmed in Longview). I recommend checking it out.
I imagined most K9 Corp dogs were German Shepherds or Malinois, but there was a famous Yorkshire Terrier who strung communication lines and a Newfoundland who played fetch with a Japanese hand grenade. In 2015, there were about 2500 dogs in the military and 700 overseas. For more fascinating history of war dogs: http://www.uswardogs.org/war-dog-history/world-war-2/
And if you know or see a K9 veteran, thank him for his service.
For more information:
https://nationaldaycalendar.com/national-k9-veterans-day-march-13/
https://www.facebook.com/NationalK9VeteransDay/