134 What’s New with Diabetes in Pets

The role of diet in treating and possibly preventing diabetes in dogs and cats is undergoing lots of scrutiny lately. The old thinking on treating diabetes was to use insulin, decease simple carbohydrates to prevent blood glucose spikes, and eat high fiber diets to smooth out the whole glucose curve. Higher fiber diets could also help pets lose weight since obesity is often associated with the onset of diabetes, even though they might be sick and skinny at the time of diagnosis.

The latest theories on cats with diabetes is that free feeding high carbohydrate dry food to inactive indoor cats can lead to obesity, higher glucose levels after eating, and higher insulin concentration. These blood levels of glucose and insulin are believed to lead to pancreatic cell failure and ultimately diabetes. We know that weight loss to an optimum weight will help manage the diabetes, and sometimes can lead to remission of diabetes in cats. The weight loss ideally is slow and steady, ~ 1%/week, usually on a high protein/low carb diet to maintain muscle mass.

The latest studies on dogs didn’t show much difference between normal fiber and high fiber diets in regulating glucose levels on diabetic dogs. The most successful study was feeding any diet the dogs would eat consistently before in insulin, with no snacking between meals. Of course, weight loss in obese diabetic dogs is always recommended, but that is another whole can of worms about the “best diet” to lose weight.

On a high tech almost sci-fi note, I have one patient who has the human Libre Freestyle Sensor implanted under the skin of her back and the owner can track her glucose with her cell phone app! It isn’t approved for dogs and has to be replaced every 14 days, but it is a big leap in glucose monitoring technology.


To learn more about diabetes in pets https://www.avma.org/public/PetCare/Pages/Diabetes-in-Pets.aspx


https://catfriendly.com/feline-diseases/diabetes/

http://www.pethealthnetwork.com/dog-health/dog-diseases-conditions-a-z/november-national-pet-diabetes-month

133 How to Trim a Dog’s Toe Nails with a Dremel Tool

As vets, we kind of take nail trimming for granted. How hard can it be to trim a dog, cat or bird’s nails? We have plenty of staff, big towels, and even anti-anxiety medicines to help in some cases. The reality is it is hard for most owners to do. And long nails, especially in dogs, can break off accidentally and cause the dog a lot of pain and bleeding, or they can scratch owners and flooring. Cats seem to have fewer problems with long nails, but I did have an aged Siamese cat brought in for inability to walk/possible euthanasia that was just long nails growing into the pads.

The latest trend I see for nails is grinding a dog’s nails with a Dremel tool. Show dog owners have been doing this for years, starting with young puppies to overcome the noise factor. Those dogs always had great short smooth nails. A few years ago, a battery powered product called Pedipaws was marketed to grind nails. I found it to be under powered to grind nails, but was satisfactory to smooth the rough edged AFTER a nail clipping.

Lately I have revisited the Dremel tool (or any brand powered craft tool – mine in a Craftsman) on dogs in the hospital and my own young adult, Chuck. We are finding it does work with the right coarse sanding drum attachment. It leaves a nice smooth nail, is less scary for many dogs than clipping, but takes a lot more time. I think most owners could do this at home, with the right tool, and a lot of patience.

Before you head out to the grinding process, you must familiarize your dog with the Dremel tool. The introduction should be simple and slow. Don’t rush, since you could create a bad association of the tool and your dog.

The first part of the introduction involves using special high value treats that your dog is crazy about and can eat slowly. Some of the treats to use include salmon, steak, and grilled chicken or even peanut butter. Once you have the food, turn on the Dremel tool while feeding your dog with the delicious foods. Then turn off the Dremel tool and stop the feeding. The association becomes Dremel off /no food, and then Dremel on/ special treats. Also, let your dog sniff and touch the Dremel tool while it is off. This investigation of the tool makes your dog less fearful around the Dremel.

Next, While running the Dremel tool (noise),have your dog get used to having his or her feet touched. Feed treats. We want the noise and foot handing NOT to be a scary experience. You may only be able to touch a foot, or a few nails at first. Be patient. With time your dog becomes accustomed to the noise. With multiple practice sessions, your dog is now ready to be trimmed off its nails.

Also, try to get your pup to lie on its side on the floor, rather than standing up. This provides a relaxation mood to the dog and a perfect position for the trimming activity. Taking the process slow is both beneficial to you and your dog. I found with Chuck, standing up with his foot flexed and flipped back like a farrier does a horse worked better. He does NOT like for me to pull on his feet.

Once these steps are accomplished, you are ready for the crucial part :  trimming of the nails.

1) Prepare your Dremel tool with the little sand paper drum. The treats  should be ready and nearby.  Ideally, have a partner to offer treats while you concentrate on the nails. Your dog should be in a comfortable position.

2) At this stage ask your dog to give you his or her paw, and then hold the paw firmly without squeezing it. Separate the nail from the rest of the part, by pushing gently at the top of your dog’s paw.
The nail will extend slightly from the pressure applied. If your dog has a longer coat the fur might be caught by the spinning Dremel. It is recommended to either trim the hair first, or put a “sock” on the foot with the a hole for the nail. This keeps the fur out of the spinning Dremel spindle.

3) Turn on the Dremel tool, on low power, and touch the tip of your dog’s nails with the spinning Dremel. The tip of the nail will be ground awayl. Take care not to apply too much pressure as this will injure your dog or cause the tip to slip.
Start grinding across the underside of the nail. This removes the uneven edges and the rough stuff. Then grind on the  tip of the nail  to an angle so it will be flat on the floor when the dog stands. Take off the sides, corners and the rough edges that are surrounding the tip.
While doing this your grinder should be moving, not just holding in one place too long. Get close to the quick without nicking it. When the quick recedes further back, the nail will get much shorter.

In order to smooth the nails, grind the small loose layer that runs alongside each nails bottom gently. Do this by rotating the Dremel in one or two swipes around the nail. The smoothing achieves perfect rounded corners and prevents the cracking of nails.

4) During and after finishing the trimming process, reward your dog by offering treats and praises.  A second person makes this much easier at first.
Shorter sessions are less traumatic and comforting; hence take a little break after trimming each nail. Even if you just do a few nails the first time, without fear, it will be easier. Wait a day or two and try for a few more. Overtime, most dogs will tolerate the higher speed setting, and the whole process is much faster. With practice, you will be able to trim perfectly the long nails.

Dremel tips-https://rotarytoolsguy.com/trim-dog-nails-with-dremel-tool/

Trainer tips- https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=18UjGBiMpQM
Vet video-https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=5sRVhIOqjeU

132 Black Cats Myths

Some people associate black cats with Halloween, witches, and bad luck. The bad luck reputation is a problem when talking about adoptions.
Oct 27th was National Black Cat Day which tries to dispel some of the myths.

Here are five things everyone should know about black cats:

1) In some cultures, black cats are good luck
In the United States, many people believe black cats bring bad luck or are altogether evil. But it’s not a belief shared across all cultures.
In Britain, Japan and Ireland, a black cat crossing your path is considered a sign of good luck.
And in ancient Egypt, cats were considered an embodiment of the gods and worshiped. In fact, the cat goddess Bastet was part black cat and part woman, illustrating just how much black cats meant to that society.

2) Black cats have a tougher time finding good homes
Many animal shelters struggle to find good homes for black cats. They are often overlooked due to old superstitions and stigmas.

3) Halloween can be a dangerous time for black cats
Because so many people associate black cats with evil, they’re often harmed. Keeping all cats indoors on Halloween is a good idea, but especially for black cats. There is concern by some rescue organizations about abductions, injuries and deaths associated with trick or treat pranks or animal sacrifices.

4) Some shelters won’t adopt out black cats in October
Some shelters used to hold promotions on Halloween, where fees were waved for people who adopted black cats. But due to concerns about mistreatment and abuse, many shelters have stopped this practice. Other shelters don’t allow any black cat adoptions in the month of October.

5) There are more black cats than any other color
Black cats are everywhere. In fact, there are more black cats than any other color, according to the ASPCA. That’s because the genes that cause black coloration in cats are the most dominant.
“The fact remains that there are more black cats and dogs in need of homes, and they often benefit from additional promotion and attention in shelters across the country due to their sheer numbers in comparison to animals with different kinds of coats,” reported an ASPCA spokeswoman.

Around Halloween time, remember that black cats deserve as much love and attention as their other-colored furry friends.

https://nationaltoday.com/national-black-cat-day/

131 Fun Facts about Texas Spiders and Bats

I don’t treat spiders or bats, but they are interesting creatures that might interact with our pets. Here are some interesting facts about some of these seemingly spooky Texas residents, as provided by Texas A&M AgriLife experts:

Tarantulas – More hairy than scary
Tarantulas are actually very docile. Molly Keck, an entomologist at the Texas A&M AgriLife Extension Service office in Bexar County and long-time tarantula enthusiast, said while tarantulas are large and eerie looking, they are actually very docile and rarely bite. “The exceptions are when they paralyze their prey to eat it – or they may bite if threatened,” she said. “But though their venom can paralyze an insect or very small animal, it rarely causes a severe reaction in humans. ”Keck said when in danger some species of tarantula can rapidly dislodge prickly hairs from the top of their abdomen with their hind legs, and these hairs irritate the eyes or skin of the attacker. “But tarantulas, like most spiders, are beneficial predators that feed on other insects,” she said. “Some species even make good pets. But native species, like the Texas tan, are short-lived in captivity. Generally, however, tarantulas are low-maintenance and make good starter pets.”

Black widows – They’re not [really] that bad
Texas is also home to another arachnid often associated with Halloween – the black widow spider. “This spider is most commonly identified by the red hourglass-shaped mark on its underside,” said Wizzie Brown, AgriLife Extension entomologist, Travis County. “But even though its venom is highly virulent, the spider itself is very timid. Even if disturbed while it’s in its web, it tries to escape rather than attack. ”Black widows are known for the distinctive hourglass shape on their undersides. Brown said Texas has southern black widows, northern black widows, western black widows, and brown widows, but the brown widows are not native to the state. Black widows can be found year-round in buildings and sheltered areas such as sheds, garages, attics and crawl spaces, she said. “Contrary to popular belief, female black widows do not usually eat males unless they are kept together in confined spaces where the male cannot escape,” Brown said. However, she noted, their scary reputation is at least partly deserved because the venom from the black widow is a neurotoxin that can cause anything from elevated temperature, nausea and sweating to a painful cramping and constriction of the abdominal muscles and the chest, and even death. “Death from a black widow bite occurs very rarely, and it is more likely to happen if the per-son bitten is either very young or elderly,” she said. But no matter your age, it’s important to seek medical attention if bitten by a black widow.”

Daddy longlegs – Just don’t call me ‘spidey’
Daddy longlegs are not spiders, but arachnids more closely related to scorpions. They belong to a unique order called Opiliones, or harvestmen. “While both daddy longlegs and spiders have eight legs, they are easy to tell apart,” said Mike Merchant, Ph.D., AgriLife extension entomologist, Dallas. “Spiders have a two-part body, while daddy long-legs have a single, fused body. And unlike spiders, daddy longlegs do not make silk and can’t spin webs.” Merchant said contrary to urban legend, daddy longlegs are not dangerous to people because they lack venom glands. “Harvestmen can be found on every continent except Antarctica and can be found throughout Texas, from the piney woods in the east to the deserts of the west-ern parts of the state,” he said. “They live for about one year and feed on invertebrates and dead plant material.” Daddy longlegs are usually a solitary creature. Merchant said they are called harvestmen because they are typically seen around harvest time in the late summer and fall. “They are also called ‘shepherd spiders’ due to the males guarding the females as they lay their eggs,” he noted. Daddy longlegs are primarily night prowlers and are usually solitary, but at times a large group will amass and form a wicked-looking dark cluster that resembles a beard. However, their most compelling feature is their legs. “While most harvestmen species have very long legs, there are some short-legged species that closely resemble mites,” Merchant said. “Daddy longlegs have eight long legs – from one to two inches in length – extending from the body. If humans had a similarly proportioned torso, our legs would extend to a span of some 40 to 50 feet.” He said the legs are very deli-cate and also serve as a means of protection. “When a predator takes hold of a leg, it can easily detach and then continues to twitch, which both confuses the predator and gives the daddy longlegs an opportunity to escape,” he said. Another way they protect themselves is by using their scent glands, which produce a foul-smelling fluid that helps ward off the predator. “Alone or in clusters, daddy longlegs can look strange or even ominous, but they are completely harmless,” he said.

The bats at night… not such a fright… deep in the heart of Texas
Texas also boasts one of the most diverse populations in the U.S. of another well-known Halloween symbol – the bat. There are 33 permanent or migratory bat species in Texas, the most prevalent of those being the Mexican free-tail, said Samantha Leiver, Ph.D., research associate with Texas A&M AgriLife Research at the Texas A&M Natural Resources Institute in College Station. “The freetail has a huge range throughout North and South America,” she said. “In fact, some years back we had a few hundred thousand of them take up residence in our stadium here at Texas A&M. Some of the other bats that call Texas home are Eastern red bat and tricolored bat, though we are seeing fewer tricolored bats due to white-nose syndrome.” She said the largest biodiversity of bats is in Central Texas, but a few of the more rare or exotic bat species can sometimes be found along the Texas-Mexico border. “Vampire bats are seen on rare occasion in the lower Rio Grande Valley, but mainly reside in South America and take the blood from livestock, not humans,” Leiver said. “Texas does, however, have a reddish-brown bat called the ghost-faced bat because of the many folds of skin on its face. It looks pretty scary and has a scary name, but it’s basically harmless.” She also noted Texas has pollinator bats, including the Mexican long-nosed bat found in far West Texas, which feeds on agave plants. “So in addition to bats being good for the environment by providing pest control by eating massive amounts of pesky insects, these particular bats also benefit the tequila industry,” she said. Leiver said a bat can eat half its body weight in insects each evening and night, and freetail bats alone provide at least $750,000 in value to Texas agriculture, primarily in insect control. “Nationally, bats provide at least $3 billion or more annually in agricultural value,” she said. “They will leave you alone and prefer to be left alone, but never touch a bat as it may have rabies.”

You tube dog dressed as spider pranks https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YoB8t0B4jx4

130 Halloween Tips for Pet Owners

Halloween is almost here.  We have some tips to keep the holiday safe for our pets.

1) Lock candy safely away. Dogs have an incredible sense of smell. If you buy that Halloween candy early, he WILL find your stash. If you kids have candy left after Trick or Treating and keep it in their room, he WILL find the sack. The biggest dangers in the candy are the chocolate, xylitol sweeteners, and the wrappers. I have seen problems with all 3.

2) Don’t leave glow sticks lying around. Glow sticks are a handy safety device to have around for the kids to wear while Trick or Treating, but some pets, especially cats, love to play with them. Most have a non-toxic liquid, that is bitter, but still some pets will bite them, race around the house and drool.

3) Keep your pet identified and visible. If you take your dogs out Trick or Treating, make sure they stay on a leash, with a reflective collar. It can be frightening out there with strange scary costumed children. Or better yet, leave them at home unless they like Halloween, walking in the dark, noise, and lots of strangers.

4) Calm your pet. Many dogs and cat have rough time on Halloween with the doorbell ringing and noisy strangers at the door. It makes them go a little crazy trying to alert and protect the family. Why not give them the night “off” and keep in the back bedroom, away from the door, with a loud TV show on for distraction? Some pets even need calming pheromones like Adaptil or prescription medicines to make it through the night. Ask your vet ahead of time if medicines are needed.

5) Check those costumes. Dressing up pets is just fun. Even I have indulged in a costume for my little black terrier, Sally. If you are planning on dressing up your fur baby, make sure that the costume fits well, isn’t going to slip and tangle the pet, or cause a choking hazard if chewed on. Never leave a costumed pet unattended. Or you might have a trip to the pet emergency room!

https://www.aspcapro.org/resource/top-5-halloween-safety-tips-vets-and-pets

129 Pumpkin, Pumpkin everywhere

You can’t go to any store without seeing Pumpkin Spice flavored everything. It is a seasonal gourd that is usually harvested in the fall, so it is plentiful about now. What does this have to do with dogs and cats? The answer is Fiber.

Cats and dogs don’t need much fiber for normal GI health, but occasionally they can get a gastrointestinal/colitis problem that will benefit from fiber. The usual sources of fiber are OTC weight loss diets, Metamucil, Miralax, bran (like in high fiber breakfast cereal), and canned pumpkin. Diet food is boring, Metamucil has a weird texture, and bran just tastes like sawdust to me. Miralax is a tasteless powder and works even in tiny (1/8 tsp) amounts for our pets. Canned pumpkin (not pie filling) is sweet and most cats and dogs will eat it willingly. Who knew? You never see a dog or cat stealing pumpkins out of the garden.

Not all GI problems need fiber, and some will get much worse with it. A lower GI or colitis case with straining, frequent mucoid stools, or constipation usually will benefit from added soluble fiber like pumpkin. The recommended amount to add to a meal varies, but usually 1 TBP/can of cat food, or 1 TBP /meal for large dog, or 1-2 tsp/meal for smaller dogs. I find most pet owners only have to do this for few days to get a case of stress colitis resolved. If one has to do this for days or weeks, one trick to keep the can from spoiling after opening is to fill an ice cube tray with the puree, freeze, then only pop out a “cube” to add to the food.

Now you CAN buy a pumpkin, scoop the seeds out, cut it up, cook/bake it and then puree it, OR you can just buy a can of cooked pureed pumpkin at the grocery store. If you buy the pie filling, use it for Thanksgiving dinner dessert, not the cat.

for more information-  https://now.tufts.edu/articles/people-giving-pets-pumpkin-it-good-them

128 Awesome October Wellness Bloodwork Specials

Every October, our reference laboratory, Idexx, gives us some fantastic discounts on wellness bloodwork bundles.   It usually included a CBC, some blood chemistries, Heartworm testing for dogs, fecal parasite check, urinalysis, and some extra testing like thyroid and new early detection kidney testing. We get different bundles for dogs and cats, young and old. These are 35-50% off regular prices, and are a great value.

I strongly believe in catching illnesses early so we have better chance to treat and cure diseases in ourselves and pets. Preventative care save so much money in the long run, and improves quality of life.

Last year in October, we picked up several cases of EARLY kidney disease, and several cases of EARLY heart disease. We found thyroid problems in both dogs and cats. Several dogs had asymptomatic urinary infections. Lots of dogs had some elevated liver enzymes. One dog even had leukemia! When we find an abnormality, sometimes there is medicine; sometimes there are more tests to run. Even if everything comes back in the normal range, there is peace of mind knowing all is well.

The bloodwork special is running the entire month October. I call it my “vampire” special because we collect a lot of blood. Plus it is easy to remember with Halloween coming up. If we have seen your pets recently, they don’t have to have an exam to have bloodwork. After we get the results, we will call you. We don’t make you come in to see the doctor(unlike some MDs). Some clients request an email with the results and interpretation, and we can do emails. Please call for an appointment to schedule the blood collection, and ideally bring in a fresh stool & urine sample.

127 Deaf Dog Awareness Week

Deaf Dog Awareness Week is the last full week of every September. Dogs that are deaf in just one ear are more common, about 120,000, compared to 35,000 who are deaf in both ears.

Many breeds of dogs have a known incidence of deafness. Some of those breeds include Australian shepherd, Boston terrier, cocker spaniel, Dalmatian, German shepherd, Jack Russell terrier, Maltese, toy and miniature poodle, and West Highland white terrier. In most of these dogs, the deafness is hereditary and is associated with piebald or merle coat patterns. (Merle is a pattern in a dog’s coat. Merle comes in different colors and patterns. The merle gene creates mottled patches of color in a solid or piebald coat, blue or odd-colored eyes, and can affect skin pigment as well.) So, almost any dog with white in its fur or any “blue” dog is at least more likely to be deaf. Sometime the deafness is only in one ear, or only for some frequencies of sound.

Other dogs lose their hearing due to ear infections, medications, or long term exposure to loud noises. And most just lose it naturally with aging. My own Sheltie, Sarge, has gone mostly deaf in this 12 year of his life. Sometimes he can hear a sound, but can’t tell where it is coming from.

The only definite Testing is called a BAER test, and uses ear muffs and sticky sensors on their scalp to measure brain response to sounds. Other common testing that you can do at home include looking for a reaction to any sound that doesn’t create a vibration enough to feel. These might include a door bell or cell phone ringing, a squeak toy, jingling keys, or a vacuum cleaner that is out of sight, or even banging two metal pots.

If you suspect your dog has deafness, there isn’t a lot we as vets can do. If I diagnose or suspect it in young puppies, we stress no free roaming and teaching hand signals. Deaf dogs are stupid, they just can’t hear. And some genetic cases may also have some vision problems that require referral to an eye specialist. We will always look in the ear to make sure the ear drum isn’t ruptured. For the old timers like my dog, we just love him and try to use his other senses. Some people have used a vibrating collar (not a shock collar) to alert a dog to “check in” with the owner. My mom used to flash the lights to get our old dog’s attention when he went outside in the dark and wouldn’t come in. And most deaf dog can “feel” loud sounds just like we can feel a loud stereo, and sometimes we can use that to alert a deaf dog.

For more information:
http://www.deafdogs.org/faq/
http://www.pethealthnetwork.com/dog-health/dog-diseases-conditions-a-z/what-you-need-know-about-deaf-dogs

126 Hunting season

Hunting season is upon us. I know not everyone has a hunting dog, but if you do, here are some reminders to keep your dog healthy and safe.
First exercise your dog regularly, and start early before the big day. Just like us, conditioning for an athletic event takes time and practice. Think of it like training camp for dogs.

Watch your dog’s weight. It is easy for athletic dogs (and people) to get heavy in the off season. But I have also seen a lot of hunting dogs that are always thin, and get thinner while hunting and running. Strive for an optimum weight.

Visit your veterinarian to make sure your hunting buddy is up to date on vaccines and heartworm prevention. Have a conversation with your vet around possible disease risks in the region you are traveling too. We may not have it in Lewisville, but we are trained to discuss diseases in other parts of the state or country. Plus often your dog will be around other dogs and wildlife.

Talk to your vet about fleas and ticks. Hunting dogs are a higher risk to encounter these nasties, and the diseases (Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, Ehrlichia and Lymes) they may carry. I especially like the oral systemic flea and tick medicines like Credelio, Nexgard and Bravecto.

Lastly, think about safety gear for your dog. A reflective collar with ID is a minimum. A blaze orange vest is a good item. And it is always a good idea for dogs to be microchipped, especially valuable ones. Always carry a first aid kit, with simple things like tweezers, eye saline rinse, gauze, Neosporin, Benadryl, honey packet and tape. And it wouldn’t be crazy to research the contact info on a vet who sees emergencies in you hunting area, “just in case”.
For more hunting info- https://www.avma.org/public/Health/Pages/Disease-Precautions-for-Hunters.aspx

125 Lest We Forget

Today, on Sept 11, 2019, I am reminded of the tragic events that happened 18 years ago. That terrorist attack made me really think about my personal and professional emergency preparedness. What if it happened here? What if something happened to me, my business, or my family, including my pets?

So I began a focus every September on Disaster Preparedness, and here we are again. Our most common disasters aren’t big national or regional catastrophes. But a local tornado, house fire, or plumbing leak/flood could happen at any time, without warning. So I encourage everyone to look again at their family disaster plans, and adjust as necessary. Practice if you have young children.

Many events need the same planning. A house fire and flood are both reasons to leave the house with your pets, crates, leashes, food, and records/medicines. Those people in last year’s wildfires in California had only minutes to get out. A tornado or ice storm might leave you stranded inside your home. You still will need food and meds, but ideally you have some water stored and a first aid kit. Be ready.

This is a great time to check your microchips contact info. Many people have disconnected their land line telephone, or changed emails. If Fluffy goes missing due to down fences after a storm, you want for the rescuers to have the correct contact info on the chip. My two little pups climbed over the fence last month, and we were returned thanks to the microchips.

This is a great time to check out the Pet Portal on our website, gardenridgevet.com, and create an account. With that Portal, you can access you pet’s vaccines anytime, anywhere. Forgot to pack the proof of rabies vaccine for boarding? You can pull it on your phone and show the kennel.

This is great time to talk with the all the family members about our plans. As adults, we may know them, but do our teenage children (or spouses) know the details? Where is our tornado shelter in our home? Where is our rendezvous spot outside the house? Who is in charge of the crates, etc? Who is our point of contact outside our area that we can call or check in with?

This is a great time to reflect on the loss of life that fateful day in 2001, but also to be constructive about what we can do to mitigate personal disasters to keep them from becoming tragic.

For a digital 28 page booklet, Saving the Whole Family,
For a Texas perspective of disasters