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Pet Pointers
We both want healthy animals. Here are some tips to ensure your pet is healthy, happy and strong.
Posted on Friday, December 09 '11
Pet Pointer: Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (Feline Aids Virus)
The Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV) poses no public health threats because the virus is species-specific, affecting only cats. The major cause of transmission in cats is through bite wounds although there is evidence that FIV can be transmitted casually among cats who live together in close proximity.
Queens that become infected during gestation may transmit the virus either in utero (while kittens are in the uterus) or later via nursing. Free roaming outdoor cats, especially the males, are at the highest risk for infection.
The acute phase can last for several days to many weeks. Symptoms include possible fever, depression, lethargy, GI symptoms, possible gum and/or mouth infections and enlarged lymph nodes. In some cats, the acute phase is undetected.
Cats who are asymptomatic are clinically free of the disease but are carrriers of the virus, and act as a source of infection for other cats. This stage is known to last for at least 6 to 10 years.
The terminal phase is reflective of a general wasting syndrome, cancer or opportunistic infections. Terminal signs include weight loss, persistent diarrhea, gum disease, infections of the mouth, chronic respiratory disease, enlarged lymph nodes and chronic disease.
Antibody tests are available to test for the presence of FIV-specific antibody, but rest results must be evaluated by the veterinarian depending upon the type of test, symptoms, history, etc.
Treatment is supportive, primarily directed to the management of complications related to FIV infection. At this time there is no specific antiviral treatment for FIV
An FIV vaccine exists, but the efficacy of the vaccine is still under investigation. We do not recommend vaccination at I-20 Animal Medical Center at this time. The best form of protection is to keep your cat indoors. If you bring a new cat into the household, always test for FIV and Feline Leukemia prior to introducing to your other cats.
Posted on Friday, December 09 '11
Pet Pointer: Osteoarthritis
You may have noticed that as your larger breed of dog gets beyond the age of 6 or so, he or she may start to have progressive difficulty standing, their back legs may start to look thinner, and they just aren’t as playful or active. Certain breeds of dogs (Retrievers, Rottweilers, and Shepards especially) can have hips and elbows that may not properly form as puppies; over time, joint inflammation that stems from structural instability and weight gain will exacerbate the pain of arthritis. Arthritis can occur in any size dog or cat however. Although arthritis is not curable, just as with humans, drugs which help with pain and inflammation (NSAIDS) and supplements which help to lubricate joints, will vastly improve the quality of life. As with all drugs, NSAIDS may have side effects, but with proper monitoring of liver and kidney function via scheduled labwork and exams, these can be minimized. Never give any human aspirin type medication without first consulting your veterinarian, as some that are fine for people can be quite toxic to pets.
Posted on Friday, December 09 '11
Pet Pointer: Don’t Forget to Give Heartworm Prevention
A recent Gallup survey found that almost half of dog owning households are not taking preventive measures to protect their dogs from heartworm disease.
An American Heartworm Society study also found that of those owners who opt for preventive pills given monthly, one in three missed a monthly dose.
Pet owners should give heartworm preventive year round in Texas. Mosquitoes are present in Texas, even winter months, so the general rule in Texas is: Never stop giving heartworm preventative.
Posted on Friday, December 09 '11
Pet Pointer: Holiday Tip #10: Reindeer
Last but not least, on Christmas Eve be sure to keep your pets inside. Santa’s reindeer are rather irritable this time of year, and don’t need a dog nipping at their heels as they try to maneuver that big heavy sleigh. In fact, they are likely to give a nasty kick if they feel their mission is threatened in any way. Don’t get me wrong – Santa’s reindeer are usually very mellow, but they are understandably under a lot of stress. Fortunately, since they spend most of their time up on the roof, out of reach of curious hounds, we rarely see reindeer kick injuries. Unfortunately, since the roof is no barrier to cats, each Christmas Eve many of them climb into the sleigh to prowl while Santa is down the chimney, and end up having to be brought back home at the end of the night by very tired reindeer who would rather be flying home.
Posted on Friday, December 09 '11
Pet Pointer: Holiday Tip #9: Antifreeze
Ethylene glycol, the ingredient in most antifreeze, can be deadly! It is also very sweet (so I hear), which is the tragic reason so many pets are poisoned by it each year. Most cases are accidental, but a very few evil individuals will purposely put out antifreeze-soaked food to poison anything that eats it. Yet another reason to keep your pet confined. Too bad wildlife does not have that option. Just a small amount ingested could result in irreversible kidney failure and death within 48 hours. It is especially toxic to cats – one-half TABLESPOON can be fatal. If you see your pet ingest ANY antifreeze, seek immediate veterinary attention, even if your pet seems normal! An antidote exists, but is only effective if started quickly by your veterinarian, and even then cannot guarantee survival. There is a non-toxic antifreeze, called SierraR, which can be used safely around pets and children.
Posted on Friday, December 09 '11
Pet Pointer: Holiday Tip #8: Frostbite and Fan Belts
Make sure your pets have a warm, sheltered place to stay when the weather outside is frightful. For instance, my cat Pogo prefers sleeping on top of my husband’s head at night from November until March. Cats often hide out next to warm car engines, and end up with fan belt injuries when the car is started, so bang on your hood before starting up in the morning, if your car stays outside. You may have to feed outside pets a little more in the winter and make sure their water isn’t frozen solid. Don’t forget the wild things!
Posted on Friday, December 09 '11
Pet Pointer: Holiday Tip #7: New Pets
A Christmas puppy or kitten – what an exciting gift! But remember, they are small, fragile, and possibly frightened babies. They need lots of rest and quiet between play times. Keep them safely out of the midst of chaos, where they might be stepped on or thrown out with the wrapping paper, or when they may lack supervision and find trouble. And PLEASE make sure they get their complete vaccination series – nothing is more heartbreaking than seeing a family lose a much-loved pet to a disease which could have been prevented by vaccination. See your veterinarian for help selecting the right pet for your family, and consider giving a gift certificate to an animal shelter so a pet can be adopted AFTER the holiday season.
Posted on Friday, December 09 '11
Pet Pointer: Holiday Tip #6: Electric Cords
Festive holiday lights and new electric gadgets add to the excitement of the season, but make sure that excitement does not include a trip to the I-20 Animal Emergency room. Puppies, kittens, ferrets, rabbits and rodents are most likely to chew on whatever is in their path. If they pick an electric cord, it might be the last thing they ever chew on. At the very least, a painful shock could result, sometimes with blistering of the mouth and tongue. More serious shocks cause seizures, heart failure, and/or fluids accumulation in the lungs. And no, if your pet receives a shock from chewing on an electric cord, they will NOT learn to avoid them in the future.
Posted on Friday, December 09 '11
Pet Pointer: Holiday Tip #5: Tinsel
Tinsel and other string-type decorations can cause serious intestinal obstruction. One end catches on the tongue or in the stomach and when swallowed, the rest drifts out into the intestine, which begins to bunch up on the string, resulting in intestinal damage and obstruction. Glass ornaments can also cause intestinal damage if ingested. The trick will be convincing your pet that you did not put up the Christmas tree solely for the purpose of providing entertainment for them.
Posted on Friday, December 09 '11
Pet Pointer: Holiday Tip #4: Toys
Instead of bones or fatty snacks, give your pet a treat made especially for them. Make sure the toys are large enough so your pet cannot swallow it or choke on it. The toy should be of tough construction so that your pet cannot chew off big pieces – rawhides are a problem with some pets because of this. Don’t buy toys with small pieces that can be chewed off or swallowed. Watch your pet around the kid’s new toys as well, for similar reasons. A couple of years ago, I had to remove a toy truck from a puppy’s posterior – luckily it had passed that far so that surgery was avoided. Talk about a road best left untraveled…
