Thanks for the advice!

Thanks for the advice!

 

            How do pet owners know what is best for their pet? Every day they see it in advertisements, read it on packaging, and options available in the ever-growing industry of pet foods or alternative veterinary options (i.e. holistic, alternative, behavior, or Chinese medicine) available.  With more selections available to the owner and information from various sources, it is crucial that owners become attuned to what information is accurate and what information warrants further investigation. 

            First, let’s glance at the pet food industry.  From personal experience, it can be overwhelming for an owner to walk into the local pet food store, walk down the multitude of food aisles, and try to determine which brand or formulation is best for their pet.  The options can vary from grain-free to novel protein to low-fat/diet to raw/dehydrated to prescription and everything in-between. 

The truth is what may be recommended for one individual pet may not be recommended for another.  Diet choice should be individualized.  The starting point to try to determine what may be recommended is the family veterinarian.  The veterinarian can determine if any underlying disease processes are present that may preclude the use of a certain food, or if consultation or referral to a veterinary nutritionist is warranted.  Veterinary nutritionists are veterinarians who have completed advanced training to become certified in nutrition.  Many of the larger companies (Hill’s, Royal Canin, Purina) have veterinary nutritionists on-staff that the veterinarian may contact if any questions arise.  When receiving nutritional advice from additional sources (i.e. pet store employee, company representative), it is important to review their credentials to determine their degree to be able to offer pertinent medical advice. 

            Second, there is the growing field of alternative veterinary medicine.  If an owner is interested in these options, it is extremely important to talk to the family veterinarian as they can recommend veterinarians nearby that may specialize in this field.  Typically veterinarians interested in this path will undergo additional specialized training and continuing education.  

            There is also the opportunity, however, for individuals who are not licensed to practice veterinary medicine to be able to offer some of these services.  It is important that when seeking alternative veterinary care outside of a veterinarian’s office, the individual’s credentials are verified to ensure the safety of the pet.  This also stands true for behavioral training opportunities.  There are numerous behavior training courses available to lay-people (those that are not veterinarians), and what the trainer is certified in should be readily available for the owner to view. 

            The main point is that everyone wants to ensure that the pet’s best interests are being met.  It is just important to ensure that information that is received is medically based and takes in to consideration the individual pet.  As always, the best place to start with questions regarding the pet is with the family veterinarian, who can then direct you along the appropriate path. 

           

           

Why senior wellness bloodwork?

            As pets begin to age and reach what veterinarians consider “senior age” (dogs approximately 7 years old, cats approximately 8-9 years old), you may notice that your veterinarian begins to recommend yearly wellness bloodwork.  Many pet owners may wonder what this is and why it has not previously been recommended with each yearly visit.  The information presented below is to help those owners understand why it is recommended once the pet reaches a specific age, and what the bloodwork is comprised of.

            Imagine your pet (cat or dog) as a human senior adult.  As humans become older, a general health screen begins to involve wellness bloodwork to monitor for common senior illnesses, such as diabetes, thyroid disease, liver or kidney disease, or even cancer.  If these diseases are detected early enough prior to the development of clinical signs, treatments or lifestyle changes can be implemented to slow the progression of disease or even cure or improve existing changes.  Cats and dogs age much faster than humans (approximately 7 times faster), and therefore veterinarians must look for these changes sooner.   

            A complete blood count (or CBC) is performed to view changes that may be occurring with the patient’s bone marrow, hydration status, or immune system. Such values include the hematocrit (useful when assessing hydration status or presence of an anemia or immune-mediated disease), white blood cell counts (useful when assessing for infections, parasitic disease, inflammatory disease, or certain forms of cancer), or platelets (useful when assessing for clotting or immune-mediated disorders). 

            Serum chemistry is performed to assess overall organ function.  This is particularly important in those pets that may be on long-term medications that can have an effect on the kidneys or liver, or those that are currently exhibiting vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, or potential toxin exposure.  Based on your pet’s underlying condition or medication, bloodwork may be recommended more often than once yearly (perhaps every 3 to 6 months).  In some cases, a thyroid function test (T4) may be needed to assess for an under- or overactive thyroid.  On many occasions, the veterinarian may actually be able to diagnose an underlying problem prior to it becoming severe, and early intervention is essential in controlling the overall course of disease (in some instances even life-saving!).

            So what if you perform senior wellness bloodwork on your pet and it is normal? Great! Even “normal” results on bloodwork provide valuable information, especially if the patient develops a sudden illness over the next year or has an adverse reaction to a food or medication.  This can aid us in better determining what may have been the underlying cause and time line for the illness to occur. 

            If you have any questions or concerns regarding wellness bloodwork or your pet, please do not hesitate to contact Dr. Williams or Dr. Walker at (407)366-4486 and schedule a consultation today.

           

IS TRAVELING IN YOUR FUTURE?

Be honest about your pet’s ability to travel.  If your pet is very young or old, is ill, pregnant, or recovering from surgery, it may be better for all concerned to look into a pet sitter or kennel.  There is no need to risk injuring your pet by taking him/her with you.

Ask us about any medical risks for areas you will be visiting, as well as any medications needed for carsickness.  Pets can be separated from their owners while traveling and often collars are not on pets recovered at the shelters.  Seriously consider having your pet microchipped, because facilities nationwide are using scanners that will read these implanted chips.  This allows you to be reunited with your lost pet! 

Make certain that all vaccinations are current and obtain a copy of the records to carry with you, as you may need to board your pet unexpectedly.  Also, if your pet requires emergency medical attention, these will allow this to take place much more quickly.  If your plans include air travel, you need to check with the airline carrier regarding their requirements.

Some helpful hints:

Obtain a proper carrier.

You need a sturdy, properly ventilated crate of adequate size for your pet to stand up, turn around, and lie down comfortably.  The crate should be free of interior hazardous protrusions, have a door that latches securely, and have external handles.  The bottom should be leak proof and covered with a towel or absorbent material.

Make sure your pet is accustomed to the crate before you begin your trip.  On the outside of the crate print your name, the pet’s name, your home and destination address and phone number.

Never put a leash in the crate, as your pet could become entangled.

Verify that your pet’s tags are current.

Your pet should wear a secure collar at all times with tags showing proof of rabies vaccination and your name, home address, and phone number in case you get separated.  Make a set of temporary tags with the address and phone number of your destination

Be prepared for the worst.

No one likes to think about it, yet many pets become separated from their owners while traveling.  To increase the chances of a safe return, bring a recent photograph and written description of your pet.  Make sure to include name, breed, any tattoo/microchip numbers, sex, age, color, and any unusual markings.

Keep in mind.

Ø  Keep fresh water available for your pet at all times and avoid sudden changes of diet.

Ø  Obey all leash laws and clean up after your pet.

Ø  Never give your pet any sedatives or medications unless under a veterinarian’s prescription.  Such medications can interfere with your pet’s ability to maintain its balance and equilibrium, which can lead to injury.

Be sure to find lodging along the way where your pet will be welcome. Also remember the following:

Ø  All medications and a first aid kit

Ø  Health records

Ø  Sturdy leash and collar (with tags)

Ø  Extra collar

Ø  Bedding

Ø  Food, can opener, spoon, and bowl

Ø  Water and bowl

Ø  Treats and toys

Ø  Waste removal bags and a flashlight

‘Tis the season for heatstroke

          

  As spring arrives and lends way to summer, many pet parents want to enjoy being outdoors with their pets more, primarily dogs.  This can include such activities as hiking, walking or running, dog parks, or simply allowing the pet to spend more time outside in their own backyard.  With the quickly rising temperature, however, comes a need for increased alertness to the signs of heat stress and heatstroke, and how to appropriately deal with it if it occurs.  Heatstroke occurs when a pet’s body temperature increases to 104.9 F or greater, after a pet has engaged in exercise/activity or been exposed to an increased outdoor temperature, and has an inappropriate ability to decrease the body temperature through normal cooling measures.   

            Human’s and pet’s bodies are designed to function at a constant body temperature that is regulated by a center within the hypothalamus located in the brain.  As body temperature begins to increase in pets, a signal is sent to the panting center in the brain.  Panting is the primary means of evaporative cooling in pets since they lack the ability to sweat like humans. Other methods to decrease body temperature through the dissipation of heat also exist, including convection (finding a cool place to lie down), and changes in blood circulation (dilation of the blood vessels to try to cool a larger volume of blood).

 In Florida, pet owners not only have to consider the ambient temperature outside, but also the humidity level.  As the humidity rises, this decreases the effectiveness of cooling through panting (the primary means of heat dissipation).  Predisposing factors that can increase the risk of a pet suffering heatstroke include lack of adequate shade outside, exercising the pet during the hottest hours of the day, obesity, brachycephalic breeds (i.e. Bulldog, Pug, Lhasa apso, Boston terrier, etc.), presence of a collapsing trachea or laryngeal paralysis, or previous history of heat-induced illness. 

Common clinical signs that may alert an owner to potential heatstroke include excessive panting, vomiting, collapse, ataxia (“drunken walk”), diarrhea, or seizures, and can progress to more severe signs such as bloody vomit (hematemesis), bloody diarrhea (hematochezia), bruising along the skin, nasal bleeding, muscle tremors, and listlessness/coma.  If an owner suspects a heatstroke, the pet should be moved into a cool shaded area or indoors away from sunlight.  The pet should then be sprayed with cool, but not cold or ice, water.  If the water is too cold, this can actually cause the blood vessels to constrict and decrease the effectiveness of the cooling measures, or it can result in cooling the pet too fast.  Place a fan on the pet, and the owner may also place cool wet towels in the armpits or the groin region.  As soon as these cooling measures are taken, transfer to the nearest veterinary clinic immediately for continued treatment. 

Even with aggressive supportive care and treatment, deaths from heatstroke can approach 25-50% in patients.  This is why it is essential to transport the pet to a veterinary hospital as soon as possible to try to manage the impact that the elevated body temperature will have on the organs, predominantly the liver, kidneys, heart, gastrointestinal, and central nervous systems.  Be vigilant during the summertime, and follow proper safety precautions to prevent furry family members from succumbing to the heat!

Easter Time!!!

There are dangerous and benign lilies out there, so it's important to know the difference. Peace, Peruvian, & Calla lilies contain crystals that cause minor signs that result in drooling. The more dangerous, potentially fatal lilies are true lilies, and these include Tiger, Asiatic, Easter and Japanese Show, & Day lily - all of which are highly toxic to cats - with even small ingestion. If your cat consumes any part of a lily, bring your cat (and the plant) immediately to our office for medical care. The sooner you bring in your cat, the better and more efficiently we can treat, thereby improving the prognosis.

Please remember chocolates, candies, and gum can be deadly depending on the type of treat and size of the animal. Chocolate and wrappers are not the only thing you need to watch out for; gum, artificial sweetener, and other candies are also toxic. Cats typically don't eat chocolate but will get into the plastic Easter grass inside the baskets which can be just as dangerous. Call our office if you have any further questions or if your pet decided to eat something from the basket!

Home Delivery for your pet's prescriptions made easy!

Do you order your pet's medications online? Have you tried our online pharmacy at www.seminoletrail.com? For your convenience we have medications, supplies, and even foods available on our website! You can also choose an option for auto delivery on the schedule you choose, so your items are delivered right to your door when you need them. Visit our website and click on the Home Delivery tab to get started.

Looking for that "Perfect" gift?

Christmas Pets

         

   It’s that time of  year again! When everyone tries to think of the PERFECT gift for a loved one, young or old.  Many families may consider purchasing a new pet (puppy or kitten) as a gift, but there are several things to consider before making this type of commitment.

            First, if the pet is a kitten or puppy, it is likely that this will become a member of the family for many years to come.  On average, large breed dogs can live 12-13 years old and smaller breed dogs can live to be 15-16 years old.  A cat’s lifespan can average between 15-16 years old, but some do live to be 20!  Regardless, it is a lifetime commitment for that individual pet, and with that comes certain responsibilities: providing adequate shelter, food, and water, and appropriate health maintenance. Yearly wellness examinations are recommended for each pet, regardless of age.  Once the pet reaches senior age (dogs >7 years old, cats >8-9 years old), yearly wellness bloodwork is recommended to monitor overall organ function.  Even if no problems are noted at home, yearly wellness bloodwork can aid the veterinarian in identifying a disease in the early stages BEFORE it is evident to the owner. 

            Second, not every breed is meant for every person.  Each breed has its own list of specific diseases or anatomical abnormalities that they may br predisposed to.  Becoming an owner of a “problem-proned” breed can be a time commitment and a financial commitment.  Many of the purebred organizations, as well as the AKC (American Kennel Club) have breed specific websites available with important information regarding the breed.  Always research a breed of dog or cat before purchasing or adopting to ensure that it will be a suitable fit for the family.  There are also numerous purebred dogs and cats that find their way to shelters every year, so make sure to visit the local shelter or breed rescue organizations when searching for a pet as well.

            Lastly, Christmas can be a very stressful time for the introduction of a new puppy or kitten.  There are often numerous visitors stopping by, the family schedule is not what it typically may be, and there are plenty of opportunities for a new pet to consume something it shouldn’t (whether it be a toxic food or a new toy).  The recommendation is generally to wait until after the holidays when it is easier to get into a new “routine” with the pet, especially if house-training a new puppy.  Less visitors in the house mean less stress on the pet and less opportunity for them to sneak a treat that they should not have.  It may also decrease the pet’s exposure to an illness that could be brought into their new surroundings by a visitor (pet or human). 

            If you have any questions regarding a new pet or a specific breed, please feel free to contact your family veterinarian.