All posts by petprofessionals

Dogs

What is Kennel Cough?

dogs-51-what-is-kennel-cough

With holidays just around the corner, it also comes a time to leave our puppers and dogs alike in all manners of kennels or hotels while we jet off to our vacations (that is, those of us that don’t take our canine companions with us!).

Most of the time, though, these kennels will require vaccination against kennel cough, which is not part of the core vaccination protocol. So, what is exactly kennel cough?

Kennel cough, technically known as infectious canine tracheobronchitis, is a disease complex caused by several different bacterial and viral agents, chiefly among them Bordetella bronchipseptica, canine respiratory coronavirus, canine adenovirus 2 and parainfluenza virus.

It happens quite often in places that have several susceptible dogs and frequently less than ideal hygiene conditions. It is most severe in puppies from 6 weeks to around 6 months and in dogs with other subclinical respiratory illnesses like congenital anomalies or chronic disorders of the lower respiratory tract.

Most of the cases tend to present as uncomplicated and many owners have contacted with the classic dog, with the really loud cough, usually induced by touching the trachea or excitement but otherwise it’s a healthy animal. This form of the disease is, most of the time, self-limiting and will generally go away in about 2 weeks. Of course, depending on what agent is infecting your pup’s respiratory system and if there are other problems at the same time, might turn into a severe disease with fever, anorexia and difficulty breathing that requires quick action!

If your dog has coughing issues, even if otherwise healthy, take them to the vets for a check-up. While kennel cough is mostly self-limiting if uncomplicated, many other more severe diseases that also have cough are definitely not and the sooner a correct diagnosis is made, the better chances your faithful hound has of making it through unharmed.

Would you like to know more about dogs? Check our Canine Courses:

Canine courses

Cats

Permethrin toxicity in cats

cats-35-permethrin-toxicity-in-cats

Permethrin is a molecule that is part of the pyrethroid class of drugs and it’s commonly found on formulations for flea and other external parasite control.

It’s a synthetic molecule derived from natural compounds found in the flowers of the Chrysanthemum genus. These flowers and their parts are used to repel insects but the natural compounds, called pyrethrins, are easily broken down by light, heat and air.

We contact with permethrin when we buy the spot on and pour ons for our dogs and this drug is safe to be applied on them when used in the correct way either by veterinary indication or per the manufacturer’s instructions.

Cats, however, should never be given these sorts of flea treatments! Permethrin and other pyrethroids are highly toxic to cats and even small quantities can induce lethal toxicity.

So why do we put something so toxic to cats on our puppers? Why isn’t it toxic for them too?

It’s easy to think that cats are simply small sized dogs but the truth is they are radically different species with very different physiologies. This means that the enzymes and detoxification pathways that make permethrin safe to be applied on our dogs are not present in our cats.

Permethrin will affect tissues with a lot of lips like nervous system, liver and kidneys. An intoxicated cat will present with signs as soon as half an hour to several hours after contact. If you see tremors, hyperexcitability, seizures, difficulty breathing, hypersensitive skin or hypersalivation bring your cat to the vet immediately!

Putting dog flea treatment on cats can have severe toxic effects and is very likely to be deadly!

Would you like to know more about cats? Check our Feline Courses:

Feline courses

Horses

Winter weather precautions

horse-44-winter-weather-precautions

Horses are hardy animals that are capable of resisting a good cold weather season but, as with all of our animals, they require special care and attention to make sure they don’t suffer any unnecessary stress.

We love our comfortable loveseats by the fire with a warm blanket and a hot beverage so we tend to look to our horses standing outside in the snow and rain with some pity but experts agree that, when allowed to acclimatize, horses often prefer being outdoors. This, of course, is given sufficient shelter and nutrition provisions.

Important things to consider when preparing your horse for this winter are:

  • Making sure your animals have adequate shelter from extreme conditions like wind, storms or heavy snowfall and give them free choice to be either outside or on the shelters/stable. While they can resist temperatures of around -15ºC in the absence of wind or moisture, heavy snow or rain makes them search for shelter.
  • Colder weather means horses require more energy at rest to keep core body temperature stable. The lower the temperature gets and depending on body conditioning scores/coat type, the more forage will be needed so consult with your vet regarding the quantity your animal should be receiving.
  • Keeping an eye on water conditions and water intake seeing as winter feed usually has less moisture. If dramatically decreased, lower water intake will risk severe gastrointestinal tract problems like colic. Snow and ice are not adequate sources of water for domestic horses, as such, make sure that water is above freezing, ideally between 7 and 18 to maximise consumption.
  • Blanketing is usually needed when there is no shelter available, when the horse has a chance of becoming wet or had its winter coat clipped, when animals are very old, very young or with low body mass. The coat is an amazing insulator but this is only true if it is not wet or muddy, so if you see your horse might suffer from rain or ice get them a nice, well fit blanket.
  • Exercise and hoof care should feature on the calendar of any responsible horse owner. The weather may be bad, but they require regular exercise to avoid problems like lower leg oedemas and further complications when heavier work returns in spring. Hooves in general don’t grow as much during winter but that doesn’t mean they don’t need trims every six to twelve weeks and regular professional attention.

    • Beyond these, interacting and looking over your horse regularly is the best way to not be caught by surprise with a horse too thin, dehydrated or with limb issues! If you have any questions, don’t hesitate to contact your vet and they can help you find the best way to keep your equine companion in tip-top shape this winter.

    Would you like to know more about horses? Check our Equine Courses:

    Equine courses

    Cats

    Feline Calicivirus Infection

    cats-34-feline-calicivirus-infection

    This virus causes a common respiratory disease in cats, usually with upper respiratory tract signs. The agent that causes this pathology is a single-strand RNA virus with several serotypes that usually cause similar clinical signs.

    Of the cats that are infected, some will remain persistent carriers and these will go on to infect other cats by shedding the virus in variable quantities. It’s particularly troublesome in multi cat facilities like pounds, catteries, colonies or houses with multiple cats.

    It affects chiefly kittens older than 6 weeks but cats of any age may show signs of illness. It might cause ocular and nasal discharge with little to no sneezing, with characteristic crusts around eyes and nose. Kittens might be reluctant or stop eating altogether due to painful ulcers in the palate, tongue or lips. Generally, patients will be alert and in good body condition.

    Uncomplicated infections are relatively simple to resolve, usually resolving within 3 to 5 days. Complications may arise from opportunistic infections that will use the fact that the virus has damaged the normal integrity of the airways and settle in with much less impediment. Complicated cases might evolve into severe pneumonia that requires a much heavier medical intervention than an uncomplicated infection and they tend to present with fever.

    Vaccination is an important cornerstone in the management of this pathology. The vaccine for the Feline Calicivirus is considered a core vaccine and should be given to all cats, as early as 6 weeks. In colonies with severe issues with this infection, kittens may be vaccinated a little early. If you feel your colony or cattery are at a higher risk, ask your vet about the best protocol for your particular situation.

    Would you like to know more about cats? Check our Feline Courses:

    Feline courses

    Cats, Dogs

    The dangers of rock salt

    dogs-50-the-dangers-of-rock-salt

    The de-icing of roads is commonly done with a mixture of gravel and rock salt. It acts by lowering the freezing point of water, meaning that a lower temperature is required for water to freeze on pavements, roads and assorted other pathways.

    Rock salt is common table salt, sodium chloride, in its crystal form.
    When in crystal form, the mineral is called halite and there are several salt mines all over the UK that supply the government with de-icer.

    As such, in normal quantities like the ones you’d find in food, salt has no ill effects for either us or our pets, provided everyone is healthy. However, the accidental ingestion of rock salt used to de-ice roads is in such a high quantity that will be harmful to our pets.

    All fluids, including of course bodily fluids, are bound by osmosis. Osmosis is a property of solutions that says that compounds in two different solutions will always travel in the direction of the solution with the least concentration.

    In a more practical example, when a dog licks salt off their paws after a walk on salted roads, there will be a lot of salt ingested. This sodium will be absorbed into the blood stream and increase dramatically the osmotic power of blood. This will cause cells, who house a lot of water, to try and balance out concentration by losing water into the bloodstream. The cells that suffer the most with osmotic imbalances in the body are nervous system cells.

    The loss of water provoked by ingesting too much salt is what causes the most damages in situations like this, damaging the structural integrity of the cell with a posterior haemorrhage of meningeal vessels.

    What happens then to a dog that has ingested too much rock salt? They might experience vomiting, diarrhoea, lethargy, depression, difficulty walking, seizures and even coma if the situation is too severe.

    To avoid situations like this, try to avoid the heavily de-iced roads when walking your dog. If you can’t avoid it, wash your furry friend’s paws thoroughly after that invigorating winter walk to avoid any ingestion when they lick at their paws.

    If your dog has been exhibiting these symptoms (lethargy, vomiting, seizures…) and you suspect they might have had contact with rock salt, bring them to your vet immediately!

    Would you like to know more about cats and dogs? Check our Feline and Canine Courses:

    Feline courses

    Canine courses

    Cats

    Diabetes mellitus in cats

    cats-33-diabetes-mellitus-in-cats

    Many owners will be familiar with diabetes mellitus, as it’s an unfortunately common disorder in humans and there have been many public health initiatives towards making diabetes a known issue.

    Diabetes mellitus is an endocrine disorder that influences the mechanism that regulates sugar concentration in blood. Our organism’s capacity to maintain a relatively stable concentration of glucose circulating in the blood stream is one of the most important homeostatic functions. Glucose is the chief energy source of our body and any extreme fluctuations, either too little or too much, will be extremely harmful.

    Insulin is the hormone responsible for reducing the excess blood sugar to normal levels and making glucose available as an energy source. It is produced in the pancreas by secretory cells called β-cells and in the most common form of diabetes in cats there is a progressive destruction of these cells.

    There are several clinical signs to look out for in our furry friends: increased urine production, increased water intake, increased appetite and unexplained weight loss. Try to keep an eye on their behaviour too. Diabetic cats might be more lethargic, interact less with the family and not be able to do as much grooming, so they end up looking rather unkempt.

    If all the signs mentioned above are missed or devalued, it might evolve to include neuropathy of the pelvic limbs (limb weakness, ataxia and incapacity to jump) and diabetic ketoacidosis.

    Diabetic ketoacidosis is a serious complication of untreated diabetes or of incorrectly supplemented insulin therapies. This causes many ill effects and is a medical emergency, so if you see vomit, lethargy, depression, high respiratory rate, weight loss, icterus or lowered body temperature in a diabetic cat or a cat that may have diabetes, don’t hesitate in bringing them in to the vet!

    Unfortunately, diabetes mellitus is often a chronic disease that has no cure however, it can be medically controlled and your cat can have a long, healthy life. It’s important that the earliest diagnostic possible is made to begin a successful management of insulin, sugar levels and not risk further complications.

    If you think you cat might have diabetes mellitus, take them to the vet and share your concerns. Even after a successful diagnosis and therapy, it’s important to check in with your vet frequently to make sure everything is still running smoothly.

    Would you like to know more about cats? Check our Feline Courses:

    Feline courses

    Horses

    Importance of adequate nutrition for orphaned or sick foals

    horse-43-importance-of-adequate-nutrition-for-orphaned-or-sick-foals

    Foals of different ages will have differing nutritional requirements. As such, the proper dietary composition will change as the foal grows. This is especially important as they develop from a newborn to a weanling.

    The transition from being fed exclusively via the placenta, with maternal energy sources to the foal having to procure their own energy is a stressful metabolic transition. Normal neonatal (newborn) foals are at risk of hypoglycaemia, due to high metabolic rates and transition from womb life to outside life, and sick neonates are even more at risk of falling into severe hypoglycaemia. Hypoglycaemia, also called low blood sugar, can cause weakness, abnormal gait, collapse, intolerance to movement and if severe and unresolved, it might lead to seizures or death.

    Foals, and baby animals in general (like lambs or calves), are particularly sensitive to adverse conditions like hunger and cold because they do not have energy or fat stores to draw upon in time of stress. Added to that, they have immense growth in a relatively short amount of time. A newborn foal of a light breed will gain in excess of 1 to 1.5 kg of body mass per day. In their first few days of life, a baby horse will consume from 15% to 25% of their bodyweight in milk, or about 8 to 15 litres of milk. Foals will begin to consume and adequately process solids within several weeks of life via a gradual transition from a milk exclusive diet to a forage based diet.

    As such, an adequate and proper nutrition is paramount in dealing with abnormal situations such as an orphan or sick foal.

    There are many ways to rear these animals into amazing, healthy adults but it’s something that requires solid knowledge of the horse’s needs and a strong commitment to make sure things like hypoglycaemia or digestive issues won’t hurt your animal. This is a situation that requires the expertise and attention of a vet, so if you find yourself in hands with a young horse with special needs don’t hesitate to contact your clinician and they will advise you on how to best proceed and help you create a feeding plan that fits their needs.

    If you would like to know more about equine nutrition have a look at our course at: https://www.thepetprofessionals.co.uk/courses/product.php?u=P5T7PJ9EAJBCEAKZTKJ4XMRH

    Would you like to know more about horses? Check our Equine Courses:

    Equine courses

    Cats

    Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in cats

    cats-32-hypertrophic-cardiomyopathy-in-cats

    Having a dodgy ticker isn’t just limited to people, much to our feline friends’ chagrin they can suffer from heart problems pretty much in the same way.

    Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is a rather big, mean looking word for a relatively common heart problem in our kitties. Hypertrophic means that the muscle that composes the heart is much larger than what it should be and cardiomyopathy means the problem is in the heart muscle.

    It’s not known why the heart walls thicken so dramatically but some breeds like Maine Coon and Ragdoll have mutations in a gene that codes for a cardiac protein. This dysfunction is implicated in hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, however, a large majority of the cases we don’t know the cause.

    It manifests at a mean age of 5 to 7 years with a larger predominance towards male cats.

    The clinical signs that should be looked out for are difficulty breathing, not wanting to move much, vomiting, not wanting to eat, fainting (called a syncope) and if it progresses enough there might be sudden death due to heart failure. Discerning owners that also have dogs might know that that the usual cause of doggy heart issues causes cough (because of fluid build-up in the lungs secondary to heart failure) but cats usually do not have cough due to heart problems.

    It sounds a bit of a contradiction, if the heart has more muscle it should work better, not worse. While at first, there might be more powerful contractions and better blood ejection to the whole body, the excess muscle soon starts failing. What’s worse is the chamber affected is the left ventricle. This chamber receives a large quantity of oxygenated blood from the left atrium and distributes it towards all tissues and the muscle will occupy a significant portion of it. All problems stem from this lack of chamber volume and the progressive weakening of the muscles because it’s harder for the blood to enter it, so a huge spike in blood pressure in the lungs happens and organs will have insufficient blood supply.

    Unfortunately, while it can be managed to an extent it cannot be cured and cats afflicted with this and showing clinical signs have a reduced life expectancy.

    Keep an eye on your cat’s tick tacking heart and if you see any of the above, take them in to your vet’s for a check-up. The earlier its diagnosed, the better it can be managed.

    Would you like to know more about cats? Check our Feline Courses:

    Feline courses

    Dogs

    Bloat or gastric dilation in dogs

    dogs-49-bloat-or-gastric-dilation-in-dogs

    Gastric dilation or bloat is a condition that all dog owners should be familiar with, since it can be deadly if it is not diagnosed and treated on time.

    Dogs affected by this condition present a distended stomach filled with gas and/or fluid, rotated along its short axis. This will lead to pain, cardiac arrhythmias, respiratory distress, shock and eventually death.

    Owners that have seen their dog suffer from this condition often describe signs such as anxious behaviour, abdominal pain, with pets often pacing trying to find some comfort, unproductive retching, vomiting thick saliva, an elevated respiratory rate, sometimes visible abdominal distension, and collapse.

    Although the mechanism involved is not entirely understood, it is thought that this condition can be caused and influenced by several factors. The chances of a dog suffering from bloat seem to be affected by genetics as well as environmental factors.

    This condition is more commonly seen in large or giant breeds of dogs such as the German Shepherd, the Standard Poodle, the Great Dane, and the Irish Setter, among others. Dogs that are older, deep-chested, and with abnormal gastric motility are at a higher risk of gastric dilation. Bloat is very uncommon in small dogs and in cats.

    If you notice any of the previously mentioned signs on your dog, do not hesitate and get him or her to the vet! Quick gastric decompression is key for the dog’s survival and to reduce the chances of further complications.

    The recommendations to prevent this problem include feeding your canine companions with two to three smaller meals a day instead of offering just one large meal and avoid using an elevated platform to place their bowl. There was a time where it was thought that using a bowl normally placed on the floor might encourage dogs more susceptible to bloat to swallow more air (aerophagia). However, over time, it has been shown that feeding your dog from an elevated platform is also a factor that predisposes to the occurrence of this condition.

    Would you like to know more about dogs? Check our Canine Courses:

    Canine courses

    Cats

    Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLv) in cats

    cats-31-feline-leukemia-virus-felv-in-cats

    If you are a cat owner you have probably heard of this disease before. The Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV) is a retrovirus that affects cats all over the world.

    Our feline companions become infected through close contact, primarily through saliva. The virus is passed among cats that spend a lot of time together, as they share food and water bowls, use the same litter boxes and often groom each other. Kittens can be infected through their mother’s placenta or when she licks and nurses them. Entire male cats allowed to roam are also at a higher risk of becoming infected since these cats often fight and bite each other.

    Once a cat is infected, the virus starts replicating in the respiratory epithelium, salivary glands and it can replicate in the bone marrow. The outcome of this disease depends on the age, immune status and genetics of the cats involved as well as the pathogenicity of the virus and virus concentration. In general, young and immunosuppressed cats have a higher probability of developing a progressive infection.

    Cats that develop a progressive infection can present several FeLV-related disorders such as anaemia, immunosuppression (cats become more susceptible to secondary infections), immune-mediated diseases, stomatitis, and reproductive, digestive and neurologic problems. This virus is also capable of oncogenesis, which means it can be responsible for the appearance of malignant tumours such as lymphoma, leukemia, and other hematopoietic tumours.

    Although this condition can be fatal, with cats succumbing about three years following their diagnosis, other cats can stay healthy for many years. Survival rates are also much higher for single cats, living indoors that receive appropriate veterinary assistance (flea/tick treatment, worming, vaccination, neutering, etc.).

    Cats diagnosed with FeLV should be fed a good quality diet (avoid uncooked food and unpasteurized milk due to the risk of bacterial and parasitic infections), visit the vet frequently for check-ups and it is also recommended to keep these cats indoors to avoid further transmission of the virus.

    The Feline Leukemia Virus is very fragile, being susceptible to soaps, disinfectants and variations in temperature. It will become inactivated in the environment within minutes and this is why very close contact is necessary for transmission.

    The prevalence of this disease has decreased over time, possibly due to more effective control measures and to the increased number of cats being vaccinated. It is important to keep in mind that the vaccine does not guarantee 100% protection against progressive infection, but is has been an important factor in reducing the prevalence of this disease.

    Testing for FeLV and applying measures to prevent healthy cats from being exposed to this virus is the most effective way to prevent this infection from spreading. It is recommended for owners to get their cats tested. This infection has very serious health consequences not only for infected cats but also for healthy cats.

    Would you like to know more about cats? Check our Feline Courses:

    Feline courses