Dogs

Alabama Rot Disease

Dogs 41 - Alabama Rot Disease

Alabama Rot Disease, scientifically known as cutaneous and renal glomerular vasculopathy, was first identified in the USA in the 1980s, affecting almost exclusively greyhounds. In the UK, the first reported cases were from the New Forest Area but more recently new cases of this disease have been described throughout the UK. The cause of Alabama Rot Disease is still unknown and it’s currently under investigation.

Affected dogs start by showing skin lesions, sores, wounds, and blisters, especially on their face or limbs. Over the next 2 to 7 days, they can develop acute kidney failure which can lead to death. At this stage the dog may be vomiting and lethargic.

Considering the cases that have been reported so far, it doesn’t seem to exist any breed, body weight, sex or age predisposition for this disease.

Through clinical signs, history and blood test results, vets can suspect a dog is suffering from Alabama Rot Disease, but unfortunately a definitive diagnosis can only be made through pathology results obtained from an animal that has passed.

Although scary and serious, this disease is not common and chances of a full recovery increase if a dog is treated early. The number of dogs affected with skin lesions and kidney failure remains low (56 confirmed cases across the UK between November 2012 and May 2015). Most of the times a skin problem will not be caused by Alabama Rot Disease and even if the skin changes are caused by it, many dogs will not develop kidney problems and will have a full recovery.

Since the cause is still unknown there aren’t any preventive measures we can recommend. If your dog has blisters or ulcers anywhere in his or her body bring him or her to the vet. Please remember that dogs treated in the early stages of this disease are more likely to have a better prognosis!

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

Canine courses

Cats

Overweight cats

Cats 16 - Overweight cats

Cat obesity affects one out of three adult cats in the UK and it is very important for owners to be aware of this problem. It is recommended for pet owners to monitor their pets’ weight and body condition, so they can act and help their pets return to their normal weight, if necessary.

Being overweight can have a significant impact in your pet’s life. They will feel tired and breathless with only mild exercise and many cats will struggle with their daily grooming. Overweight pets are also at a greater risk of developing more serious health issues such as diabetes, osteoarthritis, lower urinary tract problems, constipation, respiratory problems, heart disease, heatstroke and even reproductive disorders.

The primary reason for a cat to gain weight and eventually become obese lies in the fact that they are consuming more energy than they are expending. There are several factors that contribute to this problem: age, level of activity, lifestyle (indoor or outdoor), neutering, and of course, their diet.

There is a lot you can do to help your feline friend become fit and healthy. Please remember that food is only part of the cause – your cats’ environment and lifestyle will also affect their weight. In particular, lack of exercise can pile on the pounds, so it’s a good idea to encourage your cat to stay active in order to burn off any excess energy.

Here is what we recommend:

  • Daily playtime to encourage exercise: many cats enjoy climbing, scratching towers and spending time chasing a ball or a ‘fishing’ toy; you can also put some of their food into a special feeding ball, which they’ll need to play with to release the food inside
  • Portion control: try not to overfeed your pet by following the guidelines on the food package
  • Seek veterinary assistance: your vet can help you start introducing some changes to your cat’s usual routine, as well as recommend a specific lower calorie diet that can help you manage your pet’s weight.
  • Treats: be responsible with the amount of treats you feed your pet with; choose healthy treats

It is very important for your cat’s weight loss to be slow and steady, as a rapid weight loss is dangerous and can also lead to serious health problems. Follow your vet’s advice and remember that the treatment for obesity is focused on weight loss and on maintaining a healthy weight in the long term.

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

Feline courses

Cats, Dogs

Has your pet ever eaten something he or she wasn’t supposed to?

Dogs 39 - Has your pet ever ate something he or she wasn’t supposed to
If there is one thing pet owners should keep in mind is to be careful with what their pets have access to.

Our pets can eat the most unbelievable things and in relatively large amounts. Vets know this very well as they are the ones who frequently treat these cases. That is why we wanted to share with you some of the stories from the “They ate what?!” contest.

This competition has been running since 2006 in the United States and showcases the unusual and often funny situations lived by veterinary surgeons and pet owners, when their pets decide to eat things they really shouldn’t.

The X-ray that won first place in 2015 belonged to Zeus. Zeus is a one year old Doberman who loves to chase golf balls. Apparently Zeus also loves to eat them. When his owner noticed Zeus wasn’t eating and not feeling quite like himself he took him to the vet. An X-ray showed this mischievous dog had swallowed 26 golf balls!

The X-ray that won second place belonged to a 10-week old Labrador, who had eaten the end of a fishing pole and the X-ray that won third place found a door hinge in 6-month-old lab.

Among the extraordinary entries you can also find the X-ray of a cat who swallowed several small coins or Yogi the cat’s X-ray that showed he had eaten more than 30 hair ties and other string-type objects. Danner, a 4-month-old male English cocker spaniel, was found by its owner “looking full and feeling crunchy”. The poor dog’s abdomen felt and sounded like a bag of rocks. It turns out the Danner had ingested 2.6 pounds of rocks!

Last year’s entries of this competition are equally impressive. A 3-year-old Grate Dane ingested 43 and half socks and Cody, a 10-month-old golden retriever swallowed a light bulb. You can have a look at their stories and incredible X-ray’s at:

http://www.veterinarypracticenews.com/2015Xraycontestwinners/

http://www.veterinarypracticenews.com/2014-X-Ray-Contest-Winners/

Please be careful with what you leave lying around your pet. Although it doesn’t seem to make sense to us, unfortunately many pets will eat unusual items!
Would you like to know more about cats and dogs? Check our Feline and Canine Courses:

Feline courses

Canine courses

Horses

Looking after your horse during winter

 

Horse-32---Looking-after-your-horse-during-winter
Winter can be difficult for horses especially if they are kept outside all year round but they will cope better if their owners provide them with extra care and attention.

A safe and stable field shelter is a great option for horses kept outside to have somewhere to go when the weather gets worse. It is very important to keep it clean, dry and with an area of clean bedding.

If possible try to keep an adequate working routine as it is very important for your horse’s health and wellbeing. Working horses and horses that are turned out will not have as much to eat outside and will need more food so don’t forget to always adjust feeding accordingly. It is always a good idea to keep an eye on your horse’s body condition score. To put it in a simple way, in a horse with a normal body condition score you should be able to feel the horse’s ribs when applying a light pressure with your hand on their ribcage.

If you can feel your horse’s ribs easily the horse is underweight and if you need to press a little harder to feel the horse’s ribs, your horse is probably overweight. Thin horses will be more susceptible to the cold and will lose weight in order to keep their body temperature.

Check on your horse twice a day and if possible, visit your horse early in the morning as this means you’ll have daylight if anything needs to be sorted out. Make sure there is always clean and unfrozen water available for your horse. Studies have shown that horses will drink a lot more if the water is slightly warm so please do not hesitate to add some warm water to your horse’s water buckets just to take the chill off. An adequate water intake is very important to keep their intestine working properly and to prevent colic.

Depending on your horse’s age, breed, on how much work your horse is doing and how sheltered your fields are, a rug may be recommended. Owners should remove their horse’s rug once a day to check underneath and make sure everything is looking normal.

It is also recommended to keep an eye on any signs of mud fever. Mud fever is common during this time of the year. If a horse stays wet and muddy for too long it could damage their skin, leading to the appearance of cracks and scabs usually on their lower limbs. This skin condition can lead to an active bacterial infection.

The best way to prevent mud fever is to clean the mud and dirt from your horse’s legs using tepid water and towel-drying them afterwards.

Our last recommendation is to make arrangements with someone you trust and has some experience to take care of your horse if you are delayed or if you cannot be there for some reason.

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

Equine courses

Cats

Antifreeze is extremely harmful for cats!

Cats 15 - Antifreeze is extremely harmful for cats!

Antifreeze is highly toxic for pets. This substance is easily found in households all over the UK during the cold months, since it is commonly used to de-ice windshields after a cold night.

Antifreeze and water coolant from cars contain ethylene glycol, a chemical that is extremely poisonous for pets if ingested, even in very small amounts. This type of poisoning leads to kidney failure and it is often fatal. Cats are particularly sensitive to the damaging effects of this substance.

Common signs of antifreeze poisoning include appearing uncoordinated, vomiting, depression, lethargy, breathing difficulties, fits and ultimately death.

Cats usually have access to this chemical when it leaks from a car’s engine or when it is spilled somehow. It is not uncommon for cats to hide under cars for warmth during the colder months and if the liquid is leaking, the puddle that forms on the ground is very likely to be the only liquid that is not frozen around the area. An outdoor thirsty cat will easily find it and drink it. Cats can also step on the liquid and swallow it when they groom their coat or their paws afterwards.

The best way to avoid these accidents is to check your car regularly to ensure it is not leaking water coolant. It is also recommended storing antifreeze in secure containers, safely kept away from pets. Spills should be cleaned up as quickly as possible to avoid the possibility of a cat drinking or stepping on this substance.

If you notice any of the previously mentioned signs on your pet or if you suspect he or she may have ingested ethylene glycol, please do not hesitate and take him or her to the vet immediately. Early treatment is your pet’s best chance of survival and recovery!

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

Feline courses

Cats, Dogs

Holiday hazards for pets

 

Dogs 38 - Holiday hazards for pets
There are only a few more days left until Christmas and although this is a wonderful time of the year it has many potential dangers for our pets, especially if owners are not aware of them.

Christmas food is definitely on top of our list! The festive season is usually filled with sweets, chocolates, mince pies, Christmas cakes and Christmas puddings. All these foods should be kept away from our furry companions since they contain many substances that are toxic for them.

Chocolate contains theobromine, which is poisonous for dogs and cats. Chocolate poisoning in dogs is very common during this time of the year and affected dogs will often present diarrhoea, vomiting, hyperactivity, incoordination, and even fits (seizures). The higher the cocoa content, the more toxic the chocolate will be for our pets.

Xylitol is a very common sweetening agent used as a sugar substitute in sugar-free chewing gum, sweets, cakes, biscuits and it is also commonly used in coffee or tea. Xylitol is dangerous because it causes a sudden drop in our pet’s blood sugar levels, eventually leading to liver damage.

Although neither the toxic agent nor the process involved are entirely known, there have been many cases of dogs that developed kidney failure after ingesting grapes, raisins and sultanas. Please keep all the mince pies, Christmas cakes and Christmas puddings away from them.

Other toxic foods include macadamia nuts, onions and garlic which means that owners shouldn’t feed anything to their pet that might contain any of these ingredients. Feeding our pets with our Christmas meal leftovers is also not recommended not only because those meals tend to have very high amounts of fat but also because it often contains bones. Bones are a choking hazard and can cause constipation or even damage on their intestines.

Christmas decorations can be dangerous as well as holly and mistletoe are also poisonous for pets if ingested. Curious and playful pets may try to chew and swallow ornaments, tree light cables tinsel and ribbons.

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

Feline courses

Canine courses

Cats, Dogs

Are you thinking of getting a new pet for Christmas?

 

Dogs 37 - Are you thinking of getting a new pet for Christmas
Christmas is a fun and happy time of the year. It’s all about celebrating, eating delicious food, spending time with your loved ones and getting lovely gifts for family and friends. During this time of the year it is very common for people to either get a new pet or to give a pet as a gift.

This seems to be the perfect present for pet lovers and for children. The days off work during the festive season are also very handy to spend some time enjoying the recently acquired puppy or kitten. Since Christmas is right on our doorstep, this seems to be a very good time to remind all future pet owners that a pet brings a lot of joy but it is also a huge responsibility.

We could not be more supportive of families getting new pets but many of these are brought home on an impulse, which often does not end well for them. Every year, hundreds of pets are left at pounds, charities or even abandoned during the months following Christmas. Once people realise all it takes to have a pet in their household, that pet is often no longer welcome.

Being a pet owner means you are responsible for every aspect of that pet’s life and that means that getting a pet is a decision that requires careful consideration.

Please remember that:

  • All pets need to be cared for on a daily basis
  • All pets grow up
  • All pets grow old
  • All pets will become ill at some point
  • Different pets have different needs

    • If you are considering getting a new pet please think very carefully if you have the time and if you are willing to dedicate your time to this pet. Ask yourself if you have the space to provide an adequate environment and if you can afford the costs of feeding, keeping and providing health care for your pet.

    There are far too many pets without a home living their lives in kennels and we, as a society, struggle to manage that situation every day. This Christmas please keep in mind that a pet is for life and not just for Christmas!
    Would you like to know more about cats and dogs? Check our Feline and Canine Courses:

    Feline courses

    Canine courses

    Cats

    Cough in cats

    Cats 14 - Cough in cats
    Many cat owners have probably seen their cat cough and wondered if that was just an occasional cough or if there was something else to it. It is normal for cats to cough every now and then, as there is always something in their environment that can irritate their airways and cause them to cough. It is also not uncommon for cat owners to mistake retching, a sound that cats often produce when they regurgitate hairballs with cough.

    If a cat’s cough seems to persist, if it becomes severe, productive or if you notice your cat starts showing other clinical signs such as being depressed or lack of appetite, then it is time to take your cat to the vet.

    There are several different causes of cough in our feline companions: a foreign body lodged in their air passages, pulmonary parasites, bacterial or viral infections (cat flu for example), heart disease and the most common cause, feline asthma.

    Feline asthma, chronic bronchitis, or allergic airway disease is usually triggered when cats inhales any substance that causes irritation in their airways. This means that feline asthma can be caused by common household cleaning sprays, dust, mould, pollens, cat litter dust, cigarette smoke and even perfume.

    When these substance are inhaled they will travel through the cat’s bronchial tree and not only there is contraction of the muscle that lines the bronchial tree but also mucous starts being produced to trap these agents and prevent them from advancing further into the cat’s lungs. All these reactions will trigger cough which basically tries to get rid of the mucous containing the irritating substances.

    The continuous irritation of the cat’s airways will result in the narrowing of those airways. This is why if your cat seems unwell and shows persistent cough it is very important to seek veterinary assistance. Some cats are just mildly affected, but others can develop more serious clinical signs. If left untreated the problem then becomes chronic and the narrowing of the cat’s airways is irreversible. The cat can have breathing difficulties and that the disease can be fatal.

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

    Feline courses

    Horses

    Head shaking in horses

    Horse 31 - Head shaking in horses
    Head shaking in horses is a condition that can simply be described as the shaking or nodding of the head in frequent, repetitive and involuntary movements as a response to pain or irritation of the head. These movements are often accompanied by snorting or sneezing.

    This condition varies a lot between horses, from horses that present mild signs while others can present more severe degrees of head shaking. Some horses might stumble during exercise or try to rub their nose even with one of their front legs, in an attempt to get rid of the unpleasant feeling.

    Head shaking is very distressing for the horse and it will affect their training as there is only so much horses can learn and evolve when they are struggling with such discomfort. Sadly, many horses suffering from head shaking are euthanized.

    There is an incredibly wide range of causes for headshaking in horses: allergies to pollen, dust or other aerosolised agents, parasites such as ear mites or ticks, neurological problems, dental issues, respiratory disorders, sensitivity to UV light, poorly fitting tack and stress.

    A successful treatment for this condition depends entirely on what is causing it. Owners should check their horse’s tack, especially the bridle and bit, and ensure they fit correctly. The treatment can involve new approaches in management, riding or changing the horse’s environment. Other solutions include the use of nose nets,UV masks, the use of contact lenses and medical therapy.

    This condition is being researched and new options of treatment are being suggested and tested. A recent study has verified that percutaneous electrical nerve stimulation under the effect of a local anaesthetic can reduce the signs of headshaking syndrome in horses suffering from trigeminal-mediated headshaking. The study reported that the treatment was well-tolerated and that most horses were able to return to their normal work routine.

    If you realise your horse is affected do not hesitate to seek veterinary assistance as it is very important to find the origin the problem in order for the treatment to be effective. Each case tends to be somewhat unique and the diagnosis is only achieved by testing different options and ruling out possible causes until the right one is found.

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

    Equine courses

    Dogs

    Canine ear infections

    Dogs 36 - Canine ear infections
    Unfortunately ear infections are common in dogs and although dogs with long or hairy ears such as Cocker Spaniels, Miniature Poodles or Old English Sheepdogs seem to be more susceptible, ear infections can affect any breed. Other predisposing factors include anatomical issues such as stenotic ear canals and increased moisture inside the ears of dogs that spend a lot of time in the water.

    This condition is easy to spot since dogs suffering from this type of infection will look very uncomfortable, and will frequently scratch their ears and shake their heads. As time goes by the dog’s ear becomes inflamed and painful. It is also common to observe an occasional black or yellowish discharge and an unpleasant smell coming from their ears. Many dogs will try to avoid having anyone touching their ears and they can even become aggressive.

    Ear infections can be caused by several different causes such as parasites (e.g. ear mites), foreign bodies (e.g. grass seeds), polyps, bacterial infections, yeast infections, allergies, food hypersensitivity and even tumours.

    It is recommended to keep an eye on your pet’s ears to detect any abnormalities early and if you realise your dog is showing any of these signs take him or her to the vet as soon as possible. Your vet will need to check your dog’s ears and the treatment will depend on what is causing the infection.

    Quite often the treatment will include ear drops and tablets that owners must administrate to their pets at home. The ear drops must be carefully administered or else your dog will easily get rid of it just by shaking its head.

    The dog’s external ear canal is “L” shaped and ends in the dog’s eardrum. To successfully apply the medication pull your dog’s ear flap straight up and hold it with one hand. Apply the drops into the vertical part of the ear canal and hold it up until the medication runs down the dog’s ear canal.

    Place one finger and you thumb at the base of the ear flap and gently massage the ear canal until you hear a squishing sound, which will indicate that the medication has gone further into the ear canal. After this stage you can let your dog shake its head.

    Keep an eye on your pet’s ears. Early detection and adequate treatment will save your beloved pet from a lot of discomfort and pain.

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

    Canine courses

    Just another WordPress site