Wednesday, May 29, 2013

Thunderstorm phobia in dogs, by Dr. Cindi Worral

Thunderstorm
Photo by Paul Dings
(Click to see original on Flickr.)
Summer is here and we all know what that means: vacations, barbeques, swimming, and thunderstorms. Unfortunately, some of our four-footed companions suffer from thunderstorm phobias. A phobia is defined as an excessive and irrational response to stimuli that is dysfunctional and disruptive to normal functioning. A dog suffering from thunderstorm phobia has responses which include physical, physiological, and emotional aspects. The physical response includes such things as attempts to escape, finding a safe place, shadowing their owner, hiding, pacing, whining, and barking. The physiological responses include an increase in heart rate, pupil dilation, salivation, and an increase in the release of stress hormones. The emotional is the subjective experience of terror.

Fear
Photo by Melissa K.
(Click to see original on Flickr.)
It is difficult to know why some dogs develop this phobia and others remain largely unaffected by storms. There may be a genetic factor since herding breeds tend to be over-represented. Sometimes negative experiences can trigger phobias, as well. Thunderstorm phobias usually begin when a dog is one to two years of age. However, a dog may begin with only mild signs which become exacerbated later in life during a particularly severe storm.

Many fears in dogs can be treated with desensitization, which means reproducing the fearful stimulus in a safe and calm environment. This does not work very well for thunderstorm phobia. You can certainly recreate the sound of thunder and even simulate lightning. However, it is not just these things that cause fear. It is almost impossible to duplicate the rain, wind, changes in the barometric pressure, and changes in the static electric fields. Static electricity may play a large role in the fear since many dogs will try to hide in places that are electrical grounds, such as bathtubs, showers, behind toilet tanks, and against metal radiators or pipes.

What can we do to help our pets during storms? There are actually quite a few things that can help alleviate the fear.

1. Be available and remain calm: Sometimes just being present and staying calm can help. Just remember, our dogs can pick up on our emotions easily so if we get stressed out, that will reinforce their fear. Try to engage your dog in a game with their favorite toy. Provide comfort, but don't coddle them, as that will reward the fearful behavior.

2. Find a safe place: Find someplace in the house that can be used as a safety zone. Ideally, it should be a smaller space with no windows, or a room where the windows can be covered with thick, lined curtains or cardboard. Basements are often the best places. Turn on the lights to help mask the lightning and play classical music. Try to engage your dog in some upbeat interaction, such as play or even leash walking him around the room. A solid sided crate may also help. However, the crate door should remain open. The room should also contain water, food, toys, and treats. At first, you will have to take your dog to the room. After a while, he may head there himself at the first sign of an impending storm.

3. Ant-anxiety attire: There are a few products on the market in this category. The Thunder Shirt and Anxiety Wrap provide light pressure over the dog's body to help him feel secure. It's very similar to swaddling an infant. The Storm Defender also provides an anti-static liner.

4. Natural supplements and remedies: There are many herbal and all natural remedies on the market to reduce fear and anxiety in dogs. Check with your veterinarian before using any of them to make sure it is not contra-indicated with any health issues affecting your dog. There are also pheromone diffusers and collars available. These contain synthetic dog appeasing pheromone, or D.A.P., which dogs naturally release when nursing.

5. Prescription anti-anxiety medications: For some dogs, none of the above recommendations seem to help. In these cases, anti-anxiety medications may be the only thing that can relieve their stress and fear. Many people are reluctant to "drug" their dogs. These medications are not meant to cause sedation and mask the fear, they actually help relieve the stress and fear the dog experiences. If you think your dog may benefit from an anti-anxiety medication, talk to your veterinarian.

Veterinary Practice News, Thunderstorm Phobia in Dogs- An Update, Aug. 18, 2011, Nicholas Dodman, BVMS, Dipl. ACVB DVM 360, Storm Phobias, Sept. 1, 2004, Karen L. Overall, MA, VMD, PhD, Dipl. ACVB, CAAB 

Written by Dr. Cindi Worral

Read more or contact Dr. Worral:

Dr. Cindi Worral
Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice
berks@lapoflove.com
www.lapoflove.com
(484) 504-9482

Dr. Worral services Berks County, parts of Western Montgomery County including Pottstown, Collegeville, Lansdale, Norristown, and King of Prussia and parts of Northern Chester County including Coventry, Phoenixville, and Honeybrook Some of Southern Lehigh County, including Macungie, Allentown and Emmaus.

Friday, May 24, 2013

In the aftermath of a terrible tornado, ray of light

"Sporting fresh scrapes and bruises and gesturing towards the rubble left in the spot where her house used to lie, [Barbara Garcia] spoke with a news crew from CBS News about crawling out of the hiding spot she had identified 30 years ago and searching for her terrier, lost when the tornado hit. "I hollered for my little dog," Garcia said. "He didn't answer, or didn't come. So I know he's in here somewhere." Moments later, a member of CBS's news crew spots a small, dark grey head poking out of the rubble."

View the video to see the wonderful rescue of this little dog:
http://blog.al.com/wire/2013/05/dog_rescue_lifts_spirits_in_th.html 

Thursday, May 9, 2013

Bufo Toad Toxicity, by Dr. Laura Allison

Photo courtesy of the University of Florida Wildlife Extension
At this time of year during the rainy season, it is especially important to be award of Bufo Marinus, commonly known as the Bufo Toad. This particular toad causes a major threat to our pets, especially small dogs. The Bufo toad secretes a white toxin from the skin when licked or mouthed by a dog, thereby causing the toxin to be rapidly absorbed by the mucous membranes in the dog’s mouth. Bufo toads abound in spring and summer and are most active at dusk and dawn. Additionally, they can be seen during the day in areas with much shrubbery and gardens where there is plenty of shade.

Symptoms occur very quickly and include profuse salivation, brick red gums, pawing at the mouth, incoordination and difficulty breathing. If intervention does not occur, seizures and death may follow. As mentioned, puppies and small dogs are most at risk due to their size and the severity of the amount of toxin exposure. The more toxin per pound absorbed into the bloodstream, the poorer the prognosis. In the event your dog has come into contact with a Bufo, the first thing to do is rinse the dog’s mouth out copiously
for 5-10 minutes with a water bottle, garden hose or sink sprayer. Do not allow the dog to swallow the water and do not force water down the throat, this will only enable more toxin to be absorbed. Rinse the mouth side to side with the head facing downward if possible. A wash cloth saturated with water may be used to wipe out the mouth if the dog will not tolerate a hose or sink sprayer. Be sure to use caution as a panicked pet may inadvertently bite you while you are trying to rinse the mouth. After rinsing the mouth copiously, make your way to your veterinarian or to an emergency clinic if your regular veterinary office is closed.

There is no anti-toxin to reverse these effects but supportive care provided by your veterinarian is crucial. If seizures have occurred, your veterinarian will be able to give anti-convulsants to stop the seizures and monitor the vital signs such as your dog’s heart rate. Uncontrolled seizure activity can cause an elevated temperature and the toxin can cause an irregular heartbeat. Intravenous fluid therapy can be used to decrease fever along with cool water baths. If the heart is beating irregularly, anti-arrhythmic cardiac drugs are available to correct this issue. Early intervention and follow up with a veterinarian is critical to saving the life of your beloved pet.

To prevent exposure to a Bufo toad, pet parents should first be aware of what this toad looks like; from younger toads to the adult stage. These are not frogs, which tend to be colorful and have webbed feet. Bufos can grow to be quite large, up to 9 inches in length with bumpy brown skin. In rainy weather, they are more likely to be found in the grass in your yard. Be sure to check swimming pools, ponds and other areas where these toads will be likely to congregate. Try to keep dogs on a leash at all times, controlling their exposure to plants, hedges and shrubbery. Bufo toads eat a variety of foods, including pet food. Minimize exposure by not leaving pet food in areas where toads could have access to it. Raise food bowls if pets are fed outside and clean bowls immediately after feeding time. If your yard is fenced, you can place chicken wire around the bottom of the fence making it more difficult for toads to gain entry to your yard.

Recognizing the Bufo, securing your dog’s environment and knowing what to do in case of intoxication can make all the difference. Prepare an emergency plan ahead of time by knowing your vets hours of operation and where the local emergency clinic is. Carry a water bottle with you on walks, pay attention to the dog’s environment and avoid times of the day the Bufo is most active. Most of all, remember to rinse out your dogs mouth if exposed, this step is perhaps the most important and can make the difference between a minimal exposure and a life-threatening tragedy.

Written by Dr. Laura Allison


Read more or contact Dr. Allison:
Laura Allison, DVM

Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice
(954) 778-8908
Pompano Beach, FL
drallison@lapoflove.com  |  www.lapoflove.com

Dr. Allison services Broward County, including Pompano Beach, Lighthouse Point, Hillsboro Beach, Deerfield Beach, Coconut Creek, Oakland Park, Wilton Manors, Coral Springs, Tamarac, Plantation, Sunrise, Lauderhill, Oakland Park, Ft. Lauderdale, Aventura, Miramar, Hollywood, Davie, Pembroke Pines, Cooper City, and Weston.

Thursday, May 2, 2013

Does my cat have diabetes? By Dr. Charles Jameson

Photo courtesy of:
http://www.catbreedsjunction.com/feline-diabetes.html
The technical term for feline diabetes is diabetes mellitus, also known as “sugar” diabetes for its reference to excess glucose in the bloodstream. It is a complex, but common, disease similar to diabetes in humans, in which the cat doesn’t produce sufficient insulin or doesn’t process the insulin produced by its own body. Insulin is a hormone secreted by the pancreas in small amounts and helps to properly balance the blood sugar (glucose) levels in the blood. Glucose is the fuel that provides energy needed by the cells of the body to sustain life.

The types of diabetes in cats are based on the human classification system.

Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 form of diabetes is defined as an absolute insulin deficiency. In this form, the pancreas is not able to produce enough insulin to regulate the glucose in the bloodstream, leading to persistent high glucose levels in the blood. This type of diabetes is very rare in the cat.

Photo courtesy of: http://www.catbreedsjunction.com/feline-diabetes.html

Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes, the most common form of diabetes in cats, occurs when the cells in the cat's body don’t respond to the insulin that is being provided. As a result, the cat becomes hyperglycemic (high blood sugar), which may lead to having excess sugar in the urine.

No test can differentiate between Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes in the cat.

Photo courtesy of: http://www.catbreedsjunction.com/feline-diabetes.html

Type 3 Diabetes

Type 3 diabetes is also less common and may occur due to other conditions (e.g., secondary to another primary disease which may damage the pancreas).

While diabetes can affect any cat, older, obese and neutered male cats are more commonly associated with the disease. In addition, chronic pancreatitis, hormonal diseases and certain medications have shown a link to increased incidence of diabetes.

As in humans, diabetes is often seen in overweight cats because fat cells produce a substance that decreases the body's response to insulin (as occurs in Type 2 diabetes).

In addition, diet plays a major role in maintaining the cat's proper weight and nutrition, both of which are key determining factors in diabetic patients. Because cats are designed to consume mostly proteins and fats for energy in their diets, high carbohydrate diets may lead to weight gain and increased incidence of diabetes in many cats.

Further, diabetes is more prevalent in older cats, neutered male cats and felines with a history of pancreatic disease, hormonal imbalances and use of certain medications

Your first vet visit: diagnosing feline diabetes

Your veterinarian can diagnose diabetes with a simple, in-office physical examination of the cat and laboratory tests, which will determine if there is an abnormally high level of sugar in the bloodstream and urine.

Your veterinarian may ask if your cat has exhibited any of the following symptoms, indicating a possibility of feline diabetes:
  • Increased thirst
  • Sudden increase in appetite
  • Sudden weight loss (despite an increase in appetite)
  • Increased urination
  • Increased lethargy

Understanding your cat's diagnosis

The food your cat eats is broken down into glucose during the digestion process. Glucose is the fuel that provides energy needed by the cells of the body to sustain life. As glucose enters the bloodstream, the cat's pancreas secretes insulin. Insulin is a hormone released in small amounts to properly balance the blood sugar (glucose) levels in the blood.

Feline diabetes is similar to human diabetes, and occurs when your pet either doesn't produce or is unable to process insulin, a hormone that helps regulate glucose or sugar in the bloodstream.

Just like humans, diabetic cats are diagnosed primarily with Type 2 diabetes.The types of diabetes in cats are based on the human classification system.

Type 1 Diabetes

Type 1 form of diabetes is defined as an absolute insulin deficiency. In this form, the pancreas is not able to produce enough insulin to regulate the glucose in the bloodstream, leading to persistent high glucose levels in the blood. This type of diabetes is very rare in the cat.

Type 2 Diabetes

Type 2 diabetes, the most common form of diabetes in cats, occurs when the cells in the cat's body don't respond to the insulin that is being provided. As a result, the cat becomes hyperglycemic (high blood sugar), which may lead to having excess sugar in the urine.
No test can differentiate between Type 1 or Type 2 diabetes in the cat.

Type 3 Diabetes

Type 3 diabetes is also less common and may occur due to other conditions (e.g., secondary to another primary disease which may damage the pancreas).

My cat has just been diagnosed with diabetes … now what?

Discovering that your pet has diabetes can seem overwhelming and scary especially since there is no cure. The good news is that feline diabetes is not a fatal diagnosis and with proper attention, your cat can live a happy and virtually normal life.

Learning how to monitor your cat's blood sugar levels will be one of the most important aspects of caring for your diabetic cat. Your veterinarian may run these tests in the hospital or may demonstrate how to test your cat's blood sugar levels at home, either through urine or blood sample testing.

Additionally, feeding your cat on a regular schedule will help prevent dips and spikes in the cat's glucose levels. Again, your veterinarian will discuss specific dietary changes and options to best fit your pet, your family and your lifestyle.

Finally, it's important to understand that you and your cat are not alone — the more you know about this disease, the easier it can be to manage. Our reference library provides links to additional resources and community blogs about feline diabetes to help keep you connected.

Hypoglycemia vs. hyperglycemia

Hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia is the medical term for low blood sugar. Diabetics have the opposite problem of hyperglycemia, or high blood sugar.

Diabetic cats can develop hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) when their diet and treatment is managed incorrectly. Symptoms of hypoglycemia include:

  • Abnormal hunger or disinterest in food
  • Restlessness
  • Weakness or lethargy
  • Shivering
  • Staggering or uncoordinated movements
  • Loss of eyesight
  • Disorientation
If your cat experiences symptoms of hypoglycemia it is recommended to contact your veterinarian for advice. In the meantime, you can try feeding the cat some of its normal food. If the cat is unwilling to eat, try encouraging the cat by offering a small amount of corn syrup on the food. In cases of extreme condition, contact your veterinarian and take your cat in immediately.

Hyperglycemia

Hyperglycemia is when your cat's blood sugar levels are too high, resulting in the primary symptoms of feline diabetes, including:
  • Increased thirst
  • Sudden increase in appetite
  • Sudden weight loss (despite an increase in appetite)
  • Increased urination
  • Increased lethargy
Generally, hyperglycemia is not life-threatening and can be controlled through administering insulin. Your veterinarian will work with you to develop a regimen for testing and controlling your cat's blood sugar levels to avoid hypo- and hyperglycemia.

Living with a diabetic cat

Each diabetic cat responds differently to different therapies. Some cats are easier to regulate; others require more complex types of treatment. Some cats can be treated successfully through changes in diet and with oral medications. In cats with more severe diabetes, insulin injections may be required for the remainder of their lives.

In general, treatment for diabetes falls into three categories:
  • Insulin injections
  • Oral hypoglycemic medications
  • Diet

Home monitoring & testing

Ongoing and frequent home monitoring of your cat's glucose level is important both for ensuring that diabetes is under control and the long-term health maintenance of your pet. Home monitoring usually results in less stress on the cat and allows for closer, more precise control of blood glucose levels on a regular basis, which helps avoid the risk of hypoglycemic episodes.

Home testing of glucose levels can be done with a similar type of blood glucose monitor used by humans. This method requires a small sample of blood that is taken from the cat for testing and generally provides an immediate reading of your cat's blood glucose level.

In addition to monitoring glucose levels through the blood, caretakers can use urine glucose monitoring. However, urine glucose monitoring is generally not as accurate due to the lag time for glucose to go from the blood to the urine in the cat's body.

It is recommended to consult with your veterinarian on the best way to monitor your cat's glucose. They can also provide valuable advice on which type(s) of monitors work best in cats, as well as train you on how to use and interpret the test results.

When at home, you also should continually be aware of your cat's appetite, water consumption and urine output to determine what is normal behavior. Changes in your cat's eating and drinking habits, weight and urine output can be a sign that there is a problem and veterinary attention is needed.

Diet

Along with insulin and oral medications, maintaining a proper diet for your cat is important in a successful treatment program. Obesity is a major risk factor for diabetes and insulin sensitivity in most cats. If your cat is overweight, you and your veterinarian can tailor a safe weight loss regimen. Some cats respond better to carbohydrate-restricted diets ( Catkins diet ) and some respond well to high-fiber, complex carbohydrate rations. In fact, some cats have been able to get off insulin after losing weight & staying on the low carb diet.

In addition to the type of diet fed, the feeding routine also is important, especially for cats receiving insulin injections. Ideally, a cat should be fed half its daily food requirement at the time of each injection, with the rest available throughout the day. When and how much to feed your cat should be discussed with your veterinarian as other factors may impact this process, (e.g., number of insulin injections/day or living in a multi-cat household).

Insulin injections

Most diabetic cats require insulin injections under the skin once or twice a day, depending on the diabetic severity, type of insulin used, dose, diet and other factors. Because each cat reacts differently to insulin, your veterinarian will most likely perform a blood glucose profile at various time points during the day to determine the proper insulin dosage and treatment program. Insulin dosage may change over time as the cat ages, and you may need to adjust the dosage based on new blood glucose profiles, test results and how the cat responds to therapy. It is very important to consult with a veterinarian before making any changes to your cat's insulin dose. Many factors are involved with a decision to increase or decrease dose and you want to avoid causing hypoglycemia in your cat. There are reports of some cats reverting back to being non-diabetic after being on certain insulins, as glargine.

There are several different types of insulin available for use in managing your cat's diabetes. Some of the most common include protamine zinc (PZI) insulins, lente insulins, Humulin® and other human-type products.

Oral hypoglycemic medications

Some healthy diabetic cats can be successfully treated with orally administered hypoglycemic medications that lower blood glucose levels. Often, the use of these medications requires frequent glucose monitoring to ensure the best results, and many cats still require insulin injections to achieve the highest level of control.

Ketones

Ketones are waste products of fatty acids that may build up in the bloodstream and urine of cats with diabetes. Ketones develop when the cat's body burns fat, instead of glucose, to fuel its body.

If your cat accumulates too many ketones in the body, diabetic ketoacidosis (DKA) may occur. This is a serious condition altering the pH and blood chemistry of your pet, and should be treated immediately.

Signs your cat may have diabetic ketoacidosis:
  • Drinking excessive water or no water
  • Excessive urination
  • Diminished activity
  • Not eating for 12 hours or more
  • Vomiting
  • Lethargy or depression
  • Weakness
  • Dehydration
  • Ketone odor on the breath (may smell like nail-polish remover or fruit)
Simple urine tests will alert you to the presence of ketones. If you discover ketones in your cat's urine sample, check to see if your cat is exhibiting any of the symptoms of diabetic ketoacidosis listed above. If the cat is generally alert and well-hydrated, simply treat the cat with your normal insulin regimen, provide the cat with continual access to food and water, and monitor the cat for signs of diabetic ketoacidosis. If the cat develops signs of DKA, contact your veterinarian immediately.

For more information on feline diabetes, please go to www.MyCatHasDiabetes.com

References
  1. Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc. What is Feline Diabetes?
    www.MyCatHasDiabetes.com 2013.
  2. Nunn, Lyn. Feline Diabetes: Cat Diabetes Types and Causes
    http://www.catbreedsjunction.com/feline-diabetes.html 2013.

Written by:

Charles Jameson, DVM
Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice:
Houston location


http://www.lapoflove.com