Did You Just Call My Pet "Geriatric"?

Many people know that pets age faster than people, or have heard the old saying that 1 dog year is equivalent to 7 human years.  Dogs and cats age at varying rates based on their size and breed, with smaller breed dogs and cats having longer lifespans, and larger breed dogs having shorter lifespans.

At Valley Veterinary Service, we consider any pet over 8 years of age to be a senior.   This may seem slightly arbitrary since a Great Dane and a Chihuahua will technically reach this stage of maturity at different ages based on their breed.  However, 8 years old is around the average, which we use to easily encompass all of our patients and help to simplify our recommendations.

So now that your pet is getting older, what can be done to help keep them comfortable, happy, and healthy throughout their golden years?  Just as your dog required different care as a puppy than they did as an adult, care for a senior pet is in a category all of its own, and you may need to think about making a few changes.     

Consider switching to a senior formula diet.  These diets tend to be lower in fat and calories to prevent obesity, higher fiber to aid in GI health and to help prevent constipation issues, and have higher-quality protein sources to help maintain muscle mass without putting too much strain on the kidneys.  Some senior formulas have added supplements such as glucosamine and chondroitin sulphate for joint health.

Have your pet checked by the vet with semi-annual exams. Pets age much faster than people.  Twice a year exams are recommended to help detect any issues quickly, in the early stages, when there may be more treatment options.  The doctor will check for cataracts and vision problems, periodontal disease, heart and lung problems, enlarged lymph nodes, lumps and bumps, pain, stiffness, or decreased range of motion in joints, monitor blood pressure, and palpate the abdomen for any discomfort, irregularly shaped or enlarged organs, or potential masses.  The majority of pets will not start to show signs of illness or disease until it has already started to progress.  For many senior pet health concerns, early detection is key to successful treatment.

Add in daily supplements.  Daily nutritional supplements can have a wide variety of benefits to help your pet age gracefully.  The sooner these supplements are started, the better they will work.

-Glucosamine/chondroitin: These supplements help to lubricate joints, ease pain and inflammation in joints, and slow down the progression of arthritis.

-Fish oil: The omega fatty acids, EPA and DHA, in fish oils have been found to help support joints, kidney and heart health, brain function and memory, and the immune system. 

-Probiotics: Basically live bacteria and yeast, probiotics help to support the overall health and wellness of your pet, keep the GI track healthy, help lower cholesterol levels, and boost the immune system. 

Consider running routine blood work. Running blood work when your pet is healthy gives us a normal baseline for your pet and helps the doctor monitor for trends or changes that can indicate early stages of disease when they are more manageable or easily treated.  A CBC (complete blood count) and biochemistry panel are recommended annually to monitor red blood cell, white blood cell, and platelet counts, hydration status, electrolyte balance, kidney, liver, and pancreas function, and to screen for diseases such as diabetes, Cushing’s disease, and some types of cancer.  Blood work may be recommended more often if your pet is taking certain medications or if we are treating a problem.

Monitor for weight loss or weight gain. Typically as pets get older they become less active and their metabolism slows down.  This can lead to weight problems, which shortens their lifespan and increases their risk for health issues (arthritis/mobility problems, heart issues, diabetes, etc.).  It’s important to monitor your pet’s calorie intake (switching to a lower calorie diet if needed) and to keep your pet active.  On the flip side, some geriatric patients have trouble maintaining their weight and may need calorie dense foods, vitamins, or supplements added to their diet.  You should schedule an appointment with your veterinarian if you are having trouble controlling your pet’s weight.  There are diseases that can seem to inexplicably cause your pet to lose or gain extra pounds.

Make environmental changes as necessary.  Consider your pets lifestyle and needs, and what you can do make getting older easier for them.

-Providing a comfy, heated bed for your pet can help to ease arthritis pain, especially on cold or rainy days.  Arthritis pain may also make it difficult to jump up on to the furniture, get into the car, or access the litter box.   Consider getting specially designed ramps or pet steps, and switch out litter boxes for ones with lower sides. 

-Place necessities (bed/food/water/litter) close by so they don’t have to travel far to get to them.  If they have to go all the way into the basement to access the litter box and then back upstairs to get to their food and water, and going up and down the stairs makes them feel achy, they may decide to go to the bathroom somewhere more convenient (like the bathroom rug), or start eating and drinking less leading to weight loss and dehydration.

-It is important to keep older pets active and mentally stimulated. Daily exercise helps keep joints from getting stiff, slows the progression of joint degeneration, and helps prevent memory loss. However, they will likely tire out faster and have decreased exercise tolerance compared to when they were young.  Keep play sessions and walks short, but increase their frequency. For example, take two short walks daily instead of one long one. Food puzzle toys are a great way to provide mental stimulation and keep the mind sharp, regardless of your pet’s age.

-Older pets may have trouble grooming themselves and require more frequent brushing, bathing, and nail trims. They may also not be able to wait as long to go outside to the bathroom, especially with certain diseases, and need to go outside more often.

If you have any questions or concerns about your senior pet, please don’t hesitate to call!  We can help to formulate a plan for your pet and their needs to help keep them as healthy as possible, as long as possible! 

There's No Such Thing As A Free Kitten

  

With kitten season in full swing, you might see “Free Kittens” being given away at flea markets, in newspaper ads, or on social media.  Or maybe you even stumbled upon your own stray little ball of fluff when she wandered into your back yard or you found her stranded alongside a busy road.  It may have cost you nothing to bring your new companion home, but this is a friendly reminder that, unfortunately, there is no such thing as a free kitten. 

As a vet clinic, we often hear surprised comments about how much their “free” kitten is actually costing them.  It’s easy to forget about the financial responsibility that comes along with caring for another living being when it’s love at first sight and you impulsively decide to give that sweet, adorable, innocent, helpless, tiny creature a loving home.  However, you also must remember that this sweet, adorable, innocent, helpless, tiny creature is a 15+ year commitment and will require regular preventative veterinary care in addition to any treatments needed when they get sick.  Add in non-veterinary related costs, such as food, litter, and toys, and the dollars will add up quickly.  Let’s break everything down. 

NEW KITTY SUPPLIES: $250

Including a cat bed, scratching post, litter boxes, litter scooper, cat carrier, food and water dishes, cat tree, collar with ID tag, and toys.

FIRST YEAR OF ROUTINE VETERINARY CARE: $513-$622

Including wellness examinations, vaccinations, testing for feline leukemia and feline immunodeficiency viruses, fecal analysis for intestinal parasites and deworming, spay/neuter with preanesthetic blood work, and microchipping.

YEAR SUPPLY OF PARASITE PREVENTATIVE: $170

Topical medication applied monthly to prevent fleas, ear mites, heartworm, roundworm, and hookworm.

RECURRING MONTHLY PURCHASES: $50-$100/month ($600-$1200/year)

Dry food, canned food, treats, cat litter, pet insurance, new toys, etc…

GRAND TOTAL FOR KITTY’S FIRST YEAR:

$1533-$2242 

That’s a pretty hefty price tag for your free kitten.  It doesn’t include care for any illnesses, injuries, or emergencies, which, depending on the problem, can cost a few hundred to a few thousand dollars to treat.  You can expect to spend another $1000-$1500 per year throughout the life of your kitty, assuming she is healthy and doesn’t develop any chronic illnesses.  Of course, the love, comfort, and companionship that your furry friend provides is priceless. 

So what if you bring a furry friend home but you’re on a tight budget?  A few options are available to help keep costs to a minimum:

-Some Humane Societies, who work with donations and grant money, are able to run low cost clinics for routine vaccinations and spaying or neutering.  Speaking of Humane Societies, adopting a cat through a shelter can be a huge money saver.  Though some adoption fees may seem expensive, if the kitty is already vaccinated, dewormed, spayed/neutered, and microchipped, in the long run you will be saving a significant amount of money. 

-Pet insurance may seem contrary if you are trying to be frugal, but investing in the monthly premium can help defer costs associated with veterinary care later down the road.

-Care Credit is a charge card that can be used at participating medical facilities and offers interest free financing, allowing you several months to pay off big veterinary bills instead of paying a large balance all up front.

We don’t mean to try to discourage anyone from pet ownership.  Having a pet brings so much joy, increases our quality of life, and has proven health benefits, like lowering blood pressure; having a pet is well worth the money.  We just want everyone to be informed and to have realistic expectations in order for your little kitty to have the proper care and to help keep her healthy and happy.    

Is Your Dog At Risk For Kennel Cough?

Kennel cough (infectious tracheobronchitis) is a contagious upper respiratory disease seen in dogs. It is transmitted through the air, and just like the common cold in people, there are several different organisms that can be the cause. Bordetella bronchiseptica m--, a bacterium, is one of the most common causes, which is why you may often hear kennel cough referred to as Bordetella.  It occurs more commonly in puppies and young dogs, but any dog can be at risk. The illness is often transmitted at kennels, grooming facilities, and shelters where dogs are exposed to other dogs. Since kennel cough is airborne, it is not completely eliminated by normal cleaning or disinfecting.

Dogs with kennel cough are usually bright and alert, but have a dry, hacking, forceful cough that sounds like a goose honk.  Some dogs may present other symptoms, such as sneezing or discharge from the eyes or nose.  Most dogs with kennel cough do not have a fever, and will still have a normal appetite and activity level. If your dog has these symptoms, contact your veterinarian for treatment. While many cases of kennel cough will resolve on their own, medication can help speed up the recovery process, minimize symptoms, and help to prevent secondary infections, like pneumonia. Similar to the common cold, kennel cough is not “cured”, but must run its course.  Most dogs will completely recover within 3 weeks. 

Dogs with kennel cough should be rested and kept in a relatively warm, well-humidified environment.  You may want to use a harness instead of a neck collar since pulling on a collar can aggravate the cough. They should also be kept away from any other dogs to prevent exposing them to this very contagious disease.  If your dog does not seem to be recovering as expected, you should follow up with your veterinarian since an ongoing kennel cough infection can lead to pneumonia.  Difficulty or rapid breathing, decreased appetite, and lethargy may be symptoms of a more serious condition and should be addressed by your veterinarian right away.

There is a vaccine available to prevent your dog from catching the contagious disease. If your dog will be going to grooming facilities, boarded at a kennel, or having contact with other dogs we recommend a Bordetella vaccine be given annually.  Remember that there are multiple different organisms that can lead to an infection, and the vaccine only protects against the most common organisms. Vaccination helps to reduce your dog’s risk, but it is possible that a vaccinated dog may develop kennel cough.  Choosing a kennel or groomer that requires all dogs to be vaccinated, and who use ventilation and/or air filtration systems can also help to reduce your dog’s risk of infection. 

What You Need To Know About Worms

There are four types of intestinal worms that are common in dogs: roundworms, tapeworms, hookworms and whipworms.  Only roundworms and tapeworms are common in cats.  Roundworms are long spaghetti-like worms that are occasionally seen in bowel movements or vomitus.  Tapeworms are flat, segmented worms. The segments may look like “grains of rice” in the animal’s hair around the rectum, in bedding or in bowel movements.  Hookworms and whipworms are detected only by their microscopic eggs passed in the stool.

Symptoms of a Parasite Infection

Worms cause a variety of symptoms depending on the type and severity of the infection.  These can include:  diarrhea, vomiting, cough, dull hair coat, pot-belly and anemia.  “Scooting” or dragging the hind end is a sign of itchiness.  It is usually associated with impacted anal sacs but occasionally with tapeworm infection.

How Do Pets Get Worms?

Worms are not spread by direct contact with an infected dog or cat.

Intestinal parasites are spread by ingestion of the parasite eggs, which are passed in the stool of an infected animal.  Sniffing the ground, eating grass, or even walking through an area containing parasite eggs and then licking their feet can lead to a parasite infection.  Puppies and kittens can get parasites directly from their mother during development or through the milk. Tapeworms are different in that their life cycle require an intermediate host.  They are contracted either by ingesting an infected flea or by eating an infected animal, such as a mouse or rabbit.  We recommend that puppies and kittens be checked for worms early and frequently.

Can Family Members Get Worms From a Pet?

Roundworms and hookworms are zoonotic, meaning they can be transmitted to people, but not directly by petting or handling an animal.  Eggs that are passed through the stool must be ingested.  On rare occasions, children have been infected by roundworms by eating soil that has been contaminated by roundworm eggs.  Hookworms can cause a skin-irritation when active larvae come in contact with feet, often from walking bare foot in the summer months.  Avoid ingestion of soil by washing garden vegetables and hands before eating.

How Are Worms Controlled?

Regular fecal examinations performed by a veterinarian are the only reliable way to detect the presence of intestinal parasites.  Identifying the type of parasite infection is important to determine proper medication.  Unfortunately, tapeworms are not often detectable in stool samples.  They are frequently diagnosed by the presence of segments on the animal’s fur.  Once parasites are identified, appropriate medication can be administered.  Generally, several treatments are needed to completely eliminate the parasite. There are preventative medications that can be given monthly to help prevent intestinal parasite infection.  These are mainly used as preventatives for heartworm disease, but can also be used to control intestinal parasites.  Garlic, brewer’s yeast, Hartz “Once a Month” dewormer and other over-the-counter or home remedies are not effective.  It takes 1-3 weeks for parasite eggs that are passed by an infected animal to develop to the stage where they are infective to another animal.  Frequent cleaning of the yard and proper disposal of stool (at least twice a week) is an important step in parasite control.  If dogs are tied or penned in the yard, they should be moved to a different area of the yard if possible to avoid re-infection. Once the eggs are present in the soil, they can persist for years and are practically impossible to eliminate. 

Mongolia Matters #2

There is so much knowledge and skill that we long to share with the veterinarians, students and pet owners here in Mongolia. We are doing our best each day to impart some nuggets of knowledge, some pearls of wisdom into those willing to learn. The Mongolian people are sharp and catch on quickly; it is the opportunity for quality education and experience that they are lacking.

We have been taking every opportunity to teach, sometimes one on one to veterinarians consulting about a case. There have been multiple cases of various kinds of trauma. Helping them learn to read x-rays is important, as at the Mongolian veterinary school, they don’t even have an x-ray machine. Finding alternative ways to treat conditions is another important thing. The medications available in this country are very limited, partly by government regulation and partly due to cost. On line ordering from a pharmacy for delivery is not available. One day we were attempting to locate insulin to treat a newly diagnosed diabetic poodle. So far, insulin has not yet been found even at the human pharmacies! Unfortunately, there isn’t an alternative treatment. It’s hard to accept, because in America, we take so much for granted as being readily available.

We both enjoy it when there is opportunity to teach a group of student interns or everyone in the clinic who is available. We have taught how to obtain a good history and perform a thorough physical examination, basic microscope care and usage, blood film preparation and film reading, obtaining cytology samples from growths, and introduction to the usage of ultrasound.  We have been working with the Chief Veterinarian, Lead Veterinarian and the Office Manager to develop standards for training procedures, evaluating staff, team building and marketing the clinic. The best teaching opportunities involve the whole V.E.T. Net staff when we each have had the opportunity to share a Bible lesson and our personal testimony about God’s graciousness to us. Next week we will get to share about working with your spouse in business, a subject we know extremely well after 34 years of married life!

Each day that we have assisted one of these wonderfully hospitable people here in Mongolia, we feel grateful to be part of God’s plan for the greater good in the world. Jesus was asked which the most important commandment was. Jesus answered, “The most important is, Hear of Israel: The Lord our God, the Lord is one. And you shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind and with all your strength. The second is this: You shall love your neighbor as yourself. There is no other commandment greater than these.” Mark 12:29-31

Mongolia Matters

Many have asked us, “Why Mongolia?” as we have divulged our current travel adventure plans. The complete answer to that question may not be known until far after our travel has been completed, or perhaps maybe not even within our lifetime!  We are followers of Jesus, who taught that people are to love and serve others in His name. So, we say, “Why not?”

As a young democratic republic, Mongolia is asking for help to establish a strong economy. Mongolia is tenuously situated right between the two super powers of Russia and China. About one third of the population is herders, raising sheep, yak (cattle) and goats. Sustaining the health of these animals is extremely important to Mongolia. Nearly half of the population lives in the capital city of Ulanbaataar, where we are staying. Keeping small animal pets has become more common among the rapidly growing city dwellers, mainly the younger generation. It is no surprise, then, that the Mongolia government welcomes western veterinarians into the country to educate and train the newer methods of animal medicine, surgery, and herd health.

Imagine you are the person in Mongolia whose large breed puppy jumped off of the couch and began to yelp with a hurt leg. You take him to a veterinarian, a person who has attended just five years of college and has graduated without ever having performed any procedures or handled any animals. No x-ray unit is available, so the patient is referred to another clinic. An x-ray confirms there is a fracture, but it has occurred so easily because the puppy’s bones are lacking calcium. Surgery can be done to pin the broken bones together, but the nutritional condition of the puppy will make it harder to heal. The puppy is euthanized for a 100% preventable problem. The puppy suffered in pain longer than necessary because the proper equipment was not available for diagnosis.

We have found the standard of care for pets in Mongolia to be where it was for animals about 40-50 years ago in America. We hope to educate the veterinarians and student interns in some practical, affordable ways to improve the life of pets and to teach them how to pass that information onto their clients. And we will do it out of love. “Whoever is righteous has regard for the life of his beast” Proverbs 12:10.

Preventative Care for Gingivitis and Periodontal Disease

Article by: Marian Brown

   

According to the American Veterinary Dental Society (AVDS), eighty percent of dogs and seventy percent of cats have periodontal disease by the age of three! Alarming statistics? Yes, and it is known that proper dental care could increase their life by two to five years.

Dental care in dogs and cats has become quite common over the last six years. The AVDS has even selected February as National Pet Dental Health Month. Like humans, dog teeth and gums are also susceptible to the same oral health problems – Gingivitis and Periodontal disease.

Unlike humans, animals rarely get cavities. This is because cavities are primarily caused by the high sugar content of the human diet. Periodontal disease affects both human and mammals alike.

Periodontal disease is caused by bacteria and plaque which attach the soft gum tissue of the mouth. The first stage of periodontal disease is gingivitis. This is very common. In this stage, the bacteria have mixed with saliva and formed plaque. The plaque adheres to the teeth and hardens, forming tartar and calculus. These tartar deposits irritate the gum tissue and cause inflammation, swelling and infection. It is this stage that gingivitis is most notable. 

Early warning signs of gingivitis are sensitive gum tissue, redness or bleeding gums, trouble eating/chewing and bad breath. Yes, the dreaded "doggy breath"! The breath may take on a sulfur (rotting eggs) odor from the by-products of the bacteria in the mouth. This is often the first sign of gingivitis and serious dental problems.

If caught at this stage, gingivitis is treatable. A thorough dental exam and cleaning most likely will be needed. Many dogs will also most likely need to be put under anesthesia. If gingivitis is not treated, it will progress to periodontal disease. Periodontal disease is not treatable. At this stage, there is irreversible bone loss and tooth damage. Roots are also weakened and the animal may experience loose teeth and teeth that simply fall out. Animals may also begin to lose weight. This can lead to other problems associated with improper nutritional intake. Dental treatment will be needed and may result in the extraction of teeth. Again, this will need to be done under anesthesia.

Additionally, the bacteria and infection in the mouth may spread through the bloodstream to cause heart, kidney or liver disease. These diseases can cause serious damage to the organs and lead to premature death.

Periodontal disease is preventable. Like with humans, dogs need regular dental care. The first step is to have your pet examined for existing problems. If needed, your veterinarian can do a dental cleaning. Next, develop an at-home dental care program including a proper diet and mix of dry and wet foods. Diet alone can not prevent dental problems.

Most sources recommend brushing the teeth with pet toothpaste on a gauze or small pet toothbrush. This is the optimal program. If you choose to do this, be sure to select a toothpaste made for pets, avoid fluoridated products and pastes with sugars as one of the top ingredients. Brushing or even wiping the teeth with gauze will be a learning and training experience. With dogs, the process is estimated to take between 8 to 16 weeks before the animal is comfortable with the experience. Start slowly and build each day.

A more practical option for many pet owners may be an oral hygiene solution. There are now pet oral hygiene solutions on the market that can be added to pets’ drinking water. These are much easier and more convenient to use and are formulated for animals. Owner compliance with these programs, unlike with daily brushing, is much higher. As the pet drinks, the solution works to repel and retard the plaque and eliminate the bacteria and bacteria by-products. They are odorless and colorless.

Another helpful "trick" is to try one of the healthy dental treats on the market. They help remove the forming tarter. Be sure to check the label for ingredients -- some treats are really "tricks" in that they contain sugars, dyes and other questionable substances.

Once an at-home program is established, be sure to follow-up with regular veterinary exams.