Tails From The ER

Happy Valentine's Day!

2012-02-14T00:00:00.000-05:00

This is Jackson, a Miniature Schnauzer with a BIG heart. Jackson came to us almost two years ago with symptoms of congestive heart failure. Although Jackson had never had a problem with his heart, he now had a severe heart murmur and labored breathing.

Jackson was admitted to the hospital and given oxygen as well as a diuretic, to help remove fluid from his lungs. Diagnostic testing showed that his mitral valve was not working at full capacity. This caused the tendons in his heart, called chordae tendineae, to rupture. In a larger dog, this may have been a fatal event, but Jackson's small body was able to compensate until he received treatment.

His heart will never return to normal, but proper medication, lifestyle management, and regular checkups have helped him maintain a good quality of life. He also receives plenty of tender loving care!

Happy Valentine's Day, Jackson!

The Merit of Microchips

2012-02-01T21:09:00.000-05:00

Is your pet microchipped? If not, I would encourage you to consider this service carefully. Microchips are a safe, permanent way to identify your pet. Many lost pets are returned to their owners each year because they could be identified via microchip.

Microchips are easily implanted using a needle and syringe (similar to how a vaccine is administered). In dogs and cats, the microchip is placed under the skin on the back of the neck or between the shoulder blades. Most microchips remain in place and are readable throughout the life of the pet.

Microchips can be seen on an x-ray, but the microchip number can only be read by a scanner. Most scanners available today are universal, which means they read most types of microchips.

A microchip (green circle) implanted in a dog

Close-up view of the microchip.

Once your pet is microchipped, you'll need to register with the manufacturer. Be sure to keep your contact information current so you can be easily contacted in an emergency. Microchip number and manufacturer information should be kept for the life of your pet.

Winter Wonderland

2012-01-17T18:08:00.000-05:00

When the temperatures dip below freezing, it's time to get most pets inside.
One exception is dogs that are bred for colder climates, such as Huskies and Malamutes. These breeds seem to love the cold and may stay outdoors for longer periods of time if they have adequate shelter, such as an insulated dog house, access to fresh, unfrozen water, and are given adequate amounts of food. Pets that spend a lot of time outside in the cold may need more calories, so be prepared to increase their daily food allowance.

"Ginger"

Photo courtesy of Shane Meyer

First Case of Rabies in a Massachusetts Resident Since 1935

2012-01-01T01:59:00.002-05:00

A Cape Cod man contracted rabies at the end of 2011, most likely from a rabid bat. This marks the first case of rabies in a human in Massachusetts since 1935.

Most rabid animals show symptoms of rabies, such as aggression, foaming at the mouth, or paralysis. Bats are unique in that they can infect other animals (including people) with the rabies virus without appearing sick. Rabies is most often spread through bite wounds.

Bats found indoors in a room where a person was sleeping or in a room with a child or mentally incapacitated person, should be captured and sent to the State Diagnostic Lab for testing. This can be arranged through your town's Animal Control Officer, Animal Inspector or through your veterinarian. A physician should be consulted immediately if the bat is unavailable for testing.

Rabies in people can be prevented with post-exposure immunization. Any person who gets bitten or scratched by a potentially rabid animal or an animal that is unavailable for a ten day quarantine should contact their primary care physician for instructions.

Pet owners can do their part to limit the spread of rabies by keeping dogs and cats vaccinated for rabies.

Happy Holidays!

2011-12-23T17:40:00.000-05:00

Pictured: Bonnie, "Goose", and Bubbles

From our family to yours, may you enjoy the company of loved ones this holiday season!

Pets Feel Stress, Too!

2011-12-10T16:47:00.000-05:00

It seems like everyone's stressed during the holiday season! Did you know that pets can become stressed, too?

Changes in routine, resulting from holiday decorating, housecleaning, or nighttime shopping trips, can all cause stress in our pets. Our pets can also sense our moods and emotions. Whenever we're stressed, our pets go on alert.

Although we can't prevent our pets from getting stressed, here are some ways to help minimize it:

Keep their routine as regular as possible. Feed them their normal food at the time they expect it and don't forget to refill or freshen their water bowl at least once a day.

Make sure your pets have a safe place where they can get away from the holiday hustle and bustle. Even pets who enjoy being with people need a quiet place to relax now and then.

Exercise is a great stress-buster, for people and pets. It's a great way to shrug off that too-much-to-do-so-little-time feeling, burn calories, and reconnect with your pet.

'Tis the Season to Eat!

2011-11-21T03:12:00.001-05:00

A turkey dinner with all the trimmings might make people feel bloated and sleepy. But most pets aren't used to eating rich foods, so a traditional Thanksgiving "human" feast can cause them to have gastrointestinal upset (vomiting and diarrhea) or pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas). These conditions can be mild or severe. In some cases, they can even cause death.

Signs to watch for include vomiting or retching, diarrhea or straining to have a bowel movement, pacing, painful abdomen, or bloating. Pets exhibiting any of these symptoms should be evaluated by a veterinarian immediately.

Anticipating the problem can help prevent a trip to the animal ER. Ask visitors not to feed pets. Keep pets confined while meals are being prepared and eaten. And don't forget to cover, store, or take out the trash!

Giving Thanks

2011-11-14T03:05:00.000-05:00

This is the time of year to give thanks, and all of us at Animal Emergency Care have much to be thankful for. Here is a partial list:

Our Patients: Large or small, young or old, dog or cat. They are brought in because they need our help. We wouldn't exist if it wasn't for them.

Our Clients: Thank you for caring enough to provide care and comfort for your pets, even on holidays, during the big game, and in the middle of the night. Your pets appreciate you.

Our Team: Our veterinarians and technicians must love what they do, because they give up their nights, weekends, and holidays to be here. Our patients couldn't survive without you.

What are you thankful for?

Puppy Weekend!

2011-11-06T21:43:00.000-05:00

Our receptionists and technicians enjoy some Puppy Love (From left to right, DeDe, Robin, Disa with new mom, Grace.)

Our pre-Halloween Nor'easter blew more than snow across our doorstep.

Two litters from Golden Touch Kennels sought shelter from the extreme October weather when their power went out. Needless to say, the pups and their dams were enjoyed by all!

Curtis and Eric enjoy the Golden touch.

Photos courtesy of Dr. Jonathan Nathanson 2011

My Favorite Spooks

2011-10-30T02:59:00.001-04:00

Animal Emergency Care has been fortunate enough to have two "spooks" associated with our hospital.

Spooky, a white domestic short hair cat, lived at the hospital throughout the 1990s.

Spook, a black domestic short hair cat, is a beloved member of our bookkeeper's household.

What color "Spooks" do you know?

Parvovirus: A Deadly Dog Disease

2011-10-16T02:02:00.001-04:00

Canine parvovirus is a deadly disease discovered in the late 1960s. A decade later, a worldwide outbreak brought this disease into the news.  Even though an effective vaccine is available, veterinarians continue to diagnose parvovirus in their patients.

Parvovirus is spread by contact with infected dogs or through direct contact with the virus in the environment.  The virus is very hardy. It can survive freezing temperatures and is resistant to many household disinfectants.

Puppies are more susceptible than adult dogs as their immune systems are not fully developed. Because of this, it's important to have your puppy vaccinated for parvovirus at the intervals recommended by your veterinarian. Ideally, puppies should not be taken to public places until their vaccinations are complete and they are at least 16 weeks of age.

Dogs infected with parvovirus are listless and have decreased appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea (often bloody and very smelly). Not all of these symptoms occur immediately. If your puppy becomes ill, it's best to contact your veterinarian rather than waiting for all of the symptoms to appear.

Parvovirus is best treated in the hospital, under a veterinarian's care. Most patients are severely dehydrated and cannot keep food or water down. Intravenous fluids and antibiotics can make the difference between life and death in infected dogs. Patients may need to be hospitalized for 3 to 7 days. With intensive care, many infected dogs recovery completely.

My Friend Boo

2011-10-06T02:01:00.000-04:00

Boo came to Animal Emergency Care as a very sick puppy infected with parvovirus (more about this deadly dog disease in my next post). He spent a week in our ICU, and he almost died. Once his body cleared the infection, he went home with one of our technicians to recuperate. Being the dog that he is, Boo recognized a good home and set about making himself irresistible. Thirteen years and a few gray hairs later, he still lives with the same technician. We salute you, Boo, for being a survivor. Our hospital wouldn't be the same without you.

New Treatment for Hyperthyroidism

2011-09-23T05:33:00.000-04:00

Hyperthyroidism, or overactive thyroid gland, is a common problem in older cats. Initially, the extra thyroid hormone may cause cats to seem younger--they eat more and are more active. But as the disease progresses, symptoms change to include increased thirst and urination, weight loss, and vomiting.  Hyperthyroidism can also cause heart disease.

Traditional therapies for hyperthyroidism have involved daily medication, surgery, or irradiation of the thyroid gland. Recently, however, Hill's Pet Nutrition has released a food especially formulated to combat hyperthyroidism: Feline Prescription Diet y/d.

Feeding Prescription Diet y/d will not prevent a non-hyperthyroid cat from developing the disease.  This food is only for cats that have already been diagnosed with an overactive thyroid gland.  Cats with hyperthyroidism should have lower levels of thyroid hormone within three weeks of starting Prescription Diet y/d.

At this time, Prescription Diet y/d only comes as a dry food.  Because it works by limiting the amount of iodine in the diet, owners are discouraged from giving their cats other types of food or treats while feeding Prescription Diet y/d.

What do you think? Will Prescription Diet y/d make it easier to manage cats with hyperthyroidism or will cat owners need to continue traditional therapies in order to keep this disease under control?

Some Summer Hazards

2011-07-10T00:54:00.000-04:00

HEAT. Dogs and cats that overheat can be in real danger of developing heat stroke. Heat stroke occurs when your pet can’t cool down. Signs include heavy panting, collapse, and even seizures. During heat stroke, the body temperature can become dangerously high (>106 degrees Fahrenheit) and the blood sugar can become dangerously low.

Pets that have symptoms of heat stroke should be cooled off with lukewarm water or wrapped in a wet towel and taken to your veterinarian as soon as possible.

Tips to prevent heat stroke: Make sure any pet that goes outside during hot weather has access to plenty of shade and cool water. Keep exercise to a minimum during the hottest parts of the day, even if your pet is physically fit. Never leave pets confined to a car in hot weather.

Brachycephalic breeds (such as pugs, Boston terriers, bulldogs, and Persian cats) are at increased risk of heat stroke because of their conformation.

BARBEQUES. Fun for humans. Dangerous for pets. Here’s why: 1. Hot grease can splatter and burn your pet. 2. Pets can burn their tongues by licking the sides of a hot grill. 3. Beware of wooden skewers! Even small dogs can swallow these with ease. (Getting them back up again is much harder. Pets that swallow skewers usually need surgery to remove them.)

THUNDERSTORMS AND THINGS THAT GO BANG. Summertime is full of loud noises that can send even the bravest pet running for cover. If these make your pet panic, ask your veterinarian for suggestions. In the meantime, make sure your pets are safely confined during storms, firework displays, or other periods of loud noises.

FLY STRIKE. Older or ill pets that spend time outside are at risk for fly strike. Animals that develop fly strike often have open sores or wounds OR they urinate or defecate on themselves and can’t clean the area. Flies lay eggs, eggs hatch, and suddenly your pet is infested with maggots. Your veterinarian can remove the maggots and help you find the reason your pet may have been vulnerable.

Why is My Pet Wearing an Elizabethan Collar?

2011-05-21T05:44:00.000-04:00

E-collar. Lampshade. “Cone of Shame”. No matter what they’re called, most pets view them as a torture device. Pet owners hate them, too. So why are they so popular?

Elizabethan collars are useful for many different conditions. They help prevent pets from hurting themselves, through biting, chewing, licking, or scratching. They’re also used to prevent pets from ripping out drains and sutures after a surgical procedure.

Elizabethan collars come in different sizes and lengths, and they can be adjusted to each patient. For instance, a pet with a wound on its front leg may be able to use a shorter collar than a pet with a wound on a back leg. Patients with long noses often need longer Elizabethan collars than patients with pushed-in (brachycephalic) or short noses.

Most pets adjust quickly to their Elizabethan collars. They sleep, eat, and drink while wearing them. Walking can present more of a challenge, as the Elizabethan collars are often wider than their body. With a little adjustment period, however, most patients are able to adapt.

Traditional Elizabethan collars are made from rigid plastic. A few types are made from flexible padded material. Others resemble life preservers.

Whatever type of Elizabethan collar you choose, remember this: Veterinarians use them for a specific purpose—to keep your pet safe and healthy.

April is...Lyme Disease Prevention Month

2011-04-30T14:37:00.000-04:00

Spring is here…and so are the ticks. Ticks are more than just a nuisance. They’re a potential health hazard for your entire family.

Ticks are responsible for several diseases, including Lyme disease. Lyme disease has been reported in all 50 states, but it is most prevalent on the East Coast.

Lyme disease was first described in 1883, but the cause of Lyme disease—a bacteria called Borrelia burgdorferi—wasn’t discovered until 1982, almost 100 years later.

The bacteria that causes Lyme disease is transmitted to pets and people via tick bites. A tick must be attached for at least 24 hours before it can pass the bacteria through its saliva and into the bite wound.

Both dogs and cats can become infected with the Lyme bacteria, but only dogs show symptoms of Lyme disease. Horses can also develop Lyme disease.

Common symptoms of Lyme disease in dogs include fever, decreased appetite, listlessness, joint pain or swollen joints, and lameness. Dogs may limp or seem painful in more than one leg.

Lyme disease is easily treated with antibiotics, such as doxycycline. Most pets are treated for 3-4 weeks. Sometimes antibiotic therapy kills most but not all of the bacteria. If this happens and your pet’s symptoms reoccur, your pet may need to be treated again.

How to prevent Lyme disease in your pets:

1. Pets should be checked daily for ticks. Remove and destroy any ticks that are found.

2. A vaccine to prevent Lyme disease is available through veterinarians.

3. Flea and tick preventives, such as topical medications or tick collars, are essential in reducing the number of ticks on your pets.

Got Pain?

2011-03-12T01:06:00.000-05:00

We know that animals, like people, feel pain. But pets don’t talk, so how can you tell when they hurt?

1. Certain conditions, like broken bones, are obviously painful. Other conditions that might cause pain or discomfort include:

Dental disease

Ear infections

Arthritis or degenerative joint disease

Intervertebral disk disease (may cause extreme pain in neck or back)

Muscle strains or sprains

Gastroenteritis, pancreatitis, or other conditions that cause vomiting and diarrhea

Kidney disease

Urinary tract disease, such as bacterial infections, urethral obstruction, and bladder stones

Lyme disease

Glaucoma

2. Pets that are painful act differently. Here are some common symptoms:

Vocalizing (crying, whining, howling, or even purring)

Limping or change in gait

Pacing, unable to settle

Listlessness, hiding

Inability to jump or climb stairs

Licking or chewing or pawing at or near the affected area

Increased heart rate

Panting

Behavior changes (guarding the injured area, aggression)

Decreased appetite

3. Your veterinarian may use different types of pain medication for different types of pain. Because these medications may have serious side effects in some patients, they should only be used when recommended by your veterinarian. (NOTE: Some over-the-counter human pain medications, like aspirin, ibuprofen and acetaminophen, can be deadly to dogs and cats. Never give your pet medication unless prescribed by your veterinarian.)

4. Adjunctive treatment, such as acupuncture, laser therapy, or physical therapy can also alleviate certain types of pain in dogs and cats. Ask your veterinarian if these procedures would help your pet.

For more information about pain in animals:

International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management

Don't Forget Your Pets in the New Year!

2011-01-04T18:46:00.000-05:00

Making New Year’s resolutions is a purely human phenomenon. Nevertheless, I’ve come up with 10 resolutions I’d like to see pet owners add to their lists this year.

Purchase pet insurance or start an emergency medical fund for your pet. Alternatively, apply for a CareCredit account.
Keep the number of your local veterinary emergency hospital on your refrigerator or by the phone.
Store your pet’s medical records, including rabies certificate, in an easy-to-access place. They may be helpful if your pet needs emergency treatment.
Pet-proof your house. Keep food, trash, plants, and medications out of reach of your pet. If necessary, confine your pets to a crate or small room when you are away from home or cannot supervise them.
Recognize uncommon signs of illness in your pets, such as hiding, inactivity, increased thirst, and increased urination.
If you go on vacation, be sure to leave emergency contact info for the person(s) taking care of your pet. Let your pet-sitter(s) know what you expect them to do in case of emergency, especially if you might be unreachable during your trip.
Don’t give pets over-the-counter medications (such as aspirin) unless prescribed by a veterinarian. Some human medications can be fatal to pets.
Make sure pets are supervised or on a leash when they go outside.
Help your pet maintain a healthy weight.
Schedule regular check-ups with your veterinarian. Prevention and early disease detection lead to healthier, happier pets.

Have a happy and healthy 2011!

The Bitterness of Xylitol

2010-11-30T00:24:00.000-05:00

Not all sugar-free products are created equally. At least not for my canine friends. In fact, one of the artificial sweeteners, XYLITOL, is extremely dangerous to dogs. So it’s important to know if you have food, gum, or candy containing XYLITOL in the house. If you do, take extra precautions to keep it away from your canine companions. Believe me, it’s worth the effort.

Why is XYLITOL so dangerous to dogs?

XYLITOL causes increased insulin production in dogs, which can cause low blood sugar. Dogs with low blood sugar may be weak or unable to walk. They may have tremors or seizures which can lead to death.

In some canine patients, XYLITOL causes liver failure. Depending on the severity, liver failure may or may not be fatal. Unfortunately, liver transplants are not available for dogs at this time.

Dogs that eat XYLITOL may also develop a coagulopathy, which means their blood won’t clot normally. This can lead to internal bleeding, which can lead to death.

What should you do if your dog eats a product containing XYLITOL?

First of all, don’t panic. Try to assess how much of the product your dog actually ate and prevent them from eating more of it.

Next, contact your veterinarian. They may ask you to make your dog throw up. If you aren’t able to accomplish this, ask your veterinarian for help.

You may also be asked to contact a poison hotline, such as the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, where you can speak with a toxicologist. These veterinarians work with poisonings or suspected poisonings every day and have access to the most up-to-date information. Their help can be invaluable.

How is XYLITOL poisoning treated?

There is no antidote to XYLITOL, but early supportive care may help prevent problems later on. Depending on how much XYLITOL your dog actually ate, initial treatment might include:

intravenous fluids
dextrose supplementation (to raise blood sugar levels)
blood sugar monitoring
liver enzyme monitoring

Patients who develop liver failure or coagulopathy need intensive care and may be hospitalized for several days. They may benefit from blood and/or plasma transfusions.

Can dogs live a normal life after eating XYLITOL?

It depends on how much XYLITOL they ate, if they received treatment, and how their body responded. Some dogs recover fully; others don’t survive.

Remember, the best way to keep your best friend safe is to keep XYLITOL out of reach.

Halloween Tricks and Treatments

2010-10-26T15:07:00.000-04:00

Ah, Halloween! There’s a nip in the air, leaves to chase, and strange creatures ringing the doorbell. What more could a dog ask for?

And don’t forget the candy. Many of my canine friends will be keeping both eyes on the candy dish on Halloween night. Which means their owners should keep the candy dish out of reach and well-guarded. Just in case.

Halloween can be a busy night at veterinary emergency rooms. Fortunately, many of these visits can be avoided with a little planning. Below are some of the more common reasons for canine and feline ER visits around Halloween, along with tips to help prevent them.

1. Poisoning

Candy or foods containing chocolate, raisins, or certain types of nuts can cause severe or even fatal reactions in dogs and cats. Sugar-free candy or gum that contains the artificial sweetener, Xylitol, can also be deadly.

TIP: Always keep Halloween candy away from dogs and cats. If you think your pet has eaten food containing chocolate, raisins or grapes, nuts, or xylitol, contact your veterinarian immediately.

2. Trauma

Although many pets love to participate in Halloween festivities, others may become frightened and leave the safety of their house. Pets can be difficult to see at night, especially if they are in or near the road.

TIP: Make sure your pet is confined or well supervised during trick-or-treat times and Halloween parties. All pets should wear an identification tag on their collar in case they accidentally get loose. A fluorescent or reflective collar makes it easier to see pets at night.

3. Burns

Curious pets can get their noses or paws burned by playing with jack-o-lanterns. They may inadvertently knock over candles and start a fire.

TIP: Keep lighted pumpkins out of your pet’s reach and don’t forget to blow out the candle when you leave the room!

4. Foreign bodies

These are things that cats and dogs eat that aren’t digestible, like clothing, candy wrappers, coins, and toys. Halloween costumes may contain parts that can be easily swallowed. Pets who ingest foreign objects may need surgery to remove them.

TIP: Trash cans or wastebaskets should be covered or inaccessible to pets. If you dress your pet up for Halloween, make sure the costume doesn’t have parts that could easily be chewed off and eaten!

Whatever you do this Halloween, have a good time and remember to keep your pets safe!

Give Your Favorite Technician a Hug!

2010-10-08T11:42:00.000-04:00

Veterinary Technician Appreciation Week is October 10-16. This is one of my favorite weeks because I get to show the technicians I know how much I appreciate them.

What exactly does a veterinary technician do? Well, many people think of them as a nurse for animals. That’s a good start, but it doesn’t even begin to describe the jobs that most technicians perform every day.

Let’s look at a typical day in the life of one of our technicians. (Keep in mind, of course, that no day in the ER is typical!) Here is a partial list of tasks they would be expected to complete by the end of their shift:

Assist with anesthesia and surgery

Take x-rays

Obtain blood, urine, and stool samples

Perform laboratory tests, such as urinalysis and blood work

Place intravenous catheters

Prepare and administer IV fluids and other medications

Council owners on disease processes, medication administration, and home care

Provide tender loving care

As you can see, being a veterinary technician is a lot of work!

What type of training do veterinary technicians need?

There are many types of programs out there. Some offer a choice of associate’s (2 year) degree or bachelor’s (4 year) degree. On-line programs are gaining popularity as well.

Here are some websites to visit if you want to learn more:

National Association of Veterinary Technicians in America

Massachusetts Veterinary Technician Association

To all you techs out there, keep up the good work. We couldn’t survive without you!

World Rabies Day

2010-09-25T20:44:00.000-04:00

Help me celebrate World Rabies Day (September 28, 2010)!

Facts about RABIES:

Almost 6,700 cases of RABIES were reported in the United States in 2009. Three people died. In Massachusetts, there were 130 cases, including 9 rabid cats.

Any mammal, INCLUDING HUMANS, can become infected with RABIES. In the United States, RABIES is most commonly seen in raccoons, bats, skunks, and foxes.

RABIES is caused by a bullet-shaped virus. The virus is found in the saliva of infected animals.

RABIES is usually transmitted through bite wounds. Rarely, people have become infected with RABIES from saliva entering scratches on their skin, by visiting bat-infested caves or through organ transplants.

RABIES is a DEADLY disease. Once the symptoms occur, it’s almost always fatal.

RABIES can be prevented.

Steps you can take to prevent RABIES:

Have your dog or cat vaccinated by a veterinarian. In Massachusetts, both cats and dogs are REQUIRED to be vaccinated for the RABIES virus.

Contact your veterinarian immediately if your pet has any contact with a wild animal or is bitten by another dog or cat. Even if your pet is vaccinated for RABIES at the time of exposure, it may need a booster.

Don’t pet or approach wildlife, especially if they are acting sick or disoriented. Nocturnal animals that are out during the day (such as raccoons or skunks) may be rabid. Report strange behavior in wild animals to your animal control officer or the state wildlife department.

Don’t touch dead wildlife. Contact your local animal control officer to arrange pickup and disposal.

Contact your primary care provider if you are bitten by an animal, even if that animal is vaccinated for RABIES. Your physician can determine your risk of contracting RABIES and may take steps to prevent you from getting the disease.

What you should know about BATS and RABIES:

Bats may carry the RABIES virus without appearing sick.

Bats found in your home may need to be tested for RABIES if:

Any person or pet touched the bat;
A child, mentally impaired person, or pet was in the same room as the bat; OR
A bat was found in the same room as a sleeping person.

If you find a bat in your home and there is potential for exposure to any person or pet, contact your local animal control officer. The bat should be caught and submitted for RABIES testing. If the bat escapes or is not available for testing, contact your primary care provider, local health department, or veterinarian for instructions.

To learn more about RABIES contact:

Massachusetts Department of Public Health

Center for Disease Control

World Rabies Day