Spring 2013
Muskoka Tails
705-789-7979 www.muskokavet.com
Spring Parasite Planning A
s spring approaches, we should plan for parasite prevention for our pets. Common internal parasites such as the mosquito-borne heart parasite called heartworm, intestinal worms like roundworm and hookworm, and external pests such fleas and ticks will once again be threats for our pets’ health this year.
Ticks are a common parasite, and also carry Lyme disease
Prevention is the goal! Heartworm, for example, is an oftenfatal disease that can easily be prevented.
Products are generally used once a month, and are either given in the form of a chewable tablet or as a topical. Most of these products also prevent intestinal parasites such as roundworm and hookworm, which have health risks for humans as well as pets. Mosquitos and fleas are a certainty in Muskoka, and prevention is the only way to ensure you and your pet enjoy the year pestfree! Last year several products were backordered as the season progressed. Call us ahead to reserve your product at 705-789-7979.
Our Mani-Pedi event raised funds for Muskoka Rescue
Pet Pampering for Muskoka Rescue On January 24th we hosted a Mani-Pedi event, offering $5 pet nail trims with all proceeds going to Muskoka Rescue, our local organization for lost, abandoned, or surrendered animals. The day was a great success with many familiar clients and new faces taking advantage of the nail trim by our Registered Veterinary Technicians Rosemary and Becky, and Veterinary Assistant Melissa. While pooches and kitties were being pampered in the treatment area, Client Services Rep Meaghan offered hot coffee, tea, apple cider, and hot chocolate to warm up pet-parents on such a cold day. The event was such a hit, we have decided to host it twice a year! Watch for the next one in the fall. Follow us on Facebook to keep up with other interesting events around the clinic.
© 2013 Press Pass Media Inc. Reproduction or distribution in whole or in part requires publisher’s prior permission.
WWW.VETPRESSPASS.COM / INFO@VETPRESSPASS.COM
1
Feature
Pets in the News
Itchy Pet? Pets Get Seasonal Allergies Too
Oldest Living Cat?
In the spring many people suffer from seasonal allergies. But could your pet be suffering too?
His concerned owner, Jacquelyn Douglas-Faris, put him on a special “It’s a tough situation food-allergy diet when he was about a year old and had finished because I can’t put with puppy food. It helped, but in him in a bubble” the warmer season, Luke would still have flare-ups. It became clear that Luke had seasonal allergies in addition to food allergies. “When he was about two years old he was in really bad shape,” Jacquelyn says. “It’s a tough situation to be in because I can’t put him in a bubble.” Seasonal allergies are not uncommon in dogs and cats, says Veterinary Dermatologist Dr. Karri Beck. The triggers are the same as in people — pollen from trees, grass, and weeds; or molds or dust mites. A skin or a blood test can be done to find out which allergens are responsible. Many pets also have an allergy to fleas, making parasite prevention especially important.
Photo: Times & Citizen
Luke’s problems with his skin, ears, and eyes started when he was about 5 or 6 months old. The handsome tan boxer puppy would get red, inflamed skin and would scratch and rub uncomfortably at his face and neck. All his scratching would damage his skin, leaving him red and scabby; and he sometimes got infections.
Ann Munday and Wadsworth have been together 27 years
At age 27, Wadsworth could very well be the oldest cat alive. A former pub cat, ‘Waddy’ lives in Bedfordshire, England. He was adopted by his owner, Ann Munday, in 1986. Despite his hyperthyroidism, Waddy is doing well with regular veterinary care.
Did You Know? Dogs’ ability to read human gestures is closer to that of human babies than to our closest relatives — chimpanzees and bonobos. Some dogs can even read gestures as subtle as eye movements in their owners. To learn more, visit the Duke Canine Cognition Center: http://evolutionaryanthropology.duke.edu/ research/dogs
Photo: Jennifer Baird
Luke’s allergies are controlled with a special allergy food, shampoos, and sprays for his skin
... continued on page 3 2
This information is not medical advice. Always see your veterinarian with any concerns about your pet’s health.
Dogs have a remarkable ability to read us
... continued from page 2 Unlike the typical runny, itchy eyes and nose in people, pets get their symptoms mainly at their skin.
also protecting them from their own scratching — which can further damage the skin and lead to secondary infections.
Some people find it helps to go with less carpeting (which holds onto allergens), use hepa air filters, keep humidity low to discourage dust mites, and to keep windows closed. A t-shirt for dogs might be helpful in keeping the allergens off of their skin, and
Luke is now three-and-a-half years old and his symptoms are under control with a combination of skin-support food, a medicated skin flush, and a bath with medicated shampoo every couple of weeks. “We also have booties to protect his paws when outdoors,” says Jacquelyn. “We manage.”
It’s important to get treatment, says Dr. Beck. “Consider your pet’s “We know now that there is something discomfort. Scratching, biting, licking, and rubbing are all signs of wrong with the skin barrier in these pets,” itchiness. Pets might rub their face and neck against the carpet, or says Dr. Beck. Typical signs of stop during walks to scratch. seasonal allergy are itchiness also disrupt their sleep. “Scratching, biting, licking, and rubbing ItAskcanyourself, and rash. Commonly affected if you were are all signs of itchiness. Pets might rub areas are the face, head, ears, Rover at his current level of neck, paws, armpits, belly, would you be able their face and neck against the carpet” itchiness, and groin. For many pets, to live with it?” simple changes will bring If the topical treatments symptoms under control. don’t work, a pet might That means avoiding benefit from a special skinallergens when possible, support diet, omega-3s, or feeding the pet a prescription a medication. Cyclosporin, food designed to support glucocorticoids, or allergy the skin, and bathing the pet shots are options in hardwith medicated shampoo to to-treat cases. “Our goal is soothe skin and remove the to always use the gentlest allergens from their skin and means possible to control the coat. symptoms,” says Dr. Beck.
Three ‘Ps’ for Spring Safety As temperatures warm, snow and ice melt, and our gardens begin to bloom, do you know what to watch out for to keep your pet safe?
Puddles
Don’t let pets lap up water from puddles. Spring puddles from melting ice and snow are full of ice-melt chemicals, antifreeze, gasoline, salt, and pollutants that can make your pet sick.
Plants
Did you know that Easter lilies and many other garden and house plants are poisonous to pets? Cocoa mulch, fertilizers, herbicides, and insecticides are all dangerous to pets too. What is your pet nibbling on? Check out this directory of poisonous plants at: www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control/plants.
Parasites
Spring is the season for parasite prevention. Did you know that heartworm is carried by mosquitoes, Lyme disease is carried by ticks, and many pets have an allergy to flea bites? Don’t forget to book your pet’s appointment for parasite prevention. © 2013 Press Pass Media Inc. Reproduction or distribution in whole or in part requires publisher’s prior permission.
WWW.VETPRESSPASS.COM / INFO@VETPRESSPASS.COM
3
What’s New •
•
•
Cool Case
We welcome Jessi Reichenbacher to our team as our newest registered veterinary technician! Jessi joins us as Becky begins her maternity leave. Jessi is a graduate of Georgian College’s RVT program and has a special interest in pet dentistry. She moved to Huntsville from Parry Sound and shares her off time with her adorable Great Dane, Nigel. Be sure to introduce yourself to Jessi on your next visit!
Thanks to early diagnosis, Princess is doing well
Want to order your flea and Jessi Reichenbacher RVT heartworm prevention online this year? As long as your pet is up to date on their annual exam with one of our veterinarians you can order online and have your topical or oral product shipped directly to your door! Register with our webstore at www.myvetstore.ca Have you snapped a great photo of your pet that shows his or her true character or captures your relationship purrfectly? Email it to us at mah@vianet.ca, post it to our Facebook page, or tweet us @muskokavet. We love to celebrate your bond with your pets!
We love your pet pics!
Princess’ Problem
When Princess, a 14-year-old Border Collie mix, started eating twice her normal amount of food, her owner became worried and brought her to us. Dr. Wurdell did some investigating and discovered that Princess has Cushing’s disease. Cushing’s disease happens more often in older dogs. The adrenal glands (near the kidneys) become enlarged and excrete excessive amounts of the hormone cortisol. It has serious effects in the body if left untreated. Common symptoms are excessive thirst, appetite, and panting. While there is no cure for Cushing’s disease, dogs can live normally with treatment. Now that Princess is on medication, her thirst and appetite are back to normal and she is doing well.
Behaviour Bits
Crates are Great!
www.muskokavet.com
4
http://eepurl.com/hOSus
96 Hanes Rd Huntsville, ON P1H 2P6 705-789-7979
SUBSCRIBE:
Muskoka Animal Hospital follow us
Crating your puppy keeps him safe when you can’t watch! Puppies, like toddlers, explore the world with their mouths — including chewing electrical cords and garbage cans. Using a crate or a leash in the house anchored to a table or stairpost near you helps ensure your puppy’s safety until they mature enough to have more freedom. — Rosemary, RVT
@muskokavet
This information is not medical advice. Always see your veterinarian with any concerns about your pet’s health.