Proper care for your new puppy starts with research and education.Your puppy will need to be feed a premium puppy food. we recomend purina beniful puppy food. If you choose to choosing your own brand of puppy food, select a food that is at least 27% protien and 15% fat .The higher protien and fat ,the more nutrition your growing puppy will recieve. You need to choose a puppy food with omega 3 and omega 6 and dha, and dea. You need give your puppy vitimans,and calcium tablets. You need to worm puppy every two weeks until age of 6 months.Your puppy needs to have rabies vaccanation at 12-16 wks.
Please know that you need to worm every 3-4 months after the age of 6 months.Once you have completed your 2nd parvo vaccanation,you can take your new puppy outside.
Please know that you need to worm every 3-4 months after the age of 6 months.Once you have completed your 2nd parvo vaccanation,you can take your new puppy outside.
Doctors Foster and Smith Deworming Guidelines
Deworming history of newly acquired puppies should be obtained to determine whether additional deworming is needed.
Puppies Initiate treatments at 2 weeks; repeat at 4, 6, and 8 weeks of age.
For a puppy at increased risk, also treat at 10 and 12 weeks, and then monthly until the puppy is 6 months old.
Thereafter, use a heartworm preventive medication that is also effective against hookworms and roundworms.
Nursing Dams Treat concurrently with pups.
Adult Dogs Treat regularly for prevention. Also monitor and eliminate parasites in pet's environment.
Newly Acquired Animals Worm immediately; repeat in 2 weeks, then follow above recommendations.
Intestinal Worms: Signs & Symptoms
Drs. Foster & Smith Educational Staff
Your dog may have worms even though you see no evidence of them.
With the exception of tapeworms, which may be effectively diagnosed visually, the best way to diagnose worms in your dog is to have your veterinarian perform a fecal exam. Your veterinarian will examine your dog's feces under a microscope for the presence of microscopic worm eggs. However, your dog may have worms, yet show no eggs in the stool. This is why regular deworming with a wormer (prescription or non-prescription) is so important. Be sure to take your dog for regular fecal exams to detect the presence of species of parasitic worms, which may not be killed by our usual wormers. And be sure to talk to your veterinarian before giving your dog a non-prescription wormer.
Common Types of Worms:
Roundworms- The most common parasite of the digestive tract in dogs - are several inches long, look like spaghetti, and may occasionally be seen in the stool or vomit of an infected dog. Usually, though, you will not see them.
Hookworms and Whipworms - Additional parasitic pests, are very small and virtually impossible to see in the stool or vomit.
Tapeworms - If you look closely, you may be able to see segments of tapeworms moving around your dog's anal area. If dried, they may appear as rectangular segments similar in size to a grain of white rice or a cucumber seed.
Drs. Foster & Smith Educational Staff
Your dog may have worms even though you see no evidence of them.
With the exception of tapeworms, which may be effectively diagnosed visually, the best way to diagnose worms in your dog is to have your veterinarian perform a fecal exam. Your veterinarian will examine your dog's feces under a microscope for the presence of microscopic worm eggs. However, your dog may have worms, yet show no eggs in the stool. This is why regular deworming with a wormer (prescription or non-prescription) is so important. Be sure to take your dog for regular fecal exams to detect the presence of species of parasitic worms, which may not be killed by our usual wormers. And be sure to talk to your veterinarian before giving your dog a non-prescription wormer.
Common Types of Worms:
Roundworms- The most common parasite of the digestive tract in dogs - are several inches long, look like spaghetti, and may occasionally be seen in the stool or vomit of an infected dog. Usually, though, you will not see them.
Hookworms and Whipworms - Additional parasitic pests, are very small and virtually impossible to see in the stool or vomit.
Tapeworms - If you look closely, you may be able to see segments of tapeworms moving around your dog's anal area. If dried, they may appear as rectangular segments similar in size to a grain of white rice or a cucumber seed.
Recommended for vaccination against canine distemper, adenovirus cough, hepatitis, parainfluenza, parvovirus, and two (or four) types of leptospirosis. The parvovirus portion is modified live canine cell origin. Give subcutaneously or intramuscularly.
Duramune Max 5/4L
By Fort Dodge. Modified live type 2b parvovirus. Protects against four types of leptospirosis (L. icterohaemorrhagiae, L. canicola, L. grippotyphosa and L. pomona). For dogs 6 weeks of age and older. Box of 25. *Residents of MN please ask your veterinarian for a prescription.
Vanguard Plus 5 L4
By Pfizer. Modified live high titer parvovirus. Includes protection from four types of leptospirosis (L. icterohaemorrhagiae, L. canicola, L. grippotyphosa and L. pomona). For dogs 6 weeks of age and older. Box of 25. *Residents of MN please ask your veterinarian for a prescription.
Canine Spectra 7
By Durvet. One-dose vaccines with a needle and syringe included. Includes protection from two types of leptospirosis (L. icterohaemorrhagiae & L. canicola). For dogs 9 weeks of age and older. Single dose. *Residents of CT, DE, IL, MN, NJ, or NY, please ask your veterinarian for a prescription. NY residents may use a certificate of need.
Syringes with needles are also available for administering the vaccines (sold separately).
For more information please refer to our informative Vaccine Schedule For Dogs and How to Vaccinate Your Pet. Or view our Canine Vaccine Product Chart.
Keep track of your pet's vaccinations and medical records with a Pet Health Record (sold separately).
In accordance with federal packaging regulation 9CFR Part 112, vaccines may only be shipped in the manufacturer's original, unopened container. This regulation helps ensure vaccine quality and consistency in labeling. However, because of this regulation, we cannot accept open packages of vaccines for return or replacement once the seal or package has been broken.
Duramune Max 5/4L
By Fort Dodge. Modified live type 2b parvovirus. Protects against four types of leptospirosis (L. icterohaemorrhagiae, L. canicola, L. grippotyphosa and L. pomona). For dogs 6 weeks of age and older. Box of 25. *Residents of MN please ask your veterinarian for a prescription.
Vanguard Plus 5 L4
By Pfizer. Modified live high titer parvovirus. Includes protection from four types of leptospirosis (L. icterohaemorrhagiae, L. canicola, L. grippotyphosa and L. pomona). For dogs 6 weeks of age and older. Box of 25. *Residents of MN please ask your veterinarian for a prescription.
Canine Spectra 7
By Durvet. One-dose vaccines with a needle and syringe included. Includes protection from two types of leptospirosis (L. icterohaemorrhagiae & L. canicola). For dogs 9 weeks of age and older. Single dose. *Residents of CT, DE, IL, MN, NJ, or NY, please ask your veterinarian for a prescription. NY residents may use a certificate of need.
Syringes with needles are also available for administering the vaccines (sold separately).
For more information please refer to our informative Vaccine Schedule For Dogs and How to Vaccinate Your Pet. Or view our Canine Vaccine Product Chart.
Keep track of your pet's vaccinations and medical records with a Pet Health Record (sold separately).
In accordance with federal packaging regulation 9CFR Part 112, vaccines may only be shipped in the manufacturer's original, unopened container. This regulation helps ensure vaccine quality and consistency in labeling. However, because of this regulation, we cannot accept open packages of vaccines for return or replacement once the seal or package has been broken.
We use spectra 7 way, start vaccanating at 5 wks and we give every 2 wks until they recieve all 3 to make a set.
CANINE PARVOVIRUS: WHAT IS IT?
Parvoviruses are a large group; almost every mammal species (including humans) seems to have its own parvovirus. Fortunately, each virus is pretty specific about what animals it can infect (i.e. the pig parvovirus will not infect people, the canine parvovirus will not infect cats etc.) The canine parvovirus will affect most members of the dog family (wolves, coyotes, foxes etc.) and there is a new mutation that can affect domestic cats.
Parvoviruses are smaller than most viruses and consist of a protein coat (a "capsid") and a single strand of DNA inside. It is hard to believe that such a simply constructed organism could be so deadly; however, this virus has proved especially effective at infecting rapidly dividing host cells such as intestinal cells, bone marrow cells, cells of the lymph system, and fetal cells. Parvoviruses are not enveloped in fat the way many other viruses are. This makes parvoviruses especially hardy in the environment and difficult to disinfect away.
While the parvoviruses of other species have been well known for decades, the canine parvovirus is a relative newcomer. The original canine parvovirus, discovered in 1967 and called "CPV-1" or "the minute virus of canines," did not represent much of a medical threat except to newborn puppies but by 1978, a new variant, "CPV-2" appeared in the U.S. This newer version seems to represent a mutation from the feline parvovirus (which is more commonly known as the "feline distemper virus"), though there is some controversy regarding what the parent parvovirus actually was. Because this virus was (and is) shed in gigantic numbers by infected animals and because this virus is especially hardy in the environment, worldwide distribution of the virus rapidly occurred. At this time, the virus is considered to be "ubiquitous," meaning that it is present in EVERY ENVIRONMENT unless regular disinfection is applied.
Attempting to shield a puppy from exposure is completely futile.
In 1978, no dog had any sort of immunity against this virus. There was no resistance and the epidemic that resulted was disastrous. To make matters worse, a second mutation creating CPV-2a had occurred by 1979, which seemed to be even more aggressive. Vaccine was at a premium and many veterinarians had to make do with feline distemper vaccine as it was the closest related vaccine available while the manufacturers struggled to supply the nation with true parvo vaccines.
Over thirty years have passed since then. The most common form of the virus is called CPV-2b. Virtually all dogs can be considered to have been exposed to it at least to some extent which means that most adult dogs, even those inadequately vaccinated, can be considered to have at least some immunity. It is also worth mentioning the new particularly virulent strain of parvovirus: CPV-2c, which is rapidly becoming the second most common form of canine parvovirus. CPV-2c was discovered in the year 2000 and is able to infect cats. Cats vaccinated against feline distemper can be considered protected. Currently available vaccines cover al l variants of canine including CPV-2c as do all the commercially available diagnostic test kits.
For more specific information about Canine Parvovirus-2c, the American Veterinary Medical Association has put up an FAQ at:
www.avma.org/animal_health/canine_parvovirus_faq.asp
Parvoviral infection has become a disease almost exclusively of puppies and adolescent dogs.
Parvoviral infection must be considered as a possible diagnosis in any young dog with vomiting and/or diarrhea. With proper hospitalization, survival rates approach 80%. Still, there are many myths and misunderstandings about this virus, how it is spread, and how to prevent it. The purpose of this web site is to clear up these misconceptions and provide the public with an accurate information source.
Page last updated: 6/23/09
Parvoviruses are a large group; almost every mammal species (including humans) seems to have its own parvovirus. Fortunately, each virus is pretty specific about what animals it can infect (i.e. the pig parvovirus will not infect people, the canine parvovirus will not infect cats etc.) The canine parvovirus will affect most members of the dog family (wolves, coyotes, foxes etc.) and there is a new mutation that can affect domestic cats.
Parvoviruses are smaller than most viruses and consist of a protein coat (a "capsid") and a single strand of DNA inside. It is hard to believe that such a simply constructed organism could be so deadly; however, this virus has proved especially effective at infecting rapidly dividing host cells such as intestinal cells, bone marrow cells, cells of the lymph system, and fetal cells. Parvoviruses are not enveloped in fat the way many other viruses are. This makes parvoviruses especially hardy in the environment and difficult to disinfect away.
While the parvoviruses of other species have been well known for decades, the canine parvovirus is a relative newcomer. The original canine parvovirus, discovered in 1967 and called "CPV-1" or "the minute virus of canines," did not represent much of a medical threat except to newborn puppies but by 1978, a new variant, "CPV-2" appeared in the U.S. This newer version seems to represent a mutation from the feline parvovirus (which is more commonly known as the "feline distemper virus"), though there is some controversy regarding what the parent parvovirus actually was. Because this virus was (and is) shed in gigantic numbers by infected animals and because this virus is especially hardy in the environment, worldwide distribution of the virus rapidly occurred. At this time, the virus is considered to be "ubiquitous," meaning that it is present in EVERY ENVIRONMENT unless regular disinfection is applied.
Attempting to shield a puppy from exposure is completely futile.
In 1978, no dog had any sort of immunity against this virus. There was no resistance and the epidemic that resulted was disastrous. To make matters worse, a second mutation creating CPV-2a had occurred by 1979, which seemed to be even more aggressive. Vaccine was at a premium and many veterinarians had to make do with feline distemper vaccine as it was the closest related vaccine available while the manufacturers struggled to supply the nation with true parvo vaccines.
Over thirty years have passed since then. The most common form of the virus is called CPV-2b. Virtually all dogs can be considered to have been exposed to it at least to some extent which means that most adult dogs, even those inadequately vaccinated, can be considered to have at least some immunity. It is also worth mentioning the new particularly virulent strain of parvovirus: CPV-2c, which is rapidly becoming the second most common form of canine parvovirus. CPV-2c was discovered in the year 2000 and is able to infect cats. Cats vaccinated against feline distemper can be considered protected. Currently available vaccines cover al l variants of canine including CPV-2c as do all the commercially available diagnostic test kits.
For more specific information about Canine Parvovirus-2c, the American Veterinary Medical Association has put up an FAQ at:
www.avma.org/animal_health/canine_parvovirus_faq.asp
Parvoviral infection has become a disease almost exclusively of puppies and adolescent dogs.
Parvoviral infection must be considered as a possible diagnosis in any young dog with vomiting and/or diarrhea. With proper hospitalization, survival rates approach 80%. Still, there are many myths and misunderstandings about this virus, how it is spread, and how to prevent it. The purpose of this web site is to clear up these misconceptions and provide the public with an accurate information source.
Page last updated: 6/23/09
Leptospirosis
Leptospirosis is an infectious disease caused by a spirochete ( a spiral-shaped bacterium) that attacks the dog's kidneys and liver, creating some of the symptoms common in hepatitis. The spirochete is transmitted by the urine of an infected odg or an infected rat. The dog licks the contaminated urine, which contains the spirochete. Or else he gets the contaminated urine on his coat or paws, which he then licks. Leptospirosis is more common where the dog has some contact with rats or rat droppings and urine. It is a world-wide disease, with an incubation period of 5 to 15 days.
Unfortunately, the dog can carry the leptospiral spirochete even while seemingly healthy or after recovery, and on very rare occasions can transmit it to humans. The best way to prevent the ailment is through inoculation, usually given now together with distemper and hepatitis. In this way you protect your dog, yourself, and your family.
Signs of Leptospirosis
The signs of leptospirosis were once confused with those of canine hepatitis and distemper. And they still are. One of the signs of the disease is a change in the color and smell of the dog's urine. Look for a deep yellow, even orange, color, and a strong, offensive smell. The dog may vomit any recently eaten food and will suffer considerable pain in the abdominal area. He will also be severely dehydrated and therefore very thirsty. The mucous membranes (of the gums and palate), the eyes, and the skin itself may turn yellowish. By this time, the dog's condition is very serious. Probably his kidneys have been permanently affected, and most of the internal damage has been done. At the onset of the illness, which is sudden, the temperature will rise alarmingly (perhaps as high as 105°F), and fall almost 5 degrees on succeeding days. In some cases, the stools appear bloody, and there is a bloody discharge from the gums. If the dog vomits, the vomitus too may contain blood. He is very depressed and has difficulty in eating and swallowing. His muscles, especially those of the back legs, become stiff and sore. Most likely he won't get up from a sitting position.
Leptospirosis is an infectious disease caused by a spirochete ( a spiral-shaped bacterium) that attacks the dog's kidneys and liver, creating some of the symptoms common in hepatitis. The spirochete is transmitted by the urine of an infected odg or an infected rat. The dog licks the contaminated urine, which contains the spirochete. Or else he gets the contaminated urine on his coat or paws, which he then licks. Leptospirosis is more common where the dog has some contact with rats or rat droppings and urine. It is a world-wide disease, with an incubation period of 5 to 15 days.
Unfortunately, the dog can carry the leptospiral spirochete even while seemingly healthy or after recovery, and on very rare occasions can transmit it to humans. The best way to prevent the ailment is through inoculation, usually given now together with distemper and hepatitis. In this way you protect your dog, yourself, and your family.
Signs of Leptospirosis
The signs of leptospirosis were once confused with those of canine hepatitis and distemper. And they still are. One of the signs of the disease is a change in the color and smell of the dog's urine. Look for a deep yellow, even orange, color, and a strong, offensive smell. The dog may vomit any recently eaten food and will suffer considerable pain in the abdominal area. He will also be severely dehydrated and therefore very thirsty. The mucous membranes (of the gums and palate), the eyes, and the skin itself may turn yellowish. By this time, the dog's condition is very serious. Probably his kidneys have been permanently affected, and most of the internal damage has been done. At the onset of the illness, which is sudden, the temperature will rise alarmingly (perhaps as high as 105°F), and fall almost 5 degrees on succeeding days. In some cases, the stools appear bloody, and there is a bloody discharge from the gums. If the dog vomits, the vomitus too may contain blood. He is very depressed and has difficulty in eating and swallowing. His muscles, especially those of the back legs, become stiff and sore. Most likely he won't get up from a sitting position.
Hookworm Dermatitis
Hookworm dermatitis is also called ancylostomiasis or uncinariasis dermatitis. Lesions occur as a result of the skin penetration of the third stage larvae of Uncinaria stenocephala and Ancylostoma spp. The larvae are located in the soil that the animals contact. Lesions are more often associated with Uncinaria stenocephala infestation. Uncinaria stenocephala rarely completes its life cycle by skin penetration, however, Ancylostoma spp can. The larvae enter the skin primarily at areas of scaling skin but, occasionally they may enter via hair follicles.
Signs The condition is more frequently noticed in hookworm infested dogs that are housed on dirt runs with poor sanitation. Lesions are primarily located on the feet but, they may be seen on any area of the skin that contacts the ground. Erythematous papules are present initially but, chronically affected skin often becomes red, thickened and alopecic. The skin on the footpads often becomes thickened. The interdigital spaces may be red, and the feet may eventually become soft and spongy especially at the pad margins. The nails may grow faster, become deformed and in severe cases break off. Arthritis may be present. Itchiness is always present but it can vary in intensity. Animals are irritable and lick their feet.
Diagnosis Pelodera dermatitis is considered a possible diagnosis when a dog kept outdoors on straw bedding has itchy, alopecic and crusting dermatitis on skin that is in contact with the ground. A positive fecal exam for hookworm eggs provides supporting evidence but does not confirm a diagnosis. Skin scraping is an easy, fast, inexpensive and reliable method for the diagnosis of Pelodera dermatitis.
Treatment All affected and in-contact dogs should be given appropriate anthelmintic treatment and a prophylactic program should be started. Frequent removal of feces from the runs and kennels as well as improved sanitation should be performed. Therapy consists of routine worming with thiabendazole, fenbendazole, or levamizole and improving sanitation. Oral antibiotics were used in cases with confirmed or suspected concurrent bacterial infection.
Since decaying organic matter is a typical habitat of P. strongyloides, removal of straw bedding from the kennel is imperative to allow successful medical treatment. Discarding moist or dirty bedding and replacing it with clean, dry bedding is the first step taken in treating our Pelodera dermatitis cases.
Hookworm Dermatitis
Hookworm dermatitis is also called ancylostomiasis or uncinariasis dermatitis. Lesions occur as a result of the skin penetration of the third stage larvae of Uncinaria stenocephala and Ancylostoma spp. The larvae are located in the soil that the animals contact. Lesions are more often associated with Uncinaria stenocephala infestation. Uncinaria stenocephala rarely completes its life cycle by skin penetration, however, Ancylostoma spp can. The larvae enter the skin primarily at areas of scaling skin but, occasionally they may enter via hair follicles.
Signs The condition is more frequently noticed in hookworm infested dogs that are housed on dirt runs with poor sanitation. Lesions are primarily located on the feet but, they may be seen on any area of the skin that contacts the ground. Erythematous papules are present initially but, chronically affected skin often becomes red, thickened and alopecic. The skin on the footpads often becomes thickened. The interdigital spaces may be red, and the feet may eventually become soft and spongy especially at the pad margins. The nails may grow faster, become deformed and in severe cases break off. Arthritis may be present. Itchiness is always present but it can vary in intensity. Animals are irritable and lick their feet.
Diagnosis Pelodera dermatitis is considered a possible diagnosis when a dog kept outdoors on straw bedding has itchy, alopecic and crusting dermatitis on skin that is in contact with the ground. A positive fecal exam for hookworm eggs provides supporting evidence but does not confirm a diagnosis. Skin scraping is an easy, fast, inexpensive and reliable method for the diagnosis of Pelodera dermatitis.
Treatment All affected and in-contact dogs should be given appropriate anthelmintic treatment and a prophylactic program should be started. Frequent removal of feces from the runs and kennels as well as improved sanitation should be performed. Therapy consists of routine worming with thiabendazole, fenbendazole, or levamizole and improving sanitation. Oral antibiotics were used in cases with confirmed or suspected concurrent bacterial infection.
Since decaying organic matter is a typical habitat of P. strongyloides, removal of straw bedding from the kennel is imperative to allow successful medical treatment. Discarding moist or dirty bedding and replacing it with clean, dry bedding is the first step taken in treating our Pelodera dermatitis cases.
Eye Problems, Eye Infections
Your pet's red eye may signal an eye problem requiring treatment from eye drops to emergency surgery. Most common eye problems are Conjunctivitis, Keratitis, "Cherry eye", Scleritis, Uveitis, cataracts and glaucoma.
Red Eye in Dogs and Cats
Red eye in dogs and cats may signal many inflammatory conditions and infectious diseases:
Conjunctivitis - inflammation of the mucous membranes of the eye is the most common eye disease of all domestic animals," says Dr. Ralph Hamor, veterinary ophthalmologist at the University of Illinois Veterinary Medicine Teaching Hospital in Urbana. Dogs with allergies and purebred cats are prone to conjunctivitis. The eye reddens because of the increased flow of blood, and you may see swelling of the mucous membranes. Viruses or bacteria may cause conjunctivitis; parasites (such as ticks) and allergies are less common causes. Ticks can transmit several parasites that can cause conjunctivitis, keratitis and uveitis (3). Discharge may be clear or contain mucus, depending on severity of the infection.
"As a rule of thumb, conjunctivitis itches," explains Dr. Hamor. "Keeping the eye clean and eliminating the cause of the conjunctivitis with appropriate medication are keys to control." Keratitis- "Chronic superficial keratitis, also know as degenerative pannus, occurs primarily in German Shepherds but occasionally in other breeds," says Dr. Paul Gerding, also a veterinary ophthalmologist at the teaching hospital.
The disease causes pigmentation and superficial blood vessels on the eye. It's not that painful but can decrease vision if left untreated. Keratitis also occurs in chronic cases of keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS). KCS occurs when there is not enough moisture in the tear film. A thick, ropy mucous discharge is associated with this common ophthalmic disorder. In chronic cases, the corneal layer of the eye becomes infiltrated with blood vessels, pigmented, and harder because of the long-term irritation. Treatment involves tear stimulants and anti-inflammatories. "Eye ulcers are often associated with keratitis and may require surgical repair," adds Dr. Gerding.
In the case of external eye diseases such as conjunctivitis, keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS) and superficial corneal ulcers, eyedrops containing an antibacterial agent are often prescribed. Several daily instillations of eyedrops over several days are required for successful treatment. Eyedrops have several disadvantages, the biggest one being rapid elimination of the drug from the corneal surface. To overcome the disadvantage of repeated instillations, scientists have developed a soluble bioadhesive ophthalmic drug insert (BODI) that can be placed in the lower cul de sac of the eye. This BODI reduces the treatment to a single application and improves the efficiency of the treatment.
Inflammation of the eyelids and cherry eye - Eyelids may become inflamed from dermatitis; a bacterial, parasitic, or fungal infection; a metabolic or immune system problem; neoplasm; trauma; or sun damage. Treatment varies by exact diagnosis.
"Cherry eye" is a prolapse of the gland of the third eyelid. It commonly affects young dogs, especially beagles, cocker spaniels, Pekingese, and bulldogs. "The gland protrudes and becomes irritated and inflamed," explains Dr. Hamor. "If one eye has cherry eye, the other eye could be predisposed to it as well." Treatment for cherry eye is surgical replacement of the gland.
More About Cherry Eye in Dogs and Cats [...]
Scleritis is inflammation of the sclera, opaque white outer coat enclosing the eyeball. Scleritis may result from an underlying parasitic disease, such as toxoplasmosis (3) or lyme disease. "Scleritis usually involves only one eye. The red area may develop suddenly and be lumpy, immovable, and hard," says Dr. Gerding. It is often treated with steroids. Scleritis and uveitis, incidentally, can result in loss of the eye.
Uveitis - "Inflammation of part or all of the uveal tract is a very common eye problem in domestic animals and human beings," says Dr. Hamor. The uvea surrounds much of the eye with blood vessels. Your pet may show signs of eye pain such as an overflow of tears, eyelid spasms, sensitivity to light, recession of the eyeball into the orbit, and small pupils. If untreated uveitis harms vision. Uveitis may result from an underlying parasitic disease, such as toxoplasmosis (3).
Glaucoma - "Glaucoma, if not treated immediately, can lead to irreversible blindness. A dog with glaucoma deserves the same emergency status as a dog that has been hit by a car," says Dr. Hamor. "Veterinarians may see glaucoma in 8 percent of all canine patients." Glaucoma is an elevation of pressure in the eyeball because an obstruction prevents fluids in the eye from flowing out. Signs of glaucoma include cloudy pupils, large pupils, and redness.
"Treatment of acute glaucoma by the primary care veterinarian should be directed toward one goal—rapid reduction of pressure in the eye before permanent blindness occurs. Medical therapy must be started immediately after diagnosis in order to preserve vision," says Dr. Hamor.
Recent studies show that glaucoma may result from yeast infection caused by yeast bacteria (Candida albicans). Breeds that consistently featured among the highest for glaucoma prevalence from the period 1994-2002 included American Cocker spaniels, Basset Hound, Wire Fox Terrier, Boston Terrier, Siberian Husky, Cairn Terrier, Chow Chow, Norwegian Elk Hound and Miniature Poodle.
More About Glaucoma [...]
Cataracts - Cataracts are white opacities in the lenses of the eyes that impair vision or cause blindness. Several breeds of dogs are reported to suffer from inherited cataracts: Miniature Schnauzer, Boston Terrier, Golden Retriever, Labrador Retriever, Chesapeake Bay Retriever, Siberian Husky, American Cocker Spaniel, Old English sheepdog, Standard Poodle, Welsh Springer Spaniel and German Shepherd Dog. Diabetes mellitus is a common cause of cataracts in which case they develop and progress rapidly. Cataracts may be present at birth (congenital) or develop later and are caused by infections (such as canine herpesvirus, canine parvovirus-2 and canine adenovirus-1), injuries, poor nutrition, radiation therapy or toxins. The only treatment for cataracts is surgical removal, performed if the cataracts significantly impair vision.
Blood in the anterior chamber of the eye. Bleeding in the eye generally results from trauma, inflammation, or other defects. Bleeding from trauma may need to be surgically corrected. Uveitis and neoplasms can bring about growth of new blood vessels, which are inherently leaky and may cause blood to accumulate. If the eye has progressed to glaucoma, removal of the eye may be necessary.
For further information about a suspected eye problem in your pet, contact your local veterinarian.
Herpes Viral Conjunctivitis
Conjunctivitis in cats is usually of viral origin and usually that means a Herpesvirus (Feline herpesvirus-1 to be specific). Herpes infection is extremely common in young kittens especially those facing other stresses (fleas, poor nutrition, environmental cold etc.). Feral kittens, outdoor kittens, shelter kittens, etc. are all high risk for Herpes infection.
Watery Eyes
Entropion is a condition when the eyelashes turn inward. It is a common cause of eye watering. Clean the eyes carefully with a wet cotton pad, using separate pad for each eye and making sure any debris buildup in the corner of the eye is removed.
Eyes that constantly water will produce permanent tear stains that can hardly be completely removed. Their appearance can be reduced by clipping the hair short. Some staining is caused by hair falling in the eyes and causing them to water.
Make sure that the top knot is kept tidy to prevent this in such breeds as Poodle, Shih Tzu, Lhasa Apso and Bearded Collie. Watery eyes, squinting and thick discharge from one or both eyes is seen in dogs affected by Trichiasis. In this condition some lashes grow inward and rub on the suraface of the eye. Districhiasis occurs when two eyelashes grow from a single follicle. The extra lash often is the one that causes irritation. Pekingese, Poodle and Bedlington Terrier, Shar Peis and St. Bernards often have this condition. These deformities can eventually cause scarring of the cornea so that it loses its normal transparency and impairs the vision. The only effective treatment of the abnormal lashes is surgical removal.
Jaundice is yellowing of the whites of the eyes. There are many possible causes of jaundice:
Progressive disease causing increasing damage to the liver (hepatitis)
Urinary tract infection
Pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas)
Gallstones
Anemia (sickle cell )
Medications (recent anasthetic, acetaminophen, isoniazid, nitrofurantoin, methotrexate, sulfonamides, phenytoin, excessive intake of paracetamol, co-amoxiclav, flucloxacillin)
Viral infections toxoplasmosis
Underlying diseases must be treated quickly and monitored closely to avoid seious complications.
OTHER EYE AILMENTS:
Corneal Disease
The cornea is the clear front part of the eye that provides the first step in the collection of light on its journey to be eventualyy focused onto the retina, and most corneal diseases will be manifested by alterations in corneal transparency.. The cornea is an exquisitely innervated tissue, and defects in corneal integrity are accompanied by pain, which is demonstrated by squinting.
Corneal ulcers may occur due to trauma or to irritation from entropion. In middle-aged or older dogs, ulcerations may occur spontaneously due to an inherent defect; these are called as Boxer ulcers, in recognition of the breed in the condition is seen most frequently. Infection may occur secondarily. Ulcers can be potentially blinding conditions; severity is dependent upon the size and depth of the ulcer and other complicating features.
Infectious diseases often involve the eye tract and manifest themselves as iridocyclitis (inflammation of the iris and ciliary body, choroiditis (inflammation of the choroid of the eye - membrane that lies between the retina and the sclera of the eye), and panuveitis (inflammation of uvea - a layer of the eye made up of the iris, the ciliary body, and the choroid.) These infectious diseases may be caused by:
Viruses - (distemper, infectious hepatitis), rickettsial diseases:
Canine monocytic ehrlichiosis (CME) - infection with or a disease caused by rickettsial bacteria of the genus Ehrlichia. Ocular symptoms: eye lesions, exudative retinal detachment (separation of the retina from the back of the eye with accumulation of fluid underneath the retina), anterior uveitis (inflammation of the uveal tract that affects the front of the eye), optic neuritis (inflammation of the optic nerve)
Rocky Mountain spotted fever, an acute bacterial disease caused by a bacterium of the genus Rickettsia (R. rickettsii). Usually transmitted by ixodid ticks and especially by the American dog tick and Rocky Mountain wood tick. Ocular symptoms: conjunctivitis, anterior uveitis, retinal hemorrhages, cotton-wool spots (small areas of yellowish white coloration in the retina resulting of abnormal blood supply), and accumulation of fluid in the optic disc (edema).
Bacteria:
Brucella canis - causes Brucellosis, a disease transmittable to humans; ocular symptom: uveitis; eye lesions
Borrelia burgdorferi - causes Lyme borreliosis, the most common tick-borne disease in the United States; ocular symptoms: inflammation of various parts of the eye.
Fungi
Blastomyces - cause Blastomycosis; ocular symptoms : swelling of the conjunctiva, purulent eye discharge.
Coccidioides - cause Coccidioidomycosis; ocular symptoms: inflammation of the retina, choroid, iris and other parts of the eye.
Histoplasma - cause Histoplasmosis, the second most common systemic fungal disease in cats; ocular symptoms: inflammation of the retina, and/or the choroid of the eye that may lead to vision loss.
Cryptococcus - cause Cryptococcosis; ocular symptoms: inflammation of the retina and choroid of the eye (chorioretinitis).
Aspergillus - cause Aspergillosis; ocular symptoms - uveitis, chorioretinitis, detachment of the retina.
Protozoa - animal-like, single-celled organisms many species of which live as parasites in animals and humans:
Toxoplasma - causes toxoplasmosis, invades the tissues and may seriously damage the central nervous system);
Neospora - causes neosporosis - a disease causing hind limb paralysis, ulcerative dermatitis, hepatitis, pneumonia, and encephalitis; ocular symptoms: blindness.
Leishmania - causes Leishmaniasis, a diseases transmitted by the bite of sandfly; Cutaneous leishmaniasis (CL) presents as red pimples at lower or upper eyelid margins. If eyelid ulcers remain untreated, the parasite spreads from the skin of the eyelid and involves the conjunctiva, sclera, and iris, causing blindness.
Hepatozoon - causes canine hepatozoonosis, a tick-borne disease of dogs; ocular symptoms: eye discharge containing both mucus and pus.
Parasites
Thelazia (Eye Worms). Can be seen with naked eye, usually reside in the conjunctival sac and under eyelids, cause conjunctivitis, excessive tearing, sensitivity to light, keratitis, and, in the absence of treatment, cataracts and ulceration.
Dirofilaria immitis causes a heartworm infestation affecting the heart and lung vessels of dogs, cats and occasionally humans. When the location is ocular, the worms are situated in the conjunctiva and can be extracted surgically.
Toxocara canis is a nematode parasite residing inside the small intestine of young dogs. Toxocariasis regularly affects young children and is also known as hidden toxocariosis with no evident symptoms. When the location is ocular, the parasite lodges in the eyes. This is known as ocular larva migrans syndrome that often leads to loss of vision (typically on one eye), endophthalmitis (inflammation that affects the interior of the eyeball), abscesses, optic neuritis, keratitis or uveitis.
Cuterbra sp flies - cause Cuterebriasis, in infestation caused by the larval stage of the flies. Ocular symptoms: blindness.
Eye diseases are often associated with:
diabetes mellitus (cataract formation)
hypocalcemia (cataracts)
hyperadrenocorticism (corneal disease, cataracts, and lipemia retinalis)
hypothyroidism (keratoconjunctivitis sicca, intraocular hemorrhages from elevated systemic blood pressure, and lipemia retinalis [hyperlipidemia])
The following eye disorders often indicate that your pet has blood or blood vessel (vascular) diseases or disorders:
intraocular hemorrhage - discharge of blood from the eyeball blood vessels
retinal detachment - a condition of the eye in which the retina has separated from the choroid
secondary glaucoma
papilledema, or choked disk - swelling and protrusion of the blind spot of the eye caused by an abnormal excess accumulation of fluid in connective tissue (edema or dropsy)
Inflammation of the Eyelid(s) (Blepharitis)
An inflamed eyelid is usually the result of blepharitis. This is an infection of the eyelid's edges, which become sore, red and encrusted with scaly skin. Signs may include a thick discharge from the eye(s); spasm of eyelid muscle, especially when exposed to light; swelling and hardening of the eyelid; abcesses; scales and crust; inflammation of the inner surface of the eyelid (conjunctivitis) and loss of skin due to scratching or rubbing (excoriation).
Causes include
Allergies to drugs, soaps, shampoos, and food.
Insect bites or flea bites.
Cat claw injury.
Chemical burns
Parasitic infections such as dermatophytosis, demodicosis (dogs and cats), and sarcoptic mange (dogs).
Chronic inflammatory conditions such as systemic lupus erythematosus (SLE)
Dermatitis caused by nutritional imbalances, including zinc deficiency (Siberian huskies, Alaskan malamutes, puppies) and fatty acid deficiency.
Endocrine system disorders (hypothyroidism and hyperadrenocorticism in dogs) can contribute to the development of chronic blepharitis.
Congenital eye abnormalities such as entropion (when the margins of the eyelids begin to turn inward), lagophthalmos (the inability to close, or poor closure, of the upper eyelid), trichiasis (when the eye lashes are misdirected toward the eye ball and scratch its surface) can contribute to the development of blepharitis.
Treatment - If blepharitis is a result of other ongoing health conditions, those should be treated first. It is usually recommended to use warm compresses with an eye cleansing solutions such as Eye Scrub (CIBA), sold in individual packets in most pharmacies over the counter to remove crusts. Avoid getting the solution on the eye surface. The hair around the eye must be clipped short. Bacterial blepharitis is treated with antibiotics for at least 3 weeks. Because blepharitis can be a stubborn problem, be sure to follow your vet's instructions and use any prescribed medications as directed.
Dog Nutritional Needs
Your dog's unique nutritional requirements will depend on its size, its breed, and its stage in life, among other factors. A better understanding of how dogs use the various nutrients in food and how much of them they need can help you choose a healthier diet for your pet.
PROTEINS AND AMINO ACIDS
Dogs cannot survive without protein in their diets. Dietary protein contains 10 specific amino acids that dogs cannot make on their own. Known as essential amino acids, they provide the building blocks for many important biologically active compounds and proteins. In addition, they donate the carbon chains needed to make glucose for energy. High-quality proteins have a good balance of all of the essential amino acids. Studies show that dogs can tell when their food lacks a single amino acid and will avoid such a meal. Dogs are known to selectively choose foods that are high in protein. Whether this is simply a matter of taste or a complex response to their biological needs for all 10 essential amino acids is not known. However, dogs can survive on a vegetarian diet as long as it contains sufficient protein and is supplemented with vitamin D.
FATS AND FATTY ACIDS
Dietary fats, mainly derived from animal fats and the seed oils of various plants, provide the most concentrated source of energy in the diet. They supply essential fatty acids that cannot be synthesized in the body and serve as carriers for important fat-soluble vitamins. Fatty acids play a role in cell structure and function. Food fats tend to enhance the taste and texture of the dog's food as well. Essential fatty acids are necessary to keep your dog's skin and coat healthy. Puppies fed ultralow-fat diets develop dry, coarse hair and skin lesions that become increasingly vulnerable to infections. Deficiencies in the so-called "omega-3" family of essential fatty acids may be associated with vision problems and impaired learning ability. Another family of essential fatty acids called "omega-6" has been shown to have important physiologic effects in the body.
DAILY RECOMMENDED ALLOWANCES FOR PROTEIN AND FATS
PUPPIES
(Weighing 12 lb, 33 lb at maturity) ADULT DOGS
(Weighing 33 lb) PREGNANT/NURSING DOGS
(Weighing 33 lb with 6 puppies)
Crude Protein 56 g 25 g 69 g /158 g
Total Fat 21 g 14 g 29 g/67 g
Determining Grams of Essential Nutrients from Petfood Labels Petfood labels do not generally list amounts of essential nutrients in grams. However, all pet food labels must state guarantees for the minimum percentages of crude* protein and crude fat, and the maximum percentages of crude fiber and moisture. To convert these percentages to grams, simply multiply the crude percentages times the weight of your dog's daily portion. For example, if you feed your dog a 1-lb (454-gram) can of food per day, and the food contains 8% crude protein, the grams of protein would be 0.08 × 454 = 36 grams. *"Crude" refers to the specific method of testing the product, not to the quality of the nutrient itself.
ENERGY NEEDS
Dogs need a certain amount of energy to sustain the normal activities of their daily lives. Growth, pregnancy, lactation, and exercise all increase these normal energy requirements. Generally measured in terms of calories, energy comes from three major dietary components: carbohydrates, protein, and fats. Omnivorous animals get some of their energy from carbohydrates, which include sugars, starches, and dietary fibers. The major sources of carbohydrates in commercial dog foods are cereals, legumes, and other plant foodstuffs. So-called absorbable carbohydrates, including glucose and fructose, can be directly absorbed and do not need to be digested by enzymes. Digestible carbohydrates are readily broken down by intestinal tract enzymes. Fermentable carbohydrates include certain starches and dietary fibers that pass undigested through the small intestine to the colon, where they are fermented by microbes into short-chain fatty acids and gases. Some studies suggest that fermentable fibers may aid in the regulation of blood glucose concentrations and enhance immune function. Nonfermentable fibers, such as cellulose and wheat bran, contribute little in terms of energy or nutrition and are primarily used to decrease caloric intake of the overweight animal.
ENERGY NEEDS OF GROWING PUPPIES The growing puppy starts out needing about twice as many calories per pound of body weight as an adult dog of the same breed. Owners should start feeding puppies food at approximately 4 weeks after birth, because mother’s milk is no longer sufficient. Food is best offered to puppies in multiple, well-spaced meals.
ENERGY NEEDS OF OLDER DOGS Because of decreased physical activity and slowed metabolism, older dogs need 20% fewer total calories than do middle-aged adult dogs. As dogs age, they tend to become overweight. It may take obese dogs longer for their blood glucose concentrations to return to normal. This disrupted carbohydrate metabolism can lead to diabetes.
ENERGY NEEDS OF LACTATING DOGS New mothers generally suckle their puppies for at least 6 weeks. The mother’s need for calories increase with the number of puppies and the week of lactation, up to 4 weeks. Giant breeds (like Great Danes) have proportionately smaller digestive tracts and may not be able to eat enough to sustain themselves during lactation. Owners of such dogs may need to start feeding puppies supplemental food at an early age.
MINERALS
Twelve minerals in the table are known to be essential nutrients for dogs. Calcium and phosphorus are crucial to strong bones and teeth. Dogs need magnesium, potassium, and sodium for nerve impulse transmission, muscle contraction, and cell signaling. Many minerals that are present only in minute amounts in the body, including selenium, copper, and molybdenum, act as helpers in a wide variety of enzymatic reactions. Dogs can get too much or too little of a specific mineral in their diets. A deficiency of dietary calcium, for instance, causes a condition known as secondary hyperparathyroidism. Recognized clinically for many years in dogs fed meals consisting mainly of meat, this disease results in major bone loss, skeletal abnormalities, and pathological fractures. An excess of calcium, on the other hand, may also cause skeletal abnormalities, especially in growing large-breed puppies.
DAILY RECOMMENDED ALLOWANCES FOR MINERALS
FUNCTIONS DAILY RECOMMENDED ALLOWANCES SIGNS OF DEFICIENCY/ EXCESS
Calcium Formation of bones and teeth; blood coagulation; nerve impulse transmission; muscle contraction; cell signaling 0.75 g Nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism; significant decreases in bone mineral content, which can result in major skeletal abnormalities Different types of skeletal aberrations, especially in growing puppies of large breeds
Calcium Formation of bones and teeth; blood coagulation; nerve impulse transmission; muscle contraction; cell signaling 0.75 g Nutritional secondary hyperparathyroidism; significant decreases in bone mineral content, which can result in major skeletal abnormalities Different types of skeletal aberrations, especially in growing puppies of large breeds
Phosphorus Formation of bones and teeth; blood coagulation; nerve impulse transmission; muscle contraction; cell signaling Skeletal structure; DNA and RNA structure; energy metabolism; locomotion; acid-base balance 0.75 g Reduced weight gain; poor appetite; bowing and swelling of forelimbs in puppies
Magnesium Enzyme functions; muscle and nerve-cell membrane stability; hormone secretion and function; mineral structure of bones and teeth 150 mg Reduction in weight gain, irritability, and convulsions in puppies; hyperextension of carpal joints and hind-leg paralysis later in life
Sodium Acid-base balance; regulation of osmotic pressure; nerve impulse generation and transmission 100 mg Restlessness; increased heart rate, water intake, and hemoglobin concentration; dry and tacky mucous membranes
Potassium Acid-base balance; nerveimpulse transmission; enzymatic reactions; transport functions 1 g Poor growth in puppies; paralysis of neck muscles and rear legs and general weakness later in life
Chlorine Acid-base balance; transfer of extracellular fluids across cell membranes 150 mg Reduced weight gain and weakness in puppies
Iron Synthesis of blood components; energy metabolism 7.5 mg Poor growth; pale mucous membranes; lethargy; weakness; diarrhea At acute levels, dangerous oxidative reactions that lead to gastrointestinal and other tissue damage
Copper Connective tissue formation; iron metabolism; blood cell formation; melanin pigment formation; myelin formation; defense against oxidative damage 1.5 mg Loss of hair pigmentation in puppies; anemia
Zinc Enzyme reactions; cell replication; protein and carbohydrate metabolism; skin function; wound healing 15 mg Poor weight gain; vomiting; skin lesions
Manganese Enzyme functions; bone development; neurological function 1.2 mg No studies of deficiency in dogs
Selenium Defense against oxidative damage; immune response 90 µg Anorexia; depression; breathing discomfort; coma; muscular degeneration
Iodine Thyroid hormone synthesis; cell differentiation; growth and development of puppies; regulation of metabolic rate 220 µg Enlargement of thyroid glands; dry, sparse hair coat; weight gain Excessive tearing, salivation, and nasal discharge; dandruff
Hip Dysplasia
Hip dysplasia is a progressive degenerative condition of the pelvic joint that can lead to severe lameness and pain in large breed dogs. It can be very debilitating, but with the help of several ingenious surgical techniques, the function of the leg can be restored-sometimes almost to normal capacity. Hip dysplasia occurs when the head of the femur (the upper bone in the hind leg) does not fit into the socket, or acetabulum, of the joint properly. Patients that develop this condition are often first seen for the problem when they are fairly young.
Dr. Dianne Dunning, a veterinary orthopedic surgeon at the University of Illinois Veterinary Teaching Hospital in Urbana, says, "Severe pain can result in a young dog when the head of the femur pulls away from the joint and rides on the rim of the acetabulum during movement (called subluxation). It can put stress on the joint and tear the joint capsule. The pain often goes away on its own as the joint stabilizes, but problems with the conformation or shape of the joint can remain, causing problems later in life."
The changes seen in older animals with hip dysplasia are caused by osteoarthritis (also called degenerative joint disease) and are the result of degeneration of cartilage accompanied by bone formation and fibrosis around the joint. Both the acetabulum and the head of the femur to change in shape until they no longer form a stable joint, causing lameness and pain.
If the problem is noticed early enough (when the head of the femur and the acetabulum are still mostly intact), then hip dysplasia can sometimes be corrected by a procedure called a triple pelvic osteotomy, in which the pelvis is actually cut into three pieces and repositioned so that the head of the femur fits more snuggly into the acetabulum. This procedure is usually best for animals that are young and have not developed too many degenerative changes in the joint. It requires that the animal have 6 to 8 weeks of rest after surgery to ensure that the bones of the pelvis heal correctly.
For dogs with extensive degeneration of the joint, there is a treatment called a femoral head and neck osteotomy, which involves the surgical removal of the head and neck of the femur. Dr. Dunning says, "Many pets can do very well without the pelvic joint because the muscles of the hind leg can compensate to form a 'muscular joint' just like the one found naturally in the forelimb of domestic animals. Chances are that animals receiving this treatment will never be great athletes, but they can be perfectly functional family pets."
Getting the dog up and moving around is the best post-operative care for this kind of surgery. Physical therapy is key to rehabilitating the leg. There are no fractures that require healing, and the sooner the dog begins to develop strength in the muscles of the hind leg, the better.
For those people who want their dog to return to pain-free, mechanically sound, normal hip function, there is a more complex treatment option available called total hip replacement. Dr. Dunning says, "This treatment is allows animals to be more comfortable and return to an active life-style and in some cases perform at an optimal athletic capacity."
Your dog may be a candidate for a total hip replacement if he or she has hip dysplasia, is fully mature and in good health, and weighs more than 30 pounds. A thorough preoperative examination is required to rule out other orthopedic and general health concerns prior to surgery.
In this procedure the head and medullary cavity of the femur is removed and an implant made of cobalt chrome stainless steel is put in its place. The acetabulum is replaced by a high-polymer plastic cup. Together they form a new joint that can function almost as well as a natural joint. Post-operative care is fairly extensive, requiring at least 6 to 8 weeks of cage rest. However, most dogs walk on their new hip immediately after surgery.
Post-surgical infection is a major concern with this procedure. Dr. Dunning says, "We screen potential candidates for this surgery thoroughly to make sure that they are in good condition because any pre-existing infection could jeopardize the success of the implant." In addition, precautions must be taken to ensure that infection does not spread to the new joint after the procedure. This means that prophylactic antibiotics should be administered to the dog when other surgical or dental procedures are done, and its overall health should be monitored closely.
If you think that your dog could be suffering from hip dysplasia, or you would like more information about any of these procedures, contact your local veterinarian or call the Small Animal Clinic at the University of Illinois at (217/333-5300).
Reprinted from College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Illinois website
Author: Jennifer Stone,Information Specialist
There are two species of roundworms affecting dogs and puppies: Toxocara canis and Toxascaris leonina. Both are treated with the same medication protocol so when eggs are seen on a fecal flotation exam it may not be necessary to determine which species is present. T. leonina can infect both dogs and cats so identifying this roundworm might be helpful in indicating which pets in the household are at risk for further contagion.
Note: Fresh feces is not infectious.
HOW INFECTION OCCURS:
adult Toxacara worms
In dogs, there are four ways by which infection with Toxocara canis occurs:
Consuming infective worm eggs from soil in the environment (generally through normal grooming).
Nursing from an infected mother dog.
Consuming a prey animal (usually rodent) that is carrying developing worms.
During embryonic development when an infected mother dog is pregnant (most puppies are infected this way).
Note: cats cannot be infected with Toxocara canis.
LIFE AS A ROUNDWORM:
Toxocara canis has one of the most amazing life cycle in the animal kingdom. It is crucial to understand this life cycle if effective treatment is to be pursued.
STEP ONE: Toxocara eggs are passed in the host’s feces. If a fecal sample is tested, the eggs can be detected. The embryonic worm develops in the outdoor environment inside its microscopic egg for one month before it becomes able to infect a new host. If environmental conditions are favorable, it takes about a month for the egg to become infective but Toxocara eggs are famous for weathering harsh environmental conditions. Eggs can remain infective for months to years.
Note: Fresh feces is not infectious.
STEP TWO: The egg containing what is called a “second stage larva” is picked up from the dirt by a dog or by some other animal. usually in the course of normal grooming. The egg hatches in the new host’s intestinal tract and the young worm burrows its way out of the intestinal tract to encyst in the host’s other body tissues. If the new host is a dog, the life cycle proceeds. If the new host is a member of another species, the larvae wait encysted until the new host is eaten by a dog.
STEP THREE: These second stage larvae can remain encysted happily for years. If the host is a dog, the larvae mostly encyst in the host’s liver. When the time comes to move on, the larvae excyst and migrate to the host’s lungs where they develop into “third stage larvae.” They burrow into the small airways and travel upward towards the host’s throat. A heavy infection can produce a serious pneumonia. When they get to the upper airways, their presence generates coughing. The worms are coughed up into the host’s throat where they are swallowed thus entering the intestinal tract for the second time in their development.
If the host is pregnant, the larvae do not migrate to the lung after they excyst; instead they home to the uterus and infect the unborn puppies. The second stage larvae make their way to the puppies’ lungs to develop into third stage larvae.
If the host is a nursing mother, second stage larvae can migrate to the mammary gland instead of the lung after excysting. Puppies can be infected by drinking their mother’s milk, though, due to the intrauterine cycle described above, the litter would probably already be infected.
Note: When dogs are dewormed with traditional dewormers, this affects only worms in the intestinal tract. It does not affect encysted larvae. It is very difficult to prevent mother to puppy transmission and routine deworming is not adequate. It is possible to prevent infection in unborn puppies by using a specific daily protocol of fenbendazole (your veterinarian can provide details) or with the new generation product AdvantageMulti® (containing moxidectin).
STEP FOUR: Once back in the intestine, the larvae complete their maturation and begin to mate. The first eggs are laid about one week after the fourth stage larvae have arrived in the intestine and about 4-5 weeks after infection has first occurred. From here the cycle repeats.
WHY IS INFECTION BAD?
Roundworm infection can have numerous negative effects. It is a common cause of diarrhea in young animals and can cause vomiting as well. Sometimes the worms themselves are vomited up which can be alarming as they can be quite large which females reaching lengths of up to seven inches. The worms consume the host’s food and can lead to unthriftiness and a classical “pot-bellied” appearance. Very heavy infections can lead to pneumonia as the worms migrate and, if there are enough worms, the intestine can actually become obstructed.
It should also be noted that human infection by this parasite is especially serious (see below). It is important to minimize the contamination of environmental soil with the feces of infected animals so as to reduce the exposure hazard to both humans and other animals.
HOW DO WE KNOW IF OUR DOG IS INFECTED?
Toxocara egg
You may not know and this is one of the arguments in favor of regular deworming. Regular deworming is especially recommended for dogs that hunt and might consume the flesh of hosts carrying worm larvae. Puppies are frequently simply assumed to be infected and automatically dewormed.
Of course, there are ways to find out if your dog is infected. If a dog or puppy vomits up a worm, there is a good chance this is a roundworm (especially in a puppy). Roundworms are long, white and described as looking like spaghetti. Tapeworms can also be vomited up but these are flat and obviously segmented. If you are not sure what type of worm you are seeing, bring it to your vet’s office for identification.
Fecal testing for worm eggs is a must for puppies and a good idea for adult dogs having their annual check up. Obviously, if there are worms present, they must be laying eggs in order to be detected but, by and
large, fecal testing is a reliable method of detection.
HOW DO WE GET RID OF ROUNDWORMS?
Numerous deworming products are effective. Some are over the counter and some are prescription. Many flea control and/or heartworm prevention products provide a monthly deworming which is especially helpful in minimizing environmental contamination. Common active ingredients include:
Febantel (active ingredient in Drontal and Drontal plus)
Pyrantel pamoate (active ingredient in Strongid, Nemex, HeartgardPlus and others)
Piperazine (active ingredient in many over the counter products)
Fenbendazole (active ingredient in Panacur)
Milbemycin Oxime (active ingredient of Interceptor and Sentinel)
Moxidectin (active ingredient in AdvantageMulti)
There are two important concepts to keep in mind about deworming. Medications essentially anesthetize the worm so that it let’s go of its grip on the host intestine and passes with the stool. Once it has been passed, it cannot survive in the environment and dies.
This means that you will likely see the worms when they pass so be prepared as they can be quite long and may still be alive and moving when you see them.
The other concept stems from the fact that all the larvae in migration cannot be killed by any of these products. After the worms are cleared from the intestine, they will be replaced by new worms completing their migration. This means that a second, and sometimes even a third deworming is needed to keep the intestine clear. The follow-up deworming is generally given several weeks following the first deworming to allow for migrating worms to arrive in the intestine where they are vulnerable.
Do not forget your follow-up deworming.
WHAT ABOUT TOXASCARIS LEONINA?
The life cycle of Toxascaris leonina is not nearly as complicated. They do not migrate through the body in the way that Toxocara does. Instead, the Toxascaris second stage larva is consumed and simply matures in the intestine, a process which takes 2-3 months. Like Toxocara, Toxascaris can infect hosts of other species, though with Toxascaris the larvae can develop into third stage larvae in these other hosts while with Toxocara larval development is arrested in species other than the dog.
Note: Toxascaris leonina can infect both dogs and cats alike.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
This site has been launched by Bayer largely to promote AdvantageMulti®, its new topical deworming/flea control product. The site contains general information on intestinal parasites of pets and potential contagion to humans:
www.noworms.com
The Companion Animal Parasite Council has put up an educational site for dog owners on parasites including Roundworms:
www.petsandparasites.org/dog-owners/index.html
Roundworms in Cats & Kittens
Roundworms in Humans
Page last updated: 10/13/07
HOOKWORMS IN DOGS
(move the adult hookworm pic and caption to the right of the text below, a generic dog on the left)
Adult hookworm
(note teeth)
The hookworm (Ancylostoma caninum, Ancylostoma braziliense, Uncinaria stenocephala ) is one of the classical internal parasites of puppies, the others being roundworms, tapeworms, and coccidia. Hookworm infection has several special features that are of interest to us as the caretakers of dogs:
Hookworms suck blood (particularly Ancylostoma caninum).
Hookworms can be transmitted to unborn pups.
Hookworms can infect humans.
Before elaborating on these important aspects of hookworm infection, it is important to understand the life cycle of the hookworm, encompassing how infection happens, how the parasite lives, etc.
LIFE CYCLE OF THE HOOKWORM
The adult hookworm lives in the small intestine of its host where it hangs on to the intestinal wall using its 6 sharp teeth. Unlike other worms that simply absorb the digested food through their skin as it passes by, the hookworm feeds by drinking its host’s blood. The adult worm lives and mates within the host’s intestine and ultimately, the female worm produces eggs. Hookworm eggs are released into the intestinal contents and passed into the world mixed in with the host’s stool.
hookworm eggs
hookworms living in soil
The egg hatches in the environment and develops from a first stage larva (the hatchling) to a second stage larva and finally a third stage larva which is ready to infect a new host.
The larva can infect its new host in several ways. One way is to penetrate the host’s skin directly through the feet or belly or whatever part of the skin is touching the ground. Another way for the larva to gain entry to the new host is to be present in soil that is licked and swallowed by the host as it cleans itself.
Once the larvae are inside the host, they make their way to the intestine where some worms simply stay and mature into adulthood. Other individuals are more bold, tunneling out of the intestine, and migrating to the lung tissue. In the lung, the larvae develop into 4th stage larvae and when they are ready they break out of the lung, climb up the trachea (windpipe), get coughed into the throat and swallowed. Once back in the intestine, these well-traveled worms will complete their maturation to adulthood, rejoining any friends they had that never left the intestine on a migration.
Not all the worms that begin this treacherous migration complete it. As they emerge from one tissue to move on to the next, some fall into a state of arrest where they go dormant and encyst. These larvae remain inactive periodically emerging and continuing their migration.
The adult worms live by sucking blood from the intestine. Their eggs are passed by the host into the environment where a new host picks them up. The developing larvae may migrate widely through the new host’s body before settling down to complete their maturation.
It is worth noting that the host getting infected is not always a pet. Other vertebrates such as rodents and birds can pick up hookworm larvae from the soil. If the pet eats an infected rodent or bird, the pet will become infected just the same as if the infection came directly from the soil.
Now let us return to the three points we want to emphasize.
HOOKWORMS SUCK BLOOD
Hookworm infection can be looked at as a natural check in the canine population as it is frequently lethal to young puppies. A young puppy is growing and growth includes making enough new blood to serve not only its current oxygen needs but what is required for growth as well. Growing requires a tremendous red blood cell production from the puppy’s bone marrow, yet in the hookworm infected puppy this process is being sabotaged by numerous tiny vampires within. The puppy may be effectively bled to death.
Infected puppies are commonly pale, weak, and have long-standing iron deficiencies. They may or may not have diarrhea.
Treatment involves deworming with one of several products: mebendazole (Telmintic®), fenbendazole (Panacur®), pyrantel pamoate (Nemex®, Drontal®, or Strongid T®). Deworming should be repeated in approximately 30 days. These products are not absorbed into the host’s body from the GI tract and can only kill the worms living within the GI tract. The point of the second deworming is to kill worms in the process of migration at the time of the first deworming, allowing them an additional month to complete their migration. We currently do not have a deworming strategy effective against the encysted larvae in other areas of the host’s body.
Simply killing the worms will not be sufficient to save the life of a severely affected puppy. Like any other blood loss, a transfusion may be needed to keep the puppy alive until it can replace its own lost red blood cells. An iron supplement is frequently needed as well.
HOOKWORMS ARE TRANSMITTED TO UNBORN PUPS
Infection of the very young puppy can occur in two ways not addressed in the above description of transmission and will be described now. Typically an infected mother dog will have encysted larvae all around her body. Throughout the adult dog’s life, some larvae will awaken, break out of their cysts, and complete their migration to the GI tract.
The hormones of pregnancy unfortunately serve as little wake-up calls to encysted hookworm larvae only this time, the little worms migrate to the unborn puppies and to the mammary gland.
Some members of the litter will be born infected. Others will become infected by drinking the contaminated milk of their own mother. If this is not enough to infect the entire litter, others will become infected from the soil of their own nest which will quickly become contaminated with the stool of their infected litter mates.
It is clear why puppies are at a special risk over adult dogs when it comes to hookworms. The Companion Animal Parasite Control has recommended automatically deworming puppies for hookworms beginning at age 2 weeks in areas where hookworms are common.
CAN WE PREVENT TRANSMISSION FROM THE MOTHER?
The answer is yes but daily deworming is required through the second half of pregnancy and into the nursing period. A regular single deworming will not be effective in protecting the litter. A special protocol using Fenbendazole (Panacur®) has been found to be effective in preventing both roundworm and hookworm infection in unborn puppies.
Ask your vet about this method if you are contemplating breeding a female dog. Female dogs using Proheart6 for heartworm prevention are believed to pass fewer hookworm larvae on to their pups.
HOOKWORMS CAN INFECT HUMAN BEINGS
Cutaneous Larva Migrans (CLM)
occurs as red, inflamed lesions in
the skin where the larvae of canine hookworms burrow under the skin
Contaminated soil is an important hookworm source when it comes to a human disease called Cutaneous Larva Migrans. Running barefoot through the park or beach may seem pleasant but if the soil has been contaminated with canine fecal matter, the eager infective larvae may be waiting to penetrate your skin.
Hookworm infection in the skin is intensely itchy but usually treatable. The local restrictions on bringing dogs to local beaches and the strict clean-up laws reflect concern for hookworm (and roundworm) infection in people.
Humans can also become infected by eating improperly washed vegetables which may harbor contaminated soil. Humans have been found with actual hookworm intestinal infection. This would be a challenging diagnosis as it is not usually expected but the good news is that it is treated fairly easily when it is discovered.
Please visit the CDC’s hookworm fact sheet at:
www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dpd/parasites/hookworm/factsht_hookworm.htm
DECONTAMINATING THE ENVIRONMENT
Many people are concerned about how to decontaminate the backyard or property that has housed an infected dog. The good news is that unlike roundworms which are extremely hardly in the environment, hookworm eggs deplete their energy reserves in a few months and die. Further, hookworm eggs do not survive freezing temperatures.
If one uses bleach to clean an area, the protective coating is removed from the hookworm egg and the egg will become dehydrated and will die. Borates raked into the soil will also kill hookworm eggs but will kill grass and vegetation as well.
PREVENTION
Most heartworm preventives will also prevent hookworm infection. To view a chart showing which products work against parasites beyond heartworm click here.
FELINE HOOKWORMS
There are two species of hookworms in cats: Ancylostoma tubaeforme and Ancylostoma braziliense, the former being the most aggressive blood sucker . The story is pretty much the same for cats with a few exceptions:
Kittens cannot be infected before birth nor can they be infected by nursing. Cats are generally infected by larvae invading the skin or by eating an infected prey animal.
Dogs can become infected by eating an infected vertebrate host and so can cats but there is an important invertebrate can infect a cat: the cockroach. A scuttling bug can be a tempting toy for a cat but eating the cockroach can transmit hookworm larvae.
The Companion Animal Parasite Control Council recommends deworming kittens beginning at age 3 weeks with pyrantel pamoate.
There are numerous products approved for the treatment of feline hookworm infection: ivermectin, milbemycin oxime, emodepside (active ingredient in Profender®), selamectin, and moxidectin. Again, for a chart showing heartworm products that cover additional parasites click here.
Page last updated: 3/10/09
(move the adult hookworm pic and caption to the right of the text below, a generic dog on the left)
Adult hookworm
(note teeth)
The hookworm (Ancylostoma caninum, Ancylostoma braziliense, Uncinaria stenocephala ) is one of the classical internal parasites of puppies, the others being roundworms, tapeworms, and coccidia. Hookworm infection has several special features that are of interest to us as the caretakers of dogs:
Hookworms suck blood (particularly Ancylostoma caninum).
Hookworms can be transmitted to unborn pups.
Hookworms can infect humans.
Before elaborating on these important aspects of hookworm infection, it is important to understand the life cycle of the hookworm, encompassing how infection happens, how the parasite lives, etc.
LIFE CYCLE OF THE HOOKWORM
The adult hookworm lives in the small intestine of its host where it hangs on to the intestinal wall using its 6 sharp teeth. Unlike other worms that simply absorb the digested food through their skin as it passes by, the hookworm feeds by drinking its host’s blood. The adult worm lives and mates within the host’s intestine and ultimately, the female worm produces eggs. Hookworm eggs are released into the intestinal contents and passed into the world mixed in with the host’s stool.
hookworm eggs
hookworms living in soil
The egg hatches in the environment and develops from a first stage larva (the hatchling) to a second stage larva and finally a third stage larva which is ready to infect a new host.
The larva can infect its new host in several ways. One way is to penetrate the host’s skin directly through the feet or belly or whatever part of the skin is touching the ground. Another way for the larva to gain entry to the new host is to be present in soil that is licked and swallowed by the host as it cleans itself.
Once the larvae are inside the host, they make their way to the intestine where some worms simply stay and mature into adulthood. Other individuals are more bold, tunneling out of the intestine, and migrating to the lung tissue. In the lung, the larvae develop into 4th stage larvae and when they are ready they break out of the lung, climb up the trachea (windpipe), get coughed into the throat and swallowed. Once back in the intestine, these well-traveled worms will complete their maturation to adulthood, rejoining any friends they had that never left the intestine on a migration.
Not all the worms that begin this treacherous migration complete it. As they emerge from one tissue to move on to the next, some fall into a state of arrest where they go dormant and encyst. These larvae remain inactive periodically emerging and continuing their migration.
The adult worms live by sucking blood from the intestine. Their eggs are passed by the host into the environment where a new host picks them up. The developing larvae may migrate widely through the new host’s body before settling down to complete their maturation.
It is worth noting that the host getting infected is not always a pet. Other vertebrates such as rodents and birds can pick up hookworm larvae from the soil. If the pet eats an infected rodent or bird, the pet will become infected just the same as if the infection came directly from the soil.
Now let us return to the three points we want to emphasize.
HOOKWORMS SUCK BLOOD
Hookworm infection can be looked at as a natural check in the canine population as it is frequently lethal to young puppies. A young puppy is growing and growth includes making enough new blood to serve not only its current oxygen needs but what is required for growth as well. Growing requires a tremendous red blood cell production from the puppy’s bone marrow, yet in the hookworm infected puppy this process is being sabotaged by numerous tiny vampires within. The puppy may be effectively bled to death.
Infected puppies are commonly pale, weak, and have long-standing iron deficiencies. They may or may not have diarrhea.
Treatment involves deworming with one of several products: mebendazole (Telmintic®), fenbendazole (Panacur®), pyrantel pamoate (Nemex®, Drontal®, or Strongid T®). Deworming should be repeated in approximately 30 days. These products are not absorbed into the host’s body from the GI tract and can only kill the worms living within the GI tract. The point of the second deworming is to kill worms in the process of migration at the time of the first deworming, allowing them an additional month to complete their migration. We currently do not have a deworming strategy effective against the encysted larvae in other areas of the host’s body.
Simply killing the worms will not be sufficient to save the life of a severely affected puppy. Like any other blood loss, a transfusion may be needed to keep the puppy alive until it can replace its own lost red blood cells. An iron supplement is frequently needed as well.
HOOKWORMS ARE TRANSMITTED TO UNBORN PUPS
Infection of the very young puppy can occur in two ways not addressed in the above description of transmission and will be described now. Typically an infected mother dog will have encysted larvae all around her body. Throughout the adult dog’s life, some larvae will awaken, break out of their cysts, and complete their migration to the GI tract.
The hormones of pregnancy unfortunately serve as little wake-up calls to encysted hookworm larvae only this time, the little worms migrate to the unborn puppies and to the mammary gland.
Some members of the litter will be born infected. Others will become infected by drinking the contaminated milk of their own mother. If this is not enough to infect the entire litter, others will become infected from the soil of their own nest which will quickly become contaminated with the stool of their infected litter mates.
It is clear why puppies are at a special risk over adult dogs when it comes to hookworms. The Companion Animal Parasite Control has recommended automatically deworming puppies for hookworms beginning at age 2 weeks in areas where hookworms are common.
CAN WE PREVENT TRANSMISSION FROM THE MOTHER?
The answer is yes but daily deworming is required through the second half of pregnancy and into the nursing period. A regular single deworming will not be effective in protecting the litter. A special protocol using Fenbendazole (Panacur®) has been found to be effective in preventing both roundworm and hookworm infection in unborn puppies.
Ask your vet about this method if you are contemplating breeding a female dog. Female dogs using Proheart6 for heartworm prevention are believed to pass fewer hookworm larvae on to their pups.
HOOKWORMS CAN INFECT HUMAN BEINGS
Cutaneous Larva Migrans (CLM)
occurs as red, inflamed lesions in
the skin where the larvae of canine hookworms burrow under the skin
Contaminated soil is an important hookworm source when it comes to a human disease called Cutaneous Larva Migrans. Running barefoot through the park or beach may seem pleasant but if the soil has been contaminated with canine fecal matter, the eager infective larvae may be waiting to penetrate your skin.
Hookworm infection in the skin is intensely itchy but usually treatable. The local restrictions on bringing dogs to local beaches and the strict clean-up laws reflect concern for hookworm (and roundworm) infection in people.
Humans can also become infected by eating improperly washed vegetables which may harbor contaminated soil. Humans have been found with actual hookworm intestinal infection. This would be a challenging diagnosis as it is not usually expected but the good news is that it is treated fairly easily when it is discovered.
Please visit the CDC’s hookworm fact sheet at:
www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dpd/parasites/hookworm/factsht_hookworm.htm
DECONTAMINATING THE ENVIRONMENT
Many people are concerned about how to decontaminate the backyard or property that has housed an infected dog. The good news is that unlike roundworms which are extremely hardly in the environment, hookworm eggs deplete their energy reserves in a few months and die. Further, hookworm eggs do not survive freezing temperatures.
If one uses bleach to clean an area, the protective coating is removed from the hookworm egg and the egg will become dehydrated and will die. Borates raked into the soil will also kill hookworm eggs but will kill grass and vegetation as well.
PREVENTION
Most heartworm preventives will also prevent hookworm infection. To view a chart showing which products work against parasites beyond heartworm click here.
FELINE HOOKWORMS
There are two species of hookworms in cats: Ancylostoma tubaeforme and Ancylostoma braziliense, the former being the most aggressive blood sucker . The story is pretty much the same for cats with a few exceptions:
Kittens cannot be infected before birth nor can they be infected by nursing. Cats are generally infected by larvae invading the skin or by eating an infected prey animal.
Dogs can become infected by eating an infected vertebrate host and so can cats but there is an important invertebrate can infect a cat: the cockroach. A scuttling bug can be a tempting toy for a cat but eating the cockroach can transmit hookworm larvae.
The Companion Animal Parasite Control Council recommends deworming kittens beginning at age 3 weeks with pyrantel pamoate.
There are numerous products approved for the treatment of feline hookworm infection: ivermectin, milbemycin oxime, emodepside (active ingredient in Profender®), selamectin, and moxidectin. Again, for a chart showing heartworm products that cover additional parasites click here.
Page last updated: 3/10/09
A simple first aid kit
Basic supplies
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dog owners can treat minor injuries for their pets if they have the appropriate remedies, tools, and equipment available. The following items were included in a first aid kit that the Cincinnati Veterinary Medical Association gave to police dog handlers at a recent workshop. A home first aid kit needs many of the same items.
Gauze sponges -- 50 four-by-four inch sponges, two per envelope
Triple antibiotic ointment
Rubbing alcohol
Ear syringe -- two ounce capacity
Ace self-adhering athletic bandage -- three-inch width
White petroleum jelly (Vaseline or similar)
Eye wash
Sterile, non-adherent pads
Pepto Bismol tablets
Generic Benadryl capsules -- 25mg, for allergies
Hydrocortisone acetate -- one percent cream
Sterile stretch gauze bandage -- three inches by four yards
Buffered aspirin
Dermicil hypoallergenic cloth tape one inch by 10 yards
Hydrogen peroxide
Kaopectate tablets maximum strength
Bandage scissors
Custom splints
Vet Rap bandage
Other suggested items were:
Blanket
Tweezers
Muzzle
Hemostats
Rectal thermometer
Ziplock bags
Paperwork, including the dog's health record, medications, local and national poison control numbers, regular veterinary clinic hours and telephone numbers, and emergency clinic hours and telephone number.
Basic supplies
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Dog owners can treat minor injuries for their pets if they have the appropriate remedies, tools, and equipment available. The following items were included in a first aid kit that the Cincinnati Veterinary Medical Association gave to police dog handlers at a recent workshop. A home first aid kit needs many of the same items.
Gauze sponges -- 50 four-by-four inch sponges, two per envelope
Triple antibiotic ointment
Rubbing alcohol
Ear syringe -- two ounce capacity
Ace self-adhering athletic bandage -- three-inch width
White petroleum jelly (Vaseline or similar)
Eye wash
Sterile, non-adherent pads
Pepto Bismol tablets
Generic Benadryl capsules -- 25mg, for allergies
Hydrocortisone acetate -- one percent cream
Sterile stretch gauze bandage -- three inches by four yards
Buffered aspirin
Dermicil hypoallergenic cloth tape one inch by 10 yards
Hydrogen peroxide
Kaopectate tablets maximum strength
Bandage scissors
Custom splints
Vet Rap bandage
Other suggested items were:
Blanket
Tweezers
Muzzle
Hemostats
Rectal thermometer
Ziplock bags
Paperwork, including the dog's health record, medications, local and national poison control numbers, regular veterinary clinic hours and telephone numbers, and emergency clinic hours and telephone number.
NSAIDs can jeopardize health and lives.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Although many over-the-counter and prescription drugs can be used to treat pain in humans and nonhuman animals, pet owners who prescribe non-prescription pain relievers for Fido or Fluffy can jeopardize health and lives.
Over-the-counter pain relievers are also known as NSAIDs — non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. This group of drugs includes aspirin (plain and buffered), acetaminophen (Tylenol™), naproxen, phenylbutazone, and ibuprofen (Advil™ & Nuprin ™).
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, drug poisoning is the most common small animal poison exposure. AVMA cautions pet owners to contact a veterinarian before dosing a pet with any medication because even if the drug is safe in some doses, it may not be safe in human doses. In addition, dogs do not utilize or tolerate all drugs the same way humans do, so a drug that relieves pain in humans can poison a dog or cat.
Acetominiphen is not safe for cats. This drug is broken down by enzymes in the liver, and cats do not have enough of the necessary enzymes to do the job. Incomplete breakdown results in dangerous products that can damage blood and tissue cells. Two extra-strength tablets can kill a cat and lesser mounts can cause clinical signs of poisoning.
Dogs, particularly small dogs, can also experience significant tissue damage from as little as two regular strength acetaminophen tablets. Signs of distress can appear quickly, especially if the dose is repeated, including salivation, vomiting, weakness, and abdominal pain.
NSAIDs are widely prescribed by veterinarians to relieve pain, especially muscle and joint pain. The doses they recommend for animals are lower than the doses for animal owners. Caution is necessary; these drugs can reduce mucous protection of the stomach and lead to ulcers; cause damage to the kidneys and other organs by reducing blood flow to these organs; suppress bone marrow; and cause bleeding disorders. Two regular aspirin can poison a small dog.
Many NSAIDs relieve the pain of arthritis by inhibiting prostaglandin production in painful joints. However, they can poison or kill a dog with a prostaglandin-dependent disease such as heart failure, liver failure, dehydration, diarrhea, diabetes mellitus, urinary obstruction, or kidney disease. In addition, ibuprofen and naproxen metabolize slowly, increasing the risk that toxic levels will be reached.
Some ibuprofen tablets are coated with sugar and appeal to dogs. Symptoms of ibuprofen toxicity include digestive upset, bloody stool, depression, staggering, increased thirst, increased frequency of urination, liver disease, kidney disease, and seizures.
Call a veterinarian or emergency clinic for instructions on what to do. If no veterinarian is available or close, you can try to induce vomiting with hydrogen peroxide. Mix one teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide with one teaspoon of milk and offer it to the dog. If he will not drink it (or if there's no milk available), use a plastic eye dropper or dosage syringe to administer the dose. If vomiting does not happen within 10 minutes, repeat the dose.
Symptoms of acetaminophen poisoning are listlessness, difficulty breathing, vomiting, diarrhea, and dark-colored urine. A call to a veterinarian is essential and immediate first aid is the same as for overdose of ibuprofen.
--------------------------------------------------------------------------------
Although many over-the-counter and prescription drugs can be used to treat pain in humans and nonhuman animals, pet owners who prescribe non-prescription pain relievers for Fido or Fluffy can jeopardize health and lives.
Over-the-counter pain relievers are also known as NSAIDs — non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs. This group of drugs includes aspirin (plain and buffered), acetaminophen (Tylenol™), naproxen, phenylbutazone, and ibuprofen (Advil™ & Nuprin ™).
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association, drug poisoning is the most common small animal poison exposure. AVMA cautions pet owners to contact a veterinarian before dosing a pet with any medication because even if the drug is safe in some doses, it may not be safe in human doses. In addition, dogs do not utilize or tolerate all drugs the same way humans do, so a drug that relieves pain in humans can poison a dog or cat.
Acetominiphen is not safe for cats. This drug is broken down by enzymes in the liver, and cats do not have enough of the necessary enzymes to do the job. Incomplete breakdown results in dangerous products that can damage blood and tissue cells. Two extra-strength tablets can kill a cat and lesser mounts can cause clinical signs of poisoning.
Dogs, particularly small dogs, can also experience significant tissue damage from as little as two regular strength acetaminophen tablets. Signs of distress can appear quickly, especially if the dose is repeated, including salivation, vomiting, weakness, and abdominal pain.
NSAIDs are widely prescribed by veterinarians to relieve pain, especially muscle and joint pain. The doses they recommend for animals are lower than the doses for animal owners. Caution is necessary; these drugs can reduce mucous protection of the stomach and lead to ulcers; cause damage to the kidneys and other organs by reducing blood flow to these organs; suppress bone marrow; and cause bleeding disorders. Two regular aspirin can poison a small dog.
Many NSAIDs relieve the pain of arthritis by inhibiting prostaglandin production in painful joints. However, they can poison or kill a dog with a prostaglandin-dependent disease such as heart failure, liver failure, dehydration, diarrhea, diabetes mellitus, urinary obstruction, or kidney disease. In addition, ibuprofen and naproxen metabolize slowly, increasing the risk that toxic levels will be reached.
Some ibuprofen tablets are coated with sugar and appeal to dogs. Symptoms of ibuprofen toxicity include digestive upset, bloody stool, depression, staggering, increased thirst, increased frequency of urination, liver disease, kidney disease, and seizures.
Call a veterinarian or emergency clinic for instructions on what to do. If no veterinarian is available or close, you can try to induce vomiting with hydrogen peroxide. Mix one teaspoon of hydrogen peroxide with one teaspoon of milk and offer it to the dog. If he will not drink it (or if there's no milk available), use a plastic eye dropper or dosage syringe to administer the dose. If vomiting does not happen within 10 minutes, repeat the dose.
Symptoms of acetaminophen poisoning are listlessness, difficulty breathing, vomiting, diarrhea, and dark-colored urine. A call to a veterinarian is essential and immediate first aid is the same as for overdose of ibuprofen.
OFA Certified Usually means that the breeder has sent X-Rays of a specific dog to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA) for evaluation and an official clearance certificate. To verify that an animal has been OFA certified, you can visit the OFA website and search their database.
CERF Certified Usually means that the breeder has sent the results of tests done by a canine opthalmologist for a particular dog to the Canine Eye Registry Foundation (CERF) for evaluation and an official clearance certificate.
Hip Dysplasia Hip Dysplasia is a condition which is cause by a problem in the structure of the hip joint. The head of the thigh bone no longer fits firmly in the "cup" provided by the hip socket. It is mainly seen in larger dogs and is the main cause of rear lameness in dogs.
VWD Tested Usually means that the breeder has had a blood test done for a specific dog which indicates whether or not the dog is free of von Willebrand's Disorder (VWD) which is a blood clotting condition causing hemorrhaging from a simple injury/illness.
PLE Protein Losing Enteropathy is an inherited immune-mediated disease of the intestines. Many dogs don't show clinical signs of this disease until they are over the age of 5. Abnormal fluid accumulation may occur secondary to decreased protein levels in the blood. For more information on these protein-wasting diseases, click here.
PLN Protein Losing Nephropathy is an inherited immune-mediated disease of the kidneys. Many dogs don't show clinical signs of this disease until they are over the age of 5. Abnormal fluid accumulation may occur secondary to decreased protein levels in the blood. For more information on these protein-wasting diseases, click here
.
PRA Progressive Retinal Atrophy, an eye condition that afflicts many breeds, especially those with protruding eyes. It is characterized by degeneration of cells of the retina, leading eventually to loss of sight. It is a progressive disease starting later in a dog's life (5+ years) and which often starts with loss of night vision.
CEA Collie Eye Anomaly is a syndrome that involves one or more of the following: retinal degeneration, cataract, and retinal detachment.
Slipped Stifle A condition which occurs when the kneelike joint above the hock in the hind leg of a dog slips and may require surgery.
Chemical Sensitivity Refers to a dog being sensitive to anesthesia, flea powders, and various medications
CERF Certified Usually means that the breeder has sent the results of tests done by a canine opthalmologist for a particular dog to the Canine Eye Registry Foundation (CERF) for evaluation and an official clearance certificate.
Hip Dysplasia Hip Dysplasia is a condition which is cause by a problem in the structure of the hip joint. The head of the thigh bone no longer fits firmly in the "cup" provided by the hip socket. It is mainly seen in larger dogs and is the main cause of rear lameness in dogs.
VWD Tested Usually means that the breeder has had a blood test done for a specific dog which indicates whether or not the dog is free of von Willebrand's Disorder (VWD) which is a blood clotting condition causing hemorrhaging from a simple injury/illness.
PLE Protein Losing Enteropathy is an inherited immune-mediated disease of the intestines. Many dogs don't show clinical signs of this disease until they are over the age of 5. Abnormal fluid accumulation may occur secondary to decreased protein levels in the blood. For more information on these protein-wasting diseases, click here.
PLN Protein Losing Nephropathy is an inherited immune-mediated disease of the kidneys. Many dogs don't show clinical signs of this disease until they are over the age of 5. Abnormal fluid accumulation may occur secondary to decreased protein levels in the blood. For more information on these protein-wasting diseases, click here
.
PRA Progressive Retinal Atrophy, an eye condition that afflicts many breeds, especially those with protruding eyes. It is characterized by degeneration of cells of the retina, leading eventually to loss of sight. It is a progressive disease starting later in a dog's life (5+ years) and which often starts with loss of night vision.
CEA Collie Eye Anomaly is a syndrome that involves one or more of the following: retinal degeneration, cataract, and retinal detachment.
Slipped Stifle A condition which occurs when the kneelike joint above the hock in the hind leg of a dog slips and may require surgery.
Chemical Sensitivity Refers to a dog being sensitive to anesthesia, flea powders, and various medications
WELCOME TO OUR HEALTH AND MEDICAL PAGE
ZINC SHOULD BE GIVEN 10MG PER 25KG OR 55LBS OF WEIGHT