Archive for the ‘Medical Information’ Category

The Centers for Disease Control removed Leptospirosis from the “reportable human diseases” list, but there is still significant concern over this zoonotic disease.  Our pets are susceptible to lepto as well, but many owners are afraid to vaccinate for the illness.   What’s the real story and how can we keep our pets and families safe?

Mary Fleming always followed the advice of her veterinarian when it came to her miniature poodle, Mitsie.  Regular examinations, heartworm preventive and even a good diet helped keep Mitsie active and healthy.  Thinking that Mitsie was safe, Mary did not opt for a Leptospirosis vaccine for her dog.  Unfortunately, Mitsie got very sick not long after visiting her city’s dog park and needed intensive care and hospitalization.  Thankfully, her veterinarian was there to help her recover and explain how moist soil or puddles at the park actually put Mitsie at risk!

Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease- a disease that can be passed between animals and people.  It is spread by spirochete (spiral-shaped) bacteria in the urine of infected rodents, wildlife, and pets.  There are more than 200 different strains of lepto and certain strains appear to prefer certain hosts, like dogs, pigs, raccoons or even rats.

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For many pet owners, the mention of holistic medicine conjures up images of incense-filled rooms with baskets of herbs and a multitude of candles.  But, increasing numbers of pet owners actually seek out veterinarians who incorporate alternative or complementary therapies in their practice.  Is there science to support their beliefs?

In our westernized society, alternative forms of therapy and medicine are often viewed with suspicion and occasionally, outright disbelief.  Practices like acupuncture, acupressure or even homeopathy have many critics.  Still, when it comes to resolving their pets’ ills, some pet owners are willing to take a chance on a non-traditional treatment.

Holistic medicine is generally defined as medical care of the whole pet, including environment, social and personal factors as opposed to the focus of treating just the disease.  Integrative medicine embraces both conventional Western styles with holistic practices.  Many people refer to non-traditional medicine as alternative or even complementary medicine. 

These non-conventional approaches include therapies as diverse as acupuncture, homeopathy, chiropractic care, and traditional Chinese veterinary medicine (TCVM).  Some veterinarians, like Dr. Aleda Cheng, a TCVM practitioner and certified veterinary acupuncturist, go as far as including “high-tech” procedures such as stem cell therapy and cold laser pain relief under the alternative umbrella.  As Dr. Cheng says, “all of these treatments help the body heal itself”.

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Hidden from view, the intestinal parasites of our pets don’t share the spotlight given to fleas or even mosquitoes. In fact, many pet owners would just as soon forget that their pets could be carrying these “worms”. But, failing to account for these nasty creatures could pose a danger to your pets…and the rest of your family! These are year round threats but with spring here, they become a bigger threat.

Pets now share our homes, our kitchens, and, in some cases, even our beds. Unfortunately, they might also be sharing some unwanted guests – WORMS! Unlike fleas and mosquitoes who sometimes give us a break during colder weather, these parasites can cause problems all year long!

Almost all puppies and kittens are born with roundworms, hookworms or even both. In the vast majority of cases, these worms are passed from mom to the babies either during pregnancy or during nursing after birth. Left unchecked, these tiny monsters can cause poor growth, diarrhea, vomiting, or even death in young animals.

Adult pets aren’t immune to these parasites either. Pets who consume other animals’ feces, eat grass, or even those who catch and eat infected rodents might end up with bloody, runny stool or vomiting caused by the worms.

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From thunderstorm phobia to outright aggression, our pets can suffer from a variety of behavioral maladies. There is not a day in practice that we do not discuss a behavioral issue. Thankfully, modern science has given us new therapeutic tools, like anti-depressants, that appear to help our pets cope with these issues. But, have we gone too far in pushing these pills on our pets?

According to a recent marketing survey, about 17% of all dogs exhibit signs consistent with a condition known as separation anxiety. Video footage of pets left alone can show excessive pacing, extreme vocalization and, in some cases, a rampage of destruction. Doors are chewed, furniture destroyed and other pets go as far as injuring themselves on their cage or other objects. Sadly, some owners won’t or can’t tolerate this sort of behavior and the pet ends up being relinquished to a local shelter and often euthanized.

Beyond separation anxiety, other pets suffer from an obsessive compulsive type of behavior known in veterinary circles as abnormal repetitive behavior. Dogs that endlessly chase their tails, big cats in zoos and even stalled horses who pace tirelessly are all examples of this compulsive disorder. Our pets can also suffer phobias due to thunderstorms and even fireworks.

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It is not uncommon to be at the grocery store, in church or at a friend’s house and be told stories about their pets.  Recently, I listened to story about a new puppy a friend had acquired at Christmas.  The joy of raising a new puppy or kitten to be your constant companion is one of life’s greatest experiences.  In a crazy economy, mixed up politics and stressful family lives, pets can actually bring a cohesive and loving touch.  So if you want to add a little unconditional love and lots of fun at home, a new pet may just be what the doctor ordered. 

There is no doubt that we find the little round heads and big eyes of young puppies and kittens irresistible.  Millions of new pets find their ways into our hearts and homes each year.  Studies show pets are a very positive addition to families or singles and even empty nesters!  Pets relieve stress, add joy and give us love unconditionally. 

So a new pup or kitten may be just what you need.  Whether you picked out your new friend at a breeder or you’ve rescued a pet in need of a great home, all puppies and kittens have requirements that you must know before bringing them home. 

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