At the Animal Emergency Hospital we regularly rely on blood transfusions to save a pet’s life. Internal bleeding is the most common instance in which we are required to perform blood transfusions. Internal bleeding can occur for many reasons and includes trauma, such as when a pet is hit by a vehicle, ingestion of rat/mouse bait, or the presence of a tumor (specifically on the spleen, the organ that stores red blood cells). These are some of the more severe instances in which we perform transfusions but there are many other conditions that require a transfusion of blood products.

So where does all this life-saving blood come from? Just like in human medicine, blood donors are required. Currently, The Canadian Animal Blood Bank is the only animal blood bank in Canada and offers permanent blood collection sites in Winnipeg and Edmonton. There are several permanent sites throughout the US as well. Veterinary establishments in other cities routinely collect blood from their donors in hospital as needed for their patients. If there is not a permanent blood collection facility in your area, ask your veterinary hospital if they have a donor list or run donor clinics.

As the need for blood products continually increases, this is as good a time as any to consider if your dog meets the requirements of a blood donor:

• Is your dog healthy and well-tempered?
• Does your dog have current vaccinations?
• Is your dog between 1-8 years of age?
• Is your dog 50lbs (23kg) or more?
• If your dog is female, is she spayed with no previous litters?
• Has your dog been tested for heartworm and been on preventative medication?

During the collection of blood from a donor, the dog will be required to lie on its side and be still for approximately 5 minutes. A small area over the jugular vein on the neck is shaved and cleaned, and a needle that is attached to a collection bag is inserted into the vein. Once the blood is collected, it is processed into components and sent to veterinary hospitals across the country, or if collected in hospital, used immediately.

It can be an extremely rewarding experience knowing that your dog has helped to save another’s life. If your dog meets the requirements, try donating their blood to help in one of the most important life support therapies.

Feline blood transfusions are possible, but it is more difficult to obtain a donor as they need to be sedated/anesthetized to collect the blood necessary.   As well, the blood cannot be stored, it needs to be used once collected.   

As you can probably tell, the snow is coming!  Here are some things to watch for as the upcoming weather changes:

• If you have a dog, you may want to consider purchasing a coat to help keep the chill out of their bones.  Many pet stores have started carrying winter clothing for pets including coats, booties, scarves, and more.  This may help when the real cold weather sets in and you are trying to get your dog to go outside to do their business, especially in the case of smaller breeds with no natural undercoat.  As well, it will help decrease the chance of frostbite. 

• When taking your dog for a walk, you may want to avoid the riverbanks, or other areas associated with water, as they are getting slippery and dangerous.  The water’s temperature has dropped low enough these days that if your dog were to jump or fall in, hypothermia could easily set in.  After your walk, make sure to check the underside of your dogs’ paws for ice build up as it can cause irritation between the toes.

• If you have an outdoor dog, make sure there is enough bedding in the dog house for warmth and that the water in the dish is not frozen. If the temperatures drops really low, ensure you have the capabilities of keeping the dog somewhere indoors if needed.

Remember, never to leave your pet unattended for long periods of time in your vehicle during the winter months as hypothermia can still set in even though they are in an enclosed space.  The signs of hypothermia include:

• shivering
• lethargy
• weakness
• difficulty breathing or slow respiratory rate (less than 10 breaths per minute while awake)
• dilated (enlarged) pupils
• coma

Frostbite usually affects the paws, ears and tail of pets.  The signs of frostbite include:

• paler than normal skin (early stages)
• cold to the touch (early stages)
• swelling of the affected area (late stages)
• pain of the affected area (late stages)
• discoloration of the affected area (late stages)

If you are not sure if your pet has hypothermia or frostbite, make sure to contact your regular veterinarian to have your pet assessed and treated as necessary. 

Happy Thanksgiving America!  Thanksgiving is a time of food and celebration.  While pet owners would like to include their pets in the festivities, there is a danger lurking in the high-fat foods associated with this holiday.  A common condition we see at the Animal Emergency Hospital during the Thanksgiving weekend is pancreatitis.  In dogs, this condition is associated with the consumption of a fatty meal such as turkey, gravy and all the fixings!  

Pancreatitis means the inflammation of the pancreas.  The pancreas produces digestive enzymes which are normally activated in the small intestine to aid in the digestion of food.  During a bout of pancreatitis, enzymes are prematurely activated in the pancreas while trying to compensate for an unusual amount of fat consumption, and end up digesting the pancreatic tissue. 

Signs of pancreatitis include:

• nausea
• vomiting
• diarrhea
• abdominal pain
• fever
• depression

Treatment of pancreatitis requires prompt medical attention that includes intravenous fluid therapy, fasting to rest the pancreas, anti-vomiting medications and pain relievers.  A hospital stay of 2-4 days is expected as food is gradually re-introduced.  Once the patient is eating and drinking normally, and the vomiting and diarrhea has subsided, they may return home.  The prognosis for pancreatitis is good if treated early enough.  There are usually no longer term effects.  In severe cases however, certain conditions may arise due to excessive damage to pancreatic cells.  These are pancreatic insufficiency conditions and may be medically managed and go into remission once the pancreas is completely healed. 

To prevent recurrences of pancreatitis, it is the pet owner’s responsibility to maintain their pet with a healthy, low-fat diet. 

Happy Halloween!  What is scary to your pet?  How about many strange people dressed up in scary costumes ringing the doorbell, knocking and yelling “Trick or Treat!”.  All of the fun of Halloween can be stressful to your pet.  It is fun to dress them up in silly costumes to join in, just be aware that the noise and strangers may frighten your pet and cause them to bolt out the door and run away from home.  If your pet is greeting people at the door with you, have them on a leash so that in the event they become frightened, you will still have control.  No one wants to be out searching for their pet on Halloween night.

With all the candy and chocolate lying around during Halloween, chances are even the most well-behaved pet will be tempted to sample the treats or devour the entire stash!  Chocolate toxicity is a true emergency and can be fatal if left untreated. 

Signs of chocolate toxicity include:

• vomiting
• diarrhea
• tremors
• hyperactivity
• extreme lethargy
• increased heart rate
• seizures

Chocolate toxicity in cats is very rare as they are generally not attracted to the smell or taste of it.  If you suspect your cat has ingested chocolate see your veterinarian immediately.  More commonly seen in dogs, the effects it will have depend on the type of chocolate ingested and the amount.  The following is a chart of toxic doses for each type of chocolate according to the weight of the dog.

If you are unsure how much your pet ate, look for the grams on the package and estimate the amount ingested.  INDUCING VOMITING for dogs is recommended, however if your dog is already vomiting, contact a veterinarian immediately for assistance.

White chocolate is not toxic to pets.

The best way to avoid a chocolate toxicity is to prevent your pet from consuming any amount of chocolate.  Have treat bowls up off the floor.  Keep your pet in a separate room until the Halloween festivites are over.   

If your cat or dog has been diagnosed by a veterinarian with diabetes mellitus, as a pet owner, you have a very challenging and sometimes overwhelming disease to manage. In understanding the process by which diabetes develops, the proper steps to managing the disease and how to recognize signs of an unstable pet, you can help your pet have a better quality of life while dealing with diabetes.

How do pets develop diabetes mellitus? Although some pets are genetically predisposed to the disease, overweight pets are at an extremely high risk of developing diabetes. Properly managing your pet’s weight is key to prevention of diabetes.

What are the symptoms of diabetes mellitus? Signs that may indicate your pet is diabetic include:

• Increased hunger
• Increased thirst
• Increased frequency of urination
• Lethargy
• Gradual weight loss
• Poor coat condition
• Difficulty using hindquarters

If your pet is exhibiting any of these symptoms, have them checked out by your veterinarian.

How is diabetes mellitus treated? Treatment of the disease involves administration of insulin daily, proper nutrition and weight control and monitoring of the pet’s blood glucose at home.

1.  Administration of insulin: Once your veterinarian has prescribed insulin, they will show you the proper way to administer it at home. Insulin is administered daily at doses and intervals advised by your veterinarian, which vary from pet to pet. The administration of insulin requires the pet owner to be comfortable giving injections under the pet’s skin. It is important to know that for a diabetic pet, blood glucose usually cannot be stabilized without the use of insulin. Although in some instances a pet’s diabetes can go into remission, initially they will likely require insulin treatment and may only be weaned off on the advice of their veterinarian. For pet owners this is the biggest consideration as to the treatment of the disease. It takes a huge personal commitment on the part of the owner to maintain a strict schedule in order to keep their pet stable. Insulin must be given at the same time every day. Insulin should be given following a meal and NEVER if the pet is not eating and/or has been vomiting. Remember, insulin helps to intake glucose (from ingested food) into the body’s cells for energy. Therefore if insulin is administered and no food has been consumed and/or the pet has been vomiting, this will render the pet’s blood glucose too low (hypoglycemia).

2.  Proper nutrition and weight control: The nutritional requirements of a diabetic pet differ from those without the disease. If proper nutrition is exercised, the diabetic pet will be easier to keep stable. In some cases, when diabetes begins to go into remission, pets can be without insulin as long as a strict diet is followed when it is advised by their veterinarian. For cats, a low-carbohydrate and high-protein diet is required for managing their blood glucose levels. Canned food is recommended to meet these requirements, specifically those that contain less than 10% of metabolised energy from carbohydrates. Dry or semi-moist foods should be avoided as they contain the highest amount of carbohydrates. However, if the cat is a picky eater and must have a dry diet, use only those recommended for the management of diabetes which can be provided by your veterinary professional. It is recommended to have food available to diabetic cats at all times although the pet owner must maintain the correct portion size as advised by their veterinarian. In order to keep the canned food moist throughout the day, mix in some water. For dogs, diets that are high in fibre are recommended. High fibre diets are generally lower in sugar and tend to be digested slowly so that the dog does not have to process large amounts of sugar at one time. Timed feedings with measured portions is the recommended method for feeding a diabetic dog. Ideally the dog should be fed in the morning and evening followed by the administration of insulin. In the case with both cats and dogs, if the pet owner follows feeding instructions set out by their veterinarian, weight control can be achieved and their pet will be a more stabilized diabetic.

3.  Monitoring the pet’s blood glucose: While this can be the most challenging aspect of managing a pet’s diabetes, it is also the most useful way a pet owner can determine if their pet’s blood glucose is stable. Your veterinary professional will need to demonstrate how this test is done. It is easier to check a cat’s blood glucose than a dog’s. A cat’s blood glucose can be checked by pricking it’s ear vein with a needle to draw blood, however a dog’s blood glucose needs to be checked by withdrawing blood from a leg vein. The latter requires more skill, two people and a tolerant dog. Once a pet owner has been properly shown how to check their pet’s blood glucose, this can be done at times when the pet seems to be exhibiting unusual symptoms which may be indicative of a high or low blood glucose. Although a large range, a blood glucose of about 4-8mmol/L is considered normal for a pet. Slightly lower or higher readings can be considered normal as long as the pet is not exhibiting unusual symptoms.

What are the complications of diabetes mellitus? Two common complications can occur; diabetic shock and diabetic ketoacidosis.

If your pet has been diagnosed with diabetes and is on insulin, you may encounter an episode of diabetic shock. Diabetic shock occurs when the pet’s blood sugar becomes too low (hypoglycemia).

Signs of hypoglycemia include:

• Lethargy
• Ataxia (stumbling around)
• Muscle twitching
• Seizures
• Coma

Hypoglycemia commonly occurs when the pet is not eating well and the insulin is still administered, if the insulin is improperly administered, or if the amount of insulin as required by the pet is incorrect or has changed. If you see these signs in your pet, seek veterinary attention immediately. If your pet is alert and able to swallow, you can try to administer corn syrup. Try rubbing some on their gums, or giving a teaspoon at a time. If your pet takes the syrup willingly, try mixing some in canned food and encouraging them to eat. Do not administer insulin again without speaking to a veterinary professional.

It is possible for the blood sugar to be too high (hyperglycemia), which also requires veterinary attention as the pet’s insulin dose may need to be adjusted.

Signs of hyperglycemia include:

• Increased thirst
• Increased urination
• Ataxia (stumbling around)
• Anorexia

If any of the signs of hypo/hyperglycemia are noticed, the owner should do a blood glucose test to identify if high or low, and take appropriate measures.

Diabetic ketoacidosis is another complication of diabetes and is a medical emergency.  Fat in the body of a diabetic is broken down in the attempt to be used as energy when glucose is not available due to insufficient insulin. The breakdown of fat produces a substance called ketones which are acidic and in excessive amounts influences the acid-base balance of the body. This in turn affects the kidneys, the body’s ability to maintain fluid and electrolyte balance and can lead to death if untreated.

Both diabetic shock and ketoacidosis require immediate veterinary attention and hospitalization in order to stabilize the pet. For pet owners, this can be very costly and therefore proper management of diabetes is essential in avoiding these complications. Even with proper management, sometimes these complications can occur.

As a Registered Animal Health Technologist working at the emergency hospital, a common question I get asked is “what types of problems do people bring their pets in for?”.  While we work at a steady pace seeing all kinds of cases ranging from simple laceration repairs to life-threatening illnesses and trauma, the things pets ingest accidentally have earned a spot in the top-ranking emergencies.  If you are a pet owner, think back to how many times your pet has eaten something he or she was not supposed to and I’m sure you will be able to come up with a pretty substantial list!  At work, I routinely treat all kinds of toxicity cases due to ingestion of a substance and assist in surgical procedures to remove objects from the gastrointestinal tract of pets.  This leads to my next most commonly asked question “what kinds of things do pets eat?”.  Well, everything!  Surgically, I’ve seen many things removed from the GI tract of pets including; rocks, earplugs, toys, a package of 6 rubber duckies, sewing needles, corn cobs, bones, socks, an entire beach towel and the list goes on and on.  Most of the time, the pet’s owner is unaware that anything had been ingested and has brought their pet in for the common signs of GI irritation or obstruction which include; vomiting, diarrhea and inappetance. 

Aside from foreign objects in the GI tract causing problems, pets will routinely ingest a toxic substance that can sometimes be fatal if not medically addressed within a timely manner.  The following are substances ingested by pets in which cause toxicites, that we commonly treat for at the emergency hospital:

1. Antifreeze: There are 3 stages to antifreeze toxicity.  If you notice any of the described signs or symptoms, seek veterinary assistance immediately. 

Stage 1; occurs 30 minutes to 12 hours after ingestion and includes:

• nausea
• sudden vomiting
• depression
• ataxia (stumbling around)
• seizures

Stage 2: occurs 12 to 24 hours after ingestion and includes all the signs of Stage 1 as well as the following:

• fast heart rate
• fast breathing rate

Stage 3: occurs 24 to 72 hours after ingestion in dogs, and 12 to 24 hours after ingestion in cats.  Included are the signs of Stage 1 and 2 as well as the following:

• severe depression
• severe vomiting
• diarrhea
• seizures
• coma
• death

Even in small amounts antifreeze is extremely toxic.  Ultimately it causes kidney failure and if left untreated, death.  Pets are attracted to it as it has a sweet taste.  If the pet has been witnessed ingesting antifreeze, immediate treatment is required before absorption of the antifreeze begins.  For dogs, INDUCE VOMITING and seek veterinary assistance for follow-up care.  For cats, seek veterinary assistance immediately.

2. Mouse/Rat Bait: One of the most dangerous substances commonly ingested by pets is mouse or rat bait.  The bait is highly palatable and the scent can be detected by pets even if the bait is hidden.  The toxic component in the bait varies with each brand.  It is extremely helpful to the veterinary staff to know which type has been ingested.  If available, locate the package and bring it to the veterinary hospital. 

Baits containing warfarin, coumarin, brodifacoum, bromadiolone, diphacinone, chlorphacinone or pindone are Vitamin K rodenticides which cause internal bleeding.  Signs of Vitamin K rodenticide toxicity include:

• lethargy
• trouble breathing
• anorexia
• blood in stool and/or urine
• bleeding from gums and/or nose
• bruising (look on areas with little hair growth such as inside ears, armpits and in between the back legs)

These signs can take up to 3 days to present, therefore if your pet has ingested the bait but seems fine, you must take action immediately or even with treatment, toxicity can be fatal.  For dogs, It is highly recommended to INDUCE VOMITING as soon as the ingestion is noticed.  You must then take your dog to the veterinarian to recieve the antidote.  For cats, seek veterinary assistance immediately.  It only takes a small amount of the bait to affect the pet and, it is recommended to recieve the antidote from your veterinarian to be on the safe side even if ingestion is only suspected. 

Baits containing cholecalciferol are Vitamin D rodenticides which cause high calcium in the blood, leading to kidney and heart failure.  Signs of Vitamin D rodenticide toxicity include:

• lethargy
• anorexia
• vomiting
• constipation
• increased thirst
• increased urination
• muscle twitching
• seizures
• bloody diarrhea

These signs can take up to 3 days to present, therefore if your pet has ingested the bait but seems fine, you must take action immediately or even with treatment, toxicity can be fatal.  For dogs, It is highly recommended to INDUCE VOMITING as soon as the ingestion is noticed.  You must then take your dog to the veterinarian to discuss medications and a low calcium diet to aid in the recovery or prevention of symptoms.  For cats, seek veterinary assistance immediately.  It only takes a small amount of the bait to affect the pet and, it is recommended to recieve treatment from your veterinarian to be on the safe side even if ingestion is only suspected. 

3. Ant Bait: In most instances the pet has not ingested the plastic trap but chewed it up enough to get to the bait inside.

Signs of ant or bug bait toxicity include:

• excessive salivation
• excessive tear production
• excessive urination/defecation
• ataxia (stumbling around)
• muscle weakness or paralysis
• seizures
• respiratory distress

The chemicals in these baits that are harmful are organophosphates, organocarbamates or chlorpyrifos.  Avoid the use of any bait containing these chemicals if possible.  It is important to note that cats that have been poisoned with chlorpyrifos may only exhibit lethargy or weakness.  For dogs,  INDUCE VOMITING and seek veterinary assistance for follow-up care.  For cats, seek veterinary attention immediately.

4. Marijuana: Less commonly seen in cats, dogs are attracted to the smell of the drug.

Signs of marijuana toxicity include:

• hyperactivity or depression
• ataxia (stumbling around)
• tremors
• excessive salivation
• urine dribbling

If your pet has ingested marijuana, it is vital that you inform the veterinary staff.  This is sometimes hard for owners to admit however proper treatment for your pet cannot be performed unless the toxic substance is identified.  For dogs, INDUCE VOMITING and seek veterinary assistance for follow-up care.  For cats, seek veterinary assistance immediately.  Treatment of marijuana toxicity usually requires IV fluids and hospitalization until the symptoms subside. 

5. Grapes/Raisins: Signs of grape/raisins toxicity occur in different stages.

The following signs occur in the first 6 to 12 hours after ingestion:

• vomiting
• lethargy
• anorexia
• diarrhea
• abdominal pain 

The following signs occur 24 to 72 hours after ingestion:

• trouble urinating
• no urine production
• weakness
• tremors

The result of grape and raisin toxicity leads to kidney failure.  A very small amount of grapes or raisins, even one or two, may be enough to cause significant symptoms.  Fatalities may occur with or without treatment.  For dogs, INDUCE VOMITING and seek veterinary assistance for follow-up care.  Grape/raisin toxicity has not been reported in cats.

6. Garbage/Mold: There are 2 components to garbage that can be a toxicity threat to your pet.  Leftover food can be contaminated by bacteria such as E. coli or Salmonella as well as mold.  Both can cause your pet to go into shock as the toxins by either the bacteria or mold invade the bloodstream.  This can be a life-threatening situation if left untreated, and signs may take anywhere between 0-48 hours to develop.

Signs of garbage/mold toxicity include:

• vomiting within 3 hours of ingestion
• diarrhea +/- blood within 2-48 hours of ingestion
• depression
• collapse
• low temperature
• weakness
• abdominal pain
• muscle tremors
• agitation
• seizures

If you are certain there were no sharp objects such as bones or large objects in the garbage that may cause an airway blockage for dogs, you may INDUCE VOMITING and seek veterinary assistance for follow-up care.  For cats, seek veterinary assistance immediately. 

7. Mushrooms: This toxicity is most commonly seen during the growing season especially during exceptionally wet weather. 

Signs of mushroom toxicity include:

• vomiting
• diarrhea
• abdominal pain
• excessive salivation, tear production and urination
• depression
• fever
• ataxia (stumbling around)
• suspect hallucinations
• seizures
• coma

Mushroom toxicity is usually caused by ingestion of wild mushrooms.  If you are unsure whether the mushrooms ingested are poisonous or not, assume they are.  Wild mushrooms cause a variety of severe medical problems including kidney, liver and heart damage, central nervous system effects and even death.  For dogs, you may INDUCE VOMITING and seek veterinary assistance for follow-up care.  For cats, seek veterinary assistance immediately.

8. Xylitol: Xylitol is an artificial sweetener commonly found in sugarless chewing gums.

Signs of xylitol toxicity include:

• vomiting
• weakness
• ataxia (stumbling around)
• depression
• seizures
• coma

Xylitol cause the rapid release of insulin in pets causing hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).  Signs of xylitol toxicity can present 30 minutes to 12 hours after ingestion.  For dogs, INDUCE VOMITING and seek veterinary assistance for follow-up care.  For cats, seek veterinary assistance immediately.

9. Chocolate: Chocolate toxicity in cats is very rare as they are generally not attracted to the smell or taste of it.  If you suspect your cat has ingested chocolate see your veterinarian immediately.  More commonly seen in dogs, the effects it will have depend on the type of chocolate ingested and the amount.

Signs of chocolate toxicity include:

• vomiting
• diarrhea
• tremors
• hyperactivity
• extreme lethargy
• increased heart rate
• seizures

The following is a chart of toxic doses for each type of chocolate according to the weight of the dog.

If you are unsure how much your pet ate, look for the grams on the package and estimate the amount ingested.  INDUCING VOMITING for dogs is recommended, however if your dog is already vomiting, contact a veterinarian immediately for assistance.

White chocolate is not toxic to pets.

For a more indepth list of toxic substances and what to do if ingestion of these or an object has occured, please visit our Toxicities page. 

Travelling with your pet this summer?  Before you head out, put together a first aid kit for your pet.  This can be especially useful if you are vacationing in an area where no veterinary clinics are close by, or an incident occurs when clinics are closed for the night.

Include in your pets first aid kit:

• Bandage material for small wounds and cuts including; non-stick pads, gauze squares, stretch gauze, vet wrap and tape.  Ask your veterinary clinic if you can purchase pet-friendly bandage material from them.

• Bandage scissors.

• Polysporin ointment to apply to minor wounds.

• Saline eye drops for eye injuries or irritation.

• Benadryl tablets for allergic reactions. (See dosage chart on the Home Remedies page.)

• 3% Hydrogen peroxide to induce vomiting if a foreign substances has been ingested. (See dosage chart on the Home Remedies page.)

• Kaopectate for diarrhea. (See dosage chart on the Home Remedies page.)

• Antibacterial soap to clean minor wounds.

• Corn syrup for diabetic animals in of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar).

• A muzzle if your pet is severely injured and may bite when being moved due to pain.  (See how to make a muzzle on the Home Remedies page.)

With just a few simple things you can make this first aid kit and be confident that should anything minor happen to your pet, you can address the situation until your pet can see their veterinarian.  If you are not sure about how to handle an injury or situation, make sure to check with a veterinary clinic in the area or an Animal Emergency Hospital in the area to make sure your first aid is correct.

There are a few things we can count on during the summertime.  Thunderstorms and fireworks!  Both can evoke a fear response or even cause a phobia to occur in your dog.  Fears and phobias of loud noises can develop from an isolated incident or from continued exposure to the noise. Although some dogs react with a mild fear response of panting and/or pacing, other dogs become extremely agitated and panicked.  In the more extreme cases, the dog would be considered to be having a phobic response to the stimulus of the storm or fireworks.  So why does this occur? Some dogs have an inherent sensitivity to the stimulus due to genetic predispostion, however some dogs may have had a traumatic experience associated with the stimulus.  Either way, once you have identified that your pet may have a fear or phobia, you can take steps to help decrease the intensity of your pets reaction to the stimulus. 

Even before a thunderstorm occurs, your dog may show signs of fear and anxiety.  In the case of thunderstorms, the fear stimulus may not just be the loud thunder, but may also include the darkening of the sky, high winds, and even the drop in barometric pressure.  During the storm, the flashes of lightning and loud rain, wind and thunder are of course the main stimuli.  With thunderstorm fears and phobias, it is important to address the fear as soon as it begins by recognizing when it truly begins.  Fireworks do not present as many stimuli and the sound is the main stimulus as it will occur before the bright lights.

To begin, know the signs of fear and anxiety.  These include:

• Pacing
• Panting
• Shaking
• Whining
• Trying to hide 

Commonly, these behaviours can be confused for pain or illness. While the above mentioned can be signs of pain or illness, assess the situation in which they are occuring.  Has the dog been normal otherwise?  If you are unsure whether your dog is exhibiting these signs due to illness and pain, or fear and anxiety, contact your veterinary professional for advice. 

Once you have identified your dogs behaviour to be associated with thunderstorms or fireworks consider the following; make sure you do not punish your dog if they are anxious or scared as it will just exacerbate the problem, do not make a fuss or try to reassure your pet excessively as it will encourage these behaviors during future storms. 

Try the following techniques to help your dog through a thunderstorm or fireworks:

Train your dog to relax in a specific area.  The goal is to get your dog to associate their “go to” area with something positive and calming.  Command them to “sit” or “lay down” at their area.  Always reward their obedience to these commands with a treat, toy or affection. Use their petbed for example, as an area where they are trained to “go to” during times other than storms or fireworks.  This way your dog will not associate the area with strictly storms or fireworks.  As well, the petbed may be moved to a quieter place during these stimuli and can be used when travelling. 

If your dog is responding to your commands, carry on with distractions from the stimulus.  Play, affection and treats are all welcome as long as the dog remains calm.  If your dog is not responding, you must ignore the anxious behaviour.  Do not reward fear or anxiety. 

Sometimes dogs that are extremely fearful or phobic will not respond to your efforts to calming them in their safe area.  If this is the case, place your dog in a windowless room.  If the dog will not follow you, calmly lead them to the room by their leash.  If your dog is already hiding do not try to remove them from their spot as this may evoke an aggressive response. Have their favorite toy or treat ready.  Play music to drown out any noise stimuli. 

In very extreme cases where you are worried about your pets safety or your efforts are not helping, talk to your veterinarian about desensitization and counter conditioning techniques.  These along with medications to help manage your dogs symptoms during times of fear and anxiety may be necessary.

Author’s Note: At the Emergency Hospital we receive numerous phone calls on nights of firework displays of owners inquiring about lost pets, as they have run away during the fireworks display.  The bright lights and loud noises scare even the most well-trained dogs.  Your dog will be safer left at home while you enjoy the festivities.

Finally summer has arrived!  The longer days and nice weather means spending time outdoors with your furry friends.  The summer season does however hold certain hazards that every pet owner should be aware of in order to prevent certain life-threatening situations.

Heat stroke

Heat stroke is commonly caused by leaving your dog in the car (even with the windows open) on a hot day or exercising your dog on a hot day, with restricted access to water.  The normal body temperature for a dog is 37^oC to 39^oC.  If heatstroke is suspected you can take a rectal temperature on your pet.  If the temperature is 39.5^oC or higher this is cause for concern.  You may begin externally cooling your pet by spraying or immersing them in cool water, then take them to a veterinary hospital immediately.  A prolonged increase in body temperature can result in multiple organ failure.  It may affect the brain, kidneys, liver, blood system, and gastrointestinal system. 

Dogs which are more at risk of heatstroke are those which are older, obese, have a thick hair coat, and brachycephalic (short nose) breeds.  Cats are susceptible to heatstroke as well, however this is rarely seen.

Signs of heatstroke include:

• panting
• excessive salivating
• increase in body temperature (see below for normals) 
• bright red gums
• fast heart rate
• respiratory distress
• vomiting blood
• blood in their stool  
• seizures
• muscle tremors
• ataxia
• coma 
• a decrease/or no urine production
• respiratory arrest
• cardiac arrest

Be aware that grooming your pet sometimes involves shaving off their protective guard hairs.  These guard hairs protect your pet from the elements, including the sun.  Your pet can recieve a sunburn if exposed to prolonged periods of sun which may contribute to heatstroke. 

Blastomycosis

It is cabin season.  Everyone enjoys going out to the lake on the weekends to relax with friends and family.  It is always great to bring the family dog with you, but you should be aware of a potential problem your dog may encounter. 

Blastomycosis is a fungal disease that dogs, more commonly aged 2-4 years can contract via their respiratory tract.  The fungal spores of Blastomycosis are found in the soil of wet environments such as riverbanks, streams, lakes, and swamps.  Also, it can be found in soils imported from affected areas.  Usually, a dog contracts Blastomycosis by digging in the soil containing the fungal spores.  The spores are released into the air, and the dog inhales them.  Common areas where Blastomycosis occurs are the Mississippi-Missouri-Ohio River basin, extending up to the Lake of the Woods region including Sioux Narrows, Dryden, Red Lake and Kenora, Ontario, Canada.  Blastomycosis can occasionally be contracted by cats, but is more common in dogs.  Blastomycosis mainly affects the respiratory tract however it can affect other organs as well, such as the eyes and skin.

Signs of blastomycosis include:

• Fever
• Depression
• Weight loss
• Anorexia
• Draining skin lesions
• Respiratory distress
• Lameness
• Coughing
• Enlarged lymph nodes
• Blindness
• Seizures

If any of these signs are present in your dog and you have been in an area that could possibly contain blastomycosis, you should have your dog seen by your veterinarian right away.  The veterinarian will usually x-ray your dog’s chest and possibly send tissue or urine samples to a laboratory for analysis.  Treatment can be very expensive and takes a minimum of three to six months.  Survival depends on how severe the disease is in your dog and the health condition of your dog before they came in contact with Blastomycosis.  Sometimes surgical removal of affected lung lobes is necessary. 

It is possible for humans to become infected with blastomycosis as well, whether through inhaling the spores or through skin contact with affected soil, especially if an open sore is present.  It is not known to be transmitted from dog to dog, or from pets to humans.  To avoid blastomycosis altogether, you may want to consider leaving your dog with friends or family when visiting an affected area. 

Swimming Pool Dangers

Swimming pools provide a refreshing activity during the summer months and your pet may agree!  Although most dogs are natural swimmers, when they decide to indulge themselves in a backyard pool they are unable to get themselves out of the pool.  Sadly, this leads to the death of many pets.  Another common danger occurs when a pet mistakes the pool cover for a solid surface. They will often try to walk across the pool cover and get trapped within the cover leading to a drowning.  If you have a swimming pool in your yard, never leave your pet unattended.  A drowning can occur in a matter of minutes. 

Your pet may view the swimming pool as a water source.  Don’t be alarmed if your pet takes a drink from the pool.  Unless the chemical levels are unsually high in the pool, it will not be enough to make your pet seriously ill.  They may however vomit up the water which is not a serious problem. 

 Driving Safely With Your Pet

Most dogs enjoy a car ride with their owner.  They love to be close to their master and the fresh breeze coming in from the window puts a “smile” on their face everytime.  Be aware that even the most well-trained dogs can run into some potentially life-threatening problems if proper safety is not exercised during their ride.  While driving with the windows down is greatly appreciated by your dog, the windows should be rolled only halfway down.  If you have automatic windows, be sure to engage the lock on them once the window height is set.  Incidences of dogs stepping on the window button and suffering trauma from having their head or mouth trapped in the window has been reported.  Train your dog to sit while riding in a vehicle.  Do not allow them to put their paws up on the window ledge or hang their heads out the window.  These activities could lead to a bigger problem such as the dog jumping out the window, usually while the vehicle is in motion.  Although this may seem like just a funny scene from “Marley and Me”, many dogs are brought to the emergency hospital for serious injuries from jumping out of the car or back of the truck.  If your dog is going to be riding in the backseat, consider purchasing a seatbelt harness for them that will secure them using the seatbelts in your vehicle.  If your dog is going to be riding in the box of a truck, be advised that the law dictates that pets must be secured to the box.  This can be done by a rope and harness or by placing them in a kennel that is secured to the box. 

Intervertebral discs are the soft discs found between the vertebral bones of the spine. They contribute to both shock absorption and flexibility of the vertebral column, which is required for proper rotation and movement of the spine.  Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) is defined as the degeneration of the intervertebral discs that causes displacement of disc material into the spinal canal.  Displacement of the disc material causes spinal cord and/or nerve root compression.  

The picture on the left displays normal disc placement.  The picture on the right displays a prolapsed disc.

IVDD can occur in dogs of all ages and is predisposed to occur in overweight dogs, specifically those of the dachshund, corgi, shih tzu, lhaso apsos, pekingese, beagle and toy or mini-poodle breeds although all breeds can be affected.  Dr. Jamie Masyk, Doctor of Chiropactic Medecine lends his theory as to why this disease occurs particularily in the above mentioned breeds.  “Due to the overly long body, the stomach muscles and anterior (front end) spinal muscles could be over-developed in order to support the long body.  This could result in increased stress on the discs and spine. When the discs start to degenerate due to stress, the bones begin trying to fuse to protect the nerves that come out of every vertebral level. It is a protective mechanism that the nervous system has as all these nerves go to muscles and vital organs in the dog.”  The body’s attempt to fuse the vertebrae causes new bone formations, often occurring in the form of spurs or excessive calicification in between the vertebrae, both of which are very painful to the dog.

Breeds with longer bodies and shorter legs than other breeds tend to have more spinal pressure occurring during activities such as jumping on or off objects causing excessive compression of the intervertebral discs and are therefore more prone to IVDD.  However, age-related degeneration of the vertebrae is also a common cause of IVDD. 

Signs of IVDD include:

• Inability to use hindlimbs 
• Arched back or extended neck depending on where on the spine the problem is occurring
• Inability to eat or drink 
• Immobility
• Pain upon touching of back, or when being picked up

If your pet is exhibiting any of these signs, have them examined by a veterinarian as soon as possible.  IVDD ranges in severity from mild to severe cases of which any degree is very painful for dogs.  To aid in the diagnosis of IVDD, your veterinarian may recommend an xray.  Dr. Masyk informs us that “disc degeneration begins long before it is visible on an xray.  A bone change of 40-60% needs to occur before it shows up on an xray.”  Your veterinarian may suspect IVDD even if there is no visible evidence on the xray in which case they may recommend an MRI or CT scan alone or in conjunction with a myelogram (injecting a dye into the spinal column to help visualize problem areas).  These procedures however can be quite costly to pet owners.

Depending on the severity of the condition of the pet, disc disease can often be treated with a variety of methods including medications, surgery, chiropractic medicine and even acupuncture. Traditionally, veterinarians will treat IVDD with anti-inflammatories, pain relievers and strict rest.  In severe cases, a surgical correction may be required.  Other methods are now being explored to help manage the disease especially in recurring cases.

Chiropratic medecine is more commonly being used to help manage IVDD.  As with humans, if the dog’s spine is not properly aligned, it will begin to degenerate.  Chiropractic adjustment allows for optimal nerve system function.  Many Doctors of Chiropratic medecine are now extending their services to pets.

Acupuncture is a natural treatment for nervous system problems.  Stimulating acupuncture points changes nerve signaling throughout the body which assists neurologic recovery. Pain and swelling subside, and nerve communication improves, easing the return of mobility.  Acupuncture relaxes muscle tissue, making the dog more comfortable and may reduce the amount of pain medication they require.