This was too cute not to share. The weather is fine this week, time to visit the zoo and say Hi to the lions!

Most snakes prefer to avoid a confrontation and will slither away when left alone, but if startled or harassed by your barking dog, they will strike to defend itself. The muzzle and paws are the most common areas that I find snake bites. In the last week alone, we have one bite on the nose, my own dog got bit on his toe and another dog played with the snake and got several bites on his tongue.

Fortunately, most of the snake bites in our area are from copperheads which can inflict a painful bite with a lot of swelling and local tissue destruction, but seldom results in the death of your pet. Emergency treatment given by your veterinarian will be determined by the type of snake that bit your pet and the type of reaction your pet is having to the venom. Antivenin is available for pets, but it is expensive and you have to know which snake bit your pet.

A good on-line source to identify snakes can be found at ENature.com

For dogs traveling to areas filled with rattlesnakes, you may consider vaccinating them with the Red Rock Rattlesnake Vaccine. Rattlesnake bites are more deadly than copperheads and the vaccine may help to lessen the severity of the bite reaction. The vaccine may also help reduce the copperhead reactions but has no effect against the cottonmouth or coral snake venom.

Venomous Snakes in the Houston Area

Copperhead	Cottonmouth (water moccasin)
Diamondback Rattlesnake	Coral Snake

Tips to prevent snake encounters:

• Hike only on open paths and keep dog on leash at all times.
• Keep your dog from exploring holes or under logs where snakes may hide.
• Clear away brush and debris from around your house.
• Keep your yard mowed short.
• Teach your dog the “leave it” command so if you see a snake, he will respond by returning to you, rather than chasing the snake.

If your dog does encounter a snake and is bitten, or your dog comes in from playing outside and his face begins to swell, take him to your veterinarian or emergency clinic so they can initiate treatment. Do not attempt to catch the snake, a photo with your smart phone will help in identifying the snake. We do not want you to end up in the ER for another snakebite.

Remember that every snake in your yard is not venomous, but can be helpful in controlling mice and rats in your yard. So don’t make a vendetta against all snakes. Hog-nosed snakes are common in the area and can raise up like a cobra and strike at you but they are not toxic to humans or pets.

The latest recall involves one production run and four production codes of Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover’s Soul Adult Light Formula dry dog food, as follows:

The food was distributed in Florida, Kentucky, Massachusetts, Michigan, New York, North Carolina, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Virginia, where the food may have been further distributed to other states through pet food channels. Diamond said it is working directly with distributors and retailers that carry the recalled food to remove it from the supply chain.

The company advised consumers who purchased the recalled food to discard it immediately.

This follows the April 6 recall of several lots of Diamond Naturals Lamb & Rice dry dog food due to salmonella concerns. Diamond halted production at the Gaston plant two days later.

Pets infected with salmonella may have decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. If left untreated, pets may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever and vomiting. Infected but otherwise healthy pets can be carriers and infect other animals or humans. The company advised owners whose pets that have consumed the recalled food and have any of the preceding symptoms to contact their veterinarian.

People handling dry pet food can also become infected with salmonella, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after having contact with surfaces exposed to the product, according to Diamond.

Source:Veterinary Practice News: See Full Story

Virbac Animal Health voluntarily recalled one lot of its canine heartworm and internal parasite preventive Iverhart Max Chewable Tablets (ivermectin, pyrantel pamoate, praziquantel) because the ivermectin failed to meet the company’s stability specifications.

Some dogs dosed with tablets from the affected lot (#110482 for large dogs, 50.1 to 100 lbs.) may not be protected against heartworm disease, the company said.

Virbac is recalling one lot of its canine heartworm preventative Iverhart Max Chewable Tablets.

The lot number is stamped on the side lid or flap of the product’s box in a white text field and on the blister foil of the individual doses.

Virbac, of Fort Worth, Texas, sent letters to veterinary distributors instructing them to cease distribution of the affected lot and to advise veterinary clinics in receipt of the recalled product to cease dispensing it.

The other active ingredients in Iverhart were not affected, the company said, meaning the tablets should provide protection against other internal parasites. Virbac tested other lots of Iverhart and confirmed only one lot was affected.

No heartworm-related adverse events or illnesses had been reported to Virbac as of late March. If veterinarians see a potentially affected dog, they should contact Virbac Technical Services at 1-800-338-3659 x3052) to discuss testing procedures. If a dog taking the product is infected with heartworms, its treatment will be covered under the Iverhart product satisfaction guarantee, the company said.

Source: Veterinary Practice News

Trauma to the spinal cord is a serious, often fatal injury in people and pets.  Damage to the cord by fractures of the vertebrae or swelling can often lead to pain and weakness and even partial or complete loss of movement or sensation.  These situations are medical emergencies! Interesting new research is now showing promise and the hero of the research may be a family pet!

   

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Experts estimate that more than 12,000 spinal cord injuries (SCI) occur every year in people and that more than a quarter of a million Americans are now living with some form of SCI.  These injuries are not limited to humans, but happen frequently in our pets as well.

In people, damage to the spine often occurs due to a traumatic event, such as a car accidents, severe falls or even sports activities.  Such injuries happen most often to younger men.

In dogs, not only are there a variety of accidents that cause SCI, but many breeds of dogs, can develop a bulging or full prolapse of the discs that are located between the vertebrae.  This bulge puts damaging pressure on the spinal cord, causing pain and even paralysis.  Any sort of pressure, trauma or tearing of the spinal cord is truly an emergency situation.

In both human and veterinary medicine new treatments are focused in an attempt to block certain biochemical pathways after injury to save mobility. But, until now, many of these treatments have been unsuccessful.  Consequently, the human may spend the rest of their life in a wheelchair while many pets are euthanized due to costs or the owner’s inability to care for a pet who is unable to walk.

Dr. Jonathon Levine, a veterinarian and resident in neurology at Texas A & M University’s College of Veterinary Medicine says “about 3% of all hospitalized cases in veterinary medicine were due to disc related spinal cord injuries.”  In certain breeds, especially dachshunds and other long bodied, short legged dogs, the incidence of SCI due to disc problems approaches 25%.

In some situations, especially traumatic events, like a dog being struck by a car, the onset is sudden and easily recognizable.  But in other cases, the signs are much more subtle.  Dogs with slow developing disc problems often show weakness in the limbs, abnormal gait, in-coordination and pain across the back.  Without treatment, these pets may eventually lose the ability to walk.

New advances in diagnostic technology, including increased availability of even more powerful MRI units for pets, have enabled veterinarians to more accurately pinpoint the cause of spinal injuries.  But, the fact still remains that far too many dogs and people suffering lasting serious consequences, from spinal cord injuries.

In conjunction with the University of California Medical School, Dr. Levine and the team at Texas A & M are exploring a new drug that may protect the nervous system after spinal cord injury.  Certain enzymes in the nervous system can actually destroy vital components of the blood-spinal cord barrier and of myelin, the protective covering over nerves.  This current research looks at a new compound that may block these destructive enzymes.  “We are hoping that this new drug will protect the nervous system shortly after injury, improve the outcome and help more dogs walk in these cases.” says Levine.

The importance of this study cannot be overstated.  This is the first veterinary clinical trial that has been funded by the National Institutes of Health.  In addition, because of the potential benefits to both dogs and people, the Department of Defense has also provided grant money to continue the research.  Many of the quarter of a million people living with spinal cord injuries are soldiers wounded while in war zones.

Pet owners, especially those with specific breeds prone to back problems need to be aware of the subtitle signs of potential problems.  A veterinarian should see any dog that cries out during play, has difficulty navigating stairs or that has any sort of uncoordinated gait.  Pets that are overweight are more prone to spinal issues, so keeping your pet trim is one way to minimize the risks.  In some cases, owners may receive a referral to a veterinary neurologist or surgeon for advanced care.

The history of smoking tobacco may reach back many hundreds of years, but research in the 20th century has made it clear how harmful this habit is.  Furthermore, secondhand smoke has been implicated in the illnesses and even deaths of non-smokers.  What’s even more disturbing is that smokers may have unknowingly contributed to severe disease in dogs and cats.

Most people understand that secondhand smoke from cigarettes contains an incredible number of hazardous substances and many of them are carcinogenic.  These chemicals are found in high concentrations in carpets and on furniture around the home.  Pets sharing this environment will get these toxins on their fur and then ingest them during normal grooming.

Dr. Ann Hohenhaus, a board certified specialist in veterinary internal medicine and certified veterinary journalist, has written that increased numbers of smokers and smoking in households corresponds with higher levels of the by-products of nicotine metabolism in pets sharing that home.  She further describes how carbon deposits are often seen in the lungs of these animals.

Research is now showing that our pets’ health is affected in ways similar to what is seen in humans.

In the early 1990s, researchers found correlations between nasal cancers in dogs and the presence of smokers in the home.  There is also a concern that environmental tobacco smoke may increase the incidence of lung cancer in our canine friends as well.

Cats may actually be at higher risk for serious disease when they live in a smoking environment.  As mentioned above, many cigarette smoke toxins settle to low levels in the home and cats will pick up these substances on their fur.  Because of their fastidious grooming habits, cats end up ingesting a higher level of chemicals and this leads to a greater chance of several types of cancer.

Lymphoma is a cancer of white blood cells and is one of the most common cancers seen in our pet cats.  When smokers are present in the cat’s household, the risk for this killer is increased by two or three times over cats living in non-smoking homes.  Sadly, when our feline friends are diagnosed with lymphoma, the prognosis is very poor and many won’t survive another six months.

Another serious cancer with links to secondhand smoke is a cancer of the mouth known as squamous cell carcinoma, or SCC.   Studies have linked a higher risk for SCC in cats living in smoking homes.  Again, the prognosis is very grave and most pets won’t survive another year.

An unpublished study has also found that the levels of nicotine found in the hair of dogs exposed to second hand smoke is similar to levels found in children living with parents who smoke.

With more than 46 million smokers in North America and about 60% of the population owning dogs or cats, the risk for the animals is substantial.  Pets are often good at hiding signs of illness, so many smoking owners fail to realize the damage that their habit is causing to the four legged family member.

Of course, the best course of action is to give up the tobacco habit entirely.  It’s not only best for the health of the smoker, it will also greatly reduce risks for pets.  Understanding that it’s not easy to quit this addictive habit, people who smoke and have pets should attempt to minimize their pets’ exposure by smoking outdoors.

Another important thing to remember is that smoking in the car with pets can create a toxic environment, even with the windows open.  Some states and Canadian provinces even ban smoking in cars when children are passengers because of the chance for serious exposures.  If you must smoke when you drive, leave your pets and kids at home!

Pets who are developing illnesses from secondhand smoke may exhibit symptoms ranging from lethargy to coughing to the appearance of masses in the mouth.  It’s important to have your pet seen by a veterinarian if any of these signs are noted.  To keep up to date with accurate animal health news, visit www.MyVNN.com or www.VetNewsOnline.com.

Max, a large Dogo Argentino was chasing a coyote across the icy Smith Reservoir in Lakewood, Colorado on  Tuesday, when he fell into the water. A West Metro firefighter, donning a wetsuit, braved the chilly waters and pulled the dog to safety. The rescue was captured by the SKYFox helicopters.  Max and the fireman were being interviewed by KUSA anchor Kyle Dyer on Thursday, when Max suddenly bit her on her face as she leaned in. Prior to this point, Max had been friendly. Kyle was taken to the hospital and has undergone reconstructive surgery on her face.

This tragic incident does bring home the warning that any animal can bite at any time. Max did give a warning snarl before the bite but there was little time for the anchor woman to react. Even professionals that work around animals on a daily basis can still be caught off guard and receive the painful bite from a dog or cat. There are certain signals that dogs do display before a bite and there are ways to approach dogs to avoid a confrontation. All parents should teach their children dog bite safety. A previous post on avoiding dog bites will help you to understand how to avoid dog bites.

Max was being evaluated at the Denver Animal Shelter where he will be quarantined for 10 days to ensure he does not have rabies, the shelter’s director said.

“Kyle is concerned about the viewers who may have been watching the interview and wants everyone to know she is okay.”

Let this be a lesson to all of us to be more careful around dogs, especially dogs you do not know well and are in unfamiliar settings.

Mange is a parasitic skin disease caused by microscopic mites. Two different mange mites cause skin disease in dogs. One lives just under the surface of the skin, while the other resides deep in the hair follicles. Although both mites share similar characteristics, there are also important differences. It is important not to confuse the two types of mange because they have different causes, treatments, and prognoses.

   

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What causes demodectic mange?

Demodectic mange, sometimes just called “demodex” or “red mange”, is the most common form of mange in dogs. It is caused by the Demodex canis, a parasite that lives in the hair follicles of dogs. Under the microscope, this mite is shaped like a cigar with eight legs.

All normal dogs (and many humans) have a few of these mites on their skin. As long as the body’s immune system is functioning properly, these mites live in harmony with their host and  cause no harm.

Demodectic mange most often occurs when a dog has an immature immune or a defective immune system which will allow the number of skin mites to grow rapidly. Some breeds of dogs are more prone to the disease and there may be a genetic factor for the prevalence of Demodectic mange. Because of this, the disease is found primarily in young dogs less than twelve to eighteen months of age and dogs with severe mange should not be bred. As the dog matures, its immune system also matures. Adult dogs that have the disease usually have defective immune systems. Demodectic mange may occur in older dogs because function of the immune system often declines with age. Dogs who have immune suppression due to illness or certain medications are also candidates for demodectic mange.

Is demodectic mange contagious?

No, demodectic mange is not contagious to other animals or humans. Demodex mites are transmitted to puppies from their mother during the first few days of life. Since the mite is found on virtually all dogs, exposure of a normal dog to one with demodectic mange is not dangerous.

Why doesn’t the immune system mature correctly in some dogs?

Development of the immune system is under genetic or hereditary control. Thus, an affected dog often has littermates that are also affected. Owners of littermates should be alerted to watch for the development of the mange in their puppies. Because the disease can be due to a genetic defect of the immune system, affected dogs should not be bred, and the parents of the
affected dog should not be bred again.

What does demodectic mange do to the dog?

Surprisingly, a dog with demodectic mange usually does not itch severely, even though it loses hair in patches. The hair loss usually begins on the face, especially around the eyes. When there are only a few patches of hair loss, the condition is called localized demodectic mange. If the disease spreads to many areas of the skin, it becomes generalized demodectic mange. The mites multiply in the hair follicle which causes the hair to fall out. When the integrity of the skin is broken, then bacteria that normally resides on the skin can penetrate the broken skin and cause a secondary skin infection or a “pyoderma” . Because the immune system in these dogs in often defective, the skin infection can sometimes become severe.

How is demodectic mange diagnosed?

Your veterinarian will take deep skin scrapings and try to squeeze the mites out of the hair follicles and examine them under the microscope to diagnose this disease. The finding of larger than normal numbers of Demodex mites in skin scrapings confirms the diagnosis. Occasionally, the disease will be diagnosed by means of a
skin biopsy in dogs that have chronic skin infections that have not responded appropriately to treatment.

What is the treatment for Demodectic mange?

The localized form is usually treated with topical medication. The generalized form requires more aggressive treatment using special follicular flushing medicated shampoos and dips, along with oral medication. Shampooing with special
cleansing shampoos containing benzoyl peroxide helps to flush out and open the hair follicles prior to dipping. In some cases, especially dogs with generalized demodectic mange, secondary skin infections complicate the condition, requiring antibiotic therapy. Dogs with skin infections often have very red, inflamed skin. This is the source of the
term “red mange.”

Are there any problems with topical treatment?

The dip commonly used for demodectic mange contains the insecticide amitraz. It must be used cautiously because it is a strong insecticide that can cause side effects, both to your dog and to you, if not used properly. Your dog may experience vomiting and sedation for twenty-four to thirty-six hours following each application. Most of these problems are self-limiting and resolve without medical intervention. If your dog reacts in this manner, you should dilute the next dip with 25% more water. Since most dogs develop tolerance to the dip as they are repeated, your dog is less likely to have side effects with each subsequent treatment. After receiving two to three dipping treatments at 2 week intervals, skin scrapings should be repeated and
examined for the presence of live mites or mite eggs. The results of these skin scrapings will determine whether further treatment is needed. Often a minimum of 6 to 8 dips is necessary to control the disease.

Is there a drug that can be given orally for demodectic mange?

Yes, under certain conditions.

Ivermectins are a class of drugs that are approved for prevention of heartworm disease in dogs and cats. Milbemycin oxime, the active ingredient of Interceptor® and Sentinel® heartworm preventives,
may be used to treat demodicosis in certain cases. Certain   ivermectins are used to treat parasites on cattle. In the past, the cattle preparation has been used orally for demodectic mange in some dogs. However, it is a very strong drug that can cause severe side-effects, including death, if it is not administered properly. It is not approved for use in dogs, so we would only consider using it as long as you are  willing to accept liability for adverse effects. Veterinarians do not generally recommend ivermectin usage in collies, Shetland sheepdogs, Australian shepherds, old English sheepdogs, or any other herding breed.

Check with your veterinarian for the recommended medicine to treat your dog.

What is the prognosis for my dog?

Treatment of demodectic mange is generally successful. However, if the immune system is defective, neither the mites nor the infection may respond to treatment. With generalized demodicosis, successful treatment may take a long time and re-occurrences can develop later in life or with stress.

Because the immune system does not mature until twelve to eighteen months of age, a dog with demodectic mange may have relapses until that age. It is important to treat as soon as a relapse occurs to minimize the possibility of developing resistant mange.

What are whipworms?

Whipworms are intestinal parasites that are about 1/4 inch (6 mm) long. They live in the cecum and colon (large intestine) of dogs where they cause severe irritation to the lining of those organs. Whipworm infection results in watery, bloody diarrhea, weight loss, and general debilitation.

   

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They are one of the most pathogenic worms found in dogs.

How do dogs get whipworms?

Whipworms pass microscopic eggs in the stool. The eggs are very resistant to drying and heat, so they can remain viable (alive) in the  environment for up to 5 years. Once laid, they embryonate (mature to an infective stage) in the environment and are able to re-infect the dog in 10-60 days. The   embryonated eggs are swallowed and hatch and mature to adults in the lower intestinal tract, completing their life cycle (see illustration).

How are whipworms  diagnosed?

“Parasites pass small numbers of eggs on an irregular basis, so some samples may be falsely negative.”

Whipworms are diagnosed by finding eggs with a microscopic examination of the stool. However, multiple stool samples are often required because these parasites pass small numbers of eggs on an irregular basis, so some samples may be falsely negative. In addition, it takes approximately 11-12 weeks after hatching for a female adult to begin to lay eggs.  Any dog with chronic large bowel diarrhea should be suspected to have whipworms, even if the stool sample was negative.
Thus, it is an accepted practice to treat chronic diarrhea by administering a whipworm dewormer. Response to treatment is an indication that whipworms were present but could not be detected on fecal examination.

How are whipworms treated?

There are several drugs that are very effective against whipworms. At least two treatments are needed, spaced at a three to four week interval. The most frustrating aspect of whipworm infections is the high rate of re-infection because the eggs are extremely hardy in the environment.  Therefore, if a dog is diagnosed with a whipworm infection, it is advisable to treat again every three to four months. The other option, which is much simpler, is to use a heartworm preventative that contains a whipworm medication. Whipworms are not nearly as common today because of widespread use of these modern heartworm prevention products.

Can I get whipworms from my dog?

No. Whipworms are not infectious to people. They are exclusive parasites of the dog.