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| What's wrong with a few fleas anyhow? Don't all pets have them? After 16 years in practice, I have heard these questions many times. When I graduated from vet school, the ubiquitous blue bottle of Adams Flea Spray could be found in most homes. In fact, as a technician in a Memphis practice in the 80's, I can remember clients buying the stuff by the case before we could even open the shipments to stock the shelves. Although that flea spray worked better than anything else available at the time, most pets still had a few fleas. During the 90's, flea treatments became more toxic as synthetic chemicals were introduced. While effective, they had to be applied frequently and did pose some health risks to the pets as well as the environment. Flea treatments have come a long way since then, and we now have products that are not only safer and more environmentally friendly but may also be applied just monthly to effectively prevent most flea infestations. To answer the above question, "whats wrong with a few fleas", one needs to realize how much damage a few fleas can do. Fleas, of course, are blood sucking parasites. A simple flea infestation can cause enough blood loss to make your pet very ill, possibly ill enough to need a transfusion. In addition, many pets (and people) develop flea allergies and can react to as little as a single flea bite. The result may be itching, skin infections, and anxiety. Like other blood sucking parasites, fleas also carry diseases. The flea has been identified as a carrier of bartonellosis, a newly emerging human infection. This organism can cause cat scratch disease in susceptible people. Heart valve infections and liver problems in both dogs and people have also been linked bartonella bacteria. It remains to be seen if bartonella organisms can cause disease in cats but evidence is accumulating. Another organism carried by fleas (and transmitted between cats by fleas) is Mycoplasma haemofelis. This is a parasite of cat red blood cells and can cause fatal anemias from red blood cell destruction. Lastly, we can't leave out the most famous pathogens carried by fleas (in this case the rat flea). Most people are familiar with the bubonic plague and a few have heard of murine typhus. These diseases, while uncommon, are still seen in some areas of our country. Pets that hunt or scavenge can pick up rat fleas from the environment and transport them back to a pet owner. Fortunately for us here in Georgia, these diseases are not yet a problem but they are good examples the dangers of fleas. Still wonder what's wrong with a few fleas? Is your pet on flea prevention?? Contact our office for safe, effective flea control. |
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| Pre-Anesthetic Labwork For a pet owner, the idea of putting their beloved pet under anesthesia will always be met with some anxiety and hesitation. Just as in human medicine, there are inherent risks involved in anesthetizing any patient. The good news, however, is thorough pre-anesthetic exams, Lab work, improved anesthetic monitors, and safer anesthetics all combine to make anesthetic complications much rarer than in the past. Patients undergoing anesthesia at our hospital can expect to get a detailed physical to detect underlying problems that might cause complications. In addition, we also require preanesthetic Lab work for almost all patients. What is Pre-anesthetic Lab work??? Preanesthetic Lab work involves checking a blood sample for various chemical markers that are useful in evaluating organ function. Here at North DeKalb Veterinary Clinic, the doctors feel that it is crucial to the safety of our patients to know something about the organs that break down or excrete anesthetic drugs. Is age a good factor to use in predicting organ function? Not really….. We see many young patients with infectious, hereditary, or toxic conditions that may not be noticeable on the surface but may hinder the ability of the liver or kidneys to handle additional chemicals or drugs. These changes are often only identifiable by blood testing. It is for this reason that we require lab tests prior to any sedation or anesthesia. Your pet’s safety is our primary concern. At North DeKalb, our preanesthetic tests are run on state of the art in-house equipment that accurately measures chemicals or enzymes in the blood and allows us to evaluate kidney and liver function. We also measure blood sugar and blood protein levels, and we look for signs of infection or anemia by measuring both white and red blood cells. Platelet counts are even evaluated to identify patients that may have a bleeding tendency. Occasionally, if the preanesthetic physical exam or patients medical history suggests other problems, we will run additional tests to look at pancreatic function, electrolyte levels, and even thyroid levels. Once under anesthesia, our patients can expect to be monitored closely by a trained assistant or technician. Anesthetic monitors are also used to improve safety and may include electrocardiography (EKG), pulse oximetry (to measure blood oxygen levels), blood pressure, body temperature, and capnography (to measure exhaled and inhaled carbon dioxide in the lungs). All of these things, from the exam to the Lab work and monitoring, all help improve the overall safety of the anesthetic episode. Please feel free to contact our office if you have any questions. |
As cold weather approaches, we must all take special precautions to help protect our pets. What's that you say? Your pet is strictly indoors? Surely this can't apply to you! Pets that have outdoor access are not be the only ones that could have winter related health risks. Read on for helpful hints to protect the ones you love. If your pet spends time outside, you should always be aware of weather predictions for the day. Please ensure that your pet has access to warmth and shelter from wind and freezing rain. Just because is was beautiful when you left for work in the morning doesn't mean we won't have an ice storm that same afternoon. Ice and cold are obvious threats but other dangers exist. Pets seeking water may only find unfrozen puddles contaminated with antifreeze. Antifreeze causes irreversible and fatal kidney failure if ingested and it has a sweet taste that often attracts pets and wildlife. Another hazard can come from products used to prevent icing on sidewalks. De-icing chemicals in these agents stick to the hair of the feet causing local irritation and may also be ingested during grooming causing upset stomachs. Pets seeking warmth may find shelter in car engines so be sure to thump on the hood of the car when restarting a warm engine. Lastly, remember that the time change and decreased visibility also create additional hazards for pets that may have access to roads. Indoor hazards also abound at this time of year. Holiday decorations such as tinsel, ornaments, and garland can cause intestinal obstructions. Indoor lighting and power cords can pose a shock hazard for those that like to chew. Holiday plants like mistletoe, holly, and poinsettias can cause illness if eaten. Even the water in the base of Christmas trees may become toxic from pine sap and chemical additives, and don't forget that pets will often find boxes of chocolate this time of year. Fireplaces may be another source of danger for pets not just from sparks and heat, but also by allowing access to ash that may be ingested. Be aware of potential dangers in and around your pets environment to ensure that we all have an enjoyable holiday season and a relaxing winter. |
Pet Food Recall-Final Outcome?
Update: July, 2007
Since March, 18 companies have recalled more than 5,600 pet food products because they contained imported and
mislabeled ingredients tainted with melamine and melamine-related derivatives. Melamine is a chemical used in plastics
and fertilizers. It is not approved for use in pet or human food.
Importers originally thought those ingredients were wheat gluten and rice protein concentrate. But the Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) has since learned those tainted ingredients were wheat flour — intentionally spiked with melamine
to give a higher protein count. Manufacturers used the contaminated products without realizing that they were using
flour instead of gluten or protein concentrate.
Two Chinese companies exported those tainted ingredients to the United States -- Xuzhou Anying Biologic Technology
Development Co. and Futian Biology Technology Co. Ltd. U.S. food inspectors sent to China to investigate the
companies discovered last week that both manufacturers had closed and all their equipment was dismantled.
This whole episode has opened debates on the safety of imported food. By some estimates, less than 2 % of imported
food is inspected for safety and sanitation. While the melamine controversy has not yet affected foods for human
consumption (that we know of), widespread problems of different types have been identified.
At the current time, it is believed that all contaminated pet food has been recalled but we urge pet owners to remain
vigilant in choosing foods for their pets. Our office will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Update: July, 2007
Since March, 18 companies have recalled more than 5,600 pet food products because they contained imported and
mislabeled ingredients tainted with melamine and melamine-related derivatives. Melamine is a chemical used in plastics
and fertilizers. It is not approved for use in pet or human food.
Importers originally thought those ingredients were wheat gluten and rice protein concentrate. But the Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) has since learned those tainted ingredients were wheat flour — intentionally spiked with melamine
to give a higher protein count. Manufacturers used the contaminated products without realizing that they were using
flour instead of gluten or protein concentrate.
Two Chinese companies exported those tainted ingredients to the United States -- Xuzhou Anying Biologic Technology
Development Co. and Futian Biology Technology Co. Ltd. U.S. food inspectors sent to China to investigate the
companies discovered last week that both manufacturers had closed and all their equipment was dismantled.
This whole episode has opened debates on the safety of imported food. By some estimates, less than 2 % of imported
food is inspected for safety and sanitation. While the melamine controversy has not yet affected foods for human
consumption (that we know of), widespread problems of different types have been identified.
At the current time, it is believed that all contaminated pet food has been recalled but we urge pet owners to remain
vigilant in choosing foods for their pets. Our office will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Spring time hazards
As warm weather approaches, please be alert for seasonal hazards that could harm your pet. Spring cleaning may
uncover poisons such as mouse baits or chemicals that were safely stored away from pets over the winter. Fertilizers and
lawn treatments are more likely to be left out for that weekend project. And as warm weather arrives, windows and doors
may be left open. Please be aware of your pets surroundings.
Heartworm disease, a year-around problem in the south, may be more prevalent in the spring as mosquito populations
soar. Are your dogs and cats (yes, cats) current on heartworm prevention? Fleas will also be enjoying the nice weather
and the temptation to save a little and use over-the-counter flea products will probably result in the seasonal increase in
poisonings we see each year. Clients, check out our online pharmacy for safer flea and heartworm preventatives at
competitive pricing.
Health problems prevalent at this time of year are frequently related to allergies. The fact that our cars have turned yellow
tells us the pollen is out. Itchy skin, hair loss, and red eyes are all symptoms you should watch for if your pet suffers from
allergies. Please do not try human allergy medications on your pet without contacting our office first.
Lastly, Easter is right around the corner. Please take care or preferably avoid the use of plastic "easter grass" in Easter
baskets and decorations. We do not like removing it from your pets stomach! Have a safe and happy Spring!!!!
As warm weather approaches, please be alert for seasonal hazards that could harm your pet. Spring cleaning may
uncover poisons such as mouse baits or chemicals that were safely stored away from pets over the winter. Fertilizers and
lawn treatments are more likely to be left out for that weekend project. And as warm weather arrives, windows and doors
may be left open. Please be aware of your pets surroundings.
Heartworm disease, a year-around problem in the south, may be more prevalent in the spring as mosquito populations
soar. Are your dogs and cats (yes, cats) current on heartworm prevention? Fleas will also be enjoying the nice weather
and the temptation to save a little and use over-the-counter flea products will probably result in the seasonal increase in
poisonings we see each year. Clients, check out our online pharmacy for safer flea and heartworm preventatives at
competitive pricing.
Health problems prevalent at this time of year are frequently related to allergies. The fact that our cars have turned yellow
tells us the pollen is out. Itchy skin, hair loss, and red eyes are all symptoms you should watch for if your pet suffers from
allergies. Please do not try human allergy medications on your pet without contacting our office first.
Lastly, Easter is right around the corner. Please take care or preferably avoid the use of plastic "easter grass" in Easter
baskets and decorations. We do not like removing it from your pets stomach! Have a safe and happy Spring!!!!
| Do Cats Cause Mental Illness? A recent news report about possible links between mental disorders and a parasite of cats has left many cat owners wondering if the family pet may be more of a hazard than a companion. Unfortunately, the news report was heavy on sensationalism but weak on facts. The report served only to scare and confuse pet-owners and may have given some owners the wrong impression about keeping cats as indoor pets. The report went so far as to suggest keeping cats inside may not be a good idea especially if children are in the house. We fear that this bad advice will not only cause some people to put their indoor cats outside but in doing so may ironically increase health risks to family members as a result. In an effort to set the record straight, we would like to offer the following information: Toxoplasma gondii is a parasite. The life cycle of this parasite requires a cat or other felid (called the definitive host) as well as an intermediate host such as rodents, rabbits, and other mammals. Cats become exposed to the parasite by predation or hunting. When they eat an infected mouse, the parasite moves through their body and is shed in their stool thereby spreading the parasite in the environment for other mammals to ingest. People can get exposed by accidentally ingesting the parasite after cleaning litter boxes or while gardening in soil frequented by stray cats. People can also get exposed by ingesting the parasite on unwashed vegetables from gardens frequented by cats, and by eating undercooked meat from other intermediate hosts such as pigs or cattle (much in the same way cats are infected by eating mice). In case you are wondering, pigs and cattle become infected by eating grain or grass contaminated by infected cat feces from barn cats that hunt the infected mice. Therefore, exposure is much more likely to occur via contamination of our food by outside cats that hunt and less likely to occur from exposure to a strictly indoor pet that isn’t allowed outside to hunt. The news report would have done a much better service to viewers by advising them NOT to let their cats go outside especially if there are children in the household. Preventing predation/hunting is the best way to avoid toxoplasmosis in pets. As for kittens, regular veterinary visits will decrease the possible threat of this parasite as we routinely screen stool samples. Toxoplasma infections in humans are an important cause of abortions and stillbirths when women are exposed for the first time during their pregnancy. The organism can also cross the placenta and infect the fetus. Symptoms may include birth defects, deafness and blindness, and mental retardation. In addition, some acute cases in adults are associated with psychiatric symptoms such as delusions and hallucinations. In cats, Toxoplasma infections may cause blindness, meningitis, pancreatitis, and gastrointestinal problems or may be completely asymptomatic (not cause identifiable illness). The news report in question actually concerned studies on schizophrenia. Schizophrenia is a neuropsychiatric disease of uncertain cause that affects approximately 1% of the adult population in the United States and Europe. Genetic factors are thought to play a significant role in the development of the condition which is most commonly diagnosed in early adulthood. Environmental factors have also been determined to be important risk factors. Some risk factors that have been linked to schizophrenia include marijuana use, social stress and adversity, social isolation, city or urban living, child abuse, bottle feeding, fatty acid deficiencies, wheat allergies, nicotine use, exposure to x-rays, and head injuries. Over the past 100 years, scientists have also attempted to clarify the role of infectious agents in the development of schizophrenia. As for toxoplasmosis, most studies have evaluated the association between pre/perinatal exposure in women and the subsequent effects on children as they mature. One study published in 1997, however, suggested a link between childhood infections and adult onset psychoses. To date, studies evaluating the frontal cortex of deceased patients diagnosed with schizophrenia have failed to identify Toxoplasma DNA in any samples but a link is nonetheless suspected. Many of these studies are decades old so this is not really new information as was suggested by the news report. One frequently quoted study, published in 2005 in the American Journal of Psychiatry, suggested a higher risk for the development of schizophrenia in children born to mothers that had high maternal antibody titers to toxoplasmosis. The same study also indicated that “there was no association between moderate Toxoplasma Ig antibody titers and the risk of schizophrenia”. Interestingly, researches studying the same group of people found a possible link between exposure to influenza during pregnancy and the later development of schizophrenia but this remains to be investigated. The final conclusion of all of this is that maternal exposure to Toxoplasma organisms may increase the risk of schizophrenia in children as they mature. This does not change the well established guidelines of avoiding undercooked meat and unwashed vegetables during pregnancy. Pregnant women should also avoid gardening and should allow someone else in the household to scoop the litter box especially if the family cat has access to the outside. Kittens should be taken to the family veterinarian for their entire exam/vaccine series. If you have any questions about toxoplasmosis we encourage you to contact your veterinarian and your family physician. In addition, the CDC is an excellent resource for information. Please click on the link below for more information on brochures available from the CDC. http://www.cdc.gov/toxoplasmosis/brochures.html |
North Dekalb Veterinary Clinic offers Microchipping.
Microchips are tiny computer chips with
unique identification numbers programmed
into them. They are implanted under the
skin and provide a great way to safely and
permanently identify your pet.
This type of I.D. can't be lost,
altered, or easily removed. The chips are
encased in biocompatible glass and are
small enough to fit into a needle for
insertion.
Once inserted, the chip can be read with
a special scanner that sends a radio signal to the chip. The microchip then
sends its number back to the scanner. The chip has no power supply or moving
parts and has an operating life of over 25 years.
We can implant these chips at anytime since anesthesia is not required. If you
are interested in finding out more about microchips, please contact the office or
visit the AVID website by clicking on picture above.
NEW- We now have eurochips - These chips are recognized by scanners
in many overseas countries as well as here in the US. We recommend
them for anyone planning future international travel with their pets.
Microchips are tiny computer chips with
unique identification numbers programmed
into them. They are implanted under the
skin and provide a great way to safely and
permanently identify your pet.
This type of I.D. can't be lost,
altered, or easily removed. The chips are
encased in biocompatible glass and are
small enough to fit into a needle for
insertion.
Once inserted, the chip can be read with
a special scanner that sends a radio signal to the chip. The microchip then
sends its number back to the scanner. The chip has no power supply or moving
parts and has an operating life of over 25 years.
We can implant these chips at anytime since anesthesia is not required. If you
are interested in finding out more about microchips, please contact the office or
visit the AVID website by clicking on picture above.
NEW- We now have eurochips - These chips are recognized by scanners
in many overseas countries as well as here in the US. We recommend
them for anyone planning future international travel with their pets.
Pet Hospice Care
It is not unusual when health care services for people are modified
for our veterinary patients. Hospice care is no exception. While
most are familiar with the term hospice, many are unfamiliar with
what it really means. Hospice care is essentially care for the
terminally ill. The focus changes from treating disease to treating
the patient. In other words, treatment is aimed more at comfort
and support rather than an attempt to cure. Hospice is reserved
for patients were a cure is unlikely and the pet owners have opted
to keep their beloved companion comfortable. It is very important
to note, however, that hospice is not an alternative to euthanasia.
In some cases, the pets do pass away on their own, but frequently
there are situations where the pet can no longer be kept
comfortable and euthanasia is the only humane alternative.
Hospice care generally involves relief of pain or discomfort,
supportive care, and lots of TLC. Sometimes the distinction
between treatment and hospice is vague such as with kidney
disease patients. Fluid therapy, anti-nausea medication, and
nutrition continue through-out the transition from treatment to
hospice. For other illnesses, it may be more dramatic. Many
cancer patients stop all drugs except for pain medications once
they transition to hospice care.
It is not unusual when health care services for people are modified
for our veterinary patients. Hospice care is no exception. While
most are familiar with the term hospice, many are unfamiliar with
what it really means. Hospice care is essentially care for the
terminally ill. The focus changes from treating disease to treating
the patient. In other words, treatment is aimed more at comfort
and support rather than an attempt to cure. Hospice is reserved
for patients were a cure is unlikely and the pet owners have opted
to keep their beloved companion comfortable. It is very important
to note, however, that hospice is not an alternative to euthanasia.
In some cases, the pets do pass away on their own, but frequently
there are situations where the pet can no longer be kept
comfortable and euthanasia is the only humane alternative.
Hospice care generally involves relief of pain or discomfort,
supportive care, and lots of TLC. Sometimes the distinction
between treatment and hospice is vague such as with kidney
disease patients. Fluid therapy, anti-nausea medication, and
nutrition continue through-out the transition from treatment to
hospice. For other illnesses, it may be more dramatic. Many
cancer patients stop all drugs except for pain medications once
they transition to hospice care.