River City Veterinary Hospital

20 Most Common Reasons for Inappropriate Feline Elimination

2011-08-25T17:03:00.001-07:00

A cat that eliminates outside the litter box is one of the most frustrating situations. One in every 10 cats will have a litter box lapse in his or her lifetime. The 20 most common reasons are listed below.

The cat is suffering from a medical problem involving the urinary tract.

The cat experiences a bout of geriatric constipation.

The caretaker does not keep the litter box as clean as the cat wants it to be.

The owner changes the brand or type of litter.

The owner changes the location of the litter box.

The owner switches to deodorized or perfumed litter.

The owner buys a new box and throws out the old one.

The owner cleans the litter box with too harsh a cleaning product.

The location of the litter box is too busy or not private enough for the cat.

The home is too large for just one litter box.

The cat inadvertently gets locked out of reach of the litter box.

The cat is kept from using the litter box by another animal in the house.

There are too many cats and not enough territory.

There are too many cats and not enough litter boxes.

Strays cats can be seen/smelled near the cat's territory.

The unneutered male cat has come of age and is marking his territory.

The unspayed female cat is in heat and advertising for suitors.

Over time, the cat has developed an aversion to the texture of the litter.

The cat was never properly trained to use the litter box in the first place.

The cat is stressed by a change in routine or environment, including a new baby, new furniture, work schedule changes, vacation, overnight guests, or a move.

If your cat is inappropriately eliminating, please contact us and schedule an appointment with one of our doctors so they can help you with this problem.

River City Veterinary Hospital

2250 West Everest Lane

Meridian, ID 83646

208-888-7300

http://www.rivercityvet.com/

info@rivercityvet.com

Health Certificates for Pets

2011-07-23T14:24:00.000-07:00

Health certificates are required when flying your pet from one state to another (interstate) or when flying your pet to a different country (international). As veterinarians, we want to make your travel as smooth as possible with your pet. In order to make the travel process for you and your pet as smooth as possible it is recommended that research regarding your destination be performed well in advance.

There have been a few instances when a client has intended to travel/move with their pet to a rabies free country or state (Hawaii) within a short period of time only to discover strict requirements must be met that required several months preparation prior to obtaining a health certificate.

Interstate Health Certificates: If you will be travelling with your pet (whether in the cabin or in cargo) an exam must be performed within 7-10 days of travel (check the airline for exact requirements), the pet must be in good health and must be current on rabies vaccine for a health certificate to be issued. If you are not accompanying your pet on a flight, it is recommended that the USDA is consulted to determine if there are any additional requirements. For example, Montana requires that a permit number be issued prior to issuing a health certificate if you are not accompanying your pet on the flight. EXCEPTION: Hawaii is a state that is free of rabies and has very specific guidelines that must be met prior to transporting your pet. It will take approximately 6 months to meet the requirements for transporting your pet to Hawaii. Please consult with the USDA to obtain the appropriate forms.

For Information regarding transporting your pet to Hawaii, please visit: http://hawaii.gov/hdoa/ai/aqs/info

**Note: It is recommended to contact the state veterinarian's office to be certain this is accurate.

If there are any questions regarding a state's regulations, the state veterinarian's office can be contacted. A list of state veterinarians can be found at: http://www.usaha.org/Portals/6/StateAnimalHealthOfficials.pdf

International Health Certificates: Unfortunately, there are no general rules that can be made for international health certificates as each country may have different requirements and frequently have additional forms. To issue the actual health certificate the pet must be examined and be in good health within 7-10 days of travel (check with airline for exact requirements). HOWEVER, some countries have very specific guidelines/forms regarding importation of a pet into that given country. This is especially true for countries that are free of rabies.

The best recommendation I can give is that the Veterinary Services Area Office be contacted to determine the requirements for each country. A list of offices can be found at: http://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_health/area_offices/

Other helpful sites:

For Import and Export of animals: http://www.aphis.usda.gov/import_export/animals/animal_exports_pets.shtml

For International Export Regulations for individual countries: http://www.aphis.usda.gov/regulations/vs/iregs/animals/

For information regarding the IATA (International Air Transport Association) and IPATA (Independent Pet and Animal Transportation Association International): http://www.aphis.usda.gov/animal_welfare/pet_travel/pet_travel_tips.shtml

If you have any questions regarding health certificates we will be happy to help you obtain the information needed.

Tad Squires, DVM
Associate Veterinarian
http://www.rivercityvet.com/
tsquires@rivercityvet.com
Phone# 208-888-7300

Now Open Sundays 12-5 PM!

What is a Veterinary/Client/Patient/Relationship?

2011-05-11T15:35:00.001-07:00

The Veterinary/Client/Patient/Relationship (VCPR) is a term defined by the Idaho Board of Veterinary Medicine. Without this relationship a veterinarian is unable to make medical decisions or prescribe medications. Following is the definition according to IDAPA 46.01.01.150:

"150.VALID VETERINARIAN/CLIENT/PATIENT RELATIONSHIP.
An appropriate veterinarian/client/patient relationship will exist when: 7-1-97)

01. Responsibility. The veterinarian has assumed the responsibility for making medical judgements regarding the health of the animal and the need for medical treatment, and the client (owner or other caretaker) has followed the instructions of the veterinarian. (7-1-97)

02. Medical Knowledge. There is sufficient knowledge of the animal by the veterinarian to initiate at least a general or preliminary diagnosis of the medical condition of the animal. This means that the veterinarian has seen the animal within the last twelve (12) months or is personally acquainted with the keeping and care of the animal, either by virtue of an examination of the animal, or by medically appropriate visits to the premises where the animals are maintained within the last twelve (12) months. (4-7-11)

03. Availability. The practicing veterinarian or designate is readily available for follow-up in case of adverse reactions or failure of the regimen of therapy. (3-30-07)"

According to the Idaho Board of Veterinary Medicine, a veterinarian is to NEVER prescribe a prescription medication if he/she has not seen the patient within the past 12 months. Also, a patient may be on certain medications that require a veterinarian to examine a pet more often then stated above.

Tad Squires, DVM
River City Veterinary Hospital
2250 W. Everest Lane
Meridian, ID 83646
http://www.rivercityvet.com/
info@rivercityvet.com

Ticks in Idaho

2011-04-19T16:16:00.000-07:00

The ticks common to Idaho are the Brown Dog Tick (Rhipicephalus sanguineus), the Rocky Mountain Wood Tick (Dermacentor andersoni) and, to a lesser extent, the Western Blacklegged Tick (Ixodes pacificus). The Brown Dog Tick and Rocky Mountain Wood Tick can transmit the organisms responible for causing Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever (RMSF) and the Western Blacklegged Tick can transmit the organisms responsible for causing Anaplasmosis and Lyme Disease. For a geographic distribution of ticks please visit: http://www.cdc.gov/ticks/geographic_distribution.html

In order for these ticks to transmit the organisms responsible for the diseases mentioned these ticks must be attached (i.e. mouthparts inserted into the host and feeding, NOT simply on the host) for a minimum amount of time. This time varies depending on the infectious organism involved. For Lyme disease the tick needs to be attached for a minimum of 48-72 hours, and for anaplasmosis and RMSF the time for a tick to spread these infections is 24-48 hours and 5-20 hours, respectively.

The best method to prevent a potentially infected tick from spreading these infections is to: 1) Prevent ticks from getting on your pet; 2) Prevent ticks from attaching to your pet, or; 3) Remove an attached tick before it is able to transmit infectious organisms.

There are several safe and very effective products that interfer with tick neurological function within 24-48 hours (fipronil, permethrin, amitraz and pyriprole). In an ideal world these products would completely prevent ticks from getting on your pet. The reality is that you should see much fewer ticks than normal on your pet and if a tick does attach the tick should be killed or feeding disrupted by the product so it is unable to spread disease.

It is possible for pathogens such as Anaplasma and Rickettsia to be transmitted before ticks are killed. However, toxicity to the tick is cumulative and neuromuscular activity of feeding may be disrupted, and thus spread of infectious organisms disrupted, prior to a tick being dead.

Your pet should be examined for ticks daily after being outside. To remove a tick use a fine-tipped tweezer and grasp as close to the skin as possible. While grasping the tick pull the tick away from the skin slowly until the tick is removed.

For tick removal from your pet please visit: http://www.cdc.gov/ticks/avoid/on_pets.html

Tad Squires, DVM
River City Veterinary Hospital
2250 W. Everest Lane
Meridian, ID 83646
http://www.rivercityvet.com/
info@rivercityvet.com

Explaining Pet Loss to Children

2011-04-18T08:32:00.000-07:00

Many of us will face this at one time or another and it is never easy. This is an informative article that gives good insight, but ultimately, each family will have to decide how they are going to handle explaining the loss of a pet to their children.

Sara Liddell, DVM

Explaining Pet Loss to Children: Six Dos and Don'ts
Death and dying are two of the hardest facts of life to explain to children. Very often, the death of a family pet is a child's first encounter with this immutable law of nature. How we handle this event can have a far-reaching impact on our children's understanding of death and dying.

Eleven-year-old Maria, for instance, was used to greeting her cat Feifel every day after school. One day, he didn't appear. Maria and her mother found Feifel under a bed, breathing weakly. The veterinarian said Feifel had heart disease. He might be able to save him, but Feifel was 14 and suffered from several other age-related problems.
His quality of life would only grow worse. The most humane course to take was euthanasia. Later, her family held a memorial service, and Maria wrote poems about him.

An Informal Guide to a Child's Psyche
At 11, Maria understood euthanasia and the finality of death. It didn't make the grieving and sense of loss any easier, but she knew that all living things eventually die. After some time, she was able to remember her pet with more love than hurt.

But children younger than Maria often view their relationship with a pet as indefinite. They don't understand that animals run on a different biological clock, or that illness or injury may make euthanasia the best option.

At all ages, honesty is the best policy, says Marty Tously, a bereavement counselor. "That means using the words death and dying, and explaining the permanence of death. You do it gently but without confusing what dying actually means."

Tously is a counselor with the Pet Grief Support Service. She says that a child's ability to understand what death means depends on his/her emotional and cognitive development, but outlined the generally understood guideline of how children perceive death and dying:

Under 2: A child can feel and respond to a pet's death, based on the reaction of those around him or her. A child picks up the stress felt by family members, no matter what the cause.

2 to 5: The child will miss the animal as a playmate, but not necessarily as a love object. They will see death as a temporary state - something like the way leaves fall off a tree in fall but grow back in the spring. As they perceive the trauma around them, however, they may regress in their behavior (e.g., thumb sucking).

5 to 9: Children begin to perceive death as permanent, but they may indulge in "magical thinking," believing that death can be defied or bargained with. This is also the period when children recognize a correlation between what they think and what happens. For instance, a child may resent taking care of the pet and wish - however briefly - that the pet would die. If the pet then dies, the child is often consumed with guilt. Parents need to reassure children that they did not cause the pet's death.

10 and up: Children generally understand that all living things will eventually die, and that death is final. Understanding and accepting are two different things, however. They may go through the five normal stages of grief that grownups do: denial, anger, bargaining, depression, and acceptance. Or they may react in other ways:

Depending on the age, the child may regress (sucking their thumb or temper tantrums that they had outgrown).
An older child may withdraw from friends and family for a while. Schoolwork may suffer and they may seem uninterested in extracurricular activities.
Children may fear abandonment. If a pet can die, then they may reason that their parents could die as well.
Children often become intensely curious about death and what happens to the body. They may ask for details that you may find uncomfortable to explain. These are questions you should answer in a straightforward, gentle and careful manner.
Dos and Don'ts
Tously explains that the worst course of action is to lie (to say the animal went away) or to use confusing euphemisms, such as the phrase "put to sleep." Children will eventually learn the truth, and lying can breed resentment and destroy trust between parent and child. "Later in life, when the child learns the truth, they'll wonder what else the parent lied about," she says.

Likewise, euphemisms can cause anxiety or confusion because children take what you say literally. "If you say a pet is put to sleep, the child may suffer sleep anxiety," says Tously. She recalls one child who was told his cocker spaniel just "went away." He awaited his dog's return, and upon learning the dog had been buried wanted to unearth the dog. "If you say 'God has taken your pet because he was special,' the child may resent God, and fear who might be next."

Be open and honest. This includes the pet's health and euthanasia. "If a pet is terminally ill and needs to be euthanized," Tously says, "the child needs to be told as soon as possible by the parent." Again, avoid those tempting euphemisms that cloud understanding, such as telling a child the pet was put to sleep. Use the words death and dying to make your meaning clear. Some children want to be present during euthanasia and most will be very curious about the process. Tously says you should answer their questions. As for allowing the child to be present, some veterinarians are firmly against it; others say it depends on the child's age and maturity.
Make sure the child understands what "dying" means. Explain that the animal's body stopped working. Depending on your religious beliefs and what the child can understand, you might explain the concept of a soul. However, it is important for the child to know that the pet has died and will not be coming back.
Be available to let your child discuss his/her feelings about what happened. You may want to hold your own service to memorialize the pet and to say goodbye formally. Some people plant trees in a special spot in the yard, others bury the pet in a cemetery so the family can visit. Encourage your child to show his/her feelings by talking or writing about the fun times they had with their pet.
Show your own feelings. This tells the child that the pet was special and that they are not grieving alone. You can also encourage your child to open up, which can help the healing process.
Tell your child's teachers about the loss, so they will understand why your child is behaving differently.
Don't blame the veterinarian. Some parents, especially those who fear explaining euthanasia to their children, find it easier to lay it all on the veterinarian. This is not only unfair to the veterinarian, but potentially harmful to the child. He or she may grow up distrusting veterinarians and, by extension, doctors and other medical professionals.
In addition, parents shouldn't throw the responsibility of telling the children what needs to be done on the veterinarian. Your veterinarian can help the parent explain why euthanasia may be the most humane option, and answer questions the child may have.

Parents often want to ease their child's hurt by rushing out and buying another pet. Tously says this is a mistake. "The last thing you want to do is convey the impression that the pet - a family member - is replaceable," she says. Wait until the child expresses an interest in another pet.

Children are very resilient, and they usually learn to accept their pet is gone. If a child persists with nightmares or seems unable to cope, however, it may be necessary to talk with a counselor.

Where to Turn for Help
Local shelters often hold workshops and support groups to help people after pet loss. Contact your local shelter for information. There are also a number of organizations dedicated to helping people cope around the country.

Content Provided by Petplace.com - Alex Lieber

Heat Stroke

2011-04-16T17:59:00.000-07:00

Summer is almost here and many of us can't help but take our dogs with us to enjoy the sunshine and fun outdoor activities. Of course our dogs will whole heartedly agree with this idea. Dogs go with us to the park, on the green belt, in the foothills, to the lake, running, bike riding, and even in the car to run errands. Keep in mind, what is intended as enjoyable time spent with our pets, can actually put their lives at risk.

As the temperature rises, so do the chances of your pet overheating. It is a common misconception to think that dogs tolerate heat better than humans. Humans dissipate heat extremely effectively by sweating and then through evaporative cooling. Think of how nice a slight breeze feels when you're really hot and perspiring. This breeze has no benefit to your dog when he is hot. Dogs can only cool down by panting. The only place they can sweat is through the pads of their feet. If their feet are sweating, they are too hot. Panting is not a very effective way to cool down. A short walk in the foothills on a hot day can become deadly, especially if the dog is overweight or out of shape. For fit dogs, the same run that was a short easy run in the winter can be lethal in the summer.

On an 85 degree day, the temperature inside your car, even with the windows open a bit, will climb to 102 degrees in 10 minutes. After half an hour, it will go up to 120 degrees or even higher! On a 90 degree day, temperatures in that car can top 160 degrees literally in minutes! Leaving a dog in the bed of a truck is not much better. The metal bed reflects heat back up at your pet and can become extremely hot. The hot metal can burn the feet (hop in your truck bed bare foot on a warm day!). Remember, the breeze created when driving does little good for your furry friend who does not sweat (not to mention the dangers of him falling out of the back of the truck, but that‘s another issue)!

Short-nosed dogs are particularly sensitive to heat stroke. These include Boston terriers, Bulldogs, Pug Dogs, Boxers, etc. They have very small airways and panting is an even less effective cooling method for them.

As an emergency veterinarian, I have seen many cases of heat stroke. None of these owners ever thought they were hurting their best friend by taking them outside to enjoy the day. Often times it was the same walk they have taken many times but on cooler days. Sometimes they were taken to the store with the owner and left in the car for only a few minutes. Prevention is the key. The most important thing is to avoid situations in which your pet could overheat. Monitor your pet very closely when playing in the heat. Dogs do not know when to quit and will literally play until they drop. This especially applies when jogging or biking with your dog. Play and run near water if possible and let him get in the water as he much or little as he wants to. If you are not planning to be near water, bring plenty of water for him to drink and even some to keep him wet. Avoid hot spots such as concrete, black top, or hot sandy areas with little shade. These areas can be very hot even in the shade and, again, the hot surfaces can damage the pads of their feet as well. Watch for excessive panting, agitation, hanging his head below his shoulders, inability to keep up with you on the walk/run, vomiting or diarrhea. These are signs to stop the activity, get him to a cool place, provide water, or even more effectively, wet down his fur so the breeze helps to cool him down. Seek veterinary care immediately after cooling him if vomiting or diarrhea occurs.

Unfortunately, there are many times when cooling methods are not enough and the damage from overheating is extensive. A dog's body temperature is normally between 101 and 102°F. A rise of only 3 degrees is all it takes for your dog to be in a dangerous situation. At 108°F, the heart, brain, liver, kidneys, and intestinal tracts begin breaking down at a cellular level, and the damage progresses rapidly. Treatment with IV fluids, electrolyte replacement, IV antibiotics, and even blood transfusions may be necessary to treat the complications of heat stroke and if serious enough, the outcome can be, and often is, fatal.

Again, prevention is the key. With a little common sense and planning ahead, summer will be a fun time for both you and your pet. When considering taking your dog with you this summer, if you can't be sure of the heat, availability of shade or access to water, leave him at home in the AC and play with him when you get home in the cool of the evening.

Sara Liddell, DVM

River City Veterinary Hospital
2250 W. Everest Lane Meridian, ID 83616
208-888-7300
www.rivercityvet.com
info@rivercityvet.com

My dog ruptured its cranial cruciate ligament! Now what?

2011-04-12T15:36:00.000-07:00

It is a Sunday afternoon in October and you are settled in to the recliner with a bowl of chips and an ice cold b...e...verage. You are watching your favorite football team (likely the Minnesota Vikings!:)) on tv. The receiver for said team has just made an amazing catch but landing akwardly and falls to the ground. He is in pain and grabbing his knee. He is carried away on a stretcher to the locker room. Later it is discovered he has torn his ACL (Anterior Cruciate Ligament) and his season is over...

The canine equivalent to this ligament is the CCL (Cranial Cruciate Ligament). This ligament is located in the knees (back legs). Injury to this ligament is very common in dogs. However, in dogs tears to the ligament are not traumatic as they are in people. The disease process in dogs is more chronic and degenerative. That is, the ligament gradually degenerates over time. Now, the most common presentation for this injury goes something like this: the dog was just outside running around and when she came back inside she was limping on her left rear leg and not wanting to put any weight on it. It appears that a traumatic injury has occurred, but the ligament was likely already compromised.

So, what to do when you find out your dog has torn its CCL? First off, there are many reasons why your dog may be limping, so do not assume it is a CCL tear. Bring your dog to your family veterinarian first for an exam. Once a CCL tear has been diagnosed there are some things that must be noted: 1) The biomechanics and pathophysiology are different than in humans, so treatment is different. 2) This is a surgical problem. Pain can be MANAGED with medication but the problem has not been solved. 3) There are a several different procedures available to treat a torn CCL. There are pros and cons to the procedures, which should be discussed with you by your family veterinarian and/or a board certified veterinary surgeon.

The most common procedures performed these days are an extracapsular repair (most commonly a lateral suture stabilization), Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO) and Tibial Tuberosity Advancement (TTA). With all the procedures the medial meniscus(cartilage that acts as a cushion for the forces generated between the femur and tibia) is evaluated for tear(s). The extracapsular technique basically stabilizes the joint by use of a strong suture material. The TPLO and TTA techniques change the geometry of the tibial plateau to correct tibial thrust. In general, there appears to be a consensus amoung veterinary surgical specialists that dogs having the TPLO or TTA procedure tend to have a more rapid "return to function" compared to the extracapsular repair. With all procedures post-operative physical therapy greatly improves recovery and return to function.

For more information regarding Cranial Cruciate Ligament Rupture please visit the American College of Veterinary Surgeons website at this link:

http://www.acvs.org/AnimalOwners/HealthConditions/SmallAnimalTopics/CranialCruciateLigamentRupture/

Tad Squires, DVM
River City Veterinary Hospital
2250 W. Everest Lane
Meridian, ID 83646
http://www.rivercityvet.com/
info@rivercityvet.com

Why are puppies and kittens vaccinated every 3 weeks until they are 16 weeks old?

2011-04-02T15:42:00.000-07:00

A puppy or kitten receives antibodies from its mother. The levels of these antibodies will gradually fall (from birth to about 12-15 weeks of age) as the puppy or kitten becomes older. The rate at which these protecting antibodies drop or fall below a level (I'll call it the "critical level") that would make the pet potentially susceptible to infection is variable. If the maternal antibodies are high enough they will block a vaccine from "working." However, once the antibodies fall below the critical level there are not enough maternal antibodies to block the vaccine and the vaccine will be effective.

The catch is that it is almost impossible to know when that critical level for maternal antibodies will fall low enough for a vaccine to be effective. For some pets it may occur at 7 weeks and another at 15 weeks, and others may fall anywhere in between.

For this reason kitten and puppy vaccination schedules are set up on a 3 week cycle until the age of 16 weeks. We are basically trying to ensure that during one of those vaccinations maternal antibodies will be low enough for the vaccination to be protective. If vaccinations are administered too closely together, say every 2 weeks, the body's immune response can interfere with the most recent vaccination.

Tad Squires, DVM
River City Veterinary Hospital
2250 W. Everest Lane
Meridian, ID 83646
http://www.rivercityvet.com/
info@rivercityvet.com

Success Story - Orion

2011-03-30T08:34:00.000-07:00

Orion is a 11 1/2 year German Shorthaired Pointer. He was seen at an emergency hospital for weakness and acting painful and was diagnosed with a mass in his abdomen. He was sent to River City Veterinary Hospital for further testing and treatment. Orion was a healthy dog other than the mass in the abdomen. Ultrasound confirmed a very large mass on his spleen (size of a soccer ball). These masses can be either benign hematoma (a large blood clot) or hemangiosarcoma (malignant cancer). Unfortunately, there is no way to know ahead of time which we are dealing with and the chances are about 50/50 of which it could be. The owner had to make a very difficult decision. Orion had some positive odds in his favor: the tumor was large, there was very little free blood in the abdomen, his chest x-rays were clear, and his liver did not appear to have any tumors in it. These all point to a better chance of it being a hematoma. Orion's owner elected surgery.

My dog Gage happily (ok, he didn't have a choice) donated blood to have in case it became necessary during surgery. Dr. Squires removed the large mass and Orion was feeling much better by the next day. He did not require a blood transfusion. The mass was sent for testing and came back as a hematoma! He can now live out the rest of his life and will have no long-term affects from his ordeal!

What a great story. I wish they could all have such happy outcomes. It was even better because the owner of this dog is a life-long friend of mine!

Sara Liddell, DVM

River City Veterinary Hospital
2250 W. Everest Lane
Meridian, ID 83646
www.rivercityvet.com
208-888-7300

Potassium Iodide and Pets

2011-03-23T16:23:00.000-07:00

This advisory was posted by the University of California - Davis regarding potassium iodide (KI) administration for pets and applies for pets in Idaho as well:

Pet owners cautioned against giving potassium iodide to animals
March 17, 2011

Pet owners anticipating the possible movement to the West Coast of radioactive material from Japan’s damaged nuclear power plants should not give their dogs, cats or other pets potassium iodide tablets, cautions a UC Davis veterinary cancer researcher.

"At this point there is no risk to pets in California stemming from radiation released from the tragedy that continues to unfold in Japan," said Michael Kent, a faculty veterinarian who specializes in radiation cancer therapy.

He noted that UC Davis’ William R. Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital has been receiving dozens of phone calls daily this week from pet owners concerned about possible radiation health risks to their pets.

“While potassium iodide might help protect dogs, cats and other pets, as it would people, from the risks of radiation exposure in the unlikely event that radioactive iodine reaches here in appreciable levels, giving it ahead of time carries risks and would be ill advised,” Kent said.

He cautioned that side effects for pets taking potassium iodide — especially if they consume too much — include severe allergic reactions; gastrointestinal upsets including vomiting, diarrhea and anorexia; decreased normal thyroid function; and damage to the heart. At high enough levels, potassium iodide can even cause death.

His recommendations mirror a March 15 public advisory from the California Department of Public Health, which warned Californians to not take potassium iodide as a precautionary measure: http://www.cdph.ca.gov/Pages/Default.aspx.

Kent is available to talk with news media today, Thursday, March 17, from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. at the Center for Companion Animal Health, adjacent to the William R. Pritchard Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital. Reporters should call ahead to arrange interview times.

About UC Davis
For more than 100 years, UC Davis has engaged in teaching, research and public service that matter to California and transform the world. Located close to the state capital, UC Davis has more than 32,000 students, more than 2,500 faculty and more than 21,000 staff, an annual research budget that exceeds $678 million, a comprehensive health system and 13 specialized research centers. The university offers interdisciplinary graduate study and more than 100 undergraduate majors in four colleges — Agricultural and Environmental Sciences, Biological Sciences, Engineering, and Letters and Science. It also houses six professional schools — Education, Law, Management, Medicine, Veterinary Medicine and the Betty Irene Moore School of Nursing.

Media contact(s):
Pat Bailey, UC Davis News Service, (530) 752-9843, pjbailey@ucdavis.edu

http://www.news.ucdavis.edu/search/news_detail.lasso?id=9814

Tad Squires, DVM
River City Veterinary Hospital
2250 W. Everest Lane
Meridian, ID 83646
http://www.rivercityvet.com/
info@rivercityvet.com

Top 5 Veterinary Colleges - United States

2011-03-23T11:59:00.000-07:00

Here are the top 5 veterinary colleges according to US News & World Report 2011 rankings:

#1 - Cornell University (Ithaca, NY)
#2 - University of California (Davis, CA)
#3 - Colorado State University (Fort Collins, CO
#3 - North Carolina State University (Raleigh, NC)
#5 - Ohio State University (Columbus, OH)
#5 - University of Pennsylvania (Philadelphia, PA)
#5 - University of Wisconsin - Madison (Madison, WI)

For a complete list of veterinary school rankings visit US News & World Report at:

http://grad-schools.usnews.rankingsandreviews.com/best-graduate-schools/top-health-schools/veterinarian-rankings.

Tad Squires, DVM
River City Veterinary Hospital
2250 W. Everest Lane
Meridian, ID 83646
http://www.rivercityvet.com/
info@rivercityvet.com

Simon's hind limb amputation

2011-03-23T10:28:00.000-07:00

One of my cat's, Simon, is a 14 year-old male neutered long-haired cat. He is rather robust (i.e. overweight) at 15 pounds. About three or four years ago I amputated one of his toes on his right rear leg as he had a cancerous lesion involving it, which was diagnosed as a sarcoma. He recovered well from the procedure and did quite well until recently.

He had become increasing more lame on his right rear leg and painful from his hock down. He had also stopped using his litter box consistently. The change in litter box usage was likely due to the increased pain in his leg and either discomfort getting into the litterbox or pain associated with posturing to eliminate. In addition, Simon may have some behavioral issue that may be contributing to his litterbox aversion.

My wife and I made the decision to amputate his leg. By amputating his leg we would, most importantly, remove the source pain and ,hopefully, Simon would begin using his litterbox appropriately again.

Probably the biggest concern of pet owners is how their pet will manage with only three legs. When I was in veterinary school my surgery instructor would say,"Dogs and cats are three-legged animals with a spare." The point being that they do very well with only three legs. I also point out that if an animal is painful in a limb due to cancer or a fracture, the patient is likely already holding that leg up and not placing any weight on it. The pet is already walking with only three legs AND the dog or cat has to exert additional energy to hold the affected limb off the ground.

Last Friday (3/18/11) I amputated his right rear leg by performing a coxofemoral disarticulation (removed his leg at the hip). The procedure went very well and managed his post-operative pain with multiple medications.

The following day Simon was eating well. I placed him outside of his kennel and he happily walked back into it. Two days after surgery Simon walked around the treatment area to check things out. He could have easily gone home this day but I kept him in the hospital a day longer until my wife could take him to work with her (he lives at the lab where she works).

It is still too early to tell if he will use his litterbox normally again, but it is already evident that he is more comfortable.

Continue to watch for the updates on Simon's progress.

Tad Squires, DVM
River City Veterinary Hospital
2250 W. Everest Lane
Meridian, ID 83646
http://www.rivercityvet.com/
info@rivercityvet.com

Phenobarbital Recall

2011-03-16T14:08:00.000-07:00

Phenobarbital recall
Mar 10, 2011
DVM NEWSMAGAZINE

"Rockville, Md. -- Veterinarians are being advised to take note of a new recall of human Phenobarbital tablets, which are prescribed by DVMs as an extralabel use for treating seizures.
The tablets affected by the recall are actually another drug, mislabeled as Phenobarbital, according to the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA).

Qualitest Pharmaceuticals issued the voluntary recall Feb. 5 for several lots of Phenobarbital, and Hydrocodone Bitartrate and Acetaminophen tablets because of a label mix-up between the two drugs.

“As a result of this mix-up, pets may unintentionally be given Hydrocodone and Acetaminophen tablets instead of the intended drug, Phenobarbital,” FDA says.

The agency’s Center for Veterinary Medicine already has received three adverse event reports for dogs treated with the company’s Phenobarbital tablets, FDA adds.

The affected lots were distributed nationwide to retail and wholesale pharmacies between Sept. 21 and Dec. 29, 2010 and include:

• Hydrocodone Bitartrate and Acetaminophen Tablets, USP 10mg / 500mg, NDC 0603-3888-20, 60 count, Lot Numbers T150G10B, T120J10E and T023M10A; and
• Phenobarbital Tablets, USP 32.4 mg, NDC 0603-5166-32, 1000 count, Lot Numbers T150G10B, T120J10E and T023M10A.

Consumer who purchased the affected lots should contact Qualitest at (800) 444-4011 for reimbursement."

DVM Magazine

Anyone who currently has a pet on 32.4 mg phenobarbital that was purchased at a pharmacy, should check the numbers above and contact your veterinarian if the numbers match.

If the prescription was purchased at River City Veterinary Hospital, it is a different lot number and is not affected by the recall. Please call if you have any questions or concerns.

Sara Liddell, DVM

River City Veterinary Hospital
2250 W. Everest Lane
Meridian, ID 83616

208-888-7300
www.rivercityvet.com
info@rivercityvet.com

Does Size Really Matter?

2011-03-12T14:17:00.000-08:00

Ok, this is really a post about choosing the right pet, but I got your attention, right?

Funny - Funny Videos

We are all subject to impulse shopping, but this is one time you should resist the urge to take that cute little furball in front of the store home with you. This is not the way to make a potential 10-20 year commitment.

Consider your lifestyle: Do you work long hours and are away from home a lot? Do you have children and what age? What is your activity level? After asking these questions, consider how a pet would mesh. A large gregarious dog or a frail small dog and probably not good with small children but would be ok with older children. A cat may be a better choice if you are not home a lot. A Lab, Pointer, or Weimaraner will not enjoy being confined to a small area without the opportunity to run and hike on a regular basis.

Where do you live? Do you have a yard or open space? Do you own your home or rent? If you have a landlord, is a pet allowed and what if you move? I have seen many pets displaced because the owner could not (or would not) find a rental that allowed pets.

Ask yourself WHY you want a pet? We may be getting a little deep here, but give it some thought. Do I want affection, companionship, do my kids want a pet, etc. Do I want a pet that is fairly independent (cat) or more hands on (dog). Does a loud dog with lots or personality appeal to me or a quieter cat that quietly jumps in you lap when you sit down to read a book. Do I want a dog that can run with me or sit on my lap (Great Danes may want to be lap dogs, but I have found it rarely works out).

A note about protection: If you are wanting a dog for protection, keep in mind, that most predators/thieves/etc are deterred by a barking dog. It doesn't have to be a large dog. They just don't want attention brought to them. I mention this because of the video. Sometimes, older women (and men) think a large dog will make them feel safe, but could actually be more likely to CAUSE injury!

Is the a good time in your life? Are you in transition? Are you pregnant and think that 2 new Lab puppies would be a good idea (I see it all the time people!)? Are you getting ready to retire and would like to travel a lot? These don't prevent you from getting a pet, but may affect your decision. Cats are much easier to have at home with a friend checking on them if you are going to be travelling.

How much will this new friend cost me over time? A lot of thought is given to the purchase price, but not always to the continued care. I thought this was a good article: http://dogs.about.com/od/becomingadogowner/a/costofdogs.htm and estimates that most dogs cost between $700-$3000 a year. This includes food, supplements, bedding, boarding, etc. Costs will be higher for pets that require grooming or if you choose a breed that is prone to more health problems (English Bulldogs come to mind). I am a strong advocate for pet insurance to offset expensive vet bills that may come up (ingesting a ball, breaking a leg, etc) and you can read other blogs about that.

Another note about size. Large dogs cost more because they require more. More food, more medication when they are ill, etc. Very small dogs are very susceptible to trauma and are frequently seen for broken legs from being dropped or stepped on (accidentally, of course).

Also consider length of fur, amount of shedding, and if you or family members have allergies. There are dogs and cats that are hypoallergenic. Many people think of hypoallergenic dogs, but the Sphinx is a hairless cat that is very hypoallergenic and is an option if you love cats, but can't breathe if you are around them.

Last, but not least, if you still can't decide on the right animal or breed for you, be sure to talk with your veterinarian about it. We love helping people find the right fit and can discuss any potential health concerns for the breed or pet you may be considering.

Sara Liddell, DVM

River City Veterinary Hospital
2250 W. Everest Lane
Meridian, ID 83646
www.rivercityvet.com
info@rivercityvet.com
208-888-7300

Why Do We Have a Clinic Cat - What Does He Do?

2011-03-09T08:54:00.001-08:00

I frequently get questions about how Tucker got the job of clinic cat and what does he do? Tucker was adopted from the Idaho Humane Society and shortly after being adopted was diagnosed with diabetes. Initially, this was ok, because so was his new owner and she understood his needs very well. Within a few months, he was also diagnosed with food allergies which require a fairly expensive diet. Sadly, his owners lost their jobs and could no longer afford his care.

So, how did I get him? Well.... while he was here for glucose curves, which require a blood draw each hour, Tucker would lay in his cage on his back with his feet in the air without a care in the world. He was extremely comfortable here and happy to be anywhere and afraid of nothing. Dogs would come and go and he would greet them happily from inside his cage. So, when they told me they were going to have to get rid of him, I agreed to invite him into the River City family.

As you can see from the photo, he has a pretty tough life!

So, what does Tucker do???? Well, the last few days have been good examples. I have had to euthanize several pets and people often ask how I deal with that. Well, Tucker helps me. After helping those animals and their families, I often take Tucker into my office and snuggle for a minute and he reminds me of the special bond we have between these amazing animals and how they make our lives better, even if the end is so difficult.

He makes me smile everyday that I see him. That is the job of this clinic cat! And, that makes all of his medical issues worth dealing with. We hope to have him for many years to come.

Feel free to visit him when you come in. He is guaranteed to make you smile!

Sara Liddell, DVM

River City Veterinary Hospital

2250 W. Everest Lane

Meridian, ID 83616

208-888-7300

http://www.rivercityvet.com/

info@rivercityvet.com

Risks of Pet Obesity

2011-03-06T15:34:00.000-08:00

As in people, pets that carry extra pounds of weight place extra demands on virtually every organs of their bodies. When we overload these organs, disease and premature death may be the consequence. The health risks to overweight dogs and cats are serious and every owner should be aware of them. The more common consequences of obesity are the following:

Diabetes mellitus
Obesity causes an increase in the secretion of insulin in response to the increased blood glucose level in an overweight animal. Insulin is also in higher demand simply because there is a greater amount of tissue present. When requirements exceed the ability of the body to produce insulin, the cells in the pancreas which produce insulin may "burn out". This will result in the development of diabetes.

Damage to joints, bones and ligaments
Approximately 25% of overweight dogs develop serious joint complications. The bones, joints, muscles and associated tendons and ligaments all work together to give the dog and cat smooth and efficient movement. If they are required to carry excess weight, these structures can start to become damaged. Arthritis can develop and pain and joint changes can become markedly more severe. Certain breeds of dogs, such as dachshunds and corgis, are prone to develop intervertebral disc disease ('slipped disc'). Carrying extra weight increases the probability that they will develop this painful and sometimes debilitating condition.

Heart disease and increased blood pressure
As in people, overweight pets tend to have increased blood pressure (hypertension). The heart has an increased work load since it must pump additional blood to excess tissues. This can lead to congestive heart failure.

Difficulty breathing
In overweight animals, the lungs can not function properly. The additional fat in the chest restricts the expansion of the lungs. The extra fat in the abdomen pushes against the diaphragm which separates the abdominal cavity from the chest. This results in less space in the chest for the lungs to expand on inspiration. To make matters worse, the increased quantity of tissue puts an increased demand on the lungs to supply oxygen. These changes are especially serious in dogs or cats who may already have a respiratory disease.

Decreased stamina
Animals who are overweight have less endurance and stamina. Carrying all that extra weight around takes a lot more work. The heart, muscles and respiratory system are all asked to do more than they were originally designed.

Heat intolerance
Fat is an excellent insulator,which is fine if you are a polar bear. But if you are an overweight dog or cat in the heat of summer, the excess fat can make you miserable and much less capable of regulating your body temperature.

Decreased liver function
The liver stores fat so when a pet is overweight, an increased amount of fat builds up in the liver. This is called hepatic lipidosis and can result in decreased liver function.

Increased surgical and anesthetic risk
The effects of obesity on the heart and lungs can have serious ramifications during anesthesia. Cardiac arrest and poor circulation of oxygenated blood to the tissues can occur. Many of the anesthetic drugs are taken up by fat, so an overweight animal will take longer to recover from anesthesia. In addition, many anesthetic drugs are broken down by the liver. A fatty liver may not be as efficient at breaking down these drugs resulting in a delayed recovery. Increased fat in the tissues also makes surgery more difficult. In an abdominal surgery in an obese pet, there may literally be inches of fat between where the skin incision is made and the organ of interest. This makes the surgery technically more difficult and will lengthen the time the animal is under anesthesia, increasing the anesthetic risk.

Digestive disorders
An overweight pet has an increased incidence of developing constipation. He or she may also have more problems with intestinal gas and flatulence, which is not pleasant for the pet or the owner!

Skin and hair coat problems
The risk of skin and hair coat diseases are increased in dogs and cats who are overweight. The skin forms more and different types of oils and may fold in on itself creating pockets which are ideal for the accumulation of oils and the development of infections.

Increased risk of cancer
The exact link between obesity and developing certain cancers is unknown. However there have been studies which suggest that obese dogs tend to have an increased risk of developing certain types of cancers, including a particular type of cancer of the urinary bladder. A recent study also found that dogs who were obese at one year of age were at greater risk of developing mammary tumors.

It is evident from the above discussion that health is diminished in overweight pets. It is clear that we are not contributing positively to our dog or cat's health when we allow them to become overweight. The next time those big brown eyes say, 'Can I please have a treat,' think very carefully first. In most cases your answer should be 'No, and I'm doing this for your own good,' and it will be absolutely true.

River City Veterinary Hospital
2250 W. Everest Lane
Meridian, ID 83646
http://www.rivercityvet.com/
info@rivercityvet.com

IV Catheters

2011-02-07T11:26:00.000-08:00

There are several reasons we recommend an intravenous (IV) catheter be placed for your pet when an anesthetic procedure is to be performed. Placing a catheter prior to a patient being anesthetized can be valuable. Here are the steps that are involved in placing a catheter: 1) Clip the hair from the leg where the catheter is to be placed, 2) Sterile preparation of the IV catheter site, 3) Insert IV catheter with access port, 4) Secure the catheter in place. Although these appear to be straight forward and simple steps, the process is not always as smooth and timely as it would appear it should be.

Just as in human patients, not all veterinary patients veins are created equal. Therefore, if your veterinarian is able to have an IV catheter in place prior to an anesthetic procedure and there is a complication while the patient is under anesthesia medications, fluids can be administered much quicker. If a complication arises and no catheter is in place valuable time will be consumed by placement of an intravenous catheter.

1. An IV catheter allows quick and easy access for administration of anesthetic agents and medications.
2. An IV catheter allows for the administration of IV fluids
3. In an emergency having an IV catheter already in place can save precious time when venous access is already established.

Tad Squires, DVM
River City Veterinary Hospital
2250 West Everest Lane
Meridian, ID 83646
208-888-7300
ttp://www.rivercityvet.com/
info@rivercityvet.com

Coughing Cats

2011-01-20T10:55:00.000-08:00

Many people have heard a cat cough and often associate it with a hairball. Coughing in cats should be a relatively uncommon event. If your cat is coughing even as frequently as weekly, or coughs frequently certain times of the year (Spring for example), you should let your veterinarian know. Coughing in cats is often times a symptom of asthma. While dogs rarely get asthma, it is fairly common in cats. Coughing can be triggered by irritants such as dusty litter, perfumes or air deodorizers, or smoking.

Asthma is diagnosed by taking a radiograph of the chest. Other causes for coughing can be determined with radiographs as well, such as tumors. If your cat also has a runny nose, sneezing, or discharge from the eye, a viral infection would be more likely. Occasionally parasites can lead to lung disease and heart disease can sometimes cause coughing as well.

Asthma can be managed quite successfully with either oral medications or even an inhaler. Sometimes, it can be as simple as removing the irritant from the home (by using a low-dust litter, for example).

While coughing may seem unimportant, it can be a symptom of a very serious and even life threatening disease and should be checked into further.

Sara Liddell, DVM

River City Veterinary Hospital
www.rivercityvet.com
2250 W. Everest Lane
Meridian, ID 83616

208-888-7300

Afraid of Anesthesia?

2011-01-18T11:26:00.000-08:00

I recently saw a beautiful little Sheltie and it was overwhelmingly obvious how much her owner's love her. She is healthy other than having significant teeth problems and needs a dental cleaning and likely will need several teeth removed. Her owner's completely understand that the dental disease is causing her pain and may even shorten her life by causing problems with other vital organs, but they are extremely fearful of putting her under anesthesia for the dental care.

Many people know someone or have heard of someone who has lost a pet while under anesthesia and this is what was driving this owner's fear. Anesthesia seems very scary, but when done properly is very safe. The way that we maximize the safety of anesthesia at River City Veterinary Hospital, is by doing a careful exam of the patient and knowing possible areas for concern, evaulating bloodwork to make sure the liver and kidneys are functioning properly and can metabolize the drugs used for anesthesia, and by monitoring the patient very carefully while they are under anesthesia. We recommend all patient's have an IV catheter placed so that we can provide fluids to support blood pressure (a common side effect of anesthesia is low blood pressure), and we have 1 nurse who's only job is to monitor your pet the entire time he/she is under anesthesia. A tube is placed in the airway to allow us to give 100% oxygen, give additional breaths when needed, and to prevent inhalation of fluids into the lungs. We monitor blood pressure, EKG, blood oxygenation level, heartrate, respiratory rate, and temperature while they are under anesthesia. We provide additional heat support via a warm air blanket, if needed.

There are many things to consider before putting your pet under anesthesia. Such as, will this help my pet be more comfortable and possibly live longer, has my pet been checked carefully to make sure there are no unknown underlying problems, and will my pet be monitored appropriately while under anesthesia with updated equipment and properly trained people?

If these questions have been answered, then breath a little easier with your decision and understand that, although there are risks, they can be minimized and the procedure recommended will often lead to a better quality of life for your pet.

Sara Liddell, DVM
www.rivercityvet.com
208-888-7300

River City Veterinary Hospital
2250 W. Everest Lane
Meridian, ID 83646

Cat ages in human years

2011-01-17T17:05:00.000-08:00

Here is a formula to calculate your cat's age in human years:

x = your cat's age in years
y = your cat's age in human years

y = 24 + (4x - 4)

So, if your cat is 7 years old (be certain to follow the rules of mathematics):

y = 24 + (4(7) - 4)
y = 24 + (28 - 4)
y = 24 + (24)
y = 48

Your cat's age is equivalent to a 48 year-old human.

Tad Squires, DVM
River City Veterinary Hospital
2250 West Everest Lane
Meridian, ID 83646
208-888-7300
http://www.rivercityvet.com/
info@rivercityvet.com

Cat Trivia - Calico and Tortoiseshell Coloration

2011-01-13T08:15:00.000-08:00

Normal females have two X chromosomes = XX.
Normal males have one X chromosome and one Y chromosome = XY.
The X and Y chromosomes are termed sex chromosomes.

Red and black genes are at the same locus (i.e. site) on the X chromosome. Therefore, two X chromosomes are needed to produce a cat with both black and red coloration. Individuals with this coloration are termed tortoiseshell. This is a sex-linked gene.

The white spotting gene is autosomal (i.e. found on a chromosome that is not a sex chromosome), not sex-linked, and is independent of the red and black coloration. Individuals that are black, red and white are termed calico.

Since two X chromosomes are needed to produce the tortoiseshell and calico coloring almost all of these cats are female. However, a calico or tortoiseshell that is male may possible if these individuals possess two X chromosomes and one Y chromosome = XXY. This is a genetic defect,termed Klinefelter's, in the sex-linked genes. These males are rare and are sterile (i.e. not able to reproduce).

Tad Squires, DVM
River City Veterinary Hospital
2250 West Everest Lane
Meridian, ID 83646
208-888-7300
http://www.rivercityvet.com/
info@rivercityvet.com

My dog is pregnant. What do I need to know about the labor process and when a veterinarian is needed?

2011-01-08T12:28:00.000-08:00

The gestation period for the canine is 59-65 days following conception.

When a female dog begins to whelp (i.e. deliver puppies) there are some instances when veterinary intervention should be sought out. These include:

1. Hard labor (visible straining / contractions) for 15-30 minutes with no puppy
2. Intermittent contractions for 1-2 hours with no puppy
3. No contractions for 4 hours with no puppy and some still needing to be whelped
4. Green discharge and no puppy in 30 minutes

If any of these are occurring you should seek veterinary care immediately.

Tad Squires, DVM
River City Veterinary Hospital
2250 West Everest Lane
Meridian, ID 83646
208-888-7300
http://www.rivercityvet.com/
info@rivercityvet.com

New Year's Resolutions - For Pet Owners

2010-12-30T14:33:00.000-08:00

Here are the Top Ten New Year's Resolutions for Pet Owners

1. Exercise
2. Health Check Up
3. Good Nutrition
4. Good Grooming
5. Safety
6. Information
7. Love and Attention
8. Volunteer
9. Maintenance
10. Be A Voice

For more details please go to:

http://vetmedicine.about.com/od/pethealthinsurance/a/NewYearRes.htm

Tad Squires, DVM
River City Veterinary Hospital
2250 West Everest Lane
Meridian, ID 83646
208-888-7300
http://www.rivercityvet.com/
info@rivercityvet.com

Kroger stores issue pet food recall due to aflatoxin

2010-12-30T08:43:00.000-08:00

*Please note Idaho is not included in the recall*

Please click on the following link for additional information:

http://veterinarynews.dvm360.com/dvm/ArticleStandard/Article/detail/700789.

Tad Squires, DVM
River City Veterinary Hospital
2250 West Everest Lane
Meridian, ID 83646
208-888-7300
http://www.rivercityvet.com/
info@rivercityvet.com

Utah Regents approve new veterinary school at Utah State University

2010-12-14T14:38:00.000-08:00

The Veterinary Information Network News Service has reported that the Utah State Board of Regents has approved a new veterinary school at Utah State University (USU). Veterinary students would spend the first two years of veterinary school at USU and then procede to finish their third and fourth years of the program at Washington State University.

The program will be up for approval by the Utah legislature at the next session, which convenes January 24, 2011.

For more information, go to: http://news.vin.com/VINNews.aspx?articleId=17179

Tad Squires, DVM
River City Veterinary Hospital
2250 West Everest Lane
Meridian, ID 83646
208-888-7300
http://www.rivercityvet.com/
info@rivercityvet.com

Iguana Care

2010-12-14T13:00:00.000-08:00

Have you ever considered owning a green iguana?
There is more to owning an iguana than simply placing him in a 10-gallon tank with a hot-rock. In fact, in this seven-part series at http://www.veterinarypartner.com/, Melissa Kaplan goes into explicit detail regarding green iguana care.

Part 1: Introduction (http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=1417)

Part 2: Creating a Home (http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=1419)

Part 3: Food Selection (http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=1420)

Part 4: Food Preparation and Feeding (http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=1424)

Part 5: Taming and Socialization (http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=1430)

Part 6: You, Your iguana and your reptile veterinarian (http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=1431)

Part 7: Summary of Key Points (http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=1432)

Tad Squires, DVM
River City Veterinary Hospital
2250 West Everest Lane
Meridian, ID 83646
208-888-7300
http://www.rivercityvet.com/
info@rivercityvet.com

Canine Influenza

2010-12-09T12:40:00.000-08:00

Canine Influenza Virus (CIV) was first identified in greyhounds in 2004. The virus, H3N8, is a mutated form of the equine influenza virus. Symptoms of influenza in dogs are very similar to that in humans and include fever, cough, lethargy and runny nose. The vast majority of dogs that become infected recover uneventfully(about 80% of those infected), much like humans. However, in some cases, dogs may develop pneumonia and, rarely, death may result. Like other influenza viruses CIV is species specific and will not infect humans.

A vaccination is available. Much like the human flu vaccine, the canine flu vaccine DOES NOT prevent dogs from becoming infected. However, it does help reduce the severity and length of symptoms. Vaccinated dogs that become infected with virus can still infect other dogs as well. Vaccination against CIV requires two vaccinations 3 to4 weeks apart.

For more information go to: www.cdc.gov/flu/canine and http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=2165

Currently, we are not recommending canine patients in the Treasure Valley be vaccinated for canine influenza as there have been no known cases at this time. If you will be travelling with your dog to the Northeast region of the United States it may be recommended to vaccinate at that time. If there are any questions please feel free to call us at River City Veterinary Hospital.

Tad Squires, DVM
River City Veterinary Hospital
2250 West Everest Lane
Meridian, ID 83646
208-888-7300
http://www.rivercityvet.com/
info@rivercityvet.com

Elizabethan Collar

2010-12-09T12:30:00.000-08:00

Elizabethan Collars, or E-collars, are often sent home with veterinary patients following surgical procedures to keep the patient from licking or chewing at incision sites. E-collars are also helpful when there is a need to keep a pet from licking / chewing wounds or to prevent scratching at the head area.

It is important that the collars be used as directed, which is usually 24 hrs a day. If the collar is not left on the pet, as directed, potential consequences include irritation of a surgery site, improper healing, infection, pulling out sutures and damage to tissues underneath the skin (including abdominal organs).

An E-collar costs approximately $10-15. Yes, they are frustrating to deal with. However, considering the potential consequenses one to two weeks of an E-collar is much better than the potential consequences of not using one appropriately.

Tad Squires, DVM
River City Veterinary Hospital
2250 West Everest Lane
Meridian, ID 83646
208-888-7300
http://www.rivercityvet.com/
info@rivercityvet.com

Dog vs. Cat Perspective

2010-12-08T14:16:00.001-08:00

Dog's way of thinking vs. cat's way of thinking.

Dog: "My owners are so nice to me - they feed me, they take care of me, they play with me, they caress me...They must be gods!"

Cat: "My owners are so nice to me - they feed me, they take care of me, they play with me, they caress me...I must be a god!"

From: Richard A. LeCouteur, BVSc, PhD, DACVIM(Neurology), "Cats Are Not Small Dogs - The Neurologist's Perspective"
Feline Medicine Symposium 2009

Tad Squires, DVM
River City Veterinary Hospital
2250 West Everest Lane
Meridian, ID 83646
208-888-7300
www.rivercityvet.com
info@rivercityvet.com

Rabbit Care

2010-12-08T14:15:00.000-08:00

Whenever I receive a call or examine at pet rabbit one of the first questions asked of the client is,"What are you feeding him / her?" The majority of the time the answer I receive is that the rabbit is being fed rabbit pellets and possibly some vegetables and fruit. Unfortunately, this diet not only has a high probability of leading to obesity it also is detrimental to a rabbit's gastrointestinal tract. So what should a rabbit be fed? How should the rabbit be cared for?

The information regarding rabbit husbandry is extensive, so the best place visit is:

http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=3015

From the website's homepage,"VeterinaryPartner.com is here to support your veterinarian and you in the care of your companion animals by providing reliable, up-to-date animal health information from the veterinarians and experts of the Veterinary Information Network (VIN), the world's first and largest online veterinary database and community."

This particular article is written by Susan Brown, DVM. For information regarding Dr. Brown visit:
http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&C=34&A=683&S=0

Tad Squires, DVM
River City Veterinary Hospital
2250 West Everest Lane
Meridian, ID 83646
208-888-7300
http://www.rivercityvet.com/
info@rivercityvet.com

Do dogs see color?

2010-12-08T13:28:00.000-08:00

Dogs do see colors. They are unable to differentiate blue-green from gray objects or to differentiate green, yellow, orange or red objects. It is similar to red-green color blindness in people.

Tad Squires, DVM
River City Veterinary Hospital
2250 West Everest Lane
Meridian, ID 83646
208-888-7300
http://www.rivercityvet.com/
info@rivercityvet.com

Feline Holiday Hazards

2010-12-07T16:35:00.000-08:00

Summarized from: "VIN / AAFP Rounds: Feline Holiday Hazards," by Tina Wismer, DVM, DABVT, DABT of the ASPCA Animal Poinson Control Center on December 7, 2008.

- Poinsettias - Although generally considered toxic to cats, poinsettias only cause mild gastrointestinal upset. Large quantaties must be ingested to cause more serious signs.

- Silica gel packets - The number one call to both human and animal poison control because on the packet it is stated,"Do not eat." Most ingestions will not cause clinical signs, however, if swallowed there is potential for a gastrointestinal obstruction. If bitten into the granules will become slimy.

- Christmas tree water - Possibly mild gastrointestinal signs due to Christmas tree preservatives containing diluted sugar and fertilizer. Most cats do not develop clinical signs.

- Christmas tree needles - If ingested may cause vomiting, anorexia, abdominal pain and depression from gastric irritation. If enough needles are ingested it is possible for them to cause a gastrointestinal obstruction. Dr. Wismer noted,"I removed a FB (obstruction) once made of pine needles and cat hair."

- Christmas cactus - Considered to be non-toxic. May cause gastointestinal irritation and vomiting.

- Mistletoe - Most ingestions involve American mistletoe (Phoradendron spp.). Ingestion of a few leaves and berries will typically cause mild gastritis and vomiting. Ingestion of large amount may require veterinary care, so check with your veterinarian.

- Holly - Rarely ingested as it is "prickly." All parts are considered toxic. Contact your veterinarian if ingested.

- Amaryllis - All parts of the plant are toxic, however the bulbs are the worst. Cats typically only eat the leaves and flower. These only cause drooling, vomiting and diarrhea. If the bulbs are ingested low blood pressure, weakness, loss of coordination, tremors and seizures may occur. Contact your veterinarian if ingested.

- Lillies (Easter, tiger, day, etc). These are the true lilies and cause acute kidney failure. All parts of the plant are toxic - even the pollen exposure or single bite on a leaf. Seek veterinary care IMMEDIATELY should your cat have exposure!

- Water lillies - Non-toxic.

- Cannas - Non-toxic.

- Ice Melts - Ingestion of ice melts containing sodium chloride, potassium chloride, magnesium chloride, calcium carbonate or calcium magnesium acetate can lead to vomiting and electrolyte abnormalities. Contact your veterinarian should ingestion of these occur.

Ingestion of ice melts that are "pet safe" contain urea and is not toxic to cats or dogs.

- Liquid Potpourri - Exposure due to ingestion or dermal exposure from simmer pots or spills. "The cationic detergents in the liquid can cause extensive systemic and local effects at concentrations as low as 2 percent" notes Dr. Wismer. Local tissue damage from direct exposure can occur and systemic effects including depression, coma, seizures, low blood pressure, muscle weakness and tremors, collapse, pulmonary edema and metabolic acidosis. Seek veterinary care immediately should exposure occur.

- Alcohol (ethanol) - "While cats are not normally big drinkers, the holidays can sometimes lead them astray," jokes Dr. Wismer. Cats are attracted to mixed drinks containing milk, cream or ice cream. Due to their small size they are very sensitive to ethanol than humans and signs can develop within 30-60 minutes of ingestion. "Clinical signs include vomiting, loss of coordination, disorientation and stupor. In severe cases, coma, seizures and death may occur." Veterinary care should be sought immediately.

- Rodenticides (anticoagulant types in particular) - Cold weather brings pests, such as rodents, inside to warmer confines. While dogs tend to ingest the poison directly cats tend to eat the rodents that ingest the rodenticide. This is termed "relay toxicosis." Indoor cats that ingest an occasional mouse are not considered to be at risk, but barn cats that ingest many rodents are at risk. These rodenticides inhibit the ability of the blood to clot. Veterinary care should be sought immediately should exposure be a concern.

- Venlafaxine (Effexor XR®) (antidepressant) - Dr. Wsmer notes,"Cats aren't big pill eaters (as we all know from trying to pill some of them!), but they do seem to like the taste of the antidepressant venlafaxine (Effexor XR®). Clinical signs may include mydriasis(dilated pupils), vomiting, rapid breathing, rapid heart rate, loss of coordination and agitation. Seek veterinary care should ingestion occur.

- Glo-sticks and glo-in-the-dark jewelry - The primary luminescent agent is dibutyl phthalate. It is of low toxicity but tastes horrible. Clinical signs include salivation, foaming and occasional retching and vomiting. Often cats will run around head shaking, hissing and hiding. "In all cases, signs are generally self-limiting and should resolve once the cat gets the taste of the product out of their mouth. the exposure is managed by diluting the taste of the dibutyl phthalate using milk or highly palatable food (e.g. canned tuna). The cat should be placed in a dark room and any glowing areas need to be wiped off or the signs will resume when the cat grooms," says Dr. Wismer.

Tad Squires, DVM
River City Veterinary Hospital
2250 West Everest Lane
Meridian, ID 83646
208-888-7300
http://www.rivercityvet.com/
info@rivercityvet.com

How do I remove glue, gum or sap from my pet?

2010-12-07T14:27:00.000-08:00

The best way to remove glue, gum or sap from the hair or pads of your pet is by using mineral oil, olive oil (or the like) or mayonaise (NOT motor oil!). Use a liberal amount of the oil and with time the offending product will break down you will be able to remove it.

Now you are left with a very oily area(s) of your pet. Easy enough...use soap and water to remove oil.

This worked wonders when I was presented with a dog that had managed to get his paws stuck in sticky traps intended for mice.

Tad Squires, DVM
River City Veterinary Hospital
2250 West Everest Lane
Meridian, ID 83646
208-888-7300
http://www.rivercityvet.com/
info@rivercityvet.com

Murphy Brady

2010-12-07T12:45:00.001-08:00

Some animals touch our lives in profound ways. We may only have this special connection with one pet in a lifetime, sometimes more. Ocassionally, as a vet, we witness this special bond between a person and their pet and this was the case with Murphy and Robert. Murphy had a long-term illness that Robert diligently cared for and his devotion to his friend was very apparent and very touching to be a part of. On November 11, 2010, we said good bye to Murphy and we know that he is significantly missed.

Thank you Robert for your dedication to Murphy and thank you Murphy for your great attitude through all you endured. We will miss you.

Tucker, the clinic cat, had a dental procedure...

2010-12-04T12:18:00.000-08:00

Many of you may know Tucker. He is the clinic cat here at River City. He likes to spend most of his time sleeping, hanging out in the reception area or begging food from the technicians around supper time.

Recently, he has been battling a sinus problem for the past couple of months. He has been sneezing and had nasal discharge. He also has a history of diabetes mellitus for which he receives insulin injections twice a day, and is on a prescription diet for food allergies. Yesterday, he had a dental procedure performed as he has had some dental tartar and pretty bad breath.

Yesterday, we placed him under general anesthesia and took full-mouth dental x-rays. The radiographs revealed that Tucker had tooth-root abscesses of both upper canine teeth. His teeth were scaled with an ultrasonic scaler and then polished. Unfortunately, the treatment for abscessed teeth is extraction. So, both of his upper canine teeth were extracted. Today, he is doing well - eating, drinking a begging...back to his normal self.

His case demonstrates the importance of dental care. If we had not obtained dental radiographs of Tucker's teeth, his dental problem would have gone unnoticed.

Time will tell if the the abscessed teeth were the cause of his sinus issues. Additionally, periodontal disease (such as abscessed teeth) can contribute to poor regulation of diabetes mellitus, which is a problem we have been having with Tucker. We are hoping to see an improvement in Tucker's sinus issues over the next few weeks to month and will be monitoring his blood glucose levels to determine if his diabetes is better controlled.

We will keep you updated with his progress.

Stay tuned...

Tad Squires, DVM
River City Veterinary Hospital
2250 West Everest Lane
Meridian, ID 83646
208-888-7300
www.rivercityvet.com
info@rivercityvet.com

What does it take to become a veterinarian?

2010-11-29T13:41:00.000-08:00

Many children who come into a veterinary hospital often have hopes of becoming a veterinarian. Here is information that will help them to their goal.

Finish High School.

Undergraduate degree. Most veterinarians have an undergraduate degree from college and / or have met the prerequisites to apply to veterinary school.

Application to veterinary school. For the Class of 2014 at the Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine:

Total Applicants = 940
Total Admitted = 99 (That is approximately 10% acceptance)
Female = 73
Male = 26

Average GPA = 3.653

GRE: Average verbal = 497
Average quantitative = 634
Average analytical writing = 4.15

Veterinary School. Once accepted veterinary school is a four-year program. This consists of three years of academic work followed by one year of clinic work. For the curriculum at Washington State see: http://www.vetmed.wsu.edu/prospectiveStudents/Curriculum.aspx. Upon completion of veterinary school one earns the Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree or Veterinary Medical Doctor (VMD) if one attends the University of Pennsylvania.

Pass National Board Examinations.

Pass State Board Examination and obtain state license.

Once these criteria have been met it is now possible to practice veterinary medicine in the state in which one has been licensed. Many veterinarians then elect to pursue further education.

Internship(s). Following veterinary school it is common to complete a one-year internship in medicine and surgery. It is also possible to complete internships in emergency medicine or a surgical internship.

Residency. If one wishes to specialize in a specific field of veterinary medicine (surgery, internal medicine, pathology, dentistry, ophthalmology, emergency medicine and critical care - as SOME examples) a residency can be pursued. The majority of residencies are three (3) years in duration and are followed by a rigorous examination to obtain board certification in that specialty.

Tad Squires, DVM

River City Veterinary Hospital

2250 West Everest Lane

Meridian, ID 83646

208-888-7300

http://www.rivercityvet.com/

info@rivercityvet.com

Natural vs. Organic Food

2010-11-26T17:14:00.000-08:00

Feeding or eating an "all natural food," unfortunately, does not mean very much. Feeding or eating an "organic" food does mean something. Interestingly, however, there is a lot of confusion regarding these terms. To help I visited several websites and found a concise explanation:

From http://www.simplesteps.org/:

"USDA Organic

To use the term “organic” on a food package, farmers and manufacturers must verify through an independent auditing agency that production processes have met all the organic guidelines set by the U.S. Department of Agriculture. USDA-certified meat, dairy and egg products must come from animals that were given access to exercise, sunlight and, in the case of beef, pasture to graze in (though this access can be minimal). The animals cannot be treated with antibiotics or given hormones to supplement growth, and their feed must be certified organic and free from animal by-products and genetic modifications. USDA-certified organic produce comes from farms that have refrained from using synthetic herbicides, pesticides, fertilizers and genetically modified seeds for at least three years. For processed foods to be certified organic and bear the USDA emblem, they must contain at least 95 percent certified organic ingredients.

Natural:

The USDA has a definition for “natural” meat and poultry, but it specifies how the animal product was processed rather than how the animal was raised. Farmers and manufacturers are allowed to label their meat and poultry products “natural” when they contain no added colors or artificial ingredients, haven’t been processed in such a way that “fundamentally alter(s) the raw product,” and if use of the term is explained (e.g., “minimally processed,”) on the package. Rather than being required to use independent auditors to confirm that these vague regulations have been followed, farmers and manufacturers are free to hire their own inspectors.
Neither the USDA nor the FDA regulates or defines the term “natural” for all other food products, leaving the decision to use the term up to the manufacturer. Grocery shelves offer such loose interpretations of the term as Pepsi’s new product “Pepsi Natural,”, which is exactly the same as the original except for it’s lack of high-fructose corn syrup.

A recent survey by the Shelton Group, an advertising agency, found that consumers trust the term “natural,” which they believe to be federally regulated, more than the term “organic,” which they believe to be “a fancy way of saying expensive.” But in reality, manufacturers can label just about anything “natural,” while “organic” comes with a guarantee that the product has been certified by the USDA. So don’t take manufacturers' word for it. Find the seal on the package before you head to the checkout."

The need for these two distinctions are very important. There are MANY dog and cat foods on the market labelled with the "natural" terminology and only a handful labelled with the"organic" terminology.

It is important to note that River City Veterinary Hospital is not recommending any product over another, but simply trying to clear the air regarding terminology.

For other sources regarding the organic and natural terminology please see:

http://www.ams.usda.gov/AMSv1.0/nop
http://www.live-the-organic-life.com/natural-vs-organic.html
http://www.organicfacts.net/organic-food/organic-food-basics/difference-between-organic-and-natural-food.html

The best website I found regarding organic dog foods is (Note: Only two of these are USDA Certified Organic):

http://www.dogfoodproject.com/index.php?page=organic

Tad Squires, DVM
River City Veterinary Hospital
2250 West Everest Lane
Meridian, ID 83646
208-888-7300
http://www.rivercityvet.com/
info@rivercityvet.com

Top 10 Green Gifts for Pets

2010-11-26T13:28:00.000-08:00

Happy Black Friday!

With the holidays upon us and shopping in full bloom it seemed appropriate to list the "Top 10 Green Gifts for Pets" as noted by Animal Planet at:

http://animal.discovery.com/the-spot/daily-treat/holiday-gift-guide/green-pet-gifts.html

1. Bottle Buddy Dog Toy (http://www.muttropolis.com/)
2. Eco Drop Pet Bed (http://www.westpawdesign.com/)
3. Molly Mutt Duvet Dog and Cat Bed Covers (http://www.mollymutt.com/)
4. Catty Stacks (http://www.cattystacks.com/)
5. Cycle Dog Collars made from Recycled bike tubes (http://www.cycledogs.com/)
6. Simply Fido Organic Dog Toys (http://www.simplyfido.com/)
7. Planet Dog Wook Chuck (registered trade mark) (http://www.planetdog.com/)
8. Raised Bamboo Doubled Dog Feeder (http://www.petgadgets.com/)
9. Moby the Whale Hemp Dog Collar (http://www.muttropolis.com/)
10. KatPak Disposable Litter Box (http://www.thegreenpetshop.com/)

Tad Squires, DVM
River City Veterinary Hospital
2250 West Everest Lane
Meridian, ID 83646
208-888-7300
www.rivercityvet.com
info@rivercityvet.com

Don't forget the Pet Food Pantry this holiday season!

2010-11-17T10:44:00.000-08:00

The Pet Food Pantry is a partnership program of the Idaho Humane Society and Meals on wheels. The Pet Food Pantry is an ongoing program to:

Provide dog and cat food to families and individuals in need of assistance.
Maintain pet food supply for Idaho Humane Society foster families.
And provide pet food to local animal welfare organizations.

River City Veterinary Hospital is proud to be a drop-off location for this great program. Please bring in your canned or bagged pet food (sealed only please) to help this worth cause!

A word on dental care...

2010-11-09T12:56:00.000-08:00

It is the rare occasion that I exam a patient older than 1-2 years old and there is no evidence of plaque, tartar, gingivitis or severe periodontitis.

Fraser Hale, DVM, Fellow of the Academy of Veterinary Dentistry, Diplomate of the American Veterinary Dental College is owner of Hale Veterinary Clinic, a veterinary dental specialty practice in Guelph, Ontario, Canada. He is also author of a regular newsletter, "The CUSP." Here is some great information regarding the progression of dental disease FOLLOWING professional care and the importance of "homecare" (i.e. prevention).

"Following a professional dental cleaning the tooth surface is considered clean. Within hours, a film of salivary glycoproteins, known as the acquired pellicle, starts to form on the exposed dental surfaces. In a few more hours, oral bacteria colonize this pellicle. This is the beginning of the development of dental plaque, which is a mixture of salivary glycoproteins, sloughed pithelial cells, white blood cells, food particles and bacteria. Immature plaque is a rather disorganized slime on the tooth surface.

If the immature plaque is left undisturbed, it becomes more organized and more firmly attached to the tooth surface. It starts to evolve into a highly complex society of cooperative and synergistic bacteria and protozoa. Aerobic bacteria live on the outer surface of this biofilm with anaerobes living closer to the tooth surface. The mixed population of bacteria produce and secrete substances that act as a matrix, enhance adhesion and protect the residents of the biofilm from chemical and cellular antimicrobial agents. Mature plaque is 25% bacteria and 75% matrix.

Within as little as two days, undisturbed plaque can start to precipitate salivary minerals to form calculus. Calculus itself does not cause periodontal disease, but it does provide a very safe environment in which the periodontal pathogens can live. Its rough porous surface provides a foothold for the bacteria that is not easily dislodged.

The bacteria in plaque produce toxins, which cause inflammation of the gingiva. If left untreated, this gingivitis may progress to periodontitis (inflammation and destruction of the gingiva, periodontal ligament, alveolar bone and root cementum). To prevent gingivitis and periodontitis from developing and to maintain gingival health, plaque must be removed before it becomes organized and mineralized.

From the above, you can see that if (you) are not doing anything for plaque control at home on a daily basis, noticeable calculus and gingivitis may be back by the two-week recheck appointment. Homecare refers to anything the owners are doing at home on a regular basis to control plaque and maintain periodontal health. In numerous studies, daily brushing of the teeth with a soft-bristled toothbrush has been shown to be the most effective means of plaque control. It is the mechanical action of the bristles against the tooth surface that removes the plaque.

In dogs and cats, as in humans, it seems that the single most important factor in determining the development of periodontal disease is genetics. Some pets have a great natural resistance to periodontal disease and some seem to have very little resistance. Certainly, factors such as diet, chewing habits, general health status, the physical architecture of the mouth and teeth all play a role as well.

Home care is daily plaque control designed to maintain oral hygiene and prevent the development of gingivitis and periodontal disease. It does not remove calculus and it cannot reach into periodontal pockets. Therefore, home care should only be instituted AFTER appropriate professional treatment has established a clean and healthy mouth. Home care is then used in an attempt to maintain this healthy situation or to prevent the situation from deteriorating.

Since home care only cleans the crowns of the teeth and maybe 1 to 2 millimeters subgingivally, it will have little or no effect on established periodontal pockets. Home care is also only effective for those teeth (or tooth surfaces) (you) are able to reach. Therefore, even with home care, the animal should have regular professional examinations and treatments. I brush my own teeth 2-3 times a day and floss daily and I still see my hygienist and dentist every nine months."

Tad Squires, DVM
River City Veterinary Hospital
2250 West Everest Lane
Meridian, ID 83646
208-888-7300
http://www.rivercityvet.com/
info@rivercityvet.com

Appropriate Chew Toys / Treats

2010-11-04T11:11:00.001-07:00

With all the toys and chews available today, which are appropriate for a dog to chew? This seems like a strange question. After all, these items wouldn't be available if they could potentially cause a problem, right?

It is recommended that one should not allow a dog to have any item that you would not allow someone to hit against your knee cap. This is due to the increased risk of fracturing teeth because of the hardness of the item. If it is hard enough to hurt your knee, then it is hard enough to be a potential cause of dental fracture.

This includes, but is not limited to: nylon bones, cow hooves, ice cubes (same for humans), rocks, bones, compressed raw hide bones or any hard toy.

"But my dog has been chewing nylon bones for years and has never had any problems."

According to Fraser Hale, DVM, Fellow of the Academy of Veterinary Dentistry, Diplomate American Veterinary Dental College, "Damage to the crowns can start as microcracks in the enamel and dentin so that a casual examination (of the teeth) shows no sign of trouble, but these cracks never heal. Over time as more and more of them accumulate they start to coalesce and then one day the integrity of the crown is so compromised that chewing on something relatively benign can cause the tooth to finally fail and fracture. The owner may think it was the 'benign' chew that broke the tooth, but it was just the thing the dog was chewing on when the tooth finally failed. It was the culmination of accumulated small cracks over the years of chewing on harder things that was really responsible for the fracture."

In addition, "Tennis balls are a favorite toy for dogs, however, they can be quite damaging. The nylon fuzz itself is quite abrasive. Also, the fuzz will retain grit picked up from the ground. So
chewing on a tennis ball will be like chewing in emery cloth. Dogs that chew tennis balls
a lot can wear their teeth to the point of causing pulp exposure."

A common tooth to become fractured is the upper fourth premolar, or carnassial tooth (black arrow) and lower first molar (green arrow). The lower first molar is not seen in this picture since the upper fourth premolar is blocking the view of it. The canine tooth is noted by the red arrow. The dog's head, in this picture, is pointing to the right.
So, what are appropriate items for a dog to chew? Although there is no absolutely safe treat or chew toy, there are items available that maximize benefit and minimize risk. A list of items may be found at http://www.vohc.org/. It is important to note that these items are not intended to replace daily brushing with a soft-bristled toothbrush.

Tad Squires, DVM
River City Veterinary Hospital
2250 West Everest Lane
Meridian, ID 83646
http://www.rivercityvet.com/
info@rivercityvet.com
208-888-7300

Items removed during exploratory surgery

2010-11-01T13:45:00.000-07:00

Here is evidence that yes...dogs (and cats) will eat anything. So be careful.

The following is a list of items that myself and Dr. Liddell have removed from the intestine or stomach of dogs and cats:

Rocks - Lots of rocks...the biggest offender
Portion of a nylon bone
Tampon
Rubber ball
Golf ball
Grass filling the entire stomach of a cat
Gloves
String
Dental floss
Squeaker (from stuffed animal / squeaky toy)
Rubber Ducky
Sock
Underwear
Superball
Pacifier Nipple (twice on the same pet)
Ear Plug

Tad Squires, DVM
River City Veterinary Hospital
2250 West Everest Lane
Meridian, ID 83646
208-888-7300
info@rivercityvet.com
www.rivercityvet.com

Halloween Safety Tips

2010-10-30T17:50:00.000-07:00

Here is a great website for Haloween Safety for all:

http://www.halloweenishere.com/safety_tips.html

Recall issued of certain Blue Buffalo dog foods

2010-10-13T10:57:00.000-07:00

River City Vet does NOT sell any Blue Buffalo dog foods.

October 8, 2010
By: Jennifer Fiala
For The VIN News Service

The makers of Blue Buffalo pet foods are recalling certain lots of the company’s Wilderness Chicken-Dog, Basics Salmon-Dog and Large Breed Adult Dog products due to fears that the food may contain higher levels of vitamin D than are specified.

The problem, officials say, likely stems from what appears to be a glitch tied to one of the company’s dry ingredients suppliers concerning a form of vitamin D that’s not supposed to be in the Blue Buffalo foods in question.

The U.S. Food and Drug Administration is expected to soon issue a public notice on the recall. According to the company, the following production runs distributed to pet specialty stores nationwide are involved:

• 4.5-, 11- and 24-pound bags of Blue Wilderness Chicken dry dog food with best-if-used-by dates of JUL1211B, JUL1311B, JUL2611Z, JUL2711Z and JUL2811Z;
• 11- and 24-pound bags of Blue Basics Salmon and Potato Recipe dry dog food with best-if-used-by dates of AUG2111B and AUG2211B;
• 30-pound bags of Blue Large Breed Adult Chicken dry dog food with best-if-used-by dates of SEP 22 11 P, SEP 23 11 P, OCT 26 11 P.

Any unused product still in its bag may be returned to the point of purchase for a full refund.

In an announcement issued this afternoon, officials with Wilton-Conn.-based Blue Buffalo reveal 36 cases nationwide of dogs with symptoms consistent with elevated levels of vitamin D in their systems while on the diets, with symptoms resolving after being switched to a different brand of food. Practitioners have reported many of those cases on the Veterinary Information Network, or VIN, an online community for the profession and parent of the VIN News Service.

Hypervitaminosis D induces bone loss and abnormally high serum calcium levels, which could result in kidney stones and the calcification of organs like the heart and kidneys if left untreated. Hypercalcemia often is associated with certain forms of cancer, which could lead a pet owner to choose euthanasia upon hearing such a potentially grave diagnosis.

In late August, the VIN News Service published an article citing reports of hypervitaminosis D symptoms in dogs fed a diet of Blue Buffalo, mainly its chicken flavors. Newer cases are associated with the Basics Salmon formulation.

VIN members have been trying to discern whether reports of hypercalcemia secondary to vitamin D toxicosis occurring in dogs that eat Blue Buffalo were either a coincidence or a problem with the pet food. In each of the cases, the dogs improved rapidly upon receiving a change in diet.

Though months of testing and investigation by Blue Buffalo showed no unusual amounts of vitamin D in their products, company officials now report that the manufacture of a vitamin D supplement on the same equipment that produced the pet food likely caused the problem.

“We came to this conclusion after discovering that our ingredient supplier had made a scheduling error and produced a vitamin D supplement immediately prior to preparing the ingredients for the Blue products that are in question. We believe that some of the vitamin D supplement may have been carried over into our products, resulting in more vitamin D than is called for in our formulas,” the company’s website states.

A veterinarian who works with Blue Buffalo posted a more technical and in-depth explanation of the problem to his colleagues in a VIN message board discussion, though the VIN News Service could not immediately obtain his permission to publicly relay the information.

Dr. Joy Mueller, a veterinarian in Santa Rosa, Calif., who identified the condition in her two-year-old Australian shepherd, is relieved that the problem is being taken seriously. Before being taken off the diet, she reports that her dog had become lethargic, producing copious amounts of extremely dilute urine and drinking large amounts of water.

“I’m pleased they’re doing a recall,” she says. “Blue Buffalo is really stepping up to the plate, and I have to give them kudos for the hard science that they did to figure this all out. I think that they are a very conscientious company.”

In a news release issued on Friday to the Associated Press, Blue Buffalo’s Richard MacLean, vice president of business affairs, instructs owners with dogs that show signs of lethargy or exhibit unusually frequent water consumption or urination to immediately contact a veterinarian.

“In all cases the symptoms have subsided upon discontinuing feeding these products with no apparent long-term health consequences,” the release states.

Consumers who have incurred expenses for veterinary services and/or laboratory testing fees related to the recalled products can call the Blue Buffalo customer service department at (877) 523-9114 for reimbursement.

Blue Buffalo representatives will contact clients of veterinarians who have already submitted related expenses to the company.

Guinea Pig Care

2010-10-07T17:34:00.000-07:00

So, I arrive home one day to find my wife has brought home two 4-week old male guinea pigs. This is great as I have always wanted a guinea pig (I like to call them guinea hogs), or two, I guess. We also have three young children and guinea pigs make great pets for children. Guinea pigs rarely bite, they tolerate being handled, sometimes roughly, by children and they make great noises. However, I was not quite prepared with housing, food and bedding for these little critters. (By the way the two oldest children named them Brownie and Pirate.) I have educated many clients regarding proper husbandry of guinea pigs but had not been to a pet store in quite some time. So, off to the pet store!

Wow! I could not believe all the different types of pellets, hays, toys, enclosures, and bedding that was available. No wonder there is so much confusion about what to feed a guinea pig or what they REALLY need!

Here is the low down:

1. Grass based Hay made from timothy, meadow, oat, rye, barley or Bermuda grasses. This should be fed free choice at all times and preferably a mixture so the guinea pigs receive a variety and do not develop a preference. Avoid Legume hay such as alfalfa.

2. Vitamin C supplement. Much like humans guinea pigs cannot produce their own vitamin C and it must be supplemented. Approximately 20-25 mg per guinea pig per day is necessary. Here is an excellent website that provides detailed information regarding vitamin C supplementation. This site also provides a table of Vitamin C rich vegetables and amounts needed to be fed to provide enough vitamin C for guinea pigs. http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&A=2750

3. Timothy Pellets with Vitamin C. Feeding too many pellets can lead to obesity. Do not feed more than 1/4 cup per guinea pig per day (I feed 1/8 cup per guinea pig per day). There are many varieties and brands. Avoid any that have seeds or other colorful nuggets in them because they are not necessary. Do not count on the vitamin C in the pellets as being the sole supplement of vitamin C as it will degrade 90 days past the mill date of the pellets and is not present in a high concentration.

4. Bedding. Bedding should be approximately 2-3 inches deep and must be changed quite frequently as guinea pigs urinate and defecate a lot. I prefer Carefresh bedding as it is soft on their feet and is cellulose based. The bedding should be changed a minimum of once every 7 days, but the more frequent the better.

5. Enclosure. A fancy enclosure is not necessary. However, providing plenty of space for your guinea pig will allow it to have a better quality of life. There is a great website (www.guineapigcages.com) that gives step-by-step instructions how to make an enclosure and where to obtain supplies. (I plan on making my own in the future.) Be certain the bottom of the enclosure is smooth, without wire, as a rough or irregular surface can damage their feet.

There is everything you need. Well, one bit of information I feel necessary to provide and I often feel is overlooked is the cost. Here is a per month amount spent on Brownie and Pirate:

Hay - $19.98 + tax
Pellets $12.59 + tax
Vegetables (Red and Green Bell Peppers, Broccoli)- $13.08
Bedding - $31.98 + tax

Joy of having two great guinea pigs - priceless.

For additional information on guinea pigs please visit these websites:
http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=684
http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/guinea_pigs/

Tad Squires, DVM
River City Veterinary Hospital
2250 West Everest Lane
Meridian, ID 83646
208-888-7300
www.rivercityvet.com
info@rivercityvet.com

Top Ten Small Animal Toxins

2010-09-22T11:43:00.000-07:00

Here is a list of the Top 10 small animal toxins reported by the Pet Poison Helpline based out of Minneapolis, MN. (Summarized from: Justine A. Lee DVM, DACVECC. Top Ten Small Animal Toxins: Recognition, Diagnosis, Treatment. ACVIM 2010.)

ALWAYS consult with your family veterinarian if you believe your pet has ingested ANY item that may be toxic or cause harm. This is not intended to be an all inclusive list but simply represents the most common toxins called into the Pet Poison Helpline.

1. Selective Serotonin Re-uptake Inhibitors (SSRIs)
- These include fluoxetine, citalopram, escitalopram, sertraline and paroxetine.
- Small doses can result in increased levels of serotonin, resulting in "serotonin syndrome"
- Symptoms include CNS stimulation, vomiting, tremoring, seizures, hyperthermia (secondary to tremoring and seizing), diarrhea, abdominal pain and mydriasis (dilated pupils)

2. Sleep Aids

- benzodiazepines or non-benzodiazepine hypnotics, such as zolpidem and eszopiclone
- Although these drugs typically cause sedation, approximately 40% of dogs develop paradoxical CNS stimulation rather than sedation
- Symptoms include depression (depression, ataxia, weakness, paresis), CNS stimulation (hyperactivity, anxiety, agitation, panting, tremors) or nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and hyperthermia.

3. Amphetamines

- Toxicity results in CNS and cardiovascular stimulation
- Symptoms include agitation, tremors, seizures, tachycardia, hypertension, hyperthermia, mydriasis (dilated pupils), vomiting, hypersalivation and diarrhea

4. Topical Toxins (5-fluorouracil (5-FU)): Brand names Efudex, Carac, Adrucil and Fluoroplex.

- This is one of the most dangerous topical toxins. It is used topically for humans with superficial basal cell carcinoma or actinic keratosis.
- Prognosis for cats who ingest this product is grave!
- Prognosis for dogs who ingest this product is guarded (approximately 25% survival)!
- Onset of symptoms within 30 minutes to 6 hours, and death has been reported in 7 hours.
- Symptoms include acute onset of nausea, vomiting, bloody diarrhea, abdominal pain, ataxia, seizures, severe myelosuppression

5. Non-Steroidal Anti-Inflammatory Drugs (NSAIDs)

- Common human over-the-counter medications include ibuprofen, naproxen and others
- Common veterinary medications include carprofen, deracoxib, etogesic, previcoxib, meloxicam and others
- Symptoms typically involve the gastrointestinal tract, kidneys, platelets and CNS

6. Xylitol

- Sugar-free, natural sweetener
- Found in diabetic snacks, foods, baked goods, chewing gum and candies
- Toxicity from ingestion and results in extreme and sudden hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). The hypoglycemia can occur as quickly as 15 minutes following ingestion.
- Higher doses can cause acute hepatic (liver) necrosis
- Symptoms include lethargy, weakness, vomiting, collapse and anorexia

7. Batteries
- This most commonly involves ingestion of the battery itself, but may also involve puncturing the battery casing, alkaline or acidic material leaking out, resulting in severe ulceration of exposed tissues.
- Most common ingestion is of an alkaline dry cell battery (9-volt, D, C, AA, AAA) or button/disc batteries
- Newer types of "disc-shaped" batteries can allow an electrical current to pass to the tissues of the gastrointestinal tract as the battery is passed. This can cause a current-induced necrosis, resulting in tissue damage or even perforation of the esophagus, stomach or small intestines

8. Fire Starter Logs

- Typically do not cause a toxicity but may cause a foreign body obstruction (FBO) of the gastrointestinal tract

9. Hydrocarbons

- Includes kerosene, engine oil, tiki-torch fuels, gasoline, diesel fuels, paint solvents, wood stains, wood strippers, liquid lighter fluids, asphalt/roofing tar, etc.
- DO NOT induce vomiting with hydrocarbon toxicity, due to risks of aspiration pneumonia.
- Cause gastrointestinal irritation
- Symptoms include vomiting, nausea, tachypnea, and skin or eye irritation.

10. Bone or Blood Meal

- By-products of meat-packing industry: soil amendment products, fertilizer components, or deer / rabbit / wildlife repellents.
- Most commonly cause a FBO
- Highly palatable to dogs
- Tulip, daffodil and hyacinth bulbs may be dusted with bone meal, and dogs may dig up and ingest due to the scent

Water Safety

2010-09-17T09:50:00.000-07:00

Unfortunately, one of our clients lost their dog recently to drowning. He jumped off of a dock (without them present) into the lake and kept trying to get back onto the dock rather than going to shore and drowned from exhaustion.

Most dogs can swim and this can give us a false sense of security as we enjoy watching our dog run and jump in and out of water at the lake or our backyard pool. Keep in mind that sometimes dogs don't know when to stop and will continue to try and swim when too tired. They may also inhale water and choke which prevents them from swimming effectively. Sometimes, the water is colder than they are prepared for and they can become hypothermic or the water is moving too swiftly and is stronger than they can swim against.

Some breeds are poor swimmers but may love the water. Bulldogs or bully breeds of any kind tend to sink as soon as they hit the water. Even so, they may still try to get in!

Tips to prevent drowning:

1. Do not take for granted that your dog can swim.
2. Keep a closer eye on a pet that is getting older. As a dog gets older, his endurance decreases, and he can’t swim as far.
3. Do not throw your dog in any type of water. The shock of hitting the water may cause them to panic.
4. Consider buying a canine flotation device (CFD) or similar pet life jacket for your dog or cat if you are going to be around water. You want to make sure they have it on any time the are close to water. There are many times that a pet has fallen off a dock or moving boat without anyone knowing.
5. Things like solar blankets and pool covers appear to be a solid surface for your pet. Whenever your pet is around the pool, take the time to remove such things.
6. It is a good idea to use a pet safety gate near any pool area.
7. Be sure that your pet can not easily get into any neighbor’s pool.
8. Install a pool alarm in your pool or pond.
9. Keep your pet from playing or walking near any body of water that is moving quickly.
10. Make sure your pet stays away from frozen lakes and rivers.

Take the time to make sure your pet is safe. If you are around water frequently or on a boat, consider a life vest for your dog. They really can save their life and most have a nice handle on top to help them out of the water from a boat or dock or side of the pool.

Sara Liddell, DVM
River City Veterinary Hospital
2250 W. Everest Lane
Meridian, ID 83616
http://www.rivercityvet.com/
info@rivercityvet.com
208-888-7300

Why does my pet need early detection testing?

2010-08-19T17:18:00.000-07:00

At River City Veterinary Hospital, we recommend periodic laboratory panels be performed on our patients as a portion of our early detection of disease program. These lab results combined with a thorough history and physical exam can provide our doctors with the information needed to recommend the best health management plan for your pet.

Laboratory panels can provide crucial health information that would otherwise be missed for many reasons. Pets are unable to verbally communicate with owners and may not clinically show signs of a problem in early disease. Life is also so busy that even if there are mild changes in your pet’s health or habits, they may go undetected.

- 8.1 % of dogs 1-6 years of age have a disease without showing any physical signs.
- 11.4% of cats 1-6 years of age have a disease without showing any physical signs.
- 23% of dogs 7 years of age and older have a disease without showing any physical signs.
- 18% of cats 7 years of age and older have a disease without showing any physical signs.

If treated early, 75% of common diseases in dogs and 63% of common diseases in cats may be managed by dietary modifications alone over a one year period.

Common diseases that early detection laboratory panels investigate include kidney disease, liver disease, diabetes, intestinal issues, hypothyroidism (dogs), hyperthyroidism (cats), infection, and anemia.

Symptoms of kidney disease do not appear until 2/3 of the kidney function has been lost. Lab work can detect kidney problems sooner so that a management plan can be devised to optimize life length and quality of life.

The sooner that a disorder or disease is detected, the higher the likelihood that a successful management plan can be implemented with little stress to the pet. There will also be less of a chance that other secondary issues will arise that will complicate management.

River City Veterinary Hospital
2250 West Everest Lane
Meridian, ID 83646
208-888-7300
http://www.rivercityvet.com/
info@rivercityvet.com

Why should my dog stay away from snail bait?

2010-08-16T10:29:00.000-07:00

The most common active ingredient in snail and slug baits is metaldahyde. This is often incorporated into a pelleted formulation that resembles dog food and is appetizing to dogs. Metaldahyde may also be found in liquid or powder formulations. A small amount of the ingredient may often be enough to cause clinical signs in dogs.

Tremors are noted shortly after ingestion of metaldahyde, which can progress from slight to uncontrollable rapidly. The tremors can then lead to a rise in body temperature that can get high enough to cause brain damage. Seizures can often follow as well as death.

So, is there a "safe" snail and slug bait? Actually, the more accurate question may be, "Is there a SAFER snail and slug bait?"

There are slug and snail baits that contain 1% iron phosphate as the active ingredient. The concentration is equal to 3.7 mg per gram of bait, and the toxic dose of this product is greater than 20mg per kilogram of body weight (a 50 lb. dog would need to ingest 123 grams of the product for signs of toxicity to appear). Also, unlike the toxicity of metaldahyde, the clinical signs of iron phosphate toxicosis are typically gastrointestinal (i.e. vomiting, diarrhea, loss of appetite).

Another option that has been mentioned by gardners is placing beer in a pie tin.

Bottoms Up!

Tad Squires, DVM
River City Veterinary Hospital
2250 W Everest Ln.
Meridian, ID 83646
208-888-7300
http://www.rivercityvet.com/
info@rivercityvet.com

Cheatgrass

2010-07-24T12:36:00.000-07:00

If you are like me and recently moved to the area, Cheat Grass is something new to you. After seeing veterinary patients in the Treasure Valley for the past few months I have realized what a nuisance it can be.
Steve Dewey, Utah State University, Bugwood.org (picture at left)

Cheatgrass (Bromus tectorum), also known as June Grass, Downy Brome or grass awn, is a potentially dangerous weed in many parts of North America. It was introduced to North America in the 1800's likely arriving as a seed lot contaminant and soil. The name "cheatgrass" was given to the weed by farmers who thought they had been given impure seed when it started spreading in their wheat fields.

The cheat grass seed pods (fruit)(see picture at right) have microscopic, unidirectional barbs. Once a cheat grass pod sticks to a pet, typically a dog, it can start migrating into the tissue. The most common locations for these to cause problems for dogs are between the toes, in the ears and in the nose. However, cheat grass can cause problems in other tissues including the lungs (if inhaled) or the abdomen.

Steve Hurst, USDA NRCS PLANTS Database, Bugwood.org (picture above)

Besides removing cheat grass from dog's ears on a daily basis there are other problems cheat grass can cause. Just recently I saw a dog who, earlier in the day, was outside when suddenly he yelped and became lame on one of his legs. The owner brought him in for examination. I examined him and his paw was painful, red and swollen. It was necessary to sedate him for a thorough exam of the paw. After he was sedated it was noted that there was a 2 to 3 millimeter cut between the pads of his paw. Using a hemostat, a 1 to 1 1/2 inch piece of cheat grass was extracted from the wound. I was amazed at how quickly the cheat grass had embedded completely under the skin.

Another dog presented to the local emergency hospital for difficulty breathing. After several tests and the placement of a chest tube (for a lung lobe that was leaking air), the dog was taken to surgery. At surgery the lung lobe was observed to have a puncture wound causing the leakage of air and one piece of cheat grass was found near the lung lobe. The lung lobe was removed and the dog recovered well.

So, how does one prevent cheat grass from causing a problem? The single best way to avoid a problem is to avoid letting your pet roam in areas where cheat grass exist. If your pet does happen upon an area of cheat grass check all areas of the body for it and remove immediately. Check in between the toes and pads, nostrils, ears, arm pits, mouth, rear end - everywhere!

Please have your pet examined by a veterinarian if he is acting abnormally after coming in contact with the plant material, such as limping, shaking the head, scratching at one or both ears.

Tad Squires, DVM
River City Veterinary Hospital
2250 West Everest Lane
Meridian, ID 83646
208-888-7300
info@rivercityvet.com
http://www.rivercityvet.com/

Rattlesnake Avoidance Training in Boise in August!

2010-07-17T10:22:00.000-07:00

You saw our blog in April on the rattlesnake vaccine and why we don't recommend it. http://rivercityvet.blogspot.com/2010/04/rattlesnake-vaccine.html

A great way to help minimize the chances of your dog getting bit by a rattlesnake is by taking your dog to rattlesnake avoidance training from 8am to 1pm on August 14 at the Veterans Memorial Park in Boise. An appointment is required. All breeds are accepted for training. The cost is $40 per dog and it takes about 15 minutes. Call 208-463-2304 to make an appointment.

River City Veterinary Hospital
2250 West Everest Lane
Meridian, ID 83646
208-888-7300
info@rivercityvet.com
www.rivercityvet.com

I feed my pet such a small amount - why is he/she still overweight?

2010-07-06T07:41:00.000-07:00

Obesity, in both pets and humans, has become an important health concern. A common inquiry that owners have is the fact that they feel that they are starving their pets by feeding what they perceive as a very small amount - yet we veterinarians are always telling them that their pet is overweight on their exams. How did their pet get so fat and what should they do?

Below are some factors that I discuss with my owners who are in this predicament:

1. I encourage owners to truly reflect on how much their pets are being fed. Any owner who is having concerns with their pet's body condition should always use an actual measuring cup to determine the amount of kibble being offered. The use of plastic cups, coffee mugs or other scooping devices tend to underestimate the amount put into the bowl.

2. We must also take into account other sources of food that our pets may have. The biggest culprits are children or senior citizens who love to share their meals or sneak treats to the beloved family pet. Pets who are allowed to roam may also visit neighbors for extra food or get into garbage to scour for additional calories.

3. Treats that are given to the pet throughout the day can really add up - especially if there are multiple family members who are giving the treats. The number and type of treats given by everyone in the family should be carefully monitored.

4. Just as is true in humans, genetics and metabolism play an important role in maintaining and achieving a desired body condition. Some pets are just genetically more prone to obesity and have a much slower metabolism. In these pets, weight loss can be a much greater challenge.

5. There are also some disease processes that predispose an affected pet to obesity. These should be ruled out prior to beginning a weight loss plan.

The best formula for weight loss that we have developed in both pets and humans is a combination of healthy eating and increased exercise. A switch to a prescription weight loss formula and committing to regular weigh-ins can also make a big difference.

Our hospital would love to help you develop and execute a weight loss plan for your pet.

Carrie Sullivan, DVM
River City Veterinary Hospital
208-888-7300
www.rivercityvet.com
info@rivercityvet.com

My older female dog is having urinary accidents all over the house - is it possible that she has forgotten how to be housebroken?

2010-07-02T16:15:00.000-07:00

Dogs do not suddenly lose their ability to hold their urine or follow their housebreaking training. There is most likely an underlying reason that she is having accidents in the house - and your veterinarian can help determine that cause. She should be examined and laboratory testing should be performed.

There are two medical conditions that can often cause either urinary accidents or urinary incontenance in female dogs:
1. Urinary tract infection
2. Hormonal imbalance found commonly in spayed female dogs

Both of these conditions typically respond very well to appropriate medications.

Your veterinarian will also want to rule out the possibility of other conditions that could less commonly result in urinary changes. These would include kidney disease, bladder stones, diabetes, and Cushing's disease.

It is very important that the underlying cause of these changes be investigated - and that your dog is not simply kicked outdoors to avoid indoor messes.

Carrie Sullivan, DVM
River City Veterinary Hospital
208-888-7300
www.rivercityvet.com
info@rivercityvet.com

Fear of Fireworks

2010-06-30T09:37:00.001-07:00

It is that time of year again and many of you have dogs who are afraid of fireworks. This can range from very mild (trembling, hiding, pacing, panting, attention seeking) to very severe (running through glass doors/windows). Many dogs run away from the fireworks and become lost or injured (being hit by a car is common). Some dogs will seek refuge in the house and become hesitant to go outside. and may even begin soiling in the house because they are so afraid to go outside.

If you are unsure if your dog has a fear of fireworks, compare how he reacts to storms or loud noises, he will probably react similarly.

Tips for Dealing with Fireworks Phobia:
1. Prevention!
Avoid the fireworks if possible. Keep your dog far from them on a leash or better yet, at home. Try to control the intensity of the noise by keeping your dog indoors and muffle the sound. You can use cotton balls in the ears and they do make specifically designed ear protection for dogs (Mutt Muffs). If you have a basement, place your dog in it and cover the windows. Play loud music with a regular beat to disguise the bursts of noise associated with the fireworks.

2. Counter conditioning.
If you have a dog with mild axiety, you can try giving rewards (food works for most dogs) when there are fireworks so that he learns to associate the noise (fireworks) with something positive (food, attention, playing with a toy).

3. Teaching a desirable coping response.
If your dog naturally wants to seek escape or retreats from the noise, this may be a good option. Provide a safe retreat which gives your dog security and confidence. This may include a crate, under a bed, in a closet, or a basement. Additional blankets/bedding and a pheromone diffuser may help encourage the dog to seek this safe location or be more content when placed there. This is an ok option as long as your dog is able to quickly return to a normal behavior pattern when the fireworks are over and becomes relaxed again.

4. Drug and pheromone therapy.
Some dogs require certain medications to help reduce their reactivity. These drugs have different effects at different dosages. At lower dosages, many of the medications promote a feeling of well being and support a positive learning experience and at higher dosages have an amnesiac effect which may be helpful for some dogs. For mild cases, an anti-anxiety medication can be prescribed for use on the actual day. For more severe reactivity to noise, storms, and fireworks, a long-term medication may be needed.
Pheromones may be helpful in reducing anxiety associated with fireworks. We recommend the DAP collar or DAP diffuser that can be plugged into a wall socket. These are available through our online store which you can access via your Pet Portal. If you have forgotten how to access this, please contact us and we can help!

In many cases, the phobia worsens with each exposure unless measures are taken to train and prevent the problem. Please call if your dog has fear of fireworks, storms, and noises. We can help tailor a plan for you and your pet to help manage these phobias.

Sara Liddell, DVM

River City Veterinary Hospital
2250 W. Everest Lane
Meridian, ID 83646
208-888-7300
www.rivercityvet.com
info@rivercityvet.com

Top 10 Weird Dog and Cat Names from VPI Pet Insurance

2010-06-30T08:49:00.000-07:00

VPI employees picked the top 10 lists below from more than 485,000 insured pets.

Dogs
1. Pickle Von Corndog
2. Lord Chubby Pruneface
3. Badonkadonk
4. Ninjastar Dangerrock
5. Molly Mcboozehound
6. Dog Vadar
7. Flospy Squeakerton
8. Bettie Poops
9. Geez Louise
10. Barnaby Bones

Cats
1. Purr Diem
2. Bing Clawsby
3. Cleocatra
4. Admiral Pancake
5. Optimus Pants
6. Chairman Meow
7. Boo Manchu
8. Watts in a Name
9. Chenoa Azure Marshmellow-Puff
10. Senor Nachos

Is there anything I can give my dog to keep the urine from killing the grass?

2010-06-25T08:59:00.000-07:00

Every summer we field a common question,"Is there anything I can give my dog to keep the urine from killing the grass?"

Have you noticed that in an area of burnt grass from urine the center is brown and there is a ring of grass surrounding the brown spot that is very lush? This is because urine is high in nitrogen. Too much nitrogen is toxic to grass and the right amount makes the grass grow extremely well. In the center where the grass is brown is the highest concentration of urine (i.e. too much nitrogen) and the lush grass at the periphery the urine (i.e. the right amount of nitrogen) has diffused into the soil and dispersed to non-toxic levels

So, to answer the question: Yes, there are many products which are advertised to change the acidity or change the alkalinity or change the pH of the urine so it will not kill the grass. However, the only way to help prevent grass from scalding is to go by this rule: "The solution to pollution is dilution." This means that when your dog urinates on the grass immediately pour a large amount of water over the area to dilute it and thus the nitrogen that is in it.

Tad Squires, DVM
River City Veterinary Hospital

2250 West Everest Lane
Meridian, ID 83646
http://www.rivercityvet.com/
info@rivercityvet.com
208-888-7300

I just found a tick on my pet - what should I do???

2010-06-23T13:34:00.000-07:00

First off - take a deep breath!

Ticks are definitely nasty little creatures that make many of us shiver - so we are happy to remove the ticks for you if you do not want to take on this endeavor yourself. Please call the hospital and we would be happy to help.

If instead you want to take on the challenge yourself, here are some tips.

Where there is one tick, there may be more. Be sure to rub your hands over your pet's entire body (especially the head, ears, neck and feet) so that no ticks are missed.
Dab a little bit of alcohol on the tick's back
Take hold of the tick with tweezers as close to your pet's skin as possible.
Pull slowly.
Try not leave any portion of the tick (especially the head) embedded within the skin. If you have concerns that the head or other portion of the body is still embedded, your pet should be examined.
Do not squeeze the tick during removal - this is to avoid the transmission of disease-causing bacteria to your pet.
Do not apply hot matches, petroleum jelly, turpentine or nail polish to the tick. These may not kill the tick and could hurt your pet!
Once you have successfully removed the tick, it should be put into alcohol to kill it before it is disposed of.
After removal, it is common for your pet to develop a small area of redness and swelling where the tick was removed. If this persists for longer than a couple of days or if there is a concern about possible infection, your pet should be examined.

It is much easier to prevent a tick problem than it is to deal with a problem - we recommend the application of Frontline Plus as a flea and tick preventative.

Carrie Sullivan, DVM
River City Veterinary Hospital
208-888-7300
http://www.rivercityvet.com/
info@rivercityvet.com

Should I have my long haired dog or cat shaved for summer?

2010-06-22T13:23:00.000-07:00

This is a great question that the doctors at River City are asked quite often - especially with living in the high desert and having to endure very warm summers. I think that there are definite pros to shaving - but I would also like to add some cautionary statements to this approval.

I think that it makes perfect sense that most long-haired dogs and cats would be more comfortable and happier without some of their hair in our hot summers - especially if they spend a great deal of time outdoors. Shaving the hair will cut down on the total amount that is eventually shed, decreasing clean up for owners. Shaving will also decrease hair mat development which can be a huge problem for long haired animals that are not groomed regularly.

However, I always caution owners that there is an uncommon condition known as post clipping alopecia where the hair either does not grow back after clipping or it grows back much more slowly. This seems to occur more often in Arctic breeds (Siberian Huskies especially), but can occur in any breed. Veterinarians are not sure what causes this and it is impossible to predict which individual pets may be affected. There is also a risk that even if the hair does grow back in a reasonable time period, it could come back in a different color or texture.

Another caution that I give to owners is that once their pet is clipped, they have to remember that skin that has been protected by a thick coat of hair will now be exposed. If your pet has any exposure to the sun, sunscreen should be applied to prevent burning.

I also highly recommend that shaving off a pet's coat be performed by a professional groomer. Groomers have the experience and the tools to get the job done correctly and with as little stress to the animal as possible. It is not uncommon for me to see an animal whose well intended owner has accidentally cut or caused a laceration on his/her pet's skin when attempting to remove hair.
Carrie Sullivan, DVM
River City Veterinary Hospital
208-888-7300
http://www.rivercityvet.com/
info@rivercityvet.com

Insect bites and Bee stings

2010-06-18T08:17:00.000-07:00

Another hazard of warmer temperatures is the possibility of insect bites or bee stings to our pets. These bites or stings will most commonly result in mild swelling, redness and itching at the site. But pets can be allergic to these bites or stings just as humans can - in these cases hive formation, facial swelling, vomiting, difficulty breathing and collapse can result.

If there is any concern about the possibility of an allergic reaction, your pet should be examined by your veterinarian or a veterinarian at an emergency hospital immediately. No medications should be administered without consulting a veterinarian first.

If there does not appear to be an allergic response developing, the stinger should be removed by scraping the site with a credit card or by using tweezers to grasp the stinger. Cool compresses can be applied to the area to provide relief and decrease swelling.

If the stinger cannot be removed or the area of the bite/sting begins to turn very dark, swells significantly or develops a foul smelling discharge, a trip to your veterinarian is needed. If in doubt whether an exam is needed, please call the hospital.

Carrie Sullivan, DVM
River City Veterinary Hospital
208-888-7300
info@rivercityvet.com
www.rivercityvet.com

Fireworks anxiety

2010-06-18T07:40:00.000-07:00

With the 4th of July holiday quickly approaching, we get lots of questions about how to decrease the stress and anxiety that many pets experience from fireworks. Scared pets have been known to jump out of windows, leap over fences, chew their skin raw, and shake and drool under a bed to seek escape or comfort from loud noises.

Forethought and action taken prior to the holiday to prepare your animals can make a big difference. Listed below are some recommendations to consider:

consulting and working with an experienced trainer to desensitize your pet to loud noises. Trainers can teach owners how to use treats or games to turn a negative experience into a positive one (or at least make a negative experience more tolerable) by using redirection and distraction.
providing a safe indoor hiding space for your pet - dark, quiet and enclosed areas tend to work best.
checking your pet's ears prior to the holiday to be sure that there is not an infection present. Ear infections can make noises even more painful.
considering the use of veterinary-prescribed sedatives or pheromone treatment in severe cases. Consulting your veterinarian prior to the holiday is the best plan.

Carrie Sullivan, DVM
River City Veterinary Hospital
208-888-7300
info@rivercityvet.com
www.rivercityvet.com

Why are my pets on a monthly dewormer?

2010-06-14T16:23:00.000-07:00

Intestinal parasitism is very common in the pet population. The majority of these parasites are transmitted by the fecal-oral route. That is, infested pets shed the eggs of intestinal parasites in their feces. Next, an uninfested pet, whose nose is often to the ground and licking, ingests the feces and the eggs along with it. Another scenario could simply be your pet walking outside, happens to step in some feces and subsequently licks his paws - thus ingesting the eggs.

In addition, Roundworms and hookworms are zoonotic, meaning they are diseases that can be transmitted from animals to humans. The most susceptible individuals are young children (always putting their hands in their mouths). A personal conversation with an ophthalmologist at the Emory University Hospital in Atlanta, GA, recently informed me that he sees 4 or 5 children a year who have become infected with Roundworms. The reason he sees these children is due to a roundworm migrating into the eye. These children typically lose vision in the affected eye.

Many heart worm preventatives also contain a broad spectrum dewormer aimed at preventing and treating intestinal parasites. The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and the Companion Animal Parasite Council (CAPC) recommend testing one to two times a year for intestinal parasites and administering a preventative year-round. (see: www.capcvet.org/recommendations.guidelines.html and www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dpd/parasites/ascaris/prevention.htm#pet_owners).

Our goal at River City Veterinary Hospital is to keep your pets AND your family safe and informed. We currently recommend using Interceptor once a month to prevent heart worm and treat intestinal parasites. Please call us if you have any questions about parasites and your pets.

Tad Squires, DVM

River City Veterinary Hospital
2250 W. Everest Lane, Meridian, ID 83646
http://www.rivercityvet.com/
info@rivercityvet.com
888-7300

Toxins continued: Onions, Garlic, Chives, Leeks

2010-06-14T09:57:00.000-07:00

Sometimes it seems that nothing is safe for our pets! Onions, garlic, chives, and leeks can be toxic.

What they’re in: The small amount of garlic sometimes found in dog treats is unlikely to be harmful to dogs. However, if cats or dogs ingest a tasty pan of sautéed onions, garlic, or leeks, poisoning may result. The ingestion of large amounts of garlic pills or powder may also cause poisoning. Garlic was once thought of as a “home remedy” for flea infestations; however, it has been shown to be ineffective and is not recommended by Pet Poison Helpline.

Threat to pets: These vegetables can cause red blood cell destruction (specifically, Heinz body formation) and result in anemia. Ingestion of onions or garlic greater than 0.5 percent of a dog’s body weight is potentially toxic. For example, this equates to a 30-pound dog ingesting about 2.5 ounces of onion or garlic. Cats and Japanese breeds of dogs (Akita, Shiba Inu) are even more sensitive to the effects of these plants.

Signs: Onion or garlic smell on breath, lethargy, pale mucus membranes due to anemia, tachypnea (elevated respiratory rate), tachycardia (elevated heart rate), vomiting, and a reduced appetite. Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) is rare but possible.

Treatment: Take your pet to a veterinarian if ingestion is suspected or you notice clinical signs. Your veterinarian may induce vomiting and then administer multiple doses of activated charcoal to decontaminate (adsorb and remove toxins). They will also check the red blood cell count daily to evaluate for anemia. If anemia is severe, a blood transfusion may be necessary. IV dextrose (sugar) may be needed if the blood sugar is low.

Prognosis: Excellent with early intervention and appropriate care.

This was adapted from an article by Ahna Brutlag, DVM.

Sara Liddell, DVM

River City Veterinary Hospital
208-888-7300
www.rivercityvet.com
info@rivercityvet.com

Do my pets really need sunscreen?

2010-06-10T12:31:00.000-07:00

Yes, they really do - especially if they have light- colored noses and thin or very short hair. These animals are much more prone to sunburn and skin cancer. Sunscreen should be applied to the bridge of the nose, ear tips and skin around the lips because these are the areas that tend to have low pigmentation. Even dark-colored pets with lots of hair could benefit from sunscreen applied to their abdomens and inside surfaces of their legs - these areas tend to be less haired thus have little protection from UV light as it reflects off of concrete surfaces.

There are sunscreens on the market that are formulated specifically for pets - these are the best option if you think that your pet may lick or attempt to ingest the sunscreen. If this is not a concern, baby sunscreen may also be used.

Carrie Sullivan, DVM
River City Veterinary Hospital
208-888-7300
www.rivercityvet.com
info@rivercityvet.com

Recent Question: Why Do We Require Written Permission to Release Records?

2010-06-08T18:00:00.000-07:00

It is very common for places such as boarding facilities and groomers to require vaccination information and it can be very frustrating if they need records and are told that written permission is needed before the records can be released. Believe me, we are not trying to make your lives difficult. We are actually following the rules set forth by the State of Idaho Board of Veterinary Medicine (section 154, subsection 5).

These are available online for anyone that is interested.

http://adm.idaho.gov/adminrules/rules/idapa46/0101.pdf

We are compliant with this law to protect your privacy and to ensure your records are being requested appropriately.

Sara Liddell, DVM

But my dog was vaccinated for "kennel cough"!

2010-06-08T01:15:00.000-07:00

"Kennel Cough" is a generic term for a conglomerate of upper respiratory infections, which is more appropriately termed Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease (CIRD). CIRD is a disease complex rather than a disease caused by a single pathogen. Infectious organisms that can potentially cause CIRD include: Parainfluenza virus (CPiV), Adenovirus type 2 (CAV), Distemper virus (CDV), Canine Influenza virus (CIV), Canine Respiratory Corona virus (CRCoV), Canine Herpes virus, Bordetella bronchiseptica, and Mycoplasma species.

Symptoms include coughing, sneezing, discharge from the eyes and/or nose, and sometimes pneumonia and/or systemic disease. Since infections with these pathogens cause similar symptoms it is difficult to determine which one(s) is causing the problem.

As noted by Dr. Lisa Centonze, a veterinarian at the Hillsborough County Animal Services in Tampa, FL, "Dogs housed at boarding kennels, animal shelters, racing tracks, and pet stores are particularly susceptible to this disease. Several factors can increase risk of infection, such as young age, poor immunity, crowding, stress, and poor sanitation or ventilation in the environment. There are vaccinations to help protect against some of the causes of CIRD, but other pathogens of this disease complex have no vaccine available."

There is a common misconception that when a dog receives a vaccine for Bordetella it is being vaccinated for kennel cough. As one can see, this is not completely true since Bordetella is only one of several different pathogens that can cause disease. For this reason, if your dog is attending doggy day care or boarding, it is still possible to contract a form of "kennel cough" even if vaccines are current.

Tad Squires, DVM

River City Veterinary Hospital

2250 W. Everest Lane

Meridian, ID 83646

208-888-7300
www.rivercityvet.com
info@rivercityvet.com

Top 20 Reasons Cats Urinate Outside the Litterbox

2010-06-05T13:08:00.000-07:00

One in every 10 cats will have a litter box lapse in his or her lifetime. These are the 20 most common reasons:
1. The cat is suffering from a medical problem involving the urinary tract.
2. The cat experiences a bout of geriatric constipation.
3. The caretaker does not keep the litter box as clean as the cat wants it to be.
4. The owner changes the type or brand of litter.
5. The owner changes the location of the litterbox.
6. The owner switches to a deodorized or perfumed litter.
7. The owner buys a new box and throws out the old one.
8. The owner cleans the litter box with too harsh a cleaning product.
9. The location of the litter box is too busy or not private enough for the cat.
10. The home is too large for just one litter box.
11. The cat inadvertently gets locked out of reach of the litterbox.
12. The cat is kept from using the litterbox by another animal in the house.
13. There are too many cats and not enough territory.
14. There are too many cats and not enough litterboxes.
15. Stray cats can be seen/smelled near the cat's territory.
16. The unneutered male cat has come of age and is marking his territory.
17. The unspayed female cat is in heat and advertising for suitors.
18. Over time, the cat has developed an aversion to the texture of the litter.
19. The cat was never properly trained to use the litterbox in the first place.
20. The cat is stressed by a change in routine or environment, including a new baby, new furniture, work schedule changes, vacations, overnight guests, or a move.

As you can see, there are many possible reasons a cat may not use the litterbox. The first step is an examination with a veterinarian and likely some blood and urine tests. Once a medical condition has been ruled out, we will help determine what else may be contributing to this problem and help get it resolved as quickly as possible.

Sara Liddell, DVM

River City Veterinary Hospital
2250 W. Everest Lane
Meridian, ID 83646
208-888-7300
www.rivercityvet.com
info@rivercityvet.com

What is heat stroke?

2010-06-03T14:07:00.000-07:00

Even though it seems that the warmer, summer weather will never get here to the Treasure Valley (at least based on the last couple of months) - we all know that it is on its way. And with this warmer weather comes the concern for heat stroke (hyperthermia) in our pets.

A normal dog's body temperature is 101.5 degrees F (plus or minus one degree) - anytime the body temperature exceeds 105 degrees, it should be considered a true emergency. Heat stroke typically occurs in one of 3 ways:

A pet is left outdoors in hot/humid conditions without adequate shade.

A pet is exercised in these same conditions.

A pet is left in a car without ventilation. Heat stroke can develop in this way even on cool days. One study conducted at Standford showed that the temperature in a vehicle may increase by 40 degrees F in one hour regardless of the outside temperature.

Some individual characteristics may predispose your pet to developing heat stroke more easily than other pets. These include:

obesity

brachycephalic syndrome (dogs such as boston terriers, pugs, lhasa apso, pekingese and bulldogs that have short noses)

pets with dark haired coats that more easily absorb and retain heat.

Clinical signs of heat stroke:

excessive panting and restlessness (early stages)

large amount of saliva produced from mouth

loss of balance

color change of gums to bright red or blue/purple due to low levels of oxygen

inability to stand

decreased responsiveness

What should you do if you suspect heat stroke?

Remove your pet from the environment in which the heat stroke developed and into a shaded and cool area.

Determine the rectal temperature

Begin to decrease body temperature by placing cool, wet towels in the armpit, groin, and back of head regions. These towels can also be placed on the ears and on the paws.

Transport to the nearest veterinary facility.

What should you NOT do if you suspect heat stroke?

Do not cool your pet too quickly by using cold water or ice on the body

Do not force your pet to drink water - it should be available only if he/she wants to drink a small amount on his/her own

Monitor your pet on your own without an examination by a veterinarian.

Heat Stroke is a true emergency that can affect multiple body systems at once. If you have any question as to the possibility of your pet suffering from this potentially life threatening disorder, please call your veterinarian or emergency facility immediately.

Carrie Sullivan, DVM
River City Veterinary Hospital
208-888-7300
http://www.rivercityvet.com/
info@rivercityvet.com

Food allergy trial mistakes

2010-05-29T15:11:00.000-07:00

Veterinarians will often recommend putting a dog that is having itching and recurrent skin infections on a trial of a special diet. This practice is an attempt to determine if he/she could have a food allergy - most often to a protein in the original diet. It is very important that while on a food trial, the dog is only fed the prescribed diet and approved treats.

Below I have listed the most common mistakes that I have seen made by owners with a dog on a food trial:

1. Not expressing to other family members or visitors to the house the importance of the dog not being given snacks. The passing of even a small amount of turkey, beef, cheese, etc can cause skin symptoms to flare.

2. Not limiting access to the food, treats or chew toys of any other dogs or cats in the household.

3. Continuing to give flavored medications such as heartworm tablets, antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, vitamin and mineral supplements, joint supplements, and skin/coat supplements. Non-flavored options do exist and should be given instead.

4. Not informing an emergency veterinarian or veterinarian not familiar with your dog's history of the fact that he/she is on a food trial.

5. Not restricting access to your garbage or to your neighbor's garbage or compost pile.

Performing a food trial with your dog is definitely a difficult endeavor - but one that can make all the difference in his/her comfort and quality of life.

Carrie Sullivan, DVM
River City Veterinary Hospital
www.rivercityvet.com
info@rivercityvet.com
208-888-7300

Toxins: Xylitol

2010-05-28T22:28:00.000-07:00

Xylitol is a common sugar substitute found in sugar-free gum, breath mints, candies, and baked good. Nicotine gum also has xylitol as well as some pet oral care products.

Threat to your pet: Xylitol may cause a life-threatening drop in blood sugar and can cause liver damage in dogs. Cats do not experience the liver problems that dogs do. The toxic dose is 0.05 grams/lb. An average piece of gum contains 0.22 to 1.0 grams of xylitol, so a 10 lb dog would only need to eat 1 piece to have a potentially toxic dose!

The amount in the pet oral care products is very small and is only a problem if a pet ingests a large amount.

Signs: Within 10-15 minutes of ingestion the blood sugar levels can drop extremely low. You may notice loss of coordination, vomiting, and collapse.

Treatment: IV fluids with sugar added and close monitoring of the blood glucose level and liver values.

Prognosis: Excellent if caught early. Guarded if already developing liver failure.

I will be going over several more common household toxins to be aware of in future blogs. Email us at info@rivercityvet.com if you have any requests for specific topics to be covered on the blog.

Sara Liddell, DVM

River City Veterinary Hospital
2250 W. Everest Lane
Meridian, ID 83646
208-888-7300
www.rivercityvet.com

What kind of animal bones are safe to give my dog to chew?

2010-05-18T12:35:00.000-07:00

This is a trick question - because there are no safe animal bones that you should give your dog to chew. Even large bones, like ones from a ham or roast, can be dangerous and should be avoided.

The following is a list of potential problems that could occur:

Fractured teeth - if you have ever broken one of your own teeth, you realize just how painful that this can be. Plus, fractured teeth are much more likely to develop infections that require surgical extraction.
Mouth or Tongue Injuries - Sharp edges can cause significant trauma to the mouth and tongue. Because this area is very vascular, it can also lead to a very bloody mess!
Blockage - Bones can become stuck in the esophagus, trachea, stomach or intestines. Surgical removal may be necessary.
Constipation - Sharp bone fragments can scrape and cut the colon causing significant pain and resulting in constipation and bleeding from the rectum.
Abdominal infection - Sharp bone fragments also have the possibility of tearing holes in your dog's stomach or intestines. This can lead to peritonitis - an extremely difficult to treat infection of the abdomen that can be life threatening.

There are many safe alternatives that can be used for chewing - we would be happy to recommend some specifically for your own dog. Animal bones are tempting but definitely not worth the risk to your canine's health.

Carrie Sullivan, DVM
River City Veterinary Hospital
2250 West Everest Lane
Meridian, ID 83646
208-888-7300
http://www.rivercityvet.com/
info@rivercityvet.com

What is heartworm disease?

2010-04-29T17:35:00.000-07:00

Heartworm disease is a serious and potentially fatal disease that can affect both indoor and outdoor dogs. The disease is transmitted by mosquitoes and results in parasitic worms that live in and damage the arteries of the lungs and the right side of the heart.

Heartworm disease is becoming more prevalent here in the Treasure Valley. Dr. Ryan Baumwart, a cardiologist at WestVet Emergency and Specialty Center in Garden City, performed a study investigating this prevalence. He found that 27 dogs tested positive for heartworm disease in the Valley in 2008. In the past 5 years, 132 dogs have tested positive.

While there is a treatment available for heartworm disease, cost and safety issues have made prevention of the disease a much more desirable option.

Prevention is accomplished by administering a once a month flavored tablet (Interceptor). This preventative also has the ancillary effect of preventing and treating multiple intestinal parasites – many of which are infective to humans, especially children.

It is estimated that 1 to 3 million people are infected by parasites passed from animals every year in the United States. Children are the most susceptible to these infections which can affect the skin, eyes, brain, intestinal tract, liver, and lungs. Transmission of these infections occurs from ingestion of the parasite from the soil or penetration of the parasite through the skin.

Facts about intestinal parasites
• Approximately 14% of the U.S. population has been infected with the roundworm Toxocara, a common canine intestinal parasite.
• There are 10,000 human cases of roundworm infection per year.
• Over 700 people have been reported to experience permanent or partial loss of vision from roundworm infection.

Prior to starting any dog on prevention and on an annual basis after, we recommend that a heartworm test be performed. This inexpensive test takes only minutes to run and requires only a few drops of blood.

If you have any questions about heartworm disease, Interceptor heartworm prevention, or infective intestinal parasites – please do not hesitate to call us at 888-7300.

River City Veterinary Hospital

2250 West Everest Lane

Meridian, ID 83646

208-888-7300

www.rivercityvet.com

info@rivercityvet.com

Rattlesnake Vaccine

2010-04-19T08:24:00.001-07:00

I was recently asked if I recommend the Rattlesnake Vaccine. It is being offered at vaccine clinics here locally in the spring. I currently do not recommend it. It was developed by a small company and they have not performed any studies documenting an improved outcome in dogs that have been vaccinated. They have shown that antibodies form, but the correlation between antibodies being present and clinical improvement has not been shown.

Snake bite severity differs for many reasons. The severity of the reaction is affected by the amount of venom injected (which varies from bite to bite), the size of the pet, and the location of the bite. I have treated numerous snake bites in dogs and each case was very unique. Only 1 dog died of the dozens I have seen. Some required intensive care and days of hospitalization, while some (few) required only wound management because the bite did not release any venom. The majority of cases fall in the middle. Every dog that is bitten should be seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible after the bite to determine what treatment is necessary. Most will need IV fluids and pain management and some willl need more intensive care. The rattlesnake vaccine does not change this. Every dog vaccinated and bitten by a snake will still need to see a veterinarian and there is no way to tell if the vaccine actually improved outcome. There are many reports of dogs that have been vaccinated and bitten that still required intensive care and barely survived. It is easy to state that the reaction would have been worse without the vaccine, but this has not been proven, and because there is so much variability between snake bite reactions, it cannot be assumed.

A study needs to be done, in which multiple dogs (same size and breed), some vaccinated, some not, are injected with the same amount of venom, and in the same locations and treated by the same veterinarian. Then, changes in outcome could be attributed to the vaccine. Until that study is done, the current reported results are only anectodal (based on personal observation).

Vaccines have potential side effects and reactions. I cannot recommend a vaccine that may cause an allergic reaction or injection site infection, when there is no proof that it actually helps. I also worry the vaccine may give an owner a false sense of security and delay treatment. I will re-emphasize: EVERY dog/cat that is bitten by a snake, needs to be evaluated by a veterinarian as soon as possible. The good news is that, most of these animals can be treated and survive.

Sara Liddell, DVM
River City Veterinary Hospital
2250 West Everest Lane
Meridian, ID 83646
208-888-7300
www.rivercityvet.com
info@rivercityvet.com

Is it safe to give my pets human medications?

2010-04-06T15:41:00.000-07:00

This is a common question among pet owners, and an important one. Unfortunately the answer is: sometimes! As veterinarians, we commonly prescribe medications used by or produced for humans. However, safe dosages for animals are different than for humans, and must be dosed according to weight. In addition, some medications that are safe for use in humans are not safe to use in animals, and should be avoided completely. Lastly, sometimes certain medical conditions make some medications unsafe for an individual pet.

Some examples:

1. Aspirin can be used in dogs, but the dose for a 5 pound pomeranian is obviously much different than for a 120 pound mastiff. In addition, elderly dogs who have liver or kidney disease should not use aspirin, nor should dogs with GI stomach upset or stomach ulcers. Plus, research has found that mixing 2 different aspirin-like drugs in dogs can cause stomach ulcers. So, when an owner gives their dog aspirin at home, it makes options for more appropriate pain medication more limited for the veterinarian the next day.

2. While short term use of an appropriate dose of Tylenol can be safe in dogs, a single human strength Tylenol is enough to kill a cat. It is extremely toxic to cats, and it is tragic to see a cat die due to a well-intentioned owner giving the cat this medicine to alleviate pain. In addition, high doses or long term use of Tylenol in dogs can cause liver damage.

3. If an owner gives her pet some of her vitamin supplement, thinking it will help make her pet more healthy, if could be dangerous especially if it contains caffeine. Within a very short period of time, the pet may become agitated, start vomiting, and get weak due to extreme high blood pressure and a heart arrhythmia.

In summary, it is best not to give any human medication without consulting a veterinarian first. If your pet is in significant pain, or is very ill, and you feel medication is needed immediately, then you should seek help from an after-hours emergency hospital before administering any human medications.

Feel free to call us anytime if you have questions about what medications are safe or not safe to use in animals. However, be aware that we cannot diagnose or recommend treatment of a pet over the phone, and there are many medications that would require an examination and thorough evaluation to decide whether or not they are safe to use for your paticular pet or for a particular problem.

Andrea Sparzo, DVM
River City Veterinary Hospital
Meridian, ID
208-888-7300
http://www.rivercityvet.com/

info@rivercityvet.com

Multi-Modal Arthritis Management in Dogs

2010-03-24T17:25:00.001-07:00

Unfortunately, arthritis is still one of the most common ailments affecting our geriatric canine patients. Many owners do not even realize how much arthritis pain is affecting their pets, thinking they are just "slowing down with age". Many owners also incorrectly assume that if a pet is not whining or obviously limping, he or she is not in pain. Arthritis signs can be subtle at first, and may manifest by decreased activity, decreased play, mild stiffness in the morning, or difficulty rising, especially in the hindquarters. Severely affected pets can become debilitated, showing loss of muscle tone and obvious difficulty getting around.

That's the BAD news. The GOOD news is, there are more options and research today than ever before when it come to treating elderly, arthritic pets!

Initially, a first line of treatment is usually a trial with a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug (NSAID). This is the same drug class as human aspirin, ibuprofen, and naproxen. However, human NSAID drugs are not as safe for dogs and tend to have a higher risk of causing undesirable side effects such as stomach ulcers or elevations in liver values. For this reason, we recommend using proven, tested pain medications for dogs, such as Rimadyl, Vetprofen, Deramaxx, and others. Some dogs respond better to certain NSAIDs than others, so sometimes if one product did not seem to help much, it is worth it to try a different product to see if better results are achieved.

If NSAIDs are not enough, or if your pet's bloodwork has changes that make NSAIDs unsafe, there are many other possibilities to try and manage pain as well, which your veterinarian can recommend.

In addition, research has repeatedly shown that often a single treatment for arthritis pain is not as effective as "multimodal" treatment, i.e., using multiple medications and treatment techniques for arthritis pain control. Additional treatment options that can be used alongside NSAIDs or other pain medications include:

1. Glucosamine and Chondroitin supplements: These are not always effective in every patient, but are very safe and can sometimes allow lower NSAID levels to be used.

2. Omega Fatty Acid Supplements: Surprisingly, recent research suggests that the beneficial fatty acids (Omega fatty acids) can help reduce arthritis pain in dogs, as well as having many other health benefits.

3. Physical Therapy: Exercises to improve muscle tone and strength greatly increase pet mobility and can range from simple exercises done at home to regular use to water treadmills at specialty centers.

4. Weight Loss: Keeping your dog lean can greatly improve mobility and reduce stress on joints.

5. Alternative pain medications: There is evidence to suggest that NSAIDs and other pain medications can lose effectiveness over time. Therefore, medications that help treat chronic pain can help these dogs. In addition, if nerve pain is a factor, some medications are better at treating this type of pain than others.

While determining the most effective treatment for your pet's arthritis, it is important to keep in communication with your veterinarian. Also, if a certain pain medication does not seem to be helping significantly, communicating this to your vet is important, as sometimes other medications are more effective in an individual pet. Managing your pet's arthritis pain can be an important part of helping your elderly pet continue to enjoy a good quality of life.

Please contact us with any questions or to request additional information anytime!

Andrea Sparzo, DVM
River City Veterinary Hospital
Meridian, Idaho
info@rivercityvet.com
208-888-7300

Mammary cancer incidence in dogs - how does it compare to women?

2010-03-09T07:36:00.000-08:00

The awareness campaigns for breast cancer in women have done a fantastic job in educating the general public about the disease and recommendations for self exams, mammograms, etc. These campaigns are so important because this is a disease which currently affects one woman out of eight or nine.

But did you know that the incidence of breast cancer in unspayed female dogs is even higher than it is in women? For every four female dogs that are allowed to experience more than one heat cycle, one will develop mammary tumors.

If a puppy is spayed before her first heat cycle (usually occurs between 7-9 months of age), the incidence of tumor development is close to zero. If she is allowed to go through one heat cycle, the incidence rises to 7%. It is after the second heat cycle that incidence will jump to 25%.

This is just one of the reasons that veterinarians so adamantly recommend having female dogs spayed prior to entering their first heat cycle if a decision has been made not to use them for breeding.

It is important to remember that because mammary tumors are promoted by female hormones, having the spay surgery performed at any age will decrease the chance of tumor formation. A dog is never too old to receive the benefit from being spayed.

Carrie Sullivan, DVM
River City Veterinary Hospital
208-888-7300
http://www.rivercityvet.com/
info@rivercityvet.com

Should I worry about my pets getting ticks?

2010-03-05T11:46:00.000-08:00

As warmer weather is coming to the Treasure Valley, we wanted to take the opportunity to remind our clients about the prevalence of ticks, concerns about disease transmission, and prevention measures.

Although ticks tend to be found more commonly in areas of dense vegetation and water, they can be present in any outdoor area including parks and your own backyard. Any pet that spends any time outdoors or has contact with a pet that goes outdoors can be affected. Adult female ticks engorge themselves during a blood meal, increasing their weight by more than 100 fold. After detaching, an adult female can lay approximately 3,000 eggs.

Aside from the unpleasant thought of your pet being infested with ticks and bringing them into your house and to your family, there are also health concerns to consider. Tick attachment can cause a local inflammation and irritation that has the potential to become infected. More seriously, ticks can transmit diseases to pets and humans that the ticks have contracted from a previous host:

Lymes disease – unlike in humans, the majority of dogs exposed to Borrelia burgdorferi (the organism that causes Lymes disease) will not show symptoms of disease. Uncommonly, however, an exposed dog may show signs of joint pain, fever, and progressive kidney disease.
Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever – disease of both dogs and humans that can result in canine joint pain, fever, and multi-organ damage (skin, heart, brain, lung, liver, and kidneys).
Ehrlichiosis – disease of both dogs and cats that can result in joint pain, fever, and blood/bone marrow abnormalities.
Babesiosis – canine disease that results in red blood cell destruction and anemia.

We recommend prevention as the most effective, easiest, and least expensive means of controlling tick infestation. Frontline Plus is a liquid that is applied to the skin between the shoulder blades monthly. The liquid is absorbed and distributes through the body resulting in tick death generally within 24 hours of attachment.

Please contact the hospital with any further questions regarding tick prevention in your pet.

Carrie Sullivan, DVM
2250 West Everest Lane
Meridian, ID 83646
208-888-7300
http://www.rivercityvet.com/
info@rivercityvet.com

Top 3 Reasons to Perform Annual Fecal Checks on Your Pet

2010-03-02T16:29:00.000-08:00

1. To prevent spread to humans, especially children, pregnant women, and the elderly or immune compromised. While not common, roundworms and hookworms can spread to humans causing skin lesions and, in severe cases, blindness and brain lesions. It is usually children who acquire these infections, by playing in the dirt and then putting their hands in their mouth. In addition, protozoal parasites such as giardia, toxoplasmosis, and coccidia can be spread to humans and other pets, causing GI upset and diarrhea.

2. To keep your pet healthy. Parasitic infections do not always cause obvious symptoms until the parasite load is heavy. However, they can cause subtle symptoms such as picky appetite, intermittent soft stool,"poor thrift", anal itching, and a dull coat.

3. In the Treasure Valley, giardia is common. In the Treasure Valley of Idaho, giardia is a common parasite. Symptoms can be absent, but then become evident in times of stress or secondary to other causes of GI upset. You may end up with a pet with acute onset of severe diarrhea, sometimes even bloody diarrhea.

Some other information to note:

1. In some cases, it is best to perform fecal checks twice yearly. Examples of situations where this would be beneficial would include pets that live on farms, cats that routinely catch rodents, dogs that decide they like to eat stool from other animals, or pets with a history of recurrent giardia or parasites.

2. Even if your pet rarely leaves its property, it can still be at risk. Anytime he or she decides to eat rabbit or cat stool from the yard, snacks on something "not-so-appetizing" at the park, drinks standing water from a puddle, or sniffs the neighbor dog's hind end in greeting, he or she could contract a parasite. The only extremely low risk animals are indoor-only cats that live in a household where all cats are kept indoors, and where the household dogs are routinely screened for parasites.

3. Monthly heartworm prevention is also helpful, because in addition to preventing heartworm (which is on the rise in the Treasure Valley), it prevents several intestinal worms as well. It does not prevent protozoal parasites or all types of worms, however, which is why routine fecal checks are still important.

If you have any questions about parasites and your pet, as well as other things you can do to prevent spread of parasites to children and other animals, please feel free to call or email us!

Andrea Sparzo, DVM
River City Vet Hospital
Meridian, Idaho
208-888-7300
info@rivercityvet.com

Recipe for Skunk Spray Bath- How to Safely Neutralize the Smell

2010-03-02T06:42:00.000-08:00

Dr. William Wood of Humboldt State University is an organic chemist that is one of the few to have studied the chemical make-up of skunk spray. He has found some unique, and potent, compounds. In addition, he has made a valuable contribution by coming up with a recipe to bathe your dog after a dreaded "skunk encounter".

Tomato Juice just covers up the smell, and it only works temporarily. The recipe below actually breaks down the chemicals responsible for the smell!

Skunk Spray Bathing Recipe

One quart 3% hydrogen peroxide
1/4 cup baking soda
1 tsp dish washing detergent

Let sit for 5 minutes on the pet, then rinse away with water.

CAUTION: This mixture is mildly volatile. Is should be mixed in a small open bucket and made up fresh, just prior to use. Do not shake it up in a closed container, or store in a closed container.

AVOID CONTACT WITH YOUR DOGS EYES.

Fido thanks you Dr. Wood- now his parents will let him come back inside!!!

Andrea Sparzo, DVM
River City Vet Hospital
Meridian Idaho
208-888-7300
info@rivercityvet.com

What should be considered when choosing a dog breeder?

2010-03-01T06:35:00.000-08:00

Because the breeding and early nurturing of a puppy has such an impact on adult development, it is very important to choose a breeder wisely. Below are some of my recommendations:

One sign of a breeder that does not have financial gain as his/her main goal is that there are only a few litters born a year and there are not more than two breeds of dogs that are being bred.
The breeder's facilities should be clean and available for prospective owners to see.
The mother should be available to meet. She should appear healthy and have a good temperament.
If recommended for the specific breed, the parents should have been OFA (hip) and CERF (eye) registered.
The puppies should be well socialized and have been born and cared for in the house.
The breeder should insist that the dog be spayed or neutered unless it is being specifically sold for show or breeding.
The puppies should not be sold before 8-12 weeks of age.
A good breeder should interview and ask prospective buyers many questions about their lifestyle, their yard, other animals in the house, etc. A prospective buyer should feel that he/she is being screened to see if he/she is right for the puppy, not that they are just being sold a puppy.
A health guarantee pending a veterinarian's exam should be part of the buyer's contract.

Carrie Sullivan, DVM
River City Veterinary Hospital
http://www.rivercityvet.com/
info@rivercityvet.com
208-888-7300

Wouldn't that puppy from the pet store make a great pet?

2010-02-27T15:48:00.000-08:00

Buyer beware is definitely my advice.

We all know how difficult it is to walk past a pet store and not be drawn in by the sad eyes and wagging tails of innocent puppies. You may not even be looking for a puppy - but the urge to save just one is overwhelming. Sometimes the addition of this new family member works out - but other times, it does not.

The hard truth is that many of these puppies are products of puppy mills. Puppy mills are in the business of producing dogs on large scale for profit. A large number of these puppy mills are located in the Midwest and ship out puppies to brokers, pet stores, and flea markets all over the country.

As long as the puppies are purebred, does it matter where they come from? It absolutely does. Because quantity, not quality, is the main objective of a puppy mill, the sire and dam are unlikely to have been screened for genetic defects. This means that there will be a higher possibility of diseases such as hip dysplasia and heritable blindness.

Puppies that are bred in a puppy mill environment are also not given the opportunity for social development. Puppies learn most of their social skills prior to 10-12 weeks of age. A large scale operation without human interaction, training, and exposure to different situations is much more likely to result in a nervous and unsociable adult dog.

Puppies that are bred from commercial operations and sold in pet stores are also much more likely to be harboring infectious diseases. Direct contact with a large number of other puppies combined with stress during shipping can result in severe sickness. These puppies are also often not vaccinated at all or vaccinated inappropriately by a non-veterinarian. It can be heart wrenching for a family to purchase a puppy that appears well at the pet store but then falls very ill a short time later. In many states, the only recourse that a pet buyer has is to accept a replacement puppy - the original puppy is often euthanized.

So if you have your heart set on a purebred dog, what are other options? There are reputable breeders that do not have financial gain as their primary goal - they truly love and want to better the breed. Attending local dog shows or asking your veterinarian for references are good places to start. The internet provides a plethora of information and access to breeders all over the world - one just needs to be educated on what to look for when choosing a breeder. A future blog will be devoted to this topic.

Most breeds also have wonderful rescue groups that are dedicated to finding foster or adoptive homes for needy pets. Don't forget about local Humane Societies and animal shelters - these often have purebred dogs that are available.

Finally, if you are in the market for a truly unique breed - don't discount the appeal of a Heinz 57 (mixed breed) dog. The finest characteristics of a number of breeds can be meshed together resulting in a one-of-a-kind original.

Carrie Sullivan, DVM
River City Veterinary Hospital
info@rivercityvet.com
http://www.rivercityvet.com/
208-888-7300

Diagnosing and Treating your Cat’s Hyperthyroidism

2010-02-26T17:40:00.000-08:00

What is hyperthyroidism?
An overall increase in the amount of thyroid hormone in the body.

Most cats are brought to their veterinarian because they have started to look and act differently. Common signs of a feline thyroid disorder include:

weight loss with increased eating
diarrhea and vomiting
increased water drinking
hyperactivity
unkempt appearance
long/thick nails
aggression

How is hyperthyroidism diagnosed?
A T4 test, done with a small amount of blood drawn in the clinic, is tested to determine if your cat has higher than normal levels of thyroid hormone.

If your cat is put on thyroid medication, he/she will need to have blood re-tested in 4-6 weeks to determine if the medication dosage is correct.

What are my treatment options?
Methamazole, a tablet form given by mouth or cream form applied on the skin of the ear, is the most common treatment choice. This medication works by reducing the amount of thyroid hormone produced. This medication is affordable and requires daily dosing.

Radioactive Iodine Treatment, (RIT) is a liquid iodine that is injected into the veins. It uses radiation to destroy the problem thyroid tissue. This treatment is very effective and safe, but can be expensive and requires a lengthy stay at a specialty hospital.

Thyroidectomy Surgery to remove the thyroid gland is also a treatment choice. This option is very effective, but expensive. There are also possible risks and side effects. Your veterinarian can help you decide which treatment is best for your pet.

River City Veterinary Hospital
2250 West Everest Lane
Meridian, ID 83646
208-888-7300
http://www.rivercityvet.com/
info@rivercityvet.com

What signs or symptoms indicate that my cat needs to be seen by a veterinarian?

2010-02-23T15:52:00.000-08:00

Cats have evolved to hide any signs or symptoms of illness in order to survive in the wild. This can make identifying when your feline friend needs to be examined by a veterinarian difficult. Below we have listed some common (and some less common) symptoms that could indicate the development of a serious health condition.

Weight loss (even with a good appetite)
Vomiting or diarrhea that lasts longer than 24 hours, is profuse, or is accompanied by decreased energy
Increase in the amount of water intake or urine output
Increase or decrease in appetite
Straining to urinate or defecate
Inappropriate urination or defecation (outside of litter box)
Decreased energy level
Breathing difficulty – panting or open mouth breathing is considered an emergency situation in cats
Chronic coughing (can be mistaken for hairballs)
Difficulty with eating or drinking
Abnormal odor coming from the mouth
Discharge from the nose or mouth
Muscle deterioration
Abnormal swellings or masses
Yellowing of skin/gums/whites of the eyes
Excessive scratching or hair loss
Changes in normal behavior – such as hiding or being antisocial
Changes in vocalization or the sound of the meow

Please contact us to schedule an exam if you have noticed any of these signs in your cat. The sooner that a problem is identified, the higher the likelihood that we will be able to come up with a treatment plan.

River City Veterinary Hospital
2250 West Everest Lane
Meridian, ID 83646
208-888-7300
http://www.rivercityvet.com/
info@rivercityvet.com

Why is a dental cleaning important for my pet?

2010-01-27T18:50:00.000-08:00

Even if your pet’s teeth are brushed daily, plaque (which is any accumulation of bacteria) builds up at the gum line. Over time, calculus or tartar will form which further irritates the gums. This infection can next progress to loosen and destroy the attachment of the tooth. In addition, infection under the gumline can spread to the liver, kidneys, and heart. A healthy mouth leads to a longer, healthier, and possibly less painful life for your pet!

Can’t I just use a dental scaler to remove the calculus myself?
Dental disease occurs below the gumline – by just removing the calculus from the tooth, you are not removing disease from below the gumline like we are able to do with an ultrasonic scaler. Scaling without anesthesia can be painful for your pet and damage can also be done to the tooth if a dental scaler is used to remove tartar without proper training.

Do you have to use anesthesia to clean my pet’s teeth?
Anesthesia is necessary to perform a thorough and complete dental exam, radiographs (X-rays), and cleaning. Anesthesia provides immobilization, pain control, and protection of the respiratory system from bacterial products and fluid.

Why does my pet need dental radiographs?
Since much of the tooth lies below the gumline, radiographs aid in the evaluation of structures that cannot be seen with a visual exam alone including the root, the inside of the tooth, and the surrounding supportive bone. Abnormalities such as cavities, resorptive root lesions, and bone loss may not be identified without the use of dental radiographs. Dental radiographs can also provide important diagnostic information about fractured teeth, missing teeth, retained baby teeth, and oral masses.

What is involved in the teeth cleaning at River City Veterinary Hospital?
Your pet is exam prior to anesthesia to evaluate his/her overall health. Pre-operative bloodwork is recommended to look for underlying health problems and help determine the safest anesthesia plan. An IV catheter is recommended to administer the safest anesthesia, have IV access during anesthesia in case of emergency, and to administer fluids to help with blood flow to the liver and kidneys.

Dental work can sometimes be painful (cavities, infected teeth, extractions). Pain medication is administered prior to the procedure and local anesthesia is administered to prevent pain and decrease the amount of anesthesia needed.

A dedicated nurse monitors your pet's blood pressure, oxygen level, and ECG the entire time he/she is under anesthesia. The teeth and mouth are examined under anesthesia, the visible calculus is removed, and the teeth are cleaned under the gumline carefully (subgingival scaling). The teeth are polished and pockets are flushed carefully. Fluoride is applied to the teeth to help strengthen the enamel.

A full set of dental radiographs can be taken to examine the teeth below the gumline. This helps evaluate for fractured teeth and retained roots from baby teeth and also look for infected teeth. At this time, a treatment plan is established for the best care. Often, cleaning is all that is required. If anything else needs to be done, such as having teeth removed, the doctor will contact you to discuss this and go over any additional cost.

The recommended treatments are performed and then your pet is allowed to wake up from anesthesia. He/she is placed in a heated kennel in our treatment room and monitored closely until fully awake and alert. Pain medication is given after the procedure if needed.

All of the findings and recommendations for preventative care of the teeth (brushing, chews, diet changes, etc) are discussed when your pet is picked up in the evening. Home care after anesthesia is discussed as well.

River City Veterinary Hospital

2250 West Everest Lane
Meridian, ID 83646
208-888-7300
http://www.rivercityvet.com/
info@rivercityvet.com

What to expect for your dog or cat’s dental

2010-01-27T18:25:00.000-08:00

Do not feed your pet after 10pm the night before the procedure. Water does not need to be taken away.

Please bring your pet in between 7 and 7:30am for check in. This check-in time allows us to begin getting all of our patients ready for their surgery. We start surgeries first thing in the morning and, depending on how many we have for the day, may finish in early to mid-afternoon.

If your pet has not been examined recently, our doctors will perform a pre-surgical exam.

If you elect, pre-anesthetic blood work is completed and reviewed by the doctor prior to anesthesia. This will enable the doctors to make any needed adjustments to the medications used for anesthesia. If significant abnormalities are found on this blood work, the doctor may choose to postpone the dental procedure and investigate these changes more thoroughly.

A pre-anesthetic drug will be given to relax your pet and help with pain control.

If you elect, an IV catheter will be placed in the morning prior to the dental. This catheter will allow easy access to a vein in the event of an emergency. It will also allow us to administer fluids during the procedure which can help maintain blood pressure and aid in blood flow to the liver and kidneys.

Once he or she is under anesthesia, we have a dedicated nurse monitoring your pet’s vitals while we scale and polish the teeth.

Unfortunately, pets do not allow us to look close enough into their mouths to determine the health of a tooth while they are awake. A thorough oral examination is possible only when they are under anesthesia. While your pet is under, we recommend full mouth x-rays. The x-rays will allow visualization of the roots, pulp, and bones of the jaw to help determine the health of the tooth. Because of this, the number of extractions that may be needed cannot always be determined prior to the procedure.

We will call you when the procedure is complete (or during the procedure if we have any questions or updates for you). Normally your pet can go home after the dental between 5 and 6pm, but the doctor will let you know the exact time based on how quickly your pet is waking up from anesthesia.

Please be sure to ask any questions you may have! We will be happy to answer them for you.

River City Veterinary Hospital

2250 West Everest Lane

Meridian, ID 83646

208-888-7300

http://www.rivercityvet.com/

info@rivercityvet.com

Can I use an over-the-counter hypoallergenic diet for my pet's hypoallergenic diet trial?

2010-01-20T06:14:00.000-08:00

Veterinarians often prescribe a 6-8 week hypoallergenic diet trial for those pets that have symptoms that could represent a dietary allergy. Dietary allergies can often manifest themselves as either itchy skin or rectal itching (signified in your pet by scratching, chewing, scooting, and excessive licking), or by recurrent diarrhea, loose stool, bloody stool, or intermittent vomiting and inappetence. Because prescription hypoallergenic diets are expensive compared to non-prescription diets, owners frequently ask if it is adequate to use an over-the counter food instead.

In recent years, several non-prescription dog and cat food companies have begun producing foods labelled as "hypoallergenic" or "limited ingredient" diets. How do these diets stand up in comparison to prescription hypoallergenic diets, such as Royal Canin IVD Fish and Potato diet, or Hills z/d diet?

When it comes to the limited ingredient diets, the answer at this time is not known. To my knowledge, there have not yet been any controlled studies assessing their success rate. There are some concerns raised regarding these non-prescription diets. One concern is the lack of clinical testing, which the major prescription diet producers all perform on their diets, and the reason why so many vets trust the major prescription diet companies. Another concern is that it is unknown how well the non-prescription diet companies clean their equipment between production of each type of diet. For a pet with a dietary allergy, even trace amounts of allergens, such as remnants of chicken or wheat, that are allowed into the diet can potentially make the diet trial unsuccessful. This can lead us to believe the pet does not have a dietary allergy, when in fact, he or she does.

An additional concern about these new "limited ingredient" diets is the flooding of new sources of protein onto the market, which can ruin the success of current limited ingredient diets. For example, when lamb and rice diets were initially produced, they were geared to treat dietary allergies. Unfortunately, because lamb and rice are now so commonly used in pet foods that do not limit other ingredients that potentially cause allergies, and because many or most pets have now been exposed to lamb during the course of their lifetime, it is no longer considered a hypoallergenic diet. Unfortunately, this may eventually be the future for fish and potato diets as well.

When speaking more specifically about diets such as Hill's z/d or Purina HA, there are currently no comparable non-prescription diets on the market. These prescription diets are made by hydrolyzing the proteins into very small particles. The theory is that these protein particles are then small enough that antibodies in the pet's body no longer recognize them as allergens. Clinical studies support this conclusion. This is helpful because, no matter what proteins or ingredients the pet has previously been exposed to, the food can still produce a successful diet trial.

If your vet is recommending a hypoallergenic diet trial, it may be good to consider performing it with a prescription diet such as Hill's z/d or Purina HA. If your pet's symptoms improve, and a dietary allergy is supported, you can later consider whether to try other hypoallergenic or limited ingredient diets, and be better able to assess whether or not there is a deterioration on the new diet.

Please feel free to contact us if you have any questions regarding this topic.

Andrea Sparzo, DVM
River City Veterinary Hospital

http://www.rivercityvet.com/

info@rivercityvet.com
208-888-7300

Reliable websites for animal health information

2010-01-19T13:35:00.000-08:00

The World Wide Web is a source of immense information when an owner has a concern about his/her pet or a question about a particular disease. As veterinarians, we are invariably asked daily questions that originate from items that were written on the Internet. We caution our clients to take everything that they read over the Web with a grain of salt. Taking the time to research who is really behind a website and the credentials that make them worthy of giving advice or information is essential.

The following are websites that I would recommend when researching information related to veterinary medicine:

Never hesitate to ask your veterinarian his/her opinion or to clarify something that you have read - we are here to be your most reliable resource.

Carrie Sullivan, DVM
River City Veterinary Hospital
www.rivercityvet.com
info@rivercityvet.com
208-888-7300

Grieving the death of a pet

2010-01-15T12:29:00.000-08:00

The death of a beloved pet can be an extremely emotional time for an owner. Pets provide us companionship and unconditional love - when that is taken away, the loss can be excruciating. Many friends and family who have not had a close relationship with an animal may not understand the pain. But for those of us who have, a pet's death can be equivocal to the loss of a family member.

It is important to remember that you are not alone - and one should never feel ashamed or embarrassed about grieving for the loss of an animal. There are many resources available to assist during this time.

Pet Loss Support Hotlines:

614-292-1823; staffed by The Ohio State University veterinary students; Monday, Wednesday, Friday, 6:30pm to 9:30 pm Eastern time.

509-335-5704; Washington State University College of Veterinary Medicine; Monday through Thursday, 6:30pm to 9:00 pm and Saturday, 1:00pm to 3:00pm Pacific time.

1-800-565-1526; UC Davis School of Veterinary Medicine; Monday through Friday, 6:30am to 9:30pm Pacific time.

Web Sites:

http://www.petloss.com/

www.in-memory-of-pets.com/pet-loss.htm

Books:

Final Farewell: Preparing and Mourning the Loss of Your Pet by Marty Tousley and Katerine Heuerman

Healing the Pain of Pet Loss: Letters in Memorium edited by Kymberly Smith

Absent Friend: Coping with the Loss of Treasured Friend by Laura and Martyn Lee

Carrie Sullivan, DVM
River City Veterinary Hospital
www.rivercityvet.com
info@rivercityvet.com
208-888-7300

Socialization of Dogs and Puppies: More Important Than You Think

2010-01-15T08:53:00.000-08:00

One of the most important things an owner can do for their dog is to properly socialize him or her. A common reason for owner relinquishment to shelters and euthanasia are behavior problems such as aggression, hyperactivity, and destructive behavior, which can often be prevented by proper socialization and training.

There is a distinct period in life when puppies are most receptive to proper socialization. There is also a "fear period" in a puppy's young life. Positive and negative experiences during this critical time can influence a dog's behavior for the rest of its life. After this period, correcting problem behavior, fearful behavior, and poor social skills is much more difficult and never as successful. This critical socialization period is over by 16 weeks of age, with the most important period being between 3 and 12 weeks of age.

It has been common in the past for veterinarians to recommend keeping puppies at home and away from other dogs and new situations until they have received all of their puppy shots. Unfortunately, puppy vaccine boosters are not finished until 14-16 weeks of age-AFTER the critical period of socialization. For this reason, most veterinarians and animal behaviorists have begun to change this recommendation. Because proper socialization is so important for a well- adjusted dog later in life, it is best to start exposing your puppy to new experiences and other dogs by 8-12 weeks of age. Preferably, the puppy will have received at least one distemper/parvo vaccination prior to exposure. Although the puppy will not be fully protected against these infections until finishing his full set of boosters, we believe that the risk of infectious disease is worth the benefit of a well-adjusted dog for the remainder of his or her life. It is generally accepted among veterinary behavior specialists that early socialization will more often save pet's lives by reducing the number of dogs ultimately relinquished or euthanized due to aggression or other behavior problems.

How do I properly socialize my puppy?

Proper socialization of your puppy depends on introducing him or her to new situations, people, and other pets in a positive way. Creating negative experiences will back-fire and can cause a long-lasting fear in your dog. Puppy socialization does not mean taking your puppy to a dog park for the first time, and just letting him loose. While this may work for some puppies, many could become extremely afraid of a large group of unknown dogs approaching it at once. Introducing you puppy to new situations in a controlled, safe way will be most beneficial.

An example:

If your small puppy is scared of larger dogs, it would be a mistake to simply take him over to a large dog and let the large dog jump on him and scare him. Some owners mistakenly think that the puppy will "get used to it". While this sometimes may be the case, it is more likely that this type of situation will cause your puppy to be even more scared of large dogs, and make it even more difficult to cure him or her of this new, reinforced fear!

A better way to help a puppy adjust to being around a large dog would be to take your puppy to an area with a large dog, but with the larger dog on a leash at a distance that is far enough away that the puppy is not scared. The puppy then gets rewarded with praise for not being afraid. The larger dog is then slowly allowed to move closer to the puppy, with the puppy again being rewarded for staying calm. If things move too fast and the puppy gets scared, the puppy is not praised for being scared - he or she is ignored - but the larger dog is moved further back again until the puppy is no longer scared. The process is then repeated again in slower, smaller steps so as not to scare the puppy and to allow continual reinforcement of calm, non-fearful behavior. This is called "desensitization". The same process could be done if the puppy, for example , was afraid of tall men.

Puppies can also be exposed to new objects and new sounds. Again, starting with those objects or sounds at a distance, and progressing closer. Or, alternatively, a puppy could be introduced to an object he or she has never seen before, and the puppy can be allowed to approach the new object at his will - he is not forced to interact with it. He may get a treat when he moves towards it, but nothing when he moves away from it.

Dealing with fearful behavior and proper socialization can sometimes be confusing for new owners. Visits with your veterinarian for your puppy's initial examinations is a great time to discuss training and behavioral questions, and to find out about recommended trainers or puppy classes in the area. A great way to socialize your puppy in a controlled, positive environment is to enroll in a puppy class run by a well-qualified behaviorist or trainer.

What if my dog is already an adult? What can I do to improve his socialization and reduce aggression and fear?

Any dog that is not regularly taken off of his own territory and exposed to new sounds, people, and pets will eventually become poorly socialized, sometimes even if he was properly socialized as a puppy. We have all seen those poor dogs that are kept in backyards, never allowed inside and never taken off the property. These are usually the dogs that are constantly barking and aggressive as people walk past their house. It is also an interesting statistic that serious bites to children are most commonly perpetrated by chained dogs in backyards - pets who are not used to encountering new people, have become very territorial, and also very defensive since they are trapped and unable to get out of a fearful situation.

One of the best and easiest things you can do to keep your dog less territorial, less fearful, and better socialized is to regularly walk him off your property several times a week. Even short, 5-15 minutes walks around the block and home can do wonders to help your pet keep his sanity and learn to be around new sounds, people, and animals. For dogs that are already generally good around new people and other pets, continuing to expose them to these in a positive way (receiving treats from strangers, etc) will help keep them that way.

For older dogs that are already showing signs of fear and aggression, the cause of these behaviors can be complex and require a consistent plan for treatment. First, one must understand what is causing the behavior, which requires some analysis. Aggression, for example, has many causes, but the most common one is fear. Because fear and aggression are complex and important behaviors to treat, and because aggression is a serious behavior issue among dogs, it is best to consult with your veterinarian or a qualified behaviorist for further advice. Once fear or aggressive behavior is first noted, the prognosis is better the sooner you begin an appropriate training and treatment plan. Be wary of any trainer or veterinarian that tends to suggest punishment as the best way to change or stop these behaviors, or anyone who suggest you simply need to "dominate" your dog. These behaviors usually require some type of desensitization training and positive reinforcement for correct behavior. Often times, owners are unknowingly rewarding the behavior they want to eliminate. This is why consultation with a specialist and early intervention are important.

Behavioral issues with our pets are very complex. Humans often have difficulty envisioning the world from a dog's perspective. I hope this has been a brief but helpful introduction to this important topic. Please feel free to consult with us for additional information, book recommendations, and training recommendations.

Andrea Sparzo, DVM
River City Vet Hospital
208-888-7300
info@rivercityvet.com
www.rivercityvet.com
Reference: "Early Puppy Socialization Classes". Veterinary Medicine, Dec 2009. Vol 104, No. 12.

H1N1 Update-Case Confirmed in a Dog

2010-01-14T22:04:00.000-08:00

We have previously reported the documentation of 3 cats that have been infected with the H1N1 virus in the United States. A cat in Oregon has died. Unfortunately, both a dog and a cheetah have also been confirmed to have contracted the virus.

The reason the H1N1 virus is so unusual and notable is its ability to cross species lines. Most viruses tend to be fairly species-specific. This is why H1N1 as well as Bird Flu were so widely reported in the news. When H1N1 was transmitted from pigs to humans, we knew that it could metamorphasize into strains that affect more than one species.

All documented cases have been confirmed at veterinary referral centers, and the pets have presented with pneumonia. It is possible that milder cases are simply going undetected and treated as more common infectious bronchitis cases, or "Kennel Cough". Pets whose cough or initial respiratory illness progress to pneumonia could have contracted H1N1 from humans, but special testing would be required to confirm. Treatment would be similar to the treatment from pneumonia from other causes, and would be supportive.

Canine Influenza is another relatively recently emerged flu virus, first documented in a colony of greyhounds in Florida a few years ago. Since then it has spread to several other states. This virus is more typical, and seems to only infect dogs, not crossing species lines. There is a vaccine available to dogs in high risk areas. At this time there have been no confirmed cases of canine influenza in Idaho.

No H1N1 pet vaccine has been developed. In families where H1N1 has been documented, it may be prudent to keep your pets away from infected family members to try to limit exposure to the virus. Please feel free to call our hospital at any time if you have further questions or concerns.

Andrea Sparzo, DVM
River City Veterinary Hospital
http://www.rivercityvet.com/

info@rivercityvet.com
208-888-7300

10 Best iPhone Apps for Dog Lovers

2010-01-08T20:38:00.001-08:00

10 Best iPhone Apps for Dog Lovers

1. Off Leash - dog park locater
2. Cesar Says - tips from the famous dog trainer
3. Dogster.com - helps users meet other dog owners to set up doggie play dates
4. Dog First Aid
5. Petminder - reminder system for events related to pets
6. Dog-A-Log - info about different dog breeds
7. Pet Services Finder
8. DogiDuty - you really don't want to know!
9. Dog Tricks - best of 101 dog tricks
10. Fail Dogs - funny pictures of dogs caught not being good at being dogs (bested by a cat, for example)

31 Teeth Removed!

2010-01-08T06:42:00.000-08:00

A 12 1/2 year old dog was brought in recently for a possible stroke. His lower jaw was drooping on one side and the owner thought he may have had a stroke. Fortunately for pets, they don't have strokes like people do. He has had a history of dental disease for some time, but the owner was afraid to put him under anesthesia to have the dental procedure done. His face was not actually "drooping", the jaw bone had partially dissolved away due to the severely infected teeth and it was sitting at an abnormal angle!

He was healthy except for his teeth and his bloodwork was excellent for a dog his age. The owner finally agreed that there was no choice. I explained to her that there are risks with anesthesia, but we reduce those by checking bloodwork, placing an IV catheter and giving fluids during the procedure to help maintain blood pressure, and by monitoring the EKG, oxygenation levels, blood pressure, and temperature during the procedure. We also have a nurse with each patient during the entire procedure.

His procedure took several hours and 31 teeth had to be removed (they have approx 44 teeth total)! He was treated with strong pain medications and did very well afterward. He will need to be on antibiotics for several weeks to help treat the infected bone, but is expected to make a full recovery. A healthy mouth is pictured above on the left and an unhealthy one on the right.

I have seen similar cases where the jaw fractured farther back and there was no bone left to repair it and the dog had to be euthanized. It is a sad day when an animal has be euthanized due to such a preventable problem. Many people just don't understand how far dental disease can progress and the discomfort these animals feel everyday while living with it.

Dental disease occurs over time, but the time between dental cleanings can be extended using multiple approaches. Once the teeth are cleaned and any infection is resolved, begin using a prevention program. My philosophy is to be honest with yourself about what you are willing and able to do. Ideally, the teeth should be brushed daily. There are also special veterinary diets that can be fed or given as treats to help, water supplements which reduce bacteria each time the animal drinks, rawhides to chew and mechanically help clean the teeth and some with enzymes and antibacterial agents to help reduce tartar and prevent new accumulation. For dogs with a high predilection for dental disease, veterinarian's can prescribe a product called Oravet which is a gel that is applied weekly. As you can see, there are many things you can do at home to help slow the progression of dental disease and reduce the frequency of professional dental procedures. If you are unsure of your pet's dental health, have him/her evaluated by a veterinarian for an assessment and recommendations.

Sara Liddell, DVM

River City Veterinary Hospital
2250 W. Everest Lane
Meridian, ID 83646
http://www.rivercityvet.com
info@rivercitvet.com
208-888-7300

How do I know if it is time to euthanize my pet?

2010-01-07T12:55:00.000-08:00

This is one of the questions that, as veterinarians, we are often asked - and it is definitely one of the hardest questions to answer. Deciding the right time to euthanize a beloved pet is one of the most difficult and painful decisions that we may face over our entire lifetime. It is a situation where we want owners to feel confident that the best decision is being made for their pet.

I wanted to provide some questions that I ask my clients to consider when they are struggling with this decision. All of these questions are really used to evaluate the pet's quality of life.

Is your pet still eating and drinking? any vomiting or diarrhea?

Is your pet able to urinate and defecate normally and without discomfort?

Is your pet able to move and stand up from a lying position without aid?

Is your pet able to participate in activities that he/she used to enjoy? Even though your pet may not be able to fetch a ball or go on long walks as he/she did in younger years, activities such as looking out the window, sleeping comfortably, and spending time with the family should be considered.

Does your pet express joy, seem interested in his/her surroundings, or responsive to people or things around him/her?

One of the most important questions that I feel can be asked is how many bad days versus good days is your pet having? Once the bad days begin to outnumber the good days, quality of life should come into question.

If you are considering euthanasia, I would highly recommend discussing your pet's condition with your veterinarian before a final decision is made. We are here to help you make the best decision for both you and your pet.

Carrie Sullivan, DVM
River City Veterinary Hospital
2250 West Everest Lane
Meridian, ID 83646
http://www.rivercityvet.com/
info@rivercityvet.com

Microchipped Pet Reunited With Family

2010-01-06T17:58:00.000-08:00

A client brought in a cat for examination today. She had been hanging around her house for some time and sleeping in the garage at night. She wanted to make sure the cat was healthy and then was planning on adopting her or finding her a good home. We check all stray animals for microchips and this kitty had one! We contacted the company and the owner had never registered the microchip, but they had the information of the veterinary hospital that sold the microchip. We contacted them and found the owner. Zoe, it turns out, has been missing for 1 year! She ran away when they adopted a new kitten and has been living off of handouts from the neighbors.

This is a perfect example of how a microchip can help you find your pet, even if it takes a while! Zoe is home with her family and there are some very happy kids who had been missing their cat!

At River City Veterinary Hospital, we send in the registration form for you to avoid missing this important step, but this is also a good reminder to make sure you update your information with the company when you move or if your contact information changes.

Why does my puppy/kitten need more than one vaccine?

2009-12-29T15:59:00.001-08:00

As a veterinarian, I am frequently asked by owners why their puppy or kitten needs to have more than one vaccine to be fully protected. Some owners fear that we may be over-vaccinating their pet, and they worry about side effects. Others may even think we are just trying to make more money! Here is the vaccine schedule we recommend for puppies and kittens, and why we recommend them:

Our Recommended Protocols:

Puppies:

1. Distemper, Adenovirus, Parvovirus, Coronavirus, and viral Hepatitis vaccine (DAPPC, or the "distemper combo"): This core vaccine protects against many viral causes of disease. Perhaps the most important of these is canine parvovirus. Parvovirus is highly contagious, survives well in the environment (which is why puppies do not have to come into contact with other dogs to acquire this disease), and can frequently be fatal in puppies. We recommend that a puppy be vaccinated with this vaccine starting at about 6-8 weeks old, and then every 3-4 weeks for an additional 2 boosters (or possibly 3 if started early), so that the last vaccine booster is given at approximately 15-16 weeks of age.

2. Bordetella: This vaccine should be considered if your dog will likely be coming into contact with other dogs at groomers, boarding kennels, dog parks, etc. This disease causes bronchitis, and only rarely develops into a more serious condition, but it is easy to prevent. Some bordetella vaccines do not need to be boostered at all, and a one time, yearly administration is all that is needed. Other brands require a second booster, and bi-annual administration after that.

3. Leptosporosis: This is a bacterial disease that can cause acute kidney and liver damage, and is contagious to humans. This bacteria is transmitted through the urine of deer, racoons, skunks, fox, and voles. We recommend this vaccine for those pets considered at risk, i.e., those that come in contact with urine from these animals, either in their yard or while hiking, hunting, or swimming. This vaccine requires two boosters, 2 weeks apart to fully develop immunity. For puppies, we usually give the first booster at 12 weeks of age, and a second booster 3-4 weeks after that.

4. Rabies: Rabies does not require a booster for full immunity to develop. A young dog's first Rabies vaccination is good for a year. After that, it is good for 3 years. This is given as young as 12 weeks in Idaho.

5. Giardia, Lymes, and Rattlesnake Vaccines: These vaccines are less commonly administered and should be given on a case-by-case basis. Discuss these options with your veterinarian if interested.

Kittens:

1. Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis, Parvovirus, and Coronavirus (FVRCP, or Feline Distemper and Upper Respiratory combo): This vaccine protects against the most common upper respiratory viruses of cats, as well as feline parvovirus, which is different than the parvovirus found in dogs and causes feline distemper. Just like DHPPC vaccine in puppies, the FVRCP vaccine needs to be boostered in kittens. We prefer to start at age 6-8 weeks, and give 2 additional boosters 3-4 weeks apart until age 14-16 weeks.

2. Feline Leukemia Virus (FeLV): This vaccine protects against a deadly, life-long virus that causes immunosuppression, chronic illness, and a shortened life-span. It is recommended for any cat that routinely goes outside, routinely escapes from the house by accident, or comes into contact with other cats that routinely go outside. It requires only 2 vaccine boosters, 3-4 weeks apart.

3. Rabies: Just like in dogs, the Rabies vaccine does not require a series of boosters for development of immunity. We recommend yearly vaccination with a product developed by Purevax. This company does not add adjuvants to the vaccine, reducing the chances for vaccine reactions.

4. FIV: We do not recommend this vaccination at River City Vet. It has not proven to be effective, makes diagnosing true FIV infections very difficult, and the vaccine has an adjuvant, which has been linked to serious vaccine reactions.

Why do FVRCP and DHPPC need to have 3 boosters?

Puppies and kittens acquire "passive immunity" by nursing from their mothers. This means that they absorb antibodies, proteins that protect against specific viruses and bacteria, from their mothers milk. Only neonates can acquire immunity this way. As the intestinal tract matures, it is no longer able to absorb these antibodies. These antibodies help defend babies against viruses and disease temporarily. However, as the babies grow, the protection from the mother slowly disappears and is less effective. To have life-long immunity, puppies and kittens must develop "active immunity", or antibodies that their own body has learned to make and can continue to make long-term as needed, whenever their body encounters a virus or "invader".

Vaccines are designed to stimulate the development of this active immunity. In puppies and kittens, however, the maternal antibodies circulating in the blood can actually block the affect of the vaccine. The maternal antibiodies slowly dwindle away sometimes between the 8-16 weeks of age. By giving 3 boosters, we hope that at least 2 of our boosters fall at an ideal time- a time when the puppy or kitten's body can respond to the vaccine and develop immunity for itself, but before the maternal antibodies have completely worn off, leaving the baby with little to no immunity.

A Word about Over-vaccination and Vaccine Side- Effects:

Owners who worry about over-vaccination of their pets have a valid concern. Whenever a vaccine is administered, there should be consideration of risk versus benefit. Although the rate of allergic reactions and side effects of vaccines are relatively low considering the over-all number of vaccines administered, complications are still always possible. A vaccine is worth administering if the risk of acquiring the illness we are vaccinating for is higher than the risk of the vaccine itself. For puppies and kittens, who have low immunity, the risk for acquisition of diseases our core vaccines protect against is significant, and therefore administration of the vaccine is important. This is especially the case with canine parvovirus.

Always feel free to discuss with your veterinarian what vaccines are recommended based on your pet's lifestyle and why. Together we can come up with the best plan for your pet!

Andrea Sparzo, DVM
River City Vet Hospital

http://www.rivercityvet.com/
info@rivercityvet.com
Meridian, Idaho
208-888-7300

Sad Story and Why I Wish Everyone Had Pet Insurance

2009-12-27T14:50:00.000-08:00

Despite the joy of the holidays, this was one of the saddest weeks at River City Vet. I had to euthanize a sweet, loving, 6 month old, bulldog. He was playing in the yard and somehow managed to break a vertebrae in his neck. He was very painful, but he could still walk and was normal otherwise. His owners, understandably, could not afford the $5000 it was estimated by a local specialty hospital to fix him (spinal surgery with pins, etc). I couldn't help but think that if they just had insurance, this would probably have had a happy ending. With the company we recommend and the plan we recommend, it would have been $100 deductible and the owner would have paid 20% of the remaining bill, so a total of about $1100, which would have been more affordable for them.

There are few times that a veterinary bill would be so high, but this was one of them. They had prepared for the obvious expenses of owning a pet, but really had no idea this kind of thing would or even could happen. He was probably running fast in the yard and tripped and fell just right on his neck. He was wagging his tail and licked my face before I euthanized him and that was one of the most difficult times in my veterinary career..... and there have been many.

I hope no one has to go through something similar and I know this guy left a big hole in his family's hearts when he left us that day.

Sara Liddell, DVM

River City Veterinary Hospital
2250 W. Everest Lane
Meridian, ID 83646
http://www.rivercityvet.com/
info@rivercityvet.com
208-888-7300

Dogs that are aggressive for toenail trims

2009-12-20T12:17:00.001-08:00

Many dogs resent having their feet touched and can become aggressive due to their fear. This can quickly become a viscious cycle (no pun intended) because the more fearful and aggressive they become, the more they have to be restrained, which only further justifies their fears. Sedation is often required in these cases. I have had success by using the method demonstrated in this video. It can be used alone, or I have prescribed anti-anxiety medication to be given prior to the training and the combination of reduced anxiety and positive training can be very powerful.

Ideally, we would all train our dogs as puppies to allow their feet to be handled and nails to be trimmed, but this does not always happen. We forget, or we adopt dogs as adults who already have this behavior established. Please watch the video for some very helpful advice on reversing a frustrating behavior!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=WWZUcLfHXLE

Sara Liddell, DVM

River City Veterinary Hospital
2250 W. Everest Lane
Meridian, ID 83646
http://www.rivercityvet.com/
info@rivercitvet.com
208-888-7300

Responsible Ownership of "Bully" and Giant Breeds of Dogs

2009-12-02T16:26:00.000-08:00

Anyone living in America today is familiar with the debate about Breed Specific Legislation (BSL). While most vets do NOT support BSL, for numerous reasons, the purpose of this article is not to debate BSL validity, but rather to address responsible ownership of "Bully" breeds- Pit Bulls, Staffordshire Terriers, and Bull Terriers, American Bulldogs, etc- as well as Giant breeds. Whether or not the proposed increased tendency towards aggression in these breeds is true or a myth, owners of breeds that are potentially intimidating to other people must be willing to accept a high degree of responsibility of ownership. Responsible ownership of these breeds helps to dispel myths about their personalities, as well as keeps them healthy and well adjusted. In addition, because any dog can be aggressive under the right circumstances, responsible ownership prevents bites from dogs that, due to their strength and size, have the potential to significantly injure humans and other pets.

Giant breeds present another scenario. While not villainized the way Bully breeds tend to be, Giant breeds present their own set of special needs. Due to their size, they often end up undersocialized due to lack of handling and poor training, and the resultant difficulty taking them out of the home. Well -meaning owners often acquire these dogs with the best intentions, but without a basic understanding of canine obedience training. Once the cute puppy becomes a very large and increasingly difficult to handle adult, these dogs may end up banished to the backyard with few opportunities for socialization and, consequently, increased tendencies toward territorial and fear based aggression.

So what can you do to prevent these problems??

1. Socialize your pet in an appropriate way starting when he or she is a puppy, get them proper obedience training, and take them on walks regularly (See our separate January post regarding Proper Socialization of Dogs and Puppies).

2. Keep your dog properly licensed and vaccinated.

3. Make sure they are healthy and free of pain, since dogs in pain have an increased tendency towards defensive aggression.

4. Do not allow your pet to become a nuisance to neighbors through barking or roaming.

5. Consult a veterinarian or behaviorist immediately at the earliest sign of aggressive behavior...before it becomes a dangerous problem.

The above points should be followed by owners of ANY breed. Aggression of any type is not a problem that should be taken lightly, and early intervention leads to a much better outcome. However, owners of bully and giant breed dogs should be even more devoted to following the rules of responsible pet ownership, so that their beloved breeds can become exemplary K9 citizens, and a positive representatives of their breed.

For a fascinating and well-done book on the history of breed-specific controversy over the decades, why breed specific legislation does not work, and why Pit Bulls get such an unfair rap in today's media, I highly recommend The Pitbull Placebo by Karen Delise. You will never look a Pit Bulls and the media coverage of dog attacks the same again! She is also the author of Fatal Dog Attacks, which investigates the true underlying causes of deadly and serious dog attacks on humans.

For further information on any of the subjects covered here, please feel free to contact me or our hospital at info@rivercityvet.com

Andrea Sparzo, DVM
River City Veterinary Hospital
Meridian, Idaho
http://www.rivercityvet.com/
208-888-7300

Holiday Hazards to Your Pet

2009-12-02T11:49:00.000-08:00

The winter holiday season, with all its lovely food, fun, and decor, can also be accompanied by some holiday risks for your pet. Here is a list of common holiday items that can pose some dangers to your pets. Keep this list in mind while spreading your holiday cheer!

Holiday Foods:

1. Chocolate: This is a common culprit of toxicoses in dogs. A dog's body metabolizes chocolate into a substance called theobromine, which has actions similar to an overdosage of caffeine. Dark chocolate and bakers chocolate contains the highest concentration of this substance. Symptoms range from mild GI upset and hyperactivity to lethargy, heart arrythmias, seizures, coma, and death.

2. Macadamia Nuts: These nuts can cause vomiting, weakness, tremors, and depression in our canine friends.

3. Rising dough: Once ingested, rising yeast dough swells within the stomach and ferments to produce alcohol, causing severe abdominal pain and symptoms of alcohol poisoning as severe as coma and death. It is also very difficult to remove from the stomach through induction of vomiting or via stomach tube.

4. Xylitol: A common artificial sweetener that can cause dangerously low blood sugar and severe liver damage to pets.

5. Raisins and Grapes: It is a relatively new discovery that grapes and raisins can cause kidney damage in pets. The dose required to cause damage seems somewhat individually variable and therefore unpredictable. It is therefore recommended to simply not feed your pet these fruits, and to seek treatment if your pet has ingested grapes or raisins in any significant quantity.

6. Raw Meat, Eggs, and Bones: Raw meat and eggs can contain bacteria responsible for food poisoning, such as Salmonella and E. Coli, which can make your pets sick. In addition, bones (especially chicken and pork bones) can splinter and cause severe GI upset or obstruction.

7. Onions and Garlic: Because our pets metabolize members of the onion family differently than humans, they can cause red blood cell destruction leading to anemia and even kidney damage. Small dogs are more susceptible because they require a smaller amount to have effects. The most common symptom is dark red to brown urine.

8. Avocados: These can cause vomiting and diarrhea in dogs.

9. Table scraps: Human food scraps can cause digestive upset in pets. More seriously, fatty, rich, or greasy foods can lead to inflammation of the pancreas, which can range in severity from moderate GI upset to life- threatening illness. Pancreatitis usually requires a hospital stay for effective treatment.

Holiday Decor:

1. Ribbons and Bows: Cats in particular like to play with and sometimes ingest ribbons, strings and bows, which can lead to life- threatening GI obstruction.

2. Mistletoe: This plant may be pretty to decorate with, but if it is ingested by your pet it can cause severe toxicosis, with symptoms ranging from GI upset to cardiovascular collapse and low blood pressure.

3. Holly: Holly contains high amounts of a caffeine- like substance, which can cause severe signs if ingested in high quantities. However, Holly is fairly bitter tasting, so most pets only eat enough to cause GI upset.

4. Poinsettias: While often falsely incriminated, the Poinsettia is actually considered to be of fairly low toxicity, and ingestion usually only results in mild GI disturbance.

5. Ornaments: Ornaments, while not toxic in themselves, are often enticing to puppies and kittens as chew toys, and if swallowed can cause GI upset and obstruction.

6. Liquid potpourri: This substance is highly irritating to GI and respiratory lining and can cause severe ulceration of the esophagus and mouth, as well as severe chemical pneumonia. Cats are most often afflicted when they knock over the container, get it on their paws, and then lick it off. Symptoms often take 24-48 hours to fully develop and include lethargy, drooling, inappetance, and labored breathing.

IF YOU SUSPECT YOUR PET MAY HAVE INGESTED A TOXIC OR DAMAGING SUBSTANCE, THE BEST THING TO DO IS CONSULT WITH A VETERINARIAN IMMEDIATELY, OR CALL THE ASPCA ANIMAL POISON CONTROL CENTER AT 888-426-4435. THE PROGNOSIS IS ALWAYS BETTER WHEN TREATMENT IS STARTED EARLY, AND PRIOR TO DEVELOPMENT OF SEVERE SYMPTOMS.

Please feel free to contact River City Veterinary Hospital if you have any questions or concerns that we can help you with!

Andrea Sparzo, DVM
River City Veterinary Hospital
Meridian, ID
208-888-7300
info@rivercityvet.com

Should I declaw my cat? Are there any other options to consider?

2009-11-30T15:18:00.000-08:00

Declawing has become one of the most controversial elective procedures that is commonly performed by veterinarians. Scratching is a normal behavior of cats that is used to mark territory and condition claws - but can be very frustrating to owners when it is directed at furniture or body parts. While the declaw surgery is a permanent solution to this problem, the procedure may have complications and is a more extensive and invasive surgery than commonly perceived. It is the goal of River City Veterinary Hospital to present all possible options to feline scratching and allow an educated owner to decide what is best for his/her cat and family.

1. Training: this method's goal is to focalize the cat's scratching instinct to a scratching post and away from less desirable objects. While this method can be successful, it does require a large time commitment and use of tools such as balloons, squirt bottles, and aluminum foil as deterrents to scratching of furniture. We would be happy to provide more specific information on how this training is performed.

2. Nail Trimming: for some cats, just the act of keeping the nails trimmed short provides control over undesirable scratching. We would be happy to give you pointers on how to trim your cat's nails.

3. Soft Paws: these are plastic nail tips that are glued over your cat's own claws. These tips are soft and will therefore not cause damage like sharp cat nails. This tips will wear off as the nail grows and must be replaced over time. Most owners are able to replace these tips on their own.

4. Declaw: this is the surgical procedure performed by a veterinarian where the entire third bone of the digit up to the first joint is removed. With successful removal of the entire third bone, this ensures that the nail will not grow back. But it should be understood that this procedure is an amputation of the bone itself, and not just of the nail. Appropriate pain control is a top priority with this procedure. Possible complications post-operatively include infection, inflammation, lameness, and spotting of blood.

We would be happy to discuss this topic in greater depth with you. It is most important that you make a decision that you and your family feel comfortable and are happy with.

Carrie Sullivan, DVM
River City Veterinary Hospital
http://www.rivercityvet.com/
info@rivercityvet.com
208-888-7300

Why should I microchip my pet?

2009-11-27T18:38:00.000-08:00

What is a Microchip?

River City Veterinary Hospital recommends and carries the AKC Companion Animal Recovery (CAR) ID System microchip. This microchip is implanted under the skin between the shoulder blades. After implantation, we send in your enrollment form to register him/her in the AKC CAR system.

Your pet will receive a tag which bears the microchip ID number and the phone number of the 24-hour AKC CAR recovery hotline. If your pet is found, anyone can call the hotline. If your pet is found without the tag, most shelters, humane societies and veterinarians carry scanners which will read the information carried on the microchip. Once alerted, the recovery coordinators of the AKC will contact you so that you can be reunited with your pet.

Why Microchip?

If your pet is recovered by an animal shelter/humane society/veterinary clinic, the identification of a microchip ensures an easy and speedy return home.
Unfortunately, pets are occasionally stolen from their homes. If a veterinarian becomes suspicious that an animal they are examining has been stolen, a microchip scan may help to clear the situation.
Collars can easily slip off or become broken. Tattoos may become blurry and difficult to read over time. Microchips act as a permanent and clear identifier.
Microchipping is required for OFA certification.

If you have any questions about microchipping, please do not hesitate to ask one of our staff members.

River City Veterinary Hospital
http://www.rivercityvet.com/
info@rivercityvet.com
208-888-7300