Case of the Month

May

Intestinal parasites
Why your pet needs preventative

The warmer weather has finally arrived and more pets are out running around in parks and going for walks. With that there is an increased risk of picking up an intestinal parasite which is an easy thing to do. The concern with this is that they can then bring these parasites into your home and put you and your family at risk of contracting these nasty bugs. Below are a list of the most frequently seen parasites, the signs they produce and the risks to us.

1) Roundworm: This is probably the most frequently seen intestinal parasite in dogs and cats. Many puppies and kittens can be born with parasite if their mother is infected during pregnancy. Other animals and humans can develop the parasite if they come into contact with infected environment, (dirt, sand, etc) and feces. In animals, the clinical signs range for a distended abdomen, (pot belly appearance), to diarrhea, vomiting, coughing, abdominal pain, weakness and poor coat. In young animals with large worm burdens death may occur. Infection is diagnosed by fecal flotation examination or, in severe cases, you may see the worms in feces or vomitus. The adult worms resemble spaghetti. Treatment is fairly easy and is administered by mouth for a period of 4 to 6 weeks. Zoonotic transmission, (spread of disease from animals to humans), occurs with contact from infected feces, dirt or frequently children’s sandboxes. The eggs of the parasite are released into the animals feces and will survive in the environment. If a person contacts the feces or the environment and do not wash their hands they may accidentally ingest some of the eggs. In young, elderly or immunocomprimised people the risk is greater and can cause blindness.
Case: Peekachoo is a 6-month-old  female Shih Tzu which her owners purchased from a puppy store 8 weeks prior. She was happy and playful on her first visit to the clinic. A routine fecal sample was performed and she tested positive for Roundworms. She was administered the appropriate treatment and returned for her boosters 3 weeks later. During that exam, her owners reported that their youngest daughter, who Peekachoo slept with every night, had trouble seeing recently and was taken to her doctor. Her doctor diagnosed Ocular Larva Migrans, or roundworm infection of the eye, (see photo), which resulted in permanent loss of vision in one eye. A simple test would have prevented this horrible outcome. Preventative for roundworm is also available in the form of Heartworm medication which should be administered monthly, even during the winter, to reduce the risk of this devastating disease.

2) Hookworm: A less common parasite, but can cause more serious disease such as anemia and death in young animals. Common signs include diarrhea, dark, tarry stools, poor appetite, weak, depressed and possibly a cough. Transmission from animal to animal is identical to that of Roundworm. In man, the larva enter though broken skin and cause a horrible itch and red lines on the affected area. Treatment in animals, again, is very easy. Prevention is also achieved with monthly heartworm pill preventative.
Case: Peachie was a 1-year-old male neutered jack Russell terrier that has suffered with on and off diarrhea since the owner purchased him from a breeder at 2 months of age. ON presentation he had a very dry coat, but otherwise seemed normal.  A routine fecal examination reveled a large population of Hookworm eggs. Peachie was started on treatment and a few weeks later tested negative for the parasite. His coat began to look healthier and his diarrhea subsided completely. Peachie’s owner, however, had stated that she also tested positive for hookworm infection of her feet. Peachie was allowed to roam freely in the backyard where he often relieved himself. During the warmer months his owner would walk barefoot in the yard and developed an intense itch. Her doctor diagnosed cutaneous larval migrans, see picture.

3) Whipworm: This parasite attaches to the large intestine and causes bloody, mucousy diarrhea. Transmission occurs from carrier to carrier.  The eggs of this parasite can survive for months to years in the environment. Therefore it is best to prevent this “bug” as opposed to treating it and risking re-infection. This parasite is not known to cause any effects in man.

4) Coccidia: This parasite also causes bloody, diarrhea in cats and dogs and is not known to be transmitted to man. In younger animals this parasite can be detrimental and has caused death. Transmission occurs from animal to animal. The cysts from this parasite can also remain in the environment for a long period of time leading to cycles of re-infection. Treatment, although easily, can be expensive. There is NO preventative for this parasite. Therefore it is imperative to check fecal samples routinely to rule-out an infection.
Case: Butters was an all white cat that gave birth to a litter of 5 beautiful kitties. One by one the little kittens stopped nursing and developed a thick yellow diarrhea. A fecal analysis revealed coccidian. Treatment was started on the mom and all of the babies. A few of the little ones required rehydration. Despite treatment three of the five babies died due to the severe population of coccidiosis.

***PLEASE CONTACT OUR STAFF AT THE BROOKLYN VETERINARY GROUP IF YOU HAVE ANY QUESTIONS REGARDING PARASITE CONTROL OR DIAGNOSIS. REMEMBER TO GIVE MONTHLY HEARTWORM PREVENTATIVE AND CHECK A FECAL SAMPLE ROUTINELY***

April

Lyme disease and Leptospirosis
Important vaccines to give to your dog

Lyme Disease:
Lyme disease is caused by a spirochete called Borrelia burgdorferi which is carried by deer ticks. The disease is passed to the dog through a tick bite. Tick larvae pick up the spirochete after feeding from white-footed mice. The adults often will feed and mate on other mammals such as deer. Once bitten, the spirochete spreads to the joints, lymph nodes, muscle and connective tissues. This causes signs such as shifting leg lameness, swollen joints, fever, inappetance, swollen lymph nodes, depression and in advanced cases renal, neurologic or heart disease signs. Most owners report lameness for 3 to 4 days and then resolve on its own. Recurrence is very common. Recommended treatment is a four-week course of antibiotics. The antibiotics will not cure the disease but will significantly improve the clinical signs. Symptoms of the disease will reappear throughout the rest of the dog’s life. Flare up of the disease can occur every few weeks to months at which point antibiotics are required again.
Prevention of the disease includes reduction of tick population by using yards sprays and repellents for mammals. Prevent attachment of the ticks by using products such as Frontline and by brushing dogs when they come from outside. All dogs, especially in high-risk areas, should be vaccinated for the disease as well. Once positive, owners MUST vaccinate their dogs annually. The reasoning behind this is that it is believed to reduce some of the more severe and long-term effects of the disease such as heart and kidney disease. The ticks may also feed on humans and pass the disease as well. Ticks can be carried in on pets’ fur and then jump onto humans. The disease is especially devastating in man.

Case Example:
Brutus was a 3-year-old, happy bulldog who went on long walks with his owner every Saturday. One day Brutus’ owner noticed that his front right wrist, or carpus, was very swollen and that he was limping. He decided to wait a few days and monitor his carpus. Three days later, Brutus was back to his bouncy old self. The following month, Brutus developed swellings in both of his hind legs and his owner brought him to the Brooklyn Vet Group at once. With questioning, we learned that Brutus’ owner did not use Frontline and he was never vaccinated for Lyme disease. A blood test determined that Brutus was indeed infected with Lyme. He was immediately started on a four week course of antibiotics and recovered well. Two months following the initial episode, Brutus was back in our office for swelling in all four limbs and an inability to walk. His owner also noted that Brutus was drinking a lot great deal of water, urinating more frequently and occasionally did not eat all of his food. A joint tap was performed to collect some of the fluid from the affected limbs. The lab results confirmed that the swelling was secondary to Lyme disease. Full bloodwork revealed a significant decrease in kidney function. Brutus was admitted to the hospital for aggressive treatment but never fully regained full use of his legs. His distraught owner elected to humanely end his suffering. Had he taken measures to prevent tick attachment Brutus would still be enjoying his weekly walks with his beloved owner.

Leptospirosis:
Leptospirosis is a potentially fatal bacterial infection of mammals. The bacteria particularly love to attach the kidneys and liver, but can affect all of the major internal organs. The disease is found world-wide with higher incidence in warmer climates and wet areas. Standing water and alkaline soils promote the bacteria. Transmission can occur through a variety of ways. Direct contact occurs through open wounds that contact infected urine, blood or saliva. Indirect contact can occur with exposure to contaminated bedding, soil, water or food. Wildlife are often carriers of the bacteria and deposit it in yards or water sources through urination. The organism can survive months in the appropriate environment.
There are several forms of the bacteria and clinical signs vary depending on the strain. Clinical signs range from stiffness, fever, weakness, anorexia, shivering, vomiting, dehydration and increased drinking and urination. Owners may notice a yellow tinge to the dog’s gums or eyes secondary to the bacteria attacking the liver. In advanced cases respiratory distress, difficulty walking and bleeding may occur. A blood test will confirm infection, but treatment should begin at once if suspected.
Treatment involves mostly aggressive supportive therapy to rehydrate the animal and stabilize their symptoms. Antibiotics are required to eliminate the bacteria. Liver and kidney damage may remain despite therapy. Prevention includes vaccination and reduced contact with standing water. Pets should avoid areas where wildlife is known to live. The disease is zoonotic, meaning that it can be passed from animal to man. Transmission is very easy also. Owners should avoid contact with blood and urine of known positive animals.

Case Example:
Lucy was a 5-year-old Lab mix who often went upstate with her owners during the summer. Lucy was allowed to run the owners property. The owners report that several raccoons lived on the property as well. Lucy began to drink and urinate a bit more about one week before presentation to BVG. The day of her appointment her owners noted significant weakness, inappetance and vomiting. On physical exam, Lucy was determined to be very dehydrated and icteric, yellow mucous membranes. A complete blood count and chemistry revealed significant kidney and liver disease. Lucy was admitted to the hospital and started on intravenous fluids and antibiotics while Leptospirosis titers were sent to the lab. Her results returned with a strong positive. She showed gradual improvement over a week of hospitalization and was discharged on two weeks of antibiotics. On her follow-up visit, her kidney values remained elevated. She began therapy for kidney failure which provided her with another 6 months of life. Vaccination, although not available for all strains of Lepto bacteria, may have saved Lucy’s life.

March

A sweet treat that can be deadly
The hidden toxin in your chewing gum

Several brands of sugar free chewing gum, candies and baked goods contain an artificial sweetener called Xylitol. This sugar substitute is harmless to humans but can cause life threatening blood sugar abnormalities in our furry friends. Once ingested, Xylitol causes a surge of insulin to be released into the body. Insulin drives blood sugar up into the cells of the body rapidly depleting the bloodstreams supply of sugar. This then causes a condition called hypoglycemia, low blood sugar, which results in weakness, vomiting, disorientation, ataxia, (staggered walking), and in severe cases coma or death. In addition to the hypoglycemia, the insulin surge cause potassium to be driven into the cells leading to hypokalemia or low potassium levels. Hypokalemia will further amplify the weakness and vomiting caused by the low blood sugar. Further more, Xylitol ingestion can lead to liver necrosis resulting in the patient’s death if untreated.
The dose of Xylitol required to reach toxic levels is minimal. One to two pieces of chewing gum are enough to trigger a hypoglycemic episode in a 20-pound dog! Blood level changes can occur rapidly within hours. Clinical signs vary tremendously and can range from weakness, vomiting to collapse, seizure or death. Treatment should be sought immediately if the animal is known to have ingested the product. Vomiting may be induced if within a few hours of ingestion to remove any of the remaining toxins. Activated charcoal should be administered to prevent further absorption from the intestinal tract as well. Bloodwork should be performed at once to evaluate sugar, liver and enzyme values. The animal must be placed on intravenous fluids to help flush out the offending agent. Hospitalization will be required to monitor blood sugar levels every few hours because a deadly change can rapidly occur with out any visible signs. Other medication will be necessary depending on the symptoms that your pet is exhibiting. With rapid treatment and supportive care most animals will survive this toxic insult. However, liver values should be closely monitored a few months following the incident.

CASE EXAMPLES:
1) Poochie is a 3-year-old male neuter Lhasa that decided to raid his owner’s pocketbook one night and ate at least 4 pieces of Orbitz chewing gum. The owner contacted our office and was advised to rush Poochie in at once. With examination, Poochie was found to be very weak and a bit disorientated. Vomiting was induced at once, but the owner was not sure how long ago the gum was ingested. No gum was found within the vomitus and activated charcoal was then given to coat the stomach and intestines. Bloodwork indicated a very low blood sugar and normal liver values. Intravenous fluids with dextrose, (sugar), were started at once. His blood sugar was closely monitored every 2 hours. The following day his liver values were elevated above the normal limit and Poochie began vomiting profusely. He was started on medications to control the vomiting. Within a few days all of his values stabilized and Poochie was back to 100% normal and returned home to his family. He was re-evaluated a few months after the episode and his liver values were normal.
2) Cassie was a 1-year-old yorkie who was found one morning very listless, weak and vomiting. She rushed her into the hospital and blood work indicated a life threatening low blood sugar and significantly elevated liver values. She was admitted to the hospital and started on supportive therapy at once. The owner telephoned a few hours later and reported that she found several wrappers from a sugar free candy on the ground at home and that the candy contained Xylitol. Despite therapy Cassie continued to decline rapidly. Her liver values continued to increase, her blood sugar dropped further and her neurologic condition worsened. Her owners elected to put her to sleep due to the irreversible liver damage. If Cassies’s owners had realized that she had eaten the candy a bit sooner she may have been able to be saved.

February

Dental Disease

February is pet dental awareness month

Many pets suffer silently with dental disease such as gingivitis, painful abscesses and smelly tartar and bacteria build up because they are unable to brush their teeth like we do. This allows for the accumulation of food particles leading to tartar buildup and a nice environment for bacteria to grow and flourish. Owners may not notice any signs at all that their pet has dental disease or they may notice bad breath, (halitosis), or difficulty chewing food. In severe cases an abscess can develop around the tooth root leading to pain, discomfort and odor. Without proper treatment the abscess may rupture or cause bone destruction of the tooth and surrounding jawbone. The tooth will often need to be removed to alleviate the problem.

All animals are at risk for developing dental disease. In many cases, bacteria invade the gum lining and result in dental disease. Some factors that contribute to this are age, breed, diet and genetics. Smaller dogs tend to have more issues with dental disease than larger breeds. Animals fed canned/soft food will accumulate more plaque on their teeth which creates a nice environment for bacterial growth. Other illness, for example feline immunodeficiency virus and feline leukemia virus, make the animal more susceptible to dental disease. Also young animals that have retained baby teeth should have them removed or there will be an area to accumulate debris and bacteria. The primary concerns with dental disease include bone loss, tooth loss and bone destruction which are all very painful to our pets. Secondary to the bacterial overgrowth in the mouth, the animal will swallow the bacteria which then enters the blood stream. From there the bacteria can invade any organ, but especially loves the kidneys, heart and the liver, weakening the function of these vital organs. In some cases the heart valves are so affected by bacterial growth that a disruption in blood flow can result leading to enlargement of the heart.

Dental disease is graded depending on the severity of the situation, (See photo of different levels). Stage 1 disease is described as inflammation and swelling around the gum line. Plaque and tartar are present in small amounts. Stage 2 is described as further inflammation, swelling and infection of the gum and bone around the affected tooth or teeth. During this stage the tooth will loose 25% of its attachment to the bone. Stage 3 results in further progression of the disease and pus may be noticed around the tooth causing bleeding and further destruction. The tooth attachment is damaged by up to 50% at this stage. Stage 4 is severe periodontitis and bone loss. The tooth may be mobile and there is a strong odor, blood and pus. Extraction of the tooth is inevitable at this point and the underlying jawbone destruction is irreversible. Immediate attention is required to alleviate the severe pain and bacterial overload.

Dental disease is unfortunately inevitable in our companion animals because they just cannot clean their teeth like we do. There are a few things to help reduce the severity of the disease though. It is advisable to begin brushing your pets teeth at a very young age to get them used to the procedure. There are a wide variety of pet toothbrushes and toothpastes available in your local pet store. Ideally, daily brushing is recommended, but if it can only be done a few times a week that will help a great deal. There are a wide array of dental bones, chews and treats available as well that will promote crunching and reduce tartar formation. There are dental diets on the market also that will control tartar build up. One of the most successful diets is Hills Science diet t/d. This can be feed in addition to the normal diet, as the sole diet or as a treat. Also, your pets teeth should be examined by your veterinarian at each yearly visit. As the pet ages, it may be wise to have the teeth evaluated twice a year. Your veterinarian will determine when your pet will need a professional scaling and polishing which does require general anesthesia. Prior to procedure your pet should have his or her bloodwork evaluated to determine if they are healthy enough to undergo anesthesia. Most pets will require a professional cleaning at least once in their life. Many animals require multiple dental cleanings in order to reduce the detrimental effects of untreated disease. Please contact any of our staff at the Brooklyn Veterinary Group if you have any questions regarding dental care, prevention or procedures.

Remember that February is Pet Dental Awareness Month and we will be offering 25% off all dental procedures. Please call to schedule your exam today!!

January

Feline "AIDS" and Leukemia
Why you should be testing your pets

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus, (FIV) and the Feline Leukemia Virus, (FeLV), are unfortunately very common and often detrimental viruses which affect cats. Transmission can occur relatively easily especially in the case with FeLV. Cats infected with FIV can survive a relatively normal life but suffer from a weakened immune system similar to humans with HIV. FeLV is more severe and carries a survival rate of only about 2 years past diagnosis. There is no treatment for either of these viruses and therefore prevention and testing are the only ways to decrease your pet’s risk of obtaining one of theses diseases. All cats and kittens should be tested PRIOR to exposing them to your other cats. Any cats that are allowed outside even only once in awhile should be tested annually for the disease especially if there are a lot of stray cats in your neighborhood. Cats that are positive should be kept indoors at all times to reduce the spread to other cats. Again once your cat is infected there is no treatment for the virus.

Feline Immunodeficiency Virus:
All cats are susceptible to FIV. The virus is more commonly seen in male cats that are permitted to roam outside. This is because the virus is transmitted through deep intramuscular bite wounds which occur during fighting. Cats may also obtain the virus through birth of an infected female.  Symptoms of FIV can range from nothing at all to severe debilitating disease. Most commonly gingivitis or a gum infection and poor dentition are seen. Other symptoms include upper respiratory signs such as sneezing, ocular and nasal discharge, diarrhea, fever, wasting, recurrent/resistant infections and in some cases kidney failure. Treatment in any of these situations is supportive care only. Prevention would involve testing any new addition to the household BEFORE introduction and keeping cats indoors at all times. There is a vaccine available for FIV in cats, but once vaccinated the cat will test positive for the disease making it impossible to determine vaccine induced antibodies or natural exposure.

FIV CASE EXAMPLE:
Lila was a 5 year-old female domestic long hair cat that routinely was allowed to roam outside. The owners initially presented Lila to our clinic for difficulty chewing her food. Upon physical examination, Lila was found to have severe gingivitis and several rotten teeth that would require extraction. The owners also noticed that she had lost some weight and was drinking a lot more water. Routine bloodwork was performed prior to sedating Lila for the dental work and it was discovered that her kidneys were starting to fail. This explains the weight loss and her increased thirst. Given the fact that Lila was young and kidney disease is rare at that age a FIV test was performed and returned positive. Lila was admitted to the hospital for further testing and started on intravenous fluids to support her kidney function. Initially she responded well to the therapy, but relapsed three months later. At this point her kidneys had almost completely shut down and her owners were left with no choice but to end her suffering. Lila was tested for FIV initially as a kitten and was negative at that time. Therefore, it is assumed that she contracted the virus during one of her many ventures outside.

Feline Leukemia Virus:
FeLV is a much more severe and devastating virus than FIV. Not only is the disease easily transmitted, but it also carries a grave prognosis. Once diagnosis is made it is rare for the cat to survive more than two years. Again all cats are highly susceptible to the infection. It is transmitted through direct contact such as grooming, bites, urine, shared bowls and litter pans. Similar to FIV, the virus does not have definitive clinical signs and can affect a wide range of organ systems. Most frequently, in the early stages of the disease, the cat may present with a resistant upper respiratory infection or bad gingivitis. In more severe cases lymphadenopathy, (enlarged lymph nodes), kidney failure, fluid accumulation in the chest and abdominal cavities and intestinal cancer have been seen secondary to FeLV. In most cases the animal suffers through a painful disease process.
There is also a vaccine for Feline Leukemia Virus which can be differentiated on the blood test from natural exposure. But the best way to prevent the disease is to avoid contact. Keep cats indoors at all times and test any new addition to the household BEFORE they meet pre-existing cats.

FeLV Case Example:
Stretch was an adorable little stray kitten that Mrs. Walsh found wandering around her backyard on a cold winter morning. When she called him he immediately ran over to her and started purring. Having three cats already, Mrs. Walsh had plenty of food to give the little skinny man. She brought him inside that night since the temperature was supposed to drop well below freezing. Her other cats seemed to welcome him in at once. She brought Stretch to our office later that week. He seemed relatively healthy with no obvious medical aliments, but as a part of our normal routine we sent out a FIV/FeLV test. The following day when the results returned we had the unfortunate task of informing Mrs. Walsh that Stretch was positive for FeLV and that all three of her other cats were at risk for the disease. The other three Walsh cats were tested and all three were found to be infected with the disease as well. In the past the other cats had tested negative and were always kept indoors. One of the original three fell ill with kidney failure 3 months after diagnosis and was euthanized at our office. A year later, Stretch developed a severe upper respiratory infection that progressed rapidly into pneumonia despite treatment and he too was euthanized. Currently one of the other infected cats has developed unresponsive diarrhea and severe weight loss. Mrs. Walsh will probably put her down within the next few weeks. Unfortunately, Mrs. Walsh learned a horrible lesson with taking in Stretch. If she had only brought him to the vet that day or kept him quarantined from her cats this would have never occurred.

December

Common Winter and Holiday Dangers

This time of the year can be particularly dangerous to our pets. With the hustle and bustle of the holiday season we may accidentally expose our pets to possible harmful situations or items. Below is a list of common household items that pose a potential threat to our furry friends.

1. Medications either prescription or over the counter can cause toxicity in our pets if ingested. Be careful where you leave your cold and flu medications!!
2. Household cleaners and detergents can cause anything from oral ulcerations and gastric upset to kidney failure and death. So make sure your pets are kept far away from cleaners and keep them isolated if necessary when using the products.
3. Antifreeze is severely toxic to animals and can lead to rapid kidney failure within a few hours of ingestion. It also has a very sweet taste and will attract animals to ingest it. Make sure leaks are immediately addressed. If your pet does contact antifreeze on their paws wash with water and mild soap immediately and do NOT allow them to lick their paws afterwards. Antifreeze can also be found in some glass cleaners.
4. Holiday decorations will often attract the attention of cats especially and may cause life-threatening obstructions. Households with cats are advised to avoid tinsel and other ribbon-like decorations altogether. Christmas ornaments, ornament hooks, lights and wires can also be broken or ingested so make sure they are kept out of reach. Wires are quite appetizing to cats and pockets pets!
5. Christmas tree water and needles can cause an upset stomach, diarrhea, vomiting and inappetance, if ingested.
6. Curling ribbon and bows for packages can be easily ingested and cause choking or intestinal obstruction so never leave them out in the open and unsupervised.
7. Holiday flowers, especially lilies, holly and mistletoe, are highly toxic to pets. Other common plants, such as poinsettia can cause gastric upset if eaten.
8. Holiday tables can be very enticing to our furry friends. Owners should never leave animals unattended in a room with food on the table. Several common culprits include meat bones, chocolates, candies, grapes, onions and garlic. All of these are either toxic or pose severe health hazards in our pets.
9. Rock salt used to melt ice can cause irritation to the pads and skin of the feet if animals walk on the substance. They may also lick the salt off their pads which may induce some stomach upset. There are several pet-friendly varieties available at pet stores and online.
10. Presents purchased for your pet should be carefully evaluated prior to giving them their gifts. Make sure that the toys do not have any small pieces which can be easily removed or swallowed such as bells, eyes or strings. Bones that are frayed or splintered should be taken away to avoid chocking or obstruction. Always be cautious with introducing new foods or treats as it may cause some diarrhea and stomach upset. Be careful not to over do it either as many of us are guilty of.

he staff of the Brooklyn Veterinary Group hopes that you and your families have a safe and happy holiday season! For any questions or concerns please do not hesitate to contact us at any time!!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

November

Turkey Bone Ingestion

Thanksgiving is right around the corner so we will have to protect our pets from potential dangers at our holiday tables. Turkey or chicken bone ingestion is an all to common problem. Animals will either be offered meat on the bone or steal bones right from the table. In the process of chewing bones they can splinter pieces off or ingest the bone in its entirety. This can result in painful irritation or possible obstruction within the throat or in the intestinal tract. Irritation from a splintered piece of bone can lead to inappetance or gagging. Obstruction in the oral cavity or throat will lead to gagging or possible choking. If the bone becomes lodged within the intestines the pet may exhibit vomiting, diarrhea and inappetance. The animal will be unable to pass any other food through its system and the area of affected intestines is at risk for rupture or tissue necrosis, (death and decay of tissue). This can then result in peritonitis, (infection within the abdominal cavity) or even death of the animal itself. It is therefore best to avoid offering your pets any bones or treats from the dining table.

Casey is a 1-year-old female puggle that was given some left over turkey scraps from the dinner table. Casey presented to our office 2 days later for vomiting and diarrhea. On physical examination, Dr. Sweeney noticed that Casey was mildly dehydrated and had a painful abdomen. She ordered some X-rays of Casey’s belly and found an entire turkey bone lodged within her small intestine. Casey was immediately placed on intravenous fluids to re-hydrate her and prepared for surgery. During surgery, the bone was found lodged within a section of the intestines. The area around the bone was severely bruised and some hemorrhaging had occurred. If her owners had delayed her examination any longer the bone would have perforated the intestinal lining causing intestinal contents to seed the abdominal cavity resulting in potentially life threatening peritonitis.

The surgery was completed by removing the bone through an incision made within the intestinal wall. The area is then sutured back together and tested for leakage. Post operatively, there is a risk for the sutures to break or for leakage to occur despite extra care. The animal is often kept in the hospital for a few days to monitor temperature and if the animal is able to eat and hold food down. In Casey’s situation she recovered fully and without any complications. Her owners have never fed her from the table again no matter how much she begs!

***Owners should also be weary of feeding their animals candy or baked goods containing chocolate, onions, garlic, grapes and raisins. All of which have potentially life threatening complications.
*** For more information on the potential dangers of human foods please contact our staff at the Brooklyn Veterinary Group at any time!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS!

October

Chocolate Toxicity

With Halloween and the other holidays fast approaching owners must be careful with their animals around all of the treats especially chocolate. Dogs and sometimes cats have a strong attraction to chocolate. Unfortunately, even in small amounts, chocolate is highly toxic to animals. Following ingestion of chocolate animals may suffer from vomiting and diarrhea. With large overdoses the nervous and cardiovascular systems are affected and the animal can suffer from muscle tremors, seizures, life threatening arrhythmias, (irregular heart rate), coma and even death. The degree of toxicity depends on the type of chocolate, the amount ingested and the size of the animal. Owners should immediately contact the ASPCA poison control, (888-426-4435), to determine if the amount ingested is toxic. This will allow your veterinarian to ensure proper treatment for the overdose as well. Treatment usually requires that vomiting be induced if the chocolate was recently eaten. Activated charcoal may be given to prevent further absorption of the toxin. The animal often requires intravenous fluids to correct electrolyte abnormalities and an EKG to monitor heart rate and rhythm. Further treatment would depend on the symptoms which the animal is suffering from. Some do require 24 hour monitoring if seizures or an arrhythmia are present.

Simba and Charlie, two six-month old male Pomeranian brothers, presented to our office because their owner found Charlie seizing when she returned home from work. Simba had vomited multiple times around her house. With further investigation, their owner discovered that they had removed a bag of dark chocolate Hershey kisses off of her kitchen table and ingested most of the bag. On presentation, Charlie was suffering from neurologic deficits and had a cardiac arrhythmia. He was immediately given activated charcoal and placed on intravenous fluids and a constant EKG monitor. Medication was administered to control his muscle tremors and irregular heart rhythm. Simba was suffering mostly from gastric upset but was also given charcoal to prevent further absorption and intravenous fluids. Despite constant treatment and close monitoring Charlie continued to seize and eventually slipped into a coma. He died several hours following presentation. Simba, however, made a complete recovery and never suffered from anything more than an upset stomach.

Chocolate is very appealing to pets so remember to keep it high up and in a cabinet if possible. If your pet has eaten any chocolate, baked goods with chocolate or hard candies please contact your veterinarian and the ASPCA poison control at once. A delay in treatment may result in severe life threatening conditions.

September

Mammary Gland Cancer and Pyometra

Spaying and neutering your pets at an early age not only helps control pet overpopulation, but may help prevent potential life threatening disease. Two major complications that intact, unspayed, female animals can suffer from are mammary gland cancer and pyometra, pus-filled uterus. Each heat cycle or period that an intact female goes through causes a surge of hormones that led to thickening of the mammary and uterine tissues. Over time the environment in these regions becomes altered and can promote growth of irregular tissues and bacteria. Tumors and infection can then arise.

Mammary gland cancer is a devastating disease that occurs commonly in dogs and cats that are left intact. Owners will often find a small mass within one of the mammary glands. Surgical removal and biopsy are encouraged to determine the type of mass and prognosis. Surgery requires that wide margins around the mass are obtained to prevent missing any of the cancerous cells. See Photos. In cats, mammary gland tumors are malignant in 90% of the cases. In dogs there is a 50% chance that the tumors are benign or non-cancerous. The cancerous form is fairly aggressive and will often spread to other mammary glands, lymph nodes and the lungs. Long-term prognosis ranges from six months to two years following biopsy. By spaying your pets at the recommended age of six months you remove the hormone stimulation that leads to tissue changes and the risk of cancer.

Pyometra or a pus filled uterus occurs also due to chronic hormone stimulation. The tissue within the uterus becomes thickened and allows for the growth of bacteria within the uterus. This condition can be potentially life threatening and is an emergency. The uterus swells with pus and can rupture resulting in death. Initially the owners may notice that the animal becomes a bit lethargic and goes off food. A bloody to pusy discharge may be noticed from the vulva also. Xrays and bloodwork will be able to determine if a pyometra is present. Emergency surgical removal of the uterus and ovaries is recommended to avoid the potential life threatening complications of this condition. See photos of the enlarged uterus. Again early spaying of your pets will remove the cause of this disease and prevent emergency surgery in the future.

Cases:

Lexi is a 7-year-old female intact domestic short hair cat that developed a large firm mass on the fourth right mammary gland that eventually ruptured. When the owners presented with Lexi she was lethargic and not eating. The mass on right mammary gland chain had ulcerated and was infected. She was in a fair amount of pain as well. Surgical removal and biopsy of the mass was performed and it was determined that the tumor was an extremely aggressive mammary gland cancer. Lexi survived two months after the surgery and then succumbed to her cancer, which had spread to her lymph nodes and lungs. If she had been spayed at six months she would probably have lived a long full life.

Suzie is a 5-year-old female intact German Shepard Dog that presented to our clinic for lethargy and inappetance. The owners also noticed a pusy discharge from her vulva over the past week. Physical examination revealed that Suzie was dehydrated with a high fever. Bloodwork showed a high white blood cell count which indicates infection. On Xray her uterus was enlarged. Lexi was immediately placed on intravenous fluids and antibiotics and prepared for surgery. During surgery an enlarged pus filled uterus was found. If Lexi’s owners had waited any longer she may not have survived. Lexi currently is doing very well. Her owners would have avoided this stressful and costly procedure by performing a spay at a young age.

If you have any questions regarding spaying and neutering your pets please do not hesitate to contact our staff at the Brooklyn Veterinary Group.

August

Heat Stroke

With the warmer months upon us owners should take extra precautions to avoid this potentially fatal condition. Heat stroke occurs when an animal’s body temperature rises well above normal, (also called hyperthermia). Owners must remember that animals cannot sweat like people and are much more affected by temperature changes than humans. Normal body temperature for a dog or a cat range from 100 to 102.5 degrees Fahrenheit. Pocket pets can run higher, normally, around 103 degrees. Some of the causes of heat stroke include high environmental temperatures and humidity, or being kept in an unventilated room or car. Over exhertion from long walks or excessive play may cause this condition as well. Underlying disease can facilitate an animal suffering from heat stroke also. Certain breeds of animals will succumb to the heat faster than others. Brachycephalic breeds, (those with non-elongated snouts such as bulldogs, boxers, pugs and Persian cats) and long-haired breeds are much more prone to overheat than others. Other risk factors include age, obesity, heart disease and dehydration.

Some of the signs that your animal may be exhibiting with heat stroke include panting, excessive salivation, fast heartbeat, reluctance to rise, diarrhea, vomiting, muscle tremors or seizures. These symptoms if left untreated can rapidly progress to multiple organ failure, coma or death within a matter of a few minutes. If you notice any of these signs do not hesitate to bring your pet directly to the vet at once. Treatment includes a complete work up to rule out any underlying disease or potential long-term effects of the hyperthermia. Intravenous fluids are administered to prevent the animal from going into shock and to aid in the cooling process. Isopropyl alcohol is placed on the animal’s pads in a means to allow an evaporative cooling process. Cool water baths may also be used depending on the degree of the hyperthermia. The cooling process must be performed slowly or you run the risk of causing hypothermia, (low body temperature) and shock. All of these treatments must be performed by a veterinary staff to ensure proper regulation of body temperature. In extreme cases, the veterinarian may require that your animal remains in the hospital for monitoring and prevention of a reoccurrence.

Ways to avoid heat stroke include regular veterinary check ups of your pets prior to the summer months or periods of prolonged exercise. If the weather becomes hot and humid owners should make sure that their pets are kept in well ventilated rooms during the day with access to fresh water at all times. Leaving animals outside in these temperatures without adequate shade can be fatal. Restrict walks and exercise during these times as well and again always bring water with you for walks. Never leave your animals in a car unattended during the warmer months. Even with the windows open a parked car can reach a temperature of over 100 degrees Fahrenheit within a few minutes.

Again if you are at all concerned with potential heat stroke bring your animal to your vet at once. Every second counts in this condition and it could be a matter of life or death.

July

Obesity

Obesity in dogs and cats is becoming a daily struggle. As in us, obesity can lead to many serious health problems in our pets. Some of the more common side effects overweight pets encounter are diabetes, heart disease and joint problems. Some animals develop horrific arthritis secondary to the excessive weight placed on their joints. This can lead to an inability to walk or go to the bathroom in which case many owners will elect to euthanize the animal. Heart, kidney or liver can also occur in obese animals and can also be life threatening.
Obesity can develop due to poor diet and lack of exercise. One of the greatest offenders of weight gain is feeding animals table scraps. In some cases there are underlying diseases that may initiate the weight gain so have your pet evaluated by his or her veterinarian prior to starting any kind of weight loss regimen. Only your veterinarian can determine if your pet is indeed obese and what will be the best plan for weight loss.  Often times an over the counter or prescription weight loss diet will be recommended. The owner will be required to measure the food to ensure that the proper amount is fed. It is best to feed pets at least TWICE daily as opposed to once to increase satiety. Also vegetables such as carrots and string beans can be added to the diet counteract the decrease in regular food fed. As always increased activity is recommended as well. For dogs you can take longer walks or play ball. Cats can be encouraged to run around after a laser pointer or dangling toys.

Case #1:

Oscar was 5-year-old Labrador retriever who presented to us for evaluation of a lameness of the right hind leg. Upon exam, Oscar was found to be severely overweight at 98 pounds, which is more than 20 pounds over average. With questioning, we learned that Oscar ate a good brand food, but was constantly offered table scraps and treats throughout the day. Oscar had a great deal of difficulty breathing with just simple activity such as short leash walks. Recently he developed a lameness of the right hind leg that made him almost 100% immobile. With examination, it was determined that Oscar had ruptured a ligament in his knee of the right leg. This type of injury will often cause lameness, but due to Oscar’s obesity it had also rendered him immobile. The owners were unable to lift Oscar to bring him outside to go to the bathroom and he was therefore covered in his own urine and feces as well. The injury most likely occurred primarily due to the excessive amount of weight the leg had to support. Surgical correction of the ligament would be required and would cost the owners approximately $2500.00. Oscar’s owners adored him and proceeded with the surgery. The surgery itself went very well, but Oscar struggled greatly with post-operative recovery again due to his obesity. His owners were unable to support him with only three good legs and he never fully regained the strength to walk again. Regretfully Oscar was put to sleep for a very routine problem that was aggravated by his weight.

Case #2:

Basil was a 10 year old, male neutered domestic short hair cat that came in for increased drinking and urination. Basil weighed 18 pounds where the average cat weighs about 9 to 12 pounds. His diet consisted of dry food all day long and one half a can of wet food. Bloodwork was performed which revealed that Basil had developed diabetes mellitus. This condition, as in humans, causes an increase in blood glucose which can be life threatening. Treatment often requires twice daily injections that the owner is taught to administer at home. Often a special diet is recommended also. Diabetes is very frustatrating and can be costly to deal with. In Basil’s case, his owner had difficulty administering the injections and he suffered a debilitating increase in his blood sugar which resulted in his death. This condition may have been completely avoided if Basil maintained a healthy weight.
Please contact our office if you have any questions regarding your pets weight or health.

June

Flea Allergy Dermatitis / Hypersensitivity

Flea allergy dermatitis or sensitivity is caused when an animal is bitten by a flea and reacts to its saliva. Small red bumps develop and lead to a severe itchiness. Many animals will suffer from hair loss and pruitis, (itchiness). In some cases the animals will scratch or chew themselves until they bleed. Regions of the body usually affected in dogs are the back, groin and tail. In cats, the areas affected are often the head and neck. Depending on the severity the entire body may be affected. Finding the fleas or flea dirt is beneficial in diagnosing the condition, but it only takes one fleabite to trigger a reaction and that flea may have moved on already. Therefore, your veterinarian may just recommend treating for fleas even though you do not visibly see them.

Your pet can contract fleas from one quick visit outside even if it only a few seconds. Even animals that never go out have been found with fleas. Either the owner carries the fleas in on their clothing or another animal in the apartment/ house has a flea infestation. Fleas will also bite humans and can lead to very itchy red bumps as well. Also fleas can carry tapeworm eggs that can be passed onto our pets through ingestion.

Treatment of flea allergy dermatitis includes removal of the fleas via a flea dip or the use of Frontline, a topical spot on treatment available for dogs and cats. Frontline kills any fleas on the animal within 24 hours and will also cause fleas eggs to become infertile and not hatch. The environment MUST be cleaned as well to completely eliminate the fleas. Fleas love to lay eggs in carpeting and crevices within floorboards. Any bedding that the animal comes into contact with should be thoroughly washed or discarded. Anything that can not be washed, couches, rugs, etc., should be sprinkled with an over the counter flea powder that is left to sit for at least one hour. Then vacuum the areas and throw the vacuum bag away because the fleas can survive in the bag. Do NOT put the flea powder on the animal itself and keep them out of that room while the powder is sitting. Some animals can have violent reactions to the flea powder that can lead to seizures or even death. Also you may consider having your house professionally bombed by an exterminator in cases of severe infestations. Flea collars are of minimal use in preventing or eliminating fleas and are not recommended. Be careful with the over the counter imitation topical preventatives. Some animals develop life-threatening illnesses and many have died as a result. Always contact your veterinarian prior to using any medication.

In very itchy animals with sores, steroids and antibiotics will be prescribed to reduce the itchiness, inflammation and secondary infection. Remember that it is easier to prevent fleas than to treat a hypersensitivity reaction and disinfect your entire home. Please pick up your Frontline at your next visit or just stop in to pick some up for your pets today. Now that the weather is warmer the fleas are out!! Frontline will also prevent your pets from getting ticks which can transmit debilitating diseases to our pets and us. As always if you have any questions or concerns regarding fleas or hypersensitivity please contact our staff at the Brooklyn Vet Group at any time.

May

Kidney (or Renal) failure

With the recent pet food recall we would like to discuss kidney disease this month.

Kidney failure can occur suddenly, (acute), or develop over time, (chronic). Potential causes of kidney disease are toxins, certain medications, heart disease, heat stroke, bacterial infections, trauma and cancer. Some of the more common toxins that may lead to kidney failure include antifreeze, grape or raisin ingestion, lily flower ingestion. In the case of the pet food recall an ingredient used in rat bait was detected in the food which causes significant renal damage in dogs and especially cats.

Some of the clinical signs associated with kidney failure include excessive drinking and urination, vomiting, lethargy, weight loss and inappetence. The kidneys help the body to filter out toxins from the blood stream therefore when they are not functioning properly the blood becomes acidic which results in nausea and anorexia. In later stages of the disease you may notice diarrhea and vomiting with blood, dehydration, halitosis, (bad breath), increased respiratory effort and DECREASED urine output. Owners should have their pets immediately examined if they notice any of the signs.

A veterinarian will most likely examine your pet and perform a complete blood count, a vetscreen and a urinalysis exam. These tests will evaluate the kidney functioning ability. If there is evidence of kidney damage than further diagnostics such as X-rays, ultrasound and urine culture may be needed to determine the extent of damage and the cause. With significant damage it is recommended that your pet is admitted to the hospital for intravenous fluids to help flush the kidneys and correct the dehydration and electrolyte abnormalities. After a few days of treatment bloodwork is re-evaluated and depending on the results a better idea of prognosis can be determined.

In cases of acute renal disease prognosis with treatment is often favorable to good. The pet may require long-term diet change to decreased the work load of the kidneys and subcutaneous fluids which an owner can be instructed to perform at home. Bloodwork should be monitored frequently following diagnosis also. Eventually the disease process will not be able to be controlled and at that point is considered chronic. Chronic renal failure on the other hand holds a survival rate of only several months.

If you pet has ingested any of the recalled pet foods we are advising an immediate physical exam, bloodwork and a urinalysis. If you are uncertain of the foods that were recalled please visit www.menufoods.com. Early diagnosis will provide a more favorable prognosis.

April

Otitis Externa (ear infection)

Otitis externa is an inflammation of the external ear canal that commonly occurs in dogs, cats and pocket pets. The inflammation occurs secondary to a change in the normal environment of the ear canal. This can be caused by a number of different factors including moisture in the ear, parasites, polyps or excessive hair or wax. Once the normal environment is altered bacteria and or yeast begin to flourish in the ear canal leading to further inflammation, discharge and discomfort. At this point the ear is infected. The skin within the ear begins to become thick and may occlude the ear canal completely. Without treatment the infection can spread through to the middle and internal canals which may result in a resistant infection or even equilibrium disturbances. Other complications include hematomas of the ear canal which occur when the blood vessels in the ear are ruptured from chronic scratching and shaking. Hematomas require surgical repair and can leave the ear permanently disfigured.

Clinical signs that owners may notice include frequent scratching of the ears or shaking of the head. There may be an odor associated with the infection as well. In advanced cases the discharge may be visible and purulent, (pus filled) or bloody. The condition occurs frequently in animals with floppy ears such as labs or cockers and small breed dogs. In some cases the infection may be due to an underlying allergy condition such as those related to food allergens. A common cause of ear infections in young and stray animals are ear mites which are a tiny parasite that live within the ear canal and cause severe itchiness. These parasites are also contagious to other animals.

If you are noticing any of these signs in your pet it is recommended to see your veterinarian as soon as possible to prevent complications. Your veterinarian may recommend culturing the ear to determine what type of bacteria or yeast is causing the infection and what medications will resolve the issue fastest. Ear infections respond best to topical treatment which requires the owner to clean and treat the ear once to twice daily. In advanced cases oral medications may be needed to control the infection and alleviate some of the discomfort your pet is experiencing. To prevent infections owners should clean their pet’s ears at least every two weeks and after bathes. If you have any questions regarding this matter please do not hesitate to contact the staff at the Brooklyn Vet Group for advice.

March

HypOglycemia (low blood sugar)

A must read for puppy owners

Hypoglycemia or low blood sugar is a condition where there is a low amount of glucose, (sugar), in the blood. This condition can occur in diabetic animals on insulin treatment, during pregnancy, overexertion, and malnutrition or more commonly in young puppies and kittens. Young and small breed animals are most susceptible to this condition. Inappetance and overexertion can rapidly use up the body's store of glucose in young animals. If these animals are not feed the levels may drop dangerously low and cause signs of hypoglycemia to develop. The signs can include weakness, collapse, depression, abnormal behavior, incoordination, vomiting or even seizures. Pepper is a 4-month-old female intact toy poodle that presented to our clinic after decreased appetite, vomiting and weakness for 1 day. On physical examination, Pepper's temperature was low at 99 degrees and she was very weak. A blood glucose was immediately obtained and it revealed that her sugar levels were dangerously low. An intravenous catheter was immediately placed and Pepper was given IV fluids with sugar in them. Pepper stayed at our hospital for the day while we monitored her sugar and had her eating again. By the end of the day, Pepper was up and playful again. Her appetite was back to normal as well. She is now closely monitored by her family for any signs of reoccurrence.

Princess was a 5-month-old female intact Maltese that suffered with similar signs as Pepper, but unfortunately her family was unable to bring her to the hospital for 2 days. By the time they arrived Princess had begun to have seizures. Her blood sugar upon arrival was very low and despite rapid treatment by our staff her seizures continued despite therapy. Princess was suffering with the constant seizures and her body temperature had risen to a deadly level. Her owners elected to euthanize her. Hypoglycemia can be an easily treated condition if caught early and if not cause by another underlying disease. If you notice that your puppy or kitten is weak or not eating it is best to bring them in immediately. Our veterinarians will examine your pet and work them up appropriate to narrow down the cause for the episode. If you have any further questions regarding this matter please do not hesitate to contact our staff.

December

Tinsel Ingestion - A holiday tragedy to avoid!!!

Jingles is a sweet little 1 year old female domestic short hair cat who is normally very happy and playful. Her owners have recently noticed that Jingles was very listless and not eating well at all. This morning she vomited two times and they rushed her in to us. Her physical examination revealed that she was depressed and mildly dehydrated. Palpation of her abdomen proved to be painful. With further questioning of her owners, we learned that they had decorated their house for the Christmas holiday and Jingles was especially inquisitive with the decorations on the tree. The owners stated that they had used tinsel on the tree as well.

Cats are very attracted to string type material and will often ingest the object while playing with it. We decided to perform X-Rays of Jingles to look for any foreign material. In most case foreign objects do NOT show up on X-Rays, but in Jingles case we were very lucky (see the X-Ray). The tinsel is visible within her stomach and small intestines.

The concern with string type foreign bodies is that they lodge within the intestinal tract and the body is unable to move them along. As a result the intestines bunch up around the string and can reduce the blood flow to that area. The tissue begins to die and a raging, life threatening infection results. This condition is considered an emergency and should be addressed immediately. Treatment includes full bloodwork to evaluate the extent of the infection, intravenous fluids to rehydrate the animal and surgical removal of the foreign material. Often times, even with proper care, the affected length of intestines may need to be removed altogether if the damage is too advanced.

In Jingles' case her owners noticed her clinical signs very early in the disease process and her surgery was successful. A 5-inch piece of tinsel was removed from her small intestines and her recovery went extremely well. After 4 days in our hospital, Jingles returned home to her owners. Her family removed all the tinsel from their tree and swore never to bring it into their home again. Cat owners should be very careful with any type of string that they keep in their homes. We strongly recommended that tinsel and easter grass are completely avoided in homes with cats. Not all cases turn out as fortunate as Jingles. If you suspect that your cat may have ingested a string, please contact the Brooklyn Vet Group at once!

HAPPY HOLIDAYS TO ALL!

November

PYOMETA

(Warning for the weak stomached viewers – surgery photos present)

Pyometra is a life threatening condition seen among intact or unspayed dogs and cats. It is caused by repeated exposure to estrogen, which occurs during an animal's normal heat cycle. The estrogen induces thickening of the uterine tissue which then allows bacteria to flourish in this delicate area causing a severe infection. The condition can result in death if left untreated due to dehydration, sepsis and other complications.

Daisy was a 4-year-old intact domestic short hair cat who presented to our office for severe lethargy and inappetance. On physical examination, Daisy was very dehydrated, weak and pale. There was a purulent, (pusy), discharge noted from her vulva, See photo. Radiographs were obtained and a large fluid filled uterus was discovered, (note the tubular object towards the back end of the animal in the x-ray). A complete blood count and chemistry were also performed. Daisy was found to have an elevated white blood cell count indicating a rampant infection and mild kidney damage due to the dehydration. We immediately started her on intravenous fluids and intravenous antibiotics to stabilize her.

Treatment options for pyometra include supportive care and surgical removal of the affected uterus. In early cases, without complications, medical treatment may be successful. In Daisy's case the condition was too far advanced to attempt medical treatment alone and she was rushed to surgery. The surgical photos reveal an enlarged, thickened uterus, which was filled with a thick purulent discharge. Daisy recovered well from her surgery and is now back to her normal playful self!!

Pyometra is one of the many reasons to spay and neuter your pets. Other reasons include the reduction of mammary gland, ovarian, testicular and prostatic cancer. The biggest and most important reason to spay and neuter your animals is to reduce the pet overpopulation problem in our country. Last year alone over 9.6 MILLION animals were destroyed in shelters across the United States. That figure adds up to 56% of dogs and 71% of cat admitted to shelters that are put down simply because there are not enough homes. Studies show that one pair of cats and their offspring can produce a total of 60,000 cats in one year. A female dog and her offspring can create 1,100 puppies in a year. There just is not enough room for them all. Please do your part to prevent the destruction of all these poor animals and have your pet spayed or neutered today! Please contact our office for any detail regarding this procedure and keep your best friends happy and healthy!!

October

SPONTANEOUS PNEUMOTHORAX

Lola, a two-year-old female spayed malamute presented to our clinic early on a Friday morning. Her owner noticed that Lola was breathing a bit heavier recently, especially after playing. Otherwise she was in great shape, eating and drinking well, bright and alert. On physical examination, Lola was found to have labored breathing and decreased heart sounds on the left side. Her breathing was rapid and shallow with abdominal movement. The remainder of her physical exam was unremarkable. X-Rays were obtained and it revealed an elevation of the heart away from the chest cavity wall.

This condition occurs when there is air AROUND the lungs and heart. There are several types of pneumothorax that often occur following trauma such as a fall, hit by a car or a puncture/bite wound or with another systemic disease process. In severe cases the lungs cannot expand properly and they will collapse. In certain breeds, large deep chested dogs, especially Siberian huskies and malamutes, the complication can occur spontaneous without any trauma or other ailment. Clinical signs can range from a slight increase in respiratory effort to complete respiratory distress and cyanosis (loss of oxygen that results in a blue-tint to the gums). Bloodwork is often unremarkable. Treatment of trauma related cases often requires a chest tap or thoracocentesis to remove the free air around the organs. In spontaneous or complicated cases surgery is required to remove damaged or diseased lung tissue.

Lola was successfully treated with surgery and is home with her family again. As mentioned before, pneumothorax is rare, but does occur following traumatic events or other diseases. If you notice that your pet is having trouble breathing, please do not hesitate to contact the Brooklyn Veterinary Group at once to have one of out veterinarians examine your pet. A delay in treatment may result in an unsuccessful recovery.

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!!!

September

HEARTWORM DISEASE

Bailey was a 4 year old spayed female Labrador Retriever that presented to our hospital for annual vaccinations and heartworm testing. Bailey’s owners have not given her heartworm preventative for the last 4 months. On physical examination, Bailey had a very subtle heart murmur, meaning an audible disturbance in the heart’s blood flow. Otherwise Bailey was completely normal. A small blood sample was obtained and submitted for her annual heartworm test as recommended by the American Heartworm Society. Her test results returned the next day and were POSITIVE for heartworm disease!

Heartworm disease is a potentially fatal disease that is easily prevented with a once a month tablet. The disease is transmitted by mosquitos so every dog is at risk. The mosquito injects the heartworm larvae into your dog OR cat and the larvae migrate to the heart and lungs where they develop into adults. The adults multiply and cause severe damage to the delicate structures of the heart and lung. If left untreated the disease is fatal. Most dogs with the disease do not show any clinical signs at all and can only be diagnosed through a heartworm test. In severe cases animals may develop a subtle cough, a heart murmur, exercise intolerance, collapse or sudden death.

Treatment options include a series of injections to kill the adult worms. As the worms die off they can form a clot that can lodge in the lungs causing sudden death. The four to six weeks following treatment the patient must be under strict rest to reduce the risk of this occurrence.

We are pleased to say that Bailey made a full recovery and is enjoying a healthy life with her owners! She is taking once a month Heartgard to prevent the re-occurrence of this deadly disease. Here at the Brooklyn Veterinary Group we STRONGLY recommend Heartgard for once a month heartworm preventative and prevention of intestinal parasites which may affect your pets and your family. We also recommend annual heartworm testing. For more information visit www.heartwormsociety.org or contact our office.

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