For a Healthy Pet

Special Thanks to Dr. Sherer at Northview Animal Hospital, www.northviewanimalhospital.com.

Question: When should my puppy get shots and how often after that?

Answer: 6-8 weeks old then every 3-4 weeks until they are 16 weeks old.

Question: I have aggressive chewers! Is it okay to give my dogs cooked beef rib bones to chew or will they splinter and cause a problem?

Answer: Dogs need to chew to keep there teeth strong and clean but rib bones are probably not a good idea especially for aggressive chewers. Rib bones, poultry bones, steak bones etc can all splinter. Even though a dog's stomach acid can break down some bones there is a chance a splinter can make it to the small intestine and cause a blockage or even a tear, resulting in a tragic outcome. It is best to stick with a knuckle bone that is less likely to splinter. Always keep a close eye on your pets when you give them any kind of bones to make sure they don't break when they are chewing on them.

Question: At what temperature should I keep my snake's habitat?

Answer: Depending on the type of snake that you have the temperature should be kept between 80-88 degrees F. If your snake is of a more tropical nature it prefers the higher range while snakes from more temperate zones prefer the lower range. If snakes are kept at the same temperature at all times they may experience heat stress. Therefore it is probably a good idea to drop the temperature 5-10 degrees at night..

Question: I just purchased male hamster and I already have another at home. The two seem to constantly fight until they bleed. What can I do?

Answer: The two need to be separated immediately. If the hamsters are both males they will constantly fight and may even kill each other. The only relationships that work with Hamsters are male/female and female/female.

Question: While I was painting my cat got into the paint and now has a purple tail. Will this harm him?

Answer: Most water-based latex paints are non-toxic but the cat could get an upset stomach if he ingests the paint. Never use any type of paint thinner or remover on the cat or any animal because it could cause a severe chemical burn. If the cats behavior changes or if you think the cat has ingested the paint contact a vet immediately.

Question: How do you stop biting? I know she is just a puppy, but her teeth are so sharp!!

Answer: That's a tough question with many different answers depending on the dog and owner. But usually I recommend keeping a chew toy with you, if the puppy starts to chew inappropriately give them the toy automatically and praise them when they chew the toy. Ignore the dog or walk away if they are biting or having undesirable behavior. Loud noise whether it's a voice or some noise maker like a tin can with pennies or something else is helpful to end the activity and redirect it. If the puppy is trained to sit that's a good time to use it. That redirects the puppy's behavior and then you can praise them when they do something good. Starting with a good training class in puppies is very important to establish the bond and hierarchy in the relationship. Classes help them decide how to respond to this situation as well as many others encountered during puppyhood.

Question: We have a 9 yr old stray. She is normally low key but has bit 4 people, not hard enough to break skin but two were kids. The last incident she growled and showed her teeth as well. Will proper training help our dog?

Answer: First make sure everyone is safe by keeping the kids away from the dog. Next get a Vet exam to make sure there is no underlying pain that could be leading to this behavior. Then I would see a Veterinary Behaviorist. Seeing a dog trainer could work but some trainers use very aggressive techniques that can work sometimes but other times these techniques make dogs much, much more dangerous because they become more fearful (leading to fear aggression). If you have a regular Vet, check with him to see if they use or can refer you to a Veterinary Behaviorist

Question: Do puppies (Westie) lose "baby" teeth?

Answer: Puppies do lose their baby teeth although sometimes it can be difficult to tell because they tend to lose them while chewing on things and sometimes swallow them. In puppies and kittens, adult teeth come in at certain times depending on the tooth. Infrequently, puppy/kitten teeth (also called deciduious teeth or primary teeth) don't fall out as they are supposed to, so they can be easily removed (most times during a spay or neuter). It's important to have them taken out if they don't come out on their own because they can cause many problems in the mouth including to a much greater build-up of tartar and calculus (which is bad for the rest of the body). Dogs and cats have Incisors(front 6 teeth, top and bottom), Canines(2 top and 2 bottom), Premolars(first few teeth behind Canines), and Molars(last 2 teeth in the mouth). Dogs tend to loose there incisors between 3-5 mths, Canines 4-6 mths, Premolars 4-6 mths, and Molars 5-7 mths. Cats loose there Canines 3-4 mths, Canines 4-5 mths, Premolars 4-6 mths, and Molars 4-6 mths.

Question: We just started giving our pug Salmon oil in his dog food. Have you heard anything about this? He seems to scratch a lot and this is supposed to help his coat.

Answer: Fish oils are often helpful for skin conditions in dogs. There are omega fatty acids in the fish oil which can be helpful for dogs with skin problems (they change the ways that inflammatory cells are recruited and activated in the case of skin inflammation and they can also help to maintain a layer of the skin that keeps the skin from drying out). There are different kinds of fish oils that have different balances of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids. Fish oils are generally safe but I recommend talking to your regular vet to choose which fish oils may be beneficial and to make sure that it's safe to give your dog.

Question: My 4 year old dog starting drooling a lot last summer. My vet says it is her teeth and gave me CET dental liquid to put in her water which is expensive. Her teeth are not rotten and she doesn't have bad breath. Do you have any other suggestions?

Answer: I think it's good idea to have her teeth checked and cleaned thoroughly. Often there can be problems below the gumline that are more difficult to diagnose. Dental x-rays might be helpful to diagnose a possible tooth root abscess or other problem. There will probably be an initial expense up front but might cut off lots of problems down the line. Also, pets often have to be sedated or anesthetized for dental procedures which is much safer and allows us to do a much more thorough and better job (but it also contributes to the increased expense).

Question: Our pug gets a lot of gookies in his eyes. We constantly clean them. They don't seem dry, sometimes they appear red. Our vet does not seem concerned about this. Is this normal and is there anything we can do to prevent this?

Answer: It is common for Pugs and other dogs with eyes that protrude from their face to have more dried discharge around their eyes. They also tend to be prone to a disease called keratoconjunctivitis sicca (also called KCS or dry eye). Dry eye is a disease where tears aren't produced normally and thick discharge builds up around the eyes (since the tears aren't there to flush all the debris from the eyes). Often it can't be cured but it can be controlled with lifetime treatments of topical eye medications. It can be diagnosed relatively easily using the Schirmer Tear Test. Some dogs experience more dried discharge around their eyes than others, and dogs can have varying degrees of redness in their eyes. If your dog's eyes seem to have excessive discharge, if the discharge is green or yellow or if the eyes seem irritated (if you dog is rubbing his eyes with his paws or on the furniture or carpet, or if you notice squinting) it's worth being seen by a veterinarian who may elect to do a Schirmer tear test and maybe other tests to check for other eye problems.

Question: Recently, our cat started to loose fur on her ear. It is not red, it is not an open wound, and does not seem to bother her. We have not changed her food or treats; or anything that we use, such as laundry detergent or fabric softeners. Any ideas as to why she has suddenly developed this bald spot?

Answer: Loss of fur can happen for a variety of different reasons. It seems you have a few of them in mind with your comments about foods and laundry detergents. Allergies to food and sensitivities to things such as laundry detergent are reasons for hair loss (alopecia) in cats but usually the cats are itchy when those are problems. There are a few things that could be going on, but two that I think could be more likely. One is a kind of mite called demodex- it's a mite that is normally on cats (and people as well) but it can get overgrown in certain circumstances. The other is ringworm which is more concerning because of the possibility that ringworm can be transmitted to people. I think it's definitely worth a check-up by your regular veterinarian to help diagnose the underlying cause. There are tests and treatments that are effective for both demodex and ringworm. Not all forms of ringworm are easily passed from animals to people but if you have any rash (on your hands or arms most likely) you may want to go see your regular physician and let them know about the spot on your cat's ear.

Question: Our Pug has a history of mast cell tumor resection. He recently got his rabies shot that was due. We now noticed another lump has surfaced. We heard shots can aggravate or stimulate these types of tumors. Is this true? Should we refrain from getting these shots?

Answer: There are certain situations where I might recommend not getting vaccines in dogs and cats but this isn't one of them. The first thing I would recommend is getting the lump checked again. Sometimes dogs can have bumps at the site of the vaccine that usually go away in a month or two. These lumps are usually increased firmness under the skin and aren't typically discolored. Most vets document where they give certain vaccines so you can call and find out if you're not sure where the vaccine was given. If the bump is not at the vaccine site then I would definitely get it checked again. I agree with the idea that some vaccines could exacerbate some of these tumors (because vaccines cause an immune response and mast cell are involved in signaling immune response) but the vaccine doesn't cause these tumors. There is more value in knowing if the tumors are present and if they are addressing them rather than not vaccinating your dog and missing them if they are already present. Obviously skipping vaccines also means you aren't going to get their protective effect and with rabies this can have some legal consequences.

Question: My 2 male dogs have been fighting a lot, but they shouldn't be territorial because one is fixed. What should I do???

Answer: There are a lot of reasons that dogs can fight with territorial behavior being one of them plus male intact dogs are more prone to territorial behavior. This can also be true if only one of them is intact (if both are intact you have even more chances of a problem- on the other hand you could have two intact dogs that don't have problems with each other or two neutered dogs that can be territorial). Different kinds of aggression can be diagnosed based on the circumstances surrounding the incidents; it could be fear, territorial, or other kinds of aggression. If they fight over toys or certain treats I wouldn't give them access to those things while they are together. I would feed them separately if they fight over food. It's probably a good idea to see a veterinarian and probably a behaviorist about what's going on. The longer they fight for, the harder it is going to be to stop the behavior. I would have the other dog fixed as well. There are many health and behavioral benefits to having a dog neutered. The longer they go before they are neutered the more likely the undesirable behaviors will persist after neutering (including aggression, urine marking, leg humping, etc).

Question: Our 7 yr Pug had a mast cell tumor removed from his left leg/inner thigh back in Sept 07 under general anesthesia. He did very well but has another very small and superficial looking lump on his right upper leg. Our vet feels she can remove it using a local/iv sedation because general anesthesia is risky.She will stop if after sedation he is moving too much. What would you advise?

Answer: I would advise first checking the lump with a fine needle aspiration to check for mast cells (or other concerning cells). That would help to know how aggressive you need to be addressing the mass. If there were mast cells present I would do everything to make sure that adequate margins (2-3 cm and 1 tissue layer deep as your vet got last time) were achieved to pre

Question: We rescued a kitten and he is a 6 week old tomcat, we have a 2 year old female housecat. When the female cat smells the kitten she starts to growl and hiss then she runs away. How do we get the housecat to adjust to the kitten, and should we be concerned about the kittens safety?

Answer: It's difficult sometimes for a new cat to get used to another cat coming into the household and sometimes they may never be great friends but there are a few things you can do to increase the chances that they will be able to happily live together. I would introduce them as slowly as possible. Let the female cat get used to the male cat's smell by putting them in adjacent rooms with the door closed- let her smell him under the door which is much less threatening to her. After that if possible introcuce a physical barrier between them so that they can see each other but still be separated. After that you can let them get to know one another face to face. It's impossible to tell what is going to happen but I think it's unlikely that she will hurt him. She most likely feels very threatened by him and the slower you go the more comfortable she is likely to feel.

Question: I think my rabbit has fleas, what should I do?

Answer: There are really no flea washes for rabbits on the market but a kitten flea shampoo would work. You can also use a mild dish soap and wash the rabbit thoroughly making sure to get behind his ears and concentrate on the ir

Question: My 4 year old dog, a mixed breed, started to have a little yellowish goop coming out of his eye. This never happened before, but I have a bad cold and wondered if he may have a cold in his eye. He is otherwise healthy.

Answer: There are a few reasons that dogs can have colored discharge in their eyes and it's probably not related to your cold though. Dogs don't catch upper respiratory infections from people that we are aware of. Among other things he could have an infection in his eyes that he caught from another dog, he could have allergies, he could have foreign material in his eyes, or he could have a scratch on the surface of his eye. Because of the possibility of infection or scratch on the surface of the eye it's worth have a veterinarian check him.

Question: I recently acquired a 2 yr. old Golden Retriever. I've noticed that sometimes he bites himself and sometimes pulls his hair out...could this be anxiety or allergies? should I take him to the Vet?

Answer: Allergies and anxiety are both possibilities- allergies are probably more likely (especially in a golden retriever). There are three major kinds of allergies that are more likely in dogs- flea allergies, food allergies, and environmental allergies. The first thing that I would recommend is making sure that your dog is on a quality flea preventative (such as Frontline). It's best if Frontline isn't applied with 3 days of getting a bath since it's absorbed through the oil in the coat (when dogs are bathed the oil is washed off so the medication can't be absorbed normally). Flea allergies commonly show up above the tailbase and sometimes under the armpits (but they can be anywhere). Not being able to see fleas and having other pets in the family that are unaffected doesn't rule them out as a possibility. Food allergies and environmental allergies are more complicated to diagnose and treat. All of these conditions frequently lead to skin infections so it's probably a good idea to have your dog seen by a vet. One of the more common clues to anxiety that we see is dogs that lick their "wrists" or other spots until they loose their hair in one spot and the skin gets thickened- this can also have a secondary skin infection associated.

Question: My dog eats his own feces any suggestions?

Answer: There are a few things that you can try; one that you can get at the grocery store, Adolph's Meat Tenderizer. It breaks down some of the protein in the food before the body digests it so that the bowel movement tastes different and is less appetizing (hard to imagine, no?) There are things that you can try from your veterinarian as well that work in similar ways. These methods do not work all of the time. The most effective is either leash walking your dog and cleaning up after or cleaning up the yard after your dog has a bowel movement.

Question: My friend feeds her bird cheese and I read that dairy products are not good for them. Can you help?

Answer: Most birds lack the enzyme lactase that breaks down lactose. In most cases it is recommended to not feed milk products to birds although some birds do not suffer from lactose tolerance. If milk products are fed, please look out for symptoms of indigestion and diarrhea. But it is important that they eat foods rich in calcium like broccoli, carrots, cabbage, kale, apricots, okra, endive and figs.

Question: Can I feed my Ferret dog food?

Answer: Ferrets should not be fed dog food because they will be missing several nutrients missing from commercial dog foods. Ferrets are unable to digest the high levels of carbohydrate in dog food. They need to get most of their calories from simple carbohydrates, fat and protein. Ferrets have such a short intestinal tract so they can't eat very much at a time. They need a concentrated diet getting most of the calories in their diet from fat, the most concentrated source of energy. Some premium cat foods can be fed to Ferrets but Ferret food with all the required nutrition can be found at most pet stores.

Question: What is floating when it come to a horse's teeth?

Answer: The process of filing a horse's teeth is known as floating. This is the most common dental procedure veterinarians perform on horses needed to remove sharp enamel points and create a more even bite plane. It also helps keep incisors and cheek teeth at a desirable length. Pastured Horses browse picking up dirt and grit and silicate in grass which wears down the teeth. Stabled horses may not give their teeth the same workout because the softer feeds require less chewing. This may allow the horse's teeth to become excessively long or to wear unevenly. Unfortunately all horse's cheek teeth tend to develop sharp enamel points even under normal grazing conditions. The horse's lower jaw is narrower than its upper jaw and the horse grinds its feed with a sideways motion creating sharp points along the edges. Points form on the cheek side of the upper teeth and the tongue side of the lower teeth. These points should be rasped or filed to prevent them from cutting the cheeks and tongue.

Question: How much food should I feed my fish?

Answer: Only feed your fish what they can consume in a few minutes. Leftover food is not good for the aquarium or tank because of the by-products produced and means more often cleaning for you. Feeding should be once or twice a day depending on your preference. Fish will eat whenever given the chance leading some to believe their fish need more food. But generally one to two small feedings a day will suffice.

Question: I have a 9 month old Great Dane that has acne on his chin what can I do for it?

Answer: Chin acne is more common in cats than in dogs but certainly both can get it. It occurs because the hair follicles on the chin get plugged then infected. It's important to keep the chin as clean, dry and oil free as possible. The first thing is to switch to metal bowls, and wash them frequently- start with once daily, and maybe decreased from there to find an effective amount. You can also use stridex pads to wipe your dogs chin to help flush out the follicles. In some severe cases antibiotics may be necessary in which case going to see your vet would be a good idea.

Question: My female Miniature Pinscher is not neutered. She is 3. She has a liquid oozing from her nipples. What causes this?

Answer: Most commonly mammary discharge is seen because of pregnancy but there are also other conditions that can cause it. Some dogs that are not spayed can go through a false pregnancy when they have their heat cycle. They can participate in nesting behavior (often they will carry a favorite to or stuffed animal and protect it or be more interested in it than they usually are). Mammary tumors or mastasis (mammary infection) can be accompanied by discharge but usually this affects 1 or maybe 2 mammary glands. If there are more than 2 affected I would lean towards pregnancy or false pregnancy.

Question: Why does my kitten never go in the litterbox?

Answer: Every kitten is different so here are some tips to help your kitten use her litterbox. Keep her in one room initially with her litter, food and water before letting her roam the whole house. After a few days she will not need to be confine but she will need to be reassociated with her box. Be sure to praise her when she does use her box. It is a good idea to keep the box in a quiet, low traffic area in the house. Some cats prefer a hooded litter box and others like a more open pan. You may need to experiment with your cat.

Question: My mixed breed sheds constantly. Is there anything I can give him like a supplement to help the shedding?

Answer: Various breeds shed in different amounts as well as some may shed different times of the year or all year round. The important thing to find out is to make sure that the shedding isn't due to an underlying problem such as hypothyroidism or follicular dysplasia. Having blood work and physical exam by a Vet may help to see if there is a medical condition causing the shedding. Also diet and environment need to be discussed with your Vet. Keep in mind more excitable dogs tend to shed more than calm dogs. If there is no problem then make sure to brush your dog regularly and use a pore-dilating shampoo when washing. This will get rid of the dead hair and should help.

Question: My cat has been shaking her head and scratching at her ears a lot. Could he have ear mites?

Answer: Ear mites are microscopic parasites that infect the ears of cats and dogs. They can be passed from one animal to another, most often from a mother to her litter. More cases are seen in outdoor cats and shelter cats. With this said, many times ear mites are blamed for another problem such as allergies, excessive wax, infections, or foreign matter in the canal. Each of these problems has its own special treatment so therefore you should visit your Vet.

Question: My border collie mix has been diagnosed with sugar diabetes. Is there a pill to take instead of insulin? What does this diagnosis mean? I figure this will be expensive is there any way to reduce the cost? any herbal treatments?

Answer: Diabetes mellitus (sugar diabetes) is a complex disease with many factors that effect treatment. I began writing a response to your question but several paragraphs into my response I realized I would be writing for quite a long time. Instead I'm copying a client education sheet that I use from a text book. To quickly answer a few of your questions-
1) there is no pill to take instead of insulin- especially in diabetic dogs because the overwhelming majority are type 1 (insulin dependent) diabetics (described below)
2)The meaning of the diagnosis is quite an extensive question- the following information should help to explain what is happening with the disease, what it might mean for your pet's health, etc.
3)Probably the best way to reduce cost is to schedule recheck appointments and conduct follow-up as your veterinarian recommends- it seems counter-intuitive to make more appointments but the more you stay on top of the disease and controlling the blood glucose- the less often you will need to seek advanced medical care. Insulin doses necessary vary from animal to animal and vary for the same animal under different circumstances and conditions.
4)I'm not familiar with effective herbal treatment- there may be some that could help with treatment but none to use instead of insulin. Insulin is a hormone produced in animals that isn't duplicated in herbal or plant treatments.
Maintaining a healthy weight, exercising your dog, giving a diet that normalizes glucose release to the body (a diet high in fiber for dogs), giving the insulin as close as you can to every 12 hours, and keeping regular follow-up appointments are very important in managing diabetes...

Copied from http://cote.clinicalvetadvisor.com/content/default.cfm
DIABETES MELLITUS
About the Diagnosis Cause: The pancreas is an organ within the belly (abdomen). The two main functions of the pancreas are to produce enzymes that are involved with digestion and hormones that are primarily involved with the utilization (metabolism) of sugar (glucose). Insulin is one of the most important of these hormones.

Diabetes mellitus (DM), generally just called diabetes, is a disease that affects dogs and cats. Diabetes mellitus is caused by a deficiency of insulin that results in the inability of the body's tissues and organs to properly utilize glucose. When glucose is not used properly by the body, high blood sugar levels develop. This is exactly like diabetes mellitus in human beings. There are two types of diabetes mellitus. Type I (insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus) occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin. Type II (non-insulin-dependent diabetes mellitus) occurs when the body's ability to utilize insulin that is produced is abnormal. Almost all dogs with diabetes mellitus have type I, whereas 50-70% of cats diagnosed with diabetes mellitus have type I and the remaining 30-50% have type II. In dogs, diabetes mellitus is commonly a permanent disorder, whereas in cats a short-term (transient) and reversible form of diabetes mellitus exists. In human beings, by contrast, type II diabetes is more common than type I (juvenile) diabetes.

Diabetes mellitus is one of the most common endocrine (hormonal) disorders in cats and dogs. Diabetes mellitus usually affects middle-aged to older cats and dogs. Any breed can be affected; however in dogs, the keeshond, puli, miniature pinscher, Cairn terrier, poodle, dachshund, miniature schnauzer, and beagle are breeds with higher risks. In dogs, females are more commonly affected, whereas in cats, males are more commonly affected.

The causes of diabetes mellitus can include a genetic susceptibility, infectious diseases, immune system abnormalities that cause destruction of the hormone producing regions in the pancreas, pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), drugs (corticosteroids, progestins), as well as other hormonal diseases (hyperadrenocorticism, acromegaly). Other risk factors include animals that are overweight and female dogs that have not been altered (spayed).

Diabetic animals are more prone to developing bacterial and fungal infections (opportunistic infections). Urinary tract infections are very common as sugars present in the urine of diabetic patients can allow bacteria to multiply.

Most diabetic dogs and cat have mild or moderate symptoms. At the far end of the spectrum, however, ketoacidosis is the most serious complication of diabetes mellitus and is considered a medical emergency. Uncontrolled, ketoacidosis produces diabetic coma and may be fatal. Animals with diabetic ketoacidosis are most often lethargic (sluggish), have little or no appetite, and generally seem profoundly ill; diagnostic testing by a veterinarian is necessary to identify ketoacidosis, and intensive care treatment is generally necessary for animals with diabetic ketoacidosis.

Diagnosis: Symptoms of diabetes mellitus can vary from patient to patient and are often common to several other diseases. The most common early signs of diabetes mellitus include an increase in thirst and urination, weight loss, and an increase in appetite. Later in the course of the disease, sluggishness and vomiting can be noted. Dogs can also develop poor vision and a white or cloudy discoloration of the eyes, whereas cats can develop a poor hair coat, yellow discolorations to the skin, gums, and whites of the eyes (jaundice), and hind limb weakness with an abnormal flat stance (diabetic neuropathy).

Your veterinarian will begin by asking you several questions to try to determine if diabetes mellitus, or another type of problem altogether, could be responsible for symptoms. You should provide whatever information you have when you answer these questions, which often include: the type of symptoms observed, the length of time they have been occurring, effects on vital functions such as appetite and urine elimination, current diet, and any current medications or supplements you are giving your pet.

When examining your pet, your veterinarian will look for some of the abnormalities that can occur with diabetes mellitus, which include obesity (overweight), dehydration, jaundice and a liver that can be felt by the fingertips to be enlarged (seen commonly in dogs and cats as a result of abnormal fat accumulation within the liver as the body tries to compensate for abnormal glucose utilization), cataract formation (seen commonly in dogs as a result of abnormal accumulation of sugars within certain structures of the eye), oily coat with dandruff, and diabetic neuropathy (seen occasionally in cats). If diabetes mellitus is suspected by your veterinarian, further testing will be recommended.

Routine lab tests consisting of blood and urine tests are typically recommended in order to diagnose diabetes mellitus as well as rule out other possible medical problems that produce similar symptoms. A blood sugar level and urinalysis are the tests of choice. Finding persistently high levels of glucose in the blood (hyperglycemia) and urine (glucosuria) in a fasted (no intake of food for 8 or more hours) animal is typically diagnostic for diabetes mellitus. It is important to keep in mind, however, that healthy cats can have high levels of glucose in the blood as a result of high levels of stress, not diabetes. In some of these cases, small amounts of glucose can also be seen in the urine, making a diagnosis of diabetes mellitus more difficult in some cats. Repeatedly high blood and urine glucose levels and the measurement of glycosylated hemoglobin, or fructosamine, levels can help your veterinarian diagnose true diabetes mellitus versus stress in your cat. These tests give a better indication of what the blood sugar levels have been in the animal over the previous several weeks and are less affected by short periods of stress such as travel to the veterinary clinic.

A complete blood count (CBC), biochemical profile, urine culture and sensitivity, imaging techniques (x-rays and ultrasound), and tests for other hormonal problems are also commonly performed to rule out other concurrent illnesses and underlying diseases.

Living with the Diagnosis Diabetes mellitus can be a serious and life-threatening disease if left untreated. On the other hand, most diabetic animals that are diagnosed and treated properly and that respond well to treatment can live a normal or near-normal life span with a good quality of life. Managing a diabetic animal requires a great commitment of time, education, observation, and follow-up care.

The most important factor in a diabetic animal's life is routine. Ideally meals and treatments are given as close to the same time as possible each day. Strenuous exercise generally should be avoided. A consistent amount of controlled exercise each day is ideal. A good routine will help prevent irregular fluctuations in blood sugar levels.

Give all prescribed medications as directed by your veterinarian. These medications are essential in regulating blood sugar levels as well as improving the quality of your pet's life. Most of these medications will be required for the rest of your pet's life. Some cats can go through periods of time where they no longer require medication for diabetes mellitus (diabetic honeymoon period). In a few of these cases, they will never require medication again, whereas in most of the cases, symptoms will develop again at a later time and require further treatment. Discuss with your veterinarian all of the possible side effects of any medications your animal is prescribed, as well as the appropriate actions to take if you notice any of these symptoms.

If your animal requires insulin injections, it is very important to become familiar with the proper handling, administration, and disposal of insulin. Your veterinarian will be able to give you detailed instructions. Insulin is a fragile substance and must be kept in a cool dry place (refrigerator). The insulin bottle should be mixed well prior to removing any of its contents. Ideally the bottle is rolled gently in the hands until thorough mixing is achieved and should never be shaken since this can damage and inactivate the insulin. You should be aware of the type and source of insulin and syringes your animal was prescribed, so that when you need a refill, you are able to ensure that you have received the proper medication and syringe size. Insulin needles and syringes should never be reused or disposed of in the trash. Rather, collect them in a puncture-proof container (e.g., empty bleach jug) and bring it to your veterinarian for disposal.

You should discuss an ideal diet for your pet with your veterinarian and feed only the recommended foods. Some prescription pet diets are made especially for diabetic patients and should be used if your pet enjoys the taste of them. If your pet is no longer willing to eat the special diet, contact your veterinarian prior to changing foods. Consistent nutrition is extremely important in the regulation of a diabetic patient. Always provide unlimited access to fresh clean water. It is also important to talk to your veterinarian about any changes that should be made to your pet's medications if they are unwilling to eat or if they have digestive problems (vomiting).

The first few months after an animal is diagnosed with diabetes mellitus, several trips to the veterinarian will be required. In most situations, daily injections of a low dose of insulin are given, and the dose is gradually increased until the original symptoms are gone (i.e., the diabetes is well-controlled). Blood sugar levels are measured every hour or two for a 12- or 24-hour period 1 to 2 weeks after starting the insulin (the first recheck visit) and periodically thereafter to ensure that appropriate glucose levels are seen. This helps prevent overdosing your animal and allows for fine-tuning of the insulin dose. It is common initially for blood glucose levels to be taken every 1 to 2 weeks. Your animal generally will have to stay in the hospital for the day in order to monitor blood glucose levels every few hours. Once the diabetes is well regulated, these visits will be less frequent, but some degree of monitoring is still required (a few times per year) since insulin requirements can change with time. It is very important to carefully note any changes in your pet's weight, drinking, urination, and eating habits between appointments. Measuring the amount of water your animal drinks in a day can be very useful. This information can help your veterinarian make appropriate adjustments in your pet's medications, especially insulin. Keeping a daily diary of your observations and of the dosage and timing of insulin injections is very helpful and can also help you keep track of medications.

Once your animal has started any treatment for diabetes mellitus, monitoring for signs of low sugar levels (hypoglycemia) is also very important. Too much insulin can cause blood sugar levels to go too low. Low sugar levels can cause disorientation, sluggishness, seizures, coma, and even death if prolonged. If you notice that your animal seems disorientated or weak but is still responsive, offer food immediately. If your animal seems unconscious, apply a sugary solution like corn syrup to the gums. In both of these cases, contact your veterinarian or local emergency hospital immediately.

TREATMENT
The goal of treating a diabetic animal is to minimize blood glucose fluctuations, eliminate the symptoms associated with high blood glucose levels (excessive drinking, urination, and appetite), and improve the quality of the pet's life.

Treatment of diabetes mellitus must be based on the individual patient, the severity of the symptoms, the underlying cause, the type of diabetes, and the secondary diseases that may be involved. In every patient however, all medications that can precipitate diabetes mellitus should be identified and discontinued (steroids, progestins), and all concurrent or underlying diseases should be diagnosed and treated. Intact females (dogs or cats that have not been altered) should be spayed. Hormonal changes that occur when animals are in heat can alter the effects of insulin and the body's use of glucose.

Patients with severe symptoms of diabetes mellitus or ketoacidosis will likely need to be hospitalized initially while intravenous (IV) fluids are given to correct dehydration, electrolyte, and acid-base abnormalities and medications including insulin are initiated. If hospitalization is not required, your veterinarian will start your pet on medications and treatments that can be given at home. Ketoacidosis and severe symptoms (such as loss of appetite, vomiting, and collapse) is a very serious combination that carries a guarded prognosis; one third of patients do not survive even with intensive care.

Insulin treatment is required in all dogs and most cats. Insulin is a very fragile hormone that can easily be inactivated. This is why insulin is given as an injection under the skin with a small needle. There are several different types and sources of insulin. They vary in strength and length (duration) of effect. Your veterinarian will recommend the most appropriate insulin for your animal. Most animals require two insulin injections daily, ideally given approximately 12 hours apart with a meal. Most owners become very efficient at giving these injections and most pets become very tolerant of the treatments. Type I diabetes typically requires lifelong insulin injections.

A diet and weight management program is essential to proper treatment of diabetes mellitus. Diets that are high in simple carbohydrates (sugars), which can cause a spike in blood sugar levels, are avoided. Diets containing complex carbohydrates (starches) that are broken down and used by the body more slowly are preferable. Fiber is an important ingredient in diabetic diets since it slows the absorption of carbohydrates in the body and can decrease hunger sensations for those animals that are overweight. There are several different commercial prescription diets available that can meet the needs of all diabetic patients, whether weight loss, maintenance, or gain is the goal. Achieving and maintaining an ideal body weight is helpful in the treatment of type I, and type II diabetes mellitus.

Some cats with type II diabetes mellitus can be managed with diet therapy and medication given by mouth rather than insulin injections. Only a very small minority of diabetic animals will respond well to these medications. Your veterinarian will help you decide if this is a good alternative for your pet.

Cataracts (cloudy eyes with poor vision to blindness) that develop in dogs as a result of diabetes mellitus will not resolve once the diabetes mellitus is regulated. There is a surgery that can remove the cloudy portion of the eye and restore vision. This type of surgery is generally performed by a veterinary ophthalmologist.

DOs
Realize that diabetes mellitus is a very treatable disease but that the proper management of a diabetic animal requires significant commitment of time, finances, and attention.
Realize that serious and life-threatening complications can arise, especially if diabetes mellitus is left untreated or treated inappropriately.
If you notice that your animal seems disorientated but is still alert and responsive, offer food immediately. If your animal seems unconscious, apply a sugary solution like syrup to the gums. In either of these cases, contact your veterinarian or local emergency hospital immediately. Keep all recommended follow-up appointments with your veterinarian since they are essential in keeping your pet's blood sugar levels well regulated.
Contact your veterinarian, if your pet's symptoms change, worsen, or any new problems arise.
Have your veterinarian or veterinary technician show you how to give all medications and demonstrate the correct method for insulin handling, administration, and disposal. Handle and give all medications exactly as directed by your veterinarian. If your animal is having side effects from any medications or you are finding it very difficult to medicate your animal, contact your veterinarian for advice before discontinuing the treatment. Ask your veterinarian questions about information you do not understand.
If you do not trust or are not comfortable with your veterinarian, get a second opinion from another veterinarian or a veterinary internal medicine specialist.

DON'Ts
Do not postpone a visit to your veterinarian if you observe any symptoms of illness or of diabetes mellitus since early diagnosis and treatment can aid in preventing serious and life-threatening complications of the disease and improving the quality of your pet's life. The initial screening may only require a physical exam and routine blood and urine tests.
Do not give any medications that are not prescribed by your veterinarian for the specific animal in question. Do not stop any medications if your animal is feeling better without consulting with your veterinarian first.
Do not assume that all sources of information are accurate or complete (i.e., Internet sites, outdated pamphlets or books, pet store workers, friends, etc). Ask your veterinarian for recommended sources of information.
If you are giving insulin injections at home, do not reuse or dispose of needles or syringes in the trash. Rather, collect them in a puncture-proof container (e.g., empty bleach jug) and bring it to your veterinarian for disposal.
When to Call Your Veterinarian
If you are unable to give medications as prescribed or if you require a prescription refill.
When you have any questions or concerns related to your pet's continual treatment plan or current status.

Signs to Watch For
Watch for general sign of illness, which can include changes in appetite, weight loss, decrease in activity, sluggishness, dull or poorly kept coat, and changes in behavior such as hiding and aggressiveness. Watch for signs of diabetes mellitus, which can include an increase in thirst (Are you filling up the water bowls more often? Is your animal drinking water from taps, bath tubs, fountains, etc.?) and urination (Is your animal asking to go outside more frequently or having accidents in the house? Do you notice larger urine spots in the litter box, or do you have to change the box more frequently than usual?), vomiting, weakness, changes in vision and appearance of the eyes, yellow discolorations to the skin, gums, and whites of the eyes, and hind limb weakness with an abnormal flat stance.

Routine Follow-Up
As insulin requirements of a given animal can change over time, it is very important to keep all recommended follow-up appointments and lab tests with your veterinarian in order to monitor blood sugar levels, document and treat any new problems that may arise, and make any needed medication adjustments.

Question: My dog Ella sometimes has a bloody stool. The blood is more like a slimy blood coating over the stool. She tends to get an upset stomach where her stomachs makes gurgling noises. She is updated on all her shots and on advantage plus. Can the blood be related to the type of foods or treats since it does not happen all the time? She sometimes scoots.

Answer: It could be related to the food or treats but it could be other things as well. If she ever gets different food or table scraps, or maybe rawhides it could be related to that as well. There are many things that can cause blood in the stool, anal gland problems could be one of them (scooting is often in indicator of anal gland problems) but usually that would be accompanied by painful bowel movements or swelling around the rectum. Make sure to mention it to your regular Vet.

Question: My goat, billy, has shed alot of fur from his pelt, my mom, my dad, my stepdad, nor me knew that goats shed, do they?

Answer: Goats do have an underdown that they shed in the spring. It is an extra coat to help keep them warm in the winter. It can sometimes come off in chunks making them look very sickly. Sometimes you can find your goat rubbing up against trees to help with the removal. If there is a skin irritation associated with the fur loss or the goat seems to not eat or has loose stools you should contact medical attention because the goat may have contracted a parasite.

Question: Our Pug licks his nose frequently. There doesn't appear to be any drainage. Is this normal?

Answer: It could be that pugs have noses that are shaped differently than some other dogs and they do sometimes lick their noses. If he or she didn't lick his nose in the past so much and now he does then it's worth checking into, also I would continue to watch for nasal discharge, sneezing, snorting or changes in his nasal planum (the thickened skin that makes up a dog's nose). If you notice any changes, I would get him checked.

Question: My brother's dog Skeeter is 10 month's old and he's chewing up their carpet and anything else he can get a hold of what can they do to keep him from doing it?

Answer: Since he is still a puppy it is a good idea to keep him crated when he can not be supervised. Make sure that he has plenty of things he is allowed to chew, rawhide and toys and keep them with him in his cage. When you catch him chewing on something he is not supposed to replace it with one of his chewies. It is crucial that he get a lot of exercise, multiple walks a day to work off all that puppy energy and he is less likely to become bored in the house and start chewing up things. Finally if these ideas don’t seem to help at all they do make a bitter spray you can use on the carpet that will leave a bad taste in his mouth. When all else fails the best thing to do is start obedience classes.

Question: Could my dog have a urine infection as he is urinating more often then normal? He is a small cross breed.

Answer: He could have a urinary tract infection among other problems. Male dogs get urinary tract infections less commonly than female dogs (because their urethra is longer and more narrow) but they can still get them. Other possibilities are stones in the bladder, crystals in the urine, or other problems with other parts of the body (hormone changes, kidney problems, diabetes)- these are all illnesses that require medical management so I would recommend visiting your veterinarian to try to figure out why these changes are occurring

Question: Why does my dog go to the bathroom in the house right after I took him outside to go?

Answer: Sounds like you need to house train him better. First thoroughly clean all areas your dog has previously soiled in your house by using biological washing powder solution or a specially formulated enzyme product. Try to use something that removes all traces of the smell and keep your dog away from these areas until the training is complete. Keep your dog under constant supervision while inside and if you can not try confining your dog either in a crate or in a room with a hard-surfaced floor where accidents may be easily cleaned up. When you take your dog outside to go pick a "potty spot". Most dogs prefer porous surfaces like dirt, grass, newspaper etc. If you have a piece of whatever the dog has gone on before place it in this area. It may help to stick with a routine of potty times and stick to it. Take your dog to his "potty spot" at the times you've set and wait for at least 5 minutes. If he starts to relieve himself, praise quietly until he is finished, then praise him heavily and reward him with a treat or something else he enjoys. If he doesn't go, then be sure to supervise him and try again at the next time in your routine. You can even try a command like "go potty" and to get your dog to understand when and where to go the bathroom.

Question: How do I get my 6 month old shepherd's floppy ear to stand?

Answer: There may still be a chance that the ear will stand on its own but if it is not up by 7 months than more than likely it won't stay up. Keep in mind that if your dog is teething this can cause the ears to flop. If they were up before and are down now this could be why. Some older methods suggest taping the ears but newer methods are to "glue" the ears. One glue to use is called "Tear Mender" glue which is a rubbery glue. You can usually find it at tractor supplies stores, drug stores, fabric, or hardware stores. You want to shake the glue well and never pour the glue from the bottle directly on to puppies ears, try putting it on a plate or another surface first. The ears will be glued together over the puppies head. Using your finger, put a small amount of glue in a verticle line on the edge of the ear above the forehead from just slightly above the base to the tip of his ear. Hold the ears together for 30 seconds even though the glue will appear to hold after about 3 seconds. With hair growth, this should hold for about a month. Don't try to pull the ears away from each other before then but feel free to add more glue if it doesn't stick for the whole month. Try again if unsuccessful. Another method is to use pipe insulation and a skin bond. Cut the insulation to fit perfectly inside the ear and cover in a thin coat of skin bond found at a medical supply store. Do this for both ears even if only one is floppy. Make sure to purchase the remover as well to help get the insulation off. It is important to keep rough play to a minimum when the ears are taped and be especially careful around other dogs.

Question: Why is the male cat next door spraying in the yard to woo my neutered female? Do male cats go into 'heat"?

Answer: Male cats spray for a number of reasons from territory, stress, or fear. Therefore the neighbors cat may be spraying more to mark territory then to woo your female. But male cats can still be aroused by spayed females. Some male cats will even try to mount a neutered female. For the heat question, male cats can not go through heat only females can. Malesy are actually ready for breeding all year longbut will act more interested if a female is in heat.

Question: My moms dog Sassy whines when my mom leaves. My mom was in the hospital. What can we do to help her understand that mom is not going to be leaving for a long time again?

Answer: Just like a toddler or child, it sounds like your dog may be suffering from separation anxiety. Try to make arrival and departures uneventful. Try to make exits quick. When you arrive home, try to give your dog 15 minutes or so and then fuss over him. It may be hard. Leave an article of clothing that smells like you behind. Work on a routine safety cue whether it is putting on a radio, playing with a certain toy, or playing a certain game before you leave. Only participate in these activities when you know you will be home soon. If you will be gone long try taking her to a doggie day care or to stay with a friend. Things you don't want to do are punish your dog, get your dog a companion dog, or crate your dog unless that is part of routine. These things add to their anxiety and aggression. If this doesn't work, talk to your vet or a dog behaviorist.

Question: This week instead of a question we have a comment from one of our members about ringworm in her adopted cat.

Answer: I adopted a cat that had a bald spot on its back. Before taking her I asked the shelter about it and they said it was probably due to fleas and the flea medicine would take care of it. The next thing I know both my husband and I have ringworm. I called the shelter and they said to bring her back thinking that they would treat her.When I took her back, they treated her like she was a leper. They scared me half to death about the ringworm and then they put her down which made me feel so guilty.After getting my house cleaned professionally and waiting a few months I adopted another cat. She ended up getting ringworm as well on her ear. I took her to the Vet and after bathing her and putting medicine on her ear she ended up just fine. I was upset that the shelter Vet did not do the same thing instead of scaring me half to death and putting her down. I will feel guilty forever about that poor cat.Please alert everyone that ringworm can be treated successfully and the animal does not need to be put down.

Question: My mom's dog Sassy starts wining when my mom gets ready to leave. My mom just got out of the hospital last Monday. What can we do to make Sassy understand that mom isn't going to be leaving for a long time again?

Question: Is it normal for a cat to mellow out as they get older?

Answer: It is normal for cats to mellow out as they get older. Just like people and other animals it can happen differently for different cats. Things you want to watch for that could be signs of other problems are pain, weight loss, increased drinking and urination, increased agitation or vocalizing, or decreased appetite.

Question: I recently adopted another male cat and thought that my cat that I have had would adjust easily but unfortunately he hasn't. Any tips on way to help the transition?

Answer: It can be a difficult adjustment to bring a new pet into the household and all pets handle it differently. I think a slow transition is the most effective way but even this can have varying results. You would do this by putting the new cat in it's own room with food and a litter box- keep the door closed so they can smell each other under the door and make sure they have their own supplies of food and water. I would keep them separate until they are doing ok under the door- meaning they will sniff and stay by the door without growling or hissing. After that it would be good to keep them in a place where they can see each other but not contact each other (a room with doors that have windows into another room) if possible. Over time they hopefully will become accustomed to having each other around and become less scared of and aggressive towards each other.

Question: My cat has been going to the bathroom on the couch and the bed. I have taken him to the vet and he is healthy. I havent changed the type of litter so i do not know why he is doing this. Can you please help me?

Answer: Do you have other pets in the house? Sometimes other pets, especially cats can block the litter box or torment one pet when the use the litter box- the tormented animal sometimes responds by urinating or defecating in an inappropriate spot. Some cats will do this in response to a change in the environment or a stressful change at home. Adding another litter box may be a good idea- I usually recommend a litterbox for each cat plus 1- meaning if you have two cats, use three litter boxes and have them on separate floors of your house.

Question: I found a tick on my dog. I tried to remove it but am not sure if I got it all? What should I look for? He has very thick fur.

Answer: The best way to know if you got the whole tick off is to look at it when you remove it. There are legs and a mouth that should come out with the tick when its removed- take a look at the tick to make sure they are there. After the tick is gone you can apply neosporin to the site of the bite. If you are unsure if you got the entire tick out you may consider having it checked by your veterinarian. Keep an eye on the site of the tick bite for redness or irritation.

Question: We recently rescued a 6 week old tomcat and we have a 2 yr old female housecat. As soon as the female cat smells the kitten she starts to growl and hiss and she runs away. How do we get the housecat to adjust and should we be concerned about the kittens safety if it gets near the female cat?

Question: We rescued a 6 week old kitten and we have a 2 yr old female housecat. When the female cat smells the kitten she starts to growl and hiss then she runs away. How do we get the housecat to adjust to the kitten and should we be concerned about the kittens safety?

Question: Is it true that both tuna and cow's milk are harmful to cats?

Answer: Both tuna and cows milk can cause vomiting and diarrhea in cats. cows milk frequently causes diarrhea when offered especially in large amounts; tuna less commonly causes GI issues but shouldnt be given as the only food because it is missing necessary amino acids that cats need.

Question: I am moving and worried about how much stress it will be put on my cat? What can I do to assure her that its going to be okay?

Answer: Moving can be stressful for pets, there are a few things you can do to limit the effects on them. Try to keep things as normal as possible around the move- keep her food and water and litter box in the same place as long as possible. Keeping the schedule that your pet is used to is helpful to limit stress on them as well. When you get to your new home keep your pet in 1 room initially to get used to it then slowly expand their access to the rest of your new home. It's easier for pets to adjust to small areas first.

Question: Now that winter is here and the furnace is running, I have noticed that my black cat has dandruff! Is there anything I can do to keep her coat soft and smooth?

Answer: I would try putting omega fatty acids on her food. 3v fish caps are fish oil capsules that are high in omega fatty acids, I frequently recommend those.

Question: My 5 year old Australian cattle dog started having blocked anal glands. She scoots across the floor and yard. It has happened 3 times in the last 6 months, twice in one month. What causes this and is there a food or supplement to help stop this?

Answer: Anal glands are normal glands present to provide lubrication for bowel movements. Many dogs don't have any problems with them at all but some do have repeat issues that can be related to a variety of things. One thing that often helps is giving a higher fiber diet either by switching food (should be done gradually to prevent gi upset) or you can add metamucil (1 tsp to 1 tbsp) on the food twice daily. Anal gland problems can also be related to food allergies so that might be something to look into with you vet. Some vets might explain how to express anal glands if you are interested in doing it yourself at home (you might think it's worth the fee if you do it yourself) and some vets don't need to do an entire office call for repeat anal gland offenders and can arrange to have the glands expressed by a technician without having to see the doctor for repeat offenders.

Question: Our 8 yo Pug has a history of gastritis and has been treated for several episodes. They advised to keep him on Pepcid 10 mg daily. Is this safe?

Answer: Pepcid is generally a very safe medication. It decreases the gastric acid in the stomach and has very little side effects in the rest of the body.

Question: My 7 yo lab has developed a swelling on one side of his underbelly. It is lsoft and protruding like a hernia, feels like a water balloon under the skin and is the size if a large lemon. He has been in excellent health and doesnt seem to be in pain. He sometimes limps a bit later on in the day. Any advice?

Answer: The best advice that I can offer you is to have it checked by your veterinarian. There are a variety of things that it could be from a lipoma (fatty benign tumor) that is likely not going to be problematic to a mast cell tumor (tumor that can have greater effects on the rest of the body) or possibly even a hernia. Having a veterinarian look at the tumor and potentially take a sample to check is the best way to decide how to proceed.

Question: My 3 yr old cat has coughing fits to the point he sounds like he is choking on something. A drop of blood hit the floor today. Please help, what is wrong with my Buddy?

Answer: There are a few different things that could be going on with him. Two of the more concerning are asthma and pneumonia. Getting him seen and getting radiographs (x-rays) of his chest would be a good idea.

Question: Is it true that male dogs that have not been "fixed" are at a higher risk to get prostate cancer?

Answer: Actually it isn't true that dogs that are neutered have a lower chance of having prostate cancer. There are several different types of tumors that can affect the prostate- all seem to have different rates of occurrence after neuter- all in all with histological confirmation (having a pathologist look at a sample with a microscope) the relative risks of prostate cancer are the same with and without neuter. What does change is the occurrence of prostatitis and prostatic abscesses- which can be very dangerous and can require long term treatment. In addition neutering is important in limiting the huge overpopulation problems we have with domestic animals as well as limiting unwanted behaviors which leads to more dogs filling the shelters.

Question: Would you recommend pet insurance for dog owners? If so, which would you recommend to get? Would VIP and/or ASPCA be any of those options?

Answer: I definitely recommend pet insurance for pet owners. Just like people animals can have complex medical problems or emergencies that require immediate care. Bills for treatment can be thousands of dollars for a single illness or incident. I think that it's best to explore the different options for pet insurance and see which is right for you and your pet- because of the variations in cost and coverage I don't know that there is one particular best plan.

Question: In a household of four felines, who are 100% indoor kitties, is it over-kill to have an annual fecal exam? If not, what type of parasites can my babies possibly host being indoors 24/7, and what can i maybe do to avoid them?

Answer: I think it's a good idea but I'm not sure you have to do an annual fecal exam on your cats. There are certain parasites (roundworms, hookworms, giarda, coccidia) that can be tracked into the house by people or brought in by other pets in the house. That being said I think if all of your cats have well formed stool and seem healthy otherwise I'm not sure an annual fecal exam is necessary.

Question: How do you keep a puppy from eating adult dog food and stealing another dog's treats?

Answer: I think there are two things that would be helpful to keep a puppy from taking things from another dog. The first is obedience training, second limiting temptation to do things like that. Depending on the age of the puppy and training level it may be unreasonable to expect a puppy to not take food that is sitting out, some dogs can be very protective of their food so to limit problems I would meal feed your dogs and if necessary separate them when eating. Obedience training will help to establish rules and boundaries with your puppy and help you learn how to consistently communicate to your dog. Simple commands such as sit and stay can be used to keep puppies from getting into trouble in many different ways (training with positive reinforcement can greatly strengthen the relationship you have with your dog and that your dogs have with one another).

Question: We take our dogs to a park where there is a lake. Our Golden Retriever loves to drink the lake water but the water looks green and slimy. Can this water make him ill?

Answer: There are certain things that can be in standing water but a lake probably isn't the most likely place to catch them. Two things that are more common in standing water are Giardia and leptospirosis. Leptospirosis can cause kidney and liver problems most commonly. There is a vaccine for leptospirosis- and if your dog spends lots of time outdoors it probably would be a good idea. Giardia is a parasite that causes diarrhea and sometimes vomiting- there is no vaccine but if your dog has these signs a fecal exam would be a good idea. There are also certain kinds of algea that can make dogs very sick (found in some more temperate climates usually- check with your vet if there are any known in your area). While those are diseases that we worry about (usually in smaller volume standing water)- there are health benefits of swimming- it's great exercise and it's less strain on joints than exercising on land so it can be a good idea if the risks are limited.

Question: Is there a cure for parvo?

Answer: There isn't a specific medicine that has been shown to be effective in "curing" parvovirus. Treatment for parvo is supportive- we help the body deal with the problems that parvovirus causes while the disease runs its course. Parvovirus causes problems in rapidly dividing cells- the two most notably are those that line the intestinal tract and those that produce white blood cells. The problem with these is when the intestinal tract is compromised the body is particularly susceptible to infection. Supportive care is aimed at helping the body to fight infection and dehydration and electrolyte and energy problems during the parvovirus infection. There are some medications that have been attempted to treat the virus specifically but they haven't been shown to be effective.

Question: Our almost 9 yo pug has a lot of nasal congestion especially in the morning. There doesn't appear to be any drainage but his nose looks wet at times. Could this be allergies? He will sneeze a lot also.

Answer: There are many things that could be going on with your pug. Having a wet nose isn't necessarily a problem or even abnormal. If there is crusting around the nostrils or there is colored discharge from the nose that is more concerning. Also if you are seeing that he is breathing differently he should be checked. Sneezing could be a sign of allergies or of other problems.

Question: Our almost 9 yo Pug has a lot of nasal congestion especially in the morning. There doesn't appear to be any drainage but his nose looks wet at times. Could this be allergies? He will sneeze a lot also.

Answer: There are many things that could be going on with your pug. Having a wet nose isnt necessarily a problem or even abnormal. If there is crusting around the nostrils or there is colored discharge from the nose that is more concerning. Also if you are seeing that he is breathing differently he should be checked. Sneezing could be a sign of allergies or of other problems.

Question: When can I get my puppy spayed and how much will it cost?

Answer: Puppies and kittens can be spayed anytime beginning at 5-6 months old. This allows the body to develop adequately and get the proper hormone signals before we spay / neuter them. Cost is variable depending on conditions the animal may have, size of the animal, monitoring during surgery, etc. Any animal should have a physical exam and often blood work done to ensure they are healthy for the surgery. Sometimes other procedures can be done concurrently with the spay (or neuter) including removing baby teeth that haven't come out as they should and sometimes performing a procedure to prevent GDV (twisted stomach) in animals that are prone to it. Cost can be discussed with your veterinarian at the presurgical appointment.

Question: My cat is losing the hair off of her nose should I be worried?

Answer: There are many things that can cause hair loss in cats. One possibility is ringworm. It can cause hair loss anywhere on a cat. It is somewhat more common in cats that go outside but is still very possible in indoor cats- since ringworm can infect people it's important to diagnose and treat it as soon as possible. Cats that repeatedly rub or scratch their face for different reasons can experience hair loss. I think it's a good idea to get the hair loss checked.

Question: My sister has two beautiful yorkies but one has a problem when he gets excited he honks yes (like a little piggy). Is this serious or should we just ignore it?

Answer: Small breed dogs often have a congenital issue that causes it to "collapse" when they get very excited or breathe in very heavily. Most times it is a short lived episode (seconds to a minute or so) and they are normal afterwards. It often sounds like a goose honking. Depending on the severity of the clinical signs we often just monitor the signs. I don't think you need to take your Yorkie in for an exam right away unless he has difficulty breathing or swallowing or the episodes become very frequent- I would bring it to the vet's attention the next time he is scheduled for an office visit.

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