Ginny's Top 10 Resolutions: Number 8

Getting better dental care is Ginny's number eight resolution. Why is this important? Eighty-five percent of all dogs and cats in the US have some level of dental disease making it the number one illness veterinarians see. Most pets will not exhibit any overt signs of pain unless a tooth abcesses or breaks, but periodontal disease can be very painful when your pet is eating. That means that not only does their breath smell pretty bad, but they are hurting to some extent, as well. In dogs there is a strong correlation between eating dry food and improved dental health while this isn't necessarily the case for cats. Dogs usually have plaque and tartar build up on their teeth that is composed of bacteria that then leads to peridontal disease of the gums. Left unaddressed this disease complex will lead to gum recession, bone recession, and tooth loss. In addition to possible tartar build up, cats can have one of two clinical syndromes: periodontal disease of varying degrees or a resorptive lesion disorder where the body actually begins to eat away the enamel of the teeth. These are both very painful. In both species there can be a strong genetic predisposition for poor dental health. What can you do? Start with a good oral exam to determine where your pet's oral health stands. Your veterinary health care team can then help you choose the best method for treating and preventing oral disorders.

Sushi's (now Ginny's) Top 10 New Year's Resolutions

Number 9: Be more affectionate and loving. Now why is this so important for pets? It's pretty obvious for dogs. Dogs are very social creatures and, as pack animals, they thrive on social interaction. Good quality affection and interaction is imperative for good health in dogs. As for cats, they tend to let you know what level of affection they need and want. (What's the old saying? Dogs have masters and cats have servants.) But most cats have specific needs for interaction to maintain good health, as well. Here is another good reason to interact daily with your pets. You'll be much more likely to notice any behavioral changes that may indicate a physical exam by your veterinarian is needed. And what do you get out of it? Well, we've all heard about the medical studies that prove that people in direct contact with pets have lower blood pressure and that loving pets help keep people happy and healthy. But if you're reading this blog you probably already know that!

Sushi's Top 10 Resolutions. #10

Number 10 on Sushi's resolution list is to get more exercise. For Sushi, this shouldn't be too hard. She is a very playful cat and loves to chase toys around on the floor. Is this really important for house cats? Certainly it is! Play time not only helps them use more calories (before they become fat) but allows more interaction with their human family members. Cats play by utilizing their hunting instincts. They are attracted to moving objects and often entertain themselves. Try not to make this play too aggressive and avoid using your hands, especially with young kittens, as this may lead to behavioral problems. As for dogs, walking with you around the neighborhood, hiking in the woods, or a visit to the park are all excellent exercise options for both of you. If your dog likes to fetch that's a great interactive activity for both of you, as well. If your dog hasn't been exercising for a while be sure to start slowly and build up to an appropriate amount. If you have an older dog, try to keep his exercise as consistent as possible. Exercising with your pet has many physical and emotional benefits, so let's get started! Dr. Shrum

Saying Goodbye

This is a topic none of us enjoy talking about, but we seem to have had to say goodbye to many friends this past week or two. That has led all of us at Holly Tree Animal Hospital to revisit our own experiences with euthanasia. The first thing to remember when the decision to help your friend pass more comfortably approaches is that this is a merciful decision you are making. That doesn't necessarily make it easier because you will experience emotions you may not be ready for. We try to help you in any way we can. At our hospital we discuss the impending decision as much as you wish, and we allow you to make as many decisions as possible. We place an intravenous catheter to make the actual injection more comfortable for you companion. You can visit as long as you wish before and after the passing of your family member. We offer cremation with or without the return of your pet's cremains, or you may take you friend home for a private burial. We also make a clay imprint of your companion's paw as a keepsake for you and your family.

We use Good Shepherd Pet Services as our cremation provider. We invite you to visit their website at www.goodshepherdpet.com. Here you will find a description of their full range of services and links to grief hotlines to help you with any emotional issues you are having difficulty handling alone. You may also post a memorial to your friend on their website.

Although the actual decision to end your pet's life is very difficult, it is one we feel honored to help you make. Helping a cherished family member pass with dignity and decreased suffering is a responsibility we take very seriously at Holly Tree Aniaml Hospital. Please call us if you have any questions about this topic.

How Hot is Too Hot?

Here's a good question as we battle through the early Dog Days of Summer. Well, the heat is definitely important, but if you're a dog it's the humidity that makes the biggest difference. Remember that a dog's most effective means of cooling down is through evaporative cooling from the lungs during panting. When the humidity increases this system becomes more inefficient. A combination of high temperatures and high humidity can quickly induce hyperhtermia, or heat stroke, in a dog. While young, active dogs can be most susceptible to heat stroke due to their enjoyment of play, older dogs who have chronic airway changes can also easily overheat. Even moderate temperatures on super muggy days can be dangerous.

What do you do when you suspect your dog is overheating? Get him wet as soon as possible and inside where it's air conditioned. Then have a veterinarian check him out soon. If the body temperature doesn't begin to return to normal within 20 minutes or so it can spiral out of control. This can lead to life threatening multiple organ failure. Prevention of heat stroke is much easier than treatment.

So keep an eye on the weather. Don't let your silly puppy get too crazy. And be smart with older dogs.

Itchy Dogs and Cats.... It's Allergy Season!

It's that time of year again: grass pollen season. This is one of the highest allergy seasons in the southeast for humans and animals. Dogs, and to a lesser degree cats, will show these allergies with itchy skin and/or ears. In more severe cases we will see hair loss and secondary skin infections with either bacteria or yeasts. These cases can be quite challenging because some of these dogs and cats are very itchy. They are begging for relief (just like me!). One simple thing you can do at home is simply bathe your pet twice weekly with a gentle, hypoallergenic shampoo that also conditions the skin. You can also use a number of over the counter antihistamines to help reduce some of the discomfort. Be sure to check with your veterinarian to determine an effective antihistamine and a safe dose for your pet, as well as a good shampoo recommendation. However, many of these pets require more therapy to relieve their discomfort. Check with your veterinarian to help your pets enjoy the summer as much as you do. You'll both get more rest as a result!
Dr. Shrum

Cats and NSAIDs

Did you think we'd forgotten about cats? Well we had a little guy named Calvin give us a good reason to write a blog about cats. Calvin decided to help his mom fix the dogs' breakfast one day last week by eating half of a Rimadyl tablet. Now this could have been pretty bad news. Cats are missing the enzyme system that the liver uses to metabolize nonsteroidal antiinflammatory drugs, or NSAIDs. As a result of this inability to metabolize these drugs a very small dose can easily become toxic. These drugs, members of the aspirin class, cause stomach ulcers and kidney failure in high doses. Sounds a little like Dixie, the counter surfing dog from a previous blog, huh? Calvin required two days of intravenous fluids and close monitoring of his kidney values. He's doing great.



Now there are some NSAIDs that can be used with caution in cats. Always make sure you use these drugs only under the direction of your veterinarian. And be sure to report any lethargy, loss of appetite, or increased urination to your veterinarian if your cat is receiving one of these drugs. These signs may indiciate an adverse reaction to the medication. As with all toxicity problems early diagnosis and treatment are paramount to a full recovery.



A related drug is acetaminophen, or Tylenol. This is very dangerous to cats. Never administer any product containing this drug to any cat. In case of accidental exposure seek veterinary care immediately. A very small amount of acetaminophen can be fatal in cats.

Dr. Shrum