Q: Food Allergies

Dr. Schaeberle,

I think my pet Roxie has food allergies. How does this happen?

Roxie’s Mom

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Hi Roxie’s Mom,

In pets with food allergies, the immune system overreacts and produces antibodies to substances that it would normally tolerate. This excessive response is termed an allergic reaction.

The most common food allergens are proteins from dairy products and beef. However, proteins such as gluten from wheat, chicken, fish, other substances and additives can also cause allergic reactions.

A common misconception is that corn products routinely cause allergies in pets, when studies have actually shown that corn very rarely at fault. Overall, true food allergies in pets are actually quite rare. Most veterinary dermatologists think they might account for as little as 2% of all allergies.

How is the condition it diagnosed?

Pets are placed on hypoallergenic diets that contain none of the ingredients that the pet has eaten in the past. The food elimination diet must be continued for up to three months to determine if the pet actually has food allergy. Since the pets can have nothing else to eat (no human food, treats or rawhides are allowed), this can be a difficult process for pets and their owners. After a pet has been diagnosed with food allergies, there are a number of commercially available, treats and palatable hypoallergenic diets that can be fed for the rest of your pet’s life.

Thanks,
Thomas Schaberle, VMD

Q: Flea Allergies and my pet

Dr. Schaeberle,

My dog’s skin has been itchy and my veterinarian diagnosed a flea allergy. I am confused because I have only seen one or two fleas on my pet. Can this be true?

Terry

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Hi Terry,

Flea allergy dermatitis is a leading cause of scratching in dogs and cats. When fleas feed, they inject a small amount of saliva into the skin. Proteins in saliva are the usual allergen or chemical which causes of this intense itchy response. Dogs and cats with flea bite dermatitis do not have to be infested with many fleas to be itchy. In fact, a single flea bite can cause itching for up to a week.

So how is flea allergy dermatitis diagnosed?

Clinical signs often give the first clue that your pet may suffer from flea allergies. Itching and hair loss in the region from the middle of the back to the tail base and the rear legs is mostly associated with a flea allergy.

The treatment for flea allergy certainly includes very strict flea control. Utilization of monthly topical treatments such as Frontline, Advantage, or Advantix. Treatment of the home will also be recommended to cut down on flea infestations.

As with inhaled allergy, antihistamines such as Benadryl work poorly. Rather, corticosteroids or cortisone is widely used to treat flea bite dermatitis. They often bring about rapid relief to the poor itchy patient.

Thanks,
Thomas Schaeberle, VMD

Cat Myths vs. Facts

Cat Myths vs. The Facts

Myth: Indoor Cats Don’t Catch Diseases

Fact: Although indoor cats are far less likely to succumb to contagious diseases, airborne microorganisms may get into the house through open doors and windows, and most indoor cats find their way outside from time to time, where they are exposed to a variety of diseases.

Myth: Licking Wounds Speeds the Healing Process.

Fact: Although purring does speed the healing process, licking wounds can actually keep them open and cause further damage. While initial licking cleans the wound, injured animals that engage in excessive wound licking once the injury has begun to heal should wear Elizabethan (cone-shaped) collars to prevent this behavior.

Myth: Female Cats Should Be Allowed to Have One Litter Before They’re Spayed.

Fact: Cats that are spayed before having any litters are less inclined to develop mammary tumors, which are particularly deadly in cats. Allowing one litter contributes to the overpopulation problem that leads to many cats being euthanized in shelters each year and provides no medical or psychological benefits for the cat.

Keep Pets Safe from the Easter Bunny!

Keep your pets safe from the Easter Bunny.

For millions of families, the celebration of Easter includes Easter baskets filled with sweet treats galore — chocolate bunnies, marshmallow chicks, sugary jelly beans and snack-size versions of nearly every candy product imaginable.

As parents, we often warn our children “Now don’t eat too much or you’ll make yourself sick.” At worst, a child who stuffs him or herself with chocolate may develop a stomachache.

But for our furry friends who get into the Easter goodies, “getting sick” may be the least of it. Many of the sweet treats mentioned above can actually be fatal to our pets.

Chocolate is one of the most deadly foods for pets (both cats and dog) Dark chocolate is worst, and white chocolate has the lowest risk. It’s not only high in fat (pets don’t need lots of fat any more than humans do), it contains two nervous system stimulants, caffeine and theobromine. The fat can make your pet vomit or cause diarrhea — unpleasant, but usually not fatal, but it’s the stimulants that sometimes cause death.

Theobromine is both a cardiac stimulant and a diuretic. A dog that ingests an overdose of chocolate may be fine at first, but will probably become excited and hyperactive within a few hours. It may pass large quantities of urine and become unusually thirsty. The theobromine will cause your pet’s heart rate to accelerate or beat irregularly, either of which can cause death.

But it’s not just chocolate that’s the problem. All sugary foods can cause dental problems, lead to obesity, and contribute to diabetes in pets, too. So be sure to keep your stash of chocolate securely out of your pet’s reach.

Children are notorious for sorting and trading candy, so make sure they don’t leave candy laying around (or candy wrappers, either, which can cause choking) Don’t forget how flexible and persistent a pet can be when it smells something yummy in a trash bin or garage sack, either.

If your think your pet may have ingested a harmful food , please call your vet immediately. If your vet is closed, call an emergency vet center. If you don’t have one of those in your area you can call one of the national animal poison control lines such as the Pet Poison Helpline: 1-800-213-6680.

Q: Sugar Free Candies and Pets

Sugar Free candy this holiday?

Not safe for pets!

Xylitol is a sugar alcohol -- an artificial sweetener created from birch, raspberries, plums and corn. This sweetener is found in many human “sugar free” products, such as gum, candies and other sweets. In humans, high doses may have a mild laxative effect, but in dogs, ingestion could be fatal.

It has been known for quite some time that there is a link between xylitol ingestion and hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) in dogs. Now, with the prevalence of this sweetener in human foods, the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center has noted a connection between xylitol consumption and acute toxicity in dogs.

Signs of toxicity can be seen as quickly as 30 minutes after xylitol ingestion in dogs. The xylitol causes a rapid release of the hormone insulin, causing a sudden decrease in blood glucose. This in turn may cause the following symptoms:

* Vomiting
* Weakness
* Ataxia (uncoordinated movements)
* Depression
* Hypokalemia (decreased potassium)
* Seizures
* Coma
* Liver dysfunction and/or failure

Xylitol is found in many products. The most common xylitol item is sugar-free gum. Gum can be found everywhere, and is often tempting to dogs. Keep gum out of reach - watch out for open pockets, purses, counter tops, and in the car. Xylitol can also be found in sugar-free (low carb and diabetic) candies, baked goods, some pharmaceuticals and many dental products, including mouthwashes, mints and toothpastes. Only use pet toothpaste for pets, never human toothpaste.

Thomas Schaeberle, VMD

Q: Bleeding Nail life threatening?

Dr. Schaeberle,

Can my dog “Sam” bleed to death if I cut his toenails too short?

April

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Dear April,

The short answer to your question is: No. It is true that there is a vein in each toenail, and if cut too short, it will bleed like crazy, but Sam will not bleed to death. Any one who has ever trimmed a pet’s nails will tell you they occasionally accidentally trim one too short and make it bleed, even veterinarians and groomers. What I like to do before I start is make sure I have some styptic powder (a powder used to stop the bleeding that is sold at all pet shops) open and ready to go BEFORE I begin clipping. That way if I do nick one, I’m not frantically looking all over the place for it. I can then readily get some of the powder and apply it immediately to the bleeding nail. If you don’t have styptic powder, corn starch or even baby powder may work, but styptic powder is the best.

Not all dogs need their nails trimmed, but most do at some time or another. A pet’s activity and environment may dictate the frequency of the trims. The best time to get started on trimming your pet’s nails is when they are puppies or kittens. Get them used to it early, and they’re usually comfortable with it throughout their lives. And it always helps to pour on the praise and hugs while you’re doing it. Offering treats throughout the process can help a lot, too.

There are multiple instruments that can be used for nail trimming. There are three main types with many variations of each: the guillotine, scissor, and grinder. One is really not any better than the others, it’s more of a personal preference for the user, and most importantly for the pet. You may even need to try multiple devices before you find the right fit for you and Sam.

Many dogs don’t like to have their nails trimmed at all. You do have a few choices. One is to take them to your veterinarian, or a groomer. Some pet shops offer this service, too. Another is to start all over from the beginning and just trim a little at a time, one nail a day with lots of praise and treats until you’re both comfortable. As a last resort, some dogs need to be sedated by your veterinarian and their nails trimmed while they’re asleep.

The key is to start young and do it often and hopefully that will lead to a happy and carefree nail trimming.

FYI…did you know that only primates have nails? Dogs and cats technically have claws.

Thanks,
Thomas Schaeberle, VMD

Q: Professional Teeth cleaning every year?

Dr. Schaeberle,

My neighbor has her dog’s teeth cleaned every year. Is it really necessary to get it done that often?

Matt

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Dear Matt,

Some dogs and cats do need to get their teeth cleaned yearly. Others don’t need it that often, and I’ve even seen some that have great teeth their entire lives and never need to have them cleaned. You need to make that decision with your
veterinarian at your pet’s annual wellness exam.

There are many advantages to getting your pet’s teeth cleaned frequently. One of the most important is that you can add one to three years to your pet’s life expectancy, and wouldn’t we all love to have our pets with us for as long as we can! Another more obvious reason is to help control bad breath or halitosis. A lot of times that smell is coming from an infection in the mouth, known as gingivitis or periodontitis. Antibiotics, teeth cleaning and sometimes extractions will help clear that up.

Getting your pet’s teeth cleaned and polished regularly will also help prevent advanced gingivitis and periodontitis that can become very painful to your pet. It is not at all uncommon for my clients to report back to me after a dental cleaning and extraction of infected teeth that their pet is more playful and active and eating better.

I know it costs a few extra dollars to get their teeth cleaned often, but it will also save you a lot of money in the long run. Once the teeth start decaying, and your veterinarian has to take x-rays and extract those infected teeth, the cost can really escalate.

My advice would not be complete if I did not emphasize the importance of brushing your pet’s teeth multiple times a week (daily if possible), too. You can all stop laughing now, but I think you realize how important this is. And yes, I know that some pets – ok, a lot of pets – won’t let you do it. But the more you keep trying, the better the chance they may eventually let you do it. Getting them started as puppies and kittens is always the best way. Ask your veterinarian or one of their nurses how to brush your pet’s teeth.

By having your pet’s teeth cleaned regularly, you help them live longer, prevent a lot of pain and discomfort, and save yourself a lot of money while you’re at it. Just imagine if you never brushed your teeth and didn’t go to the dentist for several years!

Talk to your vet about this at your next visit. Your pet will love you longer for it.

Thanks,
Thomas Schaeberle, VMD

Q: Activities for Indoor Cats?

Dr. Schaeberle,

My indoor cat seems to be bored and tries to get outside. What can I do to keep him happy to stay inside where it’s safer for him?

Dena

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Keeping cats indoors is the safest way to avoid many types of injuries, illnesses and parasites as well as ensuring they don’t get lost or stolen. However, many cats living totally indoors without an enriched environment will become bored, stressed and overweight, severely compromising their physical and mental well-being. Fortunately, there are some easy, inexpensive ways to enrich your cats’ lives while keeping them safer as inside cats.

Much of a cat’s normal behavior stems from the fact that their ancestors were hunters who needed their keen senses and physical prowess to obtain food and avoid danger. Today’s domestic pet cat has retained many of the hunting instincts as well as the need to feel safe.

Hunting behaviors, such as stalking, chasing and pouncing, can be seen in the way cats play. Playing with toys that simulate prey is very stimulating for many cats. Dr. Tony Buffington of The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine, suggests going one step further and identifying your cat’s prey preference. The site states that most cats prefer to hunt a specific type of animal, such as birds, mice or insects. Feathers or feathered toys on a string or wand can simulate birds if you move them through the air. Small stuffed toys can resemble rodents, and are especially interesting to cats if you make them move. Playing with laser lights, a string with a knot tied at the end, or pieces of dry food rolled across the floor can be similar to chasing bugs. Try all three types of toys separately for a few days in a row to determine your cat’s preference.

Feeding cats from interactive food-dispensing toys instead of from a bowl is another way to satisfy your cat’s need to hunt. It’s a good idea to purchase a variety of food toys and alternate them each day. Hiding food and treats in your house for cats to sniff out is also a fun game for many cats.

Have you ever considered training your cat to do tricks? Cats respond well to food treats and can learn even faster with clicker training. Training with positive reinforcement methods is a great way to stimulate your cat’s mind and increase your bond.

If you want to give your cat a chance to be outside safely, you may consider purchasing a comfortable harness and taking your cat outside on a leash. To provide a little more freedom outside, there are fences made specifically to allow cats to enjoy the outdoors without a chance to escape.

Providing a variety of comfortable elevated resting places is another way to satisfy your cat’s needs. Cats often prefer to rest in high places where they are less vulnerable to disturbance or potential danger. They also enjoy having elevated perches from which to observe household activities as well as look out windows. You can provide your cat with hours of enjoyment by planting butterfly-attracting flowers outside a window and feeding birds near another.

Learning more about normal cat behavior is a great way to understand their needs and provide a healthy, happy indoor home for them. For more ideas, I recommend visiting our website, go to Training Classes and then click on Cat Tips.

Thanks,
Thomas Schaeberle, VMD

Keep your pets safe this Thanksgiving.

The Thanksgiving holiday is a time to celebrate your family, friends and pets. You may be tempted to share a few tasty treats with your canine companion, too. After all, who can resist a dog’s loving eyes begging for just one little gobble-full of turkey?

But hold off feeding your dog from the Thanksgiving table. Many experts warn that many of the traditional holiday recipes for people are dangerous to your dog’s health. According to the Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Society, feeding dogs large quantities of a new food, as well as fatty foods, such as turkey gravy, mashed potatoes with butter, and dressing, can cause pancreatitis. This potentially deadly inflammation of the pancreas produces severe symptoms of diarrhea or vomiting.

Forget giving your dog a holiday bone, too. Cooked turkey, duck, geese, and other bird bones are extremely dangerous to dogs. Cooked bones splinter and break easily, possibly causing sharp pieces to tear the intestines. A bone could pass by itself, but more often it becomes lodged in the dog’s throat, which could cause choking, or it could possibly cause an intestinal obstruction. Both situations require emergency veterinary attention and likely surgery.

Eliminate turkey skin as well. It’s hard to digest and high in fat, and the seasoning used to baste the poultry skin could give your dog an upset stomach.

Desserts are also off-limits. Chocolate can be fatal to dogs because it contains theobromine, which can increase your dog’s heart rate and cause hyperactivity, increased panting, twitching, diarrhea, and vomiting. Even sugar-free items that contain xylitol can be dangerous, causing stomach or intestinal irritation.

Beware of onions, too! These popular Thanksgiving ingredients used in stuffing, vegetable dishes, and some salads can cause life-threatening anemia when a dog ingests large amounts.
As always keep the phone number to your veterinarian and Poison Control nearby incase of an emergency.

ASPCA Poison Control: 1 (888) 426-4435

Question: Parasites and my pet!

Dr. Schaeberle,

I think my pet has worms! What can I do to prevent them?

Nicole

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Dear Nicole,

In general when we mention internal parasites, people tend to think of the word “worms”. There are many different internal parasites and the only real worms that you are likely to see in your pet’s stool are roundworms and tapeworms. Included in the list of internal parasites that you cannot see are hookworms, whipworms, heartworms and a variety of protozoa (single-celled organisms). To find evidence of these worms, you must examine stool specimen under a microscope. To check for heartworms, a small blood sample is needed.

Past studies show that about 1 in 3 dogs carry internal parasites. Why is this? Dogs can ingest feces, cats eat mice, all pets can be bitten by mosquitoes (which can cause heartworm disease) and both can carry fleas which can cause tapeworms. The good news is that all of this is preventable! The prevention of internal parasites is preferred over the costs of treatment for parasites, inconveniences to the owner, and the discomfort of your pet. Just as important, many of these parasites have the potential to be transferred to humans!

My recommendations:
1. Submit a stool check each year to your veterinarian.
2. Keep your yard as clean as possible of feces.
3. Use flea preventatives like Advantix or Frontline.
4. Most important is the year-round use of a monthly heartworm preventative such as Interceptor which prevents heartworms and many intestinal parasites, on a monthly basis your round.
5. Get an annual heartworm test for your dog. Our heartworm test also tests for Lyme Disease, which is a very prevalent disease in our area.

A great web site on “worms”: GrowingUpWithPets.com

Thanks,
Thomas Schaeberle, VMD

Question: Anesthesia is it safe for my pet?

Dr. Schaeberle,

How safe is anesthesia for my pet?

Jody

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Dear Jody,

As with the human medicine, anesthetic agents and protocols have greatly improved over the past few decades. When I was a student at the University of Pennsylvania 32 years ago, I was trained to use a common combination of human anesthetics to anesthetize pets. Shortly thereafter I experienced my first anesthetic death in a small poodle. It was devastating to me and I even questioned whether I wanted to practice veterinary medicine.

With the many changes in anesthesia protocols through the years, veterinary medicine is now safer for all pets, including older dogs and cats with chronic medical conditions, not just young pets for neutering.

What is the difference over 30 years?

1. Probably the biggest difference over the past few decades has been in anesthesia monitoring. As a certified member of the American Animal Hospital Association, we are obligated to monitor all pets that undergo surgery. All of our patients are monitored for oxygen levels, respiratory and pulse rates, body temperature and EKG recordings.

2. As mentioned in last week’s article, we are proud to have 8 college graduate technicians. Our technicians are well-trained in anesthesia protocols and the monitoring of anesthesia. They stay with the pet from the beginning of anesthesia to the pet’s awakening.

3. Over the past 30 years, there have been a few new anesthetic agents introduced but what has changed veterinary medicine the most is the combination of anesthetics that we use, increasing safety dramatically.

4. The placement of an IV catheter and administration of IV fluids helps to maintain a stable blood pressure while a pet is under anesthesia. It also allows rapid delivery of the anesthetic drugs, and if necessary, life-saving medications in the event of an anesthetic problem.

5. Lastly, preoperative bloodwork is mandatory for most of our anesthesia and surgery cases. Anesthetic drugs are removed by the kidney and/or liver, and problems such as diabetes or clotting disorders are also picked up with preoperative bloodwork.

Go to our website, myshilohvet.com to download our surgery check list: under Services, Fees, click on Major & Minor Surgery. This informative brochure will help you understand the keys to a safe surgery for your pet.

Thanks,
Thomas Schaeberle, VMD

Question: Heart Disease in Cats

Dr. Schaeberle,

Recently my cat was diagnosed with heart disease, my veterinarian warned me about the potential for blood clots. Should I be concerned?

Jane S.

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Dear Jane,

Aortic thromboembolism (blood clot) is a serious condition that may occur in cats with heart disease. Often, there is no history of a heart murmur or heart disease prior to clot formation. Because the diseased heart muscle does not pump blood efficiently, clots can form and travel from the heart into the large blood vessel called the aorta blocking blood flow. Clots most often block the femoral arteries causing partial or complete paralysis of the hind legs. The feet are often cold to the touch and the pads may look grey or purple instead of pink due to loss of circulation. Cats with aortic clots are usually very painful and they may have
respiratory distress.

Prognosis for full recovery is guarded, and many cats die or are euthanized due to heart failure or failure to respond to therapy. If treated early, however, some cats do survive. Clot busting drugs like heparin, low dose aspirin and even plavix are often used to try to break up the clot. Heart medications like lasix and enalapril are also frequently given. Surgical removal of the clot at a veterinary referral center may also be an option.

In summary, aortic clot formation secondary to heart disease is a serious and often fatal disease in cats and there are frequently no warning signs. Early intervention with medication or surgery to remove the clot may reverse the paralysis, but lifelong treatment for heart disease is necessary.

Thanks,
Thomas Schaeberle, VMD

Question: Diabetes in Pets Part 3

Dr. Schaeberle,

My cat was recently diagnosed with diabetes. I didn’t know it was
possible! What do we do next?

Darlene

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Dear Darlene,

Over the past few weeks I have discussed a diabetes in dogs and cats. Today I will review diabetes in dogs.

Unfortunately, dogs only have the more serious form of diabetes called type I in people. All diabetic dogs require insulin and although weight-loss may lower insulin levels we still must give insulin 2 times daily.

1. Weight control. Because weight loss can be slow and frustrating in many dogs, I will normally start insulin therapy immediately. High fiber diets are recommended for a diabetic dogs to lower insulin levels.

2. Insulin therapy. Until recently, most veterinarians prescribed an insulin made exclusively for dogs. With present shortages of Vetsulin, we are now using human NPH insulin or PZI insulin. As with cats, our goal is to a limit the signs of diabetes such as an increase in drinking and urination and to minimize diseases (such as cataracts and liver disease) that are secondary to diabetes. We begin with a low dose of insulin two times daily to maximize safety and weight loss. Too much insulin can cause hypoglycemia, seizures and even death. Over a period of a few weeks to a month blood sugars are measured to determine the optimal level of insulin.

As mentioned in the initial article control in diabetes mellitus is a both an art and a science. Many dogs and cats can present roadblocks to easy control. But in general, the treatment of diabetes is very rewarding for both the owner and their pets.

Thanks,
Thomas Schaeberle, VMD

Question: Diabetes in Pets Part 2

Dr. Schaeberle,

My cat was recently diagnosed with diabetes. I didn’t know it was possible! What do we do next?

Darlene

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Dear Darlene,

Last week I discussed in general terms diabetes in dogs and cats. Today I will focus on diabetes mellitus in cats.

Our general goal of treatment is to decrease of the blood sugar level which will result in less drinking less urination, weight loss and allow for a long quality of life. As with people, we treat diabetes with diet control as well as insulin for most cats.

1. Diet. Addressing pet obesity may eliminate the need for insulin. Recent studies have documented the advantage of a high protein, low carbohydrate diet. Available from your veterinarian, prescription diets can help reach a goal of 1 to 2% weight-loss per week. In addition, canned foods are preferable (they typically have more protein) and scheduling 2 to 3 meals per day (not allowing free choice through the day), can aid in your pet’s weight loss.

2. Insulin therapy. Most veterinarians will select between two available insulins, a new insulin made exclusively for cats (ProZinc) and a human insulin, Lantus. We usually start with a low dose of 1 to 2 units two times daily. Using blood sugar testing as well as a more sophisticated test called a fructosamine, we slowly adjust the insulin to an optimum level over many weeks.

As mentioned last week, treating diabetes in dogs and cats is both an art and science. I have found that it can be challenging to regulate insulin levels if an owner is not compliant to the pets needs. However, with a good teamwork between your veterinarian and the pet owner, most cats will be well controlled with an excellent quality of life and usual life expectancy.

Thanks,
Thomas Schaeberle, VMD

Question: Diabetes in Pets

Dr. Schaeberle,

My cat was recently diagnosed with diabetes. I didn’t know it was
possible! What do we do next?

Darlene

--------------------------

Dear Darlene,

Over the past year there have been many questions involving diabetes in both dogs and cats. I want to make sure I answer most of them, so we will begin a three part series on diabetes mellitus and pets.

Diabetes mellitus is a treatable condition that requires a committed effort by both of veterinarian and client. In the most pets, the treatment is very rewarding and most dogs and cats can live normal life expectancies. The treatment of diabetes is a combination of art and science, due in part to the many factors that affect the diabetic state and the animal’s response. Each animal needs individualized, frequent reassessment, and treatments may be modified based on this response.

In both dogs and cats diabetes is caused by a loss or a dysfunction of the pancreatic cells that produce insulin. The risk factors for dogs and cats include obesity, genetics, and in some cases diseases or drugs. Regardless of the underlying cause, diabetic dogs and cats are hyperglycemic (high blood sugar), which leads to the classic signs of an increase in drinking, urination, and increased appetite and weight loss.

There are many questions the veterinarian must ask him or herself in regards to how to initiate treatment. The variables include a variety of different insulin selections as well as dietary considerations. In many cases the treatment for diabetes in cats differs from that in dogs. Next week I will go over the treatment of diabetes in cats.

Thanks,
Thomas Schaeberle, VMD

Question: Ear mites in Cats

Dr. Schaeberle,

My cat has just been diagnosed with ear mites. How could that happen?

Justin

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Justin,

Ear mites are very small insects that look like microscopic ticks that live in the ear canal of cats and dogs. The majority of pets that get these are definitely cats and kittens.

Ear mites live in the ear canal of pets and occasionally crawl out onto the face and head of the pet. When your pet rubs faces with another pet that has ear mites, your pet can pick them up. They eventually find their way into your pet’s ear canal and start breeding and living there, too.

As they begin to overpopulate, they can cause an inflammatory process to begin, and sometimes a secondary bacterial or yeast infection. This causes a lot of discomfort to your pet; she will start shaking her head and scratching at her ears, causing even more inflammation and infection.

The typical discharge produced is a dark brown to black, dry crusty material that resembles coffee grounds. But don’t be fooled; other ear canal infections can look like this too, so you want to get it confirmed by your veterinarian to make sure your pet gets the proper treatment.

There are many different treatments available for ear mites. Some products take 2-3 weeks to work, others 1 day, and other topical products prevent them in the first place. Your veterinarian will know which one is the best for your pet. And by the way, only in the most unusual cases will people ever get ear mites, so you can feel safe that you won’t get them. However, people have been known to get rashes from them.

And remember, if one of your pet’s have ear mites, and you have other pets, they may get them and need treated too. You may need to get your whole clan checked out by your veterinarian.

So if your cat, kitten or dog is shaking his head and scratching at his ears, take him to your veterinarian right away to get the proper treatment. Whether it’s ear mites or another type of infection, your pet will thank you for getting rid of this annoying problem.

Thanks,
Thomas Schaeberle, V.M.D.

Question: Skin infection in Dogs?

Dr. Schaeberle,

My collie was diagnosed with a skin infection but all I am able to see is small red circular skin lesions. I think it look more like ringworm. Is it really a skin infection?

Wyatt

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Hi Wyatt,

The fancy term for skin infection is pyoderma. The most common clinical signs associated with pyoderma are lesions that look is similar to acne in humans. They are often red and raised, with a white pus filled center. Skin infection usual occurs secondary to scratching or licking from diseases such as allergies or mange. Common areas to find skin infection include the belly and feet.

Collies can develop skin infections that include circular patches (1 -2 inches in diameter) ,with a crusting noted in the periphery of the lesion. The most common area we see this form of a pyoderma is on the belly but may also be found over the back. Large breeds such as dobermans and great danes, can develop skin infections on their chins much like teenagers. Other breeds such as Cocker spaniels and schnauzers have a genetic predisposition to a pyoderma on their backs. Some dogs may be mildly itchy but many have no clinical signs other than the circular lesions on the skin.

Cats can also develop pyoderma, usually the infection is found near their mouth and chin area.

So how do we treat skin infection? Because hormonal diseases such as a hypothyroidism may predispose a pet to skin infection, testing may be needed. But, in general antibiotics used for a minimum of three weeks will clear up most skin infections.

Thanks,
Thomas Schaeberle, V.M.D.

Question: Hyperthyroidism in Cats

Dr. Schaeberle,

My cat was diagnosed with hyperthyroidism, what treatments are available? Which is the best?

Susan

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Hi Susan,

Feline hyperthyroidism, or overactive thyroid gland, is a common condition in older cats. It is generally caused by a benign tumor in the thyroid gland located in the neck. The gland produces hormones which help control metabolism.

Symptoms include increased appetite with concurrent weight loss, vomiting and/or diarrhea, increased thirst and urination, agitation and increased vocalization. Cats may have one or more of the symptoms listed above.

Complications of hyperthyroid disease, particularly if left untreated, include high blood pressure, retinal detachment and heart disease. Diagnosis is made by testing thyroid levels in the blood. Hyperthyroid disease is relatively easy to treat, especially if caught early. Treatment options include radioactive iodine therapy, medication, and surgical removal of the thyroid gland.

Radioactive iodine therapy involves visiting a special treatment facility to receive an injection of a radioactive substance into the bloodstream targeting the abnormal thyroid tissue. This treatment is curative. The cat must board at the facility for about a week after treatment so that radioactive waste material can be properly disposed of.

The most common treatment is in the form of a daily medication called methimazole. Methimazole does not cure hyperthyroidism but does help to control the symptoms. As mentioned above, the medication must be given every day for the duration of the cat’s life. As many cats are not easy to medicate, this can be a frustrating prospect. The medication does come in several formulations including a tablet, an oral liquid that may be flavored to make it more palatable, and a transdermal gel applied to the cat’s ear flap where it is absorbed into the bloodstream. Side effects such as vomiting, loss of appetite or an allergic reaction causing itching around the face can occur with methimazole use. A small number of patients do not respond to medication.

The third option is surgical removal of the thyroid gland. Dr. Hoffman and myself are both trained to perform this type of surgery. At Shiloh Veterinary Hospital we have been successful with this type of treatment with little to no complications. Thyroidectomies are a great alternative when radioactive iodine therapy or medications have not shown improvement in your pet’s condition.

Hyperthyroidism is a common but treatable disease of older cats. If your cat is showing any symptoms listed above, please make an appointment with your veterinarian today.

Thanks,
Thomas Schaeberle, V.M.D.

Question: Eye squinting?

Dr. Schaeberle,

I noticed recently that my dog squints his left eye a lot and he tends to have a lot of discharge. I just thought it was allergies but now I’m not so sure.

Denise

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Hi Denise,

The cornea is the clear covering of the eye. Symptoms include squinting, discharge from the corner of the eye which may be clear or green/yellow, a cloudy or blue appearance to the clear part of the eye, and sometimes redness of the white part of the eye and the surrounding conjunctiva.

Corneal ulcers are quite painful. Imagine having an eyelash in your eye that you cannot remove. This is what a corneal ulcer feels like. In some cases, the ulcer can cause enough damage to the cornea that permanent damage occurs. The ulcer may become so deep that it causes the eye to rupture. This may lead to loss of vision, and in some cases, loss of the eye itself.

Any dog or cat can develop a corneal ulcer, but breeds such as pugs, boxers, persian cats, and other breeds with prominent eyes may have a slightly higher incidence. Treatment includes frequent use of eye drops to prevent infection, control pain, and help the ulcer to heal.

If you suspect that your pet has a corneal ulcer or any other problem with his or her eye, it is best to visit your veterinarian as soon as possible. Serious complications can occur if an ulcer or other eye injury is left untreated.

Thanks,
Thomas Schaeberle, VMD

Question: Hepatic Lipidosis?

Dr. Schaeberle,

I have a cat that is overweight, at my last visit the veterinarian mentioned Hepatic lipidosis could develop. Should I be concerned?

Beth

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Hi Beth,
Cats are sometimes prone to a serious illness called fatty liver disease or hepatic lipidosis. Overweight cats are at higher risk. Typically, stress or illness causes the cat to stop eating. When the cat stops eating, the body is tricked into thinking it is starving and fat starts to mobilize from the body, accumulating within the liver. This, in turn, affects liver function.

Most cats with fatty liver disease have experienced a recent, rapid weight loss, their skin and mucous membranes appear yellow or jaundiced, and they may be dehydrated, have nausea or vomiting and appear quiet or depressed.

Definitive diagnosis of hepatic lipidosis is by ultrasound of the liver or by liver biopsy, however, the disease is often suspected based on history, blood tests and clinical signs.

It is very important that cats with fatty liver disease start to receive enough calories to maintain their daily energy requirements. Force feeding may be attempted if the cat is not vomiting. If vomiting is present, medications are often used to control nausea, and many patients benefit from having a feeding tube placed. The feeding tube is usually placed either via the nose, or via a brief surgical procedure to place the tube in the esophagus. The cat is then fed a slurry through the tube. The feeding tubes can stay in for several weeks, and many cats can be fed at home by their owners. Once the cat starts eating on his own, the tube is removed. Other treatments might include intravenous fluids, antibiotics and vitamin
supplements and liver support drugs like SAMe.

Hepatic lipidosis can be a very serious illness and in some cases, may even be fatal so prompt treatment is necessary. If you notice that your cat is not eating for several days, or if her skin or gums look yellow, please seek immediate veterinary attention.

Thanks,
Thomas Schaeberle, VMD