Oakland Veterinary Referral Services Blog

If you are a cat lover, chances are at some point you have admired the Sphynx cat.  These bald, wrinkly kitties are full of personality and spunk! 

The breed is relatively new, having developed as the breed we know today starting in 1966.  Hairless cats, however, have been around throughout history.  Like all cats, the Sphynx can suffer from a devastating cardiac disease called hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM).  The breed, however, is over-represented in cats that are affected with about 15% of those tested being positive.  Early detection of HCM is vital as often there are no obvious symptoms prior to death or devastating complications.

Our own Dr. Riepe has taken a personal interest in helping to decrease the effects of HCM on the Sphynx breed and the people that love them by becoming involved in Hairless Hearts.  Hairless Hearts is an organization which coordinates with veterinary cardiologists to provide affordable early-detection screening for HCM as well as to provide support to HCM-affected Sphynx owners.  Dr. Riepe became a recognized partner for the Pawpeds pedigree database a few years ago, which allows the OVRS cardiology department to work with these special cats and their breeders to lessen the impact of HCM.  Oakland Veterinary Referral Service is thrilled to be able to play a part in this important initiative.

For more information about hypertrophic cardiomyopathy or the Sphynx breed, please visit www.hairlesshearts.org.

Pretty much everybody has heard of Lyme disease and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.  But did you know that there was another type of tick-borne disease that affects dogs called Anaplasmosis?  Here is what you need to know:

• Anaplasmosis is becoming increasingly more common.
• The disease is sometimes called Ehrlichiosis.
• The deer tick is responsible for most the Anaplasmosis in the northeast and upper Midwest, which the black-legged tick is the culprit in the western United States.
• The bacteria transmitted by the tick attacks the white blood cells and spreads throughout the body, often affecting platelets witch interferes with blood clotting.
• Symptoms of infection can include fever, lethargy, and painful, swollen joints.  Other less consistent signs are swollen lymph nodes, eye problems, or bleeding.
• Blood testing can confirm the disease.
• Most dogs can be successfully treated with a specific antibiotic, although they can relapse or become re-infected.

As if you needed another reason to use tick prevention!  Be sure to protect your dog from exposure to Anaplasmosis.

Remember that many holiday traditions and practices can be hazardous for our furry friends.  Beware of the following kitty dangers this Halloween:

• Trick-or-treaters

Frequently opening doors can lead to an indoor cat getting outside fairly quickly.  Try to ensure that your cat is in a secure location during trick-or-treating hours.  It is also wise to make sure your pet is wearing identification and is micro-chipped.

• Holiday decorations

Cats are curious by nature, and unfamiliar objects such as candles, glow sticks, and fake spider webs can look like fun toys and tasty treats.  Also, electrical cords from decorations can be tempting chew toys.  Use caution when allowing your cat near such items.

• Costumes

If you choose to dress you cat for the occasion, make sure that the costume does not restrict movement or breathing and does not have any easily chewed-off parts.  Never leave your cat unattended while dressed, either.

• Candy and treats

Don’t forget that many people goodies are no-no’s for our feline friends.  Chocolate in all its forms (especially baking and dark chocolate) is a kitty danger.  Also fun, crinkly candy wrappers can be tempting for curious cats and may lead to ingestion and digestive upset or blockage.

Make sure to pay attention to these tips to prevent your spooky day from being downright scary!

Is your pet trick-or-treating this year?  If Fido does come along, be sure that you are keeping him or her safe.

• Halloween can be a stressful!  Crowds of excited children wearing unfamiliar clothing and masks can be downright terrifying for some pets.  If your pet seems overwhelmed by the activity, it may be best to leave it at home.
• Pet costumes are cute, but they can add to the stress of the evening for some.  If your pet tolerates wearing a costume, be sure that it fits comfortably and allows your pet to see and move freely.  Pets wearing costumes should always be supervised.
• If you are trick-or-treating after dusk, be sure your pet is visible! You may want to incorporate lights or reflective tape into into any costume.  Also be sure s/he is wearing identification should you become separated.
• Be careful when you share Halloween treats with your pet.  Chocolate, raisins, and candies containing xylitol are all potentially toxic.

Did you know that October 14-20^th is National Veterinary Technician  Week?  Take this opportunity to celebrate your pet’s technician!  While your veterinarian is the one responsible for diagnosing, prognosing, prescribing medication, and performing surgeries, your pet’s veterinary technician is essentially your pet’s nurse.  They have completed a two- or four-year degree involving specialized training and are certified and licensed by the state to be able to provide the best possible care for all pets.  They are also required to complete continuing education so that they remain on the cutting-edge.  Veterinary technicians are a valuable part of your pet’s healthcare team.  Be sure to let them know how much they are appreciated!

You have the basics for when you are sick or injured, but do you have the supplies on hand that you might need to take care of your pet?  Here are some of the items you should keep, just in case:

• Information

Contact information for your veterinarian, an emergency after-hours clinic, and the Animal Poison Control Center should be readily available.  Also consider purchasing a basic pet first-aid book

• Wound care supplies

Keep some latex gloves, antiseptic soap, gauze sponges, sterile saline, eye wash, and topical antibiotic ointment on hand.

• Basic bandage material

Gauze roll, elastic bandage material, adhesive tape, and scissors are often handy.

• “Boy scout” items

While not necessarily first-aid items, things like safety pins, a penlight or flashlight, and needle-nosed pliers are handy to have.  Also consider some type of muzzle or restraint device to keep yourself safe.  Many otherwise friendly pets can become aggressive when injured.

• Triage materials

A rectal thermometer, sterile lubricant, an emergency blanket, a cold pack, and material to construct a splint are also good items to have.

• Items approved by your veterinarian

Your vet can recommend a dosage of diphenhydramine (Benadryl) to have on hand for your pet in case of an allergic reaction as well as other items that might be specific to your needs.

Why adopt a pet when you can purchase exactly what you want from a breeder or a pet store?  Here are a few reasons why!

• You can feel good about putting a small dent in the pet overpopulation problem.
• Every time you look at your new pet you will know that you saved a life.
• You know what you are getting- if you take home an adult animal you know what size, temperament, and medical issues you might be taking on.
• Many times adopted animals come fully vaccinated and spayed/neutered.  One less thing to worry about!
• You will know for a fact that you are not supporting puppy mills or other irresponsible breeders.
• Your new pet will likely come potty trained and socialized!
• When you adopt a pet you inspire others to do the same.

So, inspire us!  Share your adoption story with us in the comments section or on our Facebook page.  We can’t wait to hear about how you and your pets found each other!

Even if your pet lives a relatively tame life, regular vaccinations are an important part of protecting them against debilitating and sometimes fatal illness.  Some diseases that pets can carry are even zoonotic, or transmissible to people.

Pets can be exposed to disease at the grooming salon, boarding kennel, through your window screens, even by a stowaway animal in the house such as a bat, mouse, or raccoon.  Even the most well behaved animal can slip out the door or be involved in a natural disaster during which their normal risk status can change.

Talk with your veterinarian about which vaccines are recommended for your individual pet.

The emergency and critical care doctors at OVRS would like to remind pet owners how dangerous Xylitol, an artificial sweetener is for dogs and cats.  The emergency and critical care doctors have reported an increased number of pets being treated for eating xylitol, used as a sugar substitute in foods, including sugar-free gum, sugar-free mints, chewable vitamins, tooth paste and oral-care products. Xylitol is also available in a granulated form at your local grocery store for baking and beverage sweeteners.

Question: Why is xylitol so dangerous for dogs and cats?

Answer: Ingestion of xylitol primarily affects insulin release throughout the body. Insulin causes an increase of glucose (blood sugar) uptake into the liver, muscle, and fat cells resulting in decreasing blood glucose levels.

Xylitol strongly promotes the release of insulin from the pancreas into circulation leading to a rapid decrease of blood glucose levels. Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) can occur within 30 to 60 minutes of xylitol ingestion with levels as low as 0.1g xylitol /kg body weight.

Hypoglycemia may compound further into liver toxicity, liver damage, and ultimately liver failure. Ingesting amounts of xylitol greater than 0.5 g xylitol /kg body weight increases the risk for developing liver toxicity.

Sugar-free chewing gum is the most common cause of dogs that present to the emergency room. However, the recent introduction of xylitol as a substitute for sugar in grocery stores has increased the potential for toxicity.

Xylitol is perfectly safe for people, but because of different metabolisms, it can be fatal for dogs and cats. A simple piece of cupcake or cookie could kill an animal if the danger is unknown and not addressed immediately.

Question: What are the signs my dog might have eaten xylitol?

Answer: Immediately after ingestion, vomiting may occur. Hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) develops within 30 to 60 minutes, resulting in lethargy and weakness. These signs may quickly develop into ataxia (trouble walking), collapse, and seizures. Prolonged blood clotting times as well as skin and intestinal hemorrhaging are clinical signs associated with liver toxicity that may develop within hours and warrant a very poor prognosis.

Question: What do I do if I think my dog has eaten xylitol? What is the treatment and prognosis?

Answer: If xylitol ingestion occurs, consult your veterinarian immediately. Inducing vomiting to remove the xylitol is imperative, but close monitoring of blood sugar levels and intravenous infusions of glucose (sugar) may also be needed depending on the amount ingested and how quickly the problem was recognized.

The prognosis for dogs with hypoglycemia is good with immediate and proper treatment, while the prognosis for dogs that have developed liver toxicity is poor. Large ingestions of xylitol (a relatively small amount of the product) that are not caught immediately can result in fulminant liver failure and death despite aggressive supportive care. This can occur in less than 36 hours in dogs that are otherwise young and healthy.

If your dog or cat is exhibiting any of the signs listed above of having eaten xylitol, please contact your regular vet or OVRS immediately.

It’s August, and that means that it is cataract awareness month! Educate yourself on this common pet problem by reading our FAQs:

What is a cataract?

The eye contains a clear lens that helps the eye to focus.  Any opacity that develops in the lens is a cataract.  Very small cataracts may not cause a problem at all, but larger, cloudier opacities can cause blurry or even totally obscured vision.

If my pet’s eyes are cloudy, does that mean it has cataracts?

Most pets will start to have some hardening of the lens as they age.  This results in a grayish-blue haziness to the eye.  This is NOT a cataract and does not usually interfere with vision.

Why did my dog/cat develop cataracts?

Most cataracts are inherited and can occur at any age and develop at any speed in one or both eyes.  Diabetes or other ocular diseases can also cause cataracts to develop.

What can be done about cataracts?

There is nothing that can be done to reverse a cataract once it has developed.  For certain patients, a veterinary ophthalmologist can perform a surgery in which the lens is removed.  This is a delicate and involved procedure, however it can restore vision almost completely.

What if I don’t do surgery?

Most pets do well even if they are blinded by cataracts.  They should be monitored closely, however, as cataracts can lead to painful glaucoma or luxation (displacement) of the lens.

If you have any questions about cataracts please consult with your regular vet, or give us a call.