What Lives in Your Pets' Mouth?

February is dental month! Although February has come and gone faster than I would have liked it to; I still wanted to share a post about the importance of dental care in your pet! Most owners do not realize that the mouth itself poses real threats to the health quality of their pet. Home oral care (brushing teeth, dental chews), beginning in the puppy and kitten stages and regular dental check ups with your veterinarian will ensure your pet has a healthy chomper!

4 Stages of Periodontal Disease
Click on the website/image to make it larger
(Thorpevet.com)

What is Periodontal Disease? 
Periodontal Disease begins and ends in the mouth. The gums become severely inflamed and sometimes can be very painful for your pet. The built up of plaque and tartar irritate the surrounding gum tissue and bone.

The components of Periodontal Disease.
Without plaque and tartar there would be no periodontal disease! Where does that plaque and tartar come from, you ask? Plaque is nasty bacteria that accumulates over time in your pets' mouth; it can affect the surrounding tissues and bone. The bacteria that is found in plaque can enter the bloodstream and cause internal organ damage. Tartar comes from your pets' salty saliva that "bonds" with the presenting plaque. After a few days on a not-so-clean surface, the tartar attaches itself to the tooth and can enhance plaque attachment. Tartar can be very hard to remove without the proper dental instruments.

Scaling teeth
(Website)

How do you remove the plaque/tartar?
When your pet presents for a dental, each clinic will have their protocol and will be sure to go over the paper work. Make sure you pay attention to what the doctor/technician is going over with you. Blood work, different anesthetics gases and pain medications are a few things that will be proposed to you because your pet will have to undergo general anesthesia. During a dental, we use a sonic scaler to go deep under the gums to ensure the best removal of the bacteria that is present. With your pet asleep, we can ensure to get in the crevices of their teeth. After scaling, the doctor will check for any periodontal pockets. A periodontal pocket is just an open pocket underneath the gum where bacteria can accumulate and cause infection. This is done with a simple tool that is placed around each tooth to ensure the pocket depth is normal (less than 2mm in depth). The last step is to polish the tooth to smooth out the rough surface the scaler has made. This is done just like at your dentist; with a loud, spinning "tooth brush" that is placed on each tooth to ensure a smooth and clean surface.

(Website)

What are the signs of Periodontal Disease?
"My pets' breath is horrible," is a common thing I hear as a tech. Bad breath is definitely a major sign that your pets' mouth is a nasty mess. Bleeding and redness of the gums are also a sign; this can cause pain, which can lead to your pet not eating or having a hard time eating. If your pet has severe periodontal disease, teeth that are loose or falling out can occur.

Can Periodontal Disease be prevented?
At home oral care will definitely help, but nothing can actually "prevent" periodontal disease. Brushing your pets' teeth, dental chews and dental rinses can certainly help. These products can all be found at your local veterinarian or pet store.

Is doing a dental on my pet really worth it?

(Website)

YES! Owners will laugh when I tell them that their pet may need to undergo a dental. Brushing a dog or cats' teeth is a fairly new concept in the veterinarian world. You don't think about teeth being all that important to internal organ health, but they certainly are! As stated before, the nasty bacteria that accumulates in your mouth can enter your pets' bloodstream and cause severe damage. This can all be prevented by simply having your pet undergo a thorough routine dental cleaning. Depending on your pet, dental cleanings may be performed every 6 months to a year. Your veterinarian will help you determine how often dental cleanings will need to be performed on your pet.

All of this seems like a lot I know, but in the end it will definitely benefit your pet! Here's proof in a picture!

Built up of plaque/tartar resulting in dental disease.
(VOHC)

After a routine dental cleaning!
What a difference it makes!
(VOHC)

I hope that you have enjoyed learning about the importance of animal dentistry. If you feel your pet needs a thorough dental examination, please don't hesitate to call Tenth Street Animal Hospital today! We have a wonderful "dental doctor" who knows all things relating to dental (and other important things, of course) and will treat your pet with gentle hands!

What do you want to hear about next? Talk to me on Facebook, let me know my blog sent you!

Here's to a tail waggin' day,

Noelle

*Information for this blog was obtained via: VOHC (this is a GREAT dental website), AVDC

*Pictures can be found at the websites provided in captions.

Breed of the Month: Doberman Pinscher

The Doberman Pinscher is made of a square, muscular body; coming in various coat colors ranging from black, black and tan (most common) to red. A headstrong attitude is one of the many components that make up this wonderful dog!

Berlin, my uncles' Doberman!
She's colored with black and tan.

History: Developed by a German tax collector who wanted a medium-sized guard dog, the Doberman Pinscher breed was started around the 1860's. The Rottweiler, Greyhound, and German Short-haired Pointer are just a few of the breeds used to make the Doberman we know and love today.

(AKC)

Temperament: The Doberman Pinscher is a very headstrong and loyal dog. They thrive for human interaction. They are very loyal and affectionate, making them a wonderful family dog. However, the Doberman has a lot of energy and will need room to run. "They are not suitable for kennel or backyard life." (Dog Breed Info) A very active, loving and caring family would be best suitable for this breed. If not given the proper care and attention the Doberman can become aggressive. Socializing and setting boundaries are a must for this breed in order to avoid aggression.

Ms. Berlin!
She is 9 years old and very sweet!

Grooming: Luckily, the Doberman doesn't require a large amount of grooming. Occasional baths should suffice just to keep the coat nice and shiny. Cropping the ears (around 12 weeks of age) and docking their tails (no later than 3 days old) are personal preference and will be up to the breeder and/or owner.

Health Concerns: The most common health problem that the Doberman Pinscher is known for is Von Willebrands Disease. This is an inherited blood clotting disorder. Wobbler Syndrome ("fusion of the neck and compression of the spinal cord" (Dog Breed Info) cancer, hip dysplasia and skin issues are also other possible health problems that an owner may face. The life expectancy for the Doberman is around 12-14 years.

Ms. Maggie May! She is a
 co-worker's dog!
She is around 7 1/2 months old
and a very precious girl!

Did You Know? 
The Doberman Pinscher is a very good therapy dog, being very careful and aware of their surroundings.
This breed has been known to be very good in nursing home settings, because of it's tentative and careful nature.
The gene responsible for the "White Doberman" is also said to be the same gene that white lions and tigers are born with!

This breed is perfect if you're looking for an affectionate, caring and protective dog! I hope you have loved reading about this breed! If you are looking for a doberman, there are several websites that can give you just that! I will post on Facebook what breed will be featured next! If you have a breed you would like to read about, let me know!



Here's to a tail waggin' day!

-Noelle


*Information obtained for this blog came from the following sites: Dog Breed Info and AKC.org
*Pictures can be obtained from the websites provided.
*Owner's pictures have been approved by the owner and given permission to use.

Why Human Food is a "No-No"

"What does your pets' diet consists of?" Does this sound familiar? When you and your pet go in for a check up, veterinary professionals need to know what your pet eats on a daily basis. Commercial dog or cat food and treats are the obvious answers. Other responses I get are: chicken, some steak, and a little bit of fries. Everyone is guilty of giving into the cute and sad faces our pets' give us while we're enjoying a meal and all they have is bits of dog or cat food. However, those bits of dog/cat food are prepared well enough that your pet will receive the right amount of nutritious value he or she needs to ensure proper health. Giving your pet "human food," can be causing more damage than you think; read on to find out more!

What is the importance of the pancreas?

(Animal Pet Doctor)

High fatty foods, along with other pre-existing conditions, can cause what's known as pancreatitis. When breaking down this word, it means an inflammation of the pancreas. To understand what pancreatitis is, you must first understand how the pancreas works. The pancreas is located underneath the stomach and part of the intestines. "It has 2 main functions: to produce insulin to help digest glucose, and to produce enzymes to help digest foods."(Vetmedicine.com) Fatty foods can cause an over production of these digestive enzymes which can cause the pancreas to "digest itself," therefore causing pancreatitis.

What are the causes of pancreatitis?
As stated, high fatty foods is a major contributor to starting the process of pancreatitis. Along with this, there are other causes as well; certain medications (specific chemotherapy drugs, antibiotics), Cushing's Disease (hormonal disease), obesity, and abdominal trauma (i.e: hit by car).

(Life-Learn-Cliented)

What to look for in a pet with pancreatitis?
One of the most common signs that you will see in a pet that has pancreatitis is vomiting. Other signs include: lack of appetite, diarrhea and dehydration. Your pet may also experience pain in its' abdomen.

How is pancreatitis diagnosed?
There are a few ways that pancreatitis can be diagnosed. Of course the most obvious and helpful way is observing that present signs and determining whether pancreatitis should be considered. Another common way is by using a snap test. This consists of collecting blood from your pet and running a test that will tell your veterinarian if his or her pancreatic enzymes are abnormal. (Picture is shown on the right) Running a full blood work panel to check your pets' pancreatic enzymes is also an option to diagnose this problem.

Pancreatic Snap Test with
Abnormal and Normal results.
(Website)

What is the treatment for pancreatitis?
Unfortunately, there is no real "treatment" or "cure" for pancreatitis. Starting your pet on supportive care, such as intravenous fluids, is where most veterinarians will start. Medications for pain and nausea will also be administered to keep your pet comfortable. Letting the pancreas heal on it's own and addressing any other concerns that may be causing the bout of pancreatitis (diabetes, Cushing's Disease) is the most likely path your veterinarian will choose to help your pet become healthy again!

Home care for the pancreatitis patient
After your pet has spent a few days in the hospital with supportive care and helpful medications, your veterinarian will more than likely prescribe a low-fat, high-fiber diet. This will help prevent any future bouts of pancreatitis. Depending on the age of your pet, this diet may be a life-long change to ensure quality health.

(Vets-now.com)

I hope this helps you, the pet owner, realize the importance of a good, quality diet for your furry friend. If you have any questions or concerns, please don't hesitate to call Tenth Street Animal Hopsital and we will help you in anyway we can!

Please contact me on Facebook and let me know Tenth St Times sent you! Send me any requests or ideas that you have!

Here's to a tail waggin' day!

Noelle


P.S- I know that pictures are small, if they are to large it distorts everything! Sorry for any inconvenience!

*Information for this blog was obtained via Vetmedicine.com
*Pictures can be viewed and obtained from the website listed underneath.

Whip Worms: No Signs, No Symptoms.

"Being one of the four most common intestinal parasites in dogs" (Pets and Parasites), the whip worm resides in the cecum (where the small and large intestines meet) and can infect your pet for months before any clinical signs may be seen. As with the round worm and hook worm, the whip worm is found in your pets' stool.

Life Cycle of the Whip Worm

Whip Worm Life Cycle
(Novartis)

There are many similarities between the whip worm versus the round and hook worm. As with the round and hook worm, the whip worm spreads in animal feces and soil. The main way your pet can become infected with this parasite is ingesting or close contact with infected feces and substances containing it. Whip worms can live in the environment up to 5 years; by making sure you clean up your pets' feces, and their surroundings (dog park, local pet stores, etc) are clean, you can prevent your pet from becoming infected.

Whip Worm Egg seen in fecal flotation.
(Pet-Informed-Veterinary) 

Diagnosing Whip Worms in Your Pet
We (vet/vet tech) find the whip worm ova in the stool when we do a fecal flotation. This particular parasite is difficult to find as the female does not reproduce and lay eggs that often, which is why regular fecal checks are important to ensure your pet is at his or her utmost health quality.

Signs Your Pet Has Whip Worms
As stated earlier, a dog can be infected with whip worms for several months before you may see any signs. The most common signs seen in a pet with whip worms are bloody diarrhea, weight loss, dehydration and anemia. If your pet is experiencing any of these symptoms, visit your local veterinarian for a check up.

Adult Whip Worm
(Pixgood.com)

Whip Worms Inside the Intestines
The whip worm, as stated, lives in the cecum. There this parasite feeds on blood and tissue, matures into an adult and moves into the small intestines. The parasite received it's name from the "whip-like" movement that occurs when they maneuver through the intestinal tract.

Treating Whip Worms
As with round and hook worms, whip worms can be treated with an oral de-wormer that your veterinarian will feel is appropriate for your pet. This medication will treat the eggs and adult worms that are currently in your pets' intestines.

Whip Worms and Humans
Human infestation with the dog whip worm are very rare. However it is possible for humans to become infested with the human whip worm, T. trichiura. For more information on this particular parasite, you can visit CDC.gov.

(All About Goldens)

I hope you have enjoyed reading about the whip worm. Don't forget to bring your pet in for regular health and fecal checks to make for a happy (and healthy) pet!

What would you like to read about next? Send me your thoughts and comments via Facebook. Let me know that Tenth Street Times sent you!

Here's to a tail waggin' day!

Noelle

*Information for this blog was obtained from: Pets and Parasites, WebMD, and Pet Education
*Pictures obtained from the websites provided.

Breed of the Month: Russian Blue

Striking green eyes and a shimmering silver coat are what makes the Russian Blue a magnificent cat for owners who appreciate beauty.


The Russian Blue (bing images)

History: The Russian Blue, once called the "Archangel blues," is believed to have originated in the Archangel Isles in Russia; making it's way to London in 1871 with British sailors who were fascinated by the look of the breed. In the late 1900's, the Russian Blue was introduced in the US.

Temperament: Surprisingly, the Russian Blue is an easily trainable cat and enjoys a good game of catch every now and then. It is a very active cat and if ignored, has been known to act "hurt" in order to receive affection from it's owner. Although, as most cats, the Russian Blue is content with spending time alone and entertaining itself. My grandfather had a Russian Blue named Grey and I remember never seeing him unless he was being fed.

Grooming: With most cats, unless long haired, grooming isn't necessary. Regular nail clippings and affection are about the only grooming requirements the Russian Blue will need.


Look at those eyes! (Great Pictures of Cats)

Health Concerns: The Russian Blue is a pretty healthy breed. The only main concern for an owner with a Russian Blue is weight control. This breed loves to eat, therefore monitoring food consumption is a must to ensure your pet doesn't become overweight. A healthy Russian Blue can live anywhere from 10-15 years.

Did You Know? The Russian Blue is considered a "natural" breed meaning no human intervention has occurred.
During World War II, the Russian Blue was almost extinct. It was saved with the help breeders that combined the Siamese and British Blue creating the breed we know today.

Unfortunately there isn't much more known about the Russian Blue. Cats are very elusive and very hard to study. Of course, getting to know your pet whether it be a Russian Blue or any type of breed is of utmost importance!

If you think the Russian Blue is the breed for you there are plenty of sites online where you can find the one that is just right.

(Petfinder)

Here's to a tail waggin' day!

-Noelle

*Information obtained for this post is from cattime.com and petmd.com
*Pictures can be found via link provided.




To Spay or Not to Spay?

Spaying your pet is a big decision and an important one. I am not here to talk badly about the people that do not spay their pet but rather explain why the veterinary world recommend it.

Female Dog Anatomy
(Baywood Vet Hospital)

The Meaning of "Spay"
Understanding female anatomy is not a must in making a decision whether to spay or not but it will help you understand what "spaying" actually means. During this surgery the animals' uterus as well as the ovaries are completely removed by making a small incision just below the "belly button." The uterus is y-shaped (cats and dogs), so therefore this can be done fairly easy if there are no complications. The recommended age to do this procedure is between four to six months because this is before the female will go into her first heat cycle. Doing this before her first heat cycle occurs will greatly decrease the chance of mammary cancer (breast cancer).

Spaying Advantages
There are several benefits you and your pet will get from this procedure.

Mammary Tumor in a Dog
(Phys.org)

Mammary. Uterine and Ovarian Cancer
The main reason is the prevention of mammary cancer. The levels of estrogen (female hormone released during their heat cycle) will effect mammary development; therefore to decrease estrogen in the animals' body it is best to spay before the hormone can be released. As with people, breast cancer can be scary. The breast tumor can be taken off because it develops in the mammary gland but this doesn't mean that the cancer itself is gone; which is why this is hard to treat. Uterine and ovarian cancer can also develop if these organs aren't taking out.

Pyometra

Normal Uterus vs. Infected Uterus
(Marvista Vet)

Pyometra is also a big concern especially in older intact dogs. This is when there is an infection in the uterus caused by "hormone changes in the female reproductive tract." (VCA Hospitals) It normally occurs two to eight weeks after the female's last heat cycle. There are two types of pyometra: open or closed depending on the dilation of the cervix. Open cervix pyometra isn't as life threatening but still requires veterinary intervention. Strong antibiotics can be given but are not promised to treat the infection. Vaginal discharge, fever and lethargy are common signs of this type of pyometra. If it is a closed cervix pyometra the situation becomes life threatening and will more than likely need surgical intervention because the bacteria trapped in the uterus cannot escape as with open cervix pyometra. Dogs with this problem become sick very fast. Listlessness, vomiting, and anorexia are signs to look for in a closed cervix pyometra.

What Do I Do Once My Pet is Spayed?

Example of an E-Collar
(Pet Project Blog)

Most dogs and cats will do just fine post-operatively after a spay. Rest and leash walks with pain medications are the only things a doctor will prescribe. Rest and leash walks are to help ensure proper healing internally and at the incision site. Pain medications are to keep your pet comfortable until everything internally has healed. One thing to monitor your pet for is scratching, licking or irritating the incision site. This can cause unwanted infection. There are steps, such as an e-collar, you can take to ensure this doesn't happen.

(Bark Pouch)

There Are No Real Disadvantages
Many people believe that by spaying their pet, obesity and laziness will occur. This is false. Spaying your pet does not cause these problems. A nutritional consult with your veterinarian can help prevent obesity. Regulating and monitoring your pet's food intake is an easy way to prevent obesity.



This is a lot of information to take in, I know. I hope that you understand the importance of spaying your pet as it can increase it's health quality as well as possible life expectancy. If you have any questions or need further information on this topic, please don't hesitate to contact Tenth Street Animal Hospital and we will help you anyway we can!

Here's a tail waggin' day!

-Noelle

*Information for this post was obtained from: VCA Hospitals and TSAH handout.
*Pictures in this post can be found at the links provided.

What's Living in My Pet's Gut?

Ever wonder what we (vet/vet tech) see under the microscope to determine if your pet has intestinal parasites or not? I will give you a run down on everything roundworm and hookworm related.

Life Cycle of the Roundworm/Hookworm
(AnimalGals.Wordpress.com)

It is not uncommon for pups and kittens to have certain intestinal parasites. There are several different types of intestinal parasites, but the most common are hookworms and roundworms. Both are very similar in the way they affect your pet: pot-belly appearance, diarrhea, weight loss or not gaining weight, and vomiting.

Life Cycle of the Roundworm and Hookworm
There are two routes of infection that your pet can get these intestinal parasites: from the mother and ingestion. If the mother of your puppy or kitten is infected with round or hookworms, it will more than likely be passed through the milk to her babies. Ingestion of infected feces is another common way for your pet to become infected. This route is more common in adult pets.

Hookworm Egg Under the Microscope
(CDC)

Getting a Definitive Answer
A stool sample will provide the answers we need to definitively diagnose your pet with hook or roundworms. We look under the microscope to find the presence of the parasites' eggs. However, in some cases we will not find the eggs because the parasites isn't shedding at that time. This is why it is important to do a yearly fecal float to ensure the utmost healthiness of your pet.

Roundworm Egg Under the Microscope
(Pet-informed)

Once Inside My Pet, What Do These Parasites Do?
Once the round or hookworm has infected your pet, it will feed on its' intestinal lining. Hookworms will suck the blood of your pet, and "can cause serious blood loss" (Pets and Parasites) if the infection goes untreated. Roundworms can "move into the lungs if the infection is severe, therefore your pet may cough up spaghetti-like worms." (Pets and Parasites)

"Spaghetti-like" Roundworm
(The Life Tree)

Signs That Your Pet May be Infested. 
As stated before, the most common signs that we see in puppies and kittens are diarrhea, swollen belly, weight loss or not gaining weight and vomiting. In some cases, no signs at all are seen. This is normally at the beginning of an infection. If the infection is severe your pet may vomit or defecate the parasite. Owners will commonly report their pet has vomited or defected what looks like spaghetti. This is a definite sign that your pet has one of these two intestinal parasites.

How Do You Treat and Prevent Round and Hookworms?
Deworming can and should  be started at your pets' first visit. There are a few products that target these intestinal parasites that can be given if an infection is present. Keeping your pets' environment clean will also help decrease the spreading of round and hookworms.

(Animal Pet Doctor)

Can Humans Get These Intestinal Parasites?
Hookworms and Roundworms are zoonotic- meaning that humans are able to get these parasites. It is very rare, however it can happen. As a tech, I do like to educate clients on this. I do not want to persuade anyone from getting a puppy or kitten, but you do need to be aware of everything that can happen if your pet has become infected. Luckily, these parasites are easily treatable in pets, which is why human infection is rare. Contact with infected feces or soil is the main route of infection. Hookworms can also penetrate the skins barrier if one is exposed to infected ground. This can cause an "itching sensation at the site penetrated as well as visible tracks of the parasite on the skin." (Pets and Parasites) Both internal parasites are easily treatable in humans if the infection is seen in the early stages but may cause discomfort.

I hope that you have enjoyed (if you that's the right word for this topic) learning about these two intestinal parasites. If you have any questions or concerns, please do not hesitate to call Tenth Street Animal Hospital! We will gladly help you out in anyway that we can!

This is a picture of actual roundworms seen in a puppy at TSAH!
Don't worry she was treated and will get better in no time!

Here's to a tail waggin' day!

-Noelle

*Information for this post was obtained from: Petsandparasites.org and Petmd.com
*Pictures can be found at the links listed in caption.