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.

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.

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.

Fleas: The Constant Threat

During the fall and winter months many people are celebrating the holidays and enjoying the cool weather, but many pet owners don't realize that their pet is still susceptible to the flea.

(SPCA)

Fleas start out as an egg and make their way to an adult. Depending upon the humidity and temperature, the fleas' life cycle will vary. The dog and cat are the main hosts for this external parasite.

A single "female flea can lay several hundred eggs over her life span." (PetMD) She lays around twenty to thirty eggs a day on the host. The eggs will then fall off and hatch when environmental factors are in the fleas' favor. This is when the flea, with it's powerful legs, jumps onto it's host and starts the process again from the beginning.

Flea Dirt
(Google User)

Signs Your Pet May Have Fleas
Itching and hair loss are the two main signs to look for on your pet, if you think he or she may have fleas. The base of the tail and tips of the ears are the places to look for hair loss. Flea combs are very helpful in finding the external parasite as well. Owners can also look for what we call "flea dirt," which is flea feces containing dried blood, that look like small specs of dirt.

Prevention is Key.
First and foremost, prevention is key. It is easier to prevent then treat because fleas breed so fast. There are several flea prevention products on the market that you can purchase at a veterinary office. Your veterinarian will choose the appropriate prevention for your pet based on its' health and environmental needs.

The Flea, Ctenocephalides
(Orkin.com)

My Pet Has Fleas, Now What?
The products available for flea prevention also help in flea treatment. It will seem like the infestation will never go away, but stick with it. Every animal in the household should be on flea prevention in order for treatment be successful. The main thing I think owners do not understand about flea control and treatment is that the fleas are not only on their pet, but also in the environment. While treating your pet, the environment (household, bedding, etc) needs to be treated as well. If the fleas are being treated on your pet, but are still on their bedding the fleas will not go away. There are several products, from an exterminator or your local veterinarian, that you can purchase to help treat the environment. The fleas will eventually be taken care of and from there a rigorous flea prevention plan will have to be put in place.

Bring your pet in today and we'll start he or she on a flea prevention plan! If you have any questions about the flea, call Tenth Street Animal Hospital today!

Please comment and let me know what topics you would love to read about!

Here's to a tail waggin' day!

Noelle

*Information obtained for this blog from: Petmd.com

Mosquitoes Can Give My Pet What?

Living in North Carolina there are a lot of Mosquitoes; with mosquitoes comes heart worms.

(North Concho Vet Clinic)

The picture above shows the life cycle of the heart worm, which takes about 6 months to become an adult. An infected mosquito bites your pet and from there the cycle starts. Heart worms live in the heart but can travel to the pulmonary artery if the infection becomes overbearing.

As a technician, one of the main concerns I have for dogs is heart worms. Surprisingly, it's easily preventable. There are several different options for heart worm prevention. The most common are pill and topical form. Ideally, heart worm prevention is started at your pup's first veterinary check up and continued monthly for the entirety of their life.


(Becker Animal Hosp.)

Should my dog be tested every year for heart worms?
YES, a large dog can live up to 7 years with heart worm infestation without showing any clinical signs. This is why we do a heart worm test on your pet when they come in for an annual visit. The test will let us know if there are circulating and breeding females in the blood. If this test shows a positive result, we will then examine a blood smear under the microscope to see the severity of the heart worm infestation.

Signs of Heart Worms in Dogs
The dog is a natural host for heart worms, meaning these parasites need the dog as a host in order to breed. If untreated, heart, lung and artery damage can occur. Unfortunately there are no clinical signs shown in the early stages of heart worm disease. If persistent and no treatment is given over time, the dog can develop a "mild cough, fatigue, weight loss, and decreased appetite." (American Heart Worm Society) Severe infestations can result in "heart failure, artery blockage, and labored breathing." (AHS) The only way to treat a severe infestation is to surgically remove the heart worms.

(Merck Manuals)

Let's not forget about the cats!
YES, cat's can get heart worms. No, we do not periodically test cats like we do dogs. The way to definitively diagnose heart worms in cats is by radiographic imaging or ultrasound. There is an antigen test, similar to the one used for dogs, but it isn't as accurate as the other methods. Cats with heart worms can only live around 2 to 3 years. Their heart isn't as large compared to a bigger dog, therefore can't handle a tremendous burden. Unfortunately, most cats show signs of heart worm disease when the infestation has become over bearing. "Vomiting, fainting spells, coughing, lack of appetite and weight loss" (AHS) are a few signs cats owners will notice in a cat with heart worms. There are a few products marketed for cats to prevent heart worms. Ask your veterinarian which product would be best for your cat.

Treatment for the Heart Worm Positive Pet
Depending on the severity of the infestation and healthiness of your canine, your veterinary will provide different options for you to choose from. Unfortunately, there is no approved treatment for cats. Keeping them comfortable and monitoring for any respiratory distress is a must for the owner. Providing veterinary supportive care for both, dog and cat, will help treatment or management run smoother.

Heart Worms located within the heart.
(ASAH)

Overall, keeping your cat or dog on heart worm prevention monthly will definitely make for a healthier pet. If you have questions or want to start your pet on heart worm prevention, call and schedule an appointment at Tenth Street Animal Hospital today!

Here's to a tail waggin' day!

Noelle


Information for this post provided by: American Heart Worm Society
Pictures used in this post are can be found with site provided in caption.

Breed of the Month: Golden Retreiver

Ever wondered where your dog or cat came from? What its "purpose" was when being introduced? How long it's been around? Well this is the post for you, whether you're a cat person or a dog person, I am going to be doing a "Breed of the Month" post at the beginning of every month to teach you more about the breeds you know and love.

My boy at 4 months

It's only natural to kick off the breed of the month with my favorite breed. Which is why I'm going to start with the Golden Retriever. You will learn that I am very partial to Golden Retrievers. Not only because I have one of my own, but because they are really one of the happiest breeds I have ever met- and who doesn't love a happy dog? 

History: If you mix the Irish Setter, Bloodhound, and Tweed Water Spaniel (now extinct) what do you get? The Golden Retriever! It originated in the Scottish Highlands in the late 1800's (AKC). It was bred mainly for hunting purposes as it had the nose of a Bloodhound and the speed of an Irish Setter. It's thick, furry, water-repellent coat makes colder weather ideal.

Creo, my fiancé's dog, LOVES to play fetch.

Personality: The Golden is very lovable and in most cases very good with children. A very active and easily trainable breed, the Golden will (in most cases) do well with other animals as well as new people as they are always looking for treats. If bored, the Golden can become destructive so he/she will definitely need an active family to keep the energy level low and boredom at bay.

Grooming: The most common complaint from a Golden owner is hair because trust me, the Golden has a lot. The coat does need to be groomed daily because of it's thickness but in most cases your Golden will come to love grooming and enjoy a relaxing brush on the porch. 

Health Problems: Cancer, hip dysplasia, heart problems, and skin allergies are the most common health problems most Golden owners will encounter as your pet ages. Ayden (my dog) has very bad allergies so he is on a special diet which controls his flare ups. Obesity is another common problem for Golden's, as they love to eat. Your veterinarian can tell you the appropriate amount to feed your pet if you are unsure. The life expectancy for Goldens is 10-12 years.

Ayden!

Did you know? Golden's will darken with age. Their "true" coat color will generally appear around one year of age.
The Golden Retriever is one of America's most popular breed of dog.
Golden's have been trained to detect all types of cancer as well as being introduced to diabetic patients to alert when there has been a change in insulin levels. There are also "seizure watch" Goldens, in which they are able to warn when a seizure is on the merge.

I hope you have enjoyed learning about the Golden Retriever as much as I have enjoyed sharing this information. There are plenty of amazing breeds out there and this is just the beginning. My next breed of the month will be a cat called the "Russian Blue." If you have a Russian Blue, send me pictures through Facebook and your pet could be featured in the next Breed of the Month.

Lucy and Desi, Ayden's parents!

For more information about the Golden Retriever, and to watch videos of Golden's in action- please visit the American Kennel Club. 

Here's to a tail waggin' day!

Noelle

*Information for the blog post was obtained from Dog Breed Info and AKC.
*Pictures used in this post received verbal consent by owner.