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.

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.

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.

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.

The Start to a Healthy Pup

What better place to start then with the FIRST visit, right? Whether you're a pro or a first time owner, the first puppy visit is going to be relatively the same. Vaccinations, fecal floats, heartworm prevention.. oh my! I am going to go through what a routine first puppy visit would contain and what all of the context we throw at you means.

Being a first time owner of a puppy can be overwhelming. When we get you into a room, we ask you a ton of questions; is this the first time he/she has seen a vet? Where did you get her/him? Is he/she eating and drinking okay? I know, I know.. It seems like a lot. When talking to first time owners I try to dial down the questions and start with what I and the doctor recommend for the visit and go from there.

First and foremost, Vaccinations. It seems like a lot of vaccines and a lot of back and forth week after week but I promise once you get over the series of shots your pup will be fully vaccinated and shouldn't have to worry about coming back and getting poked by techs and veterinarians for another year. Here are a list of vaccines that are highly recommended by veterinarians:
Age:                                                Vaccine:        
6 weeks                                          DAPP (Distemper,
                                                       Adenovirus,Parainfluenza,
                                                       and Parvo)    
9 weeks                                          2nd DAPP
12 weeks                                        3rd (and final) DAPP/
                                                       Leptospirosis
                                                       if appropriate
                                                       Rabies 1 year (required
                                                        by law in North Carolina)
16 weeks                                         FINAL Leptospirosis and
                                                        Parvo Booster
                                                        Lyme Vaccination if
                                                        appropriate.

As stated, all of these vaccinations are recommended by veterinarians to help ensure quality health of your puppy.

Vaccinations are not the only thing that your puppy will be getting on this journey. We recommend a fecal flotation. This requires techs to get a small amount of feces and is a simple test we run to test for intestinal parasites such as roundworms, whipworms, hookworms, and coccidia; all of which are common in puppies because of their growing immune system. We will, however, give a basic dewormer to help start the fight against any intestinal "friends" that the puppy doesn't want. If the doctor then finds the parasites mentioned earlier he or she will give you the appropriate medication.
*intestinal parasites will be discussed in depth in a future blog, with pictures!

If you're a pro at this and pretty much know the basics of what/how/where/when etc, etc then this was just to show you an in depth look at what goes on during your visit.

If you know anything about dogs, then you know that heart worms are a major concern especially here in North Carolina. You are probably wondering why I didn't mention heart worms, right? The life cycle of the heart worms takes 6 months for it to become an adult so any testing before this time would give false results. You should get your puppy tested around 7 to 8 months to ensure that your heart worm treatment is working.
*heart worms will be discussed in depth in a future blog, with pictures!

This seems like a lot and to be honest, it is. As always, do not hesitate to ask any and all questions you may have during your visit.

This is Ayden (my dog) as a puppy!

This is Taylor, she came in for her first puppy visit today (10-31-2014)

Call and schedule an appointment today at Tenth Street Animal Hospital, we would love to meet you and your new friend!