Newsletter

What It Is

Anaphylaxis is a potentially fatal allergic reaction to a foreign agent such as insect venom, vaccines or drugs. This allergic response involves the release of chemical mediators (histamine, serotonin and eicosanoids) from particular body cells called mast cells or basophils. There are two forms of anaphylaxis: anaphylactic reactions and anaphylactoid reactions. Both result in similar clinical symptoms.

Anaphylactic reactions are immune-mediated reactions. This means that pre-exposure to a particular antigen (medication, vaccine, snake venom) is necessary. After initial exposure, the animal produces antibodies (to that agent) that bind to the mast cells. When the dog or cat is exposed to the same agent at a later time, these antibodies activate the mast cells to release the chemical mediators, thus producing an inflammatory response.

Anaphylactoid reactions are identical to anaphylactic reactions in terms of clinical symptoms; however, anaphylactoid reactions are not immune mediated responses. A single exposure to the foreign agent can cause clinical symptoms.

In both conditions, activation of mast cells results in a number of physiological changes affecting respiration and circulation, causing a life-threatening emergency.

Agents That Can Cause Anaphylactic Reactions:

• Snake Venom
• Insect Venom
• Certain Vaccines
• Antibiotics
• Other Medications

Symptoms

Symptoms of anaphylaxis usually occur within one hour following exposure to the agent. Reaction may be restricted to the site of contact with the agent - local swelling and redness associated with insect stings or may be generalized, in which the whole body swells. Dogs suffering from systemic anaphylaxis are usually restless and excitable.

Clinical manifestations of anaphylaxis generally include nausea, vomiting, circulatory collapse, rapid heartbeat, edema of the lungs and some neurological signs.

Clinical symptoms can vary from one animal to another, depending on the "shock organ" of the species. In dogs, the shock organ tends to be the liver and gastrointestinal organs; in the cat, the shock organ is generally the lung.

Eventually, if left untreated, anaphylaxis can lead to collapse, convulsions, coma and eventually death.

Treatment

Systemic anaphylaxis constitutes a medical emergency. Circulatory collapse associated with results in oxygen deprivation to major organs. If symptoms of anaphylaxis occur, call your veterinary hospital immediately.

Complications

Complications associated with anaphylaxis can be severe and result in long-term or irreparable damage. Since the liver is considered a major "shock organ" in dogs, liver damage and eventually liver disease, can result. Intestinal damage with peritonitis often necessitates surgical removal of large sections of the intestine. A decrease in circulating platelets can cause internal hemorrhaging.

Prevention

Unfortunately, anaphylaxis usually occurs unexpectedly and very rapidly. The key to prevention is to avoid the agent that produces the reaction. However, in regard to vaccine and drug reactions, there is no reliable prevention. With vaccinations; however, it is probably best to observe your pet for a half-hour after administration.

When bacteria invade the body, a bacterial infection is present. Often, the bacteria are removed by our own immune system before there are any obvious signs of disease. But if bacteria multiply faster than our immune system can destroy them, an infectious disease develops. An infectious disease is treated by drugs that harm the bacteria - either by killing them or by preventing them from multiplying - without harming the host (animals). These drugs are called antibiotics.

Many people simply use the term antibiotics to apply to the broad group of drugs that prevent the spread of or kill microorganisms. Sometimes, though, a finer distinction is made. An antimicrobial is a drug that kills (or inhibits the multiplication of) microbes or microorganisms. Bacteria, fungi, viruses, and protozoa are all microbes. Antibiotics, however, kill only bacteria. They have no effect on viral or fungal disease.

An antibiotic such as penicillin, is bactericidal. This type of antibiotic kills bacteria. A bacteriostatic antibiotic, such as tetracycline and erythromycin, stops the bacteria from multiplying. After the invading bacteria stops multiplying, the body's natural defenses usually kills the existing bacteria.

The discovery and development of antibiotic drugs are two of the most important therapeutic advances of the twentieth century. Penicillin was discovered by Alexander Fleming in 1929, and was introduced into clinical use in 1940. Fleming was awarded the Nobel prize in 1945 for this discovery. Since then, antibiotics have dramatically changed the course of many illnesses (both in humans and in animals) from almost certain death to little more than an inconvenience.

The problem of resistance to antibiotics is very serious. Very often, an animal is treated successfully with amoxicillin (the most commonly-prescribed small animal veterinary drug in the United States) on three separate occasions for three different infections. Then, amoxicillin doesn't work for the fourth infection. Since different antibiotics have different spectra of activity (only work on certain bacteria), this particular bacteria may not be sensitive to amoxicillin.

Another problem with antibiotic resistance occurs when an animal is treated for the same infection several different times with the same antibiotic. The antibiotic works perfectly during the first 2 or 3 episodes, then on the fourth episode, it fails to work. The most likely reason for this is that the organism has become resistant to that particular antibiotic.

Bacteria become resistant to some antibiotics through genetic mutations, which are then passed on to succeeding generations of bacteria. Amoxicillin is ineffective against infections from staphylococci, for example, because those organisms have developed resistance to the entire group of penicillin-type antibiotics (called beta-lactamins), including amoxicillin. These bacteria produce an enzyme, penicillinase, which changes the structure of the drug and makes it inactive. This is an example of bacteria developing resistance to antibiotics by inactivating the drug via specific enzymes. There are other mechanisms by which bacteria become resistant to antibiotics. These include alterations in the bacterial target enzyme as well as changes in the ability of the drugs to accumulate in or on the bacteria.

Here are some important things to remember when your pet is taking antibiotics:

1. Antibiotics need to be given at specific times. Even though it may be difficult to give a medication every six or eight hours, it is necessary in order for these medications to work properly.
2. Antibiotics need to be given for a particular duration. During the first few days on the antibiotic, our pet usually feels much better. The antibiotic zaps most of the bacteria; however, there are usually still some bacteria left in their system. At this point, if the medicine is discontinued, the surviving bacteria quickly grow and multiply, and may overwhelm our pet once again. Continuing the medication for the full course usually prevents this from occurring.
3. Antibiotics need to be stored properly so that they do not lose their effectiveness. Some call for refrigeration; especially those that are liquids. Also, be sure to shake liquid formulas before administering them.
4. It is crucial that you do not begin to give antibiotics to your pet without first talking to your veterinarian.
5. As a general rule, antibiotics are very safe and have few side effects. Loss of appetite, upset stomach, vomiting and diarrhea are the side effects most commonly encountered.
6. Occasionally, an animal will develop an allergic reaction to an antibiotic. This usually occurs within the first 30 minutes after administration. Severe allergic reactions - panting heavily, difficulty breathing, intense vomiting or diarrhea, seizures or lethargy - are emergencies and should immediately be seen by a veterinarian.

If you have any questions regarding an antibiotic or any medication, please contact a staff member at your veterinary hospital.

Springtime is fast approaching and your thoughts may be turning toward landscaping your yard and planting a new garden. Whatever your plans, take care when using cocoa mulch for your garden and landscaping needs. Cocoa mulch contains cocoa bean shells that are toxic to your pet.

Cocoa mulch is hazardous to your pet in the same way that chocolate and chocolate-containing products are dangerous to your four-legged friend. Like candies and other chocolate treats, cocoa bean shells contain theobromine, a naturally occurring chemical, similar to caffeine. Because dogs metabolize theobromine slowly, it can have a serious effect on your dog’s heart, kidneys and central nervous system. (Cats are also susceptible to theobromine poisoning; however, cats are less likely to eat chocolate because they lack sweet taste receptors on their tongues.)

Cocoa mulch has a strong chocolate smell - just the sort of odor that attracts curious canine noses and appetites. Because of this, dogs may eagerly ingest cocoa mulch. The results are similar to the poisoning experienced when dogs each chocolate products; however, because cocoa mulch contains a higher concentration of theobromine, a small quantity of mulch can mean big problems for your pet.

In small quantities, a dog may experience upset stomach, vomiting and diarrhea. However, dogs eating a large quantity of cocoa mulch can experience tachycardia (rapid heart rate), muscle tremors, seizures and, in rare cases, death. The severity of the reaction depends on the size and weight of the dog and the quantity of mulch eaten. According to the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, 2 ounces of mulch eaten by a 50-pound dog will cause upset stomach; 4.5 ounces of mulch will cause increased heart rate and 5.3 ounces will cause seizures. Any quantity of mulch more than 9 ounces can cause death, according to the ASPCA.

The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center collected data on 16 cases of cocoa mulch poisoning between January 2002 and April 2003. The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center studied six of those cases and found that vomiting occurred in half the cases. In 33 percent of the cases, tremors were reported and in 17 percent of the cases, rapid heartbeat, hyperactivity and diarrhea were reported. The results of the ASPCA study are located here.

Pet owners are encouraged to use other varieties of mulch for their garden and landscaping needs. Cedar chips and straw are less toxic to dogs than cocoa mulch, though some brands may contain oils and resins that can cause upset stomach in pets. If your dog has eaten cocoa bean mulch, contact your veterinarian immediately or call the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 1-888-426-4435. Treatment will depend on the quantity of mulch eaten, when it was eaten and the symptoms your dog is showing.

More often than not, dogs are exposed to toxic household products accidentally, though from time to time, well-intentioned owners may unknowingly give their dogs harmful products or medications in an attempt to help them. To help you be a responsible dog owner, we have compiled a list of the 10 most common household hazards to dogs based on data received at the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) between 2001 and 2005.

Ibuprofen

Ibuprofen, also known by the name brands Advil or Motrin, is a non-steroidal, anti-inflammatory drug commonly used as a pain reliever or fever reducer. The most common over-the-counter strength is 200mg, but prescription strength tablets can get as high as 800mg. Dogs are often exposed accidentally, either because they have chewed a bottle containing ibuprofen or their owner has given it to them intentionally for pain control.

The effects of ibuprofen poisoning are diverse. An overdose can cause damage to the GI tract, the kidneys and the central nervous system. Ingestion by dogs can lead to ulceration, vomiting, diarrhea and/or abdominal pain. Larger doses can result in an increased risk of a dog developing acute renal failure, depression, seizures and/or comas.

Chocolate

Chocolate contains a stimulant known as a methylxanthine or theobromine. The amount of methylxanthines depends on the type of chocolate. For example, milk chocolate contains lower amounts of methylxanthines than dark chocolate, while baker's chocolate has the highest and most toxic amount.

Clinical signs of chocolate poisoning vary. The dog's reaction depends on the type of chocolate, the amount ingested, the size of the dog, and the dog's sensitivity to methylxanthines. Signs of ingestion can include mild stimulation such as hyperactivity, agitation and restlessness, cardiovascular effects like tachycardia (increased heart rate), arrhythmias, hypertension or hypotension and central nervous system signs such as tremors and seizures. Vomiting and diarrhea may occur with any amount, due to chocolate's high fat and sugar content.

Ant and Roach Baits

No one likes having ants or roaches in the house, but it is important to remember the potential hazard to your dog by placing baits or traps. The product names vary, and the containers may be referred to as chambers, discs, stations, systems, traps, baits or trays. To attract the insects, most ant and roach baits use an attractant (often peanut butter), a sweetening agent and bread. These baits once contained compounds highly toxic to mammals (arsenic trioxide and lead arsenate); the most common insecticides used in ant and roach baits today are boric acid, avermectin, fipronil, hydramethylnon, propoxur and sulfonamide.

Due to the low concentration of the insecticide and the small size of the bait, serious illness in dogs ingesting the baits is not expected. In many instances, the risk of a foreign body or obstruction from the plastic or metal part of the container is of greater concern than the active ingredients. Signs of ingestion are usually limited to mild gastrointestinal upset and do not require specific treatment.

Rodenticides (rat poison)

Poisons intended to kill rats, mice, gophers, moles and other pesky mammals are among the most common and deadly household poisons. Since rodents and dogs are both mammals, it makes sense that substances highly poisonous to mice, for example, would be lethal to dogs. It cannot be stressed enough that rodenticides are highly toxic and any such poisons designed to kill small mammals need to be carefully stored away from curious canine noses. The poisons usually come in flimsy cardboard containers, and any dog or puppy can chew through it to get the bait.

While there are many categories of rodenticides, the most common poisoning seen in veterinary practice is the anti-coagulant kind. Anti-coagulant rodenticide has ingredient names like warfarin, fumarin, diphacinone and bromadiolone. These poisons act by interfering with a dog's ability to utilize Vitamin K. Without it, a dog's blood is unable to clot, which can ultimately cause severe blood loss, anemia, hemorrhage and death. Generally, clinical signs are not seen until 3-5 days after the dog has ingested the poison. Signs of ingestion are weakness, difficulty breathing, pale mucous membranes, bruising and bleeding from the nose. Other types of rodenticides can cause neurological symptoms such as incoordination, seizures and other cardiac failure.

If accidental ingestion of rat poison is suspected, contact your veterinarian immediately, even if your dog is not showing any symptoms. If possible bring the poison container to the clinic to determine the specific rodenticide ingested and therefore provide the best treatment. Early recognition is critical, as some intoxications can be treated successfully if caught early and treated appropriately.

Acetaminophen

Acetaminophen, most commonly known as Tylenol, is an over-the-counter medication used to relieve pain and reduce fevers. Available in tablets, capsules or liquids, it can be rather easy for a dog to chew on a bottle or mistakenly be given some by its owner as a pain killer. As with ibuprofen, dogs should never be given acetaminophen as a pain reliever. Specifically, acetaminophen breaks down into small particles that bind to red blood cells and other tissue cells. This results in the destruction of these cells. In other words, just one pill can cause significant tissue damage in dogs (especially small dogs). Signs of ingestion develop quickly and can include salivation, vomiting, weakness, abdominal pain and fluid build up (edema) in the face or paws.

Cold medications (Pseudo-ephedrine)

Many cold medications contain pseudo-ephedrine, a drug structurally similar to amphetamine. Ingestion can lead to cardiovascular and central nervous system problems. The most common clinical signs include agitation, hyperactivity, panting, hyperthermia (increased body temperature), tachycardia, head bobbing and dilated pupils. A small amount can be life threatening, so timely treatment is important.

Thyroid hormones

Thyroid hormones can be toxic to dogs. Although natural (desiccated thyroid) and synthetic (levothyroxine or L-thyroxine) derivatives of thyroid hormones are used to treat hypothyroidism in both animals and people, an overdose can be toxic. As with any medication, dogs are susceptible to drug overdoses, much like humans. Hyperactivity and tachycardia are the most common signs of overdose. If you think you have overdosed your dog or your own medication bottle has been chewed, consult your veterinarian for the best course of action.

Cleaning Products

This category contains dozens of products used around the home including toilet bowl cleaners, bleach, detergents, caustics (e.g. Drano, Ajax, etc.), pine oils and so forth. These products are often highly poisonous to dogs. The range of chemicals included in cleaning products can cause signs varying widely from mild local irritation (many detergent soaps) to deep penetrating tissue damage (alkaline products) to severe systemic disease (pine oils). Due to the wide range of products, generalized illness is most common along with skin irritation or a burn if contact has been topical instead of ingested. Like rodenticides, it is wise to keep all cleaners tightly closed when not in use and stored in a location where curious canine noses are unable to reach. Also, be sure to keep dogs out of newly cleaned areas to avoid paw injuries from walking in the cleaning solution and mouth burns from subsequent grooming.

Fertilizer

Spring and fall are the times to fertilize. Unfortunately, it is also the time for accidental poisoning. Dogs often lick their paws, especially after walking outdoors. Because fertilizers are usually a combination of ingredients, several toxic outcomes are possible. In general, the ingredients are poorly absorbed and most clinical signs are related to gastrointestinal irritation showing up as vomiting, hyper salivation, diarrhea or lethargy. The best way to avoid illness or injury is to keep your dog inside while treating your lawn and wait awhile before letting him or her out.

Household Chemicals (hydrocarbons)

Hydrocarbons are in numerous household products, including paints, varnishes, engine cleaners, furniture polish, lighter fluid, lamp oils, paint removers, and fuel oil (e.g. acetone, xylene, kerosene, gasoline, naphtha, mineral oil). Since there are so many possible poisons, the result of ingestion varies widely. Clinical signs include vomiting, diarrhea, mild to moderate eye irritation, skin burns, pulmonary damage, pneumonia, depression or excitement, hypoxia, inflammation and liver or kidney damage. Though dogs generally do not enjoy the taste of any of these products, a common cause of ingestion is through drinking out of puddles that contain chemicals or walking through spilled liquids and then licking their paws.

When disaster strikes, having an emergency plan is essential. But as you plan for the worst (and hope for the best), don't forget about your pet's place in those plans. Thousands of animals were displaced by the storms and flooding that ravaged the Gulf Coast following Hurricane Katrina in 2005, and the recent floods in the Midwest have already forced thousands of residents—and their pets—out of their homes. Here are some tips to help you keep your pet safe in the event of a major emergency.

The first and most important step is to plan ahead. In the event of a hurricane, earthquake, flood or other natural disaster, you may be forced to evacuate your home. However, most disaster shelters, such as those maintained by the Red Cross, cannot accommodate pets, with the exception of service animals. Because of this, it's a good idea to work out some kind of emergency shelter plan for your pet. Contact hotels and motels outside your immediate area and find out if they allow pets, either in times of emergency or on a regular basis. Friends and relatives outside the affected area may also be able to care for your pet. Many veterinary hospitals and boarding kennels also provide shelter for animals in an emergency. Some hospitals, especially those in disaster-prone areas, have emergency plans in place for pets staying at the hospital. Whichever method you choose, keep a list of these "pet friendly" emergency accommodations on hand and make arrangements as far in advance as possible.

Whatever you do, do not leave your pet at home. Leaving a pet alone during an emergency is likely to result in your pet being injured, lost or even worse. If you are forced to evacuate and cannot make shelter arrangements for your pet, bring him or her with you and try to find shelter for them along the way. In the case of floods, hurricanes, major storms and other disasters for which warnings are often issued in advance, start making preparations immediately. Confirm emergency shelter arrangements, bring your pets inside, and be sure all of your animal companions are wearing some sort of ID tag. Microchipping your pet is also a good way to ensure that you are able to find your pet should he or she become lost during an evacuation.

Having a disaster supplies kit for your pet is also helpful. This kit should include medications, medical records and a first aid kit, leashes and harnesses, a supply of food and portable water, a photo of your pet (in case he or she is lost), and bedding and a toy or two to keep your pet comfortable, if easy to transport. Preparations for each pet depend on the species and age of the pet. For example, birds should be transported in a secure cage or carrier, while snakes can be transported temporarily in a pillowcase until more secure housing can be found. Farm owners or those caring for horses and other large animals must also make special arrangements for evacuating or sheltering their animals at home.

For more information and detailed examples of emergency plans, The Humane Society of the United States maintains a list of disaster preparedness resources for pet owners on their website. Additionally, the American Red Cross and the Federal Emergency Management Agency have compiled a list of resources and tips for keeping animals safe during a disaster. Individual states may have their own disaster plans for animals. The American Veterinary Medical Association maintains a list of states with animal disaster plans.

Health care costs are rising rapidly - not just for you, but also for your pet. Veterinary medical costs are on the rise and many treatment options once available only for humans can now be used on pets. This is great news for the health of your pet, but it may not be so great for your wallet. Specialized treatments, emergency surgeries and consultations with specialists are expensive and working large veterinary bills into an already tight budget can be difficult for many pet owners. However, there are many options for pet owners looking to budget for the care of their faithful companion.

When it comes to tackling a large veterinary bill, health care credit cards are an easy option for pet owners. CareCredit, the Wells Fargo and Citibank all offer credit cards that can be used to pay for your pet's health care. CareCredit was the first company to offer financing exclusively for veterinary care. CareCredit works just like a regular credit card, except that it can be used only for veterinary (and human) medical care. More than 100,000 veterinarians in the country accept CareCredit and CareCredit's website features a searchable list of veterinarians who take payment through CareCredit.

To use CareCredit, apply online at www.carecredit.com. Once you're approved, make an appointment for your pet with your veterinarian. When it's time to pay the bill, you can set up a CareCredit payment plan with your veterinarian. Payment plans can last anywhere from three to 18 months, with no interest; for higher treatment fees, 24 to 60 month payment plans can be set up with a fixed 11.9 percent interest rate. The average credit limit is $4,000.

Chase also offers a specialized credit card for health care costs. The ChaseHealthAdvance allows pet owners to set up no-interest payment plans spread out from three to 24 months. Longer financing periods (for 24 to 48 months) are available with an interest rate ranging from 0 to 11.99 percent. The credit limit for ChaseHealthAdvance ranges from $5,000 to $20,000.

Wells Fargo and Citibank also offer credit card financing options for veterinary care. The Wells Fargo Health Advantage Card and the Citi Health Card work much like CareCredit and can be used for both veterinary and human medical procedures.

The Citi Health Card offers three different payment plans: zero interest for three to 18 months; a budgeted 48-month plan at 12.96 percent interest and a regular credit plan at 21.98 variable interest. Wells Fargo offers similar payment plans that can be customized by your veterinarian.

Not all veterinarians accept health care credit cards. Before applying for a card, ask your veterinarian which payment plans he or she uses. It is also a good idea to find out if veterinary emergency clinics in your area accept health care credit cards, as well. Adding another credit card to a growing stack of bills is a difficult choice - but far less difficult than choosing to forego an important procedure for your pet because of high costs.

On July 30, Procter & Gamble Pet Care division expanded its July 25 pet food recall to include additional veterinary formulas and some specialized Eukanuba dry pet food products as a precautionary measure. The original recall, just five days earlier, involved Iams feline renal dry food formulas. Although no illnesses have been reported, the possibility of salmonella contamination prompted P&G to recall the following dry pet food brands:

-- Iams Veterinary Dry Formulas: All dry sizes and varieties, “Best Buy” dates: 01Jul10 - 01Dec11; All UPC Codes

-- Eukanuba Naturally Wild: All dry sizes and varieties, “Best Buy” dates: 01Jul10 - 01Dec11; All UPC Codes

-- Eukanuba Pure: All dry sizes and varieties, “Best Buy” dates: 01Jul10 - 01Dec11; All UPC Codes

-- Eukanuba Custom Care Sensitive Skin: All dry sizes, “Best Buy” dates: 01Jul10 - 01Dec11; All UPC Codes

These products are manufactured in one specialized facility where testing by the Food and Drug Administration detected salmonella. As a precaution, P&G is recalling the products voluntarily in cooperation with the FDA. The contamination is limited to this facility, but affects all the products listed above.

Consumers who purchased the specific dry pet foods listed should discard them. People handling dry pet food can become infected with salmonella, especially if they have not thoroughly washed their hands after touching the products or containers. Salmonella can also be transferred to surfaces in contact with the products.

Pets infected with salmonella may have decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Left untreated, pets may become lethargic and develop diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever and vomiting. Even healthy pets can become carriers and infect other animals or humans.

Consumers may receive product refunds by calling Procter & Gamble toll-free at 877-340-8823.

1. I check my dog's stool in the yard everyday and do not see any worms; therefore, he / she does not have intestinal parasites.
   True
   False
2. Which of the following is NOT a dog vaccine?
   1. Rabies
   2. Parvovirus
   3. Distemper
   4. FeLV
3. Of the following, which is the BEST way to keep my dog's teeth and gums healthy?
   1. Rawhide
   2. Brushing with a vet approved dental paste and soft tooth brush
   3. Chew toys
   4. Tartar control diets
4. My dog has an ear infection. The best treatment is?
   1. Use a prescription from my other dog's ear infection
   2. See your veterinarian immediately
   3. Clean the ears with baby oil or rubbing
   4. Clean the ears with a cotton swab
5. Which breed is known for its dark purple tongue?
   1. Papillon
   2. Chow Chow
   3. Puli
   4. Irish Wolfhound
6. My dog only goes out for walks in the yard, so he doesn't need to be on a heartworm preventative.
   True
   False
7. My housebroken dog is suddenly urinating in the house. What could this possibly mean?
   1. Bladder infection
   2. Diabetes
   3. Kidney failure
   4. Any of these
8. My dog scoots his rear on the floor everyday after going to the bathroom. This is just a silly behavior problem.
   True
   False
9. The best way to treat my older dog's achy joints is?
   1. Tylenol
   2. Acetaminophen
   3. An approved canine anti-inflammatory drug
   4. Any of these are fine
10. When is the usual time to spay or neuter my dog?
    1. 5-6 months old
    2. 1 year old
    3. 18 months old
    4. After he or she is fully grown

Answers

1. False, 2. 4, 3. 2, 4. 2, 5. 2
6. False, 7. 4, 8. False, 9. 3, 10. 1