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| What's wrong with a few fleas anyhow? Don't all pets have them? After 16 years in practice, I have heard these questions many times. When I graduated from vet school, the ubiquitous blue bottle of Adams Flea Spray could be found in most homes. In fact, as a technician in a Memphis practice in the 80's, I can remember clients buying the stuff by the case before we could even open the shipments to stock the shelves. Although that flea spray worked better than anything else available at the time, most pets still had a few fleas. During the 90's, flea treatments became more toxic as synthetic chemicals were introduced. While effective, they had to be applied frequently and did pose some health risks to the pets as well as the environment. Flea treatments have come a long way since then, and we now have products that are not only safer and more environmentally friendly but may also be applied just monthly to effectively prevent most flea infestations. To answer the above question, "whats wrong with a few fleas", one needs to realize how much damage a few fleas can do. Fleas, of course, are blood sucking parasites. A simple flea infestation can cause enough blood loss to make your pet very ill, possibly ill enough to need a transfusion. In addition, many pets (and people) develop flea allergies and can react to as little as a single flea bite. The result may be itching, skin infections, and anxiety. Like other blood sucking parasites, fleas also carry diseases. The flea has been identified as a carrier of bartonellosis, a newly emerging human infection. This organism can cause cat scratch disease in susceptible people. Heart valve infections and liver problems in both dogs and people have also been linked bartonella bacteria. It remains to be seen if bartonella organisms can cause disease in cats but evidence is accumulating. Another organism carried by fleas (and transmitted between cats by fleas) is Mycoplasma haemofelis. This is a parasite of cat red blood cells and can cause fatal anemias from red blood cell destruction. Lastly, we can't leave out the most famous pathogens carried by fleas (in this case the rat flea). Most people are familiar with the bubonic plague and a few have heard of murine typhus. These diseases, while uncommon, are still seen in some areas of our country. Pets that hunt or scavenge can pick up rat fleas from the environment and transport them back to a pet owner. Fortunately for us here in Georgia, these diseases are not yet a problem but they are good examples the dangers of fleas. Still wonder what's wrong with a few fleas? Is your pet on flea prevention?? Contact our office for safe, effective flea control. |
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| Pre-Anesthetic Labwork For a pet owner, the idea of putting their beloved pet under anesthesia will always be met with some anxiety and hesitation. Just as in human medicine, there are inherent risks involved in anesthetizing any patient. The good news, however, is thorough pre-anesthetic exams, Lab work, improved anesthetic monitors, and safer anesthetics all combine to make anesthetic complications much rarer than in the past. Patients undergoing anesthesia at our hospital can expect to get a detailed physical to detect underlying problems that might cause complications. In addition, we also require preanesthetic Lab work for almost all patients. What is Pre-anesthetic Lab work??? Preanesthetic Lab work involves checking a blood sample for various chemical markers that are useful in evaluating organ function. Here at North DeKalb Veterinary Clinic, the doctors feel that it is crucial to the safety of our patients to know something about the organs that break down or excrete anesthetic drugs. Is age a good factor to use in predicting organ function? Not really….. We see many young patients with infectious, hereditary, or toxic conditions that may not be noticeable on the surface but may hinder the ability of the liver or kidneys to handle additional chemicals or drugs. These changes are often only identifiable by blood testing. It is for this reason that we require lab tests prior to any sedation or anesthesia. Your pet’s safety is our primary concern. At North DeKalb, our preanesthetic tests are run on state of the art in-house equipment that accurately measures chemicals or enzymes in the blood and allows us to evaluate kidney and liver function. We also measure blood sugar and blood protein levels, and we look for signs of infection or anemia by measuring both white and red blood cells. Platelet counts are even evaluated to identify patients that may have a bleeding tendency. Occasionally, if the preanesthetic physical exam or patients medical history suggests other problems, we will run additional tests to look at pancreatic function, electrolyte levels, and even thyroid levels. Once under anesthesia, our patients can expect to be monitored closely by a trained assistant or technician. Anesthetic monitors are also used to improve safety and may include electrocardiography (EKG), pulse oximetry (to measure blood oxygen levels), blood pressure, body temperature, and capnography (to measure exhaled and inhaled carbon dioxide in the lungs). All of these things, from the exam to the Lab work and monitoring, all help improve the overall safety of the anesthetic episode. Please feel free to contact our office if you have any questions. |
As cold weather approaches, we must all take special precautions to help protect our pets. What's that you say? Your pet is strictly indoors? Surely this can't apply to you! Pets that have outdoor access are not be the only ones that could have winter related health risks. Read on for helpful hints to protect the ones you love. If your pet spends time outside, you should always be aware of weather predictions for the day. Please ensure that your pet has access to warmth and shelter from wind and freezing rain. Just because is was beautiful when you left for work in the morning doesn't mean we won't have an ice storm that same afternoon. Ice and cold are obvious threats but other dangers exist. Pets seeking water may only find unfrozen puddles contaminated with antifreeze. Antifreeze causes irreversible and fatal kidney failure if ingested and it has a sweet taste that often attracts pets and wildlife. Another hazard can come from products used to prevent icing on sidewalks. De-icing chemicals in these agents stick to the hair of the feet causing local irritation and may also be ingested during grooming causing upset stomachs. Pets seeking warmth may find shelter in car engines so be sure to thump on the hood of the car when restarting a warm engine. Lastly, remember that the time change and decreased visibility also create additional hazards for pets that may have access to roads. Indoor hazards also abound at this time of year. Holiday decorations such as tinsel, ornaments, and garland can cause intestinal obstructions. Indoor lighting and power cords can pose a shock hazard for those that like to chew. Holiday plants like mistletoe, holly, and poinsettias can cause illness if eaten. Even the water in the base of Christmas trees may become toxic from pine sap and chemical additives, and don't forget that pets will often find boxes of chocolate this time of year. Fireplaces may be another source of danger for pets not just from sparks and heat, but also by allowing access to ash that may be ingested. Be aware of potential dangers in and around your pets environment to ensure that we all have an enjoyable holiday season and a relaxing winter. |
Pet Food Recall-Final Outcome?
Update: July, 2007
Since March, 18 companies have recalled more than 5,600 pet food products because they contained imported and
mislabeled ingredients tainted with melamine and melamine-related derivatives. Melamine is a chemical used in plastics
and fertilizers. It is not approved for use in pet or human food.
Importers originally thought those ingredients were wheat gluten and rice protein concentrate. But the Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) has since learned those tainted ingredients were wheat flour — intentionally spiked with melamine
to give a higher protein count. Manufacturers used the contaminated products without realizing that they were using
flour instead of gluten or protein concentrate.
Two Chinese companies exported those tainted ingredients to the United States -- Xuzhou Anying Biologic Technology
Development Co. and Futian Biology Technology Co. Ltd. U.S. food inspectors sent to China to investigate the
companies discovered last week that both manufacturers had closed and all their equipment was dismantled.
This whole episode has opened debates on the safety of imported food. By some estimates, less than 2 % of imported
food is inspected for safety and sanitation. While the melamine controversy has not yet affected foods for human
consumption (that we know of), widespread problems of different types have been identified.
At the current time, it is believed that all contaminated pet food has been recalled but we urge pet owners to remain
vigilant in choosing foods for their pets. Our office will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Update: July, 2007
Since March, 18 companies have recalled more than 5,600 pet food products because they contained imported and
mislabeled ingredients tainted with melamine and melamine-related derivatives. Melamine is a chemical used in plastics
and fertilizers. It is not approved for use in pet or human food.
Importers originally thought those ingredients were wheat gluten and rice protein concentrate. But the Food and Drug
Administration (FDA) has since learned those tainted ingredients were wheat flour — intentionally spiked with melamine
to give a higher protein count. Manufacturers used the contaminated products without realizing that they were using
flour instead of gluten or protein concentrate.
Two Chinese companies exported those tainted ingredients to the United States -- Xuzhou Anying Biologic Technology
Development Co. and Futian Biology Technology Co. Ltd. U.S. food inspectors sent to China to investigate the
companies discovered last week that both manufacturers had closed and all their equipment was dismantled.
This whole episode has opened debates on the safety of imported food. By some estimates, less than 2 % of imported
food is inspected for safety and sanitation. While the melamine controversy has not yet affected foods for human
consumption (that we know of), widespread problems of different types have been identified.
At the current time, it is believed that all contaminated pet food has been recalled but we urge pet owners to remain
vigilant in choosing foods for their pets. Our office will be happy to answer any questions you may have.
Spring time hazards
As warm weather approaches, please be alert for seasonal hazards that could harm your pet. Spring cleaning
may uncover poisons such as mouse baits or chemicals that were safely stored away from pets over the winter.
Fertilizers and lawn treatments are more likely to be left out for that weekend project. And as warm weather
arrives, windows and doors may be left open. Please be aware of your pets surroundings.
Heartworm disease, a year-around problem in the south, may be more prevalent in the spring as mosquito
populations soar. Are your dogs and cats (yes, cats) current on heartworm prevention? Fleas will also be
enjoying the nice weather and the temptation to save a little and use over-the-counter flea products will probably
result in the seasonal increase in poisonings we see each year. Clients, check out our online pharmacy for safer
flea and heartworm preventatives at competitive pricing.
Health problems prevalent at this time of year are frequently related to allergies. The fact that our cars have
turned yellow tells us the pollen is out. Itchy skin, hair loss, and red eyes are all symptoms you should watch for if
your pet suffers from allergies. Please do not try human allergy medications on your pet without contacting our
office first.
Lastly, Easter is right around the corner. Please take care or preferably avoid the use of plastic "easter grass" in
Easter baskets and decorations. We do not like removing it from your pets stomach! Have a safe and happy
Spring!!!!
As warm weather approaches, please be alert for seasonal hazards that could harm your pet. Spring cleaning
may uncover poisons such as mouse baits or chemicals that were safely stored away from pets over the winter.
Fertilizers and lawn treatments are more likely to be left out for that weekend project. And as warm weather
arrives, windows and doors may be left open. Please be aware of your pets surroundings.
Heartworm disease, a year-around problem in the south, may be more prevalent in the spring as mosquito
populations soar. Are your dogs and cats (yes, cats) current on heartworm prevention? Fleas will also be
enjoying the nice weather and the temptation to save a little and use over-the-counter flea products will probably
result in the seasonal increase in poisonings we see each year. Clients, check out our online pharmacy for safer
flea and heartworm preventatives at competitive pricing.
Health problems prevalent at this time of year are frequently related to allergies. The fact that our cars have
turned yellow tells us the pollen is out. Itchy skin, hair loss, and red eyes are all symptoms you should watch for if
your pet suffers from allergies. Please do not try human allergy medications on your pet without contacting our
office first.
Lastly, Easter is right around the corner. Please take care or preferably avoid the use of plastic "easter grass" in
Easter baskets and decorations. We do not like removing it from your pets stomach! Have a safe and happy
Spring!!!!