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Allergy Information
Allergies are a common cause of chronic itching in dogs and sometimes cats. Chronic ear infections may be a result of these allergies also. Our pets can be allergic to pollens, molds, mites, foods (typically protein sources such as beef or chicken or carbohydrates such as corn or wheat) and insects such as fleas. It should be noted that food allergies are typically developed over time to foods the animal has been eating for weeks, months, or years. Fleas are the most common allergy, followed by atopy (affecting about 10% of dogs) and food allergies (affecting about 1% of dogs). Secondary skin infections with bacteria or fungus are common as well and contribute to the itching.
Treatments for atopy include steroids such as prednisone, antihistamines, fatty acid supplements, medicated baths, immune suppressants (Atopica), and desensitization injections (immunotherapy - Greer Labs). Immunotherapy injections are helpful for 60-70% of allergic dogs, with improvement occuring within 2-12 months. Food allergies can only be diagnosed with a strict hypoallergenic diet trial lasting 8-12 weeks. They are then treated by continuing the special diet or isolating the specific allergy and avoiding it. Antibiotics and antifungal medications are commonly needed to control secondary infections.
For more information:
Ear Infections
Many dogs and some cats are prone to recurrent ear infections. We see several cases every week at our clinic. While many people think of ear mites as a possible cause, in adult dogs and cats yeast and bacterial infections are the most common causes. See these links for more detailed information:
Arthritis (Degenerative Joint Disease)
Arthritis is common in middle age or older pets. It is much more common in dogs than in cats. Common symptoms are stiffness and difficulty rising (especially after rest or exercise), limping on the affected leg(s), reduced activity, and increased irritability. Since the changes associated with arthritis develop gradually over time, it is often difficult to accurately assess the amount of discomfort that is present. A trial course of pain medication frequently results in a surprising level of improvement.
Diagnosis is by history and symptoms, but sometimes x-rays are needed to rule-out other causes. Arthritic changes are not always apparent on x-rays.
Treatment options include NSAID pain relievers (such as Rimadyl, Previcox, and Deramaxx), joint fluid and cartilage support (Adequan, glucosamine/chondroitin), and a new high-fatty acid diet - j/d from Hill's. Dogs taking long-term NSAID medications should have bloodwork done periodically to monitor for any unwanted effects on the kidneys and liver. Another important treatment is weight loss. Obesity will increase the likelihood of joint disease (as well as ligament ruptures) and will significantly worsen the discomfort associated with it. Do not give your pets human pain relievers such as aspirin, acetominophen, ibuprofen, and naproxen! These can be toxic to cats and dogs.
For additional information:
Poisoning/Toxin Ingestion
Poisoning, or potential poisoning is a common occurrence. Many plants, human medications, and household chemicals are toxic to pets. It is certainly wise to make sure all medications, chemicals, and toxic plants are removed or kept out of reach of pets, just as you would for children. Never give human medications to pets without consulting a veterinarian. Common medications such as pain relievers may not be safe for pets and can result in potentially life-threatening liver and/or kidney damage or stomach and intestinal ulcers.
The ASPCA's Animal Poison Control Center is a valuable reference for animal poisons and toxins. Here are some links to their website.
Chronic Renal Failure
Chronic renal (kidney) failure, shortened to CRF, is a condition caused by degeneration of the kidneys over time. It is a common cause of illness in older cats and dogs, and is something we treat frequently at our clinic. The most common symptoms are gradual weight loss, loss of appetite, vomiting, and increased thirst and urination.
Feline Urinary Problems
Many cats will occasionally urinate outside the litter box. There may even be some blood in the urine. This may be due to a number of potential causes. Urinary tract infections, however, are relatively rare in cats, especially those under 10 years old. Some potential causes can be quite serious, so please call if you have any concerns about your cat's urinary health.
More information can be found here:
Feline Upper Respiratory Infections
Upper respiratory infections in cats and especially kittens are most commonly caused by viruses. The two most common viruses are herpesvirus (also called Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis) and calicivirus. Recurrent or chronic infections are usually attributed to herpesvirus infections, which can remain latent in nerve tissue and reactivate in times of stress. Vaccination for these viruses helps to reduce the severity and duration of infection. Treatment includes antibiotics for secondary infections and Viralys, an amino acid supplement that slows down reproduction of the herpesvirus. Some cases can be quite serious and require hospitalization.
Feline Liver Disease
Common liver conditions affecting cats are hepatic lipidosis and cholangiohepatitis. Hepatic lipidosis, or "fatty liver", is a an excessive accumulation of fat within liver cells. This can be caused by any condition that results in the cat not eating for several days or more. Cholangiohepatitis is an inflammatory liver disease that may be due to infection or inflammation. Both of these conditions result in icterus, or jaudnice, which is the yellow color of the skin, whites of the eyes, and gums. This results from bile, which is produced in the liver and stored in the gall bladder, backing up into the bloodstream. Some cats have a condition caused by a combination of liver disease, pancreatitis, and inflammatory bowel disease. This condition is termed "triaditis."
These conditions are diagnosed based on the history provided by the owner, the physical examination, and standard blood tests. Confirming the diagnosis is accomplished with additional blood testing, x-rays, ultrasound, and biopsies of the liver, pancreas, and small intestines. This information can be very helpful in guiding the proper treatment for the condition and result in a greater chance of recovery. The additional testing can sometimes be cost-prohibitive, but in some cases treatment can be started without the additional testing. This is done with the understanding that the condition may be more complex than we suspect and the chances for recovery may not be as good.
The most important aspect of treating feline liver disease is nutrition. Most cats with liver disease will not eat anything or drink anything. Syringe feeding is not recommended as most cats do not tolerate it well and it can be stressful for them. Additionally, even if the cat is cooperative it can be difficult to give them enough calories to reverse the condition.
The recommended feeding method is to place an esophagostomy tube (e-tube). Placing the e-tube early in the course of the disease is best. Waiting 1-2 weeks while trying to syringe feed the cat, can result in the cat being too ill for the brief anesthesia needed to place the tube. E-tubes are placed under general anesthesia. An incision is made on the left side of the neck about halfway between the shoulders and the head. The tube is placed through the incision directly into the esophagus. The opening is covered with a wrap. Most cats will tolerate the tube very well. They can then be fed special food, along with medications and water, through the tube with minimal stress.
Feedings take about 5 minutes and are usually done about four times a day. Affected cats will often take 6-8 weeks to start eating again. Once they start eating well on their own, the tube can be removed. The incision heals on its own.
Many cats with hepatic lipidosis can make a full recovery prompt treatment, including an espophagostomy tube. Unfortunately, each case is different and some do not recover. Cholangioheptatitis can be more difficult to treat and often requires multiple medications to manage.
Diabetes Mellitus
Diabetes Mellitus (sugar diabetes) occurs with some frequency in dogs and cats, more commonly in cats. Dogs and cats are treated with insulin injections similar to people. More information can be found here:
Cancer
Various types of cancer (neoplasia) are common in dogs and cats, especially as they get older. The symptoms can be vague and the diagnosis may be difficult to achieve with out advanced diagnostics such as ultrasound or surgical biopsies. At our clinic we have seen animals with lymphoma, mammary adenocarcinoma (breast cancer), hemangiosarcoma and other types of cancer. These websites offer additional information:
Reverse Sneezing in Dogs
Breeding
Housetraining/Crate Training/Behavior
See these articles by Dr. Wayne Hunthausen for information on housetraining and crate training your puppy. |