by Rina Van Eeden | May 15, 2020 | Cats, Dogs
The quality of life question we all should be asking – by Cherie T. Buisson, DVM, CHPV
In 2016, I lost my dachshund, Muggle, to Cognitive Dysfunction. This brain disease of “doggy Alzheimer’s” is one that steals not only our pets, but our own peace of mind. Just like in human medicine, we tend not to give brain diseases credit for being diseases. Even as a trained hospice veterinarian, I kept thinking things like “I can’t euthanize a healthy dog because he’s acting weird.” I fought with myself, convinced that I was only considering euthanasia for my own convenience. After all, he was still eating and running around after a bath. How could I take that away from him?
Yet, this same dog who had once spent every possible moment glued to my side would snap if I tried to pick him up. He would try to run away. He would sleep all day and then pace relentlessly from 5 p.m. to bedtime. Sure, he had arthritis and the typical dachshund “bad back,” but really his body was in pretty good shape and was being treated for discomfort. I agonized over the best choice to make. I instituted every treatment in my toolbox to help his disease. I cried a lot. I felt alone.
A week before his euthanasia, I tried talking to myself the way I would to one of my clients. I was compassionate and gentle with myself (for once). As I let this conversation go on in my head without fighting it, the question popped up out of nowhere:
“What will he be missing if he’s not here tomorrow?”
The answer turned out to be food. Because at this point, he really did nothing but eat, sleep and pace. The only joy he showed me was when he gobbled up his breakfast and dinner – and any snacks in between. I was working so hard to keep him comfortable so he could have less than five minutes of true enjoyment a day. He was isolated and alone (by his choice), just like I felt. We were both suffering for no good reason. I made the choice to say goodbye later that week. My husband would comfort me each time I broke down, saying “We don’t have to do this, Honey. We can wait,” but I knew we couldn’t.
That Friday night, I phoned a veterinarian friend on my way home from work. “Please tell me I’m doing the right thing,” I said. “Please tell me he’s not a normal dog, and I’m not a selfish jerk for doing this.” She assured me I was doing the right thing, and that it had been coming for a long time.
We said goodbye on a fuzzy blanket in the living room. I fed him forbidden foods he’d never had, and I swear he gave me a grumpy “you’ve been holding out on me” look right before he started to snore from the sedative.
When it was over my husband looked at me and said, “Oh, God, we should have done this weeks ago.” And the hole in my heart started to heal.
Since that day, I’ve been asking clients to ask themselves this question – and include both good and bad things in the answer. My purpose is not to encourage or discourage them in their decision making, but to put the focus where it belongs – on their pet.
Too often we get so tied up in how we are feeling and our reasons that we forget our agony comes from a place of love. We are trying to do the right thing and afraid we are making selfish decisions. I also tell them that we don’t have to wait to say goodbye until there are no good things left on the list. It’s OK for a pet to pass on a good day.
If you are facing the loss of a pet, please don’t feel like you have to do it alone. There are resources out there to help. This is never an easy decision for anyone – even a veterinarian who does this for a living. Give yourself a break and allow yourself to lean. And remember, some of the worst grieving happens before you say goodbye. Having support before, during, and after you lose a pet makes a huge difference.
Written by Cherie T. Buisson, DVM, CHPV
December 16, 2018
The views and opinions expressed in this article are those of the author.
Like this:
Like Loading...
by Rina Van Eeden | May 14, 2020 | Dogs, Spirocerca Lupi
Spirocerca Lupi
Written by:
- Dr Dave Miller, Johannesburg Specialist Veterinary Centre
- Dr Liesel Van der Merwe , Onderspoort Veterinary Academic Hospital
Spirocerca lupi (S. lupi) is a worm that has dogs as its definitive host and forms a nodule (“granuloma”/mass) within the lower oesophagus (“slukderm”).
The worm:
It is a large± 5cm long red worm that lives inside the oesophagus (slukderm) of the dog. It forms a large nodule in the oesophagus which usually results in the symptoms experienced. The dog is infected after eating a dung beetle or other infected animal (lizard or bird that has eaten the dung beetle). The term spirocercosis is used to describe the disease in the dog.
The life cycle:
A final host (dog) and an intermediate host (dung beetle) are needed to complete the life-cycle. The adult S. lupi lives within the oesophagus where it irritates the normal tissue. The irritated tissues then seep tissue fluid and this is what the adult worm lives on. The irritated tissue, in the oesophageal wall, enlarges/ hypertrophies and lays down fibrous tissue and forms a nodule that is often incorrectly called a granuloma. When the worm is adult it lays eggs through a hole in the mass [operculum] and the eggs pass through the intestines and are passed in the dog’s faeces (stool). The infected dog passes out large numbers of eggs into the stool. Dung beetles then eat the stool and in turn become infected.
The eggs hatch to larvae within the beetle and are infective to dogs if eaten.
This worm also uses other hosts to carry the infective larva. These hosts are called “transport” hosts. These include birds, mice, lizards and frogs. They become infected when they eat a dung beetle containing a Spirocerca lupi larva. The larva does not develop further inside these hosts, nor does it harm them, but still remains infective to dogs that eat these transport hosts.
Once ingested: the larvae hatch inside the stomach of the dog and start a migration path to the oesophagus. They first migrate along the abdominal blood vessels to the aorta. Here the larvae develop into young adults. Once they are mature enough, they start to move forwards inside the aorta and then they migrate towards the oesophagus through the tissues in the chest. This process usually takes 4 to 6 months but can be as fast as 2 ½ months. Once in the oesophagus, they form a large nodule in which they live. The female worms then pass eggs out through a small opening. Eggs then pass through the intestinal tract and are deposited with the stool of infected dogs. Dung beetles eating this stool become infected, the life cycle continues.
Clinical signs in the dog:
Due to the nodule (Irritation of the oesophageal wall, Irritation of the nerves, physical obstruction):
- Vomiting and/or Regurgitation
- Change in breathing (panting, coughing, retching)
- Sialoadenosis – Increased salivation and enlarged salivary glands
- Weight loss
- Fever
- Lethargy/ Weakness (can be due to: not keeping food down or the nodule becoming cancerous or due to anaemia)
- Pale gums and lips – due to bleeding from nodules
- Swollen feet (Maries disease/Hypertrophic Osteopathy)
Due to the migration through the dog:
- Fever
- Rupture of blood vessels – which may result in death
- Secondary bacterial infections
- Coughing/Pneumonia
- Due to Adults worms or Larvae forming nodules in the incorrect place:
- Coughing
- Paralysis (in spinal cord)
- Raised liver levels (nodule in liver)
The most common clinical signs reported in retrospective studies are respiratory signs, vomiting (active) or regurgitating (passive), acute death from a bleeding aortic aneurism, Maries disease (swollen feet) and sialoadenosis (a condition where the salivary glands enlarge). The nodule can also become cancerous and this cancer can then metastasize (spread) throughout the body.
Diagnosis of this disease:
This disease is not always that easy to diagnose and a number of methods can be utilized.
Faecal samples may show infection but only once the worm is mature in a nodule (4-6 months after infection).
X-ray photos (2 views of chest) can reveal the nodule in the oesophagus once it is over a certain size.
Endoscopy: The most successful method uses a camera that is passed down into the oesophagus and one can then visually inspect for the nodule. The risk of cancerous change is then assessed through biopsies taken thru the endoscope.
Computed tomography or CAT scan is a more sophisticated method of X- rays to diagnose the nodule in the oesophagus.
Once a definitive diagnosis is made then treatment for the disease can be undertaken. Advanced spirocercosis that has become cancerous and spread into the body cannot be cured but palliative therapy can be attempted.
Treatment:
Dogs with a simple infection/ small nodule often will respond to anti-parasitic drugs, which may be given by injection or by mouth. Repeated treatments over a time period are required. The re-evaluation of the oesophagus, through endoscopy, is required to ensure cure.
The drug used to treat this worm is a drug commonly used in livestock. It is not registered for use in dogs. Owners’ permission to use this drug is required. This drug can only be used in Border Collies, old English sheepdogs rough collies and Australia Cattle dogs and Australian Sheepdogs and Collie X dogs once a special PCR test has been performed to show that it is safe to use. In Collie type dogs that have an abnormal gene, one must try other deworming agents to try and cure the worm.
Killing the worm cannot cure clinical signs in dogs with nodules that have become cancerous. These dogs require surgical and medical treatment.
Prevention:
Two new products have been registered for the use of prevention and treatment of Spirocerca Lupi infections in dogs.
Milbemycin Oxime (Milbemax by Elanco)
Moxidectin & lmidacloprid (Advocate by Bayer)
Both these products need to be used MONTHLY for prevention purposes.
Please note that treatment doses for clinical cases differ dramatically and should be administered under the supervision of your veterinarian.
- Courtesy of Dr Dave Miller (BVSc, MMedVet (Med)), Johannesburg Specialist Veterinary Centre
- Dr Liesel Van Der Merwe (BVSc, MMedVet (Med)), Onderstepoort Veterinary Academic Hospital
https://www.greensidevet.co.za/spirocerca-lupi-dogs/
Like this:
Like Loading...
by Rina Van Eeden | May 12, 2020 | Cats, Vaccinations
It is very important to realise that by simply vaccinating your dog or your cat, you can lessen and, more importantly, to a great extent prevent incredible hardships your pet will endure when they acquire any one of these diseases.
The majority of these diseases are fatal in one way or another.
In South African, we vaccinate against the following diseases.
Feline Panleukopenia:
Feline panleukopenia is a highly contagious, often FATAL, viral disease of cats that is seen worldwide. Kittens are affected most severely. The causative parvovirus is very resistant.
Virus particles are abundant in all secretions and excretions during the acute phase of illness and can be shed in the faeces of survivors for as long as 6 weeks after recovery. Being highly resistant to inactivation, parvoviruses can be transported long distances via fomites (eg. shoes, clothing).
FPV infects and destroys actively dividing cells in bone marrow, lymphoid tissues, intestinal epithelium and, in very young animals, cerebellum and retina.
Feline Calicivirus:
Along with the rhinotracheitis virus, feline calicivirus (FCV) is responsible for most feline upper respiratory infections. Cats that go outside or spend time around other cats are at increased risk for exposure to FCV infection.
Feline upper airway infections are very common. They resemble the common cold in people and are characterized by clinical signs such as sneezing, wheezing and discharge from the eyes and nose. Along with the rhinotracheitis virus, feline calicivirus (FCV) is responsible for most feline upper respiratory infections.
Calicivirus is HIGHLY CONTAGIOUS among cats.
Feline Viral Rhinotracheitis:
The onset of feline viral rhinotracheitis is marked by fever, frequent sneezing, inflamed eyes (conjunctivitis), inflammation of the lining of the nose (rhinitis) and often salivation.
Excitement or movement may cause sneezing.
The fever may reach 40.5°C, but subsides and then may come and go.
Initially, the disease causes a clear discharge from the nose and eyes; it soon increases in amount and contains mucous. At this point, depression and loss of appetite become evident. Severely affected cats may develop mouth inflammation with sores, and inflammation of the cornea occurs in some cats.
The outlook is generally good except for young kittens and older cats. When the illness is prolonged, weight loss may be too severe.
Feline Chlamydophila:
Feline Chlamydophila (formerly known as Chlamydia) mainly causes conjunctivitis in the cat. Conjunctivitis may be defined as the inflammation of the delicate membranes or conjunctiva that cover the inner surface of the eyelids and over the white part of the eye (the sclera).
Infection is relatively common in cats, with up to 30% of cases of chronic conjunctivitis caused by this organism.
Although cats of all ages can be infected, disease is seen most commonly seen in young kittens (5 – 12 weeks old) with persistent or recurrent infection.
Infection therefore typically occurs through direct contact and disease is more commonly seen where large groups of cats are kept together, such as multi-cat households, breeding catteries and shelters.
Rabies:
Rabies is an acute, progressive viral encephalomyelitis (inflammation of the brain and spinal cord) that principally affects carnivores and bats, although any mammal can be affected. The disease is FATAL once clinical signs appear.
Rabies is found throughout the world. Globally, the DOG IS THE MOST IMPORTANT RESERVOIR, PARTICULARLY IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES.
Wildlife plays an important role in the transmission of rabies in certain areas.
This virus is highly neurotropic, so it infects nerve cells.
Transmission almost always occurs via introduction of virus-laden saliva into tissues, usually by the bite of a rabid animal. Usually, saliva is infectious at the time clinical signs occur, but domestic dogs, cats and ferrets may shed virus for several days before onset of clinical signs.
This is an EXTREMELY DANGEROUS virus that can also infect HUMANS!
Kittens need to be vaccinated from 8 weeks of age. We follow a standard vaccination protocol.
8 Weeks – 4-in-1 Vaccine
12 Weeks – 4-in-1 Vaccine as well as first Rabies Vaccine
16 Weeks – Final kitten Rabies booster
There after they need yearly boosters for the rest of their lives.
We acknowledge that every pet is unique, therefore we do personalise vaccination protocols should it be deemed necessary for a certain pet.
Be sure to ask our staff more about vaccination protocols.
Did you know, dogs also need vaccinations! Find out more about that from our blog – https://kimvet.co.za/puppy-vaccinations/
For more information regarding important vaccinations for pets, please check out this website – https://www.petmd.com/cat/wellness/essential-cat-vaccinations
Like this:
Like Loading...
by Rina Van Eeden | May 12, 2020 | Dogs, Vaccinations
It is very important to realise that by simply vaccinating your dog or your cat, you can lessen and, more importantly, to a great extent prevent incredible hardships your pet will endure when they acquire any one of these diseases.
The majority of these diseases are fatal in one way or another.
In South African, we vaccinate against the following diseases.
Canine Parvovirus:
Canine Parvovirus is a virus infection that most commonly targets dogs less than one year of age. We are seeing this deadly virus more and more often.
The infection is characterized by loss of appetite, vomiting and diarrhoea and, in many cases, bloody diarrhoea.
Puppies with parvovirus usually present with lethargy, fever, increased pulse, but on occasion weak, increased/laboured breathing – which are all signs of shock.
IF LEFT UNTREATED FOR TOO LONG, THE MAJORITY OF DOGS WILL DIE.
Canine Distemper Virus:
Canine distemper is a HIGHLY CONTAGIOUS, systemic, viral disease of unvaccinated dogs seen worldwide.
The initial infection begins in the respiratory tract, so the lungs and trachea, it is then followed by infection of respiratory, gastrointestinal and renal system, as well as the central nervous system and optic nerves, then neurological symptoms ensue.
Other symptoms include nasal discharge, mucoid discharge from eyes, lethargy, and anorexia.
Neurological symptoms include localized involuntary muscle twitching, convulsions, including salivation and chewing movements of the jaw (chewing-gum fits). Head tilting, paralysis and seizures can also be seen.
Canine Parainfluenza Virus:
Canine Parainfluenza Virus (CPIV) is a highly contagious respiratory virus and is one of the most common pathogens of infectious tracheobronchitis, also known as “Kennel Cough”.
Although the respiratory signs may resemble those of canine influenza, they are unrelated viruses and require different vaccines for protection.
The Parainfluenza virus is excreted from the respiratory tract of infected animals for up to 2 weeks after infection and is usually transmitted through the air.
The virus spreads rapidly in kennels or shelters where large numbers of dogs are kept together.
The major Clinical Signs are as follows: Coughing (dry or moist), low-grade fever, nasal discharge, lethargy and loss of appetite.
Dogs are at risk of catching canine parainfluenza when placed in close proximity to an infected dog. Potential situations would be at boarding kennels, breeding kennels, re-homing shelters, pet daycare centres, dog parks and groomers.
Canine Adenovirus Type 2:
Canine adenovirus type 2 (CAV-2) is one of the causes of infectious tracheobronchitis, also known as “Kennel Cough”.
Adenoviruses are spread directly from dog to dog through infected respiratory secretions or by contact with contaminated faeces or urine.
Clinical Signs include a dry, hacking cough, retching, coughing up white foamy discharge, fever, nasal discharge and in some cases, conjunctivitis.
After CAV-2 has been transmitted to a dog, in some cases it can lead to pneumonia.
Infectious Canine Hepatitis:
Infectious canine hepatitis (ICH) is a condition that affects the liver and kidneys, causing inflammation of the organ tissue that in turn can lead to the development of liver disease, jaundice, disorientation and changes in personality and bleeding disorders.
ICH is highly unpleasant for your dog, is painful, and can make them quite sick and even, in some cases, prove FATAL.
Clinical signs vary from a slight fever to death. The mortality rate ranges from 10%–30% and is typically highest in very young dogs.
Rabies:
Rabies is an acute, progressive viral encephalomyelitis (inflammation of the brain and spinal cord) that principally affects carnivores and bats, although any mammal can be affected. The disease is FATAL once clinical signs appear.
Rabies is found throughout the world. Globally, the DOG IS THE MOST IMPORTANT RESERVOIR, PARTICULARLY IN DEVELOPING COUNTRIES.
Wildlife plays an important role in the transmission of rabies in certain areas.
This virus is highly neurotropic, so it infects nerve cells.
Transmission almost always occurs via introduction of virus-laden saliva into tissues, usually by the bite of a rabid animal. Usually, saliva is infectious at the time clinical signs occur, but domestic dogs, cats and ferrets may shed virus for several days before onset of clinical signs.
This is an EXTREMELY DANGEROUS virus that can also infect HUMANS!
Puppies need to be vaccinated from 6 weeks of age. We follow a standard vaccination protocol.
6 Weeks – 5-in-1 Vaccine
9 Weeks – 5-in-1 Vaccine
12 Weeks – 5-in-1 Vaccine as well as first Rabies Vaccine
16 Weeks – Final puppy Rabies booster
There after they need yearly boosters for the rest of their lives.
We acknowledge that every pet is unique, therefore we do personalise vaccination protocols should it be deemed necessary for a certain pet.
Be sure to ask our staff more about vaccination protocols.
Did you know, cats also need vaccinations! Find out more about that from our blog – https://kimvet.co.za/feline-vaccinations/
For more information regarding important vaccinations for pets, please check out this website – https://www.petmd.com/blogs/purelypuppy/lradosta/2012/feb/puppy_vaccinations-12491
Like this:
Like Loading...
by Rina Van Eeden | May 12, 2020 | Cats, Dogs
Pet poisonings from household/human food is quite prevalent. People often make the mistake of thinking that people food is okay for pets. Sometimes it is, and sometimes it isn’t.
Harmful Food:
Milk is not easily digested by most adult animals and can cause them to develop diarrhoea, not to mention the negative impact the excessive calcium can have on growing animals.
Though not a poison, bones are VERY DANGEROUS. They can lodge in a dog’s passageways or cut it’s intestines causing extreme pain and discomfort, possibly leading to death.
Chocolate is responsible for countless pet poisonings. Theobromine and caffeine are concentrated in dark and baking chocolate.
Onions and garlic can destroy a dog’s red blood cells, leading to anaemia.
Rich, fatty foods such as chicken skin or gravy can cause pancreatitis and inflammation of the digestive system and can be very painful and serious.
Grapes and raisins can lead to loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhoea, abdominal pain and acute renal failure in dogs, possibly resulting in death.
Coffee is also dangerous to animals.
Nicotine is a stimulant that can increase the heart rate, leading to collapse and, in the worst case, death.
Avocado is dangerous to the heart.
Alcoholic beverages should be kept away from animals at all times.
Be as vigilant at poison-proofing your house for a pet as you would be for a child!
Common Symptoms:
Some of the most common signs of poisoning include gastrointestinal signs (vomiting and diarrhoea), neurological signs (tremors, incoordination, seizures, excitability, depression), respiratory signs (coughing, sneezing, difficulty breathing), skin signs (inflammation, swelling), liver failure (jaundice, vomiting) and kidney failure (increased drinking, loss of appetite and weight loss).
Some poisons act on more than one body system, and so can produce any combination of the above signs.
The most common malicious poisoning one tends to see in veterinary practice is with use of Temik, also known as “Two Step”. This was previously used as an insecticide on farms. It looks very similar to “poppy seeds” and can quite easily be bought illegally. Burglars place it in meat which is then thrown into your yard. Signs of poisoning are usually seen within 5-20 minutes.
Common Symptoms:
The most common signs are: Excessive salivation, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhoea, not wanting to eat, runny eyes/nose, difficulty breathing/blue gums, muscle twitching, restlessness and in many cases paralysis which inevitably leads to death.
Harmful Plants:
There are many household items and plants that can be harmful to your pet.
Although plants are great, many are also poisonous to pets. Many plants that are not toxic to people may cause serious medical problems in pets, such as renal failure, irregular heartbeats, cardiac shock and even death.
Some poisonous plants include the following:
Lilies
Members of the Lilium family are considered to be highly toxic to cats. While the responsible component has not yet been identified, it is clear that with even ingestion of very small amounts of the plant, severe kidney damage could result.
Marijuana
Ingestion of Cannabis by companion animals can result in depression of the central nervous system and incoordination, as well as vomiting, diarrhoea, drooling, increased heart rate and even seizures and can even result in a coma.
Chincherinchee
This plant is very dangerous. It contains toxins that can cause intense gastrointestinal irritation, drooling, loss of appetite, depression of the central nervous system, convulsions and cardiac abnormalities. These signs are often so severe that it can lead to death.
Azalea/Rhododendron
Members of this plant species contain substances which can produce symptoms such as vomiting, drooling, diarrhoea, weakness and depression of the central nervous system in animals. Severe azalea poisoning could ultimately lead to a coma and death from cardiovascular collapse.
Oleander
All parts of the oleander plant are considered to be toxic, as they have the potential to cause serious effects—including gastrointestinal tract irritation, abnormal heart function, hypothermia and even death.
Amaryllis
A common garden plant, Amaryllis species contain toxins that can cause vomiting, depression, diarrhoea, abdominal pain, hyper-salivation, anorexia and tremors.
Chrysanthemum
These popular blooms may cause gastrointestinal upsets, including drooling, vomiting and diarrhoea, if eaten. In certain cases depression and loss of coordination may also develop if enough of any part of the plant is consumed.
Ivy
Ivy contains toxins that, should pets ingest it, can result in vomiting, abdominal pain, hyper-salivation and diarrhoea.
Cycads
Cycads cause liver failure, especially in puppies.
Basic First Aid:
If your pet does chew on a plant, immediately remove the plant from its mouth and rinse the mouth gently with water. Identify the plant your pet ate and call your veterinarian.
Watch for excessive or foamy salivation and changes in the skin around the mouth, eyes or paws.
This is by no means an inclusive list.
There are many other things that could be potentially poisonous to your pet.
The most important thing for you as a pet owner to remember is that you need to stay vigilant and act quickly and calmly when it comes to poisonings.
For more information on poisonings in pets, please check out our blog post – https://kimvet.co.za/pet-poisonings/
Resources:
Like this:
Like Loading...
