There are a few brands that have been specifically linked to disease-  “Of 22 “Priority 1” cases listed by the FDA late last year, 13 cited Waggin’ Train or Canyon Creek Ranch jerky treats or tenders, both produced by Nestle Purina PetCare Co., the records show.  Another three listed Milo’s Kitchen Home-style Dog Treats, produced by the Del Monte Corp. The rest listed single brands or no brand.” (From http://vitals.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/03/13/10657635-3-big-brands-may-be-tied-to-chicken-jerky-illness-in-dogs-fda-records-show)

Earlier this month, federal health officials were sent to production facilities in China to investigate potential links to pet illnesses. (From http://vitals.msnbc.msn.com/_news/2012/04/04/11022408-fda-inspectors-probe-pet-jerky-treats-in-china) It will take some time to get results from these investigations, so caution should be taken when deciding which treats to give your pets.  Since we do not know the exact cause of the problems and which pets may be susceptible, avoiding any chicken jerky product produced in China (possibly any treat or food produced in China) may be warranted until further information is found.  There are many other treat options out there, but take the time to read the labels carefully to see what ingredients are used and where the product is made.

If you have noticed any problems with your pet, please contact Blue Cross Animal Hospital at 702-384-8737.  We would be happy to help answer any questions you may have.

Thank you,

The Doctors and Staff of Blue Cross Animal Hospital

 Below are links to articles with more information about chicken jerky treat-related illnesses.

November 18, 2011 – Caution from FDA Website

http://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/NewsEvents/CVMUpdates/ucm280586.htm

March 27, 2012 – Q &A from FDA Website

http://www.fda.gov/AnimalVeterinary/SafetyHealth/ProductSafetyInformation/ucm295445.htm?utm_campaign=Google2&utm_source=fdaSearch&utm_medium=website&utm_term=chicken%20jerky&utm_content=1#main

February 2012 – An article from Animal Health Foundation Website

http://www.animalhealthfoundation.net/news/item.html/n/20127?gclid=CPue1ujFxK8CFQ6EhwodPGHAXg

We at Blue Cross Animal Hospital just want to give you a heads up about a few dangers to your pet that can lurk in your yard.   Especially a few that are specific to common plants found in our desert southwest gardens.  The health of your pets is important to us and this article was spurred by a recent, sad toxin exposure.

Toxic Plants

These plants may cause gastrointestinal upset in dogs and cats:

• Amaryllis
• Ferns
• Caladium
• Calla lily
• Hyacinth
• Iris
• Tulip

These plants are very toxic and can cause serious illness or even death:

• Oleander
• Sago palm (seeds have the highest amount of toxins)
• Azaleas
• Lilies-especially to cats
• Castor bean plant

These lists are not all inclusive, but cover some of your more common garden plants.  If your pet eats something and you are not sure contact a veterinarian or call ASPCA Poison Control at (888) 426-4435 or the Pet Poison Hotline at (800) 213-6680.

It is also important to be careful with mulches, fertilizers, compost heaps, insecticides, and different kinds of baits.  Some of these can be incredibly toxic in small quantities.

A Few Other Outdoor Toxins

These products can cause serious illness or death:

• Blood or Bone meal
• Compost piles (can contain tremorogenic mycotoxins)
• Certain insecticides, pesticides, fertilizers
• Baits (rodent, slug, snail)

Hope this provides some helpful info to keep your four-legged friends happy and healthy this spring and summer.  Enjoy the long sunny days!

As always, please contact us at Blue Cross Animal Hospital with any questions.

(702) 384-8737.

The hiding under the bed (perfectly in the center where unreachable), the strategic placement of the cat carrier days before a planned vet visit, the pleading cries of your cat on the drive over, the dilated pupils, your little friend hanging onto the carrier in terror while you try to coax him/her out…..I get it, trust me.  No one LOVES to bring the cat to the vet.   The following statistics describe this completely!

• In the United States, there are 86 Million Owned Cats and 78 Million Owned Dogs.
• Almost twice as many cats than dogs never visit the veterinarian.
• Of the cats that do visit the veterinarian, they average 26% fewer visits than dogs.
• 41% of cat owners visit the veterinarian only for vaccinations.
• 39% of cat owners say they would only take their cat to the veterinarian if the cat was sick.
• 60% of cat owners report that their cat hates going to the veterinarian.
• 38% of cat owners report that they get stressed just thinking about bringing their cat to the practice.

See, you are not alone! We want to help decrease some of the stress for you and your cat, as well as catching some important diseases when they can more easily be
managed.  Cats need to go to the doctor too!!  Cats are very unique creatures that hide signs of underlying disease incredibly well until it becomes
impossible to mask the symptoms.  A few common problems that we can dramatically manage better with early detection are chronic kidney disease, hyperthyroidism, and diabetes mellitus.  We also will share some helpful tips on making your next visit with your kitty less painful and stressful for both of you.

Cats are 3-10 times more likely to develop chronic kidney disease than dogs.  The kidneys do much more than just produce urine!
The kidneys’ job is to remove waste from the body and if waste is not removed these animals will become excessively thirsty, nauseous, painful, and have
appetite loss.  The kidneys also function in conserving water, regulating blood pressure, stimulating red blood cell production and many other important functions.  Most of the time, when kidney failure is diagnosed, the cat is very sick and we cannot find the initial cause.  Kidney dysfunction is irreversible, but our goal is to catch the early signs and slow the progressive destruction of the kidneys.  This can be accomplished with diet, encouraging more water consumption, and various supplements.

Hyperthyroidism is another common disease that has some dangerous side effects if left untreated.  It is caused by a non cancerous growth on the thyroid gland which over produces thyroid hormone.  Thyroid hormones regulate day to day metabolism.  Side effects include hyperactivity, increased appetite, weight loss, muscle wasting, chronic vomiting,
and chronic diarrhea.  Individual cats may have a few, or many of these clinical signs.  Other long term problems that occur are heart disease and high blood pressure.  If we
can begin early treatment of the thyroid, we can stop some of these dangerous side effects.

The other disease we will discuss is diabetes mellitus.  Diabetes is most frequently seen in older, overweight cats, and often more frequently in male cats.  The pancreas in these patients has stopped producing insulin (a hormone responsible for regulating blood glucose).  When there is not that regulation, the cat starts breaking down fat and protein to use for energy.  So your cat will eat more, but loses weight.  In addition, the excess sugar in the blood is eliminated in urine, which makes that cat drink and urinate excessively.  If these processes go unchecked, a dangerous, sometimes fatal condition called ketoacidosis may develop, indicated by loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, weakness, dehydration, and breathing
abnormalities. Additionally, diabetes can lead to an unhealthy skin and coat, liver disease, and secondary bacterial infections (often in the urinary tract). Another diabetes-related disorder called diabetic neuropathy may cause cats to become progressively weaker, especially in the hind legs, causing them to walk with their hocks (ankles) touching the ground.

Diabetes is managed with insulin injections and diet.  And if it is detected early and treated aggressively some cats may go into remission, where diet alone manages the
diabetes.

This trio of diseases are some of the most common day to day things that we see and treat in our clinic.  Early detection is incredibly beneficial to the successful management and spending
more happy, healthy years with your companion!!! So, now the really hard part…..how do we get your furry, feline friend to the vet?

First, getting your cat into a carrier

When purchasing a new carrier

• Make sure it is convenient for the cat, you and your veterinarian
• Don’t just pull the carrier out on vet visit days, leave it out with toys, treats and food inside it so it doesn’t have to be a scary place

There are so many to choose from, what is best??  Carriers with top and side openings seem to be easiest

• Top-loading carriers make it easier to put your cat in and less stressfully get out. Your cat can also go in and out the side
• Other carriers that the top half comes off work well too. The top can be removed and your kitty can be examined sitting in the bottom part

Getting your cat out of the carrier can be less painful

• Try not to dump the cat from the carrier!
• Try and see if he/she will walk out, or remove gently from the top or side opening

Next, the car ride

• Always keep your cat contained during travel.  It is safer for both you and your cat
• Try taking your cat other places than just the vet, so it is not the only association with travel
• Start small, then increase the length of rides
• Don’t feed, or pick up food several hours prior to travel.  Pets travel a bit better on an empty stomach
• After a good trip, praise and reward your pet!

Now, the actual veterinary appointment

• Try bringing some favorite treats and toys.  This will help them feel a bit more at home
• Catnip also can help calm your cat down
• Try doing some at home nail trims, teeth brushing, and brushing with your cat.  This is especially important with kittens to get them off to a good start
• You can replicate some veterinary procedures with your cat
• You can do this by touching the cat’s face, ears, feet and tail
• This will help for vet visits and for you to do home care
• You are always welcome to do weight visits, just plain trips for treats to the animal hospital so the experience is not always perceived as negative

Several excellent resources on feline health care and issues are www.veterinarypartner.com, http://www.vet.cornell.edu/fhc/, and
http://www.healthycatsforlife.com/.

We look forward to seeing you and you feline friends soon!  Please call with any questions!  702.384.8737

It’s easy…all you have to do is refer a new client to us. When the new client shows up for their appointment they will be asked to fill out a “Welcome Sheet”.  On this form there is a place for them to fill in the name of the person who referred them.  Please provide the person you referred with your first and last name.  Once done, within 48 hours, you will have a $20 dollar credit applied to your account for use on your next visit.

The best part is there is no limit to how many referrals you make.  Each one will earn you another $20.00
credit.  It’s that easy.

And then, Houdini met an opponent that she could chew up, but it was there to stay….. Houdini met Gorilla Glue.
Little known to most people, Gorilla Glue has the potential to cause a foreign body when ingested. Even small amounts can equal a big problem. The glue, after it reaches the stomach reacts with the gastric, or stomach acid and expands multiple times forming a solid ball. This makes dogs unable to intake food and is just a big ball sitting in the stomach that will cause vomiting.
So in little Houdini’s case she had chewed up a portion of a Gorilla Glue bottle several days prior to her visit and had been acting a bit off. She was vomiting a bit and really wasn’t eating. She was still a very enthusiastic patient, but less so than usual. And I could feel a firm, softball sized mass right where her stomach was located. Her dad had found a bottle of chewed up glue just that morning and read the warning that said it could cause obstruction if ingested.
And boy did it cause an obstruction. Check out these X-rays below. I guess it could be a weight loss tool, but not a safe one!!! No room left for any food in her stomach.

This is an Xray (left side) of Houdini’s stomach – Notice the large round object on the left

The second Xray is a front view of the Stomach – The Glue is the round image near the center

The only fix for these situations is surgically removing the big ball of glue. Houdini had blood drawn, was prepped for surgery and had surgery to remove the giant ball of glue. Houdini did great through surgery and afterwards.

This is the culprit-Notice how little glue was actually ingested

By the next morning she was up and begging for food. She started on a special diet that afternoon and never missed a beat. In fact I think she was a little upset that we wouldn’t feed her more at a time.

Houdini just had her staples out the other day and continues to do well. She is back to her normal diet now and has had no adverse effects post operatively.
This is the second case of Gorilla Glue ingestion we have seen at Blue Cross Animal Hospital and both patients have done great!

1.  What is canine influenza?
Canine influenza is a highly contagious respiratory infection of dogs caused by a novel influenza A subtype H3N8 virus that was first discovered in 2004.

2.  Where does canine influenza occur?
Canine influenza has been documented in 30 states and the District of Columbia.  At this time, the canine influenza virus (CIV) is very prevalent in many communities in Colorado, Florida, New York and Pennsylvania.

3.  What type of infection does CIV cause?
Similar to influenza viruses that infect other mammals, canine influenza virus causes an acute respiratory infection in dogs.  It is one of several viruses and bacteria that are associated with canine infectious respiratory disease, or what is commonly referred to as “kennel cough”.  CIV infection can cause respiratory disease by itself or along with other canine respiratory pathogens.
Unlike human influenza, canine influenza is not a “seasonal” infection. Infections can occur year round

4. What are clinical signs of canine influenza?
Like influenza viruses for other species, CIV caused flu-like illness consisting of cough, sneezing and nasal discharge. Virtually all exposed dogs become infected; about 80% develop flu-like illness, while another 20% do not become ill.
Fortunately, most dogs recover within 2 weeks without any further health complications. However, some dogs progress to pneumonia, which is usually due to secondary bacterial infections. While the overall mortality rate for canine influenza is low, the secondary pneumonia can be life-threatening. There is no evidence for age or breed susceptibility for developing pneumonia during canine influenza.

5. Who is susceptible to canine influenza?
Because canine influenza is due to a virus that is novel to the canine population, dogs lack pre-existing immunity to the virus. Dogs of any breed, age or health status are therefore susceptible to infection. Although studies have not been verified, it is likely that dogs that have recovered from infection retain immunity to the re-infection for an undetermined time period.
Canine influenza is most likely to spread in facilities where dogs are house together and where there is a high turnover of dogs in and out of the facility. Dogs in shelters, boarding and training facilities, day care centers, dog shows, veterinary clinics, pet stores and grooming parlors are at the highest risk for exposure to CIV, especially if these facilities are located in communities where the virus is prevalent. Dogs that mostly stay at home and walk around the neighborhood are at low risk.
CIV does not infect people, and there is no documentation that cats have become infected by exposure to dogs with canine influenza.

6. How is canine influenza transmitted?
As with other respiratory pathogens, the most efficient transmission occurs by direct contact with infected dogs and by aerosols generated by coughing and sneezing. The virus can also contaminate kennel surfaces, food and water bowls, collars and leashes, and the hands and clothing of people who handle infected dogs. Fortunately, the virus is easily inactivated by washing hands, clothes and other items with soap and water.

7. How is canine influenza diagnosed?
canine influenza cannot be diagnosed by clinical signs because all of the other respiratory pathogens cause similar signs of coughing, sneezing, and nasal discharge. For dogs that have been ill for less than 4 days, veterinarians can collect swabs from the nose or throat and submit them to a diagnostic laboratory that offers a validated PCR test for canine influenza virus. The most accurate test recommended for confirmation of infection requires the collection of a small blood sample 10 to 14 days later. The paired serum samples are submitted to a diagnostic laboratory for measurement of antibodies to CIV that were formed in response to infection.

8. How is canine influenza treated?
Since canine influenza is a viral infection, treatment consists mainly of supportive care while the virus runs its course, much like for human influenza. Dog owners should consult with their veterinarians if they think their dog has canine influenza. The veterinarian can determine what type of supportive care is needed, including whether antibiotics should be given for secondary bacterial infections. Dogs with pneumonia most likely require more intensive care provided in a hospital setting under the supervision of a veterinarian.

9. Is canine influenza contagious?
Like influenza infections in other species, canine influenza is highly contagious. Infected dogs shed virus in their respiratory secretions for 7 to 10 days, during which time the dog is contagious to other dogs. Infected dogs that do not show clinical signs are also contagious. Once the virus has run its course, the dog is no longer contagious. Therefore, we recommend that dogs with canine influenza be isolated from other dogs for two weeks to err on the conservative side. CIV does not cause a permanent infection.

10. Is there a vaccine for canine influenza?
In May of 2009, the USDA approved the licensure of the first influenza vaccine for dogs developed by Intervet/Schering Plough Animal Health Corporation. The canine influenza vaccine contains inactivated whole virus, so there is no chance that the vaccine itself can cause respiratory infections. During tests to evaluate vaccine performance, there were no side effects or safety issues in a field trial including more than 700 dogs ranging in age from six weeks to 10 years and representing 30 breeds. The vaccine is intended as an aid in the control of disease associated with CIV infection. Although the vaccine may not prevent infection, efficacy trials have shown that vaccination significantly reduces the severity and duration of clinical illness, including the incidence and severity of damage to the lungs. In addition, the vaccine reduces the amount of virus shed and shortens the shedding interval. This means that vaccinated dogs that become infected have less illness and are not as contagious to other dogs. These benefits are similar to those provided by influenza vaccines used in other species, including humans.
The canine influenza vaccine is a “lifestyle” vaccine, in that it is intended for dogs at risk for exposure to CIV, including those that participate in activities with many other dogs or are housed in communal facilities, particularly in communities where the virus is prevalent. Dogs that may benefit from canine influenza vaccination include those that are already receiving the kennel cough vaccine for Bordetella because the risk groups are the same. Dog owners should consult with their veterinarian to determine whether their dog’s lifestyle includes risk for exposure to CIV, and the protection by the canine influenza vaccine.

What is Laparoscopy?
Laparoscopy is done by making a very small incision and inserting a laparoscope or camera in to the abdominal cavity.  The abdomen is then filled up with carbon dioxide (a safe, absorbable gas) to easily  see all the organs in the abdomen.  The images are magnified and viewed on a monitor in the surgery suite.  Structures can be easily examined, and if need be, biopsies can be taken.  With some procedures no extra incisions may be needed.  Even if additional entries or ports are needed they are only one-quarter to one-half inch incisions.

So, how does this affect my dog?
So, what is the big excitement about this advance moving into the veterinary world?  Very small incisions decrease postoperative pain, risk of infection, and speed recovery time.  Where a traditional incision to do a liver biopsy would be at least six inches on a 40-50 pound dog, a one-half inch incision can give you excellent visualization of the abdomen and multiple liver biopsies.  The camera has magnification so that even the tiniest amount of bleeding can be observed and monitored  post biopsy.

Spays involve bluntly breaking down the pet’s suspensory ligament which can be painful.  In a laparoscopic assisted spay the ligament is cauterized and then sharply cut.  During surgery this is noticeable  as there is no/little  increase in patient’s heart rate, blood pressure, respiratory rate.  These vital signs often increase during a  traditional spay.  A recent study in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association showed that laparoscopic assisted spays offered up to 65% less pain* than the traditional open spay.

Another great use for laparoscopy is to do gastropexies, a  permanent tacking of the stomach to the body wall.  This is a procedure that prevents gastric dilatation and volvulus, GDV, a potentially fatal condition that occurs in primarily large deep-chested dogs. Again, the typical incision length would be greater than 6-8 inches, but laparoscopically assisted it can be 1-2 incisions one-half  to 2 inches in length.

Cryptorchid testicles that have not descended from the abdomen are a breeze to find with laparoscopy as well. The incisions are several inches long. The surgery time can be extensive while trying to locate a testicle in the abdomen. With laparoscopy, the testicle can rapidly be located and removed. (The author has found this technique to be particularly useful for this problem.)

Blue Cross Animal Hospital
Blue Cross Animal Hospital is happy to be one of the few clinics in the Las Vegas area to offer this advanced surgical technique.  The staff of Blue Cross Animal Hospital is happy to answer any questions you may have about laparoscopy or any other service we offer.

*Devitt, Chad DVM, MS DACVS.  “Duration, Complication, Stress and Pain of Open Ovariohysterectomy Versus a Simple Method of Laparoscopic-Assisted Ovariohysterectomies in Dogs.”  Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association.  Volume 227, Number 6 (September 15, 2005).

Selecting a good veterinarian to neuter your dog and cat is very important. With over 35 years of providing dog neuter and cat neuter services, here are a few things you should know.

Advantages of neutering
Neutering your pet reduces the risk of both prostate cancer and prostatitis.  Hormone-related diseases such as perianal adenoma are also reduced with neutering. Testicular cancer is completely eliminated. Neutering your pet also reduces certain types of aggression.

Interesting fact
Intact males can smell a female in heat over a quarter mile away! If your dog is having behavioral problems, how do you know your neighbors don’t have a female in heat? Neutering your pet will reduce the sexual urge which results in less roaming and typically better behavior.

Always consider AAHA veterinary clinics
AAHA (American Animal Hospital Association) veterinary clinics are tested on 900 standards including surgical care. Strict surgical protocols ensure a safe and sterile neuter.

Blood work is crucial
Pre-anesthetic blood work is vital to the safety of your pet. This service screens the blood levels to ensure a safe surgery. It can be dangerous to put your pet under anesthesia without knowing the blood levels. Blood work should always be included with pet neuter services.

Something to consider
AAHA veterinary clinics always use the most advanced sterile techniques for surgery. Your pet’s hair should be shaved around the surgical site and the skin cleaned with surgical scrub.

A veterinarian with your pet’s safety in mind will always wear a sterile cap, gown, mask, and gloves. A fresh sterilized surgical pack should be used when neutering your pet.

During the neuter
Good veterinarians will track your pet’s body temperature, blood pressure, heart rate, and blood oxygen tissue during the neuter. Specialized heating blankets should be used to maintain your pet’s ideal body temperature. A licensed veterinary technician should always assist your veterinarian before, during, and after the neuter.

How good are their prices
Again, shop around and compare prices. However, don’t let the price be the only decisive factor. All neuter services should include blood work before surgery. Pain medication should be administered before and after the neuter to comfort your pet. Does the price include take home medication and the medical collar (to prevent them from licking the incision)? What about the anesthesia? Will a licensed veterinary technician assist your veterinarian before and after the neuter? How will your pet wake up after surgery?  What is done to monitor my pet during the neuter?

Make sure when price shopping you’re getting apples for apples. In other words, ask what is included in the price and let them show you the value.

Bottom line
Great clinics have an experienced staff of professionals dedicated to your pet’s health. They should be friendly, professional, and listen to you.