During these “dog days” of summer, it’s important to remember our furry friends! Make sure outdoor pets have shade and cool water all day long, and consider bringing them inside during the hottest part of the day.
Never leave a pet in a parked car!!!
Remember to watch for signs of overheating: heavy panting, glazed eyes, a rapid heartbeat, difficulty breathing, excessive thirst, lethargy, fever, dizziness, lack of coordination, profuse salivation, vomiting, a deep red or purple tongue, seizure and unconsciousness. (humanesociety.org)
Dogs with short muzzles (pugs, bulldogs, boxers) are particularly susceptible to overheating.
While you’re celebrating, your pets may be hiding! Remember to provide them with a safe place to hide from all the noise, and lots of love and reassurance! If you need any advice or help preparing your pets for the fireworks, please contact us!
Cytauxzoon felis is the hemoprotozoon organism which causes “Cytauxzoonosis”, commonly called “Bobcat Fever”. This disease is carried by bobcats, and can be transmitted to the house cat by a bite from the Lone Star Tick and the American Dog Tick. This disease was responsible for 1.5% of all feline hospital admissions at the Boren Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital at Oklahoma State University from 1998-2006.* Since that time, we have continued to see a rapid increase in the numbers of cats affected, particularly in the spring and summer months.
Cats typically will fall ill 8-12 days after infection. They may show signs of fever, sometimes up to 105-107°F! Cats will be very lethargic and often will not eat. As the disease progresses, cats will become jaundiced, and their internal organs become swollen and very painful. Following these signs, their temperature will drop suddenly and they will become pale, with death occurring within 36 hours of the time they first become ill.
At this time, the best way we can diagnose these cats is by looking at their red blood cells under the microscope. Lab tests for the parasite’s DNA typically take more time to get results than the cat has to survive.
With no treatment, these cats will die. Unfortunately, even with treatment, survival is very rare. A new experimental treatment has shown a moderate increase in survival rates at specialty hospitals.
The only way to ensure your cat does not become infected with C. felis is to prevent tick bites. While there is nothing that will reduce this risk to zero in our area, cats who are indoor-only AND are treated with an effective tick prevention (we recommend Revolution PLUS or Nexgard COMBO) have the best chance of avoiding this horrible disease.
*Reichard MV, Baum KA, Cadenhead SC, Snider TA. Temporal occurrence and environmental risk factors associated with cytauxzoonosis in domestic cats. Vet Parasitol 2008;152(3-4):314-320.
…for venomous snakes, that is! With the warmer weather, copperhead snakes are becoming more active in our area, and there has been a reported increase in dogs bitten by them! Most dogs can recover with conservative treatment; however, bites to the head and neck can be very dangerous. There is an antivenin for “after-the-bite” available at most emergency centers, but can be very expensive.
Venomous Copperhead Snake with Forked Tongue
We offer the Atrox Crotalus Rattlesnake vaccine, which is effective “before-the-bite” at reducing the severity of snake envenomation by the Western Rattlesnake, and studies have shown cross-protection against the sidewinder, timber rattlesnake, Massasauga, and copperhead. Partial protection may be provided against eastern diamondback venom, but not against water moccasin (cottonmouth), Mojave rattlesnake, or coral snake venom. (Davis, Robinson’s Current Therapy, 2015).
The Mannford-area is experiencing a drastic increase in canine Kennel Cough cases the last few weeks. We thought it appropriate that we take a moment and share what it is, what to look for, and what we can do about it.
What is Canine Kennel Cough?
Kennel cough is similar to the common cold in that it is very contagious, usually mild, and is caused by a variety of “bugs”. It is very, very contagious and is transmitted by any droplet transfer: coughing, sneezing, nose-touching, etc.
Kennel Cough Symptoms
Kennel cough is usually mild in healthy animals however, symptoms can be quite irritating to the pet and your family. Common symptoms include the following:
cough
gagging
nose and/or eye discharge
fever
loss of appetite
lethargy
These symptoms usually start out quite mildly, but a consistent, hacking cough that may end in gagging is the most common symptom we see. Unfortunately, this is also how the disease is spread.
How do we treat it?
Treatment of Kennel Cough is focused on clearing out bacteria causing the symptoms, bacteria that could worsen the disease (lead to pneumonia), and ease the symptoms. Treatment usually consists of oral antibiotics, mild oral steroids for the cough, with or without cough syrup if it is severe enough. There are many methods of management at home as well (see below) that can ease your dog’s symptoms.
Good news, we can prevent Kennel Cough!
There is a vaccine for Kennel Cough! As a bonus, it is an oral vaccine, so not pokes for Fido. It is recommended to be given yearly, although some facilities that house several animals at once (groomers, boarders, animal hospitals, etc) require it to be administered every 6 months, depending on risk levels.
Do we have Kennel Cough vaccines?
We absolutely do! Calling ahead is required however, we do routinely stock and administer Kennel Cough vaccines!
How old does my dog need to be to receive the Kennel Cough vaccine?
Your puppy must be older than 8 weeks!
Who is most at risk for Kennel Cough?
Dogs that have not been vaccinated, that are around unvaccinated animals are at the highest risk:
Grooming facilities
Boarding facilities
Training classes
Dogs that run free in the country
Dogs that share fences with other dogs
Questions? Want to schedule an appointment? Please give us a call at (918)865-4733!
