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The most common infectious disease we see in dogs is?
The answer .........Lyme disease. In this "blog", I have chosen to discuss a disease with which I and veterinarians throughout Western New York have become all too familiar with in the past 9 years or so. While rarely seen here just 12 years ago, it is now the #1 infectious disease we see in dogs at Aurora Pet Hospital, by far!! So just what is Lyme disease, and what can I as a dog owner do to prevent my dog from becoming infected? |
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Just what is "Leptospirosis" anyway?
Leptospirosis is a bacterial infection found in over 180 species of animals, including humans, dogs, rodents, livestock, and a wide variety of wild animals, including rats, raccoons, skunks, possum, and deer. It is found worldwide, and is most commonly prevalent during periods of heavy rainfall. In Western New York, it is found in the environment most frequently in the spring, when rainfall is the greatest, and the fall, when it's wildlife hosts are most active. |
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"Bite Wounds" in dogs and cats
Dr. Meisner and I often see a dog or cat presented with a bite wound. These can be inflicted from another dog or cat and observed by the pet owner, or even worse, an unknown assailant. They are always to be taken very seriously, for if left untreated, a serious, and in some cases life-threatening infection can result. |
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Anesthesia at Aurora Pet Hospital........safer than ever !!
All dogs and cats receive a preanesthetic injection subcutaneously (under the skin) about 20 minutes prior to undergoing general anesthesia. There is no more discomfort felt then that experienced when administered a vaccination. This preanesthetic contains medication to relieve pain, along with a mild sedative, very similar to what people receive prior to surgery. |
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"What NOT to feed your cat"
This evening I had a kitty come to my pet hospital, straining and crying to urinate; passing bloody urine; and urinating in inappropriate areas other than her litter box. A urinalysis revealed her urine was filled with struvite crystals and blood. This is a condition known as FLUTD (Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease). Why some cats develop this and others don't is unknown, but this is not an article on that condition, but on what people feed their cats. |
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Is it "Kennel Cough” or something else??
Just a few years ago, we veterinarian's termed any dog that came to us with a "cold", as having "kennel cough". We now know that it is a much more complex disease than that. Today we realize there are a host of different bacteria and viruses that can all cause similar symptoms in the dog. By using the new term: "Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex" (CIRDC), we can better discuss with our clients the importance of treating it and, very importantly, preventing it in the first place. |
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Dental Disease in Dogs & Cats.
I had discussed this very important topic in a previous "blog" on this website, but wanted to address dental disease again, in a slightly different format. The American Veterinary Medical Association has, for a number of years, proclaimed February as: "Dental Health Month" for dogs and cats. Here at Aurora Pet Hospital however, each and every day is "Dental Health Day". I say this because we well recognize that periodontal disease is one of the most common conditions we see in our feline and canine patients, and it can be very detrimental to their long-term health. Allow me to explain. |
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What Is The Best Food To Feed My Pet?
This is a question I am asked very often. Over the 36 years I have been in practice, it seems to get more and more difficult with each passing year. Not only do I have to deal with what are often misleading television and print advertisements, but "Dr. Google" has added to the confusion many pet owners face as well. As veterinarians, we are faced with fads that far too often have little basis in proper nutrition. |
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Allergy Season and Atopic Dermatitis
Allergy season has now arrived in Western New York, not only for we humans, but our canine and feline friends as well. As the pollen counts rise (primarily trees in the spring, grasses in the summer, and weeds in the autumn), our pets may begin to suffer. Manifested not by sneezing and runny itchy eyes as in people, but primarily by itchy skin, and ear and skin infections. |
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Canine Influenza FAQ's
You may have questions related to canine influenza virus (CIV) infection. A list of frequently asked questions. Provided by Merck Animal Health. What is canine influenza virus (CIV)? Canine influenza virus (CIV) causes a respiratory infection in dogs that is also known as dog flu. The infection is very contagious to other dogs. Common signs are fever, lethargy, decreased appetite, cough, and runny nose. Most dogs have a mild form of the infection, but some dogs may develop pneumonia and have a more serious course that requires hospitalization. |
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The importance of the fecal examination.
At Aurora Pet Hospital, we recommend a fresh fecal examination be performed as part of a dog or cats annual examination. Clients will tell me: "My pet never goes anywhere but in my backyard. Why the need for a fecal exam?". Numerous studies over the years have clearly shown that most parks and public areas where dogs are walked and wildlife abound, have a high incidence of intestinal parasites. These parasites and their eggs are not only found on ground, but also in water of ponds, lakes, creeks, and streams where many dogs like to swim and play. And of course there are the ever increasing in popularity dog parks, like Knox Farm State Park has here in East Aurora. Dogs who defecate in these areas will shed eggs of internal parasites if their owners do not practice good control methods. |
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Genetic Health Analysis
These are very exciting times in medicine, both human and veterinary. Would it not be wonderful if, by analyzing a small blood sample, your veterinarian would be able to have your individual dogs genetic makeup revealed? Such testing would allow him/her to provide you not only with specific breed identification, but more importantly your dog's physical traits, behavioral traits, individualized nutritional needs, and also the dog's predisposition to certain health conditions that may arise later in life. |
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THE DANGER IN DENTAL DISEASE:
Dental disease is a very common problem in dogs and cats. While cats can develop "cervical neck lesions" which are similar to cavities in peoples, both dogs and cats primary problem is tartar (calculus) buildup, and resulting periodontal disease. This can eventually result in the presence of pus filled pockets along the gums, and even tooth root abscesses. Veterinarians can often detect periodontal disease during a physical examination, but often the full extent of the dental disease cannot be determined until the dog or cat has been placed under general anesthesia. |
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