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kennel cough in dogs february 24 2016 like humans dogs can experience a noisy dry cough caused by an irritated throat however persistent coughing paired with a fever nasal or ocular discharge or loss of voice may be symptoms of a more serious condition such as kennel cough canine infectious tracheobronchitis or kennel cough can develop in dogs when they inhale bacterial or viral particles into their respiratory tract mucus coating the respiratory tract normally collects these infectious particles but several factors can weaken this protection and expose dogs to viruses and bacteria that may cause the infection dr brad bennett lecturer at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences explained the basics of kennel cough kennel cough is a respiratory disease classified by an infection in the throat caused by inhaling bacteria coming into contact with viruses or both bennett said kennel cough is usually illustrated by inflammation of the trachea but it can also lead to bronchopneumonia dogs who are exposed to crowded areas with poor ventilation such as those found in kennels or animal shelters are at higher risk for developing kennel cough cold temperatures exposure to cigarette smoke and travel-induced stress can also increase a dogs risk for developing the infection the symptoms of kennel cough including a dry honking cough coughing to the point of retching fever loss of voice and ocular or nasal discharge can be caused by multiple sources but the most common cause is a bacterium called bordetella bronchiseptica it is not unusual for dogs who become infected with bordetella to be infected with a virus at the same time this combination of bacterial and viral infections weakens the dogs mucosal protection in the respiratory tract against infectious particles increasing their risk for kennel cough although the coughing caused by kennel cough may sound awful the disease is not considered serious bennett recommended vaccinating your dog against bordetella to help prevent respiratory infections from evolving into kennel cough most local veterinarians have vaccines that can aid in the prevention of this disease bennett said these vaccines may be given intranasal or through a subcutaneous injection depending on the vaccination if you think your dog may have kennel cough you should contact your veterinarian and keep your dog away from other animals to prevent the spread of the disease though it is important to monitor your dogs coughing habits closely bennett reminds pet owners that there are many different problems that can cause a pet to cough including an obstruction in the throat primary lung disease parasitism cardiac disease as well as infectious disease pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print

treating and preventing fleas february 18 2016 when dog and cat owners notice their pet excessively scratching biting and licking many of them associate these signs with fleas with so many products on market for flea treatment and prevention finding the right product to treat your pet and house can be both intimidating and confusing controlling fleas is a multi-step process and often involves assistance from your veterinarian especially in severe cases for every flea an owner finds on their pet it is likely that many other immature flea life stages such as eggs larvae and cocoons are in the pet owners home and yard thus an efficient flea treatment and prevention plan includes caring for both the pet and the pets environment however it is important to note that no flea treatment plan shows immediate results so it is important for pet owners to be patient and continue routine care for flea prevention dr adam patterson clinical assistant professor and chief of dermatology at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences explained the importance of treating both pets and their environment for fleas the adult fleas owners see on their pet is just the tip of the iceberg as those fleas come from immature and unseen flea life stages in the carpet area rugs upholstery dog beds and shady places outdoors patterson said depending on environmental conditions it may take a couple of weeks to months for all of the eggs to hatch so if you dont keep regularly administering flea prevention to all fur-bearing animals in your home you are giving fleas an opportunity to come right back on your pet a successful flea control plan eliminates fleas from the pet as well as the indoor and outdoor environment thereby preventing immature forms of fleas from developing into blood-sucking adults owners should be guided by their veterinarian in choosing the safest and most effective flea control product to treat their pet and home veterinarians will choose a product based on the extent of the flea infestation and other considerations such as the pets health age and breed there are many products to treat your house and yard with but this should be something you discuss with your veterinarian patterson said some products may be harmful to some animals in your household so a veterinarian can recommend the best product for you in addition to using a flea control product owners can treat their homes and yards in other simple ways for an indoor environment vacuum thoroughly below drapes under furniture and where the pet sleeps be sure to remove and discard the vacuum waste bag after every use until the flea infestation is resolved washing the pets bedding on a weekly basis can also help in flea prevention controlling fleas in the great outdoors includes disturbing flea habitat to prevent adult fleas from developing to do this target veterinarian recommended products to moist warm and shady areas and areas in the yard where there is organic debris such as leaves fleas also populate in areas where pets spend much of their time such as under patios porches and outdoor kennels disturb these breeding ground areas by raking sweeping and applying an insecticide there are many flea control products for pets on the market including flea collars once-a-month topical spot-on treatments and oral tablets patterson suggested pet owners consult their veterinarian in choosing the most effective flea treatment for their furry friend as treatment for the pet is the most important step in good flea control although fleas are often viewed as just an annoyance for most pets it is important for pet owners to take immediate action when they notice signs of fleas allergic reactions bacterial skin infections anemia and the transmission of parasites are additional potential complications that may occur in pets with fleas of course if you notice any signs of itchy skin sores on the skin hair loss lethargy or weight loss in your pet you should have the pet examined by a veterinarian patterson advised the good news with fleas and ticks is that there are very good preventatives available if you are consistent and vigilant with preventative treatment you shouldnt have to worry about complications from fleas pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print

equine lameness february 11 2016 equine lameness affects all types horseswhether they are ridden for pleasure racing or sport lameness a health condition that affects a horses gait is the most costly health problem in the equine industry in regards to the price of medical treatment and for time lost to rest dr ashlee watts assistant professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences explained what equine lameness is and how it happens lameness is limping in the horse she said sometimes the limping can be so subtle that it is difficult or impossible to see and sometimes it is very obvious lameness usually happens because of a problem with the musculoskeletal system in a limb such as arthritis in a joint; however it can also occur because of neck or back pain orthopedic injuries or injuries that directly affect the musculoskeletal system are the most common cause of equine lameness and include any damage to the hoof bones joints or soft tissue according to watts signs of lameness can vary anywhere from limping to a mild reduction in normal athletic ability common signs of more severe lameness include head bobbing while walking or trotting head bobbing is usually a tell-tale sign of front limb lameness while hind limb lameness is usually identified by a hip hike or drop treatments available for equine lameness vary and depend on an accurate diagnosis treatment recommended by your veterinarian will depend on the diagnosis watts said sometimes the treatment recommended is surgery while other times it is rest medicine or something as simple as changing the horses shoes there is a long list of possible therapies because there are a lot of possible causes of equine lameness although equine lameness is a common health issue in horses there are ways horse owners can prevent the costly condition proper and timely foot care that commonly includes shoeing is one of the most important methods of preventative care; however it is equally important to choose a reliable and trusted farrier good routine care such as regular exercise and regular farrier care is imperative said watts working your horse on proper footing and avoiding heavy mud or overly hard ground will also help prevent lameness keeping the horse appropriately fit for the level of exercise that is being performed is also important in preventative care equine lameness potentially affects all horse owners and is the most expensive health problem in the equine industry; however the condition can sometimes be prevented through proper care and providing safe footing in stalls and working or exercise areas watts urged horse owners to contact their veterinarian if they notice any sign of lameness as this condition should never be neglected pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print

preventing diabetes in dogs february 4 2016 diabetes mellitus also called sugar diabetes is becoming more prevalent in todays society like humans dogs can develop diabetes and may need medical care throughout their lifetime to manage the disease diabetes mellitus is characterized by a lack or relative deficiency of a hormone called insulin this hormone is produced by the pancreas and is needed to store energy from food and to use glucose for fuel dr audrey cook associate professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences explained how an insulin deficiency can negatively affect a dogs health in people the two most common forms of diabetes are type 1 and type 2 she said type 1 diabetics do not make insulin at all and will need insulin injections for life this is typically the type of diabetes that we see in dogs in some cases chronic inflammation of the pancreascalled pancreatitiscan gradually destroy cells that produce insulin in canines resulting in diabetes on rare occasions we even see dogs that become transiently diabetic following a heat cycle this is called diestrus diabetes health and lifestyle are a few contributing factors to the development of diabetes in people but genetics plays the most important role in dogs according to cook there are strong breed predispositions to diabetes with the australian terrier at particularly high risk other breeds with increased risk include schnauzers fox terriers and bichons intact female dogs of any breed are vulnerable to diestrus diabetes but the norwegian elkhound is at especially high risk signs of diabetes dog owners should look out for include increased thirst and frequent urination dogs with diabetes may also seem hungry despite eating a good meal and dramatic weight loss can occur if diabetes is left untreated affected dogs can become ill with vomiting and collapse and will die without aggressive medical care since these severe symptoms can occur within two weeks of signs first appearing cook recommended taking any change in thirst seriously and urged veterinary care unlike diabetes in cats there is little that most owners can do to prevent this disease as diet and lifestyle do not play a substantial role in the development of canine diabetes cook recommends spaying female dogs to decrease the risk of diestrus diabetes in dogs with a history of pancreatitis a low fat diet may reduce episodes of inflammation and prevent the interruption of insulin production however cook reminds dog owners that most diabetic dogs like people with type 1 diabetes are healthy before the disease strikes if you think your dog may be showing signs of diabetes contact your veterinarian immediately diabetes is a serious condition but it can be successfully managed through a joint effort between you and your veterinarian pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print

pet transportation safety january 28 2016 the holiday season has ended meaning most families are returning from their travels for some people pets are a part of the celebration and are included in travel plans while some pets are easy travel companions others are better left at home in the care of a trusted friend or neighbor even if visiting your veterinarian is the most you travel with your pet every owner should understand pet transportation safety when making travel decisions it is important to consider your pets behavior health and daily needs for example if your destination will not allow you to spend time with fido and include his daily exercise then it is best he stay at home as a general rule most cats are more comfortable in their home environment and should probably stay home during family trips taking your pet to the veterinarian for a quick check up will also help you decide if your pet is healthy enough for travel especially if your pet will be traveling by airline your pets behavior is also a deciding factor in allowing them to travel for instance a playful and energetic puppy may not appreciate riding in a kennel for several hours traveling by car is the most common way to transport pets but many owners do not know the safest way to allow furry friends to ride in the car dr james barr clinical assistant professor at the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences explained the best way to transport your pet by car the best way to transport pets in a car is to restrain them in some way he said if you have a small dog or cat then they should be placed in a pet carrier they will be safer and less likely to climb in your lap and interfere with driving although this may not be feasible in larger dogs there are a number of seat belt devices that can be used for dogs to limit their mobility in the car in addition it is also recommended to keep pets in the back seat to prevent them from being a distraction from the road you may also consider inviting a friend or family member along to help watch the pets on long road trips this will allow you the opportunity to buy snacks or refuel while your pets are under the supervision of your friend it is common for pet owners to allow their dog to put their head out the window but the reality is that this can be dangerous although fido may enjoy the fresh air he can potentially be injured by debris there are a couple of problems that arise when a dog has his head outside of a moving car window barr said the first is the possibility that something could hit them at high speed such as bugs sticks or other debris this is especially problematic for the dogs eyes the next problem is with the possibility that the pet could jump out of the window and severely injure themselves in addition to these travel safety tips it is also important to never leave your pet unattended in the car having a friend with you to help watch the pets while traveling will solve most dangers associated with leaving pets alone although some veterinarians may not recommend allowing your pet to travel by airline it is not impossible the most important thing when it comes to airline transport is to ensure your pet is healthy enough to make the trip said barr airlines generally require that you have a veterinarian sign a health certificate to prove your pet is healthy enough for travel if the pet is to ride in the cabin then it will need to be calm enough to be carried through security in the baggage area your pet may get hot or cold so the health of the pet needs to be good to enable them to withstand that no matter the occasion knowing the basics of pet transportation safety is a must whether youre traveling by car or airline it is important to first consider the health and safety of your pet pet talk is a service of the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print

inflammatory bowel disease in dogs january 27 2016 like humans it is normal for dogs to experience the occasional upset stomach or episode of diarrhea but experiencing severe symptoms such as bloody stools may be a sign of something more serious inflammatory bowel disease (ibd) refers to a group of gastrointestinal diseases that result in the inflammation of the intestines the exact cause of inflammatory bowel disease in dogs is unknown but bacteria and nutrients normally found in the intestine are thought to be the cause of the abnormal immune response that causes inflammation dr jonathan lidbury assistant professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences explained ibds potential causes ibd is a syndrome that is characterized by chronic intestinal inflammation in dogs lidbury said the cause of ibd in dogs is not fully known but recent research has provided some important clues basically there is a loss of tolerance in the dogs intestinal immune system to the nutrients or bacteria that are normally found in the bowel this leads to inflammation of the intestines common signs of ibd in dogs include excessive diarrhea vomiting loss of appetite and weight loss dog owners may also notice rumbling sounds in the abdominal cavity flatulence and even bloody stools in dogs with ibd to diagnose the disease your veterinarian may ask for a detailed history of your dogs symptoms ibd in dogs is diagnosed by a combination of ruling out other causes of intestinal inflammation such as infections or parasites lidbury said they will also try to rule out metabolic disease dietary intolerance or allergies and an intestinal bacterial imbalance by treating with certain antibiotics it is also important to document intestinal inflammation by performing an intestinal biopsy if your veterinarian diagnoses your dog with inflammatory bowel disease it is important to note that the disease can be managed but not cured through careful treatment your dogs ibd symptoms can be managed with anti-inflammatory drugs or steroids such as prednisone providing appropriate nutrition will also help stabilize your dogs body weight and prevent dehydration following your veterinarians suggested dietary plan and drug treatment and being patient with the results often leads to stabilized patients; however check-ups with a veterinarian are necessary even in ibd patients whose symptoms are successfully managed pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print

ear infections in dogs january 21 2016 many dog owners have witnessed their pet excessively scratching their ears or rubbing their head on a hard surface some owners may even notice redness swelling or odor in their dogs ear canal although we may do everything we can to keep our dogs clean these common signs could be a result of a canine ear infection according to dr alison diesel clinical assistant professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences canine ear infections are common and can be caused by multiple factors there are several contributing factors associated with the development of ear infections in dogs she said some factors such as excess hair in the ear canals excess wax production and increased moisture can contribute to the development of ear infections; however they do not solely cause the infection there is generally an underlying cause such as parasites allergies or foreign bodies other causes include hormone imbalances benign or cancerous growths in the ear canal or physical trauma if you think your dog may have an ear infection it is important to consult your veterinarian treatment for canine ear infections depends on the underlying cause of the infection as well as the specific type of infection involved ear cleaners or topical medications such as ear drops or lotion are common in soothing canine ear infections sometimes additional medications may be necessary to decrease swelling in the ear canals or treat infections that have migrated into the deeper structures of the ear such as the middle or even inner ear although it may seem as simple as thoroughly cleaning your dogs ears to relieve them of irritation diesel recommended avoiding home remedies for an ear infection some medications can be harmful or painful when used in certain infections she explained for example the use of a medication containing antibiotics may contribute to the development of bacterial resistance if used improperly it is best to consult your pets veterinarian prior to treating the ear infection at home if you have a cleaner your veterinarian has prescribed for ear infections in the past this may be tried initially; however a follow up examination should be pursued if clinical signs persist you may bathe fido regularly but this does not protect him from developing an ear infection to effectively prevent canine ear irritation be sure to check your dogs ears weekly for debris and wax build up if your dog swims a lot or has a history of ear infections you should talk with your dogs veterinarian about using an ear cleaner periodically as maintenance in some cases long-term maintenance ear care such as periodic ear cleaning may be helpful to help prevent infections diesel said to address this most effectively it is important to have a conversation with your pets veterinarian to help develop a long-term plan discussing particular activities your pet likes and or concerns you have will help your veterinarian formulate a righteous preventative care plan for example if you frequently plan on taking your dog swimming your veterinarian may recommend an ear cleaner that has some drying properties for use after swimming a veterinary dermatologist can also be an additional helpful resource for long-term ear care in your dog to prevent your dog from developing an ear infection remember to clean their ears regularly ear infections are one of the most common health problems in dogs but it is not a condition that should be treated at home without the guidance of a veterinarian be sure to seek professional help in treating your dogs ear infection pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print

socializing your puppy january 14 2016 many dog owners have heard that socializing their puppy is important but many do not know where to begin it is important to show your puppy that not all people and animals pose a threat exposing your puppy to the world through proper socialization will help them develop into a social obedient and confident dog the most critical socialization time for your puppy is between two and 12 weeks of age during this time it is important to expose your puppy to a variety of people animals and situations allowing your pet to experience these things early in life will prevent fear and aggression in the future it will also promote your puppys obedience in critical scenarios a puppy who trusts their owner that there is nothing to fear will more likely obey their owner without hesitation dr stacy eckman clinical assistant professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences explained why it is important to socialize your puppy socializing your puppy is important because it will enable them to be more at ease and focus on commands from you without distractions she said socializing with a variety of people and animals also helps puppies develop socially without fear it is also very important to socialize puppies with kittens and vice versa although socialization can continue throughout puppyhood it is important to start the process early puppies begin to develop fear at about eight to 10 weeks of age so early reinforcement of positive behavior around other people and animals is critical for social development puppies who are not properly exposed to animals and people may find them frightening when they encounter them for the first time at an older age this may lead to aggressive behavior such as growling barking or biting however puppies that are properly socialized are less likely to exhibit these violent behaviors socializing your puppy isnt as simple as allowing any animal or person to interact with your pet before allowing your puppy to be exposed to new people or animals you should consider if each person or animal will leave your puppy with a positive experience for example if a child is unable to hold your puppy correctly then it is best not to let them do so if an adult may play too hard with your puppy then it is best to avoid letting your puppy play with them negative experiences during this critical learning period in your puppys life may lead to a fearful adulthood in addition you should also consider the safety and health of your puppy during socialization since puppies do not receive full vaccinations for diseases until about 15 weeks of age it is important to choose wisely when socializing your puppy with other animals older dogs and cats that have been vaccinated are safest for your puppy to interact with inviting healthy pets to your home instead of venturing into parks can also help prevent your vulnerable puppy from contracting illnesses such as parvovirus one of the best ways to prevent your puppy from contracting a disease is to invite people with vaccinated animals into your home eckman said while these pets can still carry some diseases vaccination makes them much less likely to shed and spread the diseases there are also several trainers who offer classes for socializing puppies in fairly controlled environments socialization can occur throughout puppyhood but it is important to begin socializing your puppy early exposing your puppy to a variety of animals and people will help them see the world as non-threating and grow into an outgoing friendly and well-behaved dog pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print

pets as holiday gifts december 21 2015 giving an adorable puppy or kitten as a gift this holiday season may seem like a wonderful idea but it is important to remember that pets need a lifetime of care and commitment long after the holiday season surprising your family with a new fuzzy friend on that special holiday morning is tempting but be sure to first consider these facts to avoid being unprepared when bringing a pet home giving the gift of a pets companionship requires a considerable amount of research and preparation there can be many reasons why a pet may be unsuitable for a home such as if the receiver is not financially or mentally prepared for a pet dr stacy eckman clinical assistant professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences explained how pets can often come with hidden expenses pets even healthy ones require a financial commitment for basic requirements such as food collars and leashes as well as medical needs such as basic vaccinations she said unexpected illnesses or injury may also add to that financial burden which can be too much for some owners to handle other reasons a pet may not be an appropriate gift this year is if the receiver is allergic to pets if the receiver does not have an appropriate place to keep the pet or if the receiver does not want a pet or have time to commit to a pet taking care of a cat or dog is a responsibility that is often simplified in the minds of children but the reality is that pets need care throughout their entire lifetime giving a pet as a gift to children who are not yet responsible to care for it can lead to pets being seen as play-things rather than living and dependent animals adults often take on the responsibilities of feeding bathing and cleaning up after the pet when the initial newness wears off sometimes adults are guilty of neglecting the pet too especially if they were unaware of the financial commitment from the beginning this can lead to many pets entering shelters for the remainder of their lives or until another family adopts them although there are many reasons why giving a pet as a holiday gift can be a bad idea a pet can make a great holiday gift for someone if the proper amount of research and preparation is done if the receiver has expressed their commitment to a pet proven their responsibility and are financially and mentally ready for a pet the gift giver must then consider the receivers pet preferences for gender and breed adoption is also a great option especially if the new owner prefers an older dog or cat many pets are patiently waiting in shelters for a forever home and the adoption staff at the shelter will be able to help you choose the perfect pet for the new owner although giving a pet as a gift this holiday season may seem like a wonderful life-long memory for your family there is a considerable amount of research and preparation involved in bringing a pet into a new home especially if it is a surprise to the new owner if the receiver has proven their responsibility and expressed their desire for a new fuzzy companion be sure to consider their pet preferences as well as adoption pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print

preventing obesity in pets december 10 2015 like humans pets can become obese and develop excess body fat which can lead to serious health problems such as diabetes or degenerative joint disease in order to provide your furry best friend with the highest quality of life and increase their life span be sure to follow these simple steps to prevent obesity in your pet weight gain in pets is often a result of overfeeding and lack of exercise to keep your pet at a healthy weight be sure to provide a healthy balance between food intake and physical activity for example give your dog or cat two to three meals a day instead of providing food at all times and make sure to include at least one daily walk or some playtime maintaining a healthy weight for dogs and cats also depends on the type of food they eat on a daily basis owners should choose an appropriate pet food according to the animals age weight and activity level generally younger dogs and cats need to consume more calories per pound of body weight than older dogs and cats animals with active lifestyles and pregnant or nursing females require more protein minerals and calories in their diet dr audrey cook associate professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences explained the best way to choose the healthiest option for your pet your regular veterinarian is the best person to give advice on what to feed your pet she said they will be able to provide an optimal diet type based on the animals age and body condition in general feeding guides on food products tend to overestimate the amount of food needed so these guides can be misleading in addition to diet and exercise pet owners can regularly monitor their pets weight by routinely weighing them around the same time of the day this can be effective in catching your pets weight increase before it becomes a more serious problem obesity in pets can also be caused by some serious health problems rather than simply reflecting poor diet and lack of exercise weight gain can be related to hormone problems such as hypothyroidism in dogs and acromegaly in cats which is defined as excess growth hormone production dogs with hypothyroidism gain weight without eating more food than usual while cats with acromegaly will experience an increase in appetite dogs and cats with cushings syndrome will appear as if theyve gained weight with their pot-bellied appearance but these patients rarely experience a weight increase no matter the cause of obesity in dogs and cats severe secondary diseases and health problems can develop if the obese patient is left untreated there is good evidence that obesity impacts quality of life as well as life span in dogs obesity is often associated with joint problems such as arthritis and loss of mobility cook said obesity in cats is strongly associated with diabetes mellitus in addition to these health conditions an obese pet may also have difficulty breathing become fatigued with routine exercise and be unable to groom itself effectively though it may be tempting to spoil your pet with table scraps and extra servings of food consider thinking twice about the consequences your pet may face as a result to provide your pet with a healthy and happy life consult your veterinarian in keeping a balanced lifestyle and choosing the right food for your pets needs pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print

parvovirus in puppies december 3 2015 vaccinations can prevent many illnesses in puppies but viruses such as canine parvovirus are still a threat to dogs with developing immune systems young puppies often have immunity against the virus because they get antibodies from the colostrum in their mothers milk but these antibodies are not always as effective as a vaccine dr johanna heseltine clinical assistant professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences explained the characteristics of parvovirus canine parvovirus or ‘parvo is a highly contagious virus that affects dogs and often causes severe diarrhea and vomiting in puppies she said parvovirus lives for months in the environment so many puppies can be exposed while their immune system is still vulnerable once dogs are fully vaccinated they seldom become infected even if a puppy has received some vaccines they are still at risk for infection because the antibodies they receive from their mothers milk can interfere with the puppys immune response to the vaccine in addition to this the puppys body has not made its own protective antibodies parvovirus attacks areas of the body where cells are rapidly dividing such as the intestinal tract and bone marrow tissue as a result victims of the virus experience a loss of appetite vomiting diarrhea weakness and lethargy since the virus attacks white blood cells in the bone marrow infected dogs develop low white blood cell counts which puts them at risk for a bacterial infection called sepsis said heseltine the severity of illness varies between patients but most of the dogs we see in the hospital develop severe bloody diarrhea and vomiting parvovirus spreads through fecal-oral contact meaning the virus can be transmitted through any animal person or object that comes in contact with an infected dogs feces a dog can shed parvovirus in its stool without showing any signs of illness and can continue spreading the virus for several weeks after recovering parvovirus is so common that it may be present anywhere that dogs frequently visit inanimate objects such as food bowls shoes clothes and carpet also serve as carriers for the virus for up to several months treatments for parvovirus are available but prevention through vaccination is essential to protect puppies health if infected puppies should be hospitalized and isolated from other dogs to avoid spreading the disease large amounts of bodily fluids are lost through vomiting and diarrhea so patients are replenished with electrolytes through intravenous fluid therapy antibiotics are also needed to help prevent secondary infections other treatments include antiemetic medication plasma transfusions or related therapies you can protect your puppy from this deadly virus by making sure they stay up-to-date on vaccinations limiting your puppys exposure to other dogs as well as keeping a secure backyard that prevents strays or other potentially infected animals from entering will also decrease the puppys risk of contracting the disease until your veterinarian declares it is safe try keeping your puppy away from dog parks or other areas where there is a high concentration of dogs if you think your puppy may be infected with parvovirus or has come in contact with another infected animal contact your veterinarian for assistance to prevent further spread of the disease it may be necessary to remove your puppys toys blankets and other belongings from the environment pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print

advancing one health in south africa november 30 2015 south africa abounds in wildlife and livestock providing an ideal one health platform for collaborations in transboundary infectious and parasitic diseases to explore research and educational opportunities for texas a&m university dr rosina tammi krecek interim assistant dean of one health and visiting professor in veterinary pathobiology (vtpb) and dr angela arenas assistant professor in vtpb travelled to south africa in november 2015 south africa is a rich platform for exploring the one health wildlife-livestock-human interface to address societal needs krecek commented this wide biodiversity and broad experience of experts in this field continue to offer an ideal foundation for collaborative opportunities between texas a&m and the university of pretoria in south africa krecek and arenas met with south african academic government and industry partners to advance texas a&ms current and developing global projects at the university of pretoria they met with colleagues and students in veterinary and health sciences and presented one health seminars this included meeting with dean darrell abernethy dean of the veterinary school (faculty of veterinary science at onderstepoort) and with colleagues from that institution this was followed by meetings at the faculty of health sciences at the university of pretoria at health sciences dr marietjie venter professor of zoonotic viral diseases and director of the one health program for the us centers for disease control and prevention in pretoria south africa and dr wanda markotter associate professor viral zoonoses group faculty of natural and agricultural sciences hosted the texas a&m visitors krecek and arenas jointly presented seminars titled one health: the bridge to new opportunities to next-generation one health scientists arenas stated these collaborations can lead to exchange programs for graduate students and residents to gain experience about wildlife and livestock infectious and parasitic diseases current and developing global projects build on the strengths of texas a&m and the university of pretoria as well as collaborations to develop training and research capacities in infectious and parasitic endemic and transboundary livestock agents print

thanksgiving pet safety november 25 2015 thanksgiving is when many people express gratitude for the blessings in life for many of us our pets are included in our thoughts of appreciation although you may consider fido a part of the family there are many reasons why he should not join you at the dinner table for the traditional holiday feast turkey is often the main course of a thanksgiving meal if you decide to treat your pet to a piece of turkey be sure it is boneless and thoroughly cooked to prevent salmonella poisoning in addition avoid letting your pet chew on any sort of leftover bones as they can be problematic to the digestive tract dr stacy eckman clinical assistant professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences explained the danger of allowing your pet to chew on a bone bones can become lodged in the throat or esophagus and can cause problems throughout the intestinal tract she said they can also splinter and the bone may require surgery to remove it may be tempting to offer your pets special treats during the holiday but fatty foods should definitely be avoided fatty foods can upset your pets stomach and cause vomiting and diarrhea in severe cases it may even progress into something serious requiring a hospital stay the more different the food is from your pets regular diet the more likely they will have digestive upset eckman said vomiting and diarrhea secondary to table food ingestion are the most common reasons we see pets in the emergency room or veterinary hospital after the holidays raw dessert batter is also unsafe for your pet this holiday be sure to keep fidos nose out of the mixing bowl to prevent any consumption of eggs which are sometimes contaminated with salmonella if you are planning on making homemade bread raw yeast bread dough can also pose as a threat to your pet if consumed the yeast will continue to convert the sugars in the dough to carbon dioxide gas and alcohol resulting in a bloated drunken pet this can be a life-threatening situation that can require hospitalization raisins and grapes which can cause kidney damage and chocolate which can be fatal for dogs should also be kept out of your pets reach if you absolutely must provide a special holiday treat for your pet there are safe options that will still leave fido begging for more try sticking as close to your pets normal diet as possible by offering them a bowl of their usual food mixed with lean boneless and skinless pieces of turkey and a small amount of gravy if you have fresh vegetables available such as green beans or sweet potatoes they will make an excellent addition to your pets healthy thanksgiving feast to ensure your pets safety this thanksgiving be sure to keep them away from any harmful food products in the spirit of the holiday season your pet will be forever grateful for keeping them healthy during thanksgiving dinner pet talk is a service of the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print

intervertebral disc disease in dogs november 19 2015 shock absorption between our bones is essential to perform normal physical activities just like humans dogs can injure their bones and their joints making every day mobility a challenge in intervertebral disc disease (ivdd) the intervertebral discs or cushions in between the bones of the spine can degenerate from an injury or as dogs age intervertebral discs are cartilage tissue between the spinal bones or vertebrae that act as shock absorbers during movement deterioration of the discs make them brittle and weak so that the normal forces applied during movement cannot be effectively cushioned this often leads to deformed or ruptured discs which can press on the spinal cord above them resulting in signs that range from neck or back pain to complete paralysis of the limbs canine ivdd occurs in two main categories: type i and type ii in type i of the disease the inner portion of the disc is calcified or hardened this occurs quickly and leaves the disc brittle and more prone to rupture type ii develops slowly and the discs become hardened and more fibrous over time eventually bulging out and applying pressure to the spinal cord though both types of ivdd are caused by degeneration of discs dogs may be more at risk for one type of ivdd than the other dr beth boudreau clinical assistant professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences explained what breed of dogs are more at risk for the disease for type i disc disease breed plays a big role she said chondrodystrophic dogs which are canines that have genetic differences that cause skeletal disorders are more at risk for ivdd than other breeds because their discs may undergo very early degeneration there are many chondrodystrophic breeds including the dachshund the french bulldog corgi beagle basset hound and miniature poodle for type ii disc disease any breed of dog may be affected because of the slower nature of development for type of disc disease dogs with this problem tend to be older than those with type i disc disease if your dog shows an unwillingness to jump has pain or weakness in the rear legs cries out in pain or displays a reduced appetite and activity level you should consider taking them to the veterinarian for an examination diagnosis for ivdd starts with a complete neurologic exam by your veterinarian and possible x-rays but is confirmed with an mri or other advanced imaging if diagnosed with ivdd your dog will not have to endure pain for the rest of its life there are two main types of treatment available for ivdd: medical management and surgery medical management involves managing pain associated with disc disease in addition to a period of strict rest to give the stretched or ruptured disc time to heal itself boudreau said this is most appropriate for less affected patients especially those that are having signs for the first time alternatively surgery can be performed to remove abnormal disc material that is encroaching on the spinal cord this treatment option is recommended for patients who are more severely affected or for dogs that do not improve with medical management though intervertebral disc disease is manageable in dogs prevention is the best way to keep your pet pain-free even in breeds that are at a higher risk for disc degeneration feeding fido a balanced diet and helping him maintain a healthy weight can reduce stress on the neck and backbone if your dog tends to pull on the leash while on a walk invest in a harness to ease even more stress off the neck keeping steps next to the bed or couch may also prevent your dog from jumping and developing an injury these simple steps are a great way to keep you pet safe and healthy pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print

preventing diabetes in cats november 12 2015 diabetes mellitus (also called sugar diabetes) is becoming more common in our society genetics and lifestyle play an important role in humans; however numerous processes can contribute to the development of this disease in addition to the rise of human diabetes cases veterinarians are also seeing an increase in the prevalence of diabetes in cats diabetes mellitus is characterized by an absolute lack or relative deficiency of insulin the two most common forms of diabetes in people are type 1 and type 2 and most diabetic cats have a form that mimics human type 2 diabetes during digestion nutrients from the cats diet are broken down into smaller componentslike glucosethat the body can use as energy insulin a hormone responsible for the regulation of glucose in the bloodstream is produced by the pancreas glucose can only enter the cells to be used as energy in the presence of insulin if there isnt enough insulin the body begins to break down fat and protein leading to increased appetite and weight loss dr audrey cook associate professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences explained how diabetes can affect feline patients with this disorder the body becomes resistant to insulin and more of the hormone is needed to keep blood sugar within the normal limits she said eventually the pancreas essentially gives up and clinical signs of diabetes are evident although people with type 2 diabetes can sometimes be managed with diet and exercise cats usually need insulin injections some cats will go into remission after a few months and no longer need insulin; however relapse is common signs of feline diabetes include weight loss despite an increased appetite extreme thirst and frequent urination depending on the severity of the disease some cats can even become ill with a condition called diabetic ketoacidosis in which the cat will need intensive care there are several risk factors for diabetes but the most important one is obesity cats often live sedentary lives and can become markedly overweight this puts a lot of stress on the pancreas and can result in diabetes other risk factors include a high carbohydrate diet medications such as steroids and chronic inflammation of the pancreas known as pancreatitis though diabetes is a serious disease in cats there are prevention and treatment methods available talk to your veterinarian about your cats bodyweight and take action under medical guidance if you cat is obese cook said cats can have problems with rapid weight loss so you need to talk to your veterinarian about a safe weight loss plan before making any changes the type of diet you feed is also important most cats should be fed a high-protein high-fat and low-carbohydrate diet good routine health care including regular dental cleaning may also be protective it is important to note that most cats are will require insulin injections to manage their disease at least in the initial stages if you think your cat may be showing signs of diabetes contact your veterinarian immediately it is a serious condition but is often successfully managed through a joint effort between you and your veterinarian ***the feline internal medicine service at texas a&m is currently recruiting cats with a recent history of diabetic remission (meaning that the cat was on insulin injections but is now controlled with just diet) for a study looking at a new way to maintain remission please contact us at fim@cvmtamuedu if you think you cat may qualify and more information will be provided *** pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print

what to do if you find a stray dog november 9 2015 pets are considered a part of the family for many pet owners the unique personalities and characteristics our pets possess are irreplaceable and it can be heart- breaking to lose their company stray dogs are a growing problem in the united states and a majority of these strays are forced to wander the dangerous streets or begin a new life in an animal shelter learning how to properly bring a stray dog to safety is vital for your safety as well as the strays safety when trying to care for a stray safety is always first it is easy to become swept up in emotions when you see a stray dog hurt or in a dangerous situationlike running in traffic even if you have good intentions it is important to consider all options before taking action to keep the situation from becoming even more hazardous there are numerous ways to find a stray dog but the most common scenarios are on foot or in vehicular traffic remaining calm is the key to keeping a clear mind and deciding the best option for the strays safety for instance if you are driving and encounter a stray in traffic try to pull over on the side of the road where it is safe if you are unable to pull over or are a passenger of the car take note of the animal its health condition and the exact location it was seen the driver of the car can either turn back around to help the dog or report the situation to animal control whether you are on foot or in the car analyzing the condition of the animal is important for your safety the dog may be injured sick malnourished or even rabid if the stray dog appears to be defensive and could bite or attack do not approach the dog instead take note of its location and give as much detail as possible to animal control a stray dog may also find its way into your yard which can be potentially hazardous for your outside pets as with any pet that you do not know well you must approach the stray carefully said dr james barr clinical assistant professor at the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences if the stray is friendly make sure that they do not have any substantial contact with your pets the stray animal needs to be evaluated by a veterinarian for infectious disease and to ensure they are healthy strays are not likely vaccinated so they should be kept separate from other pets until they get an all clear from a veterinarian if you are able to safely handle and collect the dog the next step is to check for identification some stray dogs are lucky enough to remain identified through a collar and dog tag while others are branded through a microchip if the dog appears to have no identification it is still important to take the dog to the veterinarian or local animal shelter to scan for a possible microchip if the dog is marked with a microchip the contact information of the owner will then be provided through the computer system proper identification on dogs may make contacting the owners far easier than searching for the owner on your own while searching for the owner a trip to the veterinarian is essential to make sure the stray is not injured or sick the veterinarians will look for normal issues that occur in uncared for animals but they are also adept at trying to find owners for these pets if you are unable to locate them yourself explained barr additionally the animal control authorities will usually take these pets in if you are not able to take care of the pet that you found while it can be heart-breaking to find a stray dog in a dangerous situation it is important to thoroughly evaluate your options before letting your emotions get the best of you remember to remain calm and choose the safest option for both you and the stray dog and never approach a dog that poses as a threat it is best to save the number of your local animal control service in case you ever need to report a stray dog pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print

halloween pet safety october 28 2015 though many people get a thrill from the frightening masks and costumes on halloween night our pets are less likely to appreciate the spooky tradition to ensure your pets safety this halloween weekend follow these simple guidelines collecting candy is one of the most well-known traditions of halloween we might appreciate the array of tastes in our assortment of candy but is it safe to offer fido a few bites dr stacy eckman clinical assistant professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences explained how candy can be harmful for pets for individual ingredients chocolate is the biggest offender she said dark chocolate is the most dangerous candy followed by milk chocolate and white chocolate chocolate can cause vomiting and diarrhea a rapid heart rate tremors seizures and death other ingredients in candy can also be of concern such as certain nuts and raisins eckman added that most general candies primarily cause an upset stomach diarrhea and vomiting in some cases consuming candy like those containing the artificial sweetener xylitol can lead to more significant diseases and even death in dogs and cats to prevent your furry friends from consuming harmful candy try storing the treats on a high shelf out of your pets reach other halloween items that should be kept away from your pet for its safety include pumpkins pumpkin seeds corn and electrical cords these objects are a hazard if consumed or chewed on by your pet if you suspect your pet has ingested harmful candy or other dangerous items eckman recommends contacting your veterinarian or the animal poison control center (apcc) the apcc can be reached at (888) 426-4435 halloween is most often defined by the famous tradition of wearing costumes your pet may look absolutely adorable wearing a princess gown or a superman suit but that does not mean they are enjoying the experience as much as you are to determine if it is appropriate to dress your pet for halloween night eckman recommended these helpful tips make sure the costume is not covering the animals face (mainly their mouth and nose) so they can breathe properly she said it is also important that the costume does not fit too tight around the neck the costume should not make the animal too hot if it is warm out and it should not trip them while running or walking lastly costumes with lights and batteries are a safety hazard if you are planning on dressing your pet for halloween eckman suggested dressing your pet in their outfit several times before the big party or event so they become accustomed to the fit animal cruelty is never acceptable but halloween is unfortunately a time when pranksters may steal tease injure and even kill beloved pets to protect your pets from cruel behavior keep them inside or in a secure fenced in area or backyard black cats are especially at risk during halloween which is why they should be kept inside several days prior and after the holiday you should also keep in mind that trick-or-treaters will be knocking on your door throughout the night which may startle your pets dogs can be especially territorial so it is important to keep them in another room so they do not bark or growl at guests proper identification is one of the most important factors in keeping your pet safe this halloween human and vehicular traffic may frighten animals and cause them to run off from the safety of your home if you are going to take your pet trick-or-treating with you walk them on a leash and provide them with a reflective collar or tape so they are more visible at night all pets need a collar with identification tags and it is also recommended by eckman to invest in a form of identification that cannot come off such as a microchip halloween is a fun night for people of all ages but it is important to remember that your pet may have a different perspective on the holiday keeping your pets safety in mind when planning parties and handing out candy is important because nobody wants to spend halloween night searching for a lost family member pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print

ferret distemper october 21 2015 while it is not legally required by law to vaccinate pet ferrets for canine distemper it is imperative for pet owners to protect their ferrets against this fatal and highly contagious disease exotic mammals like ferrets are susceptible to diseases that affect many domestic pets including the canine distemper virus ferrets are highly susceptible to canine distemper and the disease proves fatal for virtually all of the ferrets that come into contact with the virus though the disease is extremely deadly proper vaccination protects ferrets from infection canine distemper is caused by a paramyxovirus (rna virus) that can affect numerous species including dogs foxes skunks badgers raccoons bears primates and large felids such as tigers and lions transmission of the virus is primarily through aerosol droplet secretions from an infected animal which can live in grass weeds trees and shrubs for up to 10 days once infected the animal can spread the virus for several months though canine distemper is considered highly contagious the virus can be quite unstable in the environment and most common disinfectants are effective in preventing transmission specific clinical signs of distemper in ferrets include ocular and nasal discharge anorexia diarrhea skin rashes in the chin and inguinal region hyperkeratosis brown crusts on the eyes nose lips and chin immunosuppression with secondary infections and seizures said dr michelle whitehead a zoological medicine and surgery intern at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences (cvm) there is no treatment for distemper in ferrets other than supportive care death usually occurs in two to four weeks after coming into contact with the virus diagnosing distemper is usually based on clinical signs and inclusion bodies in the white blood cells and tissue cells to protect your pet ferret against the canine distemper virus be sure to contact your local veterinarian about vaccination ferrets should first be vaccinated at eight weeks old and then every two to three weeks after until they have reached 12 to 14 weeks of age an annual booster is required in order to provide continuous protection for your ferret into adulthood inactivated or recombinant viral vaccines are more effective than modified-live virus vaccines because modified-live vaccines have the potential to cause clinical disease in ferrets whitehead explained the current recommended vaccine is a canarypox vectored vaccine that is safe and effective and can be used in ferrets even if a ferret owner has properly vaccinated against the canine distemper virus it is possible that the ferret may experience vaccine reactions after vaccine injection the ferret should be monitored for 20 to 30 minutes by your veterinarian reactions include vomiting diarrhea lethargy respiratory distress restlessness seizures coma and rarely death though most reactions are seen within 30 minutes of injection it is important for ferret owners to keep an eye on their pet for the next 24 hours for a delayed reaction only one vaccine should be administered at a time whitehead said if a patient has a reaction future precautions may be taken such as pre-treatment with an antihistamine 15 to 30 minutes prior to vaccination although the canine distemper virus is 100 percent fatal for ferrets that come into contact with it a safe and effective vaccine is available at the cvm if you think your ferret has come into contact with the canine distemper virus restrict the potentially infected animal from other house-hold pets and contact your veterinarian pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print

feline leukemia october 15 2015 feline leukemia virus (felv) is a relatively common infection in cats approximately two to three percent of the united states feline population is infected with the virus but symptoms are not always evident vaccinations may help protect your cat against felv but your understanding of the virus is also essential in defending your cats health felv is a worldwide infectious agent that has a substantial impact on feline health the virus is the most common cause of cancer in cats and it can also lead to blood disorders and immune deficiencies while healthy cats can normally fight off everyday bacteria and viruses cats that are infected with felv can develop severe illness from common microorganisms a weakened immune system hinders a cats ability to fight off other infections which can lead to some of the diseases associated with felv such as anemia although the number of felv cases is dropping in the united states due to proper vaccinations and improved testing protocols the virus is still a significant problem in this country dr audrey cook associate professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences explained how felv spreads the virus is present in saliva and we think that most cats are infected during grooming activities or by sharing food and water bowls she said it is also spread by biting and unscreened blood transfusions unborn kittens can also pick up the virus during gestation if the mother is infected fortunately the virus is essentially unable to live in the environment for more than a few minutes and is quickly killed by heat or disinfectants cook added that most veterinarians recommend testing new cats for the disease before allowing them to come into contact with other household cats though the signs associated with felv vary fever poor appetite and weakness are often the most common symptoms since cats can be asymptomatic for weeks months and even years after contracting the disease routine testing is recommended even in apparently healthy cats cook recommends that kittens are tested on their first visit to the veterinarian if an in-house test for felv is positive another test should be performed through a reference laboratory to confirm the results following exposure to the virus some cats may manage to avoid infection a second group will be transiently infected but manage to mount an effective immune response and clear the virus there is some evidence that even transient (also called regressive) infection may damage dna and predispose cats to cancer in later life the third subset of cats will remain persistently infected they will shed the virus and are likely to die within a few months of felv-related diseases such as anemia or cancer in order to prevent your cat from contracting felv cook recommends limiting the cats exposure to other cats and consistent vaccination the virus is primarily spread by intimate cat to cat contact so keeping your cat inside will prevent exposure if your cat goes outside it would be wise to consider vaccination against felv she said the vaccine is generally helpful but it is not sufficient to protect a cat that lives with a felv infected animal healthy cats that live with infected cats have a high level of chronic exposure to the virus making them more susceptible to contracting felv housing your cats in separate areas of the house will decrease the chance of the virus spreading among your furry friends unfortunately it is also important to keep in mind that many cats are not diagnosed until they have lived with other cats in this case all other cats in the household should be tested for the virus although felv is a common virus in cats limiting your pets exposure to other cats and routinely vaccinating for the virus will prevent the spread of the disease remember to test all new cats before allowing them into the household even kittens in order to protect your cats health and quality of life be sure to understand feline leukemia virus and consult your veterinarian if you suspect your cat has come into contact with an infected cat pet talk is a service of the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print

ringworm in pets october 8 2015 although the name often misleads pet owners into thinking a worm has invaded their pets bodies ringworm is actually a fungus that can affect the hair skin and nails common in cats this fungus can lead to circular patterns of hair loss and red scabby bumps before you introduce another pet into your home knowing the facts about ringworm and how to prevent the skin condition from spreading is crucial dermatophytes fungi that feeds on protein in the skin hair and claws is the agent of ringworm infections are transmitted by contact with infected hairs from another infected pet in the environment or through bedding grooming tools and even fleas the fungus can be passed between animals and humans but young and elderly people are more susceptible to developing the infection those with weak immune systems are also more prone to ringworm dr adam patterson clinical assistant professor and chief of dermatology at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences explains the signs of ringworm clinical signs of ringworm may include excessive shedding broken hairs patchy or circular areas of hair loss dander scabs red bumps and occasionally deep-seated nodules he said some animals especially cats may be carriers of ringworm with no clinical signs diagnosis is based on history clinical signs fungal culture and possibly skin biopsy fungal culture is the gold standard in making a diagnosis but it may take up to three weeks for fungal growth to appear treatment for infected animals includes limiting their exposure to other animals and people since it is common for some pets to be asymptomatic all animals in an infected household should be treated and tested for the skin condition therapy is directed at killing fungus on the animal(s) and decontaminating the environment unfortunately dermatophyte – infected hairs can remain infective for up to several months necessitating environmental clean-up of shed hairs patterson explained if people in the household have ringworm-suspicious lesions then consultation with a physician is recommended limiting the infected pet to other animals and people can be effective in preventing the spread of ringworm but anti-ringworm treatments are required to eliminate the infection at its source shampoos lotions sprays dips and systematic therapy can all be prescribed to a ringworm-infected pet if the animal is long-haired clipping the coat can allow better contact with topical medicine and will remove infected hairs before they shed into the environment besides treating your pet for ringworm decontamination of the environment is essential to prevent further spreading of the fungus isolating your pet in an easily cleaned room (no carpet) is the first step in decontaminating your home wash all clothing that has touched the animal as well as destroy or thoroughly disinfect all collars bedding blankets scratching posts cat trees and grooming aids if possible disposable dusting sheets and lint rollers can be effective in capturing loose hairs in the environment and it is also recommended to launder exposed fabrics and pet bedding by washing twice in cold water with detergent thoroughly vacuuming rugs and draperies every one to two days will also prevent the buildup of infected hair disinfectants like lysol and a clorox mixture can be sprayed on tile floors windowsills vehicles the infected pet rode in countertops and any other non-porous surface the goal of therapy is to achieve two to three negative consecutive fungal cultures one to two weeks apart unfortunately this usually requires at least several weeks of therapy said patterson the risk of re-infection for a single pet is relatively low if they live indoors and the environment is cleaned thoroughly when adding a new pet to the household (especially cats) one should have the animal examined by a veterinarian and consider having a ringworm culture performed before bringing the pet into the familys living quarters ringworm is contagious to both owners and pets but the fungus can be treated through multiple methods if you think your pet may be infected with ringworm have your veterinarian examine him/her since several other skin diseases can mimic ringworm pet talk is a service of the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print

hip dysplasia in dogs october 1 2015 hip dysplasia a condition that results from poor joint and bone health can significantly alter your dogs quality of life though larger breeds like labrador retrievers mastiffs and german shepherds are especially prone to hip dysplasia dogs of all ages and breeds can develop the painful condition genetics often takes the blame but there are many causes of hip dysplasia in dogs dr jacqueline davidson clinical professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences explains how the condition can develop in dogs of all ages and breeds hip dysplasia is considered to be multifactorial meaning there are many factors that determine whether an individual will be affected she said genetics is one factor but it is not simple breeding dogs that are free of hip dysplasia will reduce the risk of puppies with hip dysplasia; however it is possible for a puppy to develop the condition even if the parents were not affected in the early stage of hip dysplasia excessive abnormal movement in the joint is caused by a flexible hip bone the loose-fitting bone leads to abnormal cartilage wear and remodeling of the joint the end result is joint inflammation in the hip which is called osteoarthritis lameness becomes apparent as the osteoarthritis develops said davidson with severe arthritis a dog may be lame or reluctant to be active and may have restricted hip joint motion in younger dogs specific systems include a bunny-hop gait while dogs who have developed a more advanced case of hip dysplasia experience more serious symptoms in dogs with more advanced disease they may be lame in one or both legs davidson explained they may have difficulty rising and they may take short steps with the hind legs resulting in a ‘waddling gait with a lot of hip motion as they shift weight to their front legs they may develop bulky muscles in the front legs and wasting muscles in the hind legs though hip dysplasia can cause your pet to experience serious pain helping your dog maintain a lean body weight will help reduce the effects of the condition providing daily light exercise will also help your dog develop strong muscles which can support their joints more effectively if your dog does show signs of developing hip dysplasia your veterinarian can determine the best treatment options initially the osteoarthritis associated with hip dysplasia is managed medically explained davidson arthritic pain can be managed by nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (nsaids) along with other pain medications if indicated supplements of fish oil can also help reduce joint inflammation supplements of chondroitin and glucosamine may be beneficial in some individuals but ineffective in others if medical management is not sufficient enough to preserve your dogs quality of life then surgery may be necessary to eliminate the inflamed joint a femoral head ostectomy (fho) a surgical procedure that removes the femoral head from the joint may work well for some patients; however some dogs still show dysfunction after this surgery since the joint is gone they may always have a gait abnormality but the hope is that they are pain free keys to the success of this procedure are related to both the surgical technique and the postoperative rehabilitation davidson explained another surgical procedure includes a total hip replacement (thr) while most dogs have excellent results with this surgery not all patients are good candidates for this procedure your veterinarian must review your dogs medical history perform a physical examination and assess their radiographs before deciding if a thr is the best option for your pet although some breeds are more susceptible to hip dysplasia than others dogs of all ages and breeds are at risk for developing the condition if you think your dog is displaying symptoms of hip dysplasia your veterinarian will be able to determine if treatment is necessary pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print

breeding guidelines september 23 2015 pets have a way of touching our hearts and becoming a part of the family its only natural to wish that our pets could be with us forever but this is unfortunately not the case sometimes owners become so close to their pet that they believe breeding them is the closest thing to duplicating the pet they already own in their mind breeding a pet with ideal personality and character traits will produce the perfect new puppy or kitten no matter the inspiration behind breeding your pet there are many important factors to consider first when some people think about breeding their pets the first thing they think about is how adorable the offspring will be many people also assume raising puppies or kittens is a fun experience though this is true there is a lot of time work and cost involved in producing healthy offspring for potential owners dr stacy eckman clinical assistant professor at the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences recommends owners to first consider finances before choosing to breed their animal this is not a money-making endeavor for most people if there are no complications with the pregnancy itself which can be quite costly owners are still responsible for the medical care of the litter until they are old enough to go to new homes eckman explained it is a lot of work even when all goes according to plan besides the time commitment owners should also consider the health and physical condition of their pet there are many diseases and inherited deformities that can be passed from the mother and father to the offspring so it is important to have your pet evaluated by a veterinarian prior to breeding remember that testing should also be done on both the male and female to ensure a healthy litter there are many many congenital and inherited problems said eckman if you are thinking of breeding your pet consult your veterinarian for known disorders and how to best avoid them some of these cannot be screened for but there are screening tests for many genetic disorders if you do choose to breed your pet you should keep in mind that not all pregnancies result in a healthy litter health problems during the pregnancy can potentially leave the breeder with costly veterinary bills after properly deworming and vaccinating the offspring it is your responsibility to find each puppy or kitten a new home sometimes this can be time consuming especially if the litter requires special health care to become strong enough for a new home environment though unhealthy pregnancies can occur they are often preventable through a few simple steps talking to your veterinarian about proper diet and expected delivery dates can be very useful as well as what to expect if this is your pets first pregnancy if you are thinking of breeding consider discussing this with your veterinarian to ensure that your pet is as healthy as possible before conception said eckman this includes a healthy weight updated vaccines and deworming your veterinarian can also advise you as to appropriate nutrition during pregnancy and when to transition to higher calorie and protein diets if it is your pets first pregnancy they may not understand what is happening during the birthing process your pet may become very protective of herself and her new babies so monitoring her from a distance may be more suitable for her condition it is also important that you understand the timeline of the birthing process so you can identify anything abnormal it may take up to two hours between births said eckman if the mother is not attentive to the puppies or kittens you will have to clean them and tie off the umbilical cord typically the mothers eat the afterbirth; this is normal though choosing to breed your pet can be a rewarding experience there are many factors like cost and time to consider eckman reminds pet owners that there are many puppies and kittens already living in animal shelters and encourages pet owners to think carefully before breeding pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print

colic in horses september 16 2015 although horses have historically been known as working livestock today they are often referred to as companion animals more and more people are seeking to own pet horses making large animal veterinary medicine even more important with a growing horse industry first-time horse owners should be aware and educated about one of the most common illnesses horses are susceptible to: colic colic in the horse refers to a pain originating from within the abdominal cavity most often colic is associated with the gastrointestinal tract; however it can also arise from other intra-abdominal organs like the kidney liver and uterus said dr noah cohen professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences horses that experience colic will show varying degrees of pain with varying clinical signs these can include turning to stare at the flank region pawing at the ground restlessness (such as getting up and down) rolling sweating having a high heart and respiratory rate and flared nostrils cohen continued so what causes colic and why is it so common in horses according to cohen there are many potential causes of the illness for example one cause is a volvulus of the small intestine where the intestine is obstructed by twisted on itself often the cause(s) of a volvulus (or any other displacement or twisting of the gastrointestinal tract) may be impossible to define or may be attributable to many factors such as diet level of exercise dehydration from sweat losses or inadequate water intake and so on cohen explained other common causes of colic include an abrupt change in feed high grain or low forage diets parasite infestation lack of water (which can lead to impaction colic) and sand ingestion (choose an alternative flooring for your stalls like concrete to prevent your horse from ingesting sand) another cause of the potentially deadly illness could be linked to the time of the year weather conditions have been associated with colic cases; however there is not enough data to indicate which specific weather patterns stimulate the illness when the ambient temperature and humidity are high there seem to be more cases of colic these cases are often colon impactions with food material; many of us attribute these to dehydration from increased sweat losses said cohen in cold weather horses will consume more warm water than cold water because water sources for horses are generally cold from the ambient temperature we also seem to see cases of colic attributed to inadequate water consumption during the cold weather although it may sound like almost anything can cause your horse to colic cohen explains that every horse reacts differently to situations that could potentially stimulate the illness one way to think about the multiple causes of colic is to think of a traffic accident he said rainy roads can contribute to an increased risk of accidents occurring but this doesnt mean that driving on a rainy road will always cause an accident…the same is true for colic not every horse that has a recent change in diet will colic…and not every horse that goes from being housed at pasture to a stall (or vice versa) will experience colic luckily for first-time horse owners there are plenty of preventative measures against colic that can help stop the painful disease in its tracks some of these healthy habits include feeding your horse regularly (even on the weekends) making slow changes in diet instead of sudden changes providing plenty of water and exercise providing a balanced diet fed in feed troughs (to prevent sand ingestion) and regularly deworming if you think your horse may be experiencing colic cohen recommends calling the veterinarian and withholding all feed but not water walking the horse may also keep the animal calm and will prevent injury from rolling or pawing at the ground knowing how to measure a horses rectal temperature heart rate and respiratory rate will also come in handy if you are trained to perform these tasks cohen suggests recording this information and sharing it with the veterinarian before owning your first horse make sure to know the causes and symptoms of colic although early detection is important in treating the disease prevention is truly the key to maintaining your horses health pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print

kidney disease in dogs and cats september 9 2015 have you ever watched your pet eat their meal and thought wow did they even taste it though some pets require more energy than others it is important to know your pets normal eating and drinking habits so you are more likely to detect any dietary abnormalities being familiar with your pets standard schedule of urination and defecation is also important as any continuous irregular activity could be a sign of an illness one of the most common ailments in dogs and cats is kidney (renal) disease a broad term that applies to any disease process that leaves the kidneys unable to effectively filter toxins out of the blood and maintain water balance in the body in acute kidney disease signs can occur quickly and can be very severe while chronic renal issues include non-specific signs and the disease develops slowly dr johanna heseltine clinical assistant professor at the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences explains how being familiar with your pets normal diet can come in handy in the early stages of kidney disease there are often no clinical signs the earliest clinical signs of kidney disease are non-specific and often include increased thirst and urination decreased appetite and decreased energy levels she said as the kidneys begin to fail and toxins build up in the blood stream other signs can develop such as vomiting and loss of appetite so what exactly causes kidney disease according to heseltine there are many sources of renal issues causes of acute (sudden onset) kidney injury include toxins (like lilies in cats and grapes in dogs) certain infections (such as bacterial urinary tract infections that spread to the kidneys or leptospirosis) and underlying health problems (like high blood calcium levels or shock) heseltine said in many patients with chronic (long-standing) kidney disease the underlying cause cannot be determined although older pets are especially affected by kidney disease dogs and cats at any age are susceptible to renal issues blood and urine tests are used by veterinarians to determine if there is a kidney infection present and what the primary cause might be when possible we treat the underlying cause explained heseltine for example if there is a kidney infection an appropriate antibiotic is administered it is important that patients with kidney disease stay well hydrated so some patients require iv fluids if needed we give medications to control nausea and vomiting she continued some patients with chronic kidney disease benefit from being fed a prescription diet designed for pets with kidney disease other therapies are tailored to the individual patients needs so without treatment for kidney disease can a dog or cat suffer from complete kidney failure according to heseltine the answer is yes kidney failure can occur in both acute and chronic kidney disease depending on the severity of the case heseltine emphasizes the importance of the kidneys in the body and explains that a lack of filtration can lead to deadly consequences the kidneys have many important roles including filtering toxins from the body when the kidneys cannot filter adequately the toxins build up in the blood stream and make the pet sick she said we assess this by measuring urea and creatinine concentrations in their blood these increased lab values do not occur until approximately 75% of kidney function has been lost patient outcome depends on how high the lab values are how sick the pet is whether the underlying kidney disease can be treated and how quickly the kidney damage is progressing she continued some patients with chronic kidney disease live for many years while for other patients decisions about quality of life have to be made though kidney disease is fairly common in dogs and cats there are ways pet owners can help prevent renal issues since many acute kidney disease cases are caused by toxic substances be sure to keep poisons and pesticides away from your furry friends as well as any specific foods or plants that can cause harm feeding a balanced diet is always important but consider looking into specialized pet food that aids in preventing kidney disease lastly remember to take note of your pets normal behavior so you are more likely to notice even the slightest change in diet urination or defecation make an appointment with your local veterinarian if you notice a change in behavior that lasts several days although pets of all ages are susceptible to kidney disease older pets are at an even higher risk by monitoring your pets behavior and attending regular veterinary check-ups you can help prevent kidney disease and preserve your pets quality of life pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print

seizures in dogs september 2 2015 many of us would do anything to relieve our pets of a medical issue especially if it interferes with their ability to live a normal life although the veterinary care field is more advanced than ever some medical issues remain difficult to predict and treat seizures caused by abnormal electrical activity in the brain continue to be a medical issue veterinarians sometimes struggle to monitor and treat in dogs little warning occurs before a seizure strikes making the episode frightening for both the owner and the pet fido may appear perfectly normal one minute but the next he is lying on the floor muscles twitching in a normal brain the neurons fire only when necessary and when stimulated with a seizure the neurons start firing rapidly and in synchrony explained dr joseph mankin clinical assistant professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences typically the dog may become agitated or disoriented and then may collapse on their side he continued they may exhibit signs of paddling vocalization and they may lose bladder control the seizure may last for a few seconds up to a few minutes and often they will be disoriented or anxious after the seizure occasionally they may be blind for a short period of time for some dogs a seizure is a one-time experience but in most cases seizures reoccur an underlying problem in the brain could be responsible for reoccurring seizures often resulting in a diagnosis of epilepsy between the many causes of seizures in dogs and the often normal lab results idiopathic (cause unknown) epilepsy proves to be a frequent diagnosis the most common cause of seizures is idiopathic epilepsy which commonly occurs in dogs that are young to middle aged said mankin however there are many other causes of seizures including ingestion of toxins development of neoplasia in the brain or a vascular event (stroke) other less common causes include congenital (where the dog is born with an abnormal brain) systemic disease or an immune mediated disease of the brain tissue though seizures may be difficult to predict and monitor taking fido to the veterinarian after an episode is the first step in trying to diagnose the cause of the abnormal brain activity a history of your dogs seizures vaccination records and diet may help determine an underlying problem in the brain along with blood tests and a urinalysis the age of fido may also play a part in his diagnosis dogs that are younger than one year of age are more likely to have been born with an abnormal brain condition while dogs that are older than five years tend to have specific brain disorders idiopathic epilepsy commonly affects dogs that are between one and five years of age treatment for dog seizures is important regardless of age with each seizure more nerves within the brain will fire rapidly making it more likely that another seizure will occur these seizures may become hard to manage for the owner and could also affect the dogs quality of life fortunately for dog owners there are many ways of treating seizures avoid exposing fido to toxins and vaccinations that could aggravate his condition and be sure to create a stress-free environment since many seizures often follow a stressful situation acupuncture chiropractic care and a simple change of diet can also help your dog avoid a frightening convulsion between veterinary visits your dog may experience seizures at home although the situation might be frightening it is important to remain calm and wait patiently for your dog to stop seizing at home there is little you can do to stop the ongoing seizure said mankin the dog may be barking and biting so it is important to keep your hands away from their mouth if a seizure happens the best thing to do is seek veterinary help immediately he advised although seizures prove to be a medical condition that is difficult to treat and monitor it is important to get veterinary care for fido soon after he experiences a seizure it may be hard for your veterinarian to identify the specific cause of your dogs seizures but taking action is a must in order to preserve fidos quality of life pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print

geese as pets august 20 2015 if youre looking into a new pet but dont want to settle for the usual cat or dog geese might be a good pet for you in order to own pet geese you must have adequate space and check with city guidelines and neighborhood associations to make sure backyard poultry ducks and geese are allowed in your area although many of us have heard the horror stories of aggressive geese attacking park visitors pet geese who are hand raised and handled daily are often more docile before you jump into owning geese there are a few things you should know and consider in order to create a comfortable living environment where your geese can thrive your first step in owning pet geese is choosing the right breed there are a number of breeds to choose from many of them making great pets dr sharman hoppes clinical associate professor for the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences recommends breeds like the toulouse the american buff and the pilgrim as these breeds are considered to be good pets by her clients geese are also flock animals so consider getting 2-3 geese to help create a more natural environment females are less likely to fight with one another so they may make a better option as pets so what kind of housing do these birds need to ensure your birds are comfortable and have enough room at least one square meter per bird is recommended for indoor night housing and two square meters per bird for outdoor housing include grass floors and secure fencing in your outdoor housing arrangement to protect your geese from predators like rats coyotes and neighborhood dogs a larger pen filled with soft green grass should be available for your geese to roam during most of the day providing a swimming area and more protective fencing as a guide three geese will typically be happy in a 20×40 foot pen pet geese need a large yard with grass and housing that keeps them warm in the winter and can protect them from the heat in the summer explained hoppes geese also need water for swimming so a pool or pond is a must if you use a small pool as the water source it will need to be cleaned daily geese can overheat easily on a hot summer day if there is no water or shade available if you would like to own pet geese keep in mind that daily cleaning is essential if geese are not housed in a grassy yard with a proper swimming area serious health problems can develop geese that are housed without a water source for swimming or on hard ground or cement tend to develop foot issues that can become life threatening said hoppes since geese are such heavy bodied birds they need both legs for ambulating and if on an inappropriate substrate their feet will develop pressure sores that can lead to bone infections other common health problems in geese include intestinal parasites (deworming is a must) limb deformities in young geese due to poor diet and trauma caused by dogs coyotes or other predators older females may also be subject to reproductive problems such as egg binding anyone obtaining pet geese waterfowl or backyard poultry should make sure there is a local veterinarian comfortable with birds nearby and available for emergencies recommended hoppes you may be wondering what kind of diets geese survive on and fortunately for geese owners the answer is grass up to 70% of their diet depends on grass another reason why it is important to have a grassy area dedicated to your geese besides grass geese will also feed on insects as well as commercial water fowl diets these are available for different ages of geese and should be fed daily according to hoppes besides companionship geese offer a few other benefits for example geese are known to be very territorial and alert their owners when there is an intruder though they may seem aggressive most geese are docile and will not attack your visitors unless they are protecting a nest or chicks aggression during breeding season is quite common so hoppes recommends keeping an extra eye on your birds and visitors during that time of the year geese should not be around children without supervision since geese attacks can cause serious injuries including broken bones to the victim geese are also loud a major reason why they are not ideal for residential areas geese tend to vocalize when there is anything new in the environment including other birds wildlife the neighborhood dog or cat and anytime someone comes through the door geese also lay on average 10-50 eggs per year allowing you to use them however you please (they might look huge next to a chicken egg but they are certainly safe to eat) the feathers of geese can also be collected and used for crafts such as stuffing a pillow however you should never pluck feathers from your bird because plucking can be very painful only use feathers that the goose has lost due to molting if you are looking for a very smart and social pet that offers protection a flock of geese might be the choice for you remember to keep in mind the environmental requirements for housing pet geese and the daily cleaning that is essential in order to maintain a healthy habitat lastly do your research in finding a local veterinarian who is comfortable with treating birds if well taken care of geese can make a great companion animal that can live well into their teen years pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print

vaccinating your pets august 13 2015 it is not uncommon for pets to be considered a part of the family which is why they deserve to live the happiest and healthiest lives possible while endless treats and belly rubs are some peoples idea of the perfect life for fido a more important factor plays into the quality of life your pet will have: their health you may have already heard about the benefits of vaccinating your pet for common diseases but educating yourself more on the subject is important before visiting the veterinarians office allowing vaccines to be a part of your pets health care routine can protect them from some of the most common companion animal diseases rabies distemper hepatitis bordetella parvovirus and feline leukemia are a few of the illnesses that your pet can be protected against through the use of a vaccine dr brad bennett lecturer at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences explains how a vaccine can be effective in reducing your pets chances of developing a disease in developing immunity vaccines work by mimicking the infection the infection usually does not cause illness (sometimes minor symptoms of the disease) but will allow the immune system to make antibodies and lymphocytes said bennett after the resolution of the infection the body will remember how to fight the infection through memory t lymphocytes and b lymphocytes there are several different types of vaccines including modified-live (attenuated) killed (inactivated) and recombinant even if your pet is considered an inside dog or does not come into contact with other animals bennett still recommends having your animal vaccinated we know that when widespread vaccination is performed we can reduce the prevalence of serious disease caused by highly pathogenic organisms with this knowledge we recommend most owners to vaccinate their pets he said though vaccinations are meant to prevent harm to your animal they are not always risk-free before making the decision to vaccinate your pet talk with your veterinarian about the potential risks and benefits of vaccination while vaccinating can be valuable it is not always harmless bennett said a discussion should take place between the veterinarian and the owner as to the probability of exposure severity of disease being vaccinated for and risk of adverse events he said owners should also discuss how often their pet should be vaccinated to effectively prevent disease as this varies with age so what kind of negative side effects from vaccines should owners look out for according to bennett swelling of the face vomiting diarrhea lethargy pruritus and hives are common allergic reactions to vaccines in pets more serious reactions can even include shock and sudden death (anaphylaxis) though there are some reported reactions lasting weeks most reactions occur immediately after injection or up to 48-72 hours later if an owner observes any of these side effects after their pet receives a vaccination bennett encourages them to seek immediate veterinary attention for the safety of their pet while veterinarians like bennett encourage pet owners to vaccinate their pet as needed some animal care specialists have argued that we are over-vaccinating our pets causing more harm than good my opinion is that i do not believe we are over-vaccinating our pets every day i see diseases in pets that could be avoided by vaccinating said bennett but just as we discussed before vaccinating is not always innocent in some patients vaccinations can be detrimental such as those with immune-mediated diseases and in instances of feline injection-site associated sarcomas as owners we want our pets to live a happy life with the help of regular check-ups and vaccinations against common pet diseases your animals quality of life may be improved although vaccines are meant to protect your pets health owners should be aware of the potential side effects that come with vaccinating your pet remember to discuss your concerns with your local veterinarian so they can determine the best vaccine plan for your animal to ensure a long and healthy life pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print

getting your pets microchipped august 6 2015 many of us take every precaution we can to protect our pets with growing technology in the veterinary field new measures of protection for companion animals are now available to owners at a low cost microchipping one of the newest ways to locate and identify lost animals is growing in popularity and efficiency a microchip is a glass encased device that bears an identification number unique to every marked animal once the microchip is inserted under the animals skin and registered with the devices company the microchip can be activated with a scanner at a veterinarians office or local animal shelter with no batteries or power source required to activate a microchip this device will provide a permanent identity for your pet that will last their entire lifetime many owners protect and identify their pet with a personalized collar while this method can certainly help identify your pet there are many strong advantages in microchipping your animal for instance pet collars may fall or slip off and personalized tags may become unreadable after several years microchips do not face any of these challenges and have no chance of being removed no matter where fido wanders off to dr james barr clinical assistant professor at the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences explains the biggest advantage microchipping has over other methods of identifying animals the biggest advantage is that a microchip cant be lost it allows access to detailed information about the pet and its owner with a quick phone call to the company he said barr also adds that most microchips can be installed at veterinarian offices and sometimes even spay and neuter clinics he further explains that the process of installing a microchip is very quick and does not hurt the animal contrast to what some owners might believe a microchip is implanted under the skin between the shoulder blades using a needle and plunger which is similar to a syringe he said the needle is a rather large needle comparatively to what would be used for a vaccine but it usually does not require sedation and is only transiently uncomfortable for the animal microchips which are about the size of a grain of rice can be installed into dogs cats horses ferrets and most other mammals if you are considering microchipping your pet consult your local veterinarian to see which microchipping companies are most commonly used in your area some chips are more universally read than others so it is important to consider which microchips your local veterinarian and animal shelters can read finally do not forget to register your chip to your name and phone number if you move to another address or change phone numbers you will be required to update this information with your microchips company a microchip will only bring your pet home if your contact information is kept up to date although personalized collars have been traditionally used as a method of identification in pets microchipping is on the rise of becoming the modern solution for lost animals even if your pet has been microchipped providing a collar for your pet is still important remember to register your pets microchip to your name and updated contact information in order for your pet to return safely home if they ever become lost pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print

building the ideal dog house august 4 2015 for many centuries dogs have been referred to as mans best friend many of us consider our dogs a part of the family and would do anything to protect them whether your dog stays primarily outside or takes regular naps on your bed a dog house is essential for your pets protection outdoors providing a safe outdoor place for your dog is important especially if they live outside or are going to spend long periods of time outdoors portability durability and size are all factors to consider when purchasing or building an outdoor shelter for fido an effective dog house will protect your dog from extreme temperatures wind rain snow and even potential predators dr sarah griffin lecturer at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences explains why a dog house is essential for texas dog owners dogs dissipate heat by convection (fan or wind blowing) radiation (through their skin) conduction (laying on something cool) and evaporation (panting) on a summer day in central texas when the temperature is 100+ degrees 60 percent humidity and 5 mph wind the dog can only dissipate heat effectively by evaporation the dog needs a shelter to help him stay cool she said so how might an owner choose the most ideal dog house for their pet the easiest way is to know your dog for instance breeds with thicker coats and shorter snouts are more susceptible to heat exhaustion a dog house that will provide enough shade and air flow will work best for these breeds you should also consider the adult size of your dogs breed and provide just enough room for your dog to make a complete turn on the inside for owners who prefer a portable shelter for their pet a plastic dog house is a great option that also features easy clean-up owners can also purchase portable tents and pop-up play pens for dogs that only spend limited time outside choosing the material and location of the dog house is another important factor to consider if your dog is more susceptible to heat exhaustion a dog house that is made of wood rather than plastic or metal will keep your dog cooler in the summer heat wood can be painted with enamel or epoxy paints to make it easier to clean and more durable said griffin the roof can be made of wood too but covering it with metal or fiberglass shingles will make it more durable owners should also move the dog house to the driest and shadiest part of the yard to avoid an uncomfortable living environment keeping your dog house shaded from the sun and bad weather will also preserve the materials if you plan on building your own dog house you should consider lifting the floor of the house off the ground to prevent the shelter from sitting in mud rain or snow this will also promote more air flow keeping your dog cooler in the summer and drier in the winter lastly a slanted and hinged roof is ideal for an easy clean-up choose metal or fiberglass shingles to protect your pet and preserve your dogs house through any bad weather storm while many of us prefer to leave a safety light on in our house during the night this is not necessary for our dogs in fact it is estimated that dogs can see in light that is five times dimmer than what the human eye can see dogs eyes are made differently than peoples eyes the dogs retina is made of more rods which need much less illumination to detect the gray spectrum explained griffin the rods are also sensitive to motion allowing dogs to detect smaller movements and quickly sense a stranger or predator griffin adds that she does not recommend providing a steady light for dogs at night instead a motion sensor light placed away from the dog house may be a better option for owners who still desire some outdoor lighting at night whether your dog is a bed hog or an outdoor explorer providing a dog house for your dog is important remember to consider your dogs needs when building or purchasing a dog house if your dog lives or spends long periods of time outside shelter is essential for their health and protection outdoors pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print

diets for pets with liver disease july 27 2015 have you ever been in a restaurant and noticed a strange dish on the menu you may have seen the word liver and cringed with disgust though there are many benefits in consuming liver it is not a common meal that you might serve during family fun night you may find this part of the digestive tract unappealing on the dinner table but have you ever considered all the important functions of this organ like humans pets depend on their livers to clean their blood and regulate their metabolism pets are susceptible to a variety of liver diseases that can be caused by birth defects or can develop with age fortunately for fido a change of diet can help manage some of these diseases and regulate the animals metabolism again one of the many roles of the liver is to regulate the bodys metabolism by cleaning the blood after digestion nutrient-rich blood passes through the liver where the blood is filtered the good stuff like vitamins and minerals is processed into forms the body can use and store the bad stuff like toxins is transported back to the intestine and will be excreted from the body since the liver plays a very important role in the regulation of the bodys metabolism disorders of the liver can be very serious dogs and cats can develop a wide variety of liver disease dr jonathon lidbury assistant professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences explains some of the most common forms of liver disease our pets are susceptible to getting common liver diseases in dogs include chronic hepatitis (chronic inflammation of the liver) and portosystemic shunts (abnormal blood vessels that bypass the liver) common liver diseases in cats include feline hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver) cholangitis (inflammation of the bile ducts) and portosystemic shunts said lidbury early in the course of liver disease many of these dogs and cats will not show symptoms other pets experience symptoms that are not specific to liver disease such as weight loss decreased appetite decreased activity vomiting and diarrhea at a later stage in the disease symptoms like jaundice (yellow discoloration of the gum the whites of the eyes and sometimes the skin) a distended fluid-filled abdomen and unusual behaviors (such as walking in circles pressing of the head against walls or apparent loss of vision) can occur lidbury encourages pet owners to seek veterinary attention if their dog or cat experiences any of these signs if their pet develops liver disease owners should work with their veterinarian to formulate a treatment plan sometimes nutritional supplements are recommended while other situations require a change in diet to help regulate your pets disease diet can play a very important role in the management of liver disease but it is important to realize that the nutritional needs of patients with these different diseases vary lidbury explained for example some dogs develop chronic hepatitis due to accumulation of copper in their livers these dogs are sometimes started on medications to reduce the amount of copper in their livers but feeding a copper-restricted diet can also be beneficial dogs with congenital portosystemic shunts are at risk of developing hepatic encephalopathy which is a syndrome of neurological dysfunction due to liver disease lidbury continued these patients may benefit from being fed a moderately protein restricted diet though he uses this example in dogs lidbury discourages pet owners from feeding cats protein-restricted diets even while they are living with liver disease cats have a higher dietary protein requirement than dogs so they should not be severely protein restricted or fed a non-meat protein-based diet he explained the provision of adequate nutrition especially protein is essential for the treatment of cats with feline hepatic lipidosis these cats are often anorexic which can mean possible tube feeding your pets liver disease should be discussed with a veterinarian before you make any changes to their diet a number of commercial prescription liver diets are available for your pet as well as the option to cook meals at home for your pet under the supervision of a veterinary nutritionist an improvement in your pets health can be observed in as little as a day to several months though liver disease can have a negative impact on your pets life a change in diet can help monitor the disease and help improve your pets health pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print

protecting your pets from killer bees july 16 2015 many of us remember our first experience with bees and its usually not positive you may have been the curious kid who got a little too close to the bee hive or you may have been the innocent victim who was stung completely by surprise no matter the situation the afternoon was spent running and screaming into the house looking for help although we know better our pets may think the humming and buzzing of a bee nest sounds like a good time before fido sniffs too close to a dangerous hive here are the facts you need to know about protecting your pet from killer bees africanized honey bees or so called killer bees arrived in the united states during the 1990s they appear no different than the common european honey bee and can only be told apart by an expert although the nick-name suggests a fatal sting killer bees are no more harmful than the common honey bee killer bees gained their nick-name from the aggressive way they defend their nests the more hostile bees readily protecting the nest the more likely a person or pet is to be stung multiple times even though it is common for people to have an allergic or even deadly reaction to a bee sting dogs are not as susceptible to these harmful responses dr james barr clinical assistant professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences explains the common reactions dogs experience from a bee sting in most cases of pets being stung by a bee there are not many side effects other than swelling and pain of the area that was stung they can have occasional more significant reactions but this is far less common than in people he said most of the bee stings in dogs are on the face and head as they are investigating the bee when it stings them occasionally there are pets that will try to catch and eat them a mouth sting could result in swelling of the throat but this is an unlikely occurrence barr adds the best way to protect your pets is to prevent bee stings owners should regularly check their property for bee hives and consult a pest control operator to safely remove it hives can be found in obvious places like trees and shrubs or in more secluded places such as in the ground an undisturbed flower pot or even inside your walls it is not safe to tease the bees in any way or try to remove the bee hive on your own pets should be kept away from the area until it is cleared by a professional the best prevention is limiting your dogs exposure to bees if you see them then keeping the dog away from the area until the hive can be removed is ideal advised barr if your pet happens to be stung by a bee swelling is the most important reaction an owner should watch for according to barr owners should have their pet seen by a veterinarian if the swelling seems unusually painful or causes trouble breathing giving your pet a bath after the incident to remove any remaining stingers may be necessary it is also important to scrape the remaining stingers from the skin rather than pulling or tweezing them out stingers can be effectively scraped from the skin with a knife or fingernail although it is uncommon for pets to have serious reactions to a bee sting prevention is still important to protect your pet from an afternoon of regret keeping your property clear of bee hives will significantly decrease the chance of fido coming into contact with a bee but remember to leave bee-keeping to the professionals pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print

snakes as pets july 9 2015 between the puppy lovers the cat enthusiasts and the furry rodent fans a whole different category of pet owners exist: reptile lovers from turtles to geckos lizards to snakes taking care of any reptile is a unique experience with many safe breeds to choose from snakes are a popular choice for those who are interested in owning a reptile often associated with deadly incidents or even horror stories snakes are commonly misunderstood but can make fascinating companion pets like any pet snakes offer company and stress relief for their owners snakes do not require daily walks in the park and they are quiet during the day and at night with infrequent defecation a pet snakes habitat is also an easy clean-up before making the decision to own a snake there are many factors to consider researching different pet snake breeds and their life-span and health requirements are a must dr sharman hoppes clinical associate professor at the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences suggests snake breeds that may or may not make a suitable pet ball pythons king snakes and corn snakes are great large boas and pythons do not make good pets for most people due to their large size hoppes said another factor to consider if you wish to own a snake is proper housing an escape-proof aquarium is essential to prevent any harm to your snake it is important for owners to recognize that no snake is safe without a lid that properly latches snakes also require precise habitats to survive hoppes explains that owners should provide lighting that produces a day and night cycle temperatures should be 80-85 degrees fahrenheit during the day with a cooler temperature at night that never falls below 75 degrees a warmer basking site that measures around 90 degrees should also be available to your pet under the cage heaters and heat lamps are the best way to regulate temperature hot rocks are not encouraged as they can potentially burn your pet snake hoppes recommends placing a thermometer on the cage to make sure the temperature in your cage is appropriate snake owners should research or ask a veterinarian how to provide the correct temperature since some breeds require warmer or cooler temperatures substrate or bedding is also necessary in creating the most comfortable and safe habitat for your snake substrate can be paper indoor or outdoor carpet artificial turf and aspen chips said hoppes i do not recommend sand because some reptiles may ingest it i also do not recommend pine or cedar as both of these contain oils that are irritating to snakes hoppes also encourages owners to provide a hide box for snake privacy if you happen to have an uneasy stomach or wince at the thought of a snake feeding on another animal owning a snake is probably not for you a snakes diet can range from insects and amphibians to warm-blooded rodents like mice rabbits or birds although some owners feed their snakes live prey hoppes discourages this snakes should never be fed live prey it is cruel to the prey animal and can also be dangerous to the snake she said the prey animal if not killed quickly can bite the snake in some cases where the snake is not warm enough or is sick the prey animal may even extensively chew on the snake last but not least you should consider your dedication and ability to care for a pet snake according to hoppes most of the health problems that occur in snakes are a result of improper husbandry for instance if the cage is too cold or dry the snake will have trouble properly shedding its skin resulting in patches of skin left unshed a snake in this habitat also has a chance of developing an upper respiratory infection or infections in the mouth if you do choose to purchase a snake after considering these important details hoppes recommends having new pet snakes examined by a veterinarian for skin mites and intestinal parasites before introducing them to other reptiles that might already live in your home although snakes are often misunderstood and sometimes gain negative attention they can make great companion animals and require minimal care if you are interested in owning a snake remember to research and consult a veterinarian that is familiar with the health requirements of snakes pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print

4th of july safety for your pets july 2 2015 many of us celebrate our nations independence day barbequing and relaxing with loved ones when the sun goes down it is a tradition gather together to admire and enjoy the bright-colored flashes of fireworks that light up our night sky you might not think twice about taking the necessary precautions to have a safe and fun-filled holiday with your family and friends but have you ever thought about the proper safety measures to ensure your pet has a safe 4th of july too the 4th of july might be a day of celebration for people but for pets it is a day of potentially hazardous situations dr james barr clinical assistant professor for the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences explained that pets are at an increased risk for several dangerous scenarios during our holiday celebration most of the injuries or sicknesses that happen around the 4th of july in dogs have to do with an increased amount of outdoor activity barr said there are more dogfights car accidents involving dogs and heat related illnesses than any other time of the year barr also discourages owners from feeding table scraps to their pets because dogs and cats have exposure to a lot more food from barbecues and parties they tend to get upset stomachs from eating things they shouldnt he said sometimes it is seen as humorous for owners to share an alcoholic beverage with their pet but barr includes alcohol on his list of dangers for pets on independence day pets have much smaller bodies than we do and it can be quite dangerous to have them drink alcohol it can even be fatal in severe circumstances he said if you plan on bringing fido to an outdoor party be cautious of the dangers of mosquitos fleas and ticks spraying your pet with insect repellant may seem like a reasonable solution to the bug problem but some sprays are not safe for animals instead barr recommends using an effective flea and tick repellant prescribed by your veterinarian since heartworms are transmitted to pets through mosquitos a common summer nuisance barr also reminds owners to make sure their pet is taking heartworm preventative before they enjoy the holiday outdoors one of the most exciting traditions of the 4th of july holiday is fireworks although we might fall into a trance of admiration at the loud popping noises and flashing of colors in the sky our pets might not enjoy the show so much if your dog typically becomes frightened during thunderstorms chances are they will react the same way to fireworks if your dog is frightened by the fireworks you need to minimize the exposure that they have to the loud noise of the fireworks barr said this can be done by finding a safe and quiet room in your home where your dog can stay relaxed if fido is in attendance at your outdoor firework show keep him or her on a leash to prevent them from running away or jumping a fence in an attempt to find safety remember it is always important to properly identify your pet just in case they become lost although independence day is a fun-filled holiday for people it might not be the same case for our pets as a pet owner it is important to consider all dangerous situations your pet may experience on the 4th of july and make preparations to ensure their safety if you are concerned about the dangers your pet may face and want to fully protect them the simple solution is for fido to sit this party out in the safety of your home pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print

chagas disease in dogs june 26 2015 many of our furry four-legged friends love to bask in the sun or wrestle with other dogs in the soft green grass as owners we know how essential outdoor exercise is for our dogs especially certain breeds it would be comforting to believe our pets are completely safe while enjoying the outdoors but this is rarely the case chagas a potentially fatal disease transmitted to animals through insects is a danger for both inside and outside dogs the disease is caused by the protozoan parasite trypanosoma cruzi which is spread to dogs through insects in the reduviidae family also commonly known as cone-nose or kissing bugs dr ashley saunders associate professor of cardiology at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences explains how insects are effective at spreading the disease the t cruzi organism is transmitted to the host from a bite from an infected bug or ingestion of an infected bug saunders said she also added that dogs can contract the disease without coming into contact with an insect transplacental transmission has also been reported as a method of transmission this means the disease can be spread from a mother to her offspring once the dog has been exposed to the t cruzi organism the parasite spreads through the body by becoming intracellular and invading the blood stream of the dog the brain and heart of the dog are the organs that are most vulnerable to the disease chagas symptoms can be categorized as acute or chronic while some dogs can even be asymptomatic of the disease in this case the protozoan parasite can have months or years to cause inflammation and damage to the heart if clinical signs develop the disease can become even more fatal causing sudden death or heart failure acute symptoms include diarrhea lethargy seizures swollen lymph nodes and increased heart rate while chronic symptoms include weakness fainting increased heart rate and fatigue dogs that experience acute symptoms are typically younger than two years old insect control is a major key in managing the disease since no vaccine currently exists to protect your resting pup at night reduce lighting to decrease the amount of bugs that may come into contact with your pet kennels with protective screens can also be effective in preventing the dangerous bite of a kissing bug wood piles and other brushy areas can serve as a breeding ground for infected insects so try to keep your pets backyard area clean and free of potential dangers saunders explains that chagas is commonly found in latin america and in southern states in the united states including texas she urges owners to contact a veterinarian if they think their dog is experiencing symptoms of chagas if a dog becomes infected with chagas it is important to test the other dogs in the household or litter as well females who are infected should not be used for breeding as they can transmit the disease to the litter via the placenta whether your dog prefers the outdoors or only embraces the wilderness for potty breaks your pet is at risk for chagas with no vaccine or treatment available awareness and prevention is critical in protecting your pet from chagas disease to find more information on chagas disease in dogs and identification pictures of kissing bugs click here pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print

west nile virus vaccine in horses june 11 2015 the image of a cowboy riding off into the sunset on a palomino pony after a long hard day of rescuing a damsel in distress has reached the point of a cliché a cowboys partner will forever be his trusty horse and as long as his horse is healthy he can continue riding off into the sunset but what happens when a cowboys horse is infected by a deadly virus will there be a happy ending to that story west nile virus is defined as zoonotic which means it can be transferred between animals and humans the virus is mosquito-borne and spreads through intermediate hosts like blue jays and black birds for this reason the virus is more common in the summer or fall when birds are migrating from the north both humans and horses can be infected by west nile; however they are both considered dead-end hosts meaning they cannot transmit the disease to others west nile virus first infected horses in 1999 with a case in new york since then the united states has seen more cases of west nile in horses as well as humans the year 2012 was the most deadly for humans with 286 deaths nationwide dr leslie easterwood clinical assistant professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences explains the symptoms horses experience when they are infected by the virus west nile virus causes an encephalitis type syndrome with fever general depression and dull mental attitude she said horses may be unstable or show neurologic signs and can have a characteristic twitching of muscles along their neck and shoulders a vaccine for the virus is available for horses and veterinarians highly recommend it to horse owners vaccination has significantly decreased the incidence of west nile disease in horses in the face of a steady case number in humans where we have no vaccine available said easterwood horses are recommended to be vaccinated twice yearly in areas of the country where mosquitos are present all year as a horse owner it is important to recognize the signs of the virus and to have a veterinarian ready to call the sooner the symptoms are identified and the horse receives treatment the better chance the horse has in surviving according to easterwood one third of all equine west nile cases generally survive with proper intervention if an owner sees neurologic signs of wobbly stance unsteady movement depression not eating with or without muscle twitching they should call their veterinarian right away explained easterwood even if the horse has been vaccinated although the west nile vaccine has proven effective easterwood reminds horse owners that no vaccine is 100 percent protective pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print

benefits of interacting with cats june 4 2015 weve all heard the saying an apple a day keeps the doctor away! but have you ever considered interacting with your pet as another way to prevent doctor visits many people are experiencing the social and health benefits of interacting with their four-legged cat and dog friends the proof is not only evident in happy pet owners faces but also in recent studies professionals and researchers have found specific benefits in cat ownership for many people cats offer social companionship without the fear of judgement having a cat around can prevent loneliness and depression and even improve your mood in general companionship through a cat is especially beneficial to those who live alone or are widowed dr jonathon lidbury assistant professor in the feline internal medicine department at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences explains the key advantages of owning a cat cats offer companionship which is especially beneficial to people who are socially isolated due to various reasons he said cats also offer stress relief and light exercise if you play with them besides social interaction and a reduced risk of suffering from social diseases like depression cats also offer many health benefits in fact the positive emotions you experience from playing or cuddling with your feline can help boost your immune system cats can also sense when their owners are sick and often offer them company this can help you feel better even sooner although it is common to find someone who is allergic to cats studies show that young children or infants who are exposed to cats often develop fewer allergies early and frequent exposure to cats may also prevent future upper respiratory problems in children as well for many people interacting with their cat provides a sense of comfort and relief from everyday stress caring for another creature and being sensitive to their needs can help distract cat owners from their daily struggles worries and negative emotions by lowering stress levels cat owners may experience lower blood pressure as well as less anxiety cats are smart and independent animals that are also naturally clean making them a great choice for a pet combined with their many health benefits the low maintenance aspect of cat ownership creates a great opportunity for companionship cats offer a great balance between being easy to take care of but at the same time being very good companions lidbury said they are playful intelligent and engaging pets that are very fun to take care of pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print

allergies in pets may 28 2015 many of us look forward to the warm spring weather after enduring the harsh winter months the spring season brings peaceful fields of blooming flowers and a warm inviting sun unfortunately spring is also a time when many people suffer from allergies that can make daily life almost intolerable just like people pets can suffer from pesky allergies too it is important to know the signs of allergies in animals so you can alleviate any irritating sensations your pet may be experiencing dr adam patterson clinical assistant professor and chief of dermatology at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences (cvm) defines an allergic reaction as the body overreacting to substances (like pollen) in the environment that are normally harmless this hypersensitivity to the environment can exist seasonally or year-round in both people and animals while humans suffer through allergy season coughing and sneezing into a handful of tissues pets deal with allergies differently an animals common reaction to an allergy is observed as itch in specific body areas which can result in skin irritations and infections an itch may be manifested as licking chewing biting rubbing scratching head shaking and/or scooting patterson said common itchy body areas include the face ears paws armpits groin rump and anal region horses may present with an itchy skin disease and/or hives patterson further explains that every animal has a different reaction to allergies just like people do every pet has its own itch tolerance which means the intensity and reason(s) for your pets itch may not be the same as another animal he said regardless of the animal allergic patients are prone to bacterial and yeast infections that can cause skin discoloration hair loss pimples scabs and/or ear disease according to patterson cats and horses can be affected by allergic skin disease he says that any dog breed can be affected as well but certain breedsincluding terriers retrievers dalmatians shar peis and bulldogsare more susceptible if your pet shows any sign of an allergy it is best to contact your veterinarian so they can properly diagnose the cause of itch which may include allergy your veterinarian can also perform tests to determine the most effective treatment plan to alleviate your pets discomfort allergens that most commonly irritate pets include fleas food pollen molds mites insects and dander treatments are tailored to the individual based on the extent severity and seasonality of signs patterson said the ‘absolutes of therapy include routine bathing to remove pollen accumulation infection control (topical and/or systemic anti-infectives) and flea prevention patterson also emphasizes to pet owners that allergies can be managed but rarely cured for pets that suffer from chronic allergies treatments may include changes in diet symptomatic medical therapy and or allergy vaccines specific to the animals environmental sensitivity patterson reminds pet owners that indiscriminate use of long-term steroids can cause serious health issues however if a pets allergies are left untreated there can be other harmful effects dr alison diesel clinical assistant professor at the cvm explains how your pet may suffer detrimental health problems without treatment allergies if left untreated/unmanaged can cause continued discomfort in your pet diesel said self-trauma to the skin can create wounds that can become secondarily infected we occasionally see pets that have spent so much time itching and scratching that they are not sleeping well and may even lose weight…in more severe cases a visit to a veterinary dermatologist may be quite helpful although many people suffer from allergies many of us do not recognize that allergies are just as common in animals if you think your pet may be afflicted with allergic skin disease your veterinarian can begin the process of helping your pet enjoy both the indoors and outdoors again pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print

keeping fido safe in the summer heat may 8 2015 many people take advantage of mays warm weather by making resolutions to get themselves and their pets in shape for summer however when participating in outdoor activities like walking or running during these high temperatures extra precautions need to be taken to ensure your pets safety in the summer heat dr mark stickney clinical associate professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences says that humans are not the only ones who need to be cautious when exercising during higher than average temperatures animals do things they normally wouldnt do to stay cool which is an important thing to remember when outside stickney said if they are all riled up and having a good time they may forget how hot it is so it is important to always monitor them anytime you are outdoors or doing something active during the summer it is important for you and your pets to take plenty of breaks although you may be used to handling the heat and are aware when you need to stop and rest your pet especially if they have a thick coat may not fare as well in the summer months keep in mind that if youre thirsty your pet is most likely thirsty stickney said animals need plenty of access to fresh water you can even try putting ice cubes in it to make it colder and more refreshing however the warm summer temperatures dont mean you shouldnt participate in outdoor activities with your pets if you and fido enjoy long walks to the neighborhood park for example just be sure that he has access to plenty of water throughout your trip bringing along a water bottle and bowl for him to drink from is always a good idea also keep in mind that pavement can get very hot in the summer stickney said if your dogs dont have thick foot pads they could develop burns on their feet letting them walk on the grass instead of the concrete can help keep their foot pads from blistering any summertime activity that involves the water is good to partake in with your pet getting adequate exercise while also being able to cool off in the water is a perfect outdoor activity for fido however keep in mind that they will still need to have clean drinking water available as well as a shady place to rest once out of the water swimming for a long time can be draining on a dog not used to that type of physical exertion if your pet does accidentally overdo it in the sun there are signs you can watch out for stickney said panting unresponsiveness red whites of their eyes and bright reddish gums can mean that your dog is overheated and needs a break if you notice that your dog is beginning to exhibit any of these symptoms stop activity immediately and allow them to get a drink and cool off indoors or in the shade overall be smart and focus on safety when going on outings with your pets during the summer heat monitor your pets closely and be prepared to step in at the first sign of heat stress they may be enjoying your time together so much that they dont realize how hot and tired they really are! pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pettalk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print

breast cancer in cats april 20 2015 breast cancer is unfortunately prevalent not only among humans but also in our feline friends just like with people mammary cancer is very aggressive in cats and they have the best chance of survival if caught early eighty-five percent of mammary tumors found in cats are malignant and more that 80 percent will eventually spread to other locations in the body such as the lymph nodes lungs bone and internal organs said dr jacqueline bloch medical oncology resident at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences it is found that siamese and domestic short hair cats are more at risk for mammary tumors siamese are especially prone to developing them at a relatively young age bloch said the average age is 10 years in other cats however it is a risk for any cat to develop breast cancer and like with other cancers it is important to get a proper diagnosis mammary tumors in cats are best diagnosed by a biopsy; this helps us to give prognostic information to the owners as well as diagnosis bloch said sometimes we can obtain diagnosis by a relatively non-invasive needle biopsy similar to dealing with other tumors the best treatment option is to surgically remove them because the form of mammary cancer in cats is so aggressive veterinarians generally recommend a staged bilateral mastectomy or the removal of all the mammary glands in a staged manner cats have four pairs of mammary glands and they are intimately associated and share lymphatic drainage which is why we recommend removing them all bloch said there should be one surgery on one side to remove the glands then after waiting for two-four weeks to let them heal we surgically remove the other side before executing such an extreme surgery bloch explains that they will perform what is called staging tests to look for evidence of cancer that has spread to other parts of the body this normally means an abdominal ultrasound to look for spread to regional lymph nodes or liver and spleen and chest radio-graphs to look for evidence of spread to the lungs bloch said if these show no evidence of disease we recommend going forward with the surgery depending on the case chemotherapy may be recommend following surgery if the tumor is very aggressive and the patient proves to be a good candidate although it is impossible to completely prevent breast cancer the early spaying of cats is very protective against developing these tumors spaying a kitten before six months of age can ultimately reduce the risk of developing breast cancer by 91 percent bloch said like with humans cats have the best chance of survival if the mammary tumors are discovered early regularly examining your cat by rubbing their belly and gently squeezing the mammary glands as well as taking them in for regular check-ups at the veterinarian is effective for early detection and catching the cancer in time for the best possible outcome pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pettalk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print

pets like camping too! april 13 2015 for those who enjoy the great outdoors camping during the springtime can be a perfect weekend getaway however if you dont want to leave your pets behind while setting out on your adventure try bringing them along many campgrounds allow pets with certain rules and regulations said dr mark stickney clinical associate professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences often the rules regarding pets can be seen posted on their website and if not questions can be easily answered over the phone however it is not advised that you show up with your pet without prior research and consent most rules will include things such as having your pet on a leash making sure they are supervised at all times and requiring proof of vaccinations stickney said even if they dont require health records or vaccination certificates its a good idea to bring them along just in case just as you need to pack food and other essentials for yourself dont forget to pack camping necessities for your pets as well some items youll need to bring are plenty of food a pet first-aid kit a harness and a leash even if the campsite has natural water resources such as streams or lakes you must still bring plenty of water for your pet to drink throughout your stay your pets will want to drink out of any pond and lake in sight but there are many different diseases they can catch by doing that stickney said so you dont want that to be their primary source of water coming into contact with wild animals is a definite risk when you are out in a national forest or grassland although most of the wildlife you run into wants to keep away from you as well you should have a way of containing your pet just in case if your pet does get into a tussle with a wild animal you do not want to get into the middle of it stickney said there is a very good chance you will be bitten or harmed your best method of action is calling off your pet or to try scaring away the wild animal in order to prevent such situations in the first place it is a good idea to keep your pets close to you throughout your camping expedition and to have a leash or harness available at all times before setting off on your camping adventure make sure your pets are up-to-date on all of their vaccinations especially rabies depending on the campsites location you may consult with your veterinarian about any other vaccinations that your pet may need as well as discuss appropriate flea and tick control to make camping with your pet an exciting experience for the both of you be sure to research the campsite ahead of time take note of any restrictions or regulations and bring the essentials along with you following these guidelines will guarantee a good time for everyone pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pettalk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print

rats as pets april 3 2015 although cats and dogs may be the most common types of pets for many other pet owners animal companionship doesnt stop there in honor of world rat day on april 2nd here are the ins and outs of caring for a rat as a pet rats are probably the most social and interactive of the small rodents said dr sharman hoppes associate professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences they are quite gentle and seldom bite though these rodents are fairly docile they arent typically recommended for small children without adult supervision if youre taking home a pet rat for your child be sure to keep in mind that you will end up being its primary caretaker small rodents should not be pets for very small children hoppes said children less than 10 years old should be supervised closely when handling them; therefore the care and monitoring of a rat is ultimately the parents responsibility while these rodents still require adequate care and supervision they are somewhat easier than gerbils or hamsters which have a tendency to nip and are much more active at night rats are active during the day which make them fairly easy to take care of hoppes said they also dont have special dietary needs or sensitive stomachs therefore compared to other rodents rats are fairly easy pets but this doesnt exempt you from the typical pet-owner duties rodents are still animals and therefore require your constant love and care all pet rodents need a large enough cage chew toys ladders plastic or pvc pipe and daily interaction hoppes said as with any rodent the cage should be cleaned one to two times a week to keep ammonia levels down keeping the cage clean will also help decrease the incidence of respiratory disease even though you cannot take them on walks or let them run around in the backyard ensuring that your pet rat gets enough exercise throughout the day should still be a priority rats may get obese in captivity so you should have exercise wheels exercise balls or a safe rodent-proof room for them to play in and get enough exercise hoppes said rats are very social intelligent animals and need companionship dr hoppes recommends getting two rats at a time so they have company while their owners work or go to school and to select an active social rodent with clean eyes clean nose and normal teeth you should also take note that the skin should is well groomed and that there are no visible lumps or bumps keeping these factors in mind a pet rat can be a great addition to your home pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pettalk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print

fostering pets march 26 2015 as an animal lover you know just how hard it is to pass up that sweet puppy dogface while walking through your local shelter or rescue group if adoption isnt possible for you at the moment fostering can be an amazing opportunity to provide a homeless pet with a nurturing temporary home until they are able to find a permanent family its not as hard to find pets to foster as some might think said susan lobit a veterinary technician at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences and experienced fosterer checking with rescue organizations is a always good place to start before deciding to foster a pet there are important aspects of the job you should be aware of that many people overlook you need to understand that you are in the middle lobit said you help the pet get healthy rehabilitated with any social or physical problems and teach them about life in a loving home but then have to be ready to send them on to a forever home lobit explains that while letting go can be difficult to do knowing that youve helped make such a huge difference in an animals life makes the separation worthwhile if youre up for the challenge it is possible to foster more then one pet at a time but you cant forget that each individual pets needs and safety are still a top priority when considering taking on additional foster pets its important to ask yourself ‘is everyone getting along is everyone eating properly and staying healthy lobit said you also need to make sure that when you foster you dont forget about your own pets if you have any; they need you too as a foster you have many responsibilities aside from just providing an animal with a temporary home proper food and care you are responsible for getting that animal to the veterinarian and taking them various places to help find homes such as adoption fairs and pet clinics lobit said you are there to help prepare them to leave you and find their own happiness fostering a pet can be a very time-consuming job but one that is rewarding in the end once youve helped unite a deserving animal with its forever family of course you will also have those that we call ‘foster failures and thats where they end up living with us because we just cant let them go lobit said i have fostered many animals and had a few of those failures along the way the decision to foster a pet should take thoughtful consideration as well as a careful evaluation of how much time and care that youll be able to devote to the animal this in addition to remembering that youll eventually have to give them away are the two most important aspects to keep in mind before fostering you need to make sure that you will be able let go; this can be hard when you put in that much time and love lobit said but you also know that youve helped give both human and animal the chance to have that special relationship its incredibly satisfying to watch the progress of a challenged pet turn into a healthy beautiful family member fostering a pet will not only make a difference in a deserving animals life but in yours as well as long as you are aware of the responsibilities it entails fostering can be a rewarding experience unlike any other pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pettalk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print

household toxicities march 19 2015 although we may be extra-cautious when using household cleaners automotive products or pest control products in our homes and gardens it may come as a surprise that the tasty morsel we just dropped while preparing dinner could endanger our best friend chocolate can be found lying around the majority of households especially during the holidays depending on the size and type of chocolate it can be very dangerous to your pets health if consumed make sure that your children are aware of this as they might think theyre treating fido by sneaking him a piece of chocolate cake under the dinner table if your dog does get a hold of some chocolate is absorbed within about an hour so you should call your veterinarian immediately additionally grapes and raisins can cause renal failure in dogs if eaten said dr james barr assistant professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences the exact cause of this is unknown and the amount that needs to be consumed in order to be poisonous is unknown as well while the toxicity of many food items may surprise you the assumption that rat poison will only eliminate rats is a misconception rat poison can be lethal to both cats and dogs when ingested if you have pets in your home it is best to opt for another pest control method one of the most common and dangerous household toxicities for pets is antifreeze antifreeze contains ethylene glycol which is very toxic to animals barr said toxicity can be treated but only if treatment is instituted quickly using plants as décor can often liven up the backyard and even the inside of your home however there are many plants that cause health problems if eaten by your pets sago palms for instance can cause severe liver damage and even death if eaten lilies also have a strange effect when eaten in cats said barr it causes kidney failure that is particularly difficult to treat if your pet does ingests any harmful foods or household items it is best to play it safe and contact your veterinarian or the animal poison control center; they can help you determine if your pet needs to be seen by a doctor and if they consumed a toxic dose the texas a&m veterinary medical teaching hospital er is always available to advise on toxic ingestions always be aware of the dangers of the things your pets have access to if they are unsupervised a safe assumption is that they might eat anything they are in contact with said barr have a discriminatory eye and try to avoid having those items in your home there is no harm in being extra cautious when dealing with possible household toxicities be sure to keep these particular items out of your pets reach at all times and to call your veterinarian or poison control center immediately if they do come into contact with them pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed online at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print

traveling with four-legged baggage march 12 2015 with spring break upon us and summer vacations right around the corner its time to start planning your much-needed getaways whichever destination you choose having your pet by your side makes it even more enjoyable however there are some important things to consider before letting your furry family member tag along on your travels the first thing you want to do before you go on a big trip with your pet is to go on a short trip with your pet said dr mark stickney clinical associate professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences drive around and make sure that they dont get too nervous or car sick while theyre in the vehicle if you notice that fido is an anxious traveler but still need to bring him along consult your veterinarian about motion sickness medication or tranquilizers to help make the ride more comfortable anytime that you travel with your pets make sure that they are up to date on their vaccinations and that you have proof of the vaccination when you travel said stickney especially for rabies vaccinations this is very important to have in case they get sick lost or accidentally bite someone out of fear since your pet must be fully vaccinated before traveling to an unknown area they should be around five months of age or older in order to tag along if youre planning on taking a road trip remember that you will have to stop frequently and take your pet out for a walk and to use the bathroom this means you should have a leash and doggy doo bags handy youll also want to bring along a container of water and a bowl for food when they get hungry if traveling by air it is important that you contact the airline ahead of time to see what exactly they require for that pet to fly some require that they be in certain size carriers or that they need to be at the airport for a certain amount of time stickney said you need to make sure that you know the details of where they will be traveling inside of the plane and where you will need to pick them up when you land before traveling anywhere consult your veterinarian if your pet has any health problems or other special concerns for instance dogs that are brachycephalic or that have pushed in faces such as pugs or bulldogs are extremely sensitive to the heat you want to be very cautious of this when traveling in the summertime as they are prone to having heat strokes this is especially true if they are traveling by air because you dont know exactly where they will end up stickney said you dont want them to have to be on a hot tarmac for hours because they can certainly suffer very serious effects from that; these types of pets will want to travel in air-conditioned comfort keeping these considerations in mind before embarking on your journey your vacation can be an enjoyable getaway for the whole family the four-legged members included pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pettalk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print

lyme disease march 7 2015 lyme disease a common tick-borne disease in humans can be contracted by our canine companions as well the disease which is caused by a spirochete bacterium borrelia burgdorferi can often be difficult to diagnose hard-shelled ticks of the genus ixodes transmit borrelia burgdorferi said dr carly duff veterinary resident at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences the tick attaches to its host and then as the tick is feeding spirochete bacteria migrate onto the host as the tick feeds for a longer period of time and becomes engorged there is greater risk of infection clinical signs in canine patients may include fever enlarged lymph nodes a lack of appetite and lethargy others may develop acute lameness as a result of joint inflammation which lasts for a few days before returning days later not necessarily in the same leg this is known as shifting-leg lameness more serious complications can include kidney damage and heart or central nervous system abnormalities in rare cases fortunately your dogs disease does not put you or your family at risk dogs do not appear to be a source for infection in humans dr duff said because they do not excrete infectious organisms in their bodily fluids to any appreciable extent in order to most accurately diagnose lyme disease it is important that you provide your veterinarian with a thorough description of your dogs symptoms and a history of their health and activities with this knowledge your veterinarian will be able to better determine the affected organs and method of treatment diagnostic tests may include a blood test urinalysis and/or a draw of fluid from the affected joints your veterinarian will use these tests to look for the presence of bacteria and parasites in the bloodstream fortunately lyme disease is treatable however there is possible risk of recurrence of the disease doxycycline may be prescribed for 30 days and dogs with lyme disease should respond within one to two days said dr duff other drugs such as amoxicillin and ceftriaxone have also been used as far as prevention goes limiting tick exposure by using tick repellents and avoiding frequent exposure to heavy tick-infested areas is the most effective controlling the deer population also has a direct impact on limiting the tick population additionally there are canine vaccines available to prevent lyme disease but you should consult with your veterinarian about whether this is the right option for your dog pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pettalk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print

horse enclosures february 27 2015 with the numerous enclosure designs and materials available today making a decision on which will be the safest and most effective for your horse may seem difficult when it comes to making this informed decision the best fencing to use is dependent on several factors including size of the horses size of the property number of horses and whether they are enclosed as a group or separately for example minis could be housed safely in a much shorter fence than warmbloods said dr leslie easterwood assistant clinical professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences the safest fence is one that keeps the horses from being able to stick their feet or heads through the fence is tall enough to discourage jumping over and does not have other horses directly across the fence wood or synthetic materials are safe to use for plank fences but may become dangerous if they splinter or impale the horse when dislodged electric wires and tapes can be utilized in an attempt to keep horses away from the fences but are not always effective if they ‘ground out or the charger is not operational said dr easterwood these can be quite effective but as with any fence they require regular maintenance to ensure that they are operational many owners choose either a mesh or slick wire fence while others prefer barbed wire this decision must be based on numerous factors such as the number of horses within the enclosure or if kept separated the proximity they are to each other for example it would not be a good idea to choose a three-strand barbed wire fence if your horses will be housed across the fence from each other said dr easterwood they will generally approach each other across the fence strike at each other with their front feet and cause a heel bulb laceration that can be quite serious and even fatal in some cases but on the other hand barbed-wire fences for very large pastures with no horses across the fences to encourage engagement near the fence could be quite safe some factors to always consider are the type of horses number of horses on the property number that will be housed together finances (as some fencing options are cheaper or more expensive than others) and safety of materials said dr easterwood while youre deciding which fencing will be the safest and most effective for your horses keep in mind that any material can be made safe if designed and built properly to prevent injury in your specific situation there is no clear answer as to what enclosure type is best or safe for every environment; it is entirely dependent on these many different factors pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pettalk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print

the benefits of spaying and neutering february 20 2015 one of the most important decisions that a pet owner must make is whether to spay and neuter their pets with world spay day coming up on february 24th there is no better time to learn the benefits of spaying and neutering though many are deterred by cost or medical concerns this procedure can provide many long-term benefits for your pets health and happiness all while saving the lives of other homeless animals and reducing the widespread epidemic of animal overpopulation in our world today behaviorally spaying or neutering your pet can keep them from roaming spraying and marking their territory; medically it can prevent disease or illness later in life said dr stacy eckman a clinical assistant professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences for example if a female dog is spayed before her first heat cycle the chance of the dog developing mammary cancer is less than 005% severe uterine infections are also common in unspayed females and can become life threatening surgical emergencies as can prostatic infections or cysts in un-neutered males these procedures can eliminate many health problems that may arise throughout your pets lifetime and can also reduce unwanted behavioral problems associated with sex hormones if high costs are major a deterrent of spaying or neutering your pet there are numerous low-cost services found in various regions of the united states and even many assistance programs that help subsidize the cost of spaying/neutering at local clinics however it is important to remember that like many other discount programs you might not always be receiving the best possible care and should thoroughly research them beforehand by choosing to spay or neuter your pet you can save a tremendous amount of money in the long-term when factoring in costs potentially incurred by a non-altered pet another common disparagement of spaying and neutering is the belief that the procedure will be painful for your pet or that it will have adverse side effects generally speaking this is not the case most pets even go home the same night as the procedure and there is a very brief recovery period just as every anesthetic/surgical event carries a risk this does as well but proper examination and testing prior to the procedure can mitigate many of these risks dr eckman said it is safest and most beneficial to spay or neuter your pet at around six months of age although it can be performed earlier if needed there is a wealth of information emerging about the link that hormones play on bone growth and development which is really important in large and giant breed dogs said dr eckman therefore it is acceptable in these breeds to prolong the procedure until they have grown into their frame remember that while a litter of puppies and kittens are undeniably adorable there are many cute pets at a nearby animal shelter in need of loving forever homes whether their previous owners lacked the time or the funds to care for them most animals brought into shelters are compassionate kind and no less deserving of a home the benefits of spaying or neutering your pet include acting in the best interest of the animals health saving money in the long run and potentially providing a deserving homeless animal with a loving home pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/pettalk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print

farrier service for horses february 6 2015 international hoof care month is celebrated throughout the month of february during this time it is important that we recognize the significant contributions farriers make to the equine community farriers perform duties such as trimming horses feet and often applying shoes for protection said jason wilson-maki farrier for the texas a&m veterinary medical teaching hospital how complex the shoe(s) will need to be depend on the horses individual needs what activities he undertakes and what may be needed to address any hoof issues due to the fact that no minimum education is required to become a farrier a large diversity exists within the farrier community in regards to skill sets and knowledge however organizations such as the american farriers association offer a series of voluntary examinations by which individuals can earn credentials within the united states there is no minimum education or skill set requirement to trim or shoe horses feet; any person at any point may technically do farrier work said wilson-maki with that being said many horseshoeing schools both public and private exist and attempt to impart to their students a good basic skill set though they differ in job titles both the veterinarian and the farrier have important roles in the long and short term care of the horses foot a farrier works on the hoof capsule and corrects distortions that are evident by observation said wilson-maki however a farrier cannot diagnose nor treat lameness and are not required within the united states to have any formal education in contrast veterinarians have different tools such as regional anesthesia radiographs ultra sound and mris to diagnose lameness as well as a specified education and specific practice laws under which they work they may also treat the diagnosed lameness by means of medical treatment often shoeing and trimming protocols are an integral portion of the overall approach said wilson-maki as far as farrier service pricing goes it is known to vary greatly within the region and county what would be considered usury in rural texas may well below average in new jersey said wilson-maki an owner could ask about the pricing ahead of time and get a feel for what is normal within a given region each horse owner and horse will have different needs and expectations of a farrier a salient point that must be highlighted is that the owner must be able to communicate clearly and well with the farrier said wilson-maki an owner should seek out a farrier that can meet the needs of their animal and with whom they can communicate whether your horse is a champion barrel racer or merely a leisure-riding companion farriers are vital to your horses health and well being and finding one that meets their specific needs takes clear communication between horse owner and farrier pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed online at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print

the seeing eye guide dog birthday january 30 2015 the first school for seeing eye dogs was opened on january 29 1929 in nashville tennessee following a short-lived program in germany after world war i this guide school trained dogs to assist those in need and since then has influenced programs all over the world including the texas a&ms aggie guide dogs and service dogs (ags) today service dogs are exposed to very thorough and extensive training and their duties can extend much farther than assisting only the blind when people see a service dog in a vest they automatically think its a guide dog when in reality a huge percentage of service dogs assist people with all sorts of other medical physical and emotional things said dr alice blue-mclendon faculty advisor for ags and clinical assistant professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences some examples include mobile assistance dogs which help people who have trouble getting around due to cerebral palsy severe arthritis or other conditions and hearing dogs which help the hearing impaired by responding to sound with a certain behavior for instance when they hear a knock at the front door they might be taught to go sit in front of the person to alert them mobility assistance dogs can even be trained to do things such as push an elevator button open and close doors and even pick up car keys and credit cards off of the ground said dr blue-mclendon another type of service dogs that have recently become popular are ptsd dogs or emotional support these animals are taught a wide variety of skills to assist people suffering from post-traumatic stress disorders and are often aids to veterans as you can imagine these service dogs must go through vigorous training in order to learn and perfect the necessary skills to help their owner for ags dr blue-mclendon explains that there are two stages of training the dogs must complete they usually dont start formal training or ‘stage 2 training until theyre about a year and a half years old said dr blue-mclendon during formal training theyre matched with a partner thats a good fit for the dogs ability and personality this stage can take anywhere from 3-6 months and they will still need continual training and skill reminders for the remainder of their lives before they enter stage 2 the puppies must earn jacket privileges which are achieved through the different stages in their training some of the first jacket privileges are going to classes and retail stores and the last one they achieve is going to restaurants said dr blue-mclendon as animal lovers it is very tempting to go up and pet a service dog when they are nearby however its important to remember that service dogs are not pets and approaching them may distract from performing their important tasks if you want to learn more about the dog politely approach its owner who can then give you further direction pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed online at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print

probiotics for your pets january 23 2015 probiotics or good bacteria can be defined as living microorganisms that when administered in adequate amounts can offer multiple health benefits to the host though they have been gaining popularity amongst humans in the past decade the possibility of similar probiotic supplements for your pets health is on the rise essentially we are trying to give live bacteria in supplement form that have beneficial properties to an animal in order to improve their digestive health said dr jan suchodolski clinical associate professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences it is imperative that bacteria are alive once they reach the gut and that they are also delivered in high amounts thats why a high-quality product is needed in order to fully understand how probiotics work its important to know that the beneficial effects of probiotics are bacterial strain specific meaning every bacterial strain has a potentially different effect some probiotic strains for instance stimulate the immune system while other strains produce anti-inflammatory biomolecules or antimicrobial molecules to combat pathogens this is an area of active ongoing research as all probiotic strains have to be evaluated for their mechanism and only once the mechanism is identified can we identify which probiotic strain should be given in which disease said dr suchodolski there are several studies proving that specific probiotic strands are useful for specific diseases and dr suchodolski explains that the strongest of this data is available for preventing stress diarrhea in pets however a few selected products have also been shown to have anti-inflammatory properties and may be useful in chronic gastrointestinal (gi) diseases dogs or cats that receive probiotics have a lower incidence of diarrhea compared to animals not receiving it dr suchodolski said the best effects are observed when probiotics are given in advance in anticipation of stressful events for example boarding flights long car rides etc with any new supplemental discoveries come the fear of negative complications generally the possible risk of side effects in probiotics for pets is very low only very few reports have been described in literature dr suchodolski said however very sick patients who are immunocompromised are at some risk and probiotic products should be avoided in those situations the most important thing to remember when considering the possibility of probiotics for pets is that they are not all created equally and results from one product cannot be extrapolated to other products there is much excitement about the potential of using bacteria as therapeutics but this area is very complex and more research is needed to understand the complexities of this combined bacterial and host ecosystem said dr suchodolski there are many products on the market that were produced initially without fully understanding the mechanism behind bacterial-host interactions and it is currently recommended to only use products that have shown results in clinical studies the possibility of using probiotics as disease prevention and health aides in both humans and our pets is not far off though further research is still being conducted in order to reap their full benefits having a healthier happier pet is something to look forward to pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed online at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print

a walk in the park january 15 2015 although the cold winter weather may suggest otherwise january is national walk your pet month whether youve just brought home a new puppy or want to improve on old fidos walking habits here are some tips to make walking your dog ‘a walk in the park the absolute best length of leash is not 100% established but the key is to not have the leash be so long so that you are unable to control your pet when they are on the leash said dr james barr clinical assistant professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences dogs like their owners have all sorts of different personalities and activity levels while fido may become anxious for his daily walk as soon as the sun comes up fluffy might rather just curl up by your side all afternoon for those dogs that dont necessarily look forward to going on walks a little motivation can be helpful whether or not your dog needs rewards for walking depends on their intrinsic motivation said dr barr if they do not want to go on a walk then a reward system will help them be motivated to do so however most dogs dont need motivations; they love it walks are also great training opportunities so bringing their favorite treats along to practice obedience while youre out on your stroll can be beneficial this will not only convince them that going on walks can be fun but also helps with their training the length of the walk is entirely dependent on your dog young active dogs will likely respond positively to longer walks whereas older dogs may not be able to handle the longer durations the weather conditions at the time can also really effect how the pet does on a walk said dr barr especially when it is extremely hot and humid it is important to keep your dogs health in mind as well as the weather and terrain before dragging fido along on too rough of a walk that may do more harm than good when on a walk you should have your pets on leash at all times especially if they show signs of aggression toward other pets most municipalities have rules about having animals leashed said dr barr the main thing is to avoid a situation that may cause aggression in the first place and having them on leash usually mitigates this having your pooch on a leash and in your control can also help prevent them from running off if distracted or startled by something even the most well trained dogs can unexpectedly dart off after or away from something and it may be difficult retrieving them keep in mind that your pets just want to spend time with you no matter what youre doing walking your dog is a great way to get some fresh air and a little exercise and if done correctly by following these tips can be a daily routine that you both eagerly anticipate pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed online at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print

pet birds january 12 2015 when people think of pets dogs and cats are typically what come to mind however if you crave a companion that barks a little less and sings a little more a pet bird may be just what youre looking for before adding this feathered-friend to your family be sure that youre able to meet their unique care requirements the care requirements for birds are different and can be demanding but a pet bird can be a joy to interact with said dr jordan gentry a zoological medicine resident at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences any family considering adding a pet bird should thoroughly research the specific species they are interested in as some may make better pets than others this is especially important for families with small children small birds like budgerigars or cockatiels are popular for children but any bird will need adult supervision to ensure care is being met said dr gentry any parrots expected to live with or around children should be well socialized and trained some larger parrot species should not be allowed around children without close supervision; large cockatoos and macaws for instance can cause severe injury if they bite purchasing an appropriate cage is crucial and can be big investment for the life of the bird in general i recommend as big a cage as possible (if bar spacing is correct) said dr gentry regardless of cage size birds need time outside of the cage for exercise and enrichment when feeding pet birds it is important to realize that the species of bird that you have as companion pets do not all have the same dietary needs however part of the daily enrichment for all species should include foraging for food items like they would search for food in the wild there are various companies that make complete pellet diets that can serve as the basis of a pet bird diet additional variety can be provided with fresh fruits and vegetables said dr gentry every species is unique and individual requirements should be researched prior to purchasing a pet bird birds are well known throughout history for their intuitive nature and ability to learn quickly parrots for instance are extremely intelligent and have the ability to learn unique behaviors some basic training of manners like step-up are necessary but many parrots learn much more advanced behaviors such as mimicking sounds one of my favorite behaviors ive taught my own bird a rose-breasted cockatoo is ‘recall where she will fly and land on my hand from across the room dr gentry said pet birds life expectancies vary greatly on species many common parrot species easily live into their 20s with proper care whereas other species can achieve much greater longevity there are reports of cockatoos reaching 70 years old and amazon parrots even older said dr gentry anyone considering a pet parrot should realize that it can be a lifestyle changing commitment for many years birds are very social creatures and given proper training and socialization they can provide beauty intelligence entertainment and companionship to your family pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed online at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print

healthy pets make for a happy holiday december 19 2014 the season for indulging in holiday feasts and festive treats has finally arrived however while we try to be cautious of our own health and nutrition throughout the season it is just as important that we care for our pets nutrition as well while youre out grocery shopping for the perfect holiday meal is a good time to reevaluate the foods that youre feeding to your pet foods should be individualized for the pet not chosen based on what one pet needs and then given to all of the other animals says dr deb zoran associate professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences the key is to feed a diet that is complete and balanced dry food for dogs is typically preferred due to its lower costs especially when supplying food for larger dogs however for both cats and dogs wet foods are perfectly acceptable as well as long as you know what to look for the decision of which to feed your pet should be based on which they prefer wet food has a high water content (about 80% water) and can also be high in protein and low in carbohydrates all of which is good for cats zoran said dry foods can be quite acceptable as long as they are high in protein (at least 40%) low in carbohydrates (less than 15%) and fed in meals not by free choice on the part of the pet as for all natural or diet dog and cat foods it is again most important that the food is balanced and has all of the necessary vitamins and minerals all natural pet foods are like commercial wet or dry (processed) foods in that you cant always be sure whether they are a high quality highly digestible product that is complete and balanced and if they will be a good choice for your pet the same considerations exist for diet foods said zoran in general diet foods are fine if they are high quality and fed in the proper amount however there is nothing magical about weight loss diets; if you feed them too much they will still gain weight or at least fail to lose weight consulting with a veterinarian or a veterinary nutritionist is important if you are unsure about the quality of the food you are selecting although it may be tempting to slide your leftovers under the table and let them eat and eat to their hearts content there are many human food items that are unhealthy and even dangerous for your pet chocolate grapes raisins and onions are examples of common foods people eat that can have disastrous consequences for pets such as seizures kidney failure or anemia zoran said in general it is best not to feed dogs or cats anything spicy fatty or not in their typical diet zoran said however small pieces of cooked meat or a vegetable can be okay for example feeding a small piece (it should not be more than 10% of their total diet) of cooked chicken thigh with no bones or skin is completely fine and a reasonable treat when the first of the year rolls around fitness centers become filled with people beginning their new years resolutions to get in better shape but what about when our pets need to shed a little excess holiday weight to keep healthy just like with us weight gain is a combination of genetics metabolism what we are eating how much we are eating and how much we are exercising zoran said any of these can have a major effect on body weight so it is important to feed your dog or cat good food the right amount of it and keep them active the ideal situation is not to let your pet get overweightyou can help prevent this by weighing them often and then adjusting how much food they are eating up or down accordingly and asking your veterinarian for help if you have questions or concerns during the holiday season keep in mind that most of the treats we enjoy are not good for our furry friends instead of sneaking them the leftovers as a holiday treat stuff their stockings with pet toys that will keep them active and healthy pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu editors note: in observance of the holidays pet talk will be on hiatus until jan 8 2015 wishing everyone all the joy of the season! print

dog training- the gift that keeps on giving december 11 2014 whether you plan on getting a new puppy for christmas or just want fido to finally nail the sit command in time for your relatives to arrive it is never too late to begin training your dog here are some tips for having a well-behaved pooch just in time for the holiday season the first few commands are usually basic obedience commands such as sit down stay walking on leash and most importantly to come when called said elizabeth bachle a technician at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences pharmacy and an agility instructor at puppy love training these are a great foundation to training more complex behaviors and can keep your pet out of harms way new puppy owners often get caught up in the excitement of having a four-legged friend to play with and forget that training them early on is most effective however dont believe the saying that you cant teach an old dog new tricks even your loyal more seasoned companions can improve on current techniques or learn new skills training your dog not only rewards good behaviors but can also prevent unwanted behaviors before they begin said bachle i would highly encourage new puppy owners to attend a group class to socialize and create a strong foundation of learning but dogs of all ages benefit from a new challenge during training it is important to use positive reinforcements when theyre showing progress rather than punishing fido for all the things you dont want him to do concentrate on teaching him what you do want him to do when your dog does something good convince him to do it again by rewarding him with a treat or a nice long tummy scratch one of the most important decisions you can make for your dog is the training method you decide to use at home or in group classes there are many methods out there but i highly encourage the use of positive reinforcement techniques such as clicker training and discourage the use of punishment when training any dog said bachle punishment can have a lot of negative effects including fear aggression or distrust while reinforcement is effective builds confidence and makes training fun for you and your dog! if youve tried training them one-on-one at home but seem to be getting nowhere training classes can be a great alternative providing them with the opportunity to interact with other dogs and their owners in group classes can be a great way to socialize and expose your dog to new situations and distractions in a safe environment the foremost benefit of group classes is the guidance and knowledge of an experienced instructor to help troubleshoot advise and assist you to accomplish your training goals said bachle many trainers offer private lessons and behavior solutions in the case that you need more individualized help most importantly remember to be patient like children dogs have short attention spans and learn at all different paces if done with patience and persistence training your new puppy or faithful fido can be an enjoyable bonding experience for you both having a well-behaved dog will be a gift that keeps on giving this holiday season pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed online at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print

a holly jolly (and safe) holiday for fido december 8 2014 the most wonderful time of the year is upon us and what better way to prepare for the holidays than including your furry friends in the festivities however with all of the hustle and bustle of this busy season we often forget to adapt our holiday celebrations for the safety of our pets here are some ways to keep fido and fluffy safe while rockin around the christmas tree when it comes to decorating your home there are a few items to leave behind if you have a curious dog or cat lurking around animals are often attracted to the sparkly tinsel and ribbons left lying out and these can easily obstruct their digestive tract if ingested often requiring emergency surgery make sure to keep these decorations out of reach or out of sight mistletoe especially can cause vomiting and diarrhea as well as neurologic signs such as seizures said dr stacy eckman clinical assistant professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences other holiday plants such as poinsettias can also cause vomiting and diarrhea when eaten holiday candles are another decoration that can make your home feel that much more festive but be sure to put them high enough up where a pet cannot accidentally knock them over to play it safe place candles on a stable surface and blow them out before leaving the room youve heard time and time again to not feed fido any leftovers but this can be especially difficult to abide by during the season of sharing and caring even when he gives you those puppy dog eyes remember that certain human foods especially chocolate and other sweets can be detrimental to his health if possible keep pets in another room during mealtime and make sure that there are lids on the trashcans to prevent any sneaky pets from getting ahold of the discarded pie many pets who are feed leftovers and are not used to them can develop vomiting and diarrhea due to the abrupt change in diet said dr eckman chocolate especially dark chocolate can be very dangerous with signs including vomiting and diarrhea hyperactivity tremors heart arrhythmias and possibly death depending on how much is eaten if you have a live christmas tree in your home make sure not to add fertilizer to the tree water as it can upset your dogs or cats stomach when drank whether your tree is fake or real it should be securely anchored to the ground to prevent it from tipping over and falling on a pet which can cause serious injury cats in particular like to climb the christmas tree or chew on the branches said dr eckman additionally any glass ornaments should be placed higher up on the tree leaving the low-lying branches for the less fragile ornaments as you celebrate this holiday season remember to keep the health and safety of your pets in mind; an emergency trip to the vet is not on your pets christmas list pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed online at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print

cold weather tips for your pets december 2 2014 as the temperatures begin to drop many pet owners worry about their pets spending time outdoors here are some tips for keeping the four-legged members of your family warm and safe during the winter months for smaller pets keeping them inside as much as possible during the colder weather can be the most beneficial way to keep them warm if your pet is primarily an indoor pet this shouldnt be much of a change nonetheless short exposure to the outside cold can be fine and is usually not detrimental to the pets health dogs and cats shiver a lot like people this action is used to help generate body heat in cold climates said dr alison diesel clinical assistant professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences if your pet shivers while outside shorten the length of your trips together to help reduce this trembling providing extra bedding like blankets and towels will also keep your pets warm and cozy signs that your pet is uncomfortably cold may include excessive whining shivering appearing anxious slowing down or stopping and looking for a warm place to burrow if they begin to exhibit any of these behaviors you should bring them inside (if outside) or wrap them in a blanket in a warm room for larger pets that cannot come inside making sure they have an adequate outdoor shelter is important for their comfort and safety shelters such as doghouses and stables can be very helpful during cold winds and should have extra bedding (such as blankets towels hay etc) added for additional warmth an important thing to remember for outdoor pets is to make sure they always have a fresh supply of water said diesel if it gets cold enough to freeze this water source should be checked regularly to make sure the water doesnt freeze over moving water sources like fountains are less likely to do this you should also be extra-cautious with your senior arthritic or frail pet during the winter cold weather can be especially difficult for senior pets and those with degenerative joint disease or another chronic debilitating condition make sure that this pet has soft warm bedding that they can rest in and since arthritis worsens during cold and damp weather take special care to handle them gently finally cats that are left outdoors during a cold night may seek warmth by crawling up under the hoods of cars or into the wheel wells starting or moving the vehicle can hurt or even kill a cat taking shelter inside your car during the winter months its a good idea to bang loudly on your car hood before starting the engine as a warning to a cat that might be in or around your vehicle just like people some pets do better with colder temperatures than others it is important to take into consideration your pets size as well as age and health condition when preparing for the winter months ahead pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed online at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print

falling for the holidays – accident proofing your home november 21 2014 as family members of all ages come into town for the holidays safety is always something to be kept in mind although youre probably already making sure that children arent running through the kitchen or touching the hot stove you should also be sure that animals are kept under control and cleared from the walking path especially for the safety of your elderly relatives a study published in the journal of safety research reports that more than 87 000 people are treated in emergency rooms each year due to falls associated with their pet dogs and cats and the highest percentage is among those 75 years of age and older elderly people should be very cautious around young and poorly trained pets said dr james barr assistant professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences injuries can result from jumping up on the elderly owner and knocking them over which can be pure accident tripping over pet toys and getting tangled in leashes are other common causes of accidental injury some pets also have a habit of lying in frequently traveled hallways or doorways causing someone to trip if the animal is unseen however if you consider your pets to be part of the family youll want to include them in your holiday celebrations fido and fluffy can still join in on the family fun as long as you take a few precautionary measures to ensure the safety of those around them prior to the arrival of any guests be sure to clear the floors and stairs of miscellaneous pet toys or objects and place any food and water bowls out of the direct path your pet will likely be happy to give up their favorite chew toy if it means being able to interact with all of the new people also biting and scratching behavior can be a potential problem for those with compromised immune systems and fragile skin said dr barr be sure that your pet is comfortable around visitors to reduce the likelihood of lashing out or even jumping on them out of excitement although pets want to be around us constantly especially when were cooking in the kitchen this can often be very dangerous if possible keep them out of the kitchen while youre cooking and at meal times to avoid accidental injury this may mean letting them out into the backyard or putting them in their kennel temporarily even if fido is trained and well behaved the excitements of having visitors may cause him to jump or run excessively posing as a potential hazard to children or elderly family members you should use your best judgment in deciding whether it is safe to have your pet around family members and certain holiday traditions pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed online at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print

ringworm november 13 2014 dermatophytosis otherwise known as ringworm is a fairly common fungal infection that can affect dogs cats and other pets the term ‘ringworm actually comes from the circular ring-like lesion formed on the skin of infected people; however the disease itself is not caused by a worm at all said dr alison diesel clinical assistant professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences dermatophytosis is a zoonotic disease meaning it not only can be transmitted to other animals but to people as well an animal or person can become infected with dermatophytes from contact with another infected animal transfer from infected materials such as bedding and grooming equipment or from the soil very young animals and older animals with other underlying illness are at higher risk for dermatophytes said dr diesel additionally certain breeds of animals such as persian and himalayan cats and jack russell and yorkshire terriers have a higher tendency towards disease development dermatophytosis is the most common cause of alopecia or hairloss in cats in addition to poor hair coat it can also cause reddened skin hyperpigmentation and lesions lesions will often involve little red bumps called papules scabs and circular areas of hairloss anywhere on the body may be affected by hairloss but face and paws will often have lesions said dr diesel because of this infections ability to spread all over the animals body and infect others you should be sure to see your veterinarian for a proper diagnosis a common way for veterinarians to diagnosis ringworm in pets is with a woods lamp exam this involves passing a fluorescent light source or woods lamp over the animal and looking for glowing hair shafts however only a few strains of dermatophytes may glow so this is not always considered to be the best approach a better option for diagnosis is to perform a culture for the organism said dr diesel infected hairs or material may be collected by plucking hairs or brushing the animal with a new toothbrush and then submitting these hairs to a laboratory for fungal culture/isolation although your pet may be able to self-cure the disease on their own therapy is typically recommended to minimize the amount of infective material present and thereby minimize spread of disease to others treatment may involve strictly topical therapy with antifungal agents (such as lime sulfur) or may also involve oral antifungal medication as well said dr diesel treatment of exposed animals and other animals in the household should be considered in order to prevent the spread of infection if you are concerned that your pet may have ringworm particularly if skin disease is noted in people in the household you should contact your veterinarian immediately pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed online at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print

biting off more than they can chew november 6 2014 as doting pet owners we find our dogs eager and curious natures utterly irresistible after all who can say no those puppy-dog eyes when you open up a bag of new dog treats however this endearing characteristic often leads to biting off more of the bone than they can chew literally fortunately dogs do not ‘choke as often meaning that they dont get things lodged in their throat causing them not to be able to breathe said dr james barr assistant professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences most commonly they swallow things that are too big to pass and end up stuck in the esophagus stomach or intestines although bones and other dog treats typically dont cause any harm many dogs will try to swallow them whole what looks like a bone that will last all week to you may be a quick after dinner snack to them the most common thing that causes actual choking are dog treats like rawhides that can be swallowed said dr barr bones and rawhides to a dog that chews them well pose little threat but dogs that want to quickly ingest their treats are the ones most likely to get things stuck in their throat though its too big to swallow they try anyway as one might guess puppies are more likely than older dogs to swallow something that they arent supposed to or take too big of a bite because of this it is important that they have careful supervision until they are out of their toddler phase and can be trusted to be alone childrens toys are common household items not unusual for dogs to ingest these can include small dolls trucks or balls said dr barr also poorly socialized dogs that are food aggressive are more likely to swallow household items even if fido properly chews his food before swallowing and knows better than to eat the tennis ball accidents still happen if your dog is choking or has something stuck in his stomach it is best to get to the veterinarian immediately there is not a universally accepted heimlich maneuver in dogs but it would stand to reason that a similar thing could work in a dog said dr barr however it can be very dangerous to try to remove the obstruction in their throat with your hands while a dog is still awake which why it is necessary to get them to the veterinarian as soon as possible more often than not keeping your dog from choking is possible try to put childrens toys and other household items that are small enough to ingest out of sight andkeeping your dogs personality in minddecide what types of treats and bones are safe to provide pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed online at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print

canine diabetes october 30 2014 canine diabetes or diabetes mellitus is a common disease in dogs and is the result of inadequate insulin production canine diabetes is usually caused by an immune mediated attack on the pancreas which is likely related to genetic predispositions said dr audrey cook associate professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences it may also be secondary to chronic pancreatitis or may occur in intact females following their heat cycle some predisposed breeds include the cairn terrier the dachshund and miniature poodles although these breeds have a higher incidence than others all dogs have a chance of becoming affected diabetes mellitus is known to cause excessive thirst and urination due to the high concentrations of glucose in the bloodstream hunger is also a common symptom in the early stages of diabetes followed by rapid weight loss said dr cook vision loss is sometimes reported glucose appears in the urine and can predispose the patient to urinary tract infections left untreated other signs such as vomiting dehydration and lethargy are expected it is usually recommended that the dog receives insulin by injection twice a day said dr cook unlike many human diabetics we cannot manage this disease with diet or oral medications canine diabetes is generally irreversible and dogs will need insulin therapy for the rest of their lives however if diabetesdevelops soon after a heat cycle some females may undergo remission following a spay each diabetic dog varies so you will need to consult with your veterinarian to determine the appropriate insulin dose and treatment regimen for your pet it is also important that insulin injections are administered properly so it is advised to have your veterinarian instruct and observe you giving the insulin to your dog at first you may be nervous giving your dog an injection but you can quickly learn how to do this with very little stress for your pet or for you another important part of diabetes management is ensuring that your dog follows a consistent stable routine they should be fed two meals a day of a well-balanced high quality diet said dr cook and definitely no table scraps although diabetes mellitus cant be cured the condition can be successfully managed helping your dog to lead a happy active life pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m universitystories can be viewed online at vetmedtamuedu/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print

pet costumes-the good the bad and the ugly october 24 2014 if youre like many pet owners finding the perfect halloween costume for your pet is almost more exciting than finding your own seeing your dachshund dressed as a hot dog or your kitten prancing around in a super-man cape can add even more fun to the holiday just keep in mind that while a costume can be cute and funny to you your pet may not agree in general tolerance of costumes is pet dependent said dr stacy eckman clinical assistant professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences some pets will tolerate them and others will not if fido appears indifferent towards being dressed as a giant spider or pumpkin then suit him up however there are still a few safety guidelines to consider when choosing the perfect costume make sure that the costumes do not obscure their vision do not block their nose or mouth so they cannot breathe and that they do not trip over them said dr eckman avoid anything that encircles the head or neck or that blocks their nose and mouth any attachments that they can rip off and swallow such as extra limbs or bones can also be hazardous fur-safe sprays are generally okay to use for changing the fur color as long as they are not applied too close to their eyes make sure that the spray is designed specifically for animal fur and that you carefully check the labels for any discrepancies it is smart to put the costume on a few times prior to the holiday to see how your pets react to being in it if they are uncomfortable it should be easy to tell if a pet isnt comfortable in a costume they may work vigorously to remove it constantly scratching or pawing at it said dr eckman it may affect the way they walk and move becoming a tripping hazard and can even affect their breathing causing them to pant or become anxious to ensure that your pet doesnt become uncomfortable after wearing the costume for a while they should be supervised at all times if they do begin showing any signs of discomfort remove the costume for a while and let them roam around out of character halloween costumes are not the only thing that may cause pets anxiety during this season some house decorations should also be avoided if your pet seems unnerved by them loud flashy decorations with lights and sounds may be stressful for certain pets causing them to harm themselves said dr eckman dry ice often used for the ‘smoking cauldron effect may also be dangerous if the ice itself comes into direct contact with their skin depending on your pet fake bodies or body parts may also be dangerous as they can cause choking hazards or gastrointestinal obstructions if they try chewing on or ingesting them as long as your pet is comfortable in a costume dressing them up can be fun for the whole family follow these general safety guidelines and fido is sure to be in for a howlin good halloween pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print

halloween chocolate and dogs – a scary combination october 16 2014 the halloween season brings with it much amusement and excitement and one anticipated tradition is the variety of chocolate you have an excuse to enjoy while all of these halloween treats may only bring your children a sugar rush and a tummy ache it can do much more serious damage to your pets chocolate and caffeine belong to a group of plant molecules called methylated xanthine alkaloids which are commonly found in a variety of foods drinks and medications said dr medora pashmakova clinical assistant professor in emergency/critical care medicine at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences as stimulants they cause excitation of the central nervous system heart rate and respiratory centers of the brain and can also stimulate the bodys own secretion of adrenaline and when in the form of candy and chocolate bars they taste delicious which is why dogs love to eat them in such large quantities! as a rule of thumb the higher the cocoa concentration the more theobromine which is the active ingredient that is toxic in high doses bakers chocolate for example can be particularly concerning while white chocolate contains no cocoa and is not actually toxic to dogs the vast majority of ‘candy bars contain very little actual theobromine as they are comprised of milk chocolate covering a large amount of nuts caramel wafers etc so the actual chocolate ingestion is usually benign said dr pashmakova we become much more concerned with small dogs and the ingestion of dark chocolate if possible it is always a good idea to find out how much and what kind of chocolate your pet ingested in order to decide what actions should be taken chocolate is absorbed within about an hour so you must act quickly if the ingestion was toxic once you have identified the amount and type of chocolate ingested you can do some simple math and find out the ‘milligram per kilogram theobromine ingestion for your pet said dr pashmakova as little as 30 mg/kg of theobromine can cause cardiac stimulation such as fast heart rate or other arrhythmias central nervous system (cns) excitation erratic behavior and pacing are also common due to the simulant effects the higher the dose the more concerning these are if youre unable to determine the ingested dose the best thing to do is contact the aspca pet poison control hotline and talk to a toxicologist directly who can help you determine if your pet needs urgent medical care though there are no particular tests that your veterinarian can perform for chocolate toxicity if they do suspect a toxic dose has been ingested recently and the dog is not showing neurological signs they may induce vomiting at the hospital this usually is very successful in decontaminating the gastrointestinal tract and preventing further absorption however if dogs have clinical manifestations of cns excitation we typically will recommend supportive care and time said dr pashmakova this includes a dose of activated charcoal close monitoring of vital signs and lots of iv fluids to rid the body of the toxicity although chocolate is the most prevalent concern during the halloween season it is also important to keep in mind the dangers of caffeine tablet toxicity for dogs as always dont assume that human medications are safe for companion animals and when in doubt consult a veterinarian first a small dog getting into one or two tablets can be fatal if not caught early and not decontaminated and treated appropriately said dr pashmakova keep all stimulant drugs out of the reach of dogs and cats; their smaller body sizes and different propensities to metabolize drugs make things that are ‘safe for people really toxic for them no amount of chocolate or caffeine is healthy for your dog to consume even if it doesnt result in toxicity so keep the trick-or-treating baskets out of reach this halloween pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print

feral cats october 9 2014 feral cats unlike strays have been born and raised in the wild or have been abandoned and must revert back to their primitive ways in order to survive most of these cats fearful of humans and too skittish to be handled often live in groups and take refuge wherever there is available food and shelter because of this they are unfortunately subject to harsh weather conditions starvation or diseases and sometimes even eradicated by humans in attempts to deplete the feral cat population in honor of national feral cat day on october 16th 2014 here is what you can do to help these feral undomesticated cats you will be able to tell if you have come in contact with a feral cat rather than a stray by their standoffish and notably quiet demeanor they will most likely keep their distance from you and scamper off when approached however this shouldnt deter you from trying to help feral cats have a great chance of survival if they live in a group or colony maintained by a dedicated caretaker this means providing regular feeding and proper shelter as well as spay/neuter services a popular and effective way to do this is the trap-neuter-return method or tnr this humane method helping to stabilize and over time reduce the population of feral cats traps the cats to have them spayed or neutered and vaccinated (against rabies) and then returns them to their colony at the time of the spay or neuter the veterinarian surgically removes the tip of one ear (ear-tipping) as a safe and effective means of marking cats thus sparing them from unnecessary trappings said dr carly duff veterinary resident at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences by stabilizing the population cats will be exposed to fewer risks of disease and will live healthier lives with more space and food to themselves you may call your local animal shelter for help in trapping a feral cat for tnr when they do this you shouldnt feed the cats for a little over a day as they must be hungry to enter the trap which is usually baited with tuna sardines salmon or other luxurious foods that feral cats arent accustomed to eating after they have been vaccinated and spayed or neutered they are then returned to their colony the aggie feral cat alliance of texas or afcat is a program here at texas a&m university whose main goal is to provide care and long-term management of feral cats on campus comprised of students staff and faculty from the texas a&m campus they also provide educational information on the costs and commitment of responsible pet ownership to help decrease the source of feral cats if you are interested in joining or want to learn more about them you can visit their website at afcat remember that although these cats are wild and often untamable they still need your help to survive with humane methods such as tnr and the involvement of dedicated caretakers you can decrease their risk of disease and starvation by helping to stabilize and eventually reduce the population of feral cats pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print

choosing a dog trainer october 2 2014 choosing a good dog trainer is much like finding the right teacher for your child assertive but caring attentive and knowledgeablethere are many important qualities to keep an eye out for when making this crucial decision in order to choose one wisely it is advised that dog owners call interview and observe a trainer prior to hiring them there are numerous ways to train dogs in addition each animal has his/her own learning style and preferred motivators said dr bonnie beaver professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences the american veterinary society of animal behavior or avsab endorses training methods that allow animals to work for things (such as food play affection) that motivate them rather than techniques that focus on using fear or pain to punish them for undesirable behaviors a good rule of thumb is to avoid any trainer who displays methods of physical force that may harm your dog including ones who routinely use choke collars shock collars or any other physical punishment as a primary training method look for a trainer who uses reward-based training with treats toys and play instead research shows that dogs do not need to be physically punished to learn how to behave and there are significant risks associated with using punishment such as inhibiting learning increasing fear and/or stimulating aggressive events said dr beaver because of its risks punishment should only be used by a trainer who can fully explain the possible adverse effects and instruct owners in one-on-one sessions how to perform the techniques correctly observing a class prior to hiring the trainer is a great way to get an accurate representation of their training methods and abilities you should evaluate not only if the attending dogs seem to be learning and enjoying the class but if their owners are as well are dogs tails up and wagging or down and/or tucked are the people talking with their dogs in happy upbeat voices or are they scolding or even yelling at them talk to the current studentsare they enjoying the class and feel that their dogs are learning dr beaver explains that asking these questions will help to evaluate the trainer and see if their teachings style will work with how you and fido learn ultimately you should feel comfortable doing whatever it is the trainer asks you to do to your dog said dr beaver if your trainer ever tells you to do something to your dog that you believe will cause you or your dog undue harm or distress ask them to explain why they recommend that technique what the potential drawbacks of the technique are and how these will be addressed should they occur it is important to keep in mind that all dogs are different and due to the variable and unpredicted nature of behavior a conscientious trainer cannot guarantee the results of training they should however be willing to ensure satisfaction of their services remember that training should not only be a pleasant and comfortable experience for fido but for you as well pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print

rabies prevention september 29 2014 although the rabies virus is commonly known for causing a life-threatening disease many people are unaware of what exactly it entails and how to prevent its transmission in honor of world rabies day on september 28th here is some information to help further raise awareness about rabies and how to help protect your family and pets from this deadly disease rabies is an infection affecting the central nervous system or brain and spinal cord of humans and animals this infection is caused by a virus that is transmitted primarily from bites wounds scratches or tissue from an infected animal it is nearly always deadly if not treated before the beginning of symptoms symptoms include fever lethargy seizures and ultimately paralysis said dr stacy eckman lecturer at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences this paralysis can include paralysis of the muscles that control swallowing leading to a ‘fear of water or ‘hydrophobia that is often described with rabies behavior changes leading to abnormally aggressive behavior may also occur since humans and animals alike usually become infected through a bite by a rabid animal many believe that it will be easy to tell when or if the disease has been spread to them however it is entirely possible for rabies to be transmitted to you or your pet unknowingly bat bites or scratches for example may be so miniscule that they go unnoticed bats are the most common carriers of rabies in the united states said dr eckman it is important to always avoid any contact with them if you have come into contact with a bat inform animal control officers in your area so they can submit the bat for testing if possible and contact your doctor although bats are the biggest threat to humans household dogs can easily contract the disease if bitten by another infected dog or animal worldwide dogs are a common transmitter of the disease via bite wounds said dr eckman but it can also affect humans cats farm animals raccoons and many other warm-blooded animals the time from exposure to the virus until symptoms appear is usually only a few months and unfortunately once symptoms begin there is little hope in humans for survival there are treatments that can be given after a bite and before symptoms begin (post-exposure) that are useful said dr eckman they include human rabies immunoglobulin followed by a series of rabies vaccines given over a two-week period these shots help the bodys immune system destroy the disease in its early stages and getting them before symptoms appear is usually helpful in preventing infection however prevention is always said to be the best treatment and that couldnt be truer when it comes to the rabies virus the easiest method of prevention is to always steer clear of unknown or aggressive animals this includes avoiding contact with stray dogs bats or any wild animals as well as avoiding the handling of a dead animal depending on the situation preventative rabies vaccinations may also be a recommended method vaccination can greatly reduce the risk of infection for people who have a high risk of exposure such as those who work with animals including veterinarians said dr eckman companion animals and farm animals should be appropriately vaccinated by a veterinarian if you think that you or someone in your family has been exposed to the rabies virus wash the affected area with soap and water for five minutes after potential exposure and seek immediate medical attention rabies is more common than you might think and preventing its transmission to you or your loved ones is the most effective form of treatment pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print

wobbler syndrome september 19 2014 cervical spondylomyelopathy also known as wobbler syndrome is a neurological condition in dogs that affects their cervical spine or neck region a compression of the spinal cord and nerve roots wobbler syndrome gets its name from the characteristic wobbly walk that affected dogs typically display from the disease there are two forms of cervical spondylomyelopathy said dr megan steele a veterinary resident at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences there is a disc-associated form that causes ventral spinal cord compression and dorsal lateral bone and joint proliferation causing dorsolateral spinal cord compression wobbler syndrome is typically a progressive disease most commonly found in larger dog breeds such as doberman pinschers great danes and mastiffs symptoms can vary widely from mild neck pain to an inability to walk in all four limbs said dr steele often pelvic limb weakness and ataxia or weakness is more severe than in the thoracic limbs a classic two-engine gait is seen in dogs with low cervical lesions causing a short choppy gait in the thoracic limbs and a long sweeping gait in the pelvic limbs other symptoms often include weakness difficulty getting up from a lying position and possible muscle loss clinical signs are typically slow and gradual in onset though acute worsening can occur if your dog appears to show signs of any of these especially difficulty walking or any unusual neck pains a trip to the veterinarian for a diagnosis is a recommended in order to properly diagnosis your dog for wobbler syndrome yourveterinarian may perform advanced imaging such as radiographs computed tomotherapy (ct) and myelographs to characterize the degree of spinal compression a definitive diagnosis is best made from an mri as this gives us the best information of what is happening to the spinal cord itself a soft tissue structure said dr steele treatment for wobbler syndrome like for many other disorders is greatly dependent on the location and severity of the problem cervical surgical procedures are typically the recommended treatment option for the best chance of improvement but as with any surgery there is always a risk of complications for affected dogs in which surgery is not appropriate medical management is another reliable treatment option medical management is a viable treatment option in dogs with mild clinical signs or dogs with spinal cord compression in multiple locations or that have comorbidities making them poor surgical candidates medically treated dogs need to have restricted activity for at least two months along with close observation and any other recommended therapy the goals of medical management are to provide adequate pain control and hopefully delay or prevent disease worsening there will be lifestyle changes such as walking with a harness instead of a neck lead minimizing rough play and restriction of jumping and using stairs that may need to be made said dr steele implementing these lifestyle changes along with rehab and pain management can have a success rate of around 50% dogs with progressive signs that are not responding to medical management are typically advised to undergo surgery surgical success is around 80% and with severely affected animals is the treatment of choice said dr steele the type and location of disease dictates the type of surgical procedure recommended some common procedures we perform include dorsal laminectomies ventral slots and occasionally distraction fusion even after both surgery and medical management some dogs with wobbler syndrome may never walk normally again however when combined with physical therapy and post-operative care these treatments provide a considerable chance of improving your best friends overall quality of life pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print

national preparedness month september 12 2014 with september being national preparedness month it is important to not only prepare the people in our family for when disaster strikes but also our pets as well when creating a proper evacuation plan we must remember to include the needs of our pets along with our own an important step in preparing for disasters is to have an evacuation kit for your family and your pets ready at all times some things you may include in your pets evacuation kit would be plenty of food and water any medication that your pets are on their medical records and a picture of your pet there is also a preparedness plan available on the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences website that may be used as a guide to help you plan exactly what to bring depending on the disaster families may be away from their homes from a few days to a few weeks said dr deb zoran professor in the department of small animal clinical sciences and medical operations director for the texas a&m veterinary emergency team at a minimum people should prepare to take at least three days worth of food from the pets current diet water and medications for their pets with them photos of the family with the pets and any veterinary records are important both for sheltering of the pet at an evacuation site as well as reunifying with pets when returning home along with proper medication and plenty of food and water it is also a good idea to include blankets and other comforting items to put your pet at ease in the case of an emergency situation also include litter boxes for cats with litter cleaning supplies and paper towels and collars with their tags or some other form of identification pets cant communicate the anxiety and fear they feel during a disaster so its important to watch your pets for signs of anxiety in order to help calm them when evacuating with your pets have a secure carrier leash or harness to keep them from running off in panic small toys and appropriate sized carriers and crates may help to reduce the anxiety and stress that pets may feel during an evacuation said zoran adding these few items to a ‘go bag or ‘go box that you have ready to take in the event of an evacuation makes sure nothing important is left behind the most important rule of thumb is never to leave your pets behind they most likely will not be able to survive on their own and it will be difficult to find them when you return to make evacuating with your pet easier checklists and informational brochures also may be found at http://wwwreadygov/caring-animals or ask your local veterinarian for suggestions the important thing to remember is if at all possible take your pets with you if you have to evacuate said zoran if its not possible plan ahead and make arrangements to get them out of harms way taking a little bit of time in advance to create an appropriate plan for your family and your pets can save lives though an evacuation plan may seem unnecessary right now youll be thankful that your family and pets are well prepared if disaster does strike pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print

cat scratch fever september 4 2014 cat scratch fever or cat scratch disease (csd) is a bacterial infection caused by bartonella henselae this disease is most commonly transmitted from infected cats to humans by way of biting or scratching although it can also spread from the saliva of an infected cat getting into an open wound on your body bartonella henselae is the actual bacteria causing cat scratch fever said dr audrey cook associate professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences this is a bacterium that likes to live inside red blood cells and is very hard to culture using usual methods it is difficult to tell whether your cat is a carrier of bartonella henselae as the cats themselves do not show any signs of illness from the bacteria regardless a large percentage of cats carry this bacterium at some point in their lives most commonly when they are kittens as the bacterium is adapted to live in cats they do not become ill but can harbor the infection for prolonged periods said dr cook it is usually spread from cat to cat by fleas and though other insect vectors may play a role fleas seem to be the most important vector cat scratch fever is usually not a serious illness in people with normal immune systems and generally resolves on its own without specific treatment your doctor may perform a physical examination or blood test to determine whether youve been infected and antibiotics may be prescribed if necessary clinical disease is very variable and depends on the immune system of the person said dr cook people are vulnerable to problems if they are on immunosuppressive drugs have cancer aids or are on chemotherapy some symptoms you can expect with cat scratch fever may include swollen lymph nodes chills vomiting fever and fatigue the best way to prevent cat scratch disease is to avoid situations in which you might be bitten or scratched by a cat dont play roughly with a cat and dont force your attentions on a cat that clearly does not welcome them it is also important not to allow a cat to lick an open sore or scratch on your skin if you are bitten or scratched by a cat wash the affected area well with soap and water and contact your healthcare provider even if the cat is not carrying bartonella a cat bite injury can cause major problems and prompt treatment is necessary in addition to avoiding rough play keeping your cats indoors as well as administering anti-flea medication can help reduce the risk of them contracting bartonella henselae which in turn lowers your chance of catching cat scratch fever pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print

amphibians as pets september 2 2014 good pets come in all shapes and sizes more unique to the pet realm but still wildly popular are amphibians for those pet owners who enjoy the company of frogs salamanders and other slimy friends here are the ins and outs of owning amphibians as pets owners should educate themselves regarding the specific species or type of amphibian they are considering as a pet prior to purchasing them said dr laura kleinschmidt veterinary intern instructor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine and biomedical sciences (cvm) depending on the species they may have species specific requirements or traits that would be important to know for example some species secrete toxins from their skin or special glands that would make them a less than ideal pet amphibians can also have very delicate skin that functions in breathing and absorption and should not be handled more than absolutely necessary however if handling is necessary recommendations include wearing disposable gloves that have any powder rinsed off prior to handling it is also important to keep in mind that amphibians are dependent on their environment for temperature regulation and the preferred optimal temperature zone may vary depending on the species and part of the world they originated from temperate species usually require at least 60-70 degrees f tropical species will require higher at least 75-80 degrees f said dr kleinschmidt humidity requirements for temperate amphibians usually range from 75-80% whereas tropical species may require upwards of 85-90% which could also require misting waterfalls humidifiers etc to maintain an appropriate range to regulate this pet amphibian owners should have an appropriate thermostat to determine the temperature and temperature gradients should be maintained to allow the animal thermoregulation providing a type of water source will vary depending upon if the amphibian is aquatic or mainly terrestrial water should always be free of chlorine ammonia nitrite nitrate pesticides heavy metals etc said dr kleinschmidt in captive settings deionized bottled water is usually used and water should be tested regularly for appropriate ph and lack of these elements the specific water temperature for your amphibian is also very important and should be closely monitored with an appropriate thermometer water heaters are a must in most species to provide lukewarm water and all water should be changed regularly for cleanliness there should always be filters in place to decrease microbial counts in the water to prevent disease said dr kleinschmidt as far as feeding requirements go most amphibians will eat invertebrates such as insects and worms (usually live) because of this owners who are unwilling to handle live insects may not want to have an amphibian as a pet the food and water youve provided must be changed daily as well as the amphibians excrement make sure the species is being fed the appropriate diet to prevent disease said dr kleinschmidt most captive amphibians will need mineral and vitamin supplementation to prevent nutritional-deficiency diseases it is imperative that first time amphibian owners thoroughly educate themselves on the prospective species prior to bringing one home i would not recommend an amphibian as a pet for young children (especially without adult supervision) as they should not be handled regularly and when they are handled special considerations apply they also can suffer trauma if handled too brusquely amphibians are higher maintenance pets that have species-specific requirements for ideal care if you are willing to put in the effort to properly educate yourself on the species and their specific requirements as well as spend the money and- time to take good care of them they can be a great addition to your home pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print

when to call a veterinarian august 21 2014 though our pets dread the veterinarian there are many instances when a trip to the local animal hospital or clinic is essential to their health since fido cant express to you in words when he isnt feeling himself there are many symptoms you can look out for to help determine if its time to contact the veterinarian it is most important to remember that everything should be taken within the context of the other signs said dr jean rubanick veterinary resident instructor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences (cvm) basically if there are multiple signs then taking a pet to the vet is indicated some common signs of irregularity may include extreme lethargy increased respiratory rate profuse vomiting or diarrhea anorexia or increased drinking and urinating while these are most widely recognized as indicators for veterinary attention some symptoms may be more unique and less recognizable abnormal circling (not to be confused with the occasional circling of an excited dog) head pressing seizures inability to rise weakness respiratory distress changes in the gum color and bubbles coming from the nose are some other sign to look out for said dr rubanick if your pet ingests something that poses toxic to animals whether it is a plant or food consultation with your veterinarian is vital to the animals health and safety eating sago palm chocolate lilies people medication or anything else unusual should also prompt a call to the veterinarian said dr rubanick although stomach abnormalities such as vomiting and diarrhea may be signs of sickness or ingestion of toxins it is also possible that fido merely scarfed down his dinner too quickly depending on the pet and their usual behavior a brief upset stomach may not be much cause for concern vomiting once or one bout of diarrhea is probably nothing to worry about as long as the pet is otherwise acting normally said dr rubanick likewise a pet that eats too quickly or drinks a lot of water and then vomits but continues to act normally afterwards is probably fine in general you should always contact your veterinarian if you notice any symptoms or behavior abnormal for your pet from there your vet will be able tell you if something does not need to be urgently addressed or if you should make an appointment right away whether fido is just having an off day or he ingested something poisonous it is always better to be safe than sorry pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print

protecting pets from predators august 14 2014 as caring pet owners we do everything possible to keep our pets out of harms way however with more wooded and natural areas being developed into neighborhoods and businesses wild animals have fewer places to reside birds of prey such as hawks and eagles can pose a serious threat to cats and other small animals and depending on where you live coyotes and mountain lions may also be a danger since we share our habitat with wild animals learning how to prevent an attack and protect our pets from predators can make all the difference supervising your pets when theyre outside is an effective way to deter predators even in local outlying neighborhoods hawks coyotes and other predators can harm pets said dr stacy eckman lecturer at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences stay away from nesting predators such as owls and hawks if you know where their nests are and keep your pets area clean and free of debris or plant material that predators can hide in depending on the size of your pet and the area in which you live keeping your pet in the backyard overnight may not be safe if your pets are accustomed to being outdoors and are able to defend themselves such as a larger dog breed backyard housing can be suitable however keeping smaller animals in the backyard unsupervised is not recommended the caution with even larger dogs who encounter a predator is that they are still at risk for fatal diseases such as rabies said eckman at a minimum they will need a shelter of some sort a good rule of thumb is to appropriately fence in your backyard or outdoor pet area to keep out unwanted visitors depending on the region you live in this may include fencing with barbed wire or roll-bars on the top to make it harder for coyotes and other large predators to get over even raccoons have been known to attack small dogs in backyards in shelters said eckman keeping food bowls empty by discarding any leftover food to keep from attracting wild animals may also help if you come face-to-face with a predator while on a walk or even in your own backyard stay calm and never turn your back to run away if you have a small dog or cat with you pick them up and slowly back away grab the leash or collar of a larger dog carrying a walking stick is a good weapon to help fend off an attack as are sticks or rocks to throw at a predator if they look like theyre going to attack loud frightening noises may scare and deter predators as will threatening body language said eckman if your pet is attacked while walking seek medical care immediately even if there are no obvious wounds on your pet your veterinarian will perform a thorough exam to find any unnoticed injuries and vaccinate them for rabies the best tip in protecting your pet from a predator is to let them outside only when you are with them especially at night and to keep pet food and water either inside or empty all wildlife should be respected for their role in the environment and while healthy habitats need predators you dont want your beloved pets to be the prey pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print

anal gland disease august 7 2014 the anal glands in a dog or cat are residual scent marking organs responsible for the production of an odor that identifies the individual and marks his stool to establish territory similar to the glands of a skunk the anal glands are typically expelled when the animal defecates or sometimes when they feel stressed or relaxed anal gland disease can include one of several medical issues involving the anal glands the most common form of anal gland disease is impaction where the contents are not expelled normally said dr alison diesel lecturer in dermatology at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences (cvm) in this situation the animal may require assistance from a veterinarian veterinary technician groomer or owner to have the anal glands expressed other medical conditions of the anal gland include infections abscesses or even cancer one of the most recognizable symptoms of anal gland disease is when the animal scoots or drags their hind end on the carpet grass or other surface malodor and frequent licking are also good indicators if an infection abscess or cancer is the cause of disease exudate may be noted from the anal gland or tissue surrounding the anus said diesel depending on the particular disease treatment options are highly variable if you are concerned that your dog or cat may have anal gland disease you should schedule an appointment with your pets veterinarian to have them evaluated and discuss recommendations for the particular cause of disease for impaction periodic manual expression of the anal gland contents may be sufficient said diesel sometimes changes in diet may help with the disease or at least from expression being required quite as frequently if it is discovered to be cancer then surgery chemotherapy or radiation therapy may be the appropriate treatment depending on the specific type of cancer for infections and abscesses having the area clipped and cleaned by a veterinarian is generally helpful said diesel additional medication such as antibiotics (either oral medications or infused into the anal gland) may be required in general there is no way to prevent anal gland disease in your pets aside from having them surgically removed however this is not typically recommended as it is a bit aggressive for an animal that isnt showing signs of anal gland disease additionally there is the potential for complications associated with the surgery including fecal incontinence stricture formation (leading to potentially severe constipation) or poor wound healing said diesel as well this would not prevent medical problems which may mimic anal gland disease including parasites allergies or other types of cancer while anal gland disease is a fairly common pet health problem it is recommended that you consult with your veterinarian to establish the safest and most effective treatment method available for your pet pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print

large animal health in summer temperatures july 31 2014 our cats and dogs arent the only animals that need special attention during the unbearable summer temperatures; horses and other large animals get hot too! though they may not express it in the same way as our domestic pets heat stroke is still common among large animals and prevention is the best cure the important things to consider during summer heat for animals are similar as for humans said dr leslie easterwood assistant clinical professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences (cvm) it is best to provide clean fresh water at a rate higher than they would be losing due to sweat the progression from dehydration to heat exhaustion and ultimately heat stroke can occur rapidly in large animals providing your large animals with access to plenty of water and shade is the most important way to keep their body temperatures under control just as with humans and other animals the higher the temperature or activity level the more water is required to cool the body most horses will consume between 5 and 10 gallons of water per day and their daily requirement for maintenance is approximately 6 gallons for a 1000-pound horse said dr easterwood they will need more if they are exercising or if their housing conditions do not provide for shade or circulation of fresh air horses that are not sweating and are overheating can easily have their body temperatures rise to dangerous levels within minutes of exercising in the summer and their large muscle mass allows them to generate a tremendous amount of heat making them susceptible to a loss of water and electrolytes through sweat as the amount of sweat increases so does the imbalance of body fluids and electrolytes the only increased nutritional requirements for hot weather would be the intake of electrolytes said dr easterwood large animals that have access to mineral supplements will generally take in enough electrolytes to account for normal losses but electrolytes can be added to their daily grain ration if the horse will be sweating excessively or exercising since horses and other large animals cannot tell us directly that they are developing heat stroke we must pay attention to their appearance and behavior in order to distinguish their discomfort some signs to look out for are an excessive amount or absence of sweating increased respiratory rate depression lack of appetite apparent weakness or disorientation horses that are not sweating adequately will start to breathe rapidly in order to try to cool themselves via their respiratory system said dr easterwood this condition is called anhydrous and can cause them to overheat while exercising she explains that these horses are literally trying to ‘blow off steam and cool themselves by taking in air that is cooler than their own body temperature while blowing out the warmer air while most horses and other large animals are able to cool themselves by sweating taking in an adequate amount of water and staying in the shade you should still keep an eye out for signs of dehydration or heat stroke whether your pet whinnies or bleats barks or purrs they are counting on you to keep them healthy and comfortable during these hot summer months pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print

the dangers of leaving fido in a hot car july 24 2014 if we find the scorching summer temperatures unbearable outside of our cars imagine how our furry friends feel when trapped inside dog fatalities from extreme heat in cars are avoidable and all-too common although leaving your pet in the car while you run a few errands may seem harmless dogs can suffer from heatstroke in a matter of minutes even if parked in the shade with the windows cracked one study in the journal of pediatrics showed that cars parked in the sun showed an average of 40 degrees increase in internal temperature said dr james barr assistant professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences this means in 100 degree temperature the car could reach 140 degrees although rolling the car windows down may seem like a workable solution this is not the case even if you only plan on leaving your dog in the car for a short period of time exposure to extreme heat for less than 20 minutes can still cause internal damage and be extremely harmful in the long run that same study in the journal of pediatrics showed that the rate of temperature rise was slower if the car window was rolled down but still remarkably dangerous and reached the same levels after 60 minutes said barr so just rolling the window down is not sufficient when humans overheat we sweat and as the sweat dries it takes excess heat with it our four-legged friends only perspire around their paws which is not enough to cool the body and pant to rid themselves of excess heat while this is efficient in controlling their body heat it is of extremely limited effectiveness in high humidity or when in close quarters such as a car the bodys internal temperature rises when the gain of heat outpaces the ability to dissipate heat said barr when locked in a car body temperatures reach dangerous levels and organ damage can occur while letting fido tag along on your grocery store run during cooler temperatures is safer keep in mind that temperatures inside of the car can still rise 40 degrees above the outside temperature this means that the car temperature can reach 115 degrees when the temperature is 75 degrees outside said barr additionally keep in mind that some states even have laws deeming it illegal to leave an animal in a confined vehicle as well as numerous local ordinances prohibiting this even without a specific state or local law this action could still constitute cruelty under some circumstances and you may ultimately lose custody of the animal in question also be especially cautious if your pet has a medical condition said barr respiratory cardiac and neurologic conditions may all impair the pets ability to dissipate heat so it is especially important to take precautions if you must travel somewhere with your pet during the summer make sure they have access to plenty of water and proper ventilation and that the temperature they are kept in is reasonably low fatalities from heat stroke occur far too often and our furry friends are relying on us to keep them out of harms way pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print

pet pygmy goats july 17 2014 with their playful temperaments and small compact size it is no surprise that pygmy goats are often sought after as pets however since goats are deemed livestock you must check with your homeowners association or deed restriction before bringing one home if in doing this you discover it is allowed here are some tips for keeping your pet pygmy goats happy and healthy in their new home although some people do keep their pet goats indoors they are not easy to house train and due to their activity level curiosity and dietary needs we recommend they are kept outdoors said dr philippa sprake a clinical assistant professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences they should have an outside area to play and a shelter from the elements where hay straw or shavings serve as good bedding sources their bedding of whichever type you choose should be changed regularly depending on the weather size of shelter and number of goats keep in mind that goats do not like getting wet and they also require a cool area to withstand the summer heat since goats are herd animals having at least two housed together will help to decrease stress and allow them company dr sprake also explains that fencing around their enclosure is important as goats are skilled escape artists and often push on fences and gates fences made especially for goats are recommended although electric fences can also be used however goats will challenge them regularly so maintenance is important diet is the most important aspect of a pet goats life and most health issues we see are caused by inappropriate diets said dr sprake they shouldnt be fed human food and there are also some common garden plants that can be toxic to goats; therefore they should not be allowed out of their usual pen unsupervised goats are ruminants which means they require the predominant part of their diet to comprise of forage such as hay or grass said dr sprake we recommend that pet goats are fed minimal amounts of pelleted feed or grain as pygmy goats in particular tend to be ‘easy keepers and gain weight fairly easily they should also have access to a mineral block or loose mineral made specifically for goats to balance their diet of grass or hay fresh water should also be readily available for pygmy goats at all times two other important health care tasks are to vaccinate annually with a ‘cd&t vaccine that protects against over eating disease as well as tetanus and monitor for gastrointestinal parasites that cause anemia and diarrhea in goats you should consult with your veterinarian to set up a worm control program one common problem we see with male pet goats is bladder stones causing urinary tract obstruction and an inability to urinate which is usually caused by feeding too much pelleted feed or grain said dr sprake you should observe that your male goats are urinating comfortably daily (they usually urinate when they first stand up) and if you have any concerns contact your veterinarian immediately the temperaments of pygmy goats typically depend on the environment in which they were raised bottle fed kids in general will be much friendlier; however in some cases this can lead to behavioral issues such as head butting especially in the males we recommend that male goats be castrated at 3-4 months of age said dr sprake earlier castration can cause some health issues and at 3-4 months old the males will not smell ‘bucky yet though these playful animals can make good pets with the proper care you should still consult with your veterinarian or an experienced goat breeder prior to bringing them home if after consultation you decide pygmy goats are perfect for your family following these guidelines will help ensure your new pets feel right at home pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print

the stevenson companion animal life-care center july 10 2014 the stevenson companion animal life-care center located at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences (cvm) is a facility quite unlike any other this unique center provides for the physical emotional and medical needs of companion animals whose owners find themselves no longer able to do so whether they are entering a retirement home being hospitalized for an extended period of time or predeceasing a pet they can take assurance in the fact that their beloved pets are being well cared for at the stevenson center i believe the stevenson center is extremely unique in that it is the only life-care facility for pets that is an integral part of a college of veterinary medicine said dr sonny presnal director of the stevenson center this means that companion animals that are living with us at the stevenson center will receive the ultimate in veterinary care which is provided by our veterinary medical teaching hospital the stevenson center has veterinary students who live at the center to care for the resident pets at night and on weekends and holidays it is unique in another way because four veterinary students live at the center to provide around-the-clock care and companionship whenever the staff is off duty said dr presnal this is an excellent learning opportunity for the students and ensures a high quality of life for our pet residents situated on three acres beside the cvm campus the total space of the center including a recent second expansion since its opening in 1993 is about 11 000 square feet and will be able to house nearly 100 pets a stable behind the main building houses the centers resident llama with space for other large companion animals when the need arises residing in the center at this time are 19 cats 14 dogs and the llama there are a total of 480 animals currently enrolled to enter the program with 173 owners from 26 different states over the more than 21 years which we have been in operation many donors have supported the center by making contributions to our building fund unrestricted gifts and in many cases creating an endowment from their estate plans in excess of the minimum required endowment to enroll their pets said dr presnal we are extremely grateful for this support and this support is what has enabled us to create the exceptional facility and care that our resident pets receive at the center enrollment is not a complicated process and interested donors can contact the center by phone (979-45-1188) or email (stevenson center) we highly encourage anyone that might have an interest in enrolling their pets in the center to visit the center to fully appreciate the compassionate care that their pet would receive said dr presnal center staff will pick up enrolled animals anywhere in texas when necessary the first stop for the petsbefore they even enter the centeris the cvm small animal hospital where they go through a thorough examination before joining the others the hospital and its veterinarians also comprehensive care when a center resident is sick or injured ensuring the animals get the best care available we believe that the stevenson center provides the ultimate in life-care for companion animals comprised of exceptional compassionate care and the very best veterinary care available anywhere said dr presnal we highly encourage anyone interested in the program to schedule a visit to see the center ‘up close and personal pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print

independence day safety june 26 2014 with the july 4th holiday come celebrations and outdoor activities that can be fun for people but sometimes harmful for our pets here are some tips to keep this day an enjoyable and safe holiday for the whole family fido included fireworks can frighten dogs and cause them to escape and become injured said dr james barr assistant professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences make sure your pet is supervised during the day and nighttime hours as well the best idea is to keep dogs particularly those with noise phobias away from the commotion if at all possible another factor that can cause anxiety and stress in dogs is being around large crowds of unfamiliar people if you know ahead of time that your dogs do not do well with large groups it is better to leave them at home or board them for the day if you do decide to bring them to the festivities it is recommended to have a safe calm area where the dogs can relax being outdoors in the hot humid environment may cause those pets not used to the heat to have problems with heat said barr allow the pets to be in a shaded area and have plenty of fresh water available at all times additionally it is imperative that you closely supervise fido or fluffy throughout the day and night so that they arent tempted to indulge in the human food july 4th celebrations bring with them many tasty human treats that might be toxic to animals and with the large crows of people that can be easily and unnoticeably accessed by our pets accidental ingestion of rich foods and bones are common on july 4th said barr be careful about what your pets have access to and make sure to keep a close eye on them to avoid sickness another good rule of thumb is if you are going to be in a place where unvaccinated dogs might be such as soccer fields baseball fields or parks you want to make sure your dogs are up-to-date on their vaccinations it isnt smart to take an unvaccinated puppy or a dog that hasnt completed the whole vaccine series to a place with potential transmittable diseases or threats keeping these tips in mind you and your whole family can enjoy fidos presence while celebrating this fun-filled holiday pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print

take your dog to work day june 19 2014 it has been said time and time again that the presence of animals helps to alleviate stress and benefit your overall mood this can also be true in the workplace as demonstrated by multiple studies having a pet in the workplace not only lowers stress levels and encourages a productive work environment but also helps to boost morale in honor of take your dog to work day on june 20th here are some basic guidelines to keep this a fun and safe day at the office there is a huge body of evidence that shows having pets around is a natural relaxant said dr mark stickney clinical associate professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences there is definitely a benefit to having a less stressful work environment however the increased productivity and decreased stress levels is entirely dependent on the obedience and behavior of your dog an untrained dog that will wreak havoc on the office is not a suitable choice for this highly anticipated day first of all make sure you know what your office policy is on bringing your pet to work said stickney with that being said the quickest way to end take your dog to work day is to bring in a dog that cant behave itself and will be a nuisance all day long if you do have an obedient well-behaved dog that wont disrupt your work day there are still some basic guidelines to follow before letting him tag along for instance prior to bringing fido with you to work it is vital that you doggy proof your office and properly notify your fellow coworkers of his visit even if take your dog to work day is celebrated at your workplace it is still a good idea to let your immediate supervisor know that you will be bringing your pet that day said stickney if you have an office you will want to leave a note on your door explaining that there is a dog inside to avoid any unpleasantly surprised visitors or escapes through the open door additionally make sure that fido has non-squeaky chew toys to occupy him plenty of food and water a leash and ways to dispose of any accidents he leaves in the office if you have a puppy or avid chewer you will also need to make sure that all computer wires and other various cords are someplace where your dog cant get to them said stickney you wouldnt want your pet to be the reason for a system-wide shut down ensuring that they are up to date on their vaccinations and are completely flea-free is a must it is also recommended that you bring a copy of the paperwork proving this to work with you that day should any concern arise often times dogs that are well behaved at home will become nervous when placed in an unfamiliar environment said stickney it is imperative that they are up to date on their rabies vaccines in the case that they bite someone out of fear just keep in mind that while you may love your dogs slobbery kisses and welcoming leaps onto your lap a fellow co-worker may not be as big of a fan be mindful of others space and privacy on this day and always make sure fido is on a leash to prevent any complaints or accidents as long as it is in line with your companys policy your dog is well trained and properly socialized and you follow some of these basic guidelines take your dog to work day can be a fun experience for all involved pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print

feline heartworm disease june 12 2014 heartworm disease is transmitted to an animal through the bite of a mosquito carrying heartworm larvae which eventually settle into the blood vessels of the lungs or within the heart itself although cats are less susceptible than dogs to heartworm infection our feline friends are still very much at risk of heartworm disease cats have some innate resistance to infection and the worms seem to prefer living in dogs rather than in cats said dr audrey cook an associate professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences in addition the tests we traditionally use in dogs such as the knotts test and heartworm antigen tests are not very sensitive in cats as the number of worms is much lower dr cook explains that though more sensitive tests are now available cats are still not routinely screened for infection it is highly likely that many cats are infected but are simply not identified although it is more probable for outdoor cats to come into contact with infected mosquitoes indoor cats still have a not-insignificant chance of contracting the infection as infection requires a bite from an infected mosquito indoor cats are less at risk overall said dr cook however we do still see this disease in strictly indoor cats most likely occurring when an infected mosquito gets inside of the house and then bites the cat some of the most common heartworm disease symptoms include frequent coughing weight loss vomiting lethargy and difficulty breathing however since many of the symptoms mimic those of asthma and other disorders affected patients may be misdiagnosed although some cats are diagnosed because they show some of the clinical signs and the veterinarian then performs the appropriate tests many cats are diagnosed with heartworm disease after suddenly dying and only then finding the worms in the heart or lungs said dr cook the blood tests available have substantial limitations and we sometimes only confirm the diagnosis by visualizing a worm in the heart using echocardiography if a veterinarian suspects heartworm disease in a cat he or she is likely to recommend radiographs (x-rays) of the chest along with antigen and antibody testing depending on these results an echocardiogram (ultrasound examination of the heart) may be indicated unfortunately there are currently no approved treatments for feline heartworm disease veterinarians often recommend using medications to limit clinical signs such as coughing and starting cats on preventative medications in order to stop future infection and hasten worm death in addition an antibiotic called doxycycline may be prescribed to the cat as it is also thought to weaken the worms and hasten their death said dr cook however sometimes the death of the worm causes an acute and fatal reaction in the cat so it is a very difficult disease for us to deal with indoor or outdoor young or old every cat is vulnerable to heartworm disease since there are no available treatments for this widespread infection preventative medications administered on a regular basis are a must for protecting your feline friend pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print

pool safety june 5 2014 school is out the temperatures are high and the days are long for children and pets alike this makes taking a dip in your backyard pool seem more attractive than ever although your children may be competent swimmers do not assume that your pets are preventing pool accidents for your pets takes adequate planning and careful supervision limiting their access to the pool is an easy and effective way to prevent accidental fall-ins and keep pets safe a good gate will be the best way to limit pet access to the pool said dr james barr assistant professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences keeping the door closed at all times is important for children and dogs alike as is only allowing them to be in the pool area supervised contrary to popular belief not all dogs are efficient swimmers this common misconception can be life threatening to your pet the dogs that are considered to be brachycephalic such as english bulldogs american bulldogs and french bulldogs are notoriously bad swimmers said barr therefore it is smart to teach these dogs how to swim and exit the pool safely to prevent drowning another popular safety concern among pet owners is whether it is safe for fido or fluffy to drink pool water dr barr explains that while it typically is not safe there are some pool waters that are worse than others for drinking it is also important that your pools chemical balance is correct as algae can be disruptive to pets health the typical chlorine pool could be quite irritating to the gastrointestinal tract and could cause some electrolyte issues if enough is drunk said barr saltwater pools although not as salty as seawater can also cause electrolyte problems if enough is consumed though your pooch may be eager to splash into the pool on a hot summer day there should be set limitations for dogs of a certain ages or medical conditions you should always consult with your veterinarian before allowing your dog to swim by far the most common reason why a dog drowns or nearly drowns in a pool is because they suffer from dementia or are blind or both fall into the pool and are unable to get out said barr otherwise safety depends on your dogs ability to get in and out of the pool while there are many effective ways to ensure your pets safety when near a pool the most important precautionary measure is adequate supervision just like with children leaving them unattended around a pool can lead to unnecessary injury this along with teaching fido how to swim and correctly exit the water can keep the pool area a fun and safe environment pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print

preparing pets for when disaster strikes may 29 2014 disaster can strike anywhere at any time and the best way to survive is to be prepared early for both yourself and your pets hurricane season begins june 1 and is a great time to review your personal preparedness plan said dr wesley bissett director of the texas a&m veterinary emergency team while you make sure all of your family members are covered in the event of a disaster make sure the four-legged members of your family are included in the planning process its important to remember that if you have to evacuate your home you will often have to do so very quickly know ahead of time the route you will take and identify potential shelter locations along the route make sure you know which shelters will accommodate pets or if there are designated shelters for evacuated animals nearby plan to carry enough food water and medications for your family and your pet for at least three to five days make sure you have veterinary records and photos of you and your pets and check that your pets tags are up to date and securely fastened on the collar bissett said these documents will help ensure your pet is cared for in the best way possible during a stay at the shelter and will also make the reunification process much easier if you have time microchips are a great way to make sure your pet stays safe and sound until you are able to return to the shelter pets cant communicate the anxiety and fear they feel during a disaster so its important to watch your pets for signs of anxiety when evacuating with your pets have a secure carrier leash or harness to keep them from running off in panic bringing a few items from home such as a blanket or special toy will help make your pet comfortable said bissett and will help to reduce their stress during the evacuation some people have livestock or exotic pets that can be problematic to plan for for this reason it is necessary to plan early if there is no shelter location designated for livestock feed and water should be left in place on the highest ground on your property said bissett gates between pastures and doors to stalls and barns should be left open so these animals can get to safety for smaller exotic pets such as pocket pets reptiles or amphibians it is necessary to call the shelters along your route ahead of time to verify they are able to accommodate exotic species most importantly dont leave your pets behind they most likely will not be able to survive on their own and the likelihood that you will be able to find them when you return is not great to make evacuating with your pet easier checklists and informational brochures may be found at http://wwwreadygov/caring-animals or ask your local veterinarian for suggestions communities in different locations face different types of disasters so in developing your plan be sure to assess the risks around you and prepare your plan accordingly being prepared for disasters saves people pets and property pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print

osteosarcoma may 22 2014 osteosarcoma (osa) the most common bone cancer represents about 85% of bone tumors in dogs these aggressive tumors spread rapidly and once diagnosed should be taken very seriously osa commonly affects the limbs of large or giant breed dogs but can also occur in other parts of the skeleton such as the skull ribs vertebrae and pelvis said dr rita ho veterinary intern instructor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences dogs with limb osteosarcoma typically show signs of swelling at the affected side and associated lameness depending upon the animals unique condition and tumor location the tumors typically form at or near growth plates and occasionally the animal will exhibit a growth on their body or painful inflammation near the site of the tumor if swelling does exist it is likely due to extension of the tumor into the surrounding tissues diagnosis of osteosarcoma is begun with orthopedic and neurologic examinations a physical examination and various x-rays the biological behavior prognosis and treatment of osteosarcoma depend of the primary site and extent of the disease said dr ho therefore various diagnostic tests such as radiographs (x-rays) blood tests and sometimes a biopsy or fine needle aspirate are required to determine the most appropriate treatment depending on your pets specific condition there are various treatment options you can consider including surgery chemotherapy and radiation limb osa commonly causes lameness and pain because of invasion and destruction of normal bone; therefore surgery is usually the first recommendation said dr ho the surgery serves two purposes: it removes the primary tumor which is necessary for cancer control but it also removes the source of pain and may therefore dramatically improve quality of life surgery often involves amputation of the diseased limb which completely resolves the pain for your pet however for people who are reluctant to have this procedure done there are other surgical methods to spare the limb if your pet is not a good candidate or if you arent comfortable with the surgery just keep in mind that amputation is almost always well tolerated with the dogs and a 3-legged dog can do virtually everything 4-legged dogs can chemotherapy is administered to a pet following amputation to kill off any remaining cancer cells and radiation is recommended primarily for relieving bone pain and discomfort the average dog with osa will live only four months if treated with only surgery said dr ho with chemotherapy following surgery usually the life expectancy is 10-12 months as with any surgery activity and mobility after the operation will be restricted and pain management programs as well as various medications are typically prescribed for the animal after surgery however it is important to remember that you should never administer any pain medication without first consulting your veterinarian unfortunately osteosarcoma in dogs has not been found to be preventable with thorough examinations and early recognition of the symptoms however it can be caught soon enough to take the necessary measures to stop the cancer from spreading and to keep your pet healthy and happy for as long as possible pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print

helping fido adjust to new surroundings may 14 2014 as were propelled into these summer months many changes and transitions often accompany the warmer weather whether youre relocating for work moving after graduation or just planning a long summer vacation here are some tips to help ensure that pets comfortably adjust to your new surroundings prior to the move it is important that you check the new surroundings for safety hazards such as hardware chemicals exposed wires or other dangers it is also smart to make sure to have a safe place to put them when you get there such as a closed off room or area with water food and shelter said dr stacy eckman a lecturer at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences doors opened often for moving in may be a tempting way out for anxious pets due to the chaos of moving a microchip or other form of identification for your pet is highly recommended in case they do sneak off unknowingly a microchip is nice because it cannot be lost but visible identification is also helpful if they get out and become lost since they are unsure of their new surroundings said eckman if youre traveling to your destination by plane it is a good idea to speak with your veterinarian beforehand about the travel specifics how long will the trip take how does your pet normally do during travel will your pet be in cargo or in the cabin with you questions such as these can be discussed with your veterinarian to ensure that your pet is as comfortable and safe as possible during travel all pets will also need a health certificate to travel even across state lines said eckman and those moving internationally will need an international health certificate which takes more time to acquire our pets thrive on routine and since most everything else their daily routine will be changing it is important that your presence does not once youve settled into your new location be sure to spend plenty of time with fido to help him acclimate to his new life often pets are nervous and anxious with all the activity and boxes as well as the new smells and sounds said eckman so frequent walks around the neighborhood are a good way to help them get used to their new surroundings just as it takes people a certain amount of time to get used to a new routine location and way of life the same goes for our pets however unlike us they are unable to vocalize their discomfort and anxiety as good pet owners it is important that we do all that we can to make moving as comfortable as possible for our pets this means keeping fido safe and at ease before during and after the move and most importantly showing him that amidst all of the changes he isnt losing you pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print

to declaw or not to declaw may 8 2014 as much as you love your cat his constant need to claw your living room sofa isnt exactly desirable after furnishing your home with numerous scratching posts and still no improvement you may be asking yourself what now as a very last resort it may be time to consider declawing surgery a choice not without controversy the procedure should only be done after careful consideration with all of the facts when we perform a declaw procedure we are removing the entire third phalanx of the toe said dr mark stickney clinical associate professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences so not only the claw that you can see but the associated bone that attaches to the next bone in the toe the declawing procedure is controversial in veterinary medicine today and like any other surgical procedure there are a number of risks that go along with the purported benefits people have a bad feeling about the procedure because they anthropomorphize to themselves of what it would be like to lose the end of their finger which would be a big deal for a person but a cat doesnt need to type or write like we do said stickney they extend those claws when theyre ready to do something destructive or to defend themselves; otherwise those digits are naturally retracted and unseen however you should be aware that once the declawing surgery is completed your cat will no longer have a way to defend itself from other cats or predators that come into its territory as a result the cat will need to be an indoor only cat for the remainder of its life following the procedure because we love our pets so dearly we want to do all in our power not to inflict any unnecessary pain on them though the declawing procedure is painful by using a good multimodal pain control protocol that targets the nervous system at different points in the pain pathway you can make the procedure as comfortable as possible for the next ten days postoperatively you need to restrict the cats exercise as much as possible so do not encourage them to run and jump around the house said stickney you also need to use either shredded newspaper or paper towel in their litter box as opposed to gravel based litter that could get into the little incisions before they heal the decision of whether or not to declaw fluffy is not one to be taken lightly however if his clawing is standing in the way of your companionship and ability to keep him in your family surgery may be your only hope if it is an indoor cat only you have exhausted all other methods of controlling the scratching problem and its a decision of whether or not youre going to have to get rid of your cat said stickney then the benefits of declawing surgery absolutely outweigh the risks pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print

tomotherapy: high-tech therapy delivers high hopes may 1 2014 tomotherapy a state-of-the-art radiation therapy system that delivers precise image-guided radiation therapy allows veterinarians to pinpoint a tumors size shape and location seconds before radiation therapy begins though fairly expensive and meticulous the benefit and accuracy of this treatment certainly exceeds the costs when your best friends life is at stake tomotherapy literally means slice therapy said dr michael deveau assistant professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences while standard radiation therapy is currently delivered using a few static fields helical tomotherapy delivers treatment with a rotating beam performing a 360 degrees rotation around the patient this allows for accurately directing radiation dose at the tumor itself while minimizing dose to the neighboring normal tissues as the location or shape of the tumor evolves over time the angles and intensity of the beams are also adapted to enhance the accuracy of the treatment the tomotherapy concept evolved to address deficiencies in radiation therapy and provides more precise radiation delivery to the tumor allowing for fewer side effects to normal tissue said deveau it basically is hybridization between all the functional parts of a conventional c-arm style linear accelerator a commonly used machine for radiation delivery in human and veterinary patients and a diagnostic imaging ct scanner radiation is not a benign form of therapy and tolerance to it is dependent on tumor type tumor volume and the volume of normal tissue irradiated the objective of radiation therapy used to treat cancer is to eradicate the disease without producing unacceptable normal tissue complications said deveau the tolerance to radiation of normal tissues depends on the volume and dose received unique to this radiation technique the tumor itself is being treated while excluding or minimizing the dose to surrounding normal tissue structures the conformal radiation beams provide more assurance that the dose will be confined to the tumor in turn producing far more favorable toxicity profiles when compared to similar treatments with inferior techniques and machines ranging anywhere from $6 000 to $7 000 for a four-week session this treatment only lasts for an average of 20 minutes but the preparation is fastidious combining linear radiation therapy and ct scanning technology tomotherapy has the ability to treat tumors that were once considered untreatable and offers new armament for modernizing the management of cancer in veterinary patients suitable for almost all clinical presentations it is one of the best if not the best machine for treating large complex tumors or clinical presentations requiring extended treatment fields said deveau when it comes to our beloved pets this high-tech therapy brings high hopes for their ability to live long healthy lives pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print

the importance of identification april 24 2014 while we do our very best to keep a close eye on fido he tends to let curiosity get the best of him when engaging in an unsupervised stroll around the neighborhood when this happens youll be thankful that you just invested in that slightly-overpriced-but-irresistibly-cute dog collar personalized identification tags and microchip id tags can help with identification in case they get lost or run away said dr stacy eckman a lecturer at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences it lets people know that the dog is owned and is very helpful when trying to reunite the animal with the owner in addition to decorating your dogs with id tags microchips have become an increasingly popular way to keep track of your pets in the case they go missing unlike a tag or a collar it cannot come off and is placed under the skin with a small needle said eckman it is not painful to the pet and they will not notice it and neither will the owner in most instances many people have the misconception that microchips are a gps tracker and can locate a lost pet but really it just holds the pet and owner information once a pet is scanned the information can be looked up to try and reunite the owner and pet said eckman an important thing to keep in mind about microchips is that the information has to be updated if you moveit is not automatic they are very beneficial because most shelters and facilities scan for microchips when an animal comes in which makes it much easier to reunite an owner with their pet however it is important to keep in mind that microchips do not replace the need for dog id tags but merely supplement them some shelters do not have microchip scanners or the one they have may not read your pets particular microchip (though there are a handful of manufacturers on the market and the scanners are getting better at picking up all the different kinds) said eckman if a good samaritan finds your pet having visible tags will let them know it is owned this way they can quickly contact the owner without having to hassle with posting found pet signs around the neighborhood which some may find to be too much trouble even if fido and fluffy spend their time indoors having both id tags and microchips are recommended there are instances when they can run out the door slip through their leash or collar and get away said eckman identification will help them find their way home both of these painless precautions can save you and your pet a lot of heartache in the long run as important as our pets are to us having them go missing is a feeling we hope never to experience by investing in both a microchip and detailed identification tags your dog has a much greater chance of returning back from his sporadic squirrel-chase safe and sound pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print

alternatives to debarking surgery april 10 2014 debarking surgery is quite the controversy in pet news today is it inhumane do the possible risks outweigh the perceived benefits these are viable questions to ask when considering debarking surgery to control your dogs chronic barking however with april being the prevention of cruelty to animals month it is also important to recognize the numerous available non-surgical alternatives to debarking surgery that are said to be safer and even more effective by veterinarians and trainers alike as decipherable from the name debarking surgery is the act of surgically disabling your dog from producing a loud barking sound although the procedure is called ‘debarking it does not result in the inability for the dog to produce any sound at all said dr kelley thieman a clinical associate professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences instead the dog has a muffled quality to its bark and in time could even regain the ability to bark while the benefit of debarking surgery is the muffled-sounding bark there are still numerous complications that could arise and definitely should not be overlooked debarking surgery carries various risks said thieman during the debarking procedure itself risks could include bleeding swelling (preventing air flow) infection and anesthetic complications scarring of the larynx can also occur after the surgery and in some cases may be severe enough to restrict airflow this would require yet another surgical procedure to remove the scar tissue so the dog could breathe bringing with it more unnecessary risk though tiresome when heard for hours on end barking is an important way for our dogs to communicate with us excessive barking can often be fido alerting us that there is a stranger nearby or even that he is in pain surgically disabling him from barking though it might provide you with some relief may not be appropriate when barking can also be controlled with a similarly effective alternative the best way to prevent unwanted barking as advised by both veterinarians and professional dog trainers is proper training some other alternatives could include adequate exercise and environmental enrichment no-bark collars which discharge citronella spray or even a static shock in response to barking are also available said thieman however i think that obedience training combined with exercise and fun dog activities are great options for controlling excessive barking most veterinarians agree that debarking surgery should be used only as a last result when all other options have failed and even then some veterinary clinics refuse to perform the surgery when considering your options it is important to extensively consider the alternatives to debarking surgery to help decide if the risks of putting your dog through unnecessary surgery are really worth the benefit pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print

pet first aid april 2 2014 many of us can remember being cared for by our parents when we were injured as children whether cutting our leg while climbing a tree or swallowing one too many pieces of candy our parents always came to the rescue with soothing words and a first aid kit in hand since our pets are beloved members of the family shouldnt we do the same for them here are some tips and tricks to help ease your pets pain in case of emergency just like for people there are some basic first aid supplies for your pet to always have readily available in your home a good idea is to have a pet first aid kit so that you can concentrate on what you can do for your pet constructively rather than looking all over the place for something that might ‘work but is less than ideal said dr james barr assistant professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences however the most important thing is to have the phone number of your local veterinarian in case of emergency including what to do after hours some items to include in your first aid kit could be an assortment of bandages an instant cold pack gauze and roll pads medical gloves triple antibiotic ointment alcohol and antiseptic wipes a slip-style leash lubricating jelly tongue depressors and tweezers/forceps knowing how to perform basic cpr on your pet and stop external bleeding by applying a pressure wrap are also important skills you should acquire two common examples of emergencies in which basic first aid knowledge can be life saving for your pet include exposure to toxins and excessive external bleeding if your pet is exposed to a toxin get the name of the toxin and try to figure out how much they have ingested and then call your vet to give you further instructions said barr if your pet is experiencing severe blood loss resulting from external bleeding wrap the wound with a towel or bandage to help stop the bleeding and apply pressure to help slow the loss of blood just remember that if being injured is traumatizing for us imagine how it must be for our pets in the event of an emergency it is important to do everything you can to minimize their anxiety this will not only help prevent further injury for them but also to you and your family one must be very careful with injured pets because they are unable to communicate with us and us with them so they are often afraid said barr that fear is then translated into aggression and pets can injure even the best meaning bystander because they are in pain much like you would to a distraught person it is best to talk gently to them using comforting words while first aid is certainly not a substitute for proper veterinary care it may be extremely helpful in preventing further injury and easing your pets pain keeping these tips in mind can save you a lot of troubles in the long run and even ultimately help to save your pets life pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print

guinea pigs march 27 2014 guinea pigs are friendly and playful animals and they can make for a wonderful addition to your family however there are always things to consider before welcoming any new pet into your home and guinea pigs are no different in honor of march being adopt-a-rescued-guinea pig- month here is some information on these fluffy friends to help you decide if they are the right pet for you as with any pet it is important that you have enough time to incorporate pet ownership into your everyday schedule the responsibility of caring for a guinea pig should not be taken any less seriously than that of a dog cat or any other pet guinea pigs need to be properly groomed and have their cages thoroughly cleaned on a regular basis and they require daily interaction outside of their cage all of these responsibilities are necessities and essential for a guinea pigs well-being guinea pigs are generally friendly and curious animals and can make great pets said dr caitlin burrell a zoological medicine intern at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences it is important however that parents teach their children how to handle guinea pigs correctly how to clean their cage and change their food and how to tell if they are feeling ill if you are bringing a guinea pig into your home as a family pet make sure that your children are ready to take on the responsibility figuring pet ownership into a busy after school and weekend schedule can often be difficult for children to juggle adult supervision may also be required for younger children once you have decided you are ready to become a guinea pig parent your next task will be choosing a breed that best suits your family there are four types of guinea pigs commonly seen as pets: the shorthair or english the abyssinian the silky and the peruvian said burrell they can be found at pet stores but many shelters have small mammals such as guinea pigs that would love to be adopted! most animal shelters now accept small animals that are in need of loving homes and you could save a well deserving guinea pigs life while finding the perfect addition to your family guinea pigs can be housed in a variety of cages wire cages can be used but it is important to provide an area of solid flooring to prevent foot lesions said burrell cages can be filled with bedding materials like shredded paper or aspen shavings but cedar and pine shavings should be avoided bedding material also needs to be changed regularly so that toxic substances dont accumulate another factor to consider when creating housing for your new pet is the location of the cage make sure it is safe from any other pets in your home that may view them as prey and put somewhere that social interaction and out-of-cage play time may be supervised if you have small children they should also be kept in a temperature and humidity controlled area and should have places within the cage that they can hide said burrell as for food and diet guinea pigs are herbivores that require a proper balance of fresh pellets hay and fresh vegetables on a daily basis they need lots of high quality hay to promote dental health keep their gastrointestinal tract functioning normally and to maintain a healthy weight they can also be offered small amounts of guinea pig pellets and fresh veggies but the main part of their diet should be hay said burrell additionally guinea pigs need vitamin c in their diet because they cannot synthesize it themselves there are diets that have been supplemented with vitamin c but this can degrade rapidly as the food sits on the shelf burrell suggests that certain vegetables such as dark leafy greens peppers or parsley can be a good source of vitamin c as well rescuing a pet guinea pig from your local animal shelter could bring tremendous amounts of joy and life into your home with the proper care and adequate attention these small pets can earn a large spot in your heart pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print

toxic household items march 20 2014 as caring pet owners we are typically well aware of the various dangers that threaten our furry friends safety keeping their vaccinations up to date making sure they are properly groomed and providing them with the most nutritious food to ensure good health are just a few things that we tend to with the utmost importance however numerous toxic items commonly found around our households are often overlooked and can be detrimental to our pets lives a large variety of household plants foods and chemicals that are considered safe for human use are toxic to our pets some of the most dangerous plants to keep out of your pets reach include any flowers in the lily family including sago palms oleander foxglove castor bean and poinsettias though these are bad for both cats and dogs the toxic dose often differs between species some of the most common foods that can be toxic to dogs are grapes and raisins or any food items containing the artificial sweetener xylitol which can be contained in chewing gum as well as many low-calorie foods as a sugar substitute said dr medora pashmakova a clinical associate professor in emergency and critical care at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences chocolate is also a well-known toxin to pets; however its particularly the dark chocolate and baking chocolate varieties that pose the real threats due to their higher cocoa and theobromine content although cats are more discerning when it comes to eating household items grooming themselves after coming into contact with any toxic chemicals can be very dangerous owners of cats should be vigilant about any chemical spills or even the use of countertop cleaning products which can be caustic when cats groom themselves after being in contact said pashmakova in addition even small volumes of ingested antifreeze or coolant fluid can be lethal to cats and requires seeing a veterinarian right away without waiting for clinical signs to appear a good rule of thumb is that if something is toxic to humans it is likely toxic to our pets as well at the same time medications considered safe in people (such as over the counter pain medications or cold/flu medications) are not safe for dogs and cats pashmakova said never give your dog or cat human medications without speaking to a veterinarian first dr pashmakova explains that keeping your pets safe is similar to keeping babies safe this sometimes includes pet-proofing your house and anticipating what cats dogs ferrets and other small animals can get into keeping cupboards secured bathrooms closed bathroom garbage stowed away medications locked up and any chemical spills cleaned up quickly and thoroughly are just some basics that all pet owners should keep in mind said pashmakova having a good plan of action in the event of ingestion is also key this can be something as simple as calling your veterinarian during daytime hours or calling an emergency hospital after-hours if your pet ingests any of these items it is best to play it safe and contact your veterinarian or the animal poison control center; they can help you determine if your pet needs to be seen by a doctor and if they consumed a toxic dose the texas a&m veterinary medical teaching hospital er is always available to advise on toxic ingestions and the animal poison control hotline affiliated with the university of illinois veterinary school is a 24/7 resource with board-certified toxicologists to advise owners or veterinarians on how to deal with toxicities there is no harm in being extra cautious when dealing with possible toxicities around the house be sure to keep these toxic household items out of your pets reach at all times and to call your veterinarian or poison control center immediately if they do come into contact with them it is always better to be safe than sorry when it comes to the safety of your furry family member pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print

diseases spread between you and your pet march 6 2014 as animal lovers we enjoy spending as much time around our pets as possible it is important to remember however that there are a number of infectious diseases transmittable between pets and their owners here are some zoonotic diseases relevant to our community how they are transmitted and what you should do to prevent them from spreading one of the more familiar zoonotic diseases rabies is a viral infection transmitted through an animal bite and attacks the brain this is by far one of the most serious infectious diseases that a person may get from a pet because it is usually fatal said dr renata ivanek-miojevic assistant professor in epidemiology at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences luckily widespread vaccination against rabies in the western world has reduced occurrence of this infection in dogs and cats and has thus protected human health however the seriousness of the infection should be a reminder to keep our pets vaccinated and avoid contact with stray animals or animals of unknown vaccination status more than 55 000 people die of rabies every year mostly in asia and africa dogs are the source of the vast majority of human rabies deaths said ivanek-miojevic another fairly common disease salmonellosis is a bacterial infection of many animal species of particular concern is that pet reptiles and amphibians are often infected our dogs and cats can acquire salmonellosis as well through eating raw meat and contaminated commercial dry pet food people can get infected by touching animals and surfaces contaminated with the feces of infected animals said ivanek-miojevic an infected person may suffer from abdominal pain diarrhea vomiting and fever and it can be life threatening to very young people or older individuals the best way to prevent the transmission of salmonellosis is to thoroughly wash your hands after handling animals and to always keep your pets living quarters clean as per recommendation by cdc reptiles and amphibians should be kept out of households that include children aged <5 years or immunocompromised persons our feline companions can carry zoonotic diseases as well toxoplasmosis for example is a parasitic infection transmitted through cats feces cats can get infected by eating rodents birds or raw meat or by coming into contact with contaminated soil healthy people that acquire toxoplasmosis usually do not have symptoms but the parasite remains in their body in an inactive state and can be reactivated if the person becomes immunosuppressed said ivanek-miojevic worse a woman that acquired the infection during pregnancy may not experience symptoms but infection can transmit to her baby and result in a miscarriage a stillborn child blindness or mental disability of the child to prevent such transmission it is best to wear disposable gloves and thoroughly wash hands after changing cat litter cat scratch disease or bartonellosis is a bacterial infection that we can receive from cats cats may harbor infected fleas that carry the bartonella bacteria which can then be transmitted to people if bitten or scratched by the cat an infected person develops a mild infection at the point of a cat scratch or bite and lymph nodes around the head neck and upper limbs become swollen said ivanek-miojevic to prevent transmission of the infection people particularly immunocompromised individuals should avoid rough play with cats particularly strays and kittens in order to prevent scratches to play it safe you should always treat your cats for fleas and do your best to keep them away from strays both toxocariasis and campylobacter infections are spread through accidental contact with feces of infected animals toxocariasis a parasitic infection of dogs and cats may transmit to a person when the animal sheds toxocara eggs in their feces and a person accidentally swallows dirt that has been contaminated with it to prevent the infection people particularly children should wash their hands after playing in the dirt or in uncovered sandboxes said ivanek- miojevic feces of dogs and cats should be disposed of promptly and pets should be regularly dewormed particularly if they spend time outdoors and may become infected again the bacterial infection campylobacter is another zoonotic disease that can be spread through food and hands contaminated by infected animals feces aside from occasional diarrhea animals often do not show significant symptoms of the infection if a person becomes infected they may also develop diarrhea which can occasionally be accompanied by fever washing your hands after interacting or coming into contact with pets is a must to prevent the spread of this infection in summary our pets can have a wide variety of infectious diseases many of which could spread from pets to people ivanek- miojevic said in order to protect human health pets should be regularly vaccinated against rabies and treated against intestinal parasites and fleas the closer we share our lives with our pets the more important becomes their health to our own pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print

basic grooming february 27 2014 dr mark stickney a clinical associate professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine was recently mentioned in the article extreme groomers give dogs dazzle regarding creative and eccentric grooming for dogs everything from mohawks flower designs and temporary paint tattoos are created on the animal for bonding between a person and their pooch harmless yet extravagant this extreme grooming fad is becoming increasingly popular among dog owners while dr stickney admits in the article that this type of grooming is not for him he does agree that you should always be sure to keep up with your pets basic grooming just bathe them whenever they need a bath said stickney you dont want to give them a bath more than once a week unless told to do so by your veterinarian for some sort of skin condition any more frequently than that will only serve to dry out their skin if you have an unruly pooch that doesnt enjoy getting wet then some positive reinforcement should usually do the trick one way to encourage them is to use a positive reinforcement such as a treat whenever you put them in a situation where theyre going to get their face or paws wet said stickney also dont go overboard the first couple of times you bathe them easing them into the routine by only putting them in toe deep in the tub is a great way to start giving your cat a bath can provide a whole new meaning to the word unpleasant lucky for us feline lovers cats do a good enough job of grooming themselves without our intervention unless your cat is just filthy its best not to struggle with routinely cleaning them said stickney if they do need to be cleaned the easiest way to do so would be to buy a waterless shampoo that you can simply rub into their skin and then rub out as far as which shampoo to use any type that is formulated especially for animals should work just fine assuming that your pet has healthy skin youll want to use a shampoo specifically formulated for dogs or cats said stickney human shampoos and conditioners have ph levels that can harm your pets skin and cause irritation if however your pet has a certain skin condition or irregularity then consulting your veterinarian about which shampoo to use would be your safest bet one thing that you see commonly with animals that have a lot of loose skin and skin folds is that they will get yeast or bacterial infections in those folds said stickney in that case youll want to consult with your veterinarian as they will probably recommend bathing them more frequently and with some type of medicated shampoo while it may not be necessary to sculpt your dogs fur into exotic jungle scenes as mentioned in the extreme groomers article basic grooming and upkeep is vital to your pets health and happiness pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print

the importance of spaying/neutering your pet february 21 2014 todays widespread animal overpopulation is a direct effect of the failure of many pet owners to spay or neuter their pets with myths such as behavioral changes and health complications resulting from the procedure circulating it can be difficult to tell if spaying/neutering is the right choice for fido or fluffy in order to save millions of homeless animals lives as well as keep your animal in the best health possible these myths should be put to rest once and for all it is a popular misconception that spaying or neutering your pet can negatively affect their health or even alter their personality in addition to helping to reduce pet overpopulation spaying or neutering your pet reduces and can even eliminate the risk of hormone-associated cancer and diseases said dr bethany schilling clinical instructor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences it may also reduce or eliminate unwanted behavioral problems associated with sex hormones if high costs are major a deterrent of spaying or neutering your pet then youre in luck there are numerous low-cost spaying/neutering services found in various regions of the united states and some areas have spay/neuter assistance programs that help subsidize the cost of the procedure at local clinics said schilling it is important to remember that there is also cost associated with providing for a litter of puppies or kittens and more often than not they are turned over to an animal shelter when the owner realizes this many loving pet owners are wary of spaying/neutering their pets as they do not want to cause them pain or harm most of the risk in spaying or neutering your pet is associated with the anesthesia for the procedure said schilling this is why a good physical exam and blood work are performed to help detect underlying issues prior to the procedure you can have your pet safely spayed or neutered at as early as 4 to 6 months of age prior to the onset of sexual maturity is most beneficial said schilling this is both healthy for your pet and effectively helps to reduce pet overpopulation it also beneficial in that it can eliminate various uncomfortable behaviors for fido or fluffy such as nervous pacing while in heat and even male aggression as adorable as a litter of puppies or kittens are there are just as many wonderful pets at a nearby animal shelter that are in need of forever loving homes whether the previous owners lacked the time or the funds to care for them most animals brought into shelters are loving and sweet and no less deserving of a home than any other animal if it is a purebred pet you desire according to the american humane society one out of every four animals brought into an animal shelter are purebred by adopting a loving dog or cat from an animal shelter you can find the pet of your dreams as well as save a deserving animals life spaying or neutering your pets will not only provide long-term benefits for their health and happiness but will also help to save the lives of homeless animals and ultimately reduce the widespread epidemic of animal overpopulation in our world today pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print

pet dental health month february 5 2014 your pets dental health is much more complex than just maintaining a dazzling pearly white smile though easy to overlook our pets oral hygiene should be taken very seriously with february being pet dental health month there is no better time to begin awareness and maintenance of your pets oral hygiene oral hygiene has a direct effect on the overall health of your pet said dr bert dodd clinical professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences dental disease affects a significant number of pets during their lifetime and just like with people there can be serious consequences accompanied with poor dental health the belief that our pets are supposed to have foul breath is a common misconception although their breath certainly wont smell like roses extremely foul odor can be the first sign of a severe dental problem often exceptionally bad breath is the first indicator of oral disease said dodd some other indicators of oral disease may include excessive drooling inflamed gums and loose teeth periodontal disease or gum disease is a disease of neglect said dodd if preventative dental health is not practiced and periodontal therapy ignored other health complications may follow the infected areas of the mouth contain bacteria that can then spread through the bloodstream to other parts of the body such as the heart kidneys or liver preventing such detrimental side effects is possible with regular upkeep and awareness dental care for your pet should begin early on so it is vital that your veterinarian teach you how to properly care for their teeth and gums right away veterinarians can provide demonstrations of the most effective and hassle-free way to brush their teeth as well as which diets and toys are the safest and most effective another important step in caring for your pets dental health is to provide them with complete teeth cleaning under anesthesia with your pets veterinarian oral examinations and cleaning should be performed on your pet at least once a year said dodd they should be performed more frequently if home care cant be done or if there are other oral problems in addition to annual oral examinations daily home dental care is vital home care includes everything from brushing using proper dental chews water additives and dental diets said dodd a toothbrush and toothpaste specifically made for pets as well as wipes and pads are just a few items to invest in like regular grooming and exercise dental care should become a routine for both you and your pet to strictly follow regular tooth brushing accompanied by annual oral examinations and at home checkups will lead to one happy pet with a dazzling and healthy smile pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print

equine lameness january 30 2014 with the chinese new year approaching on january the 31st it is time we recognize the new years chinese zodiac: the horse symbolizing character traits such as intelligence energy and strength while the chinese zodiac horse may be strong and full of energy what happens when yours adopts uncharacteristic behaviors of limited mobility and weakness though equine lameness is a problem seen in many horses during their lifetime there are ways of preventing and treating it to help your horse be as healthy as the chinese zodiac horse this year equine lameness or limping has various different causes some of the common causes are due to a traumatic event a performance induced injurysuch as a strained tendon or ligament or pulled muscleor a wear and tear type injuries causing arthritis or bone spurs in joints termed osteoarthritis said dr robin dabareiner associate professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences there are also some causes of lameness that young horses are born with termed ‘developmental bone disease where the cartilage and bones do not form correctly once recognized it is important to have a lameness evaluated immediately by a veterinarian noticing that your horse is limping or moving irregularly is an obvious way to detect lameness a horse used for barrel racing for instance will all of a sudden quit wanting to run the barrel correctly the next step would be for the owner to seek help from a veterinarian who will then observe his movement and perform nerve blocks to determine which area of the leg is hurting after localizing the source of pain diagnostic imaging is the next step said dabareiner using radiographs (x-rays) ultrasound or mri we can look at images of the area to see what is causing the pain treatments for equine lameness can include anything from rest and anti-inflammatory medications to joint injections with cortisone to surgery the treatment depends on what the problem is and there are usually numerous different treatments for every problem said dabareiner choice of treatment varies with many factors such as what the horses job is owner expectation severity of the problem age of the horse and cost of treatment in order to prevent lameness you should always be sure that the horse is in the right physical condition to perform the job he is doing some strategies for preventing such injuries could include letting horses get to know each other before turning them into a pasture together or using protective leg gear when riding or competing and avoiding deep or muddy grounds hopefully the chinese new year will bring your horse immense amounts of strength and energy if seabiscuit isnt behaving quite like himself however these tips for preventing and treating equine lameness should get him feeling race-ready in no time at all pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print

polly want a home january 22 2014 when people think of animal shelters being inhabited by homeless animals dogs and cats are the typically the pets that come to mind unfortunately there are just as many unwanted birds in need of a loving home overrun with the more common pets like cats and dogs animal shelters often cannot appropriately cater to these abandoned birds needs this is where bird rescue foundations swoop in to save the day organizations have taken on this challenge of rescuing unwanted birds and providing forever homes or placing them in pet homes said dr jordan gentry a veterinary resident instructor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences depending on the organization there may be strict requirements to meet before even being considered as a bird adoption home if youre contemplating bird adoption requirements typically include extensive applications adoption fees and possible veterinary costs additionally some organizations only allow adoptions to people within a certain local area said gentry adopting a bird easily costs more requires more work and will limit you to only birds that have been given up for adoption; however sometimes the right bird becomes available and occasionally people meet the requirements of adoption just keep in mind that many relinquished birds could have severe behavioral problems such as biting and aggression that led to them going into the rescue center in the first place make sure you have the right environment for the bird as well as the time and patience to care for their specific needs if youre willing to accept the challenges and have met the specific requirements there are several preparations to make prior to pollys arrival if you have done your research you can have the cage set up in advance and take some steps to make your new birds transition easier said gentry most of the adoption organizations will have plenty of recommendations or requirements before you will be allowed to take the bird home and like with your other pets you should take your new bird in to be seen by a veterinarian within the first seven to ten days in their new environment there are various organizations in the united states to find rescued birds in need of a caring home located near college station there is the national parrot rescue & preservation foundation adopting birds in houston and the surrounding areas the gabriel foundation in denver colorado is another well-known parrot adoption venue in addition to these options pet birds are occasionally available from other venues such as classifieds internet forums or even through a&m zoological medicine service said gentry remember that it is always important to research any bird species you are considering bringing into your home while bird experts and enthusiasts may be the perfect fit for taking home a new winged companion remember that bird ownership is not for everyone adopting a pet bird from a rescue foundation means adopting all of the difficulties previous owners have created in the past so be sure that youre willing and able to provide for them if you do have the time and patience to care for these beautiful creatures though then providing them with a forever loving home and maybe a few crackers can make both you and polly very happy pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print

dog walking your way into the new year january 16 2014 just as many of us try and start the new year off with a healthy new workout routine the same should be true of our pets whether theyre old or young large or small all pets should be properly exercised on a routine basis to ensure their health and happiness since we all have busy schedules a simple way to provide this for our dogs is taking them on a daily walk walking your dog helps keep them physically fit can improve their behavior and improve the bond they have with you said dr stacy eckman lecturer at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences frequent walking has been proven to help potty train your pet as well the number of times a week that you should walk spot as well as how long the walk should be is very dependent on your dogs age and size as young puppies they may not be able to go as far but as they get older they will be able to go further if they are small one and a half to one mile may be plenty; however larger more active dogs could go for several miles said eckman the duration and frequency of the walk also depends on the purpose if it is done strictly for exercise once daily may be enough but if they are going for elimination they may require shorter walks four or more times daily it is also important that you only begin walking your dog once they are finished with all of their immunizations ideally they should be finished with all of their vaccines and be on heartworm and parasite prevention which is typically around 14-16 weeks of age to decrease their exposure to contagious diseases and parasites eckman said finding the time in your busy schedule to walk spot can be difficult but daily walks are important for both you and your dogs health some pets benefit from both morning and evening walksthis may cut down on behavior problems while you are away at work said eckman during the summer when temperatures soar it is best to go either in the early morning or late in the evening so they do not overheat often the struggle of getting your dog to cooperate can overpower your desire to walk them to prevent your dog from walking you or fighting the leash as opposed to creating slack basic training is a must teaching basic commands such as sit stay and heal helps keep you in control and also adds safety while on your walk said eckman there are also leashes that help keep pets from pulling like gentle leader or promise collar which take a bit of training to use but are most helpful when basic commands and routines are not working often once dogs get into a routine they settle into the walk and stop walking you so as you contemplate your new years resolutions be sure to add one that will benefit your best friend as well spot will be healthier happier and better behaved and you may be as well just as we sometimes need a buddy to hold us accountable it will be hard to turn spot down when he greets you at the door with a leash in his mouth; just say yes pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print

home for the holidays december 19 2013 traveling over the holiday season is a tradition that many families uphold whether youre going to visit out-of-town family members or embarking on your annual colorado ski trip escaping from the hustle and bustle of everyday life can be quite the holiday treat for your furry family members however this is not the case being left alone at home while the people you love are away can be an unsettling experience so here are some tips for keeping your pets comfortable and happy while youre gone there are many viable options to consider if your pet is not accompanying you on vacation hiring a pet sitter boarding your pet at your veterinary clinic or doggy care facility or even asking your animal-loving neighbors if spot could stay with them for the week are all good possibilities it is your animals personality and preferences that determine which of these options will work best some pets do better at home like cats or dogs who are easily stressed but some pets can be destructive when left alone for too long said dr stacy eckman lecturer at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences both pet sitters and boarding facilities offer many benefits depending on the pet for the pet that would be more comfortable in his or her own home pet sitters can be a wonderful choice pet sitters can come often and check on not only your pets but also your home said eckman by staying at home your pets are in familiar surroundings with plenty of space to move around however if your animal is not tolerant of new people coming into your home it may be difficult for the pet sitter to come and care for your pet for instances such as this a boarding facility would be the better option however there are always risks to consider when sending your pet off to be boarded in most boarding facilities your pet is in a kennel and although some facilities offer ‘suites for your pets these are still much more confined areas than many pets are used to said eckman and while many facilities require immunization against many of the more common disorders your pet can still be exposed and susceptible even if they are properly immunized once youve weighed the risks and benefits to decide which option would work best for your pet it is time to evaluate which sitter or boarding facility is the perfect match when choosing a sitter ask for references from fellow pet-owning friends and follow up with the owners on how their pets were when they returned from their trip researching a boarding facility before your trip is a good idea as well visit the boarding facilities ahead of time and ask yourself ‘what do they smell like how is the noise level said eckman prior to leaving your house with the sitter there are some preparations you should make to ensure a comfortable and safe experience for both the sitter and pet unplug all unnecessary electronics especially those your pet can pull the cords on and close off any rooms the pets should not be in while youre away said eckman having the pet sitter come and spend a little time with your pet before the trip can also be helpful if youre leaving your pets at a boarding facility there are ways you can ensure their comfort during their time away from you some boarding facilities offer day visits to allow your pet to visit once or twice before a trip which can help them acclimate to the environment before a longer trip said eckman taking a special toy or blanket with your pet may make them a little more comfortable outside the home whether you choose to put your pet up in a boarding facility or have a pet sitter come to your home just remember that for your pets being left alone while their family is away can be a stressful situation make sure to give them plenty of love and affection before your departure and upon your arrival remember that while you may enjoy a vacation away from home for your pets there is no place like home with their family for the holidays pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu editors note: in observance of the holidays pet talk will be on hiatus until jan 9 2014 wishing everyone all the joy of the season! print

nutrition for the holidaysa time to stuff your stockings not your pet december 13 2013 the holiday season is one filled with gleeful celebrations among friends and family often these celebrations entail large holiday meals festive desserts and snacks and enough leftovers for a months worth of sandwiches while we try to be cautious of our own health and nutrition throughout the holiday season it is just as important that we care for our pets nutrition as wellno matter how convincing fidos begging face is for the chocolate cake in the center of the table while youre out grocery shopping for the perfect holiday meal is a good time to reevaluate the foods that youre feeding to your pet foods should be individualized for the pet not chosen based on what one pet needs and then given to all of the other animals says dr debra zoran associate professor at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences the key is to feed a diet that is complete and balanced for cats and dogs both wet and dry foods are perfectly acceptable as long as you know what to look for the decision of which to feed your pet should be based on which they prefer wet food has a high water content (about 80% water) and can also be high in protein and low in carbohydrates all of which is good for cats said zoran dry foods can be quite acceptable as long as they are high in protein (at least 40%) low in carbohydrates (less than 15%) and fed in meals not by free choice on the part of the pet dry food for dogs is typically preferred due to its lower costs especially when supplying food for larger dogs as for all natural or diet dog and cat foods it is again most important that the food is balanced and has all of the necessary vitamins and minerals all natural pet foods are like commercial wet or dry (processed) foods in that you cant always be sure whether they are a high quality highly digestible product that is complete and balanced and if they will be a good choice for your pet the same considerations exist for diet foods said zoran in general diet foods are fine if they are high quality and fed in the proper amount however there is nothing magical about weight loss diets; if you feed them too much they will still gain weight or at least fail to lose weight consulting with a veterinarian or a veterinary nutritionist is important if you are unsure about the quality of the food you are selecting while we have all fallen victim to those big puppy dog eyes or soft sweet meows from underneath the dinner table it is vital that we are aware that some foods that can be incredibly detrimental to their health chocolate grapes raisins and onions are examples of common foods people eat that can have disastrous consequences for pets such as seizures kidney failure anemia zoran said in general it is best not to feed dogs or cats anything spicy fatty or not in their typical diet says zoran however small pieces of cooked meat or a vegetable can be okay for example feeding a small piece (it should not be more than 10% of their total diet) of cooked chicken thigh with no bones or skin is completely fine and a reasonable treat when the first of the year rolls around fitness centers become filled with people beginning their new years resolutions to get in better shape but what about when our pets need to shed a little excess holiday weight to keep healthy just like with us weight gain is a combination of genetics metabolism what we are eating how much we are eating and how much we are exercising says zoran any of these can have a major effect on body weight so it is important to feed your dog or cat good food the right amount of it and keep them active the ideal situation is not to let your pet get overweight – you can help prevent this by weighing them often and then adjusting how much food they are eating up or down accordingly and asking your veterinarian for help if you have questions or concerns this holiday season just remember that most of the holiday treats we enjoy are not good for our pets so to be sure that fluffy and fido enjoy the holiday celebrations as much as we do it is best not to share our holiday food instead stuff their stockings with pet toys that will keep them active thin and healthy pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print

a bed for fluffy and fido december 2 2013 just as we desire to curl up in bed after a long day at work our pets enjoy a comfortable place to rest from an afternoon of guarding the house or chasing squirrels in the backyard with so many types of elaborate bedding to choose from selecting the right one for fluffy and fido can be a bit daunting here are some tips to make the bedding hunt a little easier the best bedding for your dog or cat is one tailored to their specific needs and preferences first observe how they prefer to sleep does fido like to sprawl out on the floor cuddle on the couch or rest on a big pillow this can give you a good idea of what exactly they would enjoy in their own bedding next factor in their age size and any specific health requirements they might have puppies and kittens cannot regulate their body temperature so for them additional heat support to roughly a temperature of 90 degrees fahrenheit is necessary for the first couple weeks of life said dr medora pashmakova a clinical assistant professor in emergency and critical care at the texas a&m college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences if newborns are wet or placed next to cold objects (such as metal cages or concrete floors) in drafts or in outdoor enclosures they can lose considerable amounts of heat because of this all puppies and kittens should be kept indoors where the temperature can be controlled and they have access to additional heat if needed if your pet has an allergy to a particular material by all means try to avoid it beddings these days are made of many different materials: cotton polyester woolso find whats right for your pet and what allows for easy cleaning said dr pashmakova dogs and cats can have sensitive skin and airways so using perfume and dye-free detergents can keep irritation to a minimum it is also recommended that if your pet has had or currently has a flea infestation paying special attention to bedding and its appropriate care such as bleaching or just replacing altogether is important to prevent future infestations when selecting the perfect bed you should also consider any medical conditions such as arthritis that your pet has many manufacturers now make heated beds which is particularly useful for older dogs and cats that have orthopedic diseases pashmakova said keeping their joints warm and on soft padding will make them a lot more comfortable in the winter months alternatively a simple plush bed with soft sides is usually more than adequate for the remainder of the year to help prevent your dog or cat from the catching diseases washing fluffys bed on a regular basis is recommended to keep the bed and surrounding environment clean and germ free the most important aspect of bedding is your ability to keep it clean and dry which will help to keep your pet free of disease and more comfortable said dr pashmakova with the weather becoming colder and the nights becoming longer out wandering the streets is no place for a cat or dog if you decide to take in a stray animal for a night there are ways to make them as comfortable as possible without exerting too much effort you dont need to go out and find anything special sometimes a cardboard box lined with towels can be perfectly comfortable said dr pashmakova both can be thrown away once the pet is no longer in your possession to prevent the transmission of disease or parasites that may have been on the homeless pet pashmakova explains that the space for the animal doesnt need to be very large just enough to provide them with enough room to sit lie down and turn around comfortably if fido is an outdoor-only dog his bed requirements might be a bit more particular outdoor bedding should include a shelter and non-porous bed that can be easily cleaned said dr pashmakova warm and dry bedding should be provided in the winter and cool shade and plenty of water in the summer however your pet really should not be left outside without shelter in extreme weather conditions if in doubt always bring your pet inside a good rule of thumb is ‘if its uncomfortable for you its probably even more uncomfortable for your dog or cat said dr pashmakova taking these tips into consideration will undoubtedly help you find the perfect snoozing spot for fido and fluffy whether its a plush heated bed or simply a cardboard box lined with old blankets just remember that they dont require elaborate expensive furnishings to be happy; all they really need is you pet talk is a service of the college of veterinary medicine & biomedical sciences texas a&m university stories can be viewed on the web at vetmedtamuedu/news/pet-talk suggestions for future topics may be directed to editor@cvmtamuedu print