Wellness Testing for Senior Pets

Important Facts about Senior Testing

As pets age, their body systems tend to gradually deteriorate and may lose their ability to function properly. We recommend senior testing to help us detect and treat disease early, so that we can help maintain health and prevent illness during your pet's senior years. Early detection of disease often gives us more effective and less costly treatment options. And senior testing helps establish normal baseline values for your pet, creating a point of comparison for the future.

 
Is your pet a senior?
  
If your pet is 8 years of age or older we consider him or her to be a senior. Your pet may seem healthy well into its senior years. However, many problems common to older pets may not present with symptoms until your pet becomes seriously ill. Senior testing can help us identify problems early enough to institute preventative and proactive healthcare measures.

Which pets should have senior testing?

We recommend senior testing for all geriatric pets, as well as any pets who are exhibiting one or more of the following symptoms: weight loss or gain, increased thirst or urination, lethargy, vomiting, diarrhea, poor hair coat, coughing, seizures, unusual behavior, or overall decline in condition.


What is senior testing?

Your pet's complete senior testing program includes:

A physical exam is the most important part of a senior care program. Your veterinarian will assess all body systems and check for any abnormalities.

Blood chemistry tests measure levels of various substances in the blood to help diagnose diseases such as diabetes, liver and kidney failure.

 
A complete blood count (CBC) provides a detailed look at the blood itself and helps detect anemia or infection. 

A thyroid screen helps diagnose thyroid disease, which is especially common in older dogs and cats.

A urinalysis gives information on kidney function and checks for urinary tract infections.

Radiographs (X-rays) of the chest and abdomen may be recommended.

All senior dogs and cats can benefit from an "early peek" inside to help detect potential trouble before it gets the upper hand and is more difficult and costly to treat.

Let us know if you have any questions about our recommendations, or contact us today to arrange a senior wellness screening for your pet.

My dog has Atopy. Now what?

So, your veterinarian has diagnosed a condition in your dog called Atopy, a contact skin allergy resulting from a combination of environmental and genetic factors.

Genetically, dogs with Atopy usually have a defect in their skin barrier which allows the triggering substances (and secondary bacterial and fungal invaders) to penetrate the skin. The result is itching, inflammation, hair loss, and infection.

The list of environmental substances that can trigger this allergy includes:

 

Grasses

 

Pollens

 

House Dust

 

House Dust Mites

...and many others.

The only true way to determine the specific substance(s) that your dog is allergic to is through an Allergic Skin Test. Best performed by a dermatology specialist, this test involves injecting small amounts of many known triggering substances into the skin and evaluating the dog's response to each substance. It may then be possible to develop injections to desensitize your dog to these offending allergens.

  What can you and your veterinarian do to treat the symptoms of Atopy and prevent or lessen the severity of future flareups?

For treatment of current conditions (inflammation/infection) your veterinarian may prescribe anti-inflammatory medications and antibiotics as well as medicated shampoos and ear medications. Therapy is usually very successful in giving your dog relief and treating secondary issues associated with the allergic reaction. Your veterinarian may also recommend supplementing your dog's diet with Vitamin E, which has anti-inflammatory properties and can improve the skin barrier.

Recurrence of your dog's reaction to the allergic triggers is common and to be expected. However, during the "season" associated with flareups, there are steps you can take at home to reduce and even prevent frequent trips to the vet for treatment. The key is diligent and consistent routine maintenance of your dog's skin during the allergy season. This proactive approach includes:

Medicated shampoos: During flareups or at the first sign of symptoms, your dog should be treated by shampooing at least two times per week. The dermatology experts say every other day is even better.

After shampoo leave-on rinses/conditioners: These products contain various ingredients to prolong the antibacterial, anti-inflammatory, and anti-fungal power of the shampoo. They also help to restore and maintain a healthy skin barrier.

Topical "spot-ons": Special medicated "spot-ons" have been proven to spread beneficial oils over the surface of the skin to further aid in promoting skin barrier health.

Baby wipes: Non-scented baby wipes can be used to wipe down your dog's feet when he or she comes in from outside, thereby removing allergens.

Note that almost all of these products are available by prescription only, and are formulated specifically to aid in managing diseases such as Atopy. Your veterinarian can help guide you to the right products for you and your dog. And remember: early intervention and consistent management are crucial to get your dog comfortably through the allergy season.

Happy Dental Month!

February is the month dedicated to Pet Dental Health, but the health of your pet's mouth depends upon preventative care all year round.

Dental disease is one of the most common issues we encounter in our hospital. The pain and infection can break your pet's spirit, though this may not always be obvious. The detrimental effects on the mouth and internal organs often result in other serious and expensive diseases.

One of the most important things you can do for your pet is to have him or her examined for signs of dental disease. Proper treatment and future preventative care can prolong and even save a healthy life for your pet.

For Pet Dental Awareness month we have chosen a few informative articles that we hope will help you understand the nature of dental disease, and how to prevent and treat it. 

Bad Breath (Halitosis) in Pets (pdf)

Ten Steps to your Dog's Dental Health

How to Brush a Dog's Teeth


Additionally, during the month of February we are offering a 10% discount on dental cleanings!

Post by Herschel Animal Clinic.

It's not too late to make a New Year's resolution - For your pet!

  
2015 has just begun, and now is a good time to think about taking care of everything on your "to do" list for your pet's health. Here are our recommendations for preventative health care to help keep your pet healthy and help you avoid high vet bills.

1. Update your pet's vaccines.

2. Take steps to ensure that you have your pet on Heartworm Prevention and Flea Control.

3. If your pet is not spayed or neutered, get it done as soon as possible.

4. Get those extra pounds OFF! Not only will your pet have more energy and feel better, but you will help prevent many diseases related to being overweight.

5. Have your pet checked for any concerns that have been nagging at you. It may be wise to get that worrisome lump removed, or get a dental cleaning.

6. Consider routine bloodwork for an elderly pet.

Winter Pet Dangers: The Cold Hard Facts

Even in the South, winter can be harsh on pets. Low temperatures are stressful and can be dangerous, but there are several other potential threats that are not as obvious. Could your pet be vulnerable to more than just the cold?

Many dogs and cats use pet doors to go in and out. During colder months, wild animals are more likely to find these doors when seeking shelter. In addition to being a nuisance to humans, these animals may attack your pet.

 
Antifreeze is deadly to pets! It can become accessible when a leak occurs in a car's radiator or if the antifreeze is changed and the old fluid is not disposed of properly. The liquid is sweet and tasty and it takes very little to be fatal.

Outdoor cats may try to get warm by climbing up under a car's hood. When the engine is started, the fan belt can cause devastating injury and death.

*Professional stunt cat. Don't try this at home.

Your dog or cat may be unaccustomed to a radiator or heater being on--and hot! Also, curious pets may suffer burns or worse from a lit fireplace. Supervise carefully to ensure your pets' safety.

Winter is often a time for an increased use of rat poison. Like antifreeze, this product is deadly, so proper use is essential.

Cooler temperatures can make arthritis pain worsen or show itself for the first time. Soreness, stiffness, limping, and other signs of discomfort can be alleviated with medications, and in some cases, lifestyle changes.

Some cats may be reluctant to use a garage or basement litter box in an area that is now much colder than it was in warmer months. The same may be true for a litter box next to a formerly dormant heater or furnace which is currently making a rumbling sound.

With a few precautions and a little common sense you can make the winter season "warm and fuzzy" for your pet.

Do you really need to worry about heartworms?

"Please don't bite me!"

Heartworm disease is one of the most common and preventable diseases encountered in pets. Caused by a parasite that is transmitted by mosquitoes, heartworm disease can result in devastating lung inflammation, heart failure, and damage to other parts of the body. Successful treatment can be risky and quite expensive. Prevention of heartworm infections is the key and that is why it is on our list of the Top 10 Ways to Avoid High Vet Bills.

Dogs are the natural and intended hosts for heartworms. Cats are not natural hosts, so they are less frequently affected.

If you live in any region of the country that has mosquitoes, then you live in an area that has heartworm disease. And if you own a dog that is not routinely tested, and kept consistently--year round--on heartworm preventative medication, then there is a high risk that your dog will be infected.

Myth:

"My dog is an inside dog, so heartworm disease is not a concern."

Buster:

There are plenty of opportunities for a mosquito to bite a dog that only goes outside to eliminate. Also, mosquitoes love to feed indoors on a dog that uses potty pads. When it comes to mosquitoes and heartworms in the Southeast, there is no such thing as an "indoor dog".

Myth:

"Mosquitoes can't penetrate a long or heavy haircoat."

Buster:

Mosquitoes are very adept at getting down to skin through any haircoat, and they often feed on the top and relatively hairless part of a dog's nose.

Adult Heartworms

Myth:

"It is expensive to keep my dog on heartworm prevention."

Buster:

The cost vs. benefit analysis of heartworm prevention cannot be overstated. Heartworm disease continues to be very common and the expenses associated with the resulting illness and treatment far exceed the cost of prevention. And fortunately, many low cost options for heartworm prevention are available.

"Me? Worry?"

So, do you really need to worry about heartworms? 
With timely testing and consistent prevention, we can work together to help ensure that you and your dog never suffer the consequences of Heartworm Disease, thus making the answer to that question - NO!

What do Halloween, Thanksgiving, Christmas, Hanukkah, and New Years mean for your pet?

We all look forward to the holiday season, and when fall hits the air we know that a long period of celebration is just around the corner. During this time, it is important that we take precautions to protect our pets from the stress and dangers that they may face. We see many preventable illnesses during the holidays. Here are some tips to keep your pet happy and safe:

Be mindful of the many plants, treats, and food items that can be toxic (poinsettias, lilies, holly, onions, chocolate, dough, and items sweetened with xylitol). For a more complete list of toxic substances, see the poison control information at ASPCA.org. 

Vomiting and diarrhea are common reasons for a trip to the vet during the holiday season. Food from the table or the trashcan, even if not on the "toxic list", seems to be ingested more frequently during celebratory gatherings, and may cause gastrointestinal upset.

When toys, tinsel, and other decorations are around, the chance for foreign body ingestion rises sharply. Open flames are also a danger for swishing tails and curious noses. Traffic often increases during the holidays, so the chance of being hit by a car rises. Keep a sharp eye out for potential hazards, and as always, SUPERVISE!

Family gatherings involving people--especially children--unfamiliar to your pet can be stressful. Consider your pet's need for a safe and quiet place away from the chaos.

Don't forget the fireworks on New Year's Eve and their potential effect on your pet. Be sure to plan ahead if your pet will require medication to ease his or her fear of loud noises.

With a little forethought and planning, the holiday season can be as joyous as it should be and need not be a time for an unexpected trip to the vet!