Continue reading »]]> Turquoise Animal Hospital is proud to announce our sponsorship of this year’s Walk for Animals! The walk will be on Saturday, May 5th at Crown Point Shores. Registration begins at 7am and the walk starts at 9am.

According to the Humane Society’s website, “the morning festivities include a delicious pancake breakfast, a scenic ¾ mile walk, fun-filled doggie activities and contests, and an array of vendors”.

Turquoise Animal Hospital will be at the event with our infamous prize wheel!

For more information, visit the San Diego Humane Society’s website. We hope to see you there!

Continue reading »]]> Most commercially available pet treats are not nutritionally balanced for your pet and can lead to digestive problems, weight gain, heart problems from high salt content, etc.  The following home made treats will allow your pet to stay on its regular diet while making them feel “special” and spoiled.

CANNED PET FOOD:

Cut into bite-sized pieces and bake in your microwave for approximately 2 ½-3 minutes. This will change the texture but not damage the nutrients, and is an excellent treat for your pet, while still feeding the necessary diet.

ALTERNATIVE MICROWAVE RECIPE:

Sliced canned pet food into 1/4-1/2” thick pieces. Place 3 “cookies/patties” on plate. Bake on high 3 minutes on the first side; turn over and bake for 1 minute on “high” on the other side.

DRY PET FOOD:

Grind the kibbles into flour using a blender and then mix with enough water to form dough.  Shape into “cookies” and bake them on a cookie sheet in the oven for approximately ½ hour at 350 degrees, until crispy.

OTHER RECOMMENDED PET TREATS AVAILABLE FROM YOUR VETERINARIAN:

• Hill’s Prescription Diet t/d is designed to help keep the teeth clean.  It is available for dogs and cats.
• Hill’s Prescription Diet Hypoallergenic Treats for pets with allergies.
• Enzymatic Chews are rawhide treated with enzymes to help keep the teeth clean.

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Pets are good for us. They help us feel loved, needed, and accepted.  Also, recent studies show that pets may help relieve loneliness, reduce tension, lower blood pressure, calm, and cheer us.  We can return the favor by caring for our pets responsibly and lovingly.

GETTING A PET IS A BIG DECISION

There’s a lot more to it than just “falling in love” with the perfect pet.  Before you get a pet, you need to learn what’s involved in responsible pet ownership. Some important questions to answer include:

• Why do you want a pet?
• Are you ready for the long-term commitment a pet requires?
• What can you offer a pet?
• Do you know the traits and needs of various types of pets?
• What sort of pet should you get?

WHAT CAN YOU OFFER A PET?

Remember that a relationship with a pet is a two-way street.

Carefully consider the following:

• Time? Pets need attention and affection, just like people. Daily care, including feedings, grooming, and exercising takes time, too.
• Space? How much room do you have? If you live in an apartment, for example, you will want a different sort of pet than if you live in a house with a yard.
• Restrictions? For example, if you rent, are their any rules regarding pets? Are you familiar with community laws concerning pets?
• Cost? Early expenses may include physical examinations, vaccinations, spaying or neutering, and parasite control. Other routine costs include food, grooming supplies, etc.
• Patience? Most pets need training. If you get a young pet, consistent daily training is a must.
• Health? For example, is anyone in your family allergic to animals? Will you be able to give your new pet the exercise it needs?

IMPORTANT CONSIDERATIONS

• Age. Baby pets are cute, but need careful training and lots more attention.  Older animals may be more reliable—a good match for elderly people and/or small children.
• Breed. Learn about the general characteristics of different breeds.   Also consider how much exercise, space, and grooming each breed require.
• Sex. There are pros and cons for pets of both sexes.
• Spaying or Neutering. There are millions of unwanted pets in the world.  This is a responsible choice.  It also will help your pet live a happier, healthier life.

SPECIAL NOTES

• Avoid giving a pet at holiday time when everyone is keyed up.  Instead, give a “gift certificate,” and wait for a calmer time to get the pet.
• Children may help with pet care, but don’t forget that the main responsibility will fall on your shoulders!  Your example will help children learn to care properly for pets.
• Teach children to handle pets gently,
• Never leave small children alone with pets—careful supervision is a must!

A FINAL CHECKLIST

• I know what type of pet I want.

• I have enough time for that type of pet.

• I can afford to provide appropriate veterinary care, food, and grooming.

• I know what I’ll do with the pet when I take a vacation.

• I am willing to obey community laws concerning animals.

• I am able to provide the appropriate amount of exercise for my new pet.

• I am willing to be patient in housebreaking and training.

• I am willing to make a commitment to the pet for its entire life.

Continue reading »]]> A lot of things could cause a cat to start sneezing. Here are a few possibilities:

• Dust, pollen, or other airborne particles: These can cause sinus irritation in cats, just like they can in people. Sometimes we can unintentionally put a lot of irritating particles in the air by doing things like lighting a candle, turning on the heat or air conditioner after not using it for a season, keeping windows open, dusting, or lighting a fire in the fireplace.
  Allergies: Though allergies often cause skin problems in cats, they can also cause a runny nose, itchy eyes, and sneezing. Your cat may be allergic to something new in his diet, a new cleaning product, or something as simple as pollen
• Cigarette smoke: This is actually the most common cause of respiratory problems in cats.
• Infection: Has your kitty been boarded or groomed or around new cats lately? She may have picked up an upper respiratory viral or bacterial infection from another cat. Respiratory infections can have effects much like human colds and sinus infections.
• Dental problems: The sinuses are closely connected to the roots of the teeth. If a tooth root is infected or inflamed, it can easily cause drainage into the sinuses and lead to sneezing.

This is an incomplete list – there are other things that could be making your cat sneeze as well. If he doesn’t seem better in the next few days, you should take him to your veterinarian for a thorough examination.

Article originally appeared on healthypet.com

Note: All content provided is meant for educational purposes only on health care and medical issues that may affect pets and should never be used to replace professional veterinary care from a licensed veterinarian. This site and its services do not constitute the practice of any veterinary medical health care advice, diagnosis or treatment.

Continue reading »]]> ARTHRITIS is also known by the medical term “Osteoarthritis.”  It is a disease resulting in degeneration of one or more joints of the body. Reasons joints become affected with arthritis include injury, birth defects resulting in malformation, and aging.

As a result of whatever the cause, the slick surface of the bones in the joint (cartilage) is worn away exposing the underlying bone which is much rougher. As inflammation from the roughened edges rubbing within the joint, the joint capsule (lining of the joint), ligaments, and adjacent muscles become irritated and scarred.

The above description of the development of arthritis makes it easy to see why your pet may not want to do simple ordinary things such as running, jumping, or even walking in severe cases.  The pet may first appear stiff on the afflicted leg.  As it progresses over time, a limp may become noticeable and eventually your pet will have difficulty in rising from a lying or sitting position.

Signs of Osteoarthritis include:

• Lameness
• Hot, swollen joints
• Pain, especially with exercise
• Decreased “range of motion” (shorter steps)
• Decrease in muscle size

Treatment of Osteoarthritis attempts to:

• Reduce pain
• Prevent or slow down degeneration of the bone
• Restore function as much as possible

Diagnosis of Osteoarthritis includes:

• History
• Physical examination
• Radiographs (x-rays)
• Joint fluid analysis

Treatment for Osteoarthritis may include the following:

• Rest; keep warm and dry; use soft bedding, such as “egg crate mattress”
• Weight loss to decrease overall pressure on joints
• Anti-inflammatory drugs (i.e. Carprofen) NEVER GIVE IBUPROFIN (MOTRIN) TO PETS
• Drugs to increase joint fluid (Adequan Injections, Glucosamine supplements)
• Non-weight bearing exercise (such as swimming) to maintain muscle strength and range of motion.
• Surgical correction

There is NO CURE for Osteoarthritis – BUT LIFE CAN BE Made MORE COMFORTABLE!!!!

It is important to re-evaluate regularly to evaluate effectiveness of treatment and progression of disease.

Continue reading »]]> Otitis means an inflammation of the ear.  It may involve the outer ear, middle ear, or inner ear. Often more than one part is infected.  Ear infections are often very painful for your pet.

Causes of ear infections include ear parasites (mites), injuries, bacterial or yeast infections, and matted hair in the ear canals, allergy, or foreign objects in the ear canal.  Over-the-counter ear cleaners and the use of peroxide to clean the ears by well-meaning owners often cause the infection because the ears cannot properly drain and dry after cleaning.

Long, floppy ears are more prone to infection because the area inside the ear canal becomes warm, dark, and moist which is the perfect environment for infections to live.  The major problem is that the normal anatomy of the ear does not allow for drainage of ear discharges.

Signs of ear infections include scratching at the ears and/or shaking the head.  Ears are often very red.  A foul, smelly discharge is often present if the infection involves the outer ear.

If ear infections are not properly treated, the infection often becomes “chronic” which means it tends to reoccur.  Recurrent infections cause the ear canal tissue to change in appearance becoming thick and rough.  This often severely impairs hearing, potentially causing your pet to become deaf.

The type of ear infection must be determined by examination of the ear discharge under the microscope as well as visually inspecting the ear canal and ear drum with an otoscope.  Due to the severe inflammation often present, sedation is sometimes required to properly examine and treat the ears.

Middle ear infections often occur as a result of infections ascending through the Eustachian tube from the throat and tonsils.  In many of these cases, the outer ear appears to be perfectly normal.  This is because the ear drum prevents the infection from escaping from the middle ear.

Treatment varies with the type of infection and length of time the infection has been present.

Systemic antibiotics are often required as well as topical medication.  Chronic infections may require life-long treatment to keep the infection under control.  This is why it is so important that you follow directions and treat the ear for a sufficient length of time.

Continue reading »]]> Non-stick cooking spray can be used to coat cage bars to ease removal of dried droppings and/or food. It also prevents rust.

Use a small, hand vacuum for quick cleanups. Vacuum or sweep up feathers at least once each day.

Keep perches free of dried droppings to help avoid illness and sore feet. Scrape the perches. Clean with sandpaper. A putty knife can also be used to loosen the debris from the perch.

Disinfect perches in bleach and dry them in the sun.

If your bird is not tame, buy a spare cage to transfer it to while you clean the primary cage.

Change paper on cage bottoms every day.

NEVER use paper printed with colored inks. Many of these inks are toxic to birds.

When cutting newspapers to line the bottom of the cage, cut several sections at once. Remove one or two layers daily to help ease cleanup.

Your bird probably enjoys music as much as you do. Tune in a favorite radio station, especially when you are away from the house.

Tie undyed leather shoelaces into complicated knots, and then hang this toy from the top of the cage. Your bird will love untying the knots and chewing on the leather.

Offer your bird balls with bells. These balls, which are usually made for cats, will allow your bird to entertain itself for hours.

Allow your bird plenty of supervised playtime outside the cage every day.

Do not offer your bird foods or drinks that contain caffeine, such as chocolate or coffee. Caffeine is potentially toxic to birds.

Add chili peppers to your bird’s diet. There are many varieties; they are nutritious and most birds enjoy them. Bones with some meat left on are relished by many birds, as are pork and beef bones. These bones are an excellent source of protein. Be sure that the meat is well cooked.

Watch closely for any of the following signs of illness in your bird:

• Change in character or number of droppings.
• Change in food or water consumption.
• Change in appearance or posture (ruffled feathers, change in stance)
• Noticeable breathing at rest or heavy breathing after exercise.
• Any enlargement, even fat, in a bird is abnormal!

Continue reading »]]> When a Customs and Border Protection agent performed a routine stop on a man crossing between Mexico and the U.S. on Dec. 14, 2009, they asked the Los Angeles resident if he had anything to declare. He said he had a bottle of tequila, nothing else. Then the agent noticed a rustling under a blanket in the back seat. Turned out the man had more than just a bottle of tequila – he was also attempting to smuggle 15 shivering, 2-month-old poodle-mix puppies (shown above) to sell over the holidays.

All 15 puppies were sick, dehydrated and exposed to varying degrees of parvovirus. The man, who had been caught on numerous occasions smuggling poodle-mixes across the Mexican border, surrendered the dogs, but he was not issued a ticket or a fine for the incident, because he was not breaking any state laws.

California is in the midst of a pressing Chihuahua problem, but for several years, puppy trafficking has been an equally vexing issue. Puppies are smuggled across the border wrapped in plastic, stuffed into milk crates that are duct-taped shut. They are being sold on the side of the street in border towns, and outside swap meets in San Diego. The problem got so bad that law enforcement agents formed the Border Puppy Task Force in 2005.

According to Lieutenant Dan DeSousa of the County of San Diego Department of Animal Services, the spike in smuggled puppies always happens over the holidays. “It’s the American ideal: The kids come out on Christmas morning and there’s a puppy bounding out from under the tree.”

Typically, the puppies are sold through ads in local classifieds or on Craigslist.com. Using a prepaid cell phone, the seller will make arrangements to meet the buyer in a parking lot for the exchange. “You go to this parking lot, and common sense flies out the window when you see these adorable little brown eyes,” DeSousa tells PEOPLEPets.com. “You will shell out $500 for a puppy that within a day or two ends up getting very sick. You can’t go back to the Wal-Mart parking lot, they’ve already thrown that cell phone away.”

Puppy trafficking was more pronounced five years ago, but since then, there have been fewer puppies being discovered at the border. DeSousa believes the puppies are being smuggled at younger ages, smugglers are getting better at hiding them, and during the sales, are providing forged veterinary records. DeSousa wants the business to stop.

“We have to dry up the market in the United States,” DeSousa says. “We tell people all the time, ‘Don’t do this. Go to an animal rescue group.’ But when you see those eyes looking back at you and the puppies are whimpering – oh my God, it’s hard, but these puppies suffer and sometimes pay the ultimate price because of one person’s greed.”

It’s best to rescue a puppy from a shelter or reputable rescue. But, if you should decide to buy a puppy, the task force offers a few things to remember:

* Exercise restraint and common sense.
* Never buy a puppy from a seller who wants to meet you in a parking lot.
* Don’t ever pay for an animal with cash.
* Ask for credible records about the puppy’s health.

http://www.peoplepets.com/people/pets/article/0,,20493581,00.html

Note: All content provided is meant for educational purposes only on health care and medical issues that may affect pets and should never be used to replace professional veterinary care from a licensed veterinarian. This site and its services do not constitute the practice of any veterinary medical health care advice, diagnosis or treatment.

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What is Parvo?

Canine Parvovirus is a viral disease of dogs that was first reported in early 1978.  Parvovirus is capable of causing two different sets of clinical problems. The first to be recognized, and most common, is the “intestinal” form which is manifested by diarrhea; often bloody vomiting, loss of appetite, depression, fever, and sometimes death.  The second syndrome, the “cardiac” form, occurs in very young pups and is manifested by an acute inflammation of the heart muscle. Any age, breed or sex of dog could be affected by Parvovirus. However, infection with Parvovirus does not automatically mean illness. Several factors such as age, environment, stress, parasites and general health status of each individual dog infected could affect the severity of illness. The degree of illness could range from very mild to unapparent to very severe, often resulting in death.  The disease is usually more severe in young dogs (less than 6 months of age)  or old dogs.

Where Did it Come From?

Experts agree that canine Parvovirus is closely related to Parvoviruses that affect other animals.  Where the virus originally came from remains unknown, but it is possible that it is a mutant from another Parvovirus that affects other species of animals.  Man is not known to be affected by canine Parvovirus.  Since its first appearance in 1978, canine Parvovirus has spread to every continent in the world, probably the result of the hardy nature of the virus.  It is resistant to extremes of temperature (i.e., it survives freezing and extreme heat) and is unharmed by detergents, alcohols and common disinfectants.  Direct transmission occurs when an infected dog comes in contact with a healthy dog.  The virus is found in heavy concentration in the infected dog’s stool.  The virus particles can be easily spread on shoes, clothing and other inanimate objects.  Fleas, as well as people, can therefore act as indirect sources of infection.  Once it gets a foothold in a kennel, it is difficult to eliminate.

Oral Phase

The disease process begins with the oral ingestion of Parvovirus from the feces of an infected dog. The virus initially invades the lymph glands of the throat (lymph nodes and tonsils) where it multiplies. Following multiplication in the lymph glands for l to 2 days, the virus then enters the blood stream which causes the VIREMIA phase (virus in the blood).

Viremia Phase

This phase is characterized by massive amounts of virus in the dog’s bloodstream, which in turn is spread to all parts of the body, such as, the intestine, bone marrow, spleen, other lymph nodes and the heart (in young pups less than 8 weeks of age).  As infection spreads, the symptoms of illness become apparent.  (See “symptoms” in next section).   The Viremia phase can last for approximately l to 9 days.

Contagious Stage

The final phase in the cycle is the contagious or “shedding” phase.  As many as 30 billion Parvovirus particles can be shed from the intestines of an infected dog in every ounce of stool. The highest concentration of virus is seen in the stool when the infected dog is showing signs of illness. A dog can, however, be a source of infection to other dogs without having observable signs of illness.

Transmission can occur for at least 3 weeks after a dog becomes infected with the virus.  Chronic “carriers” are not know to exist as in other viral diseases.

What are the Symptoms?

The symptoms below indicate a problem warranting medical attention.  Early, vigorous treatment of illness caused by canine Parvovirus infection is imperative since vomiting and diarrhea can lead to dehydration and chemical imbalance in the body.  If your dog shows these signs, see your veterinarian.  Early treatment can save lives.

Cardiac Form

(less than 8 weeks of age)

• Sudden death
• Crying, difficulty breathing, gasping for breathe
• Extreme depression
• Weakness
• Unwillingness to nurse
• Irregular heartbeat

Intestinal Form

(any age dog affected, but more severe in puppies)

• Depression
• Loss of appetite
• Fever (above 103 degrees F)
• Vomiting
• Diarrhea with or without blood (more serious if blood present)
• Low white blood count

How is it Controlled?

Control of Parvovirus by sanitation measures alone is extremely difficult because the virus is such a resistant, hardy organism and because it is so easily spread.  Contact with other dogs and especially their stool, should be minimized.  Clorox diluted one part to 30 parts with water has been effective in disinfecting inanimate objects such as clothing, floors, kennels, etc.  However, it is impractical, if not impossible, to disinfect public streets, parks, etc.  Isolation of infected dogs is another method of control, although moderately effective.  Both of these measures will help reduce the amount of contagious virus in the environment, but only vaccination will control the actual source of infection, the contagious shedding dog.

Vaccination

The most effective control measure for canine Parvovirus disease is vaccination. A properly immunized dog will have circulating antibodies in the blood that will destroy Parvovirus following exposure.

The Role of Maternal Antibodies Against Parvovirus

Maternal antibodies are antibodies against Parvovirus which are passed from the mother to the puppies through the “first milk” or colostrums.  They provide the puppy with an immediate temporary or “passive” immunity.  The mother obtains these antibodies from prior vaccination or by natural exposure to Parvovirus.  However, maternal antibody is a two-edged sword; it protects the puppy against disease early in life, but it also blocks active immunization.  In the case of Parvovirus, maternal antibody can interfere with vaccination for as long as 14 to 16 weeks of age in some pups.  A refractory period can exist in some pups where very low, almost undetectable levels of maternal antibody will inhibit the vaccination process but will not prevent Parvovirus infection.  Since the level of maternal antibody varies from puppy to puppy, it is important to begin vaccination at an early age and repeat every 3-4 weeks until the puppy is at least 16 – 18 weeks old.

Article originally appeared on healthypet.com

Note: All content provided is meant for educational purposes only on health care and medical issues that may affect pets and should never be used to replace professional veterinary care from a licensed veterinarian. This site and its services do not constitute the practice of any veterinary medical health care advice, diagnosis or treatment.