CAROLE AND HIGGINS DEALING WITH STEM CELL REPLACEMENT THERAPY

Stem Cell Replacement Therapy

Higgins was a few months old when we noticed his gait was funny. He would also pull himself up from his front, not push from his rear to stand. When he ran, his back end was like a rabbit, both back legs together. I called my vets office and they said they could not do anything until he was two years old. That is when OFA will give a certification. As I trusted my vet, I didn't push.

Higgins has been in training and going to classes since he was two months old. Yes, we got him too early and from , well never mind, we love him.
One night our trainer said he was really off. He would lie down and not want to do things, or not want to walk up two steps to our front door. I took him to a different vet the next day and he did x rays. They were not pretty. His hips are like dinner plates.

At that time he went on pain meds until we decided what course of treatment or just as a plan. It was NEVER MY long term plan.
We did forward the x rays to OFA even though he was only 1 year at this time. They sent back SEVERE HIP DYSPLASIA at that time.

I called a friend with whom we had shared litter mate Irish Wolfhounds. She mentioned Stem Cell Replacement.

I looked all over the Internet. All the research I could on it and all my options, including total hip replacement. It was scary. All I did was thank God that we were the ones to get him and could help him. I talked with UF in Gainesville, as we had gone there with our Wolfhound for some diagnostics.
There were a lot of different stories about shaving the hip ball and total replacement. If you do a shaving (TPO) and it doesn't work, then what? Total hip replacement was 6-12 months recovery per hip. Ugly thought.

We decided to look into Stem Cell as it was least invasive and the only risk was at incision site. VERY MINOR!!!! If it didn't work, we could go to other options.
There was never a question of letting him go. We would and will do all for this dog!!!!
I think I was numb through some of this. Devastated that he had such ortho issues. My " breeder" when told, was only concerned about how much it would cost to find out if the parents had it.

I felt guilt for not insisting on checking him sooner. In felt guilty for his pain. I felt like the worst mom in the world. But I see now that some of his behavior was pain related. He was always stealing and destroying things. Chewed everything.

I researched stem cell on the Internet, I made calls to the companies who made the equipment to spin out the juicy cells. I was all over YouTube. I found a vet that was only two hours away in Atlanta. I called him. We had a few conversations, I sent him the x rays and of course a picture of Higgins. He said he looked like a good candidate for the procedure. So I took him up to see the doctors. They did more x rays and blood works.

 All looked like a go. But he had to be off his pain meds for 10-14 days. They wanted his hips and knee to be inflamed and angry. That was very difficult. He had some relief and then I was going to let him be in pain for two weeks. That hurt me.

From the time of diagnosis to procedure was about a month.

The night before surgery, Higgins and I made the drive to Atlanta and spent the night in a hotel. He had to be in at 7am.

The morning of the procedure, we went to the office. In the morning, they would make an incision in his belly and extract some fat cells. Those cells would be spun to get the stem cells. All this was done at the doctors office. In the afternoon, they would inject both his hips and knee with the cells.
We chose to bank the cells in case we would need more down the line.

I picked up him late that afternoon and took him home. I was dealing with a very large, very dopey dog. That was fun getting him from the car to the house. He got out of the car, walked a couple of steps and would plop down. This continued for about half an hour.

He came home with the cone of shame to keep him from biting at his belly stitches. He also had pain meds and antibiotics. He was on walk only for a couple of weeks, then mild exercise until his one month check up.

The first day he showed improvement. At least when he was awake. Those pain meds knocked him out! After day four, we cut back.
I was told to expect improvement for 30 days, plateau from 30-45 days, and more improvement after that. He followed it.

We are about 18 months post procedure. He has done very well. He loves his walks, runs, and swims. Loves to play with other dogs. He loves kids reading to him, going to dinner with us. I constantly watch him. I look for signs of discomfort or pain. His hips are not fixed. Stem cell replacement helps to rebuild the cartilage in the joints. With that, you can develop muscle tone which helps with joint stability.
There is a very good probability we will have to repeat the injections. That is the easy part. That is why we banked the cells.
One day we may be faced with needed to do a surgery. But I pray that never happens. He lives a good life and is pain free now.

Writing this brings back some memories and the pain of knowing my guy suffered. Every day with him is a gift. Could we have avoided this by going to a reputable breeder? Most likely. Did we know better than to buy a cute puppy. Yep. All my life I have been around show dogs and breeders (various breeds). Not for one second do I regret getting him. I have always felt he came into our lives for a reason. Aside from the comic relief. He is famous in this town. He goes to the school. He goes to church for Childrens Minutes. He does NoseWork.

His story may help someone else.

I will always be available to answer any questions you may have.

Written by Carole Crawford
member of TRUE NEWFOUNDLAND DOG LOVERS

Canine Hip Dysplasia

The hip is a ball-and-socket joint in which the rounded portion of the femoral head inserts into a socket (called the acetabulum) in the pelvic bone. When this joint functions normally, it allows a wide range of motion, as well as provides maximum body support.

Hip dysplasia is a complex disease. It was first described in the 1930s and was thought to be a rare, uncommon disease. The disease process begins early in life, and as it progresses, causes a deformation of the hip joint as well as the development of degenerative joint disease (commonly called arthritis). Abnormal hip joint laxity (looseness between the femoral head and the acetabulum) is the initiating factor that results in hip dysplasia.

Hip dysplasia can be seen in almost all breeds of dogs, although it occurs most commonly in the large and giant-breeds. It is the most common inherited joint disease of large dogs and the most important cause of arthritis in the hip.
Breeds of dogs with a high incidence of hip dysplasia include Akitas, German Shepherds, Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever, Rottweilers, Newfoundlands, and Chow Chows.
Hip dysplasia is not caused by one single gene. It is a polygenitic, complex disease, caused by several genes. The expression of the disease, or how it affects individual animals, depends upon several factors. Altering the environment in which the puppy is raised can contribute to the severity of symptoms. Experiments have shown that low protein diets and reduced activity during the puppy stage may reduce the symptoms of hip dysplasia. In these dogs, even though symptoms may not be as severe, they still have dysplastic hips and carry the genes that contribute to the disease. Another factor that influences the symptoms of hip dysplasia is pain tolerance level. Like humans, individual dogs have different pain tolerance levels. Some dogs with mild hip dysplasia have painful hips and are severely crippled. Other dogs with similar radiographic features do not have painful hips and do not exhibit the same degree of lameness. In both situations, the dogs have dysplastic hips and should not be considered for breeding.
The only current method for reducing the occurrence of the disease is by selective breeding. Only dogs that have sound hips, with no radiographic signs of hip dysplasia, should be used for breeding. Dogs with radiographic signs of hip dysplasia should not be used for breeding and should be neutered at the appropriate age.
Radiography (X-rays) is the only method for accurately diagnosing canine hip dysplasia.
Symptoms of Hip Dysplasia
Clinical symptoms of hip dysplasia commonly begin between five to eight months of age. In some dogs, symptoms appear earlier. In other dogs, symptoms appear later in life. A small percentage of dogs with radiographic signs of hip dysplasia show no symptoms at all. Dogs that are radiographically positive for hip dysplasia that show no clinical symptoms of the disease should not be bred as they contribute their genes to their offspring.
There is a wide range of symptoms for dogs with hip dysplasia. Some animals have a slight limp, while others are severely crippled. A hind end lameness is the most common feature seen in dogs suffering from hip dysplasia.
Symptoms seen in dogs with hip dysplasia include:

• Wobbly gait—the back end appears wobbly
• Bunny-hopping gait (in the rear legs) when running
• Difficulty manipulating stairs—particularly climbing stairs.
• Difficulty rising from sleep or a sitting position—when rising, the weight is often placed on the front legs to relieve the pressure on the hips.
• Dogs often shift their weight from the back end to the front. These dogs often have well-developed muscles in the front and lack muscular development in the rear.
• Dogs with hip dysplasia often have degenerative joint disease (arthritis). Like humans, the disease is worse in the mornings and improves after mild exercise.
• All dogs with hip dysplasia do not experience severe pain. Some dogs experience little pain and you would never know that they had the disease.

Diagnosis
Since hip dysplasia can often be confused with other rear leg injuries, a complete veterinary exam (along with X-rays) is required for a diagnosis. X-rays are essential for confirming the diagnosis as well as evaluating the nature and severity of the disease.
X-rays and Hip Dysplasia
There appears to be a general misunderstanding regarding x-rays and hip dysplasia. A dog showing symptoms of hip dysplasia can be x-rayed at any age. If there is radiographic evidence of hip dysplasia, the diagnosis is for the entire life of the dog. It doesn't matter if the dog is three months or eight years old: once x-rays are taken and there are radiographic signs of hip dysplasia, the animal is labeled for the rest of his or her life. Even if the dog exhibits absolutely no symptoms of hip dysplasia (limping, etc.), if there is radiographic evidence, the animal has the disease. If used for breeding, these dogs can pass their dysplastic genes to their puppies as easily as a dog exhibiting severe symptoms of the disease. This is the rationale behind radiographing all medium and large-breed dogs before establishing a breeding program.
All puppies appear to be born with normal hips. In dogs affected with hip dysplasia, radiographic changes become evident within several months to several years. A good x-ray at a young age does not rule out the possibility of hip dysplasia occurring later in life. At 24 months, more than 95 percent of dogs with hip dysplasia show radiographic changes associated with the disease. The O.F.A. does not classify a dog's hips until he or she is at least two years old.

The Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA)
For more detailed information, visit the OFA's excellent and informative website. The OFA is a private non-profit foundation. Presently, they maintain the largest data base on canine hip conformation in the world.The purpose of the OFA is twofold:

1. To provide a standardized evaluation for hip dysplasia.
2. Serve as a database for the control of hip dysplasia.

How the OFA Functions
Veterinarians who have specialty degrees in veterinary radiology evaluate all x-rays that are sent to the OFA. There are about 20-25 board certified veterinary radiologists who make up the OFA. These radiologists are located throughout the United States in both private practice and at universities. From the pool of 20-25 veterinary radiologists, three are randomly selected for each case. Each radiologist independently evaluates an animal's hip x-ray. This evaluation takes into consideration variations due to sex, age, and breed. After interpreting the x-ray, each radiologist independently assigns a rating to the hip.
Hip ratings fall into 7 classifications. These categories include:

1. Excellent
2. Good
   
3. Fair
4. Borderline
5. Mild Hip Dysplasia
6. Moderate Hip Dysplasia
   
7. Severe Hip Dysplasia
   
   

Hip grades of excellent, good, and fair are considered within the normal limits for the breed and are given OFA certificates with OFA numbers. Radiographs classified as borderline, mild, moderate, and severe hip dysplasia do not receive OFA numbers. Dogs must be at least two years old in order to receive an OFA number.

This dog was x-rayed again at two years and had normal hips.

The OFA accepts radiographs of puppies as young as four months of age for preliminary hip evaluation. These dogs do not receive an OFA number and must be radiographed again at two years of age (or later). This is often done for dog breeders who are interested in detecting puppies with hip dysplasia. If a puppy is diagnosed with hip dysplasia at a young age, the economic loss associated with training, handling, and showing is greatly reduced.
Treatment
Both medical and surgical treatments are available for dogs with hip dysplasia. Medical treatment focuses on exercise restriction, controlling body weight, and management of pain. Most cases of moderate hip dysplasia are managed this way. Swimming is an excellent form of exercise for dogs suffering from mild hip dysplasia.
Pain killers and anti-inflammatory medications are commonly used to control symptoms associated with hip dysplasia. Medications frequently used include:

• Aspirin
• Naproxen
• Adequan
• Cosequin
• Phenylbutazone
• Carprofen

Some of these drugs may cause harmful side effects. Before beginning a treatment regime, a thorough consultation with your veterinarian is required. Frequent visits to the veterinarian may be necessary in order to adjust dosages and change medications.
Surgery is generally performed on young dogs or dogs with severe cases of hip dysplasia. The decision for surgery should should be discussed in detail with your veterinarian. Surgery is expensive and often requires extensive post-surgical home care.
Presently, three surgical techniques are used for dogs with hip dysplasia. Each one is briefly described below.

1. Triple pelvic osteotomy—This surgery is almost exclusively reserved for young animals (usually aged five months to one year). Radiographs of the dog's hips cannot show any signs of degenerative joint disease (arthritis). The surgery involves rotating the acetabulum (socket portion of the hip) to a more normal position in relation to the femoral head. This changes the orientation of the hip socket.
   
   Results of the Surgery
   
   Ball is seated more deeply in socket.
   Eliminates joint laxity and corrects the abnormal conformation of the ball and socket.
   
2. Femoral head excision—This procedure eliminates the pain of hip dysplasia associated with arthritis. It is considered a salvage procedure, recommended when pain and irreversible arthritis are present. The surgery involves the removal of the femoral head (ball portion of the joint). After a period of time, scar tissue fills the area between the femur and the acetabulum. This scar tissue functions like a joint and about 70% of hip-joint functionality is restored. Femoral head excision surgery is relatively inexpensive, requires minimal post-surgical home care, and can be done at any age. The surgery works well in small and medium-size dogs (dogs weighing less than 45 lbs.).
   
3. Total hip replacement—This surgery is similar to total hip replacement in humans. The ball and socket are removed and replaced with implants. Success rates are high (95 percent) as optimal joint function is generally restored. Presently, this is the best surgical technique for correcting hip dysplasia in adult large-breed dogs. After a recuperation period, most dogs regain full, pain free hip function and live normal active lives.
   

The decision to perform surgery should not be taken lightly. Discuss the various options with your veterinarian before making your decision.
Forty years have passed since hip dysplasia was first described. Despite years of research, it is still the most common inherited joint disease of large-breed dogs.
 

OCD explained

OCD

By Julie Mabire and Bonnie Moser Datson in TRUE NEWFOUNDLAND DOG LOVERS. 

 

Osteochondritis dissecans (OCD) in Dogs

 

• THANKS TO DOGTIME FOR THE INFO 

No, OCD isn't a condition that compels your dog to keep checking on his buried bones or constantly wash his paws. In this case, OCD stands for osteochondritis dissecans, a painful joint disease that affects shoulders, elbows, and knees.
OCD mainly strikes large-breed dogs, and is fairly common in Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, Rottweilers, Great Danes, Bernese Mountain Dogs, and Saint Bernards. Not all big breeds are vulnerable: OCD is less likely to affect Doberman Pinschers, Collies, and Siberian Huskies.
Most often the cause is rapid bone development, so OCD is usually found in puppies between four and eight months old. However, it can occasionally be found in older dogs, as well as smaller breeds. It affects male dogs about five times more often than females.
The pain is caused by inflammation and lesions on the smooth cartilage in the dog's joints, right where the bones meet. Small pieces of the cartilage break off and float free in the joint. Those bits of cartilage don't die; they keep growing. (In fact, they even have a painfully cute name: "joint mice.") Once they're floating free, fluid builds up and calcification occurs. The joint gets inflamed and swollen, nerves get irritated, and the pup is in pain.
Causes
No one's quite sure what causes OCD. Heredity is obviously part of the problem (and if you can, you should ask if your dog's mother or father had the condition). Too much stress on a young dog's bones, restricted blood flow to the cartilage, diet and nutrition, and weight problems may also be factors, but exactly how much or how preventable the condition might be isn't known.
When it's time to see a vet
It's fairly easy to notice if your dog has OCD. First, be aware if your dog is one of the large breeds prone to the condition. If so, watch for any of these signs :

• Limping
• Favoring one paw or leg while walking or even when lying down
• Swelling at the shoulder or, more rarely, the elbows and knees
• Pain when trying to extend a swollen joint

A vet can make a solid diagnosis with an exam and some X-rays.
Treatments
There are two kinds of treatment for OCD: conservative and surgical.
Conservative treatment is used for mild cases and the youngest dogs. It's basically four to ten weeks of very restrictive "bed rest," where walking is restricted to bathroom trips. That means no running, no romping. As difficult as that can be to enforce, the cartilage will then heal on its own in about 60 percent of cases, and the dog can get back to playing.
Surgery is used for more severe cases, or where the conservative approach hasn't worked. In the surgery, the vet will remove the joint mice and repair the lesions. After surgery and a couple of weeks of rest, almost all dogs make a complete recovery and return to 100 percent function. It's very rare for the condition to recur.
Prevention
Prevention is an iffy proposition. Some people believe that an overweight growing dog will be more likely to develop OCD, but there isn't much evidence yet.
Still, it's common sense to protect a young pup's limbs from unnecessary physical impact, such as repeated jumps off a deck or out of a car. And diet certainly plays a role; there are a number of puppy foods that promote healthy bone growth and may reduce your dog's odds of getting OCD.

NANCY AND DOUGAN DEALING WITH OCD

The following is my initial chat with Nancy about doing this segment and its purpose:


Julie Asks:
Hi Nancy,
I was thinking of setting up something to share experiences of surgeries and pre /post op procedures. Mainly to help anyone else who has to go thru the same traumas. From when you first thought there was a problem with Dougan and updates thru his recovery as they happen, would you be interested in me doing this with you of course? I won't be upset if you say no thanks. And maybe members could give you support and help throughout. Vets tell you medically, but it's us carers who deal with all that happens.

Nancy Replies:
It's a wonderful idea! I would be more than happy to do this with you. You are right, it's frightening, you have second and third doubts with you and with your vet. If we could help other members get through this, it would be a wonderful thing to do... let alone, it will help us vent our own fears.

Nancy Adds:
Hi Julie, One thing I would like others in the group to know is to not to second guess their decision. I have done that, and PLEASE DO NOT THINK I'm putting anyone down, but the many cautions of some well meaning people kept going through my head. I had to make peace with my decision and I believe I found a best doctor in the area. If you would relay this message to others going through this, that would be good.

Julie :
Will do Nancy, George is setting something up for me soon, so I will keep you up to date. If at anytime you want to stop, or don't like something posted, let me know, I will respect your decision. I have been thru a lot myself and I know sometimes it is hard. But to help others deal with similar issues, I think would be fantastic. I will be asking others who need surgery to do the same type of thing, So hopefully we can all learn about the diseases and ailments from an owners perspective. Thanks again, Thinking of you and Dougan. XX


Nancy:
 If you think it would help, would you also add that people need to trust their own gut feelings. If I waited for Dougan's surgery or called it off completely, he would have both shoulders in lots of pain, and getting this procedure done when they are young is safer, since they aren't a huge dog going under, and they will heal with a lifetime of no pain. I'm saying this because up until my hubby and I dropped him off I was having second thoughts and wanted to call it off. It's a good thing for Dougan that I didn't.

SO NOW THEIR STORY IS SHARED:
Dougan was born 9th September 2012.

At 5 Months of age Nancy noticed a slight limp, at first she thought he had laid on his leg wrong, or growing pains. It continue and learning how our newf puppies must be so careful for the first year, She watched him very carefully, On some days his limp seemed to disappear, other days he was worse. It made no sense at all to her, after 6 weeks she  called the vet.  The Vet examined him completely, he didn't flinch, cry out, in fact he seemed to enjoy it!  The Vet told us to watch him for the next couple of weeks, giving Nancy deramaxx for Dougans pain. She decided NOT to give it to him after the first time, he jumped and ran like never before. That was a red flag for her, she didn't wait the weeks before having the x-ray, which members now know of the results. If Nancy didn't learn that the first year of his life, he is to be treated like he's made of glass, she doesn't think that she would have gotten him checked out. That makes her wonder how many dogs go with this disease with the owners not knowing.
Nancy states" in a nutshell, if there's a limp that just won't go away, don't waste time, GET AN X-RAY!"


Dougan and Nancy waiting to the see the specialist... if's official, he has OCD, so he's having his procedure next Tues, the 16th April 2013.

 


Tuesday 16th April 2013
Dougan is out of surgery, the doctor x-rayed the other shoulder to make sure, and it's a good thing. Both shoulders were effected with OCD, but the doctor is very pleased with the results, not only will Dougan make a complete recovery, he will have a long and healthy life.
Nancy could hear the care in the doctors voice. He wants Dougan to stay over night and into the afternoon. He wants to make sure he is returned to her in as good shape as possible.


Wednesday 17th April 2013
Dougan is home! That's the good news, the bad news, he is NOT a happy camper, he wasted no time in flipping his food bowl. He did hide his new bone, ignored his new toys and let Nancy know that he wants out of the prison. what they call his crate.




Friday 19th April 2013
Dougan is trying to be a good boy, Nancy had to call the hospital this afternoon to ask them their definition of "calm and quiet". This doctor got on the phone right away,  she was glad to hear him laugh when he heard what Dougan was trying to do. He's happy to hear Dougan wants to play and run, he's glad to hear Dougan's appetite is back to normal so quickly, but Nancy is not to allow him to try to get on the sofa with her nor is he to try and play with Pollyanna.  She now has a complete list of Do's and Don'ts.  They are very lucky to have such a fine animal hospital so close.

Nancy is relieved to see him so quickly be a handful! LOL.. that one night with him in the hospital was too quiet for them!


Sunday 21st April 2013
I asked Nancy how Dougan  was feeling and her reply:
He is full of trouble and fun! He wants to run, skip, hop, jump and fly! Keeping him "calm and quiet" is near impossible.He slams into the sides of his crate, he barks, cries, bark, did I mention he barks?I'm afraid he's going to hurt himself, so I let him walk in the kitchen, the doctor said it was ok, but the silly boy tries to take off and play. So, thank you for asking, Dougan is doing great!

Monday 22nd April 2013
Dougan is doing so well after a short period of time. He does look like "poodle boy" but thats ok, we like all breeds. I can't wait for the staples to come out so we can take off that collar.


23rd April 2013.
Poor Dougan, he's so bored! Both the vet and I laughed out loud when he told me to keep him "calm and quiet"...

29th April 2013.
Dougan had his staples removed yesterday. I was asked how we are doing keeping him "calm and quiet"... I told the doctor about him flying off the porch, over the rabbit fence, how he wants to play and be a 7 1/2 month old puppy. I am to keep him "calm and quiet" for another 4-6 weeks, but this time with the help of Acepromazine. I don't love the idea of drugging him, but I like the idea of him having pain and trouble throughout his life even less.

Dougans red eye after his first pill.


1st May 2013
Dougan's meds wore off at 1:45AM... he needed to go outside, he staggered out, so I didn't bother with the lead... WRONG MOVE! He took off for a romp with Pollyanna, me heading up in the rear calling .."come, come,... Dammit Dougan, GET OVER HERE"... The two of them had fun under the star lit night. I DID NOT! I had to get in the car, drive down the road, Dammit Dougan took off! I'm over feeling bad about drugging him...



16th May 2013
Dougan was on the floor, moaning and soft woofs... I run to his side, feeling his tummy, rubbing his sides, OK... he seems ok... he does it several times... I rush to the files to look up bloat. I am ready to call an ambulance for him, ok, they don't take dogs... get a grip. He continues, I rush to his side to comfort him... the last time I notice him looking out of one eye to see if I'm on my way over. LOL... He got my number, Mom's a drama queen and I'm gonna get all the attention I can! I am so glad he's calm and quiet and not causing trouble! LOL... I love this nutty boy!





21st May 2013
DOUGAN saw the vet this afternoon, he can again he a normal puppy. He has two weeks more of slowly building up his activity, but no more on the leash while outside, he can walk and swim and no more medicine... woohooo!

Poisons A-Z - Common Items

Poisons A-Z - Common Items

By Bonnie Moser Datson

From www.vetstreet.com

Pet Poisons From A to Z — 26 Common Items That Are Dangerous to Cats and Dogs
BY DR. MARY FULLER | MARCH 15, 2013

It can happen to even the best pet owners. You turn around for one second and the dog is into the chocolate that was sitting on the counter, or the cat has discovered the Easter lily you thought was safely out of the way.
“We just don’t realize how determined our pets are to eat the things they shouldn’t,” says Dr. Tina Wismer, DVM, medical director for theASPCA Animal Poison Control Center.
Of the more than 180,000 cases that the organization handled in 2012, most of them involved pets who'd ingested human prescriptions. “Many children with ADHD don’t want to take their medications, so they leave pills on their plates, where pets can get at them,” Dr. Wismer says. “Even nonprescription medications, such as ibuprofen, can be a problem because many brands have a sweet coating, so it’s like candy for dogs.”
As part of National Poison Prevention Week (March 17-23), Vetstreet has compiled an A to Z list of some common pet poisons that should be on your radar. This list is not all-inclusive, so for more information on these and many other toxins, check out the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center website and talk with your vet.

• Acetaminophen, which is found in Tylenol and other medications, can cause liver damage in dogs. Cats are even more sensitive: Ingestion of a single 325 mg tablet by a 10-pound cat can cause anemia and even be fatal. Toxicity Ranking: moderate to severe.
• Batteries can be toxic to both dogs and cats, leading to ulcers in the mouth, esophagus and stomach. Toxicity Ranking: moderate to severe.
• Chocolate can cause seizures and death in dogs and cats. Darker chocolate, such as unsweetened baker’s chocolate, is more toxic than milk or white chocolate. Even cocoa bean mulch, when eaten in large quantities, can be a problem.Toxicity Ranking: moderate to severe.
• Detergents and fabric softener sheets can cause ulcers in the mouth, esophagus and stomach in dogs and cats. Toxicity Ranking: mild to moderate.
• Ethylene glycol is found in antifreeze, windshield de-icing agents and motor oils. Dogs and cats are attracted to its sweet taste, but as little as a teaspoon in cats or a tablespoon in dogs can cause kidney failure. Recently, antifreeze and engine coolant manufacturers have agreed to voluntarily add bittering agents to reduce the products’ appeal to pets and children. Toxicity Ranking: severe to fatal.
• Fertilizers can contain poisonous amounts of nitrogen, phosphorus, potassium, iron, zinc, herbicides and pesticides. Keep dogs and cats away from treated lawns until they are dry. Check the product packaging, though, since some products must be rinsed into the lawn before it is safe to walk on. Toxicity Ranking:mild to moderate.
• Grapes, raisins and currants — even grape juice — in small amounts can cause kidney failure in dogs.Toxicity Ranking: moderate to severe.
• Household cleaners, such as bleach, drain cleaners, ammonia and toilet bowl cleaners, can cause gastrointestinal ulcers and other problems in dogs and cats. Toxicity Ranking: varies.
• Insecticides in flea and tick products can cause problems if not used according to labels. Insecticides that are meant for dogs can cause severe toxicity in cats, leading to signs such as vomiting, seizures and difficulty breathing. Products intended for treating the yard or house should not be used on pets. Toxicity Ranking: mild to severe.

• Jimson weed, also known as devil’s trumpet, can cause restlessness, drunken walking and respiratory failure in dogs and cats. Toxicity Ranking: moderate.
• Kerosene, gasoline and tiki torch fluids can cause drooling, drunken walking and difficulty breathing in dogs and cats. If these products contain antifreeze, they are even more problematic. Toxicity Ranking: moderate to severe (potentially life threatening).
• Lilies — Easter, day, tiger, Japanese and Asiatic varieties — can cause kidney failure in cats. Lilies of the valley can cause heart rhythm problems and death in dogs and cats.Toxicity Ranking: moderate to severe.
• Mothballs, especially if they contain naphthalene, can be toxic to dogs and cats, resulting in vomiting,diarrhea, increased drinking and urination, and seizures. Toxicity Ranking: moderate to severe (potentially life threatening).
• Nonprescription medications, such as ibuprofen, can lead to severe ulcers and anemia, as well as liver and kidney failure in pets. Toxicity Ranking: moderate to severe (potentially life threatening).
• Onions, garlic, leeks and chives can be toxic in dogs and cats. When chewed or swallowed, these ingredients can cause anemia and gastrointestinal upset. Toxicity Ranking: mild to moderate.
• Prescription medications, such as antidepressants and ADHD and cardiac drugs, are commonly ingested by pets when pills are dropped on the floor or left on counters. Even a small dose can cause problems. Toxicity Ranking: varies.
• Queensland nuts, also known as macadamia nuts, can cause lethargy, vomiting and difficulty walking in dogs. Toxicity Ranking: mild to moderate.
• Rodenticides, such as mouse and rat poisons, can contain a number of different toxins, which have different effects on dogs and cats. Several common ingredients, like warfarin and coumarin, can cause blood clotting problems and hemorrhaging. Toxicity Ranking: mild to severe.
• Sago palms are one of a number of toxic plants for dogs and cats. Ingestion can lead to vomiting, diarrhea and seizures, as well as liver failure in dogs. Toxicity Ranking: severe.
• Tobacco can be toxic to both dogs and cats. Ingestion of nicotine in the tobacco plant or in cigarettes or patches can lead to vomiting, tremors, collapse and death. Toxicity Ranking: moderate to severe.

• Unbaked bread dough can expand in the stomach. If the stomach twists, cutting off the blood supply, emergency surgery is needed. The yeast in the dough can also produce alcohol, leading to seizures and respiratory failure. Toxicity Ranking: mild to severe.
• Veterinary prescriptions, such as arthritis medications, are often meat-flavored, which can be enticing to dogs. Ingestion of large quantities can result in stomach ulcers, liver failure or kidney failure. Toxicity Ranking:moderate to severe.
• Windshield wiper fluid can contain methanol or ethylene glycol. Ingestion of methanol can cause low blood sugar and drunken walking in dogs and cats. Toxicity Ranking: mild to moderate.
• Xylitol is a sugar-free sweetener commonly found in chewing gum, breath mints and toothpaste. In dogs, it can lead to dangerous drops in blood sugar and liver failure. Toxicity Ranking: mild to severe.
• Yard products, including snail and slug bait, herbicides and fertilizers, are never good for pets. Signs will vary by the ingredient. Toxicity Ranking: varies.
• Zinc toxicity can happen when dogs and cats eat metal or coins. Ingestion of even a single zinc penny can be fatal. Zinc can cause anemia, as well as liver, kidney or heart failure. Toxicity Ranking: moderate to severe.

How to Safeguard Your Pet
So how can you prevent your pet from an accidental poisoning? Start by visiting the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center website to learn about other potential poisons, how to poison-proof your home and what to do if you suspect that your pet may have been poisoned.
It’s also a good idea to post the organization’s phone number — 888-426-4435 — on your refrigerator for easy reference in the event of an emergency. The call center is staffed 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
“To poison-proof your home, don’t keep medications where pets can get at them,” Dr. Wismer says. “Keep cleaning products behind doors, and take your medication in another room, behind a locked door.”
While dogs can be notorious for refusing to take their own medications, Dr. Wismer adds, “we sometimes say that the surest way to pill a dog is to drop one on the floor.”

10 most frequestly diagnosed problems

10 most frequestly diagnosed problems

By Bonnie Moser Datson

The Trupanion Pet Insurance company analyzed medical claims submitted in 2011 to find the most common conditions affecting dogs. These were the 10 most frequently diagnosed problems:

1. Otitis Externa - Commonly referred to as an "ear infection", otitis externa is a condition characterized by inflammation of the external ear canal. It is particularly prevalent in dogs with long, floppy ears such as beagles. Ear infections represent one of the top 10 reasons dogs are brought to veterinarians and these infections may affect up to 20 percent of dogs. Common signs of an ear infection are scratching at the ears or shaking the head, as well as odor, inflammation and discharge in the ear.
2. Skin Allergies/Dermatitis - Flea allergy dermatitis is the most common allergy in dogs and is caused by flea bites, specifically the saliva of the flea. The disease typically results in excessive itching predisposes to the development of secondary skin infections in the irritated areas. Another common skin allergy is caused by "atopy." Atopy is a pruritic (itchy) skin disease of animals which is caused by an allergy to environmental substances. These substances, such as pollen and mold spores, are contacted through the air either by absorption through the respiratory tract or contact through the skin. Signs of skin allergies are itching, redness of the skin and hair loss.
3. Diarrhea - Acute diarrhea is a common clinical problem in veterinary practice. It is characterized by a sudden onset and short duration (three weeks or less) of watery or watery-mucoid diarrhea. Occasionally the fecal material is also obviously bloody.
4. Vomiting - At one time or another, your dog may have a bout of vomiting. Usually he'll have eaten something disagreeable, eaten too much or too fast, exercised too soon after eating or is affected by any number of non-serious conditions. Vomiting may be a sign of a very minor problem, or it may be a sign of something very serious.
5. Pyoderma – This refers to a bacterial infection of the skin. Superficial infections (those within the top layer of skin and the hair follicles) can cause intense itching leading to discomfort.
6. Urinary Tract Infection - Inflammation of the urinary bladder, sometimes called a urinary tract infection, is usually caused by a bacterial infection. Most cases of bacterial cystitis are "ascending," meaning that the offending bacteria arise from the dog's own intestinal tract and "ascend" to the bladder, beginning at the perineum (the skin around the anus) and proceeding to the urethra and ultimately the bladder. Common signs are increased urinary frequency, straining to urinate, accidents in the house and/or blood in the urine.
7. Conjunctivitis – Another common condition is an inflammation of the conjunctiva, which is the tissue coating the eye and lining the eyelids. Conjunctivitis is a common eye problem in dogs. It may be the only eye disease present, or may be associated with other diseases or eye problems. Common signs are redness of the conjunctiva, squinting, eye discharge or scratching at the eyes.

8. Skin Masses - These lumps of tissue that are within the skin or can be felt under the skin. These lumps and bumps are fairly common occurrences, especially in the older dog. A skin growth or mass may be a malignant or benign tumor, an abscess, a cyst, a hematoma (blood-filled mass) or a reaction by the skin to an allergen (hives).

9. Giardia – A highly contagious condition, Giardia is a protozoan parasite found all over the world. Giardia lives in the canine intestinal tract and infection may result in gastrointestinal symptoms or present no symptoms at all. Common signs are stomach upset and diarrhea.
10. Foreign Body Ingestion (Stomach) - The ingestion of a foreign object can cause serious health problems including laceration and trauma of the esophagus, stomach, and intestines. This condition is preventable with the correct precautions. Keep all items that your dog might ingest out of his reach. Observe his behavior when playing with toys to ensure he doesn't try to "eat" them.
If you notice any of the symptoms mentioned above in your dog, please see your veterinarian. I hope this helps you to better understand some common conditions in dogs as well as how to recognize them. Hopefully your dog won't ever be affected by any of them

Welcome To Our Blog!

In the next few days, we will be sharing a lot of really good stuff.

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