November is National Pet Diabetes Month

Dr. David Gagnon

 

 

November is National Pet Diabetes Month.  People are becoming increasingly familiar with diabetes, as it is a growing health problem in our society, and there are countless medical advertisements on TV.

Our pets get diabetes too.  So what do uncontrolled diabetics look like?  We (yes, we... I am diabetic too) drink a lot of water, and then out it comes as urine.  Since the body isn’t able to utilize the glucose it receives from food, the body believes it’s in starvation mode, so appetite initially goes up too.  For the same reason, diabetics lose weight.  This last fact is sometimes confusing to people, because we often associate diabetes as happening in overweight people or animals.  This is true, as being overweight or obese is a risk factor, but once diabetes sets in, those animals then lose weight.

In some dogs, diabetes happens along with another hormonal condition, such as Cushing’s disease.  Cushing’s disease causes the body to produce too much steroid hormone, and steroids can cause insulin resistance, thus leading to diabetes.  Cushing’s disease, diabetes, and other metabolic or hormonal disorders, can look very similar, so we initially recommend full bloodwork to make sure that there’s nothing more going on.

Now that we have a diagnosis of diabetes, how do we treat?  Almost always, it requires insulin injections.  Dietary changes can help avoid drastic swings in blood sugar levels too.  Pets do require routine blood sugar checks to be sure that the insulin dose is appropriate.  With adequate treatment, most animals have a very good prognosis!

What happens if your diabetic pet goes untreated, or if it’s not well-controlled?  He will continue to lose weight and become increasingly lethargic.  He is also at a greater risk for urinary tract infections, pancreatitis, and peripheral neuropathies.  The most common long-term complication in dogs is irreversible cataract formation in the eyes, but this is not true for cats.  There’s a risk for developing diabetic ketoacidosis, in which animals’ electrolytes and acidity level of the blood can become altered and potentially life threatening.

If you notice your pet’s energy level is decreasing, or if he spends more time at his water dish or having to go outside more than usual (or if he’s having urinary accidents inside), call your veterinarian right away.  This may be due to diabetes, and treatment could give him – and you – a much happier life!  If we catch it and treat it early enough in cats, there’s a chance for remission, thus eliminating the need for insulin treatment.  I love it when that happens!

                                                         Pet Diabetes Risk Assessment

                                                                 Pet Owner Resources

October is Adopt-A-Shelter-Dog Month

Ern “the man”

There was no doubt in my head when it was time to add another pet to our family that I would adopt. I had adopted a dog and 2 cats before and had GREAT experiences.

So there I was, on Petfinder.com looking at all the adoptable dogs. I didn’t really have too many requirements other than I wanted to go a little smaller, if possible. I had had 2 mixed breeds, both about 65# and thought I might like a smaller dog. I knew I needed something “sturdy” though. I have a big family and a busy household and I just did not want a dog that would get hurt or not adjust well to my kids. So I was looking at all the closest Humane Societies and rescues to see what they had available. Then it happened! I came upon a picture of what looked to be a pug mix. “I’ve always wanted a pug-looking dog,” I said to myself. I will set up an appointment to meet this dog.

I filled out my application and e-mailed it to the rescue right away. Shortly thereafter, I got a reply that he was part of a litter of 3 and they wanted to know if I wanted to meet all 3. “Is this even a real question,” I thought? “Of course I do!” I told the rescue.

         So, the day came and I was in the room with all 3 little babies and of course they were ALL adorable. How will I choose? Good thing I had brought someone along to help me with this hard decision. The little pug looking baby was completely awesome. He was feisty though. He pushed the other two out of the way a lot. So, I started to pay more attention to the other two to see if I could get an idea of their personalities. The little girl was cute but the gal from the rescue said she had a potential adopter already so, I thought I’d set my sights on the boys. The last puppy was a little boy. He was very charming and, of course, a little cutie. He looked to be a terrier mix of some sort. He had wiry hair and reminded me of a black and tan Schnauzery looking dog. He would come up to me and cuddle but he wasn’t an “in your face” kind of dog. He really seemed like he would be a good fit. “Terriers are sturdy”, I said to myself. But, what about the pug-like dog I had always wanted? I liked them both! How do I choose? The friend that was with me offered no help either. “I think either one would be great,” she said. So……I went home with no one. I spent the night thinking about which one I liked better and for what reasons I liked them. The next morning it was as clear as the day that had just started. The little terrier was the one. I called immediately!

 I was very excited to bring him home and start loving him. He has made it very easy! We named him “Ernie” and he’s been with us 4 ½ years now. He’s been a great addition and he’s so smart. Smarter than us I think sometimes. I had him in agility class for a while and he was GREAT at it. My schedule, however, prevented us from continuing. Maybe someday we’ll go back to it. Ernie has brought our entire family so much joy over the years and I have NEVER regretted choosing him. He has a habit of eating desserts off the counter. We’ve had to induce vomiting a few times after he’s gotten food off the counter, and I still have not figured out how a 25# dog gets up there to get it. I may have to set up a trail-cam but until then, all food stays behind doors! Despite this bad habit, he makes me laugh; his personality is one of a kind and he’s great to snuggle with. I love him to pieces and I hope to have him a long, long time! He’s my little Ern ”the man” and I wouldn’t trade him for anything.

Lisa Lambie

World Rabies Day

Dr. Kurt Rossebo

World Rabies Day?  Is there such a thing?  Yes there is!  It is September 28, 2015.  World Rabies Day is an annual event started in 2007 to raise awareness about rabies worldwide.

In the United States, rabies is thought of as a nasty, foaming disease that only animals get.  In reality, an estimated 55,000 people worldwide die each year from rabies.  That is one person every 10 minutes!  Most are children under 15 years old.  95% of rabies victims are in Africa and Asia.

In the US, roughly 6000 animals each year test positive for the rabies virus.  One or two people die from rabies each year in the US, mostly due to bat bites.  In Wisconsin in 2014, 27 animals tested positive – 26 bats and 1 skunk.

Unfortunately for us, bats are one of the few mammals that get into our homes with regularity.  It is extremely important that we keep ALL our pets vaccinated for rabies, even those who are strictly indoors.  Just as importantly, if you find a bat in  your house, contact your county’s public health department and they can direct you regarding  testing the bat for rabies, so family members do not have to receive unnecessary post exposure vaccinations.

A miraculous case of surviving rabies occurred right here in Wisconsin in 2004, after Jeanna Giese was bitten by a bat.  Her case underscores the importance of having any bat that finds its way into your home tested. 

If you would like more information about this subject, please check out Global Alliance for Rabies Control.

Understanding Rabies Video                      Rabies FAQs

Tips for Traveling With Your Dog

If you are planning a trip and have decided to take your dog along, here are some helpful tips to make it easier and more enjoyable. 

Health and Safety:

·        Health checks. Bring your dog to your veterinarian for a check-up before going on any extended trip. Make sure all vaccinations are current, vaccine records are with you, and health certificates are required for airline travel. 

photo by Amanda Conrad

If traveling by car:

·        Plan to stop every 3-5 hours to allow your dog time to relieve himself, stretch his legs, and have a little water as needed (good idea for you too!). Make a list of vet clinics along the way, just in the event you need some help.

·        Bring along a leash and collar, along with Rabies tags, and identification, including phone numbers. 

·        It is a very good idea to have your pet micro-chipped at least one month prior to leaving to be sure the information is registered in the data base. Should your dog escape, you will be alerted once he/she is found.

                                        Home Again Microchip

·        Travel with food/water bowls, plus a large enough supply of the regular food and water if your pet is finicky about the water. Bottled water is always a good idea. 

·        Treats can come in handy!

No drip water bottles can be mounted inside or outside the kennel to provide water without spilling.  They come in a variety of sizes and styles like this convenient top fill bottle.

·        Blankets and toys will help them to feel at home when on the road – dogs always like the familiarity of home and the scent on those items will help them acclimate.

·        You should definitely bring enough waste pick up bags, and should be responsible to clean up after your pet wherever you go. 

·        If your pet is taking any medications on a regular basis, be sure to have enough medication with you. 

·        It is also a good idea to have your dog’s vaccine chart and any other medical records that may help if another veterinarian has to tend to any issues that arise. Another good idea is to have a recent photograph of your pet with you.  If you forget to bring records along, some information can be found on your pet portal.

                                     Kaukauna Veterinary Clinic Pet Portal

·        Crates/carriers are also a great idea for road travel, provided your dog has used them while at home. Most dogs like to have a comfy blanket in the crate or carrier, and that can help absorb any accidents that may happen. Be sure to have proper ventilation around the crate, as well as appropriate heating/cooling based on weather.  NEVER leave your pet alone in a closed vehicle, especially in the summer. 

Puppy pads can be used to line the kennel in case of accidents.  

Paper towel and a bottle of cleaner is helpful in case of accidents.

 Never let your dog loose in the open back of a pickup truck – this can lead to severe injuries or death. It is also recommended that dogs never be allowed to hang their head out of the window while riding in a car – foreign substances can lead to eye injuries. 

 If traveling by plane:

·        Air travel for dogs is not always a great idea, the larger dogs are not allowed to be with you so they must go in the cargo area. Dogs are not cargo and should not be treated as such. The temperature in most cargo areas is not controlled and your pet may suffer as a result of improper atmosphere. Most small dogs can be with you under the seat ahead of you, if they are in an approved carrier. Be sure any crate/carrier you use is marked with a LIVE ANIMAL sticker so it is not accidentally tipped over and the airline staff can look out for them. Some airlines will not transport animals when it is extremely hot or cold. Be sure to call the airline well in advance to see what they require for traveling with dogs. 

·        All airlines require health certificates and proof of vaccinations.

Lodging:

If you will be staying at a hotel while traveling with your dog, cover all your bases in advance. A pet-friendly hotel is more than just one that allows pets- it is one that welcomes them. Some will provide additional services such as spa time or day care – ask about extra costs that may be involved. Some hotels will charge a pet deposit upon arrival, then a daily pet fee. Some may even have a special cleaning fee – do your research ahead of time so you won’t be caught off guard. 

·        Find out in advance which hotels/motels on your route allow dogs. Some will not allow them, some will have breed or size restrictions. 

·        If your dog is allowed to stay at a hotel, respect other guests, staff and the property.

·        Keep your dog as quiet as possible. 

·        Do not leave the dog unattended. Many dogs will bark or destroy property if left alone in a strange place.

·        Ask the management where you should walk your dog, and pick up after him/her. Do not leave any mess behind. 

·        Remember that one bad experience with a canine guest may prompt the hotel management to refuse to allow any dogs. Be considerate of others and leave your room and the grounds in good condition.

A properly and thoroughly planned trip with your dog can be very rewarding – many dogs love to travel and experience new environments. With proper planning and packing, you can make the experience very enjoyable for all of you and you will have the peace of mind knowing that your dog is in your care versus staying behind

Summer Hazards

Dr. David Gagnon

Summertime is a favorite time of year for many people.  The warm, sunny weather allows us to spend time outside and not deal with the frustrations of the cold – shoveling, salting, slipping, bundling up just to take the dog out for a brief potty trip.  However, the warmth, the sun, and extra time outdoors can pose extra threats to our pets.

Every year, we hear about babies and pets being left in hot cars.  Anyone who has sat in a car on an 80 degree day can attest to how quickly you break a sweat.  Sweating is a great way for us to cool off, but the best our dogs can do is pant, which isn’t enough if they’re in a hot car for very long.  If you and your pet are out for a drive, try to make plans to get them indoors instead of leaving them in the car, even for a quick trip into the grocery store.  We all hear about people whose 2 minute trip turned into something much longer.  Pets can suffer from dehydration, heat stroke, or even death if exposed to heat long enough.

My Dog Is Cool 

Something else people don’t consider much is the temperature of the ground.  We wear shoes, so our bare skin isn’t in contact with the hot concrete.  Our dogs usually don’t have any protective barrier between their pads and the ground.  On a hot and sunny day, the temperature of the road surface can easily exceed 100 degrees, resulting in burns to their pads.  Pads are very sensitive to pain, whether burned, cut, or punctured.  If you’re going outside, please make it a brief trip, stay on the grass, or have your dog wear booties.

Having just celebrated our Independence Day, fireworks have been on display all over.  Summer also comes with its share of thunderstorms.  For nervous animals, these loud noises can cause panic.  Many hide and tremble, while others show destructive behavior, chewing up their kennels, walls, or furniture, while some decide to run away.  There are several options for reducing a pet’s anxiety, including playing calming music, playing with a toy to keep his/her mind off of the noise, over-the-counter anxiety remedies, and prescription medications.

 

Spending a lot of time outdoors, pets can sniff up all sorts of things that may be harmful to them.  Whether littered or intentionally placed outside (pesticides), pets can find many different toxins that may spell trouble for their health.

If you are concerned about your pet suffering from a heat-related illness or toxin ingestion, call your veterinarian immediately!  In the meantime, enjoy the nice weather while you can; winter will be here before you know it!