Can PBDEs Harm Your Pet?

Eliminate Toxic PBDEs

An industrial chemical known as polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) used in home furnishings could be diminishing your pet's health.  This chemical is a flame retardant used by manufacturers to reduce the flammability of padded chairs, sofas, mattresses and other cushy seats in homes and offices. You can reduce or eliminate the PBDE levels in your environment by choosing electronics made with alternatives to PBDEs available from Apple, Sony, Intel, Erickson, HP, Canon and Dell.  Select wild salmon rather than farmed fish.  Use lean meats, poultry, and low-fat dairy products rather than their higher fat counterparts.  Fatty tissue serves as an accumulation zone for PBDEs.

The Environmental Protection Agency indicates that polybrominated diphenyl ethers (PBDEs) have a negative impact on your health and environment.  These chemicals in your home environment may be causing harm to your pet without your knowledge.
In the body, PBDEs are found in breast milk, blood and the blood of umbilical cords.  These chemical compounds persist in the environment and accumulate in wild animals.  They are thought to cause brain damage, birth defects, and contribute to disease of the liver and thyroid.
PBDE chemical compounds are used as flame retardants in industries that produce electronics, furniture and foam.  These products have a propensity of giving off airborne particles that build up in your home's dust.  Seventeen pet dogs who live primarily indoors participated in an analysis at Indiana University.  The analysis found their PBDE concentration levels to be five to 10 times higher than that of humans.
"In the U.S., we the have highest levels of flame retardants in our dust and in our bodies," indicates Arelene Blum, Executive Director of the Green Science Policy Institute.  Pollution in People asserts that these toxic PBDE industrial chemicals have been used for more than 30 years in the manufacturing of mattresses, furniture and consumer-used electronic plastics.
Household furniture is frequently produced with flame retardant chemicals and materials before it is shipped to consumers.  Furniture that is made with organic cotton stuffing or wool padding will be free of the hazards of PBDE.  This means when shopping for sofas, loveseats, easy chairs, mattresses and other furniture with seat, arm or back padding, it will be important to ask the contents.  Ask if flame retardants are used and if there are alternate choices.  Request that organic cotton or wool padding be provided as a condition of your purchase.  The use of flame retardant materials varies from state to state.  Its use will depend on governmental laws and regulations that are in effect.
It is estimated that approximately five percent of the weight of the petroleum-based fill known as polyurethane foam is flame retardant chemicals.  Polyurethane foam is used in nearly all sofas, easy chairs, loveseats and mattresses manufactured.
"PBDEs are an important, but generally unrecognized, persistent organic pollutant,'' advised Robert C. Hale in Nature.  Hale is a professor at the Virginia Institute of Marine Sciences.  Persistent organic pollutants can remain in our environment for many years without breaking down.  Body fat in animals and humans become the storage zones for these pollutants. 
''There is an enormous need to act quickly when there is a problem with a chemical that is not only toxic but is persistent and accumulates,'' says Gina Solomon, Natural Resources Defense Council senior scientist.
Talk with your veterinarian about the impact of these industrial chemicals on your pet's health and wellness.  Your veterinarian will guide you in reducing the negative impact on your pet's health.
Sources:

Environmental Protection Agency.
Green Science Policy Institute.
Hale, Robert. Nature.
Main, Emily. Flame retardant furniture: Unhealthy, and doesn't stop fires.
Natural Resources Defense Council.
Pollution in People.
Practically Green.

Does Your Young Dog or Puppy Have Pain or Lameness?

Pain and Lameness in Puppies or Young Dogs Need Speedy Attention

If your young dog or puppy experiences lameness, pain or discomfort in its legs or joints get prompt attention from your family's veterinarian. A fever may accompany the pain or lameness.  Your puppy or young dog may seem lethargic and lack energy, enthusiasm or vitality. These are important signs that your vet will need to know about. Your dog's or puppy's bones could have interrupted or disturbed growth causing them this pain.  Getting a diagnosis early and following your veterinarian's treatment recommendations can help your pet cope with this disease.

Young puppies are expected to be full of life and energy.  They are enthusiastic about playtime, walks and exercise.  Puppies will often follow you wherever you go, can disrupt your nap or quiet time in their excitement to show you something new, and be always ready for playtime and fun.  When puppies and young dogs are lethargic and demonstrate pain and lameness in their legs, a visit must be made to your veterinarian promptly.
"A puppy that becomes acutely down and out with no specific signs causes extra concern because our expectation is that they are young, vibrant animals. There are two diseases that are only seen in puppies and young dogs that cause pain and lameness in multiple limbs and lethargy. They often have a fever and decreased appetite," advises veterinarian Christie Long.
Hypertrophic osteodystrophy (HOD) usually affects puppies between 2 and 8 months old.  It is a developmental disease of the bone that occurs when blood supply to the bone's growth plates is disturbed.  This disturbance can impede production of bone, cause weakening and microscopic fractures.
Panosteitis is another condition that could be present in puppies and young does, suggests Dr. Long.  It typically occurs in large and medium-breed dogs that are younger than two.  "Hypertrophic osteodystropy produces similar signs in even younger dogs, but the pain is localized in the region at the end of those bones and the joint itself. These animals often have joints that are very warm to the touch and swollen," she indicates.  Dr. Long further shares that both diseases have been extensively studied.  Doctors are still looking for a specific cause and suspect that not feeding foods formulated specifically for large-breed dogs can be a contributing factor in patients with HOD.
Household breeds commonly affected by hypertrophic osteodystrophy (HOD) include:  Saint Bernards, Doberman pinschers, German shepards, Weimaraners, Great Danes and Irish wolfhounds.  Hazel Gregory's Hypertrophic Osteodystrophy or a Blood Infection shares her experiences with the challenges of identifying HOD while eliminating blood infection in her Great Danes.
Pain and lethargy in your young dog or puppy should be taken seriously and treated promptly by a veterinarian.  Dehydration and serious complications can occur if treatment is delayed.  Be sure to visit your family veterinarian speedily.  During the visit with your family veterinarian, you'll be asked questions about your pet's current habits.  Your vet will ask about appetite and eating habits.  Other questions will include weight loss, fatigue, or lack of energy that you've noticed in your puppy.  Your vet will examine your puppy or young dog for fever, swelling and check for pain in the legs.  The doctor will determine if the discomfort or pain is severe and will pinpoint the location of pain in your dog's bones.  During your visit, your veterinarian will talk with you about treatment recommendations for your puppy or young dog.

Creating A Pet Friendly Yard

Yards can be a shopping center or candy store for pets.  Pets often find materials that will harm them.  Sometimes objects are forgotten by good intentioned owners.  Other times, pets make their own mischief.  It is important to ensure that your yard is secure, well maintained, and free of debris, trash and toxic substances.
Creating a pet friendly yard is necessary for your pet's safety and well being.  Your budget will thank you for taking the extra effort to patrol your yard from your pet's perspective looking for enticing tidbits that could unknowingly play havoc with their delicate bodies.
Plants "More than 700 plants have been identified as producing physiologically active or toxic substances in sufficient amounts to cause harmful effects in animals," advises the Humane Society of the United States.  "Poisonous plants produce a variety of toxic substances and cause reactions ranging from mild nausea to death.  Certain animal species may have a peculiar vulnerability to a potentially poisonous plant."
Plants, trees, and shrubs of all shapes and sizes have the potential to be toxic to pets.  Animal bodies can be sensitive and each pet will react differently to ingested materials.  When planning your backyard planting projects consider safe alternatives to favorites that could harm Fido or Fluffy.
How to Grow a Beautiful, Yet Dog-Safe Garden by geriatric veterinarian Ellen Friedman suggests eliminating foxglove, monkshood or aconitum, lily of the valley, snowball bush (hydrangea buds), and tobacco plant.  Pet reactions to ingesting these substances can include irregular heartbeats, nausea, convulsions and seizures.
Bees and Wasps Eliminate or screen around low ground covers, shrubs or plants that attract bees and wasps.  Pets interested in the pollen gathering activities can get stung.
Compost Bin "Fence off your compost bin," advises Friedman.  "Decaying vegetable matter can send poochy to the vet with a raging upset stomach."
Gates and Fences Make certain all boundary materials are in good repair:  eliminate protruding nails, chipped or peeling paint, and gaps that allow or encourage escape.
Grass Cut your grass often.  Keep it watered to reduce dust and pests.  Remember to rake or use the yard vacuum to pick up cuttings.  If you must apply fertilizers and weed killers do so while pets are confined or visiting elsewhere.  Always follow the instructions to ensure that treated grass is safe for your pet.  Store fertilizers, weed killers, yard and gardening equipment out of reach and away from accessible play areas.  Maintain a strict weed removal program since weeds can cause a variety of nasty fanny problems for pets that must potty in them.
Pools, Tubs and Spas Immediately fence or screen these areas.  Not all pets are able to swim and those that are may still become trapped under the covers intended as energy savers.
Yard Care Items Tools, equipment, pesticides, fertilizers, weed treatments, repair and building supplies must be securely stored.  Remember that anything sharp - no matter its size -- needs to be secured.  Glass, plastic, wood, or metal can have edges that could easily slice tender pet skin and paws.  Always keep them out of reach of your pets.  Curious or bored animals can create their own entertainment.  Proper storage gives them less opportunity to get hurt.
Your family veterinarian can provide you with additional suggestions when you share photos of your yard during visits.  Walk out your door or through your gate and make your yard pet friendly.  Your pet will love you for it!

Feeling Apprehensive About Pet Treatment Involving Anesthesia?

Emergencies happen when we least expect it, and anesthesia could be a necessary component required to treat your pet.  Treatment recommendations your veterinarian makes could also include dental care involving anesthesia.  You may elect to neuter or spay your pet.  Anesthesia will be required.  Repair of broken bones and retrieval of foreign material from your pet's stomach will require anesthesia.  There are benefits and, of course, there are risks.  How can you make an informed decision without information?  You can't.  So, let's change that now.
If there is a time your pet requires anesthesia during a surgical procedure, your veterinarian will fully examine your pet.  During the examination, your doctor will check your pet's organs and vital functions to ensure overall health and wellness to accept the anesthesia and the planned surgery itself.  Your doctor will report to you the outcome of the exam and help you complete all treatment recommended.
Anxious About Anesthesia by Sheilah Robertson helps educate pet owners about the facts and risks of anesthesia in the veterinary operating room.  Robertson advises that blood tests before a procedure help your veterinarian "choose the right anesthetic drugs" for your pet.  Dr. Robertson also explains that if your veterinarian is concerned about your pet's heart or lungs, more tests may be needed."  Your doctor will "talk with you about whether it's safe for your pet to undergo anesthesia."
Delaying care or failing to treat your pet because anesthesia is involved may cause your pet some health complications or a decline in current health.  Your veterinarian is concerned for your pet, too.  The doctor you work with will take many steps before, during and after your pet's surgery to ensure a positive outcome.  Keeping up with your pet's health, activity levels, knowing current lab results and accurately predicting how your pet will react to the anesthesia are all part of your veterinarian's job.
Recovery time after your pet receives anesthesia will be important.  Your veterinarian and surgical staff will monitor your pet closely.  They will also require that your pet remain with them until your pet is awake and fairly alert.  You will want to support your doctor's requirement that your pet be watched vigilantly after a surgical procedure involving the use of anesthesia.
If your pet is obese, a senior or a smaller animal your veterinarian will have additional considerations.  These pets are carefully evaluated before a surgery and well guarded after it.  Keeping your pet healthy and well includes maintaining an appropriate weight.  Pet obesity and surgery can require your pet's vital organs to work even harder than normal.  Senior pets may have an unknown health condition that becomes known during the surgery.  That condition may interrupt speedy healing that would otherwise occur.  Smaller animals are just that - smaller.  A small pet can become colder during a procedure involving anesthesia so will need extra attention.
Drugs used during the giving of anesthesia to pets are monitored and recorded for accuracy and proper dosage.  Your veterinarian will take careful note of your pet's weight and health status before using anesthesia.  Your doctor will be careful to give your pet only the amount needed and nothing more.
When your pet needs anesthesia ask your veterinarian to answer your questions before the procedure.  Let your doctor know you're concerned about your pet and want its health restored.  Apprehensive pet-parents help veterinarians stay alert and tuned in during surgical procedures.  Your vet will always work with you for your pet's best health.  You're a team and you both want your pet to "win."

Creepy, Crawly Critters

 There are many parasites we need be concerned about that can affect our pets. Ticks are one of the most common and frightful. Most people shudder just at the thought of a tick, let alone finding one on their pet or in their house.  Unfortunately, the people who study these things tell us we should expect a large increase in the numbers of ticks.  Global warming and milder winters may be contributing to the surge of ticks, even to areas they may not have populated before.
Ticks are found worldwide, but tend to be found more in areas with warm, humid climates.  They are parasites that attach to mammals, birds, and occasionally reptiles and amphibians, and suck blood from their host.
There are four stages in the tick life cycle; each tick requires three hosts and takes at least one year to complete the cycle.  Each female tick can lay up to 3,000 eggs in the environment. Egg hatches and forms a larva which is very small, the size of a head of a pin, and it attaches usually to a small mammal or bird.  Once it is done feeding, it detaches, and molts in the environment to the next stage, the nymph.  The nymph then finds another, usually larger host to attach to and suck blood.  Once it is done, it detaches, and matures into the adult tick.  Adult ticks then need to find a suitable host.  They climb to the top of long grass, bushes, or other plants, and wait for a dog, cat, deer, cow, or any other animal to brush up against it.   Once on its host, it again bites the skin and feeds by drinking blood. 
There are many different species of ticks, but most, if not all, can carry diseases they can give to their host.  Common tick borne diseases are Lyme disease, Babesia, Ehrlichia, Anaplasmosis, tularemia, and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.  All of these diseases can affect dogs, and many can occur in cats, people, and other species.  The eggs can be infected inside the female tick, so even the tiny larval tick can be infectious.
There are some things you can do to try to prevent ticks in your house and yard.  If you live in a more rural area, guinea fowl are great tick exterminators.  Just two birds can clear two acres in one year.  You can reduce the tick habitat by removing the leaf litter and clearing tall grass and brush.  Discourage any wildlife from entering your yard with fences.  If you live near woods, create a three foot wide barrier at the edge of your lawn with wood chips or gravel; ticks can't crawl across this.  You should check your pets daily and remove any ticks you find.
We have three chemicals that we use on pets that will kill ticks, but only one can be used on cats.  Fipronil, found in Frontline, can be used on dogs and cats.  Permethrin  has been used on dogs, but is very toxic to cats, you need to read labels and if it says "for dogs only", do not apply it to a cat as it will likely be lethal.  Amitraz will also kill ticks.  It is available for dogs only, in the form of a collar called Preventic.  This is very effective but you must make sure the dog can't eat the collar.  A new product by Merial called Certifect is a combination of fipronil and a low dose of amitraz.  This is for dogs only, is applied topically once monthly, and is very effective.
You should talk to your veterinarian about the tick diseases in your area.  There is a test kit your veterinarian can use in the clinic that will test for Lyme disease, Anaplasmosis, and Ehrlichia at the same time your dog gets its annual heartworm test.  Your veterinarian can also discuss any treatments or preventatives from which your pet may benefit.

Heart Disease in Cats

Cats are wonderful pets.  In fact, they outnumber dogs as pets in the United States.  It is estimated that 85 to 95 million cats are kept as pets; one-third of all households have at least one feline friend. It is important for cat owners to be aware of a stealthy disease that may affect as much as 15 to 20% of all cats. 
Heart disease is one of the more common problems in the cat, and can affect cats of all ages.  Some causes of heart disease may never cause the cat any symptoms; some can cause severe signs, even sudden death.
By far the most common heart disease in the cat is hypertrophic cardiomyopathy (HCM) accounting for at least 60% of all heart disease in the cat.  This is an excess thickening of the heart muscle walls, so much that it interferes with the pumping action of the heart.  The walls can even get so thick that the ventricle chamber is greatly reduced in size, and therefore only a small amount of blood can be pumped with each contraction.
Cats with mild HCM may never show any symptoms, but more commonly cats with HCM develop one of three scenarios: congestive heart failure, clot formation, or sudden death.  Cats do not cough with congestive heart failure as dogs do; cats in heart failure have a fast respiratory rate and labored breathing. If you study their sides, you can see they are using their abdominal muscles to help them breathe. You may notice they do not want to lie down in a normal manner, they sit sphinx-like and are reluctant to move.
HCM cats are prone to clots.  These form within the heart, and can break off and are swept by the blood stream to other areas of the body. The clots can go anywhere, but most commonly they go down the aorta and lodge where the arteries divide to go into the rear legs.  You will find these cats unable to use their rear legs and crying in pain.  Your veterinarian will be suspicious of such a clot if the rear paws are cold, the femoral pulses are absent, and the pads of the rear feet are pale while the front pads are pink.
Cats with HCM may also die suddenly.  They may act fine one minute, and die within seconds to a couple minutes.  Death can be due to a severe arrhythmia or a clot that affects the brain.
HCM can develop sporadically in any breed or type of cat, but as it does have a genetic basis, certain breeds are prone to this potentially devastating disease.  Maine Coons, American Shorthairs, Ragdolls, and Persians have a much higher incidence than most other breeds, but each of these four breeds has its own genetic variation of HCM.  The Maine Coon and Ragdoll breeders have funded a veterinarian who does genetic research to develop genetic screens for their breeds.  But, unfortunately each test works only for that breed for which it was developed.
Regular examinations are important as your veterinarian will auscultate your cat’s heart (listen with a stethoscope) each time it is seen.  A murmur means more investigation is needed.  A murmur is just a symptom, it is caused by turbulence of blood not flowing in the normal manner.  There are innocent murmurs, which means, there is a murmur but it is not clinically important, and will never cause the cat a problem.  To make HCM even more difficult, one- third of HCM cats do not have any murmur at all.
Other tests that may be done are blood tests, especially a thyroid test, and proBNP, which is a newer test to check for cardiomyopathy.  Blood pressures and chest x-rays may also be done, especially if fluid in the lungs is suspected.  Radiographs (x-rays) of the heart are not useful, as severe heart disease can be present while the heart looks normal, but x-rays are needed to check the lungs.
The most important test to diagnose heart disease is an echocardiogram, which is an ultrasound of the heart, and needs to be performed by a veterinary cardiologist.  With an echo, the internal structure of the heart can be seen, and measurements taken of chamber size, valves of the heart observed for leaks with Doppler, and a diagnosis made. 
There is no cure for HCM, but there are various drugs used to try to manage the disease.  Diuretics are used if they have started into failure; also atenolol, diltiazem, and enalapril have been used, although no studies have shown great efficacy.  Plavix, an anti-coagulant, is used if the heart is in the stage where clots are a concern.
There are other heart diseases that occur in cats: heartworm parasites, congenital malformations, restrictive cardiomyopathy, and dilated cardiomyopathy.  The latter problem is much less common in the last decade since cat foods have been supplemented with higher levels of taurine. 
In summary, regular examinations are important to keep your feline friend healthy.  Your cat’s doctor will always be mindful of the potential for heart disease, listen for any abnormal sounds, and question you on any symptoms you may be seeing.  Your veterinarian can help your cat stay happy, playful, and as awesome as ever!

Captive Reptiles May Have Nutritional Deficiency

Common Nutritional Disease Can Be Recognized Early in Pet Reptiles
Your pet reptile may have a nutritional disease that is commonly referred to as metabolic bone disease.  Reptile pets in captivity typically show signs and symptoms of the nutritional deficiency early in the disease.  Owners can look for:

• Shakiness
• Bone knobs and bumps
• Weight loss
• Changed or reduced appetite
• Jerky walking
• Abnormal tail and torso dragging
• Abnormal activity levels
• Bones that appear broken
• Bones that don't feel firm

Your veterinarian will check your pet's behavior, observe signs and symptoms and guide you with supportive nutritional decisions.
Pet owners keeping reptiles in captivity as household pets may sometimes find that their pets have a nutritional deficiency.  Metabolic bone disease is "the most common nutritional deficiency affecting captive reptiles," advises veterinarian Fredrick L. Frye in Reptile Care:  An Atlas of Diseases and Treatments.  Dr. Frye suggests that the disease is a result of dietary intake creating an excessive amount of phosphorus in the animal's body.
Metabolic bone disease (MBD) in reptiles can often be overlooked until the pet seems to have broken toes or a leg that presents as impaired.  Bone produced by the animal's body is brittle, fragile and can be spongy in texture.  When your pet lizard or iguana jumps from one hard surface to another the bone can easily fracture.  Normal movements your pet makes can be painful with the disease.  Your pet reptile may experience discomfort when walking or moving around a cage, terrarium or your home.
Young lizards with metabolic bone disease may have skulls that fail to grow larger and become longer.  They can retain the rounder shape seen at birth.
Early signs of metabolic bone disease in reptiles can be recognized when watching your pet closely.  If you see that your iguana or lizard is using its front legs to move and the back legs are dragging you'll want to contact your veterinarian for an immediate appointment.
Lizards and iguanas, for example, use all four legs to move around.  Their tails do not remain limp behind them with normal movement.  There is a natural lift to many reptile tails that supports their forward motion.  An iguana may be able to lift the front of its body, yet the torso and tail will be dragged due to the disease.
Watching your pet you'll be able to see if it looks jerky while it walks.  Its limbs or muscles may show twitches and tremors.  You may experience your pet's shakiness when holding it.
When handling your pet, you may also find that it has knobs or bumpy places along the bone ends and between the bones of its back or tail.  Your vet will always check for knobs and bumps during an office exam.  Eating may become decreased and weight loss may occur if your pet's jaw is affected by the disease.
Advanced cases of metabolic bone disease may also include anorexia and fractured bones.  Dr. Frye advises that "severely deficient reptiles tend to be lethargic and may only be able to drag themselves along the ground. A reptile lacking the ability to lift it's body from the ground when sitting or walking often suffers from a moderate to severe case of MBD."
When a diagnosis is made for metabolic bone disease, your veterinarian will guide you with treatment recommendations and nutritional guidelines for your pet.    

Nutrition Terms

Terms that have no defined meaning on pet food labels:

3.1.1.Holistic
3.1.2.Human grade
3.1.3.Human quality
3.1.4.Premium
3.1.5.Super Premium
3.1.6.Gourmet
 As pets have become more important to their owners, what the pets are fed has become more important as well.  Most pet owners are concerned about the quality and nutrition level of the food they are feeding their furry family members.  There are now hundreds of pet foods available to the consumer.  How do you know what to believe regarding pet food claims?
Many pet foods line the shelves of groceries and pet food stores, each with their own marketing claims.  Some of the terms used have a definite meaning to nutritionists, some are just marketing.
Terms that have a legal meaning are natural, organic, and by-products.   The  AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) defines these terms and publishes recommendations for pet foods.
Natural refers to a "feed or ingredient derived solely from plant, animal, or mined sources, either in its unprocessed state or having been subject to physical processing, heat processing, rendering, purification, extraction, hydrolysis, enzymolysis, or fermentation, but not having been produced by or subject to a chemically synthetic process."
Organic has been defined as " a formula feed or a specific ingredient within a formula feed that has been produced or handled in compliance with the requirements of the USDA National Organic Program."  Under this category are three levels:

1. 100% organic - must have 100% organic ingredients and additives, including processing aids
2. Organic - at least 95% of the content is organic by weight
3. Made with Organic - at least 70% of the content is organic

By-products are defined as " non- rendered clean parts of carcasses such as heads and viscera ( organs), free from fecal content and foreign material except in such trace amounts as might occur unavoidably in good factory practice."
The important thing to know is that any food labeled Natural or Organic is not necessarily a good food, and that a food with by-products can be an excellent food.  Natural substances can still be very dangerous; cocaine, heroin, arsenic, and cyanide are all natural but, of course, they are not good for you.  Organic foods may contain ingredients that are free of pesticides, but the food may not be balanced or nutritious. 
Some pet food companies suggest that foods that contain by-products are of a lower quality, but the term doesn't deserve this reputation.  In actuality, by-products are often a good source of vitamins and minerals. 
In summary, some claims by pet food companies are just marketing, without real science to back up their advertisements.  How do you know which food to use?  The best general advise is to choose a food that has been formulated with AAFCO standards and had feeding trials.  Your veterinarian can help you in this choice.

AAFCO.org

Why Your Guinea Pig Needs Vitamin C But Your Dog Doesn't

Scurvy:

A deficiency of Vitamin C causes a syndrome called scurvy.  Symptoms include bleeding and bruising.  There is poor healing and decreased immunity.  Animals are commonly anemic and may have loose teeth.

 We all need to eat a complete and balanced diet.  We feed our dogs and cats food developed by companies that study their nutritional needs, but if you study the list of ingredients, Vitamin C is not listed.  When we prepare our own meals, we have to make sure we consume a source of Vitamin C such as orange juice.  Ever wonder why most pets don't need this vitamin?
The vast majority of animals in the world make their own Vitamin C and don't need to consume any.  Vitamin C is also known as ascorbic acid.  This vitamin is important for several enzyme reactions in the body. It is a  factor in pathways making collagen and other substances that  are important in healing and preventing bleeding from capillaries. It is an antioxidant and is also required to make adrenaline and dopamine.
Some species of animals have lost the ability to make Vitamin C however.  A genetic defect occurred in guinea pigs, fruit bats, capybaras, some reptiles, and many primates, including humans.  This defect causes the inability to make the enzyme L-gulonolactone oxidase in the liver.  This enzyme allows the body to convert glucose to ascorbic acid, or Vitamin C. 
These animals must consume Vitamin C in order to be healthy.  That why it is important that people, and these other animals drink orange juice or eat other foods high in Vitamin C. 
As far as pets are concerned, dogs and cats make their own Vitamin C and do not need to consume any.  It is important, though,  to feed guinea pigs a diet high in ascorbic acid.  That is why you should feed them a pelleted diet made for guinea pigs and not one made for rabbits.  The guinea pig diet contains Vitamin C while the rabbit food does not. 
If you have any questions regarding nutrition for your pet, you can ask your veterinarian for help.

Keep Cats Moving and Grooving

Cat Play Benefits Health
How to Play With Your Cat:  Maximize Your Bond While Improving His Health and Well-Being, suggests specific reasons for cat play, including:

• Practice hunting skills
• Maintain healthy weight
• Release of aggression or negative energy
• Strengthens owner/pet bond
• Builds confidence
• Eases transition to a new home

Do you talk with your veterinarian during visits about ways to help your cat keep moving around your home or yard?  If yes, give yourself a fish-flavored treat.  If no, well, add talking with your doctor to your "priority list."
Your doctor will help you create a home program to ensure exercise and activity that will interest your cat.  Your cat will be entertained and the bond between you will deepen.    

Keeping your cat active can help it burn calories and use muscles, tendons and ligaments that may often be seen catnapping. Burning calories is important for your cat. The more your cat moves and exercises, the more calories it will expend during the activity. Exercise will help to off-set the naps taken in your favorite chair and help to prevent obesity.
Exercise methods your doctor recommends will depend on your cat's current level of activity, health, age and medical condition.  Indoor cats probably need more encouragement and support with exercise.  You'll want to consider several methods to get your cat moving and grooving.  Then, you'll want to shake up the sequence when you play.
Pet Weight Loss by veterinarian Jan Becker discusses pet exercise for owners of cats and dogs.  "Cats on the other hand can be a bit harder to exercise," says Dr. Becker.  Get your cats moving with cold laser lights flashed onto objects to interest them - but not in their eyes.  Wiggle stuffed animals, move them sneakily to get your cat's interest and increase the attraction of pouncing, sneaking, hiding or batting at the soft toy.

• Rope, shoelaces, yarn and ribbon - Cats typically love to play with long stringy items like yarn and ribbon, but Dr. Becker warns owners to beware of these. Owners must be vigilant of linear products or toys and use these only with supervision.  The string can easily get caught or tangled with your cat's tongue inducing them to swallow it.  Unfortunately, when this happens it can be "very serious or even fatal,  if surgery is not performed to remove the object.
• Flashlights - Everyone in your home has a flashlight for emergency use.  Make sure your cat has one too.  When playtime approaches, pick up your cat's flashlight, ruffle its coat and scratch its tummy.  Move your arm behind you when the cat's awake and shine the flashlight beam two feet away from it.  Your cat will see the light and want to pounce on it.  As your cat moves toward the light, gently shift the light from place to place.
• Bags -  Paper grocery bags and gift bags make crinkly sounds that consistently get cats' attention.
• Boxes - If your cat has a particular box it enjoys, encourage playtime with a small ball to bat from corner to corner of the box.
• Straws -  Tying a drinking straw into a knot and dropping it in your cat's line of view can start playtime.  Your cat will bat it from place to place, sliding, stretching, rolling and tumbling on floor or bed.
• Socks - Add a bit of catnip, a bell or small ball to a spare sock.  Secure tightly and swing or drag gently so your cat will follow.  "Catnip will often get a cat running around," says Dr. Becker. Not all cats are affected by catnip, but for those that are, keep in mind that catnip must be used in moderation.  For cats, the nip is a stimulant that may cause digestive upsets."
• Bottle caps - These caps are typically received on five-gallon water bottles that arrive at your doorstep by delivery.  The caps are larger, a firmer plastic and often times have the plastic neck still attached when you remove them to up-end your water into the household dispenser.  Your cat will enjoy batting the cap around a smooth surface.
• Walk on leash - Cats can be walked on leash and will probably "walk you" advises Dr. Becker.

Feline distemper

Feline distemper or feline panleukopenia is a highly contagious viral disease of kittens and adult cats caused by the feline parvovirus. It is also called panleukopenia as it affects the bone marrow and causes low white blood cell counts. It is relatively common in unvaccinated cats and is often fatal, especially in young kittens. It has been referred to as Feline Distemper, but in fact, it is a different virus than canine distemper and causes different symptoms.

Early symptoms of feline distemper infection are lethargy and loss of appetite then rapid progression to severe, sometimes bloody diarrhea and vomiting.  These signs are very similar to other diseases, some serious, some not so serious. Therefore, if any abnormal behaviors or signs of illness are observed, it is important to have your veterinarian examine your pet as soon as possible.  A diagnosis of distemper is presumed if vomiting and diarrhea are present along with a low white blood cell count.  A diagnosis of distemper is confirmed when the virus is detected in blood or feces.

Another syndrome associated with the feline distemper virus occurs when a susceptible pregnant cat or a newborn kitten is exposed.  The kittens will have permanent damage to the cerebellum part of the brain and walk with an uncoordinated gait and an elevated tail.  It may also affect the retinas of their eyes.  They are otherwise alert and act normal.

Infection occurs when unvaccinated cats come in contact with the virus, which may be by contact with blood, urine, feces, nasal secretions, or even the fleas from an infected cat.  The hands and clothing of people who handle infected cats can also spread the disease. Unfortunately, the virus is very resistant to environmental conditions and difficult to destroy; it can remain infective for years.  Routine household disinfectants will not kill the virus, and a 1 to 30 dilution of bleach should be used to clean any appropriate surfaces.

There is no medication to kill the virus. Hospitalization with IV fluid therapy and antibiotics to prevent secondary infection are necessary to support the cat’s health while its own body is fighting the infection. Not all will survive.

Preventing the infection through vaccination is better rather than treating an infected cat. Today’s vaccines are very effective in helping your pet protect itself from infection. A series of kitten vaccinations followed by adult boosters stimulate the cat’s immune system to produce protective antibodies. Should the cat come into contact with the virus, these same antibodies will help your cat successfully fight off the infection.

Consult with your veterinarian for advice on a vaccination schedule appropriate for your pet.

Epilepsy

Epilepsy (often referred to as a seizure disorder) is a chronic neurological condition characterized by recurrent unprovoked seizures.  It is commonly controlled with medication, although surgical methods are used as well. Epileptic seizures are classified both by their patterns of activity in the brain and their effects on behaviour.
In terms of their pattern of activity, seizures may be described as either partial or generalised. Partial seizures only involve a localised part of the brain, whereas generalised seizures involve the entire cortex. The term 'secondary generalisation' may be used to describe a partial seizure that later spreads to the whole of the cortex and becomes generalised. All the causes of epilepsy are not known, but many predisposing factors have been identified, including brain damage resulting from malformations of brain development, head trauma, neurosurgical operations, other penetrating wounds of the brain, brain tumor, high fever, bacterial or viral encephalitis, stroke, intoxication, or acute or inborn disturbances of metabolism. Hereditary or genetic factors also play a role.

Diabetes

Diabetes Mellitus (DM) is a life long disorder of dogs and cats that results when the pancreas fails to produce enough insulin to meet the animal's needs. Insulin is a hormone needed to transport glucose (blood sugar) into the body's cells. When there is a lack of insulin in the body, blood glucose rises to abnormally high levels. Over time, this causes damage to body tissues and produces the symptoms commonly seen in animals with DM.

Early symptoms, such as weakness, weight loss, change in appetite and depression can be mild and may go unnoticed by the owner. Increased thirst and frequent urination more commonly results in a visit to your Veterinarian where tests can be done to identify what may be affecting the family pet. Urinary tract infections are more common in diabetic pets than in normal animals.

Once a diagnosis has been made, a treatment plan will be designed to meet the individual needs of your pet and you. The plan will address the type and amount of insulin, how it is to be administered, dietary restrictions and exercise for your pet.  Dogs are Type I diabetics in that they require insulin injections.  Cats are usually Type II diabetics. Insulin injections are usually used initially, but when fed a special diet, as much as 70% of cats can eventually be maintained without the insulin.

There is no cure for DM, but through your commitment of time and management of their life style, your pet can lead a happy comfortable life.

The Importance of Dentistry

What is periodontal disease?
Over 85% of dogs and cats have some type of periodontal disease.  Periodontal disease simply means that the gums and bone that hold the teeth in place are being destroyed by oral bacteria.  This preventable disease is the number one diagnosed disease in our pets, yet many animals suffer needlessly.  Periodontal disease begins with gingivitis, or inflammation of the gum tissue, which is caused by plaque.  Plaque is a mixture of saliva, bacteria, glycoproteins and sugars that adhere to the tooth surface.  Within minutes after a cleaning, a thin layer of plaque has adhered to the teeth.  Eventually this hardens to become calculus or tartar.  Calculus by itself is nonpathogenic – it does not cause disease.  However, it does create a rough surface for more plaque to adhere to, and pushes the gums away from the teeth, which increases surface area for more plaque to adhere.  Eventually, the supporting structures of the tooth (bone, tissue, periodontal ligament) are destroyed and the tooth becomes mobile and will either fall out on its own or need to be extracted.  Signs of periodontal disease are bad breath (halitosis), reluctancy to eat, chewing on one side of the mouth, dropping food, pawing at the face or rubbing the face on the floor, drooling, becoming head shy, and painful mouth/face.

Veterinarians recommend the following care for pets:

STEP 1:  Bring your pet in for a dental exam.  Don’t wait for his annual checkup if you suspect a problem.

STEP 2:  Begin a dental care regimen at home.  Brushing your pet’s teeth daily is very important.  We also recommend using a specially formulated dental rinse, and dental chews and food.  Please ask us if you need instructions on brushing your pet’s teeth, or if you have any other questions. 

STEP 3:  Schedule your pets for an annual teeth cleaning with x-rays.  This is also very important and ensures we are catching any disease early enough to treat. 

Periodontal disease and oral bacteria can easily affect other organ systems including the heart, liver, kidneys, lungs and brain.  

Canine Parvovirus (CPV)

The Parvovirus is known worldwide and causes disease in many different species of animals. Different strains of virus only infect certain types of animals. For example, the Canine Parvovirus (Parvo) will mainly infect dogs and does not cause disease in cats or humans. Feline Parvovirus, a different strain of virus, causes a different type of disease known as Feline Distemper.

Canine Parvovirus made its first appearance in the late 1970s and was first identified as a distinct disease in 1978. As a result of global travel and the importation of animals, the disease spread around the world in only one to two years. Most canines at the time had no natural immunity to the virus and its spread was rapid and devastating, especially for puppies.

The virus is released into the environment from infected puppies when they have a bowel movement. When unprotected dogs come into contact with the feces (stool), infection occurs when the virus is ingested. All dogs are at risk, but unvaccinated puppies are particularly susceptible to infection.

Most dogs with parvo have symptoms of lethargy; loss of appetite; fever; vomiting and severe, often bloody, diarrhea. Dehydration develops rapidly and can be fatal. Early detection and treatment by your veterinarian are essential to improve the chances of survival. This usually involves several days of hospitalization in the intensive care unit at your veterinarian’s facility. Many factors are in play but even with the proper care, the puppy may not survive.

Vaccination and cleanliness are critical to preventing Parvovirus infection. Your Veterinarian will design a vaccination schedule tailored to your pets particular needs. 

Cancer

What is cancer:  Cancer, by definition, is the uncontrolled growth of cells.  Any type of cells in the body can become cancerous.  Once these cells grow out of control, they take over areas previously occupied by normal cells; sometimes these tumor cells break off and travel to other areas of the body.  Wherever these cells lodge they can start new tumors.  This process continues until there is not enough normal tissue remaining to sustain normal bodily functions.  There are a number of factors that influence how fast a cancer may grow or spread: type of cancer cell, location, genetics, as well as any concurrent illness or debilitating condition the patient may have.

Why cancer happens:  While there are many research studies devoted to determining the causes of cancer, a lot about this disease is still unknown.  It is evident that factors like genetics; exposure to harmful substances, injury, and advanced age can predispose certain patients to this disease.

Diagnosis:  Regular physical examinations and thorough medical history review are often key components to detecting cancer.  Samples of any abnormal tissue should be evaluated by a pathologist to determine the type of tumor and degree of aggressiveness of the disease.  A pathologist's report, along with other imaging such as X-rays, ultrasound, and lab work help establish the patient's health status and determine the optimal treatment plan.

Treatment:  There are many different type of cancer treatment: surgery, chemotherapy, radiation or any combination of these treatments.  The important thing is to destroy the abnormal cells without damaging the normal cells.  Veterinary oncologists, veterinarians that specialize in the study and treatment of cancer, can be consulted to help determine what treatment would be best for the patient.

Prognosis:  Cancer is not always a terminal disease.  Early detection and appropriate treatments are important in achieving the best outcome.  New advancements in diagnostics and more effective treatments are being discovered all the time.

Canine Distemper

Canine distemper is caused by a virus that is shed in bodily fluids of infected animals. The virus affects primarily the lungs, intestines, and nervous system. Symptoms of the infection can include coughing, diarrhea, vomiting, inappetance, dehydration, weight loss, seizures, and encephalitis. Secondary infections can present as discharge from the eyes and/or nose, and pneumonia. Puppies, especially those from shelters, are at the highest risk. Currently there are no antiviral medications to treat canine distemper. Treatment is aimed at controlling secondary bacterial infections with antibiotics and supportive care as needed. Vaccination aimed at preventing distemper is the best strategy. Puppies should be isolated from other dogs until they have completed their series of vaccinations at 16 weeks of age.

Bloat & Gastric Torsion

Bloat & Gastric Torsion is a serious condition and your pet should be rushed to the emergency room if this occurs. Certain breeds of dogs
with deep chests and narrow waists, such as hounds,  Bouvier des Flandres, or Doberman Pinschers  are more susceptible to a syndrome of gastric torsion and bloat.
 This occurs when the stomach twists on its supporting ligaments and the contents begin to release  gas pressure. A similar disease is seen in cattle and horses as well. Dogs who experience such an attack are very susceptible to another which is usually more severe, and this is one case where immediate veterinary care is needed, normally requiring abdominal surgery to prevent a recurrence.

Arthritis

Arthritis is an inflammation of any joint in the body.  The inflammation can have many causes.  The most common type of arthritis is osteoarthritis which can be due to wear and tear on joints from over use, aging, injury, or from an unstable joint such as which occurs with a ruptured ACL (anterior cruciate ligament) in the knee.  The chronic form of this disease is called degenerative joint disease (DJD). It is estimated that 20% of dogs older than one year of age have some form of DJD. One study showed that 90% of cats over 12 years of age had evidence of DJD on x-rays.
Other causes of the inflammation can be infectious.  Septic arthritis is caused by a bacterial or fungal infection.  Lyme disease or Ehrlichia infection can also cause arthritis.  Auto-immune diseases, or what is now called immune- mediated diseases, such as Lupus can cause swollen, painful, inflamed joints.  More rarely, tumors can cause arthritis.
Treatment for arthritis should be directed to the inciting cause if possible. Surgery may be needed to stabilize a joint. DJD may be treated with NSAID’s, pain medication such as Tramadol, cartilage protective agents such as glucosamine or Adequan, acupuncture, or as a last resort, steroids.   NSAID’s  (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs) have many types.  In general, it is recommended to use NSAID’s developed for pets, and not ones made for use in people as those are highly likely to cause ulcers in dogs, and most NSAID’s can’t be used in cats.    

About Our Company

OUR HISTORY

Our legacy begins with Dr. Alan Marks, Dr. Jeffrey Marks' father, who founded the first freestanding small animal veterinary hospital in the world in Detroit, Michigan.  Although there had been many mixed animal and large animal practices, there had never been a freestanding hospital devoted to dogs and cats. 
After 20 successful years in Detroit, Michigan, Dr. Alan Marks moved to Los Angeles in 1962 with his family where he took over as the owner of Washington Dog and Cat Hospital.  With the purchase of Washington Dog and Cat Hospital, Dr. Alan Marks set about to provide compassionate and effective veterinary care to the Mid City/Downtown Los Angeles area. 
As the practice quickly expanded so did the hospital.  In 1971, a major renovation of the facility took place which included a seperate, state-of-the-art surgical suite as well as a full service in-house laboratory.  In 1974, Dr. Alan Marks was joined by his son Dr. Jeffrey Marks, who became chief doctor in 1983.  Shortly thereafter Dr. Jeffrey Marks' wife Mari joined the team as hospital administrator.
Since then Washington Dog and Cat Hospital has been redesigned several times to accomodate an ever growing clientele with a variety of needs. The staff is now happy to offer new technologies such as, ultrasound and a video otoscope.  Washington Dog and Cat Hospital also offers emergency service, boarding and grooming. 
Dr. Marks and his staff at Washington Dog and Cat Hospital are committed to being the number one, full service veterinary hospital in the Mid City/Downtown Los Angeles area.