Veterinary care by vets for pets - Lauderhill, Florida.

PULMONARY DISORDERS

The lungs are organs of respiration: they intake oxygen-laden air and exchange the oxygen for the metabolic waste product carbon dioxide which is then exhaled from the body. Since the lungs are important and essential to maintaining life, they and the heart, which they surround, are encased within the boney rib cage for protection. When the lungs are compromised by disease, allergies, trauma, parasites, and/or tumors, either benign or malignant, depending upon the severity of the compromise, the animal patient will exhibit one, some or all of these signs and symptoms: pus discharge from the nostrils, coughing, wheezing, rapid breathing, difficult breathing, mouth breathing, cyanosis (purple gums), moist lung sounds, exercise intolerance, chronic wasting, and possibly collapse and death.

Traumatic lung disorders may be due to a variety and combination of traumatic episodes: blunt (being kicked or hit by inhalation), electrical (electrocution), wet inhalation (drowning), and penetration/perforation (being shot).

The lungs are susceptible to infectious diseases caused by a variety of organisms: bacterial (tuberculosis), viral (canine distemper), fungal (aspergillosis), and parasites (lungworms, hookorms, and heartworms) which may produce pneumonia, abscesses, and masses.

Some non-infectious diseases are: allergies (asthma), cardiopulmonary disease (congestive heart failure), intraluminal mass or obstruction (foreign body inhalation), pulmonary compression (pneumothorax), and altered ventilatory pattern (acidosis, anemia, and toxicity).

Tumors may be found within the breathing tubes, in the lung tissue, in the vasculature and lymphatics supplying the lung tissue, and outside of the lungs themselves. These tumors may be benign or malignant. The malignant tumor may be of primary (arise from the lung tissue itself) or be of secondary (metastasized from other organs and tissues as mammary or breast cancer) origin.

Pulmonary disorders are diagnosed by a combination of medical detective devices and procedures: history, physical examination, auscultation, observation, X-Ray examination, ultrasound, bronchoscopy, biopsy and histopathology, and by clinical pathology tests such as a complete blood count, culture/sensitivity of sputum and tracheal wash samples, arterial blood gas analysis, and by blood chemistry and electrolyte determinations.

Once your veterinarian has diagnosed that a pulmonary disorder exists and also determines the cause, then the appropriate treatment may be instituted. It depends upon the cause(s) as to what degree of resolution may be attained by medical and/or surgical therapy. Feel free to discuss with your veterinarian the following important issues: the diagnosis (what is wrong with your pet), the prognosis (what are the chances for a favorable outcome), the treatment (surgical, medical or a combination of both), recovery time and procedures (how long and just what will be required of you to do), the contagiousness of the disorder (are you, your family, and other pets in jeopardy), your options (to treat, not to treat, how to treat), and finally what will be your financial investment?

Dr. John Case, Jr. is the owner of the Clinic for Animals, 5462 North University Drive, Lauderhill, FL (954) 749-0551. Dr. Case has a small animal and exotic animal practice.

www.clinicforanimals.com
cfa9547490551@aol.com

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Pet Tribune

BREEDING MANAGEMENT PROTOCOLS

(Preamble to Breeding Protocols)

Everyone who loves his or her dog would like to be able to clone it so that they may have it forever. Unfortunately, that is not possible. The closest thing to cloning is to breed your beloved pet and to get its offspring. It sounds like a good idea; however, what will you do with those puppies that you do not keep? Because of the heavy burden on society that pet overpopulation causes, breeding your pet should not be a frivolous decision. Please consider, before you do, the breeding management protocols listed below. If you should have any questions about them, please consult your family veterinarian.

To insure a productive breeding, an uncomplicated whelping, and a healthy litter, we suggest the following protocols. A health examination, with appropriate laboratory testing, is essential in determining breeding soundness. Protocols for management of the dog, the bitch, pregnancy and lactation, and newborns are discussed below.

The Dog (Sire): General Health

    * Must be healthy, in good physical condition and parasite-free.
    * All appropriate vaccinations must be current.
    * Must conform to breed standards if progeny are to be registered.

Breeding Soundness

    * Must test negative for Brucella infection.
    * Must have adequate, viable sperm.
    * There can be no deformities of the penis or of the testicles.
    * The penile sheath must be free of infection.
    * There should be no physical defects, which would prevent his mounting of the bitch.
    * There must be no heritable defects.

The Bitch (Dam): General Health

    * Must be healthy, in good physical condition and parasite-free.
    * All appropriate vaccinations must be current.
    * Must conform to breed standards if progeny are to be registered.

Breeding Soundness

    * Must test negative for Brucella infection.
    * Pelvic (birth) canal must be free of defects.
    * Mammary glands and nipples must be normal.
    * There must be no hernias, either umbilical or inguinal.
    * Should there be a vaginitis or vaginal discharge, a culture and sensitivity is needed.
    * There must be no heritable defects.

Preparation for Breeding

    * At the first signs of proestrus, or the first stage heat (vulvular enlargement, bloody discharge), present her for a physical examination, a complete blood count, and a fecal test.
    * Ten days from the beginning of heat, present her for a vaginal cytology examination to determine the stage of estrus and the appropriate time to begin breeding.
    * The three stages of heat (proestrus, estrus, and diestrus) last for approximately 21 days. During that time, she will attract the interest of all intact males; therefore, you must maintain her in a secure fashion to prevent a mismating with an inappropriate sire.

Breeding

    * Do not breed the bitch before her third heat cycle. The first heat occurs at approximately six months of age and then every six months thereafter.
    * In order to bracket ovulation and to insure a large litter, breed every 2-3 days until she refuses the sire.
    * Should she refuse the sire or if he were unable to breed her, then consider artificial breeding or artificial insemination with sperm from a sperm bank.
    * Trying-up is the means that nature has provided for the ejaculate to be deposited in the cervical region. Once intromission has occurred, the penile bulb will engorge to the point that it will not allow extraction of the penis from the vulvular opening. The engorgement subsides upon ejaculation thereby allowing the two to disengage.
    * Remember that the bitch will stand for breeding with any and all intact males during heat. There can be a different father for each pup in the litter, but there can be only one father per pup.

Pregnancy Management

    * The average, normal gestation period is 63 days; however, each bitch is an individual and she may vary slightly from the norm.
    * Every 21 days, monitor the pregnancy by performing a physical examination, a complete blood count, and a fecal examination.
    * Seven days before the whelping due date, the number of fetuses may be determined by X-ray examination.
    * A high quality dog food must be fed during pregnancy and lactation to maintain the good health of the dam and her litter. We prefer Hills Canine P/D ®

Preparing for Whelping

    * A quiet space, out of the flow of normal household traffic must be provided. The use of a whelping box is preferred.
    * Approximately 7 days prior to whelping, her mammary glands may begin to become enlarged with milk.
    * As the time nears, she may become restless, stop eating, and urinate frequently.
    * The normal rectal temperature is 100-103 degrees Fahrenheit. By monitoring her temperature, an estimate of impending labor may be done, for when the temperature drops to 99F, she should generally present the first fetus within 6 hours.

Whelping

    * Once labor begins, and it is a strong, nonproductive labor for 6 hours, veterinary intervention may be required.
    * There is no set time between deliveries, ranging from minutes to hours. Again, I use 6 hours of nonproductive labor as a sign of the need for veterinary intervention.
    * Most bitches will eat the fetal membranes (placenta) during the process of the cleaning the newborn. This is natural and assists in milk letdown and promotes mothering instinct. As a downside, it may produce diarrhea.
    * The bitch and her pups need to be presented for examination within 24 hours postpartum. At that time, they will be examined, she for retained fetuses, and the pups for any abnormalities and defects. She will be given an injection of oxytocin to stimulate milk letdown and to flush and placental remnants from the uterus.

Newborn Management

    * As each fetus is presented, if she does not remove the fetal membranes, then you must do so.
    * The umbilical cord is tied with heavy thread next to the abdominal wall and the cord is then cut approximately one inch beyond the ligature.
    * The mouth must be cleared of any obstructions, such as placental fluids and tissue and of meconium (fetal feces). Aspirate the pharyngeal area with an infant ear syringe to insure an open airway.
    * Vigorously massage the newborn to stimulate breathing.
    * Newborns are accustomed to the bitch's body temperature and they are subject to chilling, which can have fatal results; therefore, be prepared to provide a warm environment for them. Heating pads can be dangerous.
    * In those breeds that require tail docking and dew claw removal, it is done at 3 days of age.

Lactation

    * Nature has insured the survival of the mammalian species by the production of good quality, wholesome milk to feed the newborn. The first milk is called colostrum and contains antibodies, which transfers passive immunity to the newborn until the newborn's immune system can produce its own.
    * The dam's ingested nutrients go to produce milk first. What is leftover then is utilized by the dam for her own use. If the leftover nutrients are insufficient, then milk fever (eclampsia) may ensue.
    * Therefore, it is extremely important that the same high quality diet that was fed during pregnancy continue to be fed during lactation.
    * Her mammaries must be examined daily, looking for signs of mastitis (redness, heat, pain, discoloration, hardness, and discolored milk). Mastitis milk is harmful to the nursing pups.

Dr. John Case, Jr. is the owner of the Clinic for Animals, 5462 North University Drive, Lauderhill, FL (954) 749-0551. Dr. Case has a small animal and exotic animal practice.

www.clinicforanimals.com
cfa9547490551@aol.com
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Pet Tribune

WHAT IS UROLITHIASIS?

All animals, man included, are subject to their developing stones within their urinary tract. When stones form, the condition is known as urolithiasis and the stones are called uroliths. These stones may form anywhere within the urinary tract: kidneys, ureters, bladder, and urethra. If the stones are small enough to be passed out in the urine, there may be no evidence of their presence other than discomfort and seeing the stones themselves. If the stones are too large to pass, then a serious problem will ensue.

The formation of stones may be due to one cause or in combination with several other causes. The most common causes of urolithiasis are listed below.

1. Urinary Tract Infection (UTI):
bacterial infections may alter the pH of the urine to cause crystals to precipitate out from the waste-mineral-laden urine. These crystals then may form aggregates to become stones.

2. Metabolic disorders:
hereditary disorders (as in Dalmatians with urate stones), birth defects (as in dogs and cats with portal vascular abnormalities), and acquired metabolic disorders (hyperparathyroidism).

3. Dietary Factors:
high-magnesium alkalizing diets (high ash) in cats, diet with excessive amounts of corn gluten or soybean hulls, over supplementation with calcium/phosphorus, and in ferrets the feeding of dog food and/or low quality cat food.

4. Idiopathic (unknown) causes:
The clinical signs and symptoms are variable and are multifactorial.

    A. The size, number, and location of the stones within the urinary tract will determine the severity of the condition.

    B. If there is a partial or complete obstruction of urine flow, then the potential for uremic poisoning is greater. Uremic poisoning occurs as the elimination of the toxic waste products is prevented allowing their absorption into the general circulation thereby producing nausea, vomiting, dehydration, urine-breath, inappetence, depression, coma and/or seizures, then death.

    C. The presence of UTI is common and complicates the condition. Foul smelling urine is detected if UTI is present.

D. Bloody urine occurs as the bladder wall becomes traumatized from the friction produced by the stones as they rub off the bladder's lining.

    E. Pain or discomfort occurs as the stones travel from the site of their formation to eventually be passed if possible and there is straining to urinate. Cats will stay in the litter box without producing any urine. Dribbling of bloody urine is common.

Should your pet exhibit any of these signs and symptoms, you have an animal that may be in danger of becoming very ill and eventually dying a painful death. The earlier that this condition is diagnosed and the sooner the therapy is instituted, the faster your pet may be returned to normal. In some cases, the treatment may involve surgery. Antibiotics and medications may need to be administered long term or for life. More than likely your veterinarian will suggest a change in diet. This is a condition not to be ignored. It will not rectify itself.

Dr. John Case, Jr. is the owner of the Clinic for Animals, 5462 North University Drive, Lauderhill, FL (954) 749-0551. Dr. Case has a small animal and exotic animal practice.

www.clinicforanimals.com
cfa9547490551@aol.com
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Pet Tribune Volume 4 Issue 2 http://www.studio32.net/WWW/Portfolio/PetTribune/1998/040598/18.html

ZOONOTIC DISEASESS

Not only are we humans afflicted by contagious diseases contracted from our fellow man, but we are also subject to becoming ill from diseases which animals, mammals, birds, reptiles, amphibians, domesticated, non-domesticated or wild, themselves carry. These same diseases may also be transmitted from us to members of the animal kingdom. These interspecies diseases are known as ZOONOTIC DISEASES, diseases shared by man and animal alike.

Zoonotic diseases may be transmitted in a variety of ways. Direct transmission is by direct contact between man and animal. Indirect transmission requires either an intermediate vector or host, such as flies, mosquitoes, fleas, ticks, and other biting insects or by contact with fomites, such as contaminated bedding, clothing, grooming instruments, etc.     The below listed diseases are only the tip of the Zoonotic Disease Iceberg. For some, Rabies, Leptospirosis, Polio, TB, there are preventive vaccinations and inoculations. For some, good hygiene, such as washing well after contact with animals and their waste products, will be effective prevention. Most can be treated with modern medications. Rabies is the exception, for once contracted, there is no effective treatment, and death will ensue. Those persons with suppressed immune systems are especially at risk. Consult your family Veterinarian, Physician, or Public Health Officer should you have any cause for alarm.

The following chart describes some of the more important Zoonotic Diseases.
DISEASE                     SPECIES                             DIRECT                       INDIRECT
Rabies                         all mammals                          saliva, urine                     no
Tuberculosis                man, cattle, dogs
                                   monkeys, birds                     aerosol                             no
Scabies                        all mammals                         direct contact                 formites
Crytosporidium         man, dogs, reptiles             feces                                feces
                                                                                                                            contaminated                                                                                                                                     vegetables, fruit,                                                                                                                             water
E-coli infection             man, all animals                 feces                                feces                                                                                                                                                 contaminated                                                                                                                                     water
Leptospirosis             man, cattle, swine,
                                      rats, dogs                              urine                               urine                                                                                                                                                 contaminated
                                                                                                                            food and water
Poliomyelitis                 man, monkeys                      aerosol                         no
Ringworm                     all mammals                         direct contact                 formites
Psittacosis/Ornithosis     man/parrot family             aerosol                            no
Brucelloses                 man, cattle,
                                    swine, dogs                           blood, urine, semen        no

Dr. John Case, Jr. is the owner of the Clinic for Animals, 5462 North University Drive, Lauderhill, FL (954) 749-0551. Dr. Case has a small animal and exotic animal practice.

www.clinicforanimals.com
cfa9547490551@aol.com
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PYOMETRA: THE SCOURGE OF THE INTACT FEMALE

Pyometra is a serious and potentially fatal disease of the uterus that results from hormonally induced changes in the uterus' lining, the endometrium, that allows infection to occur. The patency of the cervix (open vs. closed) influences the severity of the disease, its prognosis, and the treatment options; however, it also may occur in the spayed female that was left with an excessively long uterine stump after her hysterectomy.

The stage is set for the development of pyometra when ovulation occurs because the ovaries produce progesterone in preparation for pregnancy. If conception happens, then pyometra is not likely to occur. If conception does not occur, then the endometrium, which has undergone glandular enlargement, may continue to enlarge. The latter scenario results in excessive accumulations of secretions which are an ideal medium for bacterial growth. The increased progestrone level inhibits the drainage of the uterus and also inhibits leukocyte function, which is necessary to ward off infection.

The most common bacterial organism that has been cultured from the pus of pyometra has been Escherichia coli (E. coli) which has been found to have a specific affinity for the progesterone-sensitized endometrium. Bacterial infections usually originate from contamination entering the uterus through the open cervix.

Female hormones, such as progesterone in the form of megestrol acetate (Ovaban®) and diethylstilbestrol (DES), have been used therapeutically for other diseases and may artificially sensitize the endometrium and induce the proper setting for pyometra also. Pyometra is usually seen in the older intact bitch or queen. Younger intact females that have undergone hormone therapy are also prime candidates for pyometra.

The clinical signs become evident about 30-60 days post-heat cycle or post-hormone therapy. The severity of the condition depends upon the patency of the cervix, any underlying concurrent medical conditions, and the age the patient. Closed pyometra, in which the cervix is closed the acts as a barrier to uterine drainage, is the most serious and life threatening of the two. Lethargy, depression, loss of appetite, and abdominal distention are common early signs.

As the pus formation continues to swell the uterine vessel, rupture may occur thereby producing a potentially painful, fatal peritonitis or a septic toxemia (blood poisoning) may develop or both could happen. Vomiting, dehydration, anemia, and diarrhea may result from the toxemia of pyometra and/or from the frequently associated uremic poisoning.

Ovariohysterectomy (spaying, fixing) is the treatment of choice. It never fails to astound me when I see how immense the pus-filled uterus can be. In some cases, the swollen uterus is nearly as large as the patient once it was removed and placed next to the dog or cat. Surgery is not without possible complications. Should the pus-filled uterus rupture before or during surgical intervention and the toxic contents spill into the abdominal cavity, then peritonitis will result. Then the patient dies a painful death.

THE PET TRIBUNE Volume 4 Issue 1 Feb/Mar 1998 page 10
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Pet Ownership for Immunocompromised People

Our immune system can be suppressed by many things including diabetes, kidney failure, some types of cancer, human immuno-deficiency virus (HIV) infection, and treatments for cancer, organ transplantation, and autoimmune disease. Many studies have proven the value of companion animals for immunocompro-
mised people and have shown a decreased prevalence of depression among these owners. However, there are several important guidelines for pet ownership particular to these situations to protect the health and well being of the people involved.

General guidelines:

The most common diseases transmissible from animals to people (called zoonoses) are intestinal infections caused by Salmonella and Campylobacter bacteria. The intestinal parasites, Giardia and Cryptosporidia, are causes of diarrhea and are zoonotic also. Two fungal diseases, dermatomycosis (also called ringworm) and sporotrichosis, cause infections of the skin and can be transmitted directly from pet to human. There are also other important diseases to consider and some common guidelines, which apply to all situations:

keep your pet healthy and clean,

keep your pet's vaccinations up to date and be sure your pet has an annual health exam,

do not let your pet drink from the toilet,

keep your pet indoors or outside only on a leash and supervised,

never feed your pet raw or undercooked meat, raw eggs, or unpasteurized milk,

have a plan for good flea and tick control,

keep your pet's feeding and sleeping areas clean,

ensure your pet is spayed or neutered at the appropriate age,

wash your hands after handling any pet,

have someone else do the cleaning chores; or if you must, wear gloves and a face mask and use disinfectant when cleaning urine, stools or vomit,

be very careful when handling any animal under six months of age, especially if it has diarrhea or appears to be ill.

Specific guidelines for cat ownership:

Cats should be kept indoors to restrict hunting activity and to reduce contact with other animals. Cats can acquire the parasite Toxoplasma by eating wild animals or undercooked meat. The oocysts are the infectious form of Toxoplasma and they are shed in the stools of an infected cat. The litter box should be kept away from the kitchen and any eating areas. Cat litter should be sealed in a plastic bag for disposal and cleaning should be done while wearing disposable gloves and a facemask. If the box is cleaned daily, the risk of Toxoplasmosis is lessened as the oocysts take more than 24 hours in the environment to become infective. Also take care while working in the garden as cat feces in the soil could carry Toxoplasma, so wearing gloves and washing up well are important. Cats can transmit a bacteria, called Bartonella henselae, which causes an uncommon disease known as Cat Scratch disease. The risk of Bartonella infection is highest in kittens and in cats with fleas. For immunocompromised people, a healthy mature cat over the age of 1 year would be a better companion than a kitten. The cats claws should be trimmed short and any scratches or bites should be washed well with soap and water. An antiseptic should be applied and a doctor consulted, especially if any redness or swelling develops.

It should be noted that feline leukemia virus (FeLV) and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) are different from HIV. These feline viruses do not infect humans, but both FeLV and FIV can make cats more susceptible to other diseases, some of which may be zoonotic. When adopting a new cat, it should be tested for both FeLV and FIV by a veterinarian.

In general, routine health care for cats is important to protect the people they live with. Annual physical examinations, fecal tests for parasites, and vaccinations should be done. Be prepared to seek veterinary attention quickly in any case of illness, especially if diarrhea or vomiting is involved.

Finally, it may be wise to designate someone to care for your pet if you become ill or are hospitalized. Advance arrangements can be very valuable in the case of a sudden illness in either the owner or the pet. Let your veterinarian know if someone in your household is immuno- compromised and if any arrangements have been made to designate a person to act as an agent for the pet. It may also be necessary to arrange in advance for a permanent home for the pet should the owner be unable to care for it on a long-term basis. Having these arrangements in place can decrease the stress associated with an unexpected or difficult situation.

Enjoy your pet. Should you have any questions, please call Dr. Case.

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