May 2012

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Question of the week: How do I give my cat oral medications?

May 26, 2012 in Client Education, Question of the week by Lisa

pill bottleGiving medication to a cat can be an intimidating and overwhelming task. Owners will all to often end up either “wearing” the medication or finding unswallowed pills craftily deposited on the floor. Many of us adore cats for their independence and cunning but  these traits work against us when trying to give medication. This week we hope to make the task a little easier with some tips and tricks.

The first thing you want to do is be prepared. Have the medication ready and within reach. Elevated areas such as tables or counters may be easier than the floor. If possible, make sure your cats nails are trimmed to avoid scratches. If your cat goes outside, ensure that doors are shut in the event of an “escape.”

The following is directed toward the right-handed, but of course you can adapt this method for the left-handed. direct the cat’s hind end towards the crook of your left arm so it can’t scoot out backwards. Take the pill between the pointer finger and the thumb of your right hand. Taking your left hand, hold the top of the cats head and tilt it upwards. With the free fingers you have on your right hand, pry open the lower jaw. At this point, drop the pill into the mouth (gravity is your friend here) and then close the mouth. Rub the cat’s throat to stimulate a swallow reflex. You can also blow softly on the the nose for the same reflex.

If you are having trouble picturing what we are describing, this video is a useful visual aid.

Sometimes we don’t have the advantage of a second person to help us out. In some cases, the job is made easier with what we call the “kitty burrito” method. Basically, you take a towel and swaddle the cat so that they are immobilized. This may save you some wrestling with your cat.

Many pharmacies now formulate liquid versions of medications in flavors that are palatable to the cat. When giving pills is not an option for you ask the doctor if there is a liquid version you can try.

Our veterinary technicians are adept at giving medications and can always give you a demonstration of the best approach with your animal. Ask them to show you their technique before you leave the clinic or give us a call so we can talk you through it.

Campus Critter of the Month (May)

May 24, 2012 in Campus Critter of The Month, Fun Stuff by Lisa

Ruby the puggleOur May Critter of the Month hails all the way from the Big Apple. Miss Ruby will charm your socks off and is a model patient when she comes to visit us here at the clinic. We thought she was a perfect choice this warm and sunny time of year. Her humans Erin and Scott were nice enough to oblige us with her story.

“Three years ago, we lived in Manhattan and wanted to adopt a puppy. Unfortunately, our building only allowed dogs under 25 lbs, and small dogs are in high demand in New York City. We tried every shelter and rescue group, but could only get put on long waiting lists. Finally, after searching online, we found someone in New Jersey with a 3 month-old puggle that needed a new home. He said she was a good puppy and very social, but she was also active and needed more attention than he was able to give her. We went to meet her and brought her home the very same day!

Ruby under a blanketRuby loved the excitement of living in the city, and to say she is social is an understatement. She quickly became best friends with our doormen, all the neighborhood dogs and their owners, and anybody else who stopped to pat her on the head. When she was 1 1/2 years old, I got a new job that meant we had to move to California. So we packed up and drove from New York to Berkeley, and Ruby got to see the country. Now she’s traded her one-bedroom apartment for a house with a big yard. From the window in “her” bedroom, she can watch the squirrels, birds and passers-by. She’s an exceptionally good-natured dog, and we’re lucky to have her! ”

Likes: watching squirrels, chasing cats, walks in the park, mealtime, rawhide bones

Dislikes: being left out of ANYTHING, motorcycles, skateboards, rolling suitcases

Think your “critter” has what it takes? Email us at moc.y1369182884ranir1369182884etevs1369182884upmac1369182884@rett1369182884irc1369182884

Question of the week: What is heartworm?

May 19, 2012 in Client Education, Question of the week by Lisa

Heartworm Lifecycle

Heartworm Lifecycle (via Trifexis.com)

Heartworm disease is a nasty but very preventable condition. Thankfully we see fewer cases here in the Bay Area than places like Texas and other southern states where it is more prevalent. That said, heartworm disease may be present wherever there are mosquitos and those are found just about all over the United States. Campus Veterinary Clinic advises heatworm prevention as a precautionary measure for many of our patients.

So what are heartworms? Otherwise know as Dirofilaria immitis, these nasty parasites as previously mentioned are transmitted by mosquitos. When infected, dogs may fail to present with any symptoms for years, at which time the worms can reach up to 30cms and number up to 300. They are also capable of living up to 5 years. Did we mention they are nasty?

The worms really start to cause problems when they start migrating towards the heart and lungs via the blood stream. In terms of symptoms, you can expect to see lethargy and a dry persistent cough. In more advanced cases there have been instances of congestive heart failure and death.

Veterinarians typically treat with a medicine called Immiticide. At the time of this writing, this drug is not available due to manufacturing problems. Essentially, this means we currently don’t have a treatment for heartworms. This makes it even more vital that your dog is protected. This drug kills the heartworms after which they are reabsorbed by the body. The treatment lasts several weeks and keeping the dog calm and rested is of utmost importance. Once the course of treatment is completed, a simple blood test should reveal whether the dog is negative for heartworm.

Of course, the best scenario is to never have to treat a heartworm infection at all. If it is determined that your dog has not been exposed to heartworm, you can consult with your veterinarian as to what is the best preventative to use. There are a number of options out there and we at Campus Veterinary Clinic most often prescribe a drug called Trifexis. This monthly tablet combines spinosad  (Comfortis) and milbemycin oxime (Sentinel). While working as a preventative for heartworm, it additionally serves as a flea preventative. Our doctors and staff are always happy to talk with you as to what the best options are for your dog. Please call us anytime during business hours for more information.

 

More news on pet food recall

May 16, 2012 in Food Recalls by Lisa

The Diamond Pet Company, makers of Taste of the Wild, Country Value and Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover’s Soul among others, issued a voluntary recall on some of it’s product. The food originated in the company’s Gaston, South Carolina plant. As of this writing, a total of 16 people have been reported ill  from exposure to salmonella tainted dog food.

There have been no cases reported in California. Incidents have occurred in North Carolina, Missouri, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Alabama, Connecticut, Michigan, New Jersey and Virginia.

If you have purchased any of Diamond’s products, you can refer to the website (http://diamondpetrecall.com/recall-home/) on how to proceed. This site will list the production codes that should be located on the packaging of the food. At this time, it appears that the recall does not effect California. If you have questions you can direct them to the company at 866-918-8756.

We will endeavor to keep you updated on any further news associated with the recall.

Question of the week: What kind of leash does my dog need?

May 14, 2012 in Question of the week by Lisa

The dog is a meandering creature by nature. Canines are  prone to exploring and given the choice prefer a less linear path than us humans. Getting safely from point A to point B with your dog often necessitates the use of a leash. Given the options out there, choosing the best leash for your dog can depend on a variety of things.

A standard leash with the lead that snaps onto the collar is best for basic training and every day use. It’s most often made of leather (more expensive but harder to chew through)  or nylon (less durable but waterproof and cheaper). The length is fixed averaging about 6 foot. It keeps the dog close to your side and allows for greater control when training.

Slip leads are the most rudimentary of leashes. They are typically a length of nylon with a loop handle and an adjustable slipping loop. These are most often used in clinical settings and are often seen in agility training.

Lots of pet owners opt for the retractable leash. This leash is usually up to 25 feet long and retracts into a plastic case with a handle. It allows dogs more freedom to move around and explore. However, these leashes are problematic in other ways. The distance it puts between you and your dog allows for less reaction time if a situation occurs. Running into traffic, altercations with other dogs or humans and tangling up with other leashed dogs happen easily. It allows your dog to lead you (versus you leading him or her) and is not ideal when trying to teach the dog not to pull on leash. There is also the risk of the leash snapping if the dog runs with it on. This recently happened with one of our own patients and the owner ended up trying to retrieve a very scared Pomeranian from the busy thoroughfare outside our clinic.

Ultimately it is you the owner that needs to determine what works best for you both. Your ability to control your dog be it due to their size or temperament can impact the decision you make on choosing a good leash. It may also be worth checking in with your regular veterinarian when figuring on the best choice.

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