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Seizures in Dogs and Cats

April 8, 2013 By Leave a Comment

     A seizure is involuntary behavior that is caused by abnormal brain activity. Seizures may involve loss of consciousness, involuntary muscle activity affecting one part of the body, such as the face or whole body, sustained muscle contractions, alternating limpness, stiffness, inappropriate behavior – gum chewing, fly biting or attacking other pets or family members. Some seizures are one time events or may occur repeatedly over the course of weeks or months. The most important clue in determining if your pet has had a seizure or not is if they appear disoriented after the episode. This is otherwise known as the post-ictal phase.

     The causes for seizures differ based upon age and history – young animals causes include low blood sugar, liver shunts or improper brain development. In older pets we become concerned about brain tumors, infections, and/or autoimmune diseases. In both age groups we are concerned about toxin exposure such as chocolate ingestion, recreational drugs, pesticides, flea or tick medications or other infectious causes. Some breeds of dogs develop idiopathic epilepsy (or cause is unknown) – breeds include Labradors, Goldens, Bernese mountain dogs and poodles. Cats however require more advanced diagnostics which include spinal fluid analysis to determine infectious causes (toxoplasmosis) along with imaging.

     Diagnosis starts with a medical history, it is very important to note when your pet had a seizure, the duration, intensity and frequency of the seizure. Laboratory tests are necessary to help diagnose the cause of seizures if there is a cause outside of the brain. Additionally some dogs may require more advanced testing if the problem is located inside the brain. Tests include obtaining a sample of spinal fluid, performing an MRI (magnetic resonance imaging) or CT (computed tomography).

     Some dogs may have a single seizure and may not require further medications. Dogs that require medication have seizures more than once a month, or have had multiple seizures in one day. Medications may cause the pet to be sleepy at the beginning but they will acclimate or become used to the drug over time. Many pets remain on antiseizure medications for life and require regular serum drug levels to ensure proper drug dosaging to prevent seizures from “breaking through.” If your dog has a seizure longer than 5 – 10 minutes or is in a state of continuous seizures these dogs need to be seen by a veterinarian immediately.

Caroline Li, DVM

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Ear Infections in Cats and Dogs

March 30, 2013 By Leave a Comment

     Ear disease is one of the more common diseases in dogs. Infection of the ear or otitis can occur in the external or middle ear. Clinical signs of ear infections include – head shaking, scratching at the ears, a stinky ear, discharge, swelling or redness of the skin inside the ear. Not all red ears are infected ears, however, if they are left untreated it can become infected.

     The normal ear is a structure made up of cartilage that is lined with skin, hair follicles, sebaceous (sweat glands) and modified ceruminous (wax forming) glands. Normally the skin cells and glandular cells produce wax to trap dirt and debris in the ear canal. The normal ear canal is smooth, light pink, with a pearly appearing tympanic membrane.

     The development of ear infections can be divided into predisposing, primary and perpetuating factors. Predisposing factors include the environment such as moisture and or heat, hair plucking, grooming powders and/or anatomic variation; floppy ears (like cocker spaniels), stenotic or narrow ear canals (like the sharpei), and the number of wax/ glandular cells, and number of hair follicles lining the ear canal. Other predisposing causes include hormonal or autoimmune diseases.

     Primary causes include foreign bodies (foxtails), cancer, ear mites, food/inhaled allergies, endocrine or autoimmune diseases.

     Perpetuating factors – these are causes that make treatment challenging and prone to failure –include bacterial or yeast infections, chronic changes to the structure of the ear from inflammation or deep infection, or inappropriate treatment.

     Determining ear infections begins with an otoscopic examination – to assess the surface of the ear canal and to determine if the ear drum is intact. Next is obtaining a sample of the material in the ear by rolling the exudates (wax) onto a slide. There we look for yeast and/or bacteria or even parasites!

     If bacteria or yeast are seen, we need to clean out the ear wax and debris using a special ear cleaner. In order for a medication to work and adhere to the skin in the ear, we need to start with a clean dry ear. If some infections are very deep we may need to add oral antibiotics and steroids to decrease inflammation.

     Maintenance ear care prevents ear infections from occurring again. Depending on your veterinarian they may recommend routine ear cleanings with an appropriate cleaner and medication. Over cleaning can also predispose our pets to developing ear infections by disrupting the normal microenvironment in the ear. Successful treatment of ear infections require identification of the primary cause (allergies, foreign body, autoimmune, endocrine diseases etc), and choosing the appropriate antibiotic along with regular visual assessment of the ear canal and tympanic membrane by your veterinarian.

Caroline Li, DVM

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Feline Idiopathic Cystitis (FIC)

March 22, 2013 By 1 Comment

     Feline idiopathic cystitis (FIC) is an inflammatory disease of the bladder that is fairly common in cats. This condition has also been referred to as feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD) and feline urologic syndrome (FUS). Cats with this disorder will have various clinical signs related to abnormal, painful urination. It is important to learn about FIC so that you can recognize if you cat is having problems at home and needs medical attention.

     The definitive cause of FIC is unknown, but various risk factors have been identified which make certain cats more prone to the disease than others. Most cats with FIC are indoor kitties that eat dry food, are members of multi-cat households, and may have had a recent stress in their life (new pet introduced, moving, etc). Often times, they are overweight and may have other medical conditions. The most common age of onset is between 2-6 years old, though cats of any age can get this disease.

     Cats with FIC show various clinical signs related to abnormal, painful urination. They may strain in the litter box, pass small amounts of urine frequently, or have bloody urine. Some cats will urinate outside the litter box.

     If your cat is showing the above signs, they should be evaluated by a veterinarian. A physical exam will be performed and blood and urine tests may be recommended to rule out medical conditions like kidney disease or urinary tract infections. An abdominal ultrasound may be needed to look for bladder stones or other abnormalities that could be causing your cat’s problems. If none of these tests diagnose a problem, then your cat is likely suffering from FIC.

     Dietary modification is the most important component of treatment. Your cat should have free access to water and should be encouraged to drink. It may be helpful to provide a pet water fountain or allow a faucet to drip because many cats prefer running water to drinking from a bowl. Your cat should also start eating wet (canned) food and may require a special urinary tract diet – ask your veterinarian for details.

     Treating FIC also involves lifestyle changes for your pet. Reducing environmental stresses is an important component to treatment. There should be at least 1 litter box for each cat in the house and they should be easily accessible and in a safe, quiet place. New pets should be introduced gradually to allow time for your cat to get used to their new friend. Environmental enrichment is also an important component to decreasing stress. Toys and climbing posts help give your indoor cat opportunities for exhibiting their natural behaviors. Pheromone therapy may be helpful in conjunction with environmental enrichment. Pheromones are chemicals like hormones that are used for inter-animal communication. Products like Feliway® may help decrease anxiety for your kitty and are available as room diffusers or sprays.

     If diet and lifestyle changes are not sufficient to decrease your cat’s clinical signs, medical therapy may be indicated. There are drugs available to help with inflammation, bladder control, and anxiety. Your veterinarian will prescribe whatever medications are necessary to make your cat as comfortable as possible.

     It is important to distinguish FIC from a lower urinary tract obstruction. Male cats are predisposed to lower urinary obstructions because their urethras are very narrow. Stones or mucus can get plugged in the urethra and block the flow of urine that is trying to leave the bladder. A urethral obstruction is a medical emergency that requires veterinary attention immediately. If you are ever concerned about your cat’s health, please contact a veterinarian for advice.

Kerry Thode, DVM

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Importance of Vaccines

March 6, 2013 By Leave a Comment

      Vaccinations are an important component of pet healthcare and also play a key role in the control of disease at the national and global level. Vaccines are designed to strengthen an animal’s immune system against a certain disease, to either prevent or minimize the effects of that infection, should the animal later be exposed. They consist of either modified or killed forms of the microorganism. Vaccine guidelines have been created for our pet population and generally consist of “Core” vaccines, which every animal should receive, and Non-Core” vaccines, which are given depending on life style. However, the most important component in vaccine management is consulting with your veterinarian so they can create a vaccination plan specifically tailored to your pet.

      You may have wondered why puppies and kittens receive a series of vaccinations. Young animals have naturally occurring immunity to disease, which they receive from their mothers during pregnancy and while nursing. This natural immunity begins to breakdown over the first few months of life, putting the puppy or kitten at risk for disease. For an animal to mount their own immune response, and for a vaccine to be effective, the naturally occurring immunity must be gone. We don’t know the exact point that any given animal will lose their natural immunity, and be ready to mount their own individual immune response, so a series of vaccines are given to ensure we don’t put a young animal at undue risk for disease, but also are able to impart long term immunity. For this same reason it is important not to exposure your puppies and kittens to animals with uncertain vaccination history, or environments where sick animals may have been, until their vaccine series is completed.

      There are two “Core” vaccinations given to dogs. The first is rabies, which is required by law due to its potential to spread to human beings. The second is DAP, which is a combo vaccine which protects dogs from some very serious viral diseases, including parvovirus and distemper. Several “Non-Core” vaccines for dogs exist which you and your veterinarian can decide upon based on your pets lifestyle and the diseases they may be at risk of contracting.

      “Core” vaccinations for cats include rabies, and the combo vaccine FVRCP, which primary is designed to cover cats for upper respiratory infections. One of the primary “Non-core” vaccines for cats is Feline Leukemia Virus, a life threatening disease which outdoor cats are at risk of contracting.

      Veterinarians would agree that the benefits far outweigh the risks. About 1 in every 200 animals will have an adverse vaccine reaction, but most reactions are very mild. Most vaccine reactions are limited to pain at the injection site, but they can also include facial swelling, hives, vomiting, diarrhea, and in rare causes anaphylaxis and shock. Some cats can also develop cancer at the site of injection years after their vaccination, but this condition is rare (about 1 in 10,000) and modern vaccines put cats at less risk.

      Although there are risks associated with vaccinations, they are an important tool available to your veterinarian to prevent serious and often life threatening disease in your pet. Vaccines are also largely responsible for controlling and even eradicating several of the world’s most serious infectious diseases, in both people and animals. By working with your veterinarian a vaccination plan can be made to minimize risk and keep your pet protected.

Trevor Miller, DVM

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Beyond Separation Anxiety: Part 4, The Grand Finale

February 28, 2013 By Leave a Comment

     It’s hard to believe I have been able to cover so many differentials for behaviors associated with separation anxiety in just 3 blogs! The only other differential I want to briefly mention is predatory behavior. Destructive behavior (and even vocalization) can be seen when the dog is trying to get to prey; which could be in the form of rats behind the walls! The treatment is to remove the source as predatory behavior is different from other behavior problems in that it is not very amenable to behavior modification. Dogs are either born with it or not, making the prognosis poor for changing the underlying emotional response.

     In the first blog of this series, we discussed the signs for separation anxiety, so in this blog we will focus on what can be done about it! Confirmation of appropriate diagnosis is important. Separation anxiety is one of the most difficult behavior problems to treat as it is often extremely difficult to avoid leaving the dog home alone for most people (myself included). Like other behavior problems, the more the dog practices the behavior, the more difficult it is to change. Since not leaving the dog home alone for months and months while behavior modification is implemented is not realistic for most people, anti-anxiety medications may be prescribed by your veterinarian to facilitate this process. If the pet does need to be left alone, they should be left in the place they are most comfortable with multiple long lasting treats they can safely consume in your absence. The Kong Company has some great ideas for different long lasting treat recipes (http://www.kongcompany.com/recipes/). The dog should always be ignored for 10-15 minutes before leaving and until calm once the owner returns home in order to decrease the emotional highs and lows of these times.

     A key component to treating separation anxiety is to change the dog’s emotional response to being away from the owner. To do this, the dog first must be comfortable with the owner being in a separate part of the house. This is accomplished by implementing independence exercises. The dog is put on a mat with a favorite long lasting treat. Over many sessions the owner practices moving further away for longer periods of time. If the dog is not sleeping or relaxed and eating their treat, then the time and/or distance must be decreased during the next session. After many weeks, once the owner is able to walk around the house for 10-15 minutes out of sight of the dog, graduated departures can be started. This is an extension of the independence exercises with the owner being able to walk out the door for 1 second initially, working up to longer and longer (hopefully hours) periods of time. The long lasting treat should be picked up when the exercise is over so that your dog is rewarded for your absence, not presence. Using a video camera helps to monitor your progress once you are out of sight of the dog.

     Another part of behavior modification for separation anxiety is uncoupling the cues that tell your dog you are leaving from your actual departure. This involves practicing the cues when you are not actually leaving. For example, pick up your keys and then go wash the dishes or put your shoes on and sit down to read a book. Over time you can do more and more cues together until you are able to work up to a whole day’s routine without leaving. Remember that these are general recommendations and each individual patient should have a treatment plan devised by a Veterinary Behaviorist or Certified Applied Animal Behaviorist for safety reasons and the best outcome.

    Well, that’s it for my discussion of separation anxiety. Stay tuned for more behavior blogs. If there is a particular topic you are interested in please let us know!

Meredith Stepita, DVM, DACVB (Veterinary Behaviorist)

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New Puppy or Kitten?

February 22, 2013 By Leave a Comment

      It finally happened. Your children won the argument and you came home with a new puppy or kitten. Everything was peachy – then it all started to happen: the kitten decided to use your great-grandmother’s rug as a litter box and scratching post, or the puppy found your beloved vinyl records of Elvis or the Beatles and destroyed them with such efficiency, that an industrial shredder would be jealous. You’re now over your head with this young creature. Now what?

     Bringing a new puppy or kitten into the household is not as simple as walking down to the shelter, picking out the cutest animal, and then bringing it home. Time must be spent before ever bringing a new pet home. Most parents don’t have a baby without some sort of pre-planning and preparation, right? The same applies here.

     Research the breed that you are interested in getting. Some breeds are better suited to your family’s lifestyle than others. An owner who doesn’t like to walk or can’t exercise will not fit well with a dog who likes to run a lot. The same is true for certain breeds of cats: some cats require a lot of attention and talk a lot, and some owners might not like that.

     Make sure you have all your supplies beforehand. Crates, chew toys / scratching posts, water / food bowls, appropriate food for the age of the animal and grooming supplies. A leash, collar and ID tags are a must.

     Is your house set up properly? You need to find a place for the crate and sleeping areas. Designating a potty area should be done as soon as your puppy comes home. Kittens need to be introduced to their litter box right away. Put away items that you do not want destroyed.

     Routines work well with animals. Work with your puppy or kitten from the beginning to establish a routine for eating, playtime and exercise. Establishing good habits early on will save you trouble later on down the road.

     Your first visit to the vet can be overwhelming with the amount of information you will receive. The following is a list of typical topics:
          1.Vaccines and diseases
          2. Controlling parasites, both internal and external
          3. Nutrition
          4. Insurance
          5. Behavior – house training, biting, contact with children / other pets
          6. Problems commonly associated with certain breeds
          7. When to spay / neuter
          8. Dental care and grooming
          9. New puppy / kitten kits

     Vaccines are obviously an important topic at the beginning of any puppy or kitten’s life. While there are some risks involved with giving vaccines, the benefits far outweigh the risk. However, anytime an animal receives a vaccine, regardless if it’s the first time or the 10th time, some signs may occur, such as swelling, pain, a low grade fever, or lethargy. More serious reactions, such as anaphylactic shock, can also occur. In cats, a reaction called a vaccine associated sarcoma (a cancerous tumor) may also occur, but this is also infrequent.

     There are a number of required, or core vaccines given to puppies and kittens. Additionally, there are other vaccines that can be given, based on you and your pet’s lifestyle (close contact with wildlife, frequent boarding, for example).

The core vaccines and their schedule for dogs:
          1. DHPP – distemper, canine infectious hepatitis, parvovirus, parainfluenza virus
               a. These viruses can attack the liver, heart, respiratory tract, central nervous system and the intestinal tract
               b. Initial vaccine at 8 weeks, then boosters at 12, 16, 1 year 4 months, and then every 3 years after that.
          2. Rabies – a virus that attacks the brain, spread by being bitten by an infected animal
               a. Initial vaccine at 16 weeks, a booster at 1 year 4 months, and then every 3 years after that.

Lifestyle vaccines for dogs can include:
          1. Leptospirosis – a bacterial disease that is spread by contact with urine from infected wildlife. Can be spread to humans. Can cause liver and kidney disease.
               a. Initial vaccine at 12 weeks, then boosters at 16, 1 year 4 months, and then every year after that.
          2. Bordatella (kennel cough) – a bacterial disease that can cause respiratory illness, commonly caught at dog parks, grooming facilities or kennels.
               a. Initial vaccine at 12 weeks. Boosters every 6 – 12 months.
          3. Rattlesnake – helps decrease the severity of rattlesnake bites.
               a. Initial vaccine at 12 weeks. Boosters every year thereafter.

The core vaccines and their schedule for cats:
          1. FVRCP – feline viral rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, panleukopenia virus
               a. These viruses can attack the respiratory and intestinal tracts. They are spread in the air or by close contact with an infected individual.
               b. Initial vaccine at 8 weeks, then boosters at 12, 16, 1 year 4 months, and then every 3 years after that.
          2. Rabies – a virus that attacks the brain, spread by being bitten by an infected animal
               a. Initial vaccine at 16 weeks, and then every year thereafter.

Lifestyle vaccines for cats can include:
          1. FELV – feline leukemia virus
               a. This virus can cause immunosuppression (decreased ability to fight other infections) and death in cats of all ages. It is spread by contact with infected individuals.
               b. Initial vaccine at 12 weeks, then a booster at 16, and then every year thereafter.

     Getting a new puppy or kitten can be stressful, but don’t worry, you’ll get through it. It requires patience, discipline, and sometimes the ability to step back and calm down. Don’t worry, you’ll do great with a new member in the family!

Byron Bowers, DVM

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Upper Respiratory Infections (URI) in Cats

December 5, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Is your feline friend suffering from an upper respiratory infection? Feline upper respiratory infections (URI) are a common cause of illness in cats. Two viruses, a herpes virus (feline rhinotracheitis, FHV) and feline calici virus (FCV) are the culprits for nearly 90% of these infections. These two viruses account for a large majority of patients seen, but the disease can also be caused by bacterial organisms Chlamydophila felis (chlamydia psitacci) and Bordetella bronchiseptica.

Signs / Symptoms
Signs of URI are sneezing, nasal discharge, oral or nasal ulcers, runny eyes, coughing, fever, hypersalivation, dehydration, ocular ulcers (corneal ulcers), sniffling, and/or a hoarse voice. If your cat is showing these symptoms please schedule an appointment with your veterinarian for a health examination.
Infections can be acute (sudden), chronic (long-term), or persistent. Some cats that recover from the disease can periodically experience re-occurrence of symptoms. This is typically correlated with times of youth, stress, or immunosuppression.

Transmission
Cats may become infected by contact with actively infected individuals, carriers or contaminated surfaces. The virus is present in nasal, ocular, and oral secretions and discharges. Cats that are infected with FHV or FCV can be carriers for weeks to years after resolution of clinical signs.

Diagnosis
URI is commonly diagnosed based on the clinical symptoms. Specific tests can identify FCV, FHV, Bordetella, and Chlamydophila organisms. Your veterinarian may send cultures from your cat’s mouth, throat or nose to a laboratory for testing.

Treatment
Similar to the human flu, there is no specific treatment for the viral diseases that cause URI. Therapy is focused on treatment of the symptoms that cats develop, or “supportive treatment”. This includes good nursing care, hand – feedings, maintaining a warm comfortable environment, cleaning eyes and nose. Antibiotics will not help to combat a viral infection but you veterinarian might choose to prescribe an antibiotic to help protect against secondary bacterial infections that may occur. Antiviral eye drops, low doses of interferon-alpha to stimulate the immune system and oral lysine may be indicated in some cases.

Vaccination
It is a great idea to vaccinate your cat in order to protect against URI. Core feline distemper vaccines are frequently combined with herpesvirus, calicivirus, and som etimes Chlamydophila felis to provide protection.
Consult with your veterinarian about your cat’s vaccine schedule and recommendations.

Lacey LaVigna, DVM

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Euthanizing a Beloved Family Pet

November 27, 2012 By Leave a Comment

      Euthanasia is a topic that many pet owners face as their animals get sick, injured, or near old age. The decision of whether or not to have your pet euthanized is a very personal one that must involve you, your family, your pet, and your veterinarian.
       Knowing when it is time to have a pet put to sleep is one of the most difficult aspects of the decision. No one wants to end their pet’s life too early, but many struggle to find the “right” time. When guiding clients in the decision-making process, I often have them think about their pet’s quality of life. Some things to consider are: is your pet in pain? Can your pet move around comfortably? Can your pet eat and drink? Does your pet still enjoy some of his or her favorite things like a special toy? When owners break down their pet’s life into smaller pieces, the choice sometimes becomes clear.
      No matter how sure an owner may be that it is the right time, putting a pet to sleep is a very emotional experience. It is helpful to be well informed about what to expect as there are a few decisions that need to be made regarding the euthanasia. Your veterinarian can guide you through the process and choices, but here I will describe some things you and your pet may experience.
      The first decision you’ll need to make is whether or not you and your family want to be present for the euthanasia. If you are present, an intravenous catheter is typically placed in your pet’s leg to allow the doctor to have access to their vein. Your pet may be taken away from you for this process – do not fret! The technicians that put in catheters are very skilled and the process is usually much quicker when a pet is away from their owner and not distracted. After the catheter, you can spend as much time with your pet as you would like. When you are ready, the doctor will come into the room and perform the euthanasia. Sometimes, a pet may be sedated prior to the final injection and this is a case-dependent procedure. The final injection is an overdose of an anesthetic that causes your pet’s heart, lungs, and brain to stop. It is a very peaceful process, they will feel no pain, and they will just fall gently to sleep. Some things you may see during the injection include your pet looking around and possible vocalizations. These are side effects of the anesthetic and rest assured that your pet is not in pain, they may just feel a little strange from the drug. After the injection, you may see muscle movements and your pet may take a few breaths. These are the final nerve firings and muscle spasms and occur after your pet has already passed away. Finally, they may go to the bathroom because they are relaxed and often times their eyes will not close. If you decide not to be present for the euthanasia, there will be loving people surrounding your pet, talking to them and petting them while they pass away. You can visit with your pet for as long as you would like, before and after the euthanasia.
      Another decision you will need to make is what to do with your pet’s remains. Taking them home for burial may be an option if you have a yard. Another option that many veterinary hospitals offer is cremation – ask your veterinarian about specific details.
      Euthanasia is a difficult topic to think about, but the ability to end suffering for your beloved companion can be a priceless gift. If you have questions about your pet or euthanasia, please give us a call: (925) 937-5000

Kerry Thode, DVM

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Does Your Dog or Cat Suffer From Allergies?

November 21, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Allergies in dogs and cats can be one of the most aggravating and frustrating experiences possible, for the pet, the owner and even the veterinarian. Often times, it is difficult to find the exact reason as to why your pet is itchy or has allergies, and can be even more difficult to keep allergies under control.

Severe pruritus (itching) in pets can be broken down into a couple of basic categories as to their cause. Most of the time allergies, parasites that live on the skin, or a combination of both are the main contributing factors.

Allergies can include:
      1. Atopic dermatitis: development of an allergic reaction over time to something that is normally benign, such as pollen or dust. Certain breeds can be at higher risk for developing atopic dermatitis.
      2. Food allergies: development of an allergic reaction to certain ingredients in the diet. The most common food allergies developed are towards beef, poultry, corn, wheat and dairy products.

External factors on the skin include:
      1. Fleas: fleas can cause severe itching in dogs and especially in cats. As few as one or two bites in cats can cause a bad reaction.
      2. Bacteria / yeast infections: these are typically secondary infections that can add to underlying problems. Yeast infections, particularly those caused by Malassezia, can be terribly pruritic.

Flea dermatitis in a cat
Unlike in humans, where we typically see allergies manifested as itchy eyes, a runny nose or sneezing, our pets usually show their problems through their skin. This can include red / irritated skin, hair loss from scratching so much, ear infections, and of course, pruritus.
How do we determine why our pet is so pruritic? First, we make sure that they are on an appropriate flea control product. Proper flea control is important to help rule out one of the main factors listed above. Once we know that fleas are not a problem, but pruritus is still present, then we continue to look for the underlying problem.

Atopic dermatitis in dogs
For bacteria or yeast infections, medication is usually the first choice for control. Sometimes, if there is atopic dermatitis or a food allergy present, these external infections may occur over and over again, and will not be able to be easily controlled until the underlying problem is addressed first.
Determining if your pet has a food allergy, and to what food, can take a long time. Patients typically go on a food trial that lasts for 8-12 weeks minimum. A single, “novel” protein diet, such as duck, bison or venison based (a type of meat that your pet has never had before) is used. Once the pruritus is under control with the new diet, other ingredients are gradually added in. This way, we can determine exactly what food ingredient your pet is allergic to, and can then avoid it in the future.
For atopic dermatitis, the exact known cause can be difficult to determine. Ruling out all other causes for pruritus must be done first. Sometimes it is necessary to perform an intradermal skin test, where a very small amount of many different types of allergens, such as weeds, pollens, and grasses, are injected into the skin. We then look for a reaction to the allergen, and can determine what that allergen is and how to avoid it. Sometimes medication is required: in an oral form, topical, or a combination of both. The idea is to keep your pet as comfortable as possible and on as little medication as possible.

Controlling allergies and pruritus can take a lot of dedication on the owner’s part. In following an appropriate plan by your veterinarian, the lives of both you and your pet can be made much more comfortable. No one wants to be awakened every night to the sound of their poor pet constantly scratching. Taking control of allergies can take a long time, and sometimes there are relapses. Just remember to follow the advice of your veterinarian, and in the end, it will all be worth it, for you and your pet.

Byron Bowers, DVM

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Lymphoma in Dogs and Cats

November 13, 2012 By Leave a Comment

Lymphoma is a very common form of cancer seen in dogs and cats. It arises from the abnormal proliferation of lymphocytes (a type of white blood cell) within different tissues around the body. Lymphoma most commonly occurs in the lymph nodes, the spleen, and the liver, but the disease can involve almost any tissue in the body, which makes the presentation and course of the disease extremely variable.

Lymphoma is most commonly seen in middle-aged dogs and certain breeds are also predisposed to it, such as boxers and golden retrievers. Most dogs who develop lymphoma get a formed called “multicentric” in which several of the lymph nodes become enlarged. Lymphoma will also commonly affect the intestinal tract, liver, spleen, chest, and the skin.

Signs of lymphoma are extremely variable due to the disease’s ability to affect so many different locations around the body. The most common sign is lymph node enlargement, which may feel like lumps growing below the skin. This is often the only sign present, but some animals with lymphoma can also develop weight loss, lethargy, decreased appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, increased drinking/urination, skin lesions, difficulty breathing, facial swelling, or any combination of these signs.

The diagnosis of lymphoma depends on it’s location but it is most often diagnosed by aspirating cells from the affected organs (lymph nodes, spleen, liver) with a small needle and examining the cells under a microscope. In some cases a biopsy is required to make a diagnosis. Based on aspiration or biopsy results the “grade” of the cancer can also be determined, as well as the cell type present (T-cell versus B-cell lymphoma), both of which help us estimate a prognosis for the disease.

Lymphoma is very serious disease and will almost always claim an animal’s life eventually, however with treatment dogs and cats can life a relatively long period of time, with a high quality of life, doing all the normal things that they love. Without treatment the prognosis is only 1-2 months, with treatment the prognosis depends on the type of lymphoma present and the treatment protocol followed. Treatment for lymphoma is individually tailored to each animal, as well as the time and financial constraints of their owner. Chemotherapy in dogs and cats is usually far better tolerated than in people. We use lower doses, in order to maintain quality of life during treatment, and most animals will have minimal side effects.

In general, the treatment protocols for lymphoma that provide the best survival times and the best chance of putting an animal’s disease into remission are multi-drug protocols. With these protocols animals will generally be given a different chemotherapeutic drug every 1-2 weeks for 6 months or longer. Other treatment options include single drug chemotherapy protocols or treatment with steroids alone. These options are less costly than multi-drug protocols but generally the remission times and survival times are not as long.

We understand how scary it is to have a family pet diagnosed with a cancer such as lymphoma, however by working with your veterinarian and local veterinary oncologist lymphoma can be managed to allow you to spend the most quality time possible with your pet.

Trevor Miller, DVM

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