Oakland Veterinary Referral Services Blog

It’s the one word pet owners dread hearing- cancer.  Sadly, various types of cancer are very common in pets and accounts for nearly 50% of all disease-related deaths each year.  At this point in time, cancer is not really preventable, but early detection is key to treatment success.  By paying attention to the following signs, you may help bring an issue to your veterinarian’s attention that could save your dog or cat’s life.

• Swellings – Lumps and bumps are not an uncommon finding, and many are harmless.  Be sure to point them out to your veterinarian though, especially if they are not going away or are growing.
• Odors – More than just a stinky dog?  Truly offensive odors need to be checked.
• Abnormal discharges – Diarrhea, vomiting, blood, and pus are never normal.  Similarly, sudden bloating of the belly can be a sign of a problem.
• Non-healing wounds – Infection, skin disease, or certain types of cancer can all present similiarly.
• Weight loss – Unless your pet is on a diet, sudden weight loss should always raise a red flag.
• Appetite changes – Decrease or increase in appetite can be a clue that something is not right and needs to be investigated.
• Coughing or breathing difficulty – The heart and lungs can be the culprits here, however many types of cancer can spread to the lungs, causing these symptoms.
• Change in behavior – If your pet is acting lethargic, depressed, or distraught, it may be a symptom of a health issue.
• Change in bathroom habits – Difficulty using the bathroom, increased potty breaks, and bloody urine or stool may not always signify cancer, but they are never normal.
• Pain – Limping or tenderness can be caused by a variety of things, but some types of cancer (such as bone cancer) may show up similarly.

Many plants can cause serious harm or even death to a curious kitty that may nibble on them.  Does that mean you have to banish all greenery from your house?  Of course not! Here are some feline-friendly plants you can use to make your living space a little greener:

• Herbs:  Basil, German chamomile (NOT English), coriander, dill, and parsley are all kitty approved!
• Flowers:  Cornflowers, impatiens, moon orchids, petunias, and zinnias all get two paws up.
• Greenery: Bamboo, dwarf palms, and sword ferns are feline-friendly, too.

Before bringing any new plants into your home or outdoor areas where your cat may frequent, you can double check if they are safe by consulting the ASPCA’s list of toxic and non-toxic plants.  This website features links to pictures and information about each plant, including a description of any dangers to your cat.

If you have any questions contact us or reach out to your primary veterinarian.

For many of us, the heat of the summer means pool parties, barbeques, and sun tans.  For many pets, though, the heat can quickly lead to heat exhaustion.  Dogs and cats have an extra layer of insulation cannot always exchange heat as efficiently as we do.  In particular, “smush-face” breeds such as Pugs, Bulldogs, and Persians have a very difficult time.  This doesn’t mean that your pet can’t enjoy the sunshine, it just means that you need to take some extra precautions when the mercury rises.

Keep a close eye on your pet.  If you begin to notice very heavy panting or deep, fast breathing (hyperventilation), it is probably time to get into the air-conditioning.  Other warning signs can include increased salivation, lethargy or disorientation, and vomiting or diarrhea.  Unchecked these signs can quickly develop into seizures or coma.  Pets should be observed regularly if left outside unattended.  Never leave them in a car unattended.

Make sure your pet has what it needs.  Fresh, cool water should be available at all times.  If you are hiking or walking be sure to bring an extra bottle for Fido.  Your pet should have access to shade and the ability to get out of the heat if desired.  Consider getting a small wading pool for your pet to lounge in.

Don’t chance it.  If your pet is exhibiting signs of heat exhaustion, seek veterinary care immediately.

If you have any questions contact us or reach out to your primary veterinarian.

It’s that time of year again, when warmer temperatures and longer days make us head outdoors to spend more time in the fresh air and sunlight. If you happen to be a gardener, it’s probably also the time that you’re just itching to start digging in the dirt, and you may be deciding what flowers and veggies you may want to plant. It’s important to keep in mind that although gardening can be a very rewarding hobby, it can also be dangerous for our furry friends. Luckily, creating a pet-safe garden is not very difficult. We just need to take a few extra precautions to ensure that our yards and gardens are as safe as they are beautiful.

Avoid Poisonous Plants

The most obvious way to create a pet-safe garden is to choose the right plants. Not all pet owners realize that a great many garden plants are toxic to dogs and cats. Popular varieties such as azalea, rhododendron, oleander, foxglove, lily of the valley, sago palm, tulip and daffodil all fall into this category. Pets that eat these poisonous plants can experience everything from an upset stomach and diarrhea, to seizures and liver failure. Be sure to  check the ASPCA’s comprehensive list of toxic plants before deciding which plants will make it into your garden.

While not toxic, it’s also a good idea to avoid trees, shrubs and plants that are likely to cause allergies. Many of the same plants that cause allergies in humans will affect your pet as well. Look for pollen-free plant species whenever possible. If you do select a plant with a high allergy potential, avoid planting it under windows that you’ll have open during the summer.  If you already have one of these trees or hedges in your yard, keep it heavily sheared so it will flower less.

Choose Your Mulch Carefully

Many gardeners use cocoa bean mulch—a by-product of chocolate production—in landscaping. It has an attractive odor and color that make it a popular choice, but cocoa mulch can pose serious problems for your dog. To be safe, opt for shredded pine, cedar, or hemlock bark instead. Also try to avoid mulch that has been treated with weed inhibitor or insect repellent.

Rethink Toxic Chemicals

Try to avoid the use of chemical fertilizers, pesticides or weed killers in your yard and garden. These pose a danger to dogs and cats because anything picked up on their paws could be licked off later. There are plenty of organic, earth-friendly products available as an alternative that are safe for both pets and humans. Ask your local gardening center for recommendations and they should be able to point you in the right direction.

Insecticides are often necessary to keep our gardens healthy, but their ingredients aren’t safe for our furry friends. The most dangerous forms of pesticides include snail bait with metaldehyde, fly bait with methomyl, systemic insecticides with the ingredients disyston or disulfoton and most forms of rat poisons. Again, a conversation at your gardening center may be able to provide you with some effective but natural alternatives.

Compost Piles and Worm Bins

These eco-friendly practices can be great for your garden, but be sure they’re not accessible to your pets. Dogs that view garbage and rotting food as a special treat may consider this a buffet, but it’s one that could make them sick.

Garden Tools

Just like toddler-proofing, be sure to keep all pruning shears, trimmers, tillers, rakes and other gardening tools picked up and stored safely out of reach of your pets.

Gardening is a great hobby, and with a little extra planning and effort, it’s not difficult to ensure that your hobby will be safe for your pet.

This week, May 20-26, is National Dog Bite Prevention week, an event hosted by the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) to help educate the public about the nearly 5 million dog bites that occur every year and how they can be prevented.

According to the AVMA 4.7 million people in the US are bitten by dogs each year, and over 800,000 Americans seek medical attention for those bites. Of those, about half are children, with the most at-risk age group being 5-9. Most of these bites occur during every day activities while these children are interacting with familiar dogs. Senior citizens are the second most commonly affected group.

The thing about dog bites is that many, if not most, are preventable. The AVMA has created a great public health bulletin with great tips and resources for people.

Because children are most at risk for bites you should never (ever, ever, ever!) leave a small child alone with a dog. Even if your dog is the world’s biggest softy, it’s never a good idea to leave him unattended with a child. Most dog bites happen while dogs and children are left alone together, even if it’s only for a few minutes.

It is always important to remember that any dog can bite; even the most friendly and well-trained – especially if they are injured or fearful. Proper training and socialization of puppies and dogs is crucial to avoiding dog bites.

According to veterinary behaviorist Sophia Yin DVM MS, “The consensus among animal behavior professionals is that the major cause of dog bites to humans is related to failure of owners and dog bite victims to recognize when dogs are fearful and know how to approach and greet dogs appropriately.”

When approaching a dog, children (and adults) should use the acronym “WAIT” to remind themselves of proper doggie etiquette:

• W – Wait to see if the dog looks friendly. If the dog looks afraid or angry, STOP and walk away slowly.
• A – Ask the owner for permission to pet the dog. If the owner says no or there is no owner present, STOP and walk away slowly.
• I – Invite the dog to come to you to sniff you. Put your hand to your side with your fingers curled in. Stand slightly sideways and dip your head down so you are not looking directly at the dog. If the dog does not come over to sniff you, STOP and do not touch him.
• T – Touch the dog gently, petting him along his back while staying away from his head and tail.

It’s also extremely important to learn to recognize a dog’s body language. Dogs who are growling or baring their teeth are obvious dangers, but dogs who are nervous or frightened are just as likely to bite, if not more. Here are some great slides from the ASPCA to help you learn how to interpret a dog’s body language to better be able to identify dog’s who may pose a biting risk.

The goal is not to be afraid of meeting new dogs, but of being respectful of the dog’s personal space. If we all follow these tips maybe we can all stay a little safer around our furry friends.

Sometimes life’s unexpected expenses add up.  When your pet is facing major veterinary needs, it can be difficult enough to make decisions, let alone weigh cost into the mix.  CareCredit is an alternative payment option to traditional credit cards or loans that can help you afford the care you want for your pet, when you want it.  While CareCredit works like a credit card, it is different in several ways:

• CareCredit can only be used at approved healthcare providers, including many veterinarians.  This helps you to use your credit wisely and pay cash for other things.
• Every time you use your CareCredit card, you are eligible for special financing plans.  This can include no interest if paid in full within the 6, 12, 18, or 24 month period determined by the amount of the charge.  While minimum monthly payments are required, you may pay off your balance before the end of the promotional period.
• Once approved, you can start using CareCredit immediately.  You can apply conveniently over the phone or online before taking your pet in to the vet and use your credit line that day.

CareCredit is a great way to pay for the medical care your pet needs now while spreading the cost out over a longer time period.  For more information, or to apply online, visit www.carecredit.com.

Service animals are amazing creatures.  They selflessly and lovingly perform all sorts of tasks for their human wards.  Every once in awhile it is nice for us to be able to return the favor to them.  That is why Dr. Gearhart, Oakland Veterinary Referral Service’s veterinary ophthalmologist, is participating in ACVO/Merial’s National Service Dog Eye Exams during the month of May.

During this campaign, boarded veterinary ophthalmologists provide free ocular screening examinations to qualified service animals.  During this screening, problems such as redness, squinting, cloudy corneas, retinal disease, cataracts, and other serious diseases will be able to be identified.  By providing this service, they hope to identify and prevent any problems that may affect the animal’s vision.  Detecting problems early is essential to these dogs’ futures.

If you would like more information regarding this program or would like to find out if an animal you know meets the qualifications, please visit our ophthalmology page and click on “Free Eye Exams for Active Service Dogs.”

So, what exactly is heartworm disease? Heartworm disease refers to clinical symptoms that result from a parasite injected into the bloodstream by mosquitoes.

Heartworms go through several cycles of maturation:

1. Larvae are injected into the dog’s blood stream by a mosquito bite. These larvae travel to arteries within the lungs and become sexually productive adult worms.
2. Adult worms produce “heartworm babies” which are ingested by mosquitoes after biting an infected dog.
3. These babies go through another growth phase within the mosquito and the larvae are then injected back into another dog via a bite from the mosquito.
4. Lather, rinse, repeat…

Clinical signs that are associated with heartworm disease are due to inflammation within the lungs. An intense inflammatory reaction causes lung disease and respiratory symptoms (coughing, shortness of breath). In advanced stages of the disease, the patient may become weak and have signs of respiratory distress.

Cats are not a part of the heartworm life cycle, but they can become infected. A cat may become ill after being infected with only one heartworm. A small number of worms may not cause symptoms in a dog, but the dog may serve as a reservoir of infection for other dogs.

Prevention (Human and Animal):

Owners can help decrease exposure to mosquitoes and limit their reproduction by removing any standing water on their property. Whenever possible, cover any open sources of water. Fish may help reduce the mosquito population around ponds.

Dark clothing attracts mosquitoes, so people should wear lighter colors. Mosquitoes are most active at night, so both you and your pets should avoid excessive outdoor activity after sundown. Whenever you are outdoors, wear mosquito repellent and check with your veterinarian for a pet-safe mosquito repellent for your dog or cat.

Other ways to minimize exposure to mosquitoes include using screens in your windows and doors and inspecting them to ensure there are no holes large enough for a mosquito to fit through. Avoid having your doors open any longer than necessary at night.

The most important preventative measure for your pet is a monthly oral preventative medication such as Hartguard. Ask your veterinarian which brand they recommend and be sure to keep your pet protected.

Treatment:

Medical management of heartworm infection is aimed at destroying the worms and treating any secondary complications that result from the infection. Some patients require medications to relieve inflammation within the lungs. To “kill” the adult worm, there is a specific agent that is injected. The third phase of therapy is to reduce the number of “heartworm babies” in the bloodstream. The medication used to eradicate adult worms cannot be used in cats. Heartworms have a shorter life span in cats, so the clinical signs are generally treated medically until the worm dies on its own. In very advanced cases in both dogs and cats, surgical extraction of the adult worms from the heart may be required.

If your pet is not yet on a heartworm preventative, be sure to call your veterinarian as soon as possible. Heartworm is much easier to prevent than it is to treat. If you’re interested in learning more about veterinary cardiology, you can visit our cardiology page.

Sometimes hospitalizing a pet is unavoidable.  We know that leaving your pet with us can be very stressful, especially when that pet is very ill.  We take caring for your animal very seriously and want to ensure the best possible experience.  Use the following tips to help decrease the amount of stress involved in the hospitalization of your pet:

• Pick a primary contact. Many times when a pet is hospitalized, serious discussions must be had and decisions made.  It is helpful if one person is the primary contact for the doctor.  This helps to minimize confusion and keeps communication clear.  It is also important that this person be readily available by phone in case of emergency.

• Feel free to call. While you will be updated by your pet’s doctor frequently, we realize you are probably worried.  Know that we will always update you immediately regarding major changes in your pet’s health.  You may also feel free to call and “check-in” at any time.  If you do so, however, please realize that the doctor may be busy caring for your or other pets and that the staff may only be able to give you limited information.

• Observe visiting hours. Because of the nature of a hospital, heavy visitor traffic can disrupt the care of our patients.  We encourage you to visit your pet between 6 p.m. and 8:30 p.m.  We also ask that you limit visits to 15 minutes.  If you are unable to visit during visiting hours, please talk to your pet’s doctor regarding other arrangements.

• Schedule your discharge. When your pet is being released from the hospital, please schedule a time during normal hours to pick him/her up.  This way the doctor can set aside time to talk with you and answer any further questions.  After hours discharge is also available, although your pet’s doctor may not be.  In this instance, another staff member will release your pet.

If your pet is scheduled to be hospitalized with us, please contact us with any questions or concerns that you may have.

Chances are you have given blood  at some point in your life- it’s a great feeling! Did you know that your pup can offer the same favor to his canine comrades? OVRS runs its very own canine blood bank called Buddies for Life which collects and stores blood products that can be used to treat a variety of doggie problems including blood loss, immune mediated diseases, genetic disorders, and more!

Volunteers to donate blood are always needed. The Buddies for Life Blood Bank will be hosting a blood drive on June 2nd. A donation of your time and your dog’s blood can help save many lives, through the over 400 transfusions OVRS performs every year.

Because of the physical demands required when donating blood, donors should be in good general health, over 50 pounds, and between 1 and 7 years of age. Dogs that have a generally outgoing and friendly disposition are best suited to the rigors of donation.

If you think that your dog might have what it takes to be a donor, or if you would like more information regarding our blood bank, please download the donation form or contact us at bloodbank@ovrs.com.