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5 Tips on Helping Your Rescue Dog Adapt to Their New Environment – 5. March, 2014

You have made a great decision choosing to adopt a rescue dog. The experience of sharing your home and heart with a rescue dog will be truly rewarding. These precious dogs may have experienced life as a stray, been abused by their owner, moved around from one foster home to another or their family gave them up.

1-      Plan Ahead – The change in your dog’s environment will be stressful as he leaves the shelter and you bring him into a loving and safe home. You have to guide him calmly as he tries to adapt to this big change in his life. The adjustment period will be easier if you have your home ready with the important supplies needed for the first week that your dog is home. Choose a safe place for your dog’s water and food bowls where he is not in the way and will not be disturbed while he eats. The shelter should give you any important information about the health of your dog such as allergies or any medication he may be taking, as well as the kind of food he is used to eating. Your dog’s digestive system is very delicate so you should change his food slowly if you need to. For your dog’s safety, have a harness that fits him properly along with a five to six foot leash that is sturdy, and decide if you want to use a microchip or tags in case he gets lost. Have the phone numbers for your animal hospital and veterinarian and a pet first aid kit close at hand for emergencies.

2-      Prepare your Home – Secure any areas that could be a hazard using a barrier, or install gates. Deciding where you want your dog to sleep is very important. Do you want him to sleep with you? This makes for a life-long commitment, building a special bond that makes your dog feel loved and secure. Or have him enjoy a special bed of his own. Decide where your dog will stay while you are away from home and make this place secure and safe for him. Make your dog feel comfortable when he arrives by showing him spaces you want him to be in with bedding and toys to play with and reward him with a treat. Adjusting to a new home will take time, usually six to eight weeks, so try to avoid having a houseful of people over for several days keeping your schedule free until he gets used to his new home.

3-      Communication – Reward your dog with treats and praise if he does something good letting him know he should continue this behavior. Then if your dog does something that you do not want him to repeat such as chewing on your shoes replace them with a bone to chew on or a toy. You should never use fear, force or pain to communicate with you dog.

4-      Separation Anxiety – Practice doing your everyday activities before you leave home, so your dog will not feel that you are leaving him alone. Going out for small amounts of time is a good thing to do to. It will cause your dog a lot of stress if you leave him for eight hours at first. Always have treats and toys for him so he feels calm. Your greetings when you leave and come home should be relaxed so his anxiety level is at a minimum.

5-      Patience – Adjustment to your dog’s forever home could take up to a couple of months. It may take a little while for him to feel like your dog, just relax it will happen. Your dog will give you signs that are easy to recognize when he needs to be alone, or if he is uncomfortable. He needs time to feel at ease with family and friends so advise them to let your dog come over to them when he is ready and be sure to always give him treats as his reward.

Photo credit: Jakub Halun/Wikimedia


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Anterior Uveitis in Dogs – 15. January, 2013

Anterior Uveitis can be a serious problem when it comes to dogs. There are several factors that have been linked to the cause of this disease. These are:

•Infections that have been caused by pathogenic microorganisms. These include bacteria, viruses and fungi. A dog that spends a lot of time outdoors is at a higher risk of being exposed to these pathogens.

•Immune-mediated conditions that are breed specific

•Eye trauma or injury

•Metabolic diseases

•When protein escapes from the eye lens into the eye fluid. This is often linked to cataracts.

•Older dogs that have tumors or cancers

But Anterior Uveitis might only be a symptom – it could be alerting you to a serious underlying condition that your dog is suffering from.

The symptoms of Anterior Uveitis include pain, tearing, redness, and squinting in bright light. The dog’s pupil may look small or uneven in shape, the iris is unevenly colored, and there could be a cloudy appearance in the front part of the eye.

To eliminate other causes and to come up with the best treatment for your dog, several steps and tests should be run. You’ll need to give your vet a complete medical history so he or she can conduct a comprehensive physical examination. Your vet will use an opthalmoscope to look at different portions of the eye. As well, tonometry may be performed, which can assess the pressure in the eye. Other tools that can be used to diagnose this disease include blood tests, ultrasound, x-rays, and examination of fluid samples.

If your dog is diagnosed with Anterior Uveitis, the treatment involves both symptomatic and specific therapy. In some cases, surgical intervention may be required.

In the case of symptomatic treatment, simple solutions such as topical medications (eye drops) or ophthalmic ointments are all that are needed. To alleviate pain and inflammation, you vet may prescribe oral medications. To target the exact cause of Anterior Uveitis, treatments such as antibiotics, antifungals, or other medications will help to reduce the immune-mediated inflammation.

In some serious cases, surgical intervention may be required. This is usually needed when a tumor or secondary complications are present and medications have not worked. Surgical removal of the eye may be necessary if the problem is serious enough.

 


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Aortic Stenosis in Dogs – 19. December, 2012

The aorta is the largest artery in the body. It is the main blood vessel that serves as a passageway for oxygen-filled blood to pass from the left side of the heart to be distributed throughout the entire body.

Aortic stenosis may be due to the malformation of the aorta or a defect in the left ventricle. The latter type is also termed as “sub-aortic stenosis” or “sub-valvular aortic stenosis”. There are also rare cases when stenosis or narrowing of the aorta is attributed to a defect in the valve which is located between the aorta and the left ventricle. It functions to prevent the backflow of blood into the left ventricle.

The clinical manifestations of Aortic Stenosis highly depend on the degree of the narrowing of the aorta. Some dogs are lucky enough to inherit only the mild type which can be barely detected while there are unlucky ones which inherit the more serious form. The signs of the condition are manifested as a result of the failure to feed the body the right amount of oxygen which is carried by the blood. Common signs include fainting, poor exercise tolerance, poor growth, or lethargy.

There are some dogs that do not display any of these signs however they often suffer from the secondary effects of a heart which has been pushed to overwork for a longer period of time in order to push blood through a narrow opening. The over-exertion of the heart leads to hypertrophy and the heart grows bigger over time. Dogs suffering from this condition tend to have coughing fits, breathing difficulties, and cardiac arrhythmias. An abnormal heart rhythm (cardiac arrhythmia) occurs when the heart’s size interferes with the normal electrical activity of the heart. Death can eventually follow the manifestation of these signs.

In order to come up with a correct diagnosis, your veterinarian will conduct a thorough physical exam on your dog. The cardiac arrhythmia can easily be detected because of the characteristic heart murmur. Dogs which have inherited the mild form of the disease are usually diagnosed during annual wellness checks particularly during the first year of life.

If the veterinarian can detect the heart murmur, a complete cardiac examination is recommended. Other tests include an echocardiogram (ultrasound of the heart), chest x-rays, and an electrocardiogram. An echocardiogram is the best tool to confirm aortic stenosis.

There is no successful procedure to correct Aortic Stenosis. Dogs suffering from the condition are given supportive treatment in order to lessen the load on the heart.

Regular screening of all dog breeds which are susceptible to the defect should be done before they are allowed to breed. If a dog is diagnosed with Aortic Stenosis, all its siblings and parents should be spayed or neutered to prevent passing on the defect to their offspring.

 


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Cervical Vertebral Instability (Wobbler Syndrome) in Dogs – 30. October, 2012

Cervical Vertebral Instability, otherwise known as Wobbler Syndrome, is a term used to denote a variety of conditions which arise as a result of the presence of lesions in the spinal cord particularly that part located at the base of the neck (known as the caudal cervical spine). These lesions exert a compressive effect on the spinal cord.

Many factors have been attributed to predisposing the condition and includes nutritional, genetic, and biochemical factors. Other minor causes include cancer, juvenile orthopedic diseases, diskospondylitis, and inflammatory conditions of the spinal cord.

Wobbler Syndrome is a developmental malformation leading to the malarticulation of the cervical vertebrae which is known as the neck bone. Most breeds that suffer from the condition have large heavy heads that may create additional load on their long neck leading to abnormal development of their vertebrae.

The compressive action on the spinal cord will lead to the manifestation of nervous signs particularly in the hind legs. Initial signs include instability, slipping, and scuffing its paws while exercising. The degree of compression on the spinal cord often dictates the severity of signs and duration of the condition.

Most cases of Wobbler Syndrome are acute. The clinical signs include:

•Presence of pain in the neck

•Scuffed paws

•Incoordination as a result of decreased proprioception

•May experience difficulties when rising from a lying or sitting position to a standing position.

•Worn toenails

•May experience varying degrees of muscle atrophy particularly in its forelimbs

•Some cases may be further complicated with Horner’s Syndrome

•Signs may worsen when the dog attempts to flex its neck

There are two recognized forms of Wobbler Syndrome. The first form of the disease has often been observed to affect young dogs. All cervical joints (bones of the neck) may be affected.

The second form of the disease is a result of Type II disk herniation which is accompanied by the hypertrophy of vertebral ligaments due to the instability of the vertebrae.

Since genetics has been recognized as a major contributory factor, dogs which have been diagnosed as suffering from Wobbler’s Syndrome should never be used for breeding.

In order to correctly diagnose the condition, your veterinarian needs to conduct a series of physical and neurological examination to your Boxer in order to pinpoint the location and evaluate the severity of the syndrome. Other tests which can be recommended include a biochemical profile, complete blood tests, urinalysis, cerebro-spinal fluid (CSF) tap and neuro-imaging, x-ray of the cervical region, and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI).

In order to relieve the compressive pressure exerted on the spinal cord, surgical intervention is usually required.

 


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Atrial Septal Defects (ASD) – 26. September, 2012

When a dog suffers from Atrial Septal Defects (ASD), the blood flows from the right atrium to the left atrium. This is due to the relatively high pressure exerted by the blood returning to the heart from the body circulation. This phenomenon prevents blood in the heart from being pushed into the lungs leading to poor oxygenation of blood cells and consequently a decrease in the circulating oxygen in the body. Depending on the size and location of the hole in the cardiac muscle wall, minor defects may not result in any visible signs while larger defects often result in an imbalance in blood pressure within the heart.

Most dogs diagnosed with the condition usually live normal lives but those with severe forms die from secondary defects of the heart.

A veterinarian can diagnose ASD in dogs upon detecting a significant heart murmur while doing a thorough physical examination. Dogs suffering from the condition may show evidence of heart problems as shown by poor exercise tolerance and/or mucus membranes or tongue with a bluish tinge. Other signs include swelling of the abdomen, breathing difficulties, collapse or even death.

ASD may also incidentally show up on routine x-rays. Chest x-rays will demonstrate a right-side heart enlargement while an echocardiography (ultrasound of the heart) can reveal the abnormal physical changes in the dimensions of the heart and the blood flowing though from the heart to the lungs.

The treatment regimen for ASD depends on the size of the defect and the existence of other heart abnormalities. Although a puppy may already be diagnosed with the condition at an early age, no treatment is indicated until clinical signs are manifested. In moderate to severely affected dogs, heart medications may be given to maintain normal functioning of the heart and for the relief of respiratory congestion. Most veterinarians prescribe a special heart-friendly diet and tell the dog owner to restrict the dog’s activity.

Surgery has been done in some cases where an affected suffers from multiple heart problems but results were not as promising. Thus, most veterinarians believe that the condition is best left managed with drugs.

Since it is a hereditary condition, screening of dogs which are predisposed to the disease as well as those whose littermates have been diagnosed with the disease should be done before breeding to prevent affected animals from passing on the defect to its offspring.

 


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Does Your Dog Have Colitis? – 24. July, 2012

Colitis is classified based on the predominant cell types present in the intestinal lining. It can be classified as eosinophilic, histiocytic, plasmacytic-lymphocytic, and granulomatous. The condition has been considered by many as a genetic defect particularly with the plasmacytic-lymphocytic and histiocytic forms. Other cases of colitis are idiopathic in nature, thus the causes cannot be pinpointed or explained. In dogs, colitis may arise as a result of any of the following:

• Infectious diseases caused by bacteria, fungi, viruses, or parasites (particularly whipworms)

• Cancer of the colon

• Dietary intolerance

• Medications including antibiotics

• Pancreatitis

• Dietary indiscretion

Diarrhea is the most common symptom of colitis. Oftentimes, the diarrhea may be bloody or contain mucus. The dog may also suffer from abdominal pain, flatulence, painful defecation, straining and prolonged squatting. Dehydration is often present as a result of the diarrhea. Dogs suffering from colitis are also lethargic and may pass small stools. The straining and prolonged squatting coupled with painful defecation can be mistaken for constipation.

There are many types of colitis according to the duration. It can be chronic, acute or chronically episodic. Chronic colitis is often constant while an acute one can suddenly occur. Chronically episodic means Colitis often come and go.

The highly variable nature of colitis makes it easy to be confused with other conditions of the digestive tract. Thus there is a need to distinguish it from other diseases that may share common manifestations and determine the ultimate cause of the problem.

Dogs suffering from severe diarrhea need to undergo several diagnostic tests including a thorough physical examination, complete blood count, fecal examination, and x-rays. The first line of treatment is aimed at correcting the fluid-electrolyte imbalances brought about the diarrhea. If symptoms fail to subside even though symptomatic treatment has been given, your vet may recommend specific blood tests, an ultrasound, and colonoscopy to better examine closely the intestinal lining and obtain a tissue sample for biopsy.

The line of treatment is highly dependent on the nature of the disease and the underlying cause. If parasites are the cause of the colitis, a parasiticide is given or if colitis has been linked to a dog’s diet, a dietary change coupled with antibiotics may help correct the disease. A high-fiber diet has been observed to help alleviate the symptoms.

However when the cause is due to the abnormality of the immune system wherein the intestinal lining is prone to developing an inflammatory process, prednisone and similar drugs is usually indicated. This condition usually occurs with histiocytic colitis and plasmocytic-lymphocytic colitis.

Dogs that are prone to developing colitis are often prescribed special diets to prevent further episodes. If the cause is genetic in nature, a dog suffering from the condition should never be allowed to breed.

 


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What You Need To Know About Epulis – 21. June, 2012

This may the first time you’ve heard about Epulis and you don’t know where to start. It’s scary when your dog is diagnosed with a disease with a strange sounding name. We want you to be well informed when it comes to Epulis, so we’ve put together a few helpful details that will let you get better acquainted with this disease.

Epulis is tumors or tumor-like masses found on a dog’s gums. They don’t come from the teeth, and are first seen as small masses that sprout from the gum. There’s no one thing that causes Epulis and it is grouped into three types:

Fibromatous Type: Tumors that have a stalk or stem and are non- ulcerative.

Ossifying Type: Tumors are that are pedunculated non-ulcerative.

Acanthomatous Type: The most aggressive type of tumor that is locally invasive and can cause the destruction of bone tissue.

Your dog may have a mild case of Epulis and won’t show any signs or symptoms. In fact, your vet may find it by accident during a routine examination.

If you think your dog has Epulis, these are some common symptoms you should look for:

•Facial deformities

•Bad breath (Halitosis)

•A growing mass along the periodontal tissue

•Loose or missing teeth

•Excessive salivation

•Bleeding from the gums and other parts of the mouth

•Weight loss

•Eating difficulty

You’re not an expert, so if you think your dog has Epulis, take it to a vet for confirmation. Your vet will run several diagnostic tests in order to confirm or to rule it out. Some of the tests you can expect to be performed include a Complete Blood Count (CBC), urinalysis, and biochemical profile, which are run to establish baseline values.

After a Complete Blood Count has been performed, the vet will give your dog a thorough inspection and examination of its oral cavity. The vet needs to assess the extent of growth of Epulis and see how much oral tissue has been damaged. X-rays of the mouth and chest, CT scans, and a biopsy of the tumor may also be performed in order to rule out other types of oral tumors.

Surgery is sometimes the best treatment for Epulis. Depending on the size and type, the tumor will be excised or totally removed. Surgery is usually carried out for Fibromatous Epulis and Ossifying Epulis, and may include partial mandibulectomy (removal of the lower jaw) and maxillectomy (removal of the upper jaw. If the tumors are inoperable, radiation therapy may be another option available to you.

Once your dog has completed Epulis treatment, supportive care is an important aspect of therapy. You’ll have to feed your dog soft foods to help stop or prevent tumor ulceration (this diet can also be soothing after surgery).

 


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What You Should Know About Colitis in Dogs – 30. May, 2012

Colitis is classified based on the predominant cell types present in the intestinal lining. It can be classified as eosinophilic, histiocytic, plasmacytic-lymphocytic, and granulomatous. The condition has been considered by many as a genetic defect particularly with the plasmacytic-lymphocytic and histiocytic forms. Other cases of colitis are idiopathic in nature, thus the causes cannot be pinpointed or explained. In dogs, colitis may arise as a result of any of the following:

• Infectious diseases caused by bacteria, fungi, viruses, or parasites (particularly whipworms)

• Cancer of the colon

• Dietary intolerance

• Medications including antibiotics

• Pancreatitis

• Dietary indiscretion

Diarrhea is the most common symptom of colitis. Oftentimes, the diarrhea may be bloody or contain mucus. The dog may also suffer from abdominal pain, flatulence, painful defecation, straining and prolonged squatting. Dehydration is often present as a result of the diarrhea. Dogs suffering from colitis are also lethargic and may pass small stools. The straining and prolonged squatting coupled with painful defecation can be mistaken for constipation.

There are many types of colitis according to the duration. It can be chronic, acute or chronically episodic. Chronic colitis is often constant while an acute one can suddenly occur. Chronically episodic means Colitis often come and go.

The highly variable nature of colitis makes it easy to be confused with other conditions of the digestive tract. Thus there is a need to distinguish it from other diseases that may share common manifestations and determine the ultimate cause of the problem.

Dogs suffering from severe diarrhea need to undergo several diagnostic tests including a thorough physical examination, complete blood count, fecal examination, and x-rays. The first line of treatment is aimed at correcting the fluid-electrolyte imbalances brought about the diarrhea. If symptoms fail to subside even though symptomatic treatment has been given, your vet may recommend specific blood tests, an ultrasound, and colonoscopy to better examine closely the intestinal lining and obtain a tissue sample for biopsy.

The line of treatment is highly dependent on the nature of the disease and the underlying cause. If parasites are the cause of the colitis, a parasiticide is given or if colitis has been linked to a dog’s diet, a dietary change coupled with antibiotics may help correct the disease. A high-fiber diet has been observed to help alleviate the symptoms.

However when the cause is due to the abnormality of the immune system wherein the intestinal lining is prone to developing an inflammatory process, prednisone and similar drugs is usually indicated. This condition usually occurs with histiocytic colitis and plasmocytic-lymphocytic colitis.

Dogs that are prone to developing colitis are often prescribed special diets to prevent further episodes. If the cause is genetic in nature, a dog suffering from the condition should never be allowed to breed.

 


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Crate Training Your Puppy – 10. April, 2012

By Amy Tokic

Puppy crate training is a great way to make sure your puppy stays safe. It is a wonderful tool for creating good habits in puppies and for preventing problem behaviors later on.

First and foremost, the main reason we crate train puppies is for their benefit. Another reason is that it helps protect personal items in our homes. Soon, your puppy will love its crate, as it becomes its own personal area that they will consider its den. Here are a few benefits the crate offers:

•An important use of the crate is in the puppy housebreaking process. Crate training is the most effective way to teach your puppy to do its business outside.

•Crating a puppy teaches it to chew on the toys we give them. It also lets them know what we don’t want them chewing on. This is important when setting up good habits and preventing destructive habits that can be hard to break.

•Your puppy is safe from dangerous household items while in its crate. Your puppy could be injured or killed after chewing wires, ingesting poisons or eating foreign objects.

•Separation anxiety is a problem for some puppies. Using a crate can help reduce the chance of your puppy from developing this issue. The crate is a place where your dog feels calm, out of trouble and can be accustomed to being alone.

•The crate is the perfect place to keep your puppy confined if you have friends or visitors coming and going from your home and don’t want it to get into any trouble.

• Since most crates are lightweight and portable, you can move the crate and puppy from room to room.

•Most crates fit into a car, so your puppy’s traveling experience is safer and less stressful.

•When your puppy grows to love its crate, it makes trips and stays at places like the vet and groomers a much more enjoyable experience.

•When crate training is done properly, your puppy can’t get into any trouble, which reduces any need to discipline it. This is a much better environment for both for you and the dog to live in.

•If you are interested in competitive obedience training, fly-ball or agility training, the crate is a great place to confine your puppy in between training sessions and competition.

Apart from your puppy, what else should you put in the crate? Here is a list of the basics:

Bedding : Choose a comfy dog bed that can’t be chewed up by your pup. Be sure to choose bedding suited to your living environment.

Chew toys: Buy a few good chew toys that you can stuff with treats and even freeze. This keeps your puppy busy and teaches it what is appropriate to chew on.

 

Water: Keep a supply of clean, fresh water handy. Heavy wide based bowls that won’t be tipped over are best or you can buy one that clips onto the crate wall.

 


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Murphy Rolled in Something! – 24. August, 2006

Do you notice how she is studiously ignoring me?

She knows she rolled in something dead and putrid and she is secretly very satisfied about it.

Ho man, she came happily trotting into the kitchen last night looking incredibly contented and the smell just about knocked me off my feet! Wow.

I quickly hustled her back out, and with my trusty flash light, I took a look around to see what she could possibly have rolled in. I never did find it, so I have no idea what she got into.

At that late hour I couldn’t bathe her, so I sprayed some flea tick stuff on that I never use, but has a perfume-like smell. I just wanted to mask the stench enough to get through the night.

And then, can you believe she was perverse enough to keep trying to rub up and get close to me!!! That rat!!!!

I bathed her today, but she still has an underlying odor that I can’t seem to get out.

If any of you have any suggestions how to get icky dead animal smell out of her coat, please drop me a comment! I would really appreciate it.

Murphy won’t but she’ll just have to live with it!

Thanks!


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