Hunting is for the Dogs

Fall in Wyoming brings hunting seasons of all types.  For some dog owners, this may include bird hunting with your furry friend.  We would like to take this opportunity to remind you of some important tips regarding hunting with your dogs. 

·         Prior to beginning, a complete health exam is recommended to detect any issues that need addressed.  As the season kicks off, it is important to condition your dog, working up to the desired activity level.  Injuries and exhaustion are much more common in pets with “weekend warrior” habits, or those that aren’t conditioned to a high level of activity. 

·         Even as the weather cools down, it is still important to ensure your companion hunters drink plenty of water.  Dogs have an incredible drive and willingness to please, and sometimes they can over do it if not monitored closely. 

·         Increases in activity often means an increase in calorie demand.  Just spending time outside in the cold can increase the required calorie intake by as much as 30%, so it is imperative to consider what the demands of a dog working in the cold would be.  Nutritional considerations can range from simply increasing the amount of food fed, to changing to a higher protein/higher fat diet.  Note that higher protein would be considered around 26%, any protein content above 30% is not going to be used, it will be processed as excess and urinated out. 

·         In snow conditions, it is important to consider our four-legged friends paws.  Snow can pack in between the pads and freeze, not only causing discomfort, but possibly frost bite.  Remember to check this area or consider protective boots if it is really cold.  These can also be useful in areas that have excess cactus or prickly weeds.  Protective vests can be used, especially with shorter coated dogs to insulate in extreme cold or act as a shield against traumatizing weeds. 

·         Consider the area you are hunting in and what type of parasites may be present.  It is important to use flea and tick preventatives when hunting.  Topical products are the most effective and safest, flea/tick collars don’t really work. 

·         At the end of each hunt is important to check your dogs over for foxtails.  Foxtails are the little cheat grass seeds that get stuck as you walk through grass.  Foxtails frequently get lodged in the toes, around the ears and sometimes around the eyes.  Check these areas, and wipe them free of any foxtails before they migrate in. 

·         We recommend having a small first aid kit for your dogs.  This should include wound flush, bandage material, and a veterinary recommended pain reliever. 

·         Lastly keep in mind travel considerations.  It is critical to have your dog secured in a dog crate or box that is appropriately protected from the elements.  Never allow them to travel loose in the bed of the truck.  If staying overnight, ensure they have warm dry bedding in their travel space.  If crossing state lines remember, legally, a veterinary inspection health certificate is required. 

We hope you have a successful enjoyable hunting season, or any other winter activities you pursue with man’s best friend this year.  Should you need anything, we are always here to help. 

Dr Steven Roberts

Dr. Steven Roberts DVM, DACVODr. Roberts has been involved exclusively in veterinary ophthalmology since 1981 and was board certified by the American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists in 1984, after finishing a residency at Colorado State University. Following the residency, Dr. Roberts was an assistant professor of ophthalmology at North Carolina State University from 1984-1987 and then returned to Colorado State University. At CSU, he was an assistant professor from 1987-1992 and then was promoted to associate professor from 1992-1997. Following six years as associate professor Dr. Roberts established Animal Eye Center in January of 1998.

Dr Steve Carter

Steve Carter, D.V.M.   Dr. Carter received his veterinary degree from Colorado State University in 1981. In 1982, he interned at a private mixed animal practice in Park City, Utah. He has since owned several veterinary hospitals in Southern California and Utah. His experience includes small animal medicine and surgery as well as equine sports medicine and surgery. Dr. Carter is certified to perform the Slocum Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO) procedure to repair ruptured cruciate ligaments in dogs, is experienced in small animal orthopedics and neurosurgery as well. In addition, he was also one of the first general practitioners to employ CO2 surgical laser during surgery in 1996. He is a member of the AAEP, AAHA, CVMA, AVMA, and Fellow of the Veterinary Surgical Laser Society. In his spare time Dr. Carter enjoys riding his mule "Wanda" and utilizing his private pilots license.

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New Years Resolutions

Resolutions to make with/for your pets…

1.       Eat Healthy/Get Fit.  It seems to be the most common resolution, to eat better, and exercise more.  Big changes in a short amount of time are not only difficult to maintain, but make us feel like horrible failures as we sit in front of the TV during the cold winter months, watching movie marathons on Lifetime, and eating cold pizza.  Small changes over time will be the easiest to stick to, and garner the biggest rewards in the long run.  Avoid feelings of deprivation; try to add something to your routine rather than take away-vow to drink more water, eat more fruits and vegetables, move a little more, and even sleep a little more.  If nothing else, your dog will thank you for a quick run around the block before dinner!  

2.    Learn Something New.  Some people say that you can’t teach an old dog new tricks, but I’m sure that Fido wouldn’t agree.  Take up a new hobby, or better yet, teach Fido some new tricks!  From basic obedience skills like “sit” and “stay”, to fun party tricks like “roll over”, “play dead”, and “fetch”, your pooch will enjoy the extra time together,  all while making your relationship stronger and healthier.  

3.   Manage Stress/Spend More Time with Family and Friends.  Some would argue that these two just don’t go together, but the whole idea is that sometimes less is more.  We are always on the go, and it can be easy to forget the simple pleasures of slowing down, and spending some quality time with our loved ones.  Statistics show that petting a dog or cat can lower blood pressure and cholesterol.  So why not offer your pet some extra belly rubs, all while reducing your own stress levels.

4.   Volunteer to Help Others.  Lending a helping hand, in whatever way possible, is a benefit to everyone.  The recipient of your good deeds will appreciate your efforts, you will have feel better having helped, and hopefully, others will follow your lead when the opportunity arises.  Find unique ways to share the love you have for your pets with others-go visiting together at nursing homes, find a pet-less neighbor who might enjoy a play date or a walk with your pet.  Even college kids miss the companionship of their pets they left at home-and may enjoy the occasional pet sitting job.  In addition to helping your fellow man, consider volunteering at a local shelter, rescue organization, or local dog park.  Even if you can’t adopt a pet, your help is needed to walk/socialize the animals, clean their environments, or donate food or monies for their care.  So remember to pay it forward!

5.    Have Regular Check-ups.  We have all been accustomed, if not totally obedient, to the required annual check ups.  As we grow older, they seem to be more numerous and frequent, but their intention is to ensure our health and well-being by catching any abnormalities at an early stage, and treating them, as well as continuing any good routines or practices that have allowed us to maintain our health so far. Remember, our pets are aging at an accelerated pace, and need these same considerations, to prolong and improve their health as they age.  Consider a regular exam for your pet as a valuable gift for both of you.

Parasite Control

Heartworm has been diagnosed in dogs in all 50 states. It is very common; it has a virtual 100% prevalence rate in unprotected dogs living in highly endemic areas. Heartworm (Dirofilaria Immitis), is transmitted by mosquitoes. The mosquito injects microscopic larvae, which grows into an adult worm six to eighteen inches long inside the heart of the affected dog.

The worms can cause mild symptoms, such as coughing, but with time, more severe symptoms such as congestive heart failure, weight loss, fluid build up in the abdomen, fainting spells, anemia, collapse, and death usually occur. Luckily, medication can prevent heartworm if given as directed. There are oral medications which need to be given monthly, and which also help protect against some intestinal parasites.

The American Heartworm Society says it is important to check all dogs annually y doing a blood test, even dogs that have been on preventative should be tested. Many people are not totally compliant about giving the medication on time, and no medication is perfect. If a dog has heartworms and it is given a dose of preventative, there can be a reaction that is detrimental to the dog, even deadly. Another important factor is the de-worming of intestinal parasites. At Popish Veterinary clinic we sell and recommend Interceptor. Interceptor, along with being a heartworm preventative, de-worms against the intestinal worms-

Roundworms, Hookworms, and Whipworms. These intestinal parasites are zoonotic, meaning they can spread to people as well. We need to keep our pets parasite free, not only for their health, but for ours as well.

Heartworms were once thought to be rare in cats. Now we know the incidence is anywhere from 10% to 50% of the canine rate. Heartworm disease in cats is different than in dogs. Cats usually test negative on the routine blood test done in the hospital, the worms are smaller and usually do not produce microfilaria which are like baby heartworms that circulate in the bloodstream. Veterinarians have to do different tests, sometimes more than one, to diagnose heartworms in cats. The symptoms in cats are different also. Cats usually have asthma signs or cough, even vomit. Cats can die acutely.

The treatment for adult heartworms in dogs is expensive and potentially harmful to the dog. This is why it is much better to prevent them in the first place. There is not a treatment for adult heartworms in cats. Many veterinarians are now recommending monthly heartworm preventative in cats also.

Fleas and Ticks are present in Wyoming but to a lesser degree than other states.  In general, the pet that is inside and goes out to play in the back yard or park tend not to have a flea or tick problem.  If flea and tick presence is in question at places outside the pets normal environment, then use of a flea and tick product may be indicated. 

Whatever the environment, pet owners should be aware and watchful for flea and tick presence.  There are diseases that are spread by fleas (Plague, Tapeworms) and ticks (Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever).  Fleas and ticks need to bite your pet first for the flea and tick medication to work.  During this time the disease they carry can be transferred. 

Common treatments include "spot ons", sprays, and collars.  We recommend, and have had success with, the topical "spot on" treatment Frontline Plus.  Sprays are short term and the effectiveness of a collar along with it's unpleasant smell are something to consider. 

 

Pain Relief

Multi-Modal Approach

To

Pain Relief

 

Dogs and cats experience pain just like people.  The main cause is aging, but other reasons include trauma, obesity, high activity, and large breed issues.  Whatever the cause, we may see our pet having difficulty getting up, whining, restless, panting with pain, and lameness (difficulty getting around).

 

One single way to treat pain can be quite effective but research and experience has shown that putting other modalities in use can dramatically help in reducing pain.  Using a combination of the below modalities can help your pet live comfortably and be more active.

 

1.     Anti-inflammatory

·         The release of inflammatory mediators, lead to a progressive cycle of cartilage degradation, joint membrane inflammation, and boney remodeling - all causing pain.  NSAIDs (nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs - similar to Ibuprofen) are usually the first choice of pain relief.  They posses pain relief via their anti-inflammatory effects.

 

2.     Glucosamine/Chondroitin Supplement

·         These types of supplements are touted to provide high concentrations of precursors for articular cartilage.  Since articular cartilage is damaged and degraded, having building blocks available is thought to help.  Quality, and true availability in the body are considerations when using this supplement.

 

3.     Herbs

·         Herbs can help in an anti-inflammatory way as well as increase circulation.  By increasing circulation the body can heal better.

 

4.     Fatty-acid supplement

·         Studies have shown blends of omega 3, 6, and 9 fatty acids help suppress the production of inflammatory mediators.  They also help with skin and hair coat, important with those having skin allergies. 

 

5.     Other Pain Relief Medication

·         Tramadol -- a pain relief and cough suppressant that works on the opiate receptors similar to Codeine.  Not addicting.

·         Gabapentin - great pain relief medication used for exaggerated ("nerve root") and chronic pain.

·         Amantadine - This medication helps reduce "wind up" and chronic pain.  Typically used with other medications, it helps the others work better, by lowering the "pain threshold."

 

6.     Adequan

·         The only FDA-approved disease modifying osteoarthritis drug that effectively slows the disease cycle of canine arthritis. It protects cartilage in a dog's hips, knees, elbows, and other joints as well as provides key building blocks for damaged joints to repair themselves.  Another amazing aspect is it's anti-inflammatory effect.

·         It is administered in a series of twice weekly injections for four weeks, then once monthly.  We can do the injections for you at no extra cost or we can train you do it at home.

·         Cost is $17.50 per 50 pounds. 

 

7.     Acupuncture/Chiropractic Treatments

·         Acupuncture  Simply stated acupuncture is the stimulation of specific points on the body that have the ability to alter various biochemical and physiologic conditions to achieve the desired effect. It is a means of helping the body heal itself. Acupuncture has been used successfully for nearly 4000 years on animals, as well as human beings. Great for pain relief.

·         Chiropractic Manipulation of the spine and other body parts to function in a more normal alignment.

 

8.     Weight Loss

·         Almost half the dog's seen by a veterinarian are overweight or obese, and those extra pounds may have more of an impact on your dog's health than you realize.  Excess weight can hurt your dog or cat in various ways.  Examples are skin and hair coat problems, breathing difficulty, high blood pressure, reduced activity, and arthritis.

·         Weight loss can be accomplished simply increasing activity, feeding a light diet, feeding a prescription weight loss diet, as well as weight loss medications such as Slentrol (for dogs). Increasing metabolism is tricky, so decreasing the amount of food may not always work.

Obesity

Veterinarians see many reasons for obesity.  Your veterinarian can help rule out disease, such as Hypothyroidism, as the cause through physical exam, history, and bloodwork.  Outside of disease there are typically three reasons for obesity.

1.  Table Food:  Certainly in small, infrequent amounts, table food should not have a major impact on our pet's diet-but in most cases, once table food is introduced it becomes more and more difficult to track the amount they are getting, and can quickly get out of hand.  By feeding table food we change our pet's eating behavior.  The stereotype here is the older gentleman feeding table food at every meal time thinking, "what's good for me is good for them".  Things become habit-and table food takes over as the main diet.  Another factor is putting people food on top of the full bowl of dog food.  The table food gets mixed in with the dog food and the pet eats it all, which ends up being way more than they usually would.  Obesity as a result of a table food diet can lead to serious illness.  Smoldering pancreatitis, poor nutrient absorption, diarrhea, vomiting, weight gain and arthritis (from carrying around the extra weight), can all add up to big problems for your pet.  Problems that could simply be avoided by not feeding table food. 

2.  Free Choice Feeding:  Free choice feeding is keeping the dish full at all times, allowing your pets to eat when/how much they want to.  This practice is typically ok-but should be monitored to ensure our pets are not getting too much/little to eat.  One example is if we restrict food to a qrowing pet, they may get overly hungry and a little obsessive about seeking food, causing them to eat too much, or to eat the wrong things-like your shoes, or cell phone!  If you have more than one pet, one may try to demonstrate their dominance by controlling the food dish, thus eating more than they normally would. 
Monitor your pet's body condition in connection with your veterinarian.  Work together to develop a plan that may involve scheduled feeding times, separate feeding times/area for multiple pets, or altering the amount of food given.  When making such changes it is important to consider the amount of food each pet needs for healthy balance, keeping in mind that feeding too little can slow metabolism and result in additional weight gain.

3.  Poor Quality Diets:  Some pet foods out there can be compared to human fast food diets-too much fat, sodium, and too processed-leaving very little of the nutritional values that our pets need for healthy growth and maintenance.  At Altitude Veterinary Hospital we sell and recommend Hill's Science Diet, a proven diet for many years.  In general, the higher quality diet a pet eats, the less medical problems that tend to develop-sound like anything you have heard before? 
Just as in our own diet/health, it is never too late to make better choices, and there are several ways to optimize your pet's body condition.  Work with your veterinarian to develop a dietary plan that works for you and your pet.  Avoiding the pitfalls of overfeeding and poor feeding, combined with exercise, will get you off to a great start.  In addition to our regular Hill's Science Diet formulas, there are a wide variety of prescription diet plans that will fit your needs.  Another option is Slentrol, from Pfizer.  It is not a stimulant, but helps dogs lose weight by reducing their appetite.  Make the choice today to pursue health and wellness for you and your pets-leading to a longer, leaner, and healthier life.      

Nutrition

Nutrition is an important and often overlooked area of pet care.  In general, the better we eat, the healthier we are - and the same is true for our pets.  If your pet is in overall good health, or is over/underweight, has poor skin and hair coat, or suffers from allergies, you may want to consider changing diets to a higher quality one.  Ask any veterinarian - do they see less medical problems with pets being fed a high quality, premium diet?  No doubt illness is avoided!  Weight control, skin, hair coat, and allergies are often expensive to diagnose and by their very nature can be difficult to treat.  Proper diet can make all the difference, so whether you are starting off with a new pet, or transitioning an existing one, make the switch to a premium diet - it's never too late!

Picking a diet can be difficult.  There are many to choose from, many with catchy labels and claims of great nutritional content.  Websites, salespeople, friends and family all give their suggestions.  They share facts, information, and experiences - all with the best intentions for your pet.  Honestly, many statements they say are true - but some are not, or are only partly true.  In this world of instant information and sensational advertising, how do we choose what is best for our pets?  Continue to be educated and informed about pet food, and proper nutrition.  Consider your pet's individual needs, and always, always, always, consult with your veterinarian-they can offer a wealth of information, and their primary concern is your pet's health. 

 

When researching pet food, there are so many variables to consider, choosing the one that is right for your pet can be a difficult decision.  Some specific things to consider will make your choice much easier, including the background of the manufacturer, the balance of ingredients, and the quality of the processing.  First, consider the maker of the diet.  There are many reputable producers, so choose one that is well proven.  We sell and recommend Hill's Science Diet and Prescription Diet.  They are an excellent example of long standing, well proven, producers of pet food.  There are other reputable diets out there, so choose wisely and seek the advice of your veterinarian.  Secondly, think about the many different approaches to diet-carbs vs. no carbs, low-fat, high-protein, sugar-free, gluten-free, the possibilities can set your mind spinning!  Most nutritionists would agree that in most cases, where there are no specific health restrictions, a healthy balanced diet, combined with exercise and proper rest, is the best medicine.  If your pet is in overall good health, try to avoid the gimmicks and myths associated with diet and focus on a nutritionally balanced diet, in its least processed form.  Corn or by-products are infamous examples of ingredients that have gotten a bad rap (they are a good source of nutrition and not the main cause of food allergies).  Unfortunately people take these myths to heart.  Ingredients and their balance and processing of them are also important.  Some pet food companies can make ingredient claims, but questions that an informed consumer should ask are - are the ingredients a high quality, are they in good balance with your pet's individual needs, and is the method of processing a good one? 

Another exciting move in pet food is adding certain modalities to enhance the diet.  An example is Prescription Diet from Hill's; they offer prescription diets that can help your pet with certain diseases, from urinary, skin and hair coat, liver, teeth, joint and kidneys.  Now a combination of these diets are placed together in one diet for optimum health called Healthy Advantage.  This new trend is a great way to help and prevent disease.  Ask your veterinarian what they think of this new trend, and if one of these foods could benefit your pet.  Remember - listen to your veterinarian and become an informed consumer and pet owner - choose wisely - your pet's health depends on it!