#Veterinary Diseases

[wikipediapictures]

White-nose syndrome

[iheartvmt]

When the two sweet, adorable little kitten siblings come in for their s/n surgeries, but the pre-anesthetic blood work shows mild renal dysfunction, so you do a U/A and it's chockablock full of renal cells and no sign of infection, and then the doctor finds out their breed is predisposed to polycystic kidney disease...

[nevadancitizen]

hey i know this is a bit different from my other posts but my dog just got diagnosed with diabetes. i don’t need money (and please don’t offer it), i just want someone who’s lived with a diabetic dog to tell me what it was like for them.

she’s 13 y/o, a blue heeler mutt mix, ~50 lbs, and the sweetest girl ever. i grew up with this dog and i love her with all my heart. it would absolutely shatter me if anything bad were to happen to her, especially if i could’ve prevented it.

i can afford her insulin, her glucose monitors, special diet foods, and i know how to administer her shots. she is showing signs of cataracts, and her bloodwork is showing possible signs of cushing’s disease. if anyone has lived experience and is comfortable sharing, please feel free to comment/dm me.

please do not recommend i euthanize her. i’ve had this dog since i was six. we grew up together. i literally don’t know a life without her. even if you think it’s best, please keep it to yourself.

thank you for your time <3

[themiscyradobermans]

Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease vs Dilated Cardiomyopathy (Part 1)

Hope you are ready to do some learning today! I didn't want to bog down Nadia's post too much so I figured I'd do something a little more in depth, separately. I also hope that the information here might help anyone seeking information about either disease. Might want to go and make yourself a drink and/or a snack because this will be a long read.

What is MMVD? Myxomatous Mitral Valve Disease also called Degenerative Mitral Valve Disease is the most common cardiac disease affecting dogs. It is an acquired disease (aka "adult onset") that is most typically seen in small breed geriatric dogs. It is characterized by a progressive thickening of the Mitral valve, which is the valve on the left side of the heart - in other words, the valve that connects the left ventricle (LV) to the Left Atrium (LA). The thickening results in it becoming more rigid and overtime it loses the ability to close properly, causing a leak (or regurgitation) from the left ventricle to the left atrium. Over time, the valve has a tendency to become so fibrinous that the leak becomes more important with time, and for some dogs with very advanced MMVD the valve may not even really close much at all anymore.

Because of the leak, over time the left ventricle and the left atrium will enlarge. When the left atrium becomes severely enlarged the patient will progress to congestive heart failure. Because of the stiffening of the valve the chordae tendineae that hold it together are also at risk of rupturing as the disease progresses. When a dog ruptures a major chord, they are at risk of an acute episode of CHF without dilation of the left atrium (because the left atrium does not have a chance to adjust or adapt to the sudden backflow) and patients in this situation will often require critical hospitalization care for 24-48 hours before normalizing. In some very uncommon or rare cases the disease can be self limiting. We have seen it in one or two patients where the dog actually improved after being in B2, with the heart reducing in size because the mitral valve thickened so much it started plugging the leak again. What causes MMVD? It is unknown what exactly causes this process. In certain breeds there is a very strong genetic, hereditary and familial component like in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Dachshunds, Cocker Spaniels, Yorkies, Pomeranians and others. It mostly affects small breeds, but any dog breed can get MMVD. How is it diagnosed? MMVD can only truly be diagnosed exclusively via cardiac ultrasound (echocardiography) by a cardiologist. It can be listed as a differential with the help of other diagnostic tools like x-ray, auscultation (presence of a heart murmur on the left side), age/breed of the patient and clinical symptoms (late stages). There are other diagnostic, clinical tests but they are non-specific blood tests that can merely serve to further refer out to a Cardiologist. Can you treat it? Yes. The primary treatment for MMVD will be the administration of Pimobendan once the disease progresses to moderate stage MMVD classified as ACVIM B2. Because it is so prevalent in dogs there is empirical data on it, and one in particular the groundbreaking EPIC study has helped establish very specific guidelines for the classification of Moderate Stage MMVD and the early (pre-clinical) administration of pimobendan. In order to be classified as B2 and qualify for early administration of pimobendan the dog must meet 4 criteria:

Grade III heart murmur or higher

Left Atrium/Aortic (LA/Ao) ratio of 1.6 or higher

Left Ventricle Internal Diameter in Diastole Normalized for weight (LVIDDN) of 1.7 or higher

VHS (Vertebral Heart Score) of 10.5 or higher on xray

Where an echo is not possible, in order to qualify for pimobendan, it is recommended to wait until the the VHS is equal to 11.5 or higher. What is miraculous about the EPIC study is that it offers proof that administering Pimobendan to a dog in B2/moderate MMVD will slow down significantly the progression of the disease. The median time it takes for a B2 moderate MMVD to progress to a Stage C heart failure is 766 days without the administration of Pimobendan. With pimobendan that median increases by 60% 1228 days. Once a dog reaches CHF typically the prognosis is 6-12 months post diagnosis of CHF. With pimobendan it adds about 10% overall time without clinical signs or quality of life issues. Some Cardiologists will also prescribe an ACE Inhibitor (Angiotensin-converting-enzyme inhibitors) alongside Pimobendan even while still in Moderate/B2 stage, while others will prescribe it rather only once the dog progresses to a Stage C (aka severe stage with congestive heart failure). Once the dog reaches Stage C, typically a diuretic will be added to the treatment. Management can include adjusting dosage of the medication and on occasion adding in additional diuretics, or if exhibiting new cardiac symptoms, adding additional medication. For example in large breed dogs you can see Atrial fibrillation, and in some individuals you'll also see Ventricular Premature Contractions (VPCs or PVCs which doberman people will be familiar with due to its role in DCM) so medications can be added to control these aspects too. Now what is interesting with MMVD is that there are currently two surgical procedures/interventions with very limited availability. One is an open heart surgery that is curative and consists in repairing the Mitral Valve. There is the JASMINE Animal Referral Hospital in Japan where the procedure was developed by Dr Uechi Masami, who has then gone on to train teams in the UK at the Queen Mother Hospital Royal Veterinary College as well as a team in France at HOPIA. Currently Dr Uechi is performing mitral valve repair procedures at the University of Florida in the USA, with the goal to try and train as many teams in the USA and around the world. The likelihood of this surgery ever becoming widespread or common place or even accessible to most people is fairly low, given the high demand, and how resource intensive it is both in equipment and specialized teams. The other very recent intervention is the TEER mitral valve repair, a minimally invasive procedure that consists in installing a clamp on the mitral valve to bring it back closer together and thus reduce or eliminate the leak. Can I do anything to prevent it? While there's nothing you can do to prevent MMVD from occurring, if you intend to purchase a puppy from a small breed or medium breed, especially one of the breeds known to have high prevalence of the disease, it is imperative to ask the breeder if the parents have been screened and are being monitored for cardiac disease by a cardiologist, whether that's with a yearly auscultation or a yearly echocardiogram (because MMVD is always associated with a murmur, for regular owner it is acceptable to auscultate yearly, and only do an echo if/once a murmur is heard). Ask about the pedigree also. I strongly encourage you to start screening/monitoring for it when your dog reaches 4-5 years for at risk breeds. Breeding animals should be screened before being bred and then yearly thereafter. If you are unsure whether your breed is considered at risk, you can check the recommended tests for your breed on the OFA website. If you adopt a pup from a rescue or shelter with an unknown genetic background, I would strongly encourage you to ask your vet to properly auscultate during your yearly vet visits and physical exams, and I would request a referral to a cardiologist (if required in your area, our cardiology department doesn't per se require a referral anyone can call and book) even if your dog only has a Grade I-II murmur.

[misforgotten2]

Where Root Beer Barrels™ come from.

Special Report on Diseases of the Horse  USDA - 1907

[nixii-sabre]

wtf did he do

[acountrypractice]

Northam & Moora Veterinarians

A Country Practice has been in operation since 2004, led by the husband and wife veterinarian team of Dr Peter Morrell and Dr Virginia Pullman, who both have over 40 years experience in the field. Dr Morrell is one of the two co-founders of A Country Practice and has a special interest in large animal veterinary care. The second co-founder is Dr Virginia Pullman who has a special interest and a Master’s degree in small animal medicine and surgery. Combining the knowledge of both founders with registered and in-training veterinary nurses with several years experience, as well as utilising state-of-the-art equipment, A Country Practice is able to implement effective animal treatment with compassion and care.

[threnodians]

i've got an interview in a couple of hours and i'm unfortunately being absolutely racked with a ridiculous amount of anxiety and panic 🥲👍🏻

[great-and-small]

When I was in vet school I went to this one lecture that I will never forget. Various clubs would have different guest lecturers come in to talk about relevant topics and since I was in the Wildlife Disease Association club I naturally attended all the wildlife and conservation discussions. Well on this particular occasion, the speakers started off telling us they had been working on a project involving the conservation of lemurs in Madagascar. Lemurs exist only in Madagascar, and they are in real trouble; they’re considered the most endangered group of mammals on Earth. This team of veterinarians was initially assembled to address threats to lemur health and work on conservation solutions to try and save as many lemur species from extinction as possible. As they explored the most present dangers to lemurs they found that although habitat loss was the primary problem for these vulnerable animals, predation by humans was a significant cause of losses as well. The vets realized it was crucial for the hunting of lemurs by native people to stop, but of course this is not so simple a problem.

The local Malagasy people are dealing with extreme poverty and food insecurity, with nearly half of children under five years old suffering from chronic malnutrition. The local people have always subsisted on hunting wildlife for food, and as Madagascar’s wildlife population declines, the people who rely on so-called bushmeat to survive are struggling more and more. People are literally starving.

Our conservation team thought about this a lot. They had initially intended to focus efforts on education but came to understand that this is not an issue arising from a lack of knowledge. For these people it is a question of survival. It doesn’t matter how many times a foreigner tells you not to eat an animal you’ve hunted your entire life, if your child is starving you are going to do everything in your power to keep your family alive.

So the vets changed course. Rather than focus efforts on simply teaching people about lemurs, they decided to try and use veterinary medicine to reduce the underlying issue of food insecurity. They supposed that if a reliable protein source could be introduced for the people who needed it, the dependence on meat from wildlife would greatly decrease. So they got to work establishing new flocks of chickens in the most at-risk communities, and also initiated an aggressive vaccination program for Newcastle disease (an infectious illness of poultry that is of particular concern in this area). They worked with over 600 households to ensure appropriate husbandry and vaccination for every flock, and soon found these communities were being transformed by the introduction of a steady protein source. Families with a healthy flock of chickens were far less likely to hunt wild animals like lemurs, and fewer kids went hungry. Thats what we call a win-win situation.

This chicken vaccine program became just one small part of an amazing conservation outreach initiative in Madagascar that puts local people at the center of everything they do. Helping these vulnerable communities of people helps similarly vulnerable wildlife, always. If we go into a country guns-blazing with that fire for conservation in our hearts and a plan to save native animals, we simply cannot ignore the humans who live around them. Doing so is counterintuitive to creating an effective plan because whether we recognize it or not, humans and animals are inextricably linked in many ways. A true conservation success story is one that doesn’t leave needy humans in its wake, and that is why I think this particular story has stuck with me for so long.

(Source 1)

(Source 2- cool video exploring this initiative from some folks involved)

(Source 3)

[iheartvmt]

Vaccinated 28 hounds and beagles against rabies this afternoon! Hound season has begun ^.^

[creativeera]

Veterinary Vaccine: Importance of Vaccines for Our Furry Friends

Veterinary Vaccines are Essential for Pets Vaccines play a crucial role in keeping our pets healthy. Just like humans, pets are susceptible to various infectious diseases that can make them severely ill and sometimes even lead to death. Vaccines help boost pets' immune system and provide protection against dangerous diseases. The most common and important vaccines recommended for dogs and cats include: Rabies Vaccine Rabies is a fatal viral disease that can infect both pets and humans. It is transmitted through the bite of an infected animal. According to experts, rabies vaccination is absolutely necessary to protect our furry friends from this threat. In many countries and regions, it is mandatory by law to vaccinate pets against rabies to prevent its spread in the community. Pets require an initial series of rabies vaccines starting at 3 months of age followed by regular booster shots as per the schedule recommended by veterinarians. This ensures lifelong protection against this fatal yet preventable disease. Core Vaccines for Dogs Dogs need a series of core vaccines early in their life and regular boosters to maintain protection. The core Veterinary Vaccines routinely recommended for dogs include: - Distemper: This viral disease can cause seizures, neurological issues and fatality in dogs if not vaccinated. Puppies require a series of distemper vaccines starting from 6-8 weeks of age with boosters every year. - Parvovirus: This highly contagious virus often leads to severe vomiting, diarrhea and even death in unvaccinated puppies. An initial series along with annual boosters are necessary to shield dogs from parvo. - Adenovirus: Also known as hepatitis, this infection can cause liver failure in dogs. Core vaccines effective in preventing adenovirus contain both types 1 and 2. - Parainfluenza: This respiratory virus can lead to pneumonia if not vaccinated against. It is included in combination vaccines for dogs. Core Vaccines for Cats Like dogs, cats also require a set of core vaccines for comprehensive protection. The most essential ones for felines include: - Panleukopenia: Also known as feline distemper, it can result in lethal gastrointestinal issues in cats if not vaccinated. Kittens need an initial series starting at 6-8 weeks with a booster at 1 year. - Calicivirus: Veterinary Vaccines highly contagious virus leads to flu-like symptoms and pneumonia in cats. Vaccination is done along with panleukopenia vaccine. - Rhinotracheitis virus: As the name suggests, it can cause upper respiratory infection in cats. Core feline vaccines contain this virus along with panleukopenia and calicivirus. Optional Vaccines In addition to the core ones, veterinarians may also recommend some non-core or optional vaccines depending upon the pet's lifestyle, risk of exposure and local disease situation. These include: For Dogs: - Leptospirosis: Spread through contact with infected urine, it can damage organs. Recommended only in high-risk areas. - Lyme disease: Transmitted through tick bites, it causes joint issues. Dogs in wooded/grassy areas may need this vaccine. For Cats: - Chlamydophila: Bacterial infection leading to conjunctivitis. Indoor cats at low risk do not always require this vaccine. - Rabies: Core for dogs but optional for indoor cats in low-rabies regions after discussing risks with vet.

Get more insights on Veterinary Vaccines

About Author:

Money Singh is a seasoned content writer with over four years of experience in the market research sector. Her expertise spans various industries, including food and beverages, biotechnology, chemical and materials, defense and aerospace, consumer goods, etc. (https://www.linkedin.com/in/money-singh-590844163)

[spiffyspidr]

....fuck!

My scale baby is sick 😔

[westlinnanimalhospital]

Common Conditions Treated in Pets with Veterinary Acupuncture

Acupuncture for pets is becoming an increasingly popular choice among pet owners seeking holistic and natural approaches to animal health care. This ancient practice, rooted in Traditional Chinese Medicine, involves inserting thin needles into specific points on the body to stimulate healing and relieve pain. Pet acupuncture can be used to treat a variety of conditions, enhancing the quality of life for many furry companions. In this blog, we'll explore some of the most common conditions that acupuncture can treat in animals.

Common Conditions Treated with Veterinary Acupuncture

1. Arthritis and Joint Pain

One of the most common uses of acupuncture for pets is the treatment of arthritis and joint pain. As pets age, they often develop osteoarthritis, leading to stiffness, swelling, and reduced mobility. Acupuncture can help alleviate pain, reduce inflammation, and improve joint function. Regular acupuncture sessions can make a significant difference in the comfort and mobility of senior pets, allowing them to enjoy a better quality of life.

2. Hip Dysplasia

Hip dysplasia is a genetic condition that affects the hip joints, causing pain and mobility issues. It is particularly common in large dog breeds. Pet acupuncture can be an effective treatment option for managing the pain and discomfort associated with hip dysplasia. By targeting specific acupuncture points, this therapy can help reduce inflammation, improve blood flow, and enhance overall joint function.

3. Digestive Issues

Digestive problems, such as chronic diarrhea, constipation, and vomiting, can be distressing for both pets and their owners. Acupuncture can help regulate the digestive system, promote better gastrointestinal function, and alleviate discomfort. This natural approach can be particularly beneficial for pets with sensitive stomachs or those who have not responded well to conventional treatments.

4. Anxiety and Stress

Just like humans, pets can experience anxiety and stress. Whether it's due to separation anxiety, loud noises, or changes in their environment, these emotional issues can significantly impact a pet's well-being. Acupuncture for pets can help calm the nervous system, reduce anxiety, and promote a sense of relaxation. This treatment can be especially helpful for pets with behavioral issues or those undergoing stressful situations, such as moving to a new home or adapting to a new family member.

5. Chronic Pain Management

Pets suffering from chronic pain due to conditions like intervertebral disc disease (IVDD), cancer, or post-surgical recovery can benefit from acupuncture. This therapy helps manage pain without the need for heavy medication, making it a safe option for long-term pain management. By stimulating the body's natural pain-relief mechanisms, acupuncture can provide relief and improve the overall quality of life for pets with chronic pain.

6. Allergies and Skin Conditions

Acupuncture can also be beneficial for pets with allergies and skin conditions. Conditions like atopic dermatitis, flea allergies, and food allergies can cause significant discomfort and itching. Pet acupuncture can help boost the immune system, reduce inflammation, and promote healing of the skin. This treatment can be used in conjunction with other therapies to provide comprehensive care for pets with persistent skin issues.

7. Kidney Disease

Kidney disease is a common condition in older cats and dogs. Acupuncture can support kidney function, improve circulation, and enhance overall health. While it may not cure kidney disease, acupuncture can help manage symptoms, reduce discomfort, and slow the progression of the disease.

8. Neurological Disorders

Neurological disorders such as seizures, neuropathy, and degenerative myelopathy can be challenging to manage with conventional treatments alone. Acupuncture can offer a complementary approach to traditional treatments, helping to reduce the frequency and severity of seizures, improve nerve function, and support the overall neurological health of pets.

Choosing the Right Veterinary Care for Your Pet

When considering acupuncture for your pet, it is essential to choose a qualified and experienced veterinarian. Cascade Summit Animal Hospital offers professional pet acupuncture services, ensuring your pet receives the best possible care. Their team of skilled veterinarians is trained in both conventional and holistic treatments, providing a balanced approach to your pet's health care needs.

Conclusion

Acupuncture for pets offers a natural and effective way to manage a variety of common conditions, from arthritis and hip dysplasia to anxiety and chronic pain. By targeting specific points on the body, acupuncture can stimulate healing, reduce pain, and improve overall well-being. If you're looking for a holistic approach to your pet's health, consider the benefits of pet acupuncture. Cascade Summit Animal Hospital is dedicated to providing comprehensive care, including acupuncture, to help your pet live a happier, healthier life. Always consult with a qualified veterinarian to determine if acupuncture is the right treatment option for your furry friend.

[tricountyanimal]

Recognizing Early Signs of Canine Distemper in Dogs

Canine Distemper is a serious and often fatal disease that affects dogs worldwide. Caused by the Canine Distemper Virus (CDV), this highly contagious disease can spread rapidly among unvaccinated dogs, leading to severe health complications. Recognizing the early signs of Canine Distemper Disease is crucial for ensuring prompt veterinary care and improving the chances of recovery.

What is Canine Distemper?

Canine Distemper is a viral disease that affects a dog’s respiratory, gastrointestinal, and nervous systems. The virus is primarily spread through airborne exposure (e.g., sneezing or coughing) and direct contact with infected animals or contaminated objects. Puppies and unvaccinated dogs are especially vulnerable to the disease.

Early Signs of Canine Distemper

Early detection of Canine Distemper can make a significant difference in the outcome for your dog. Here are some of the initial signs to watch for:

Fever: One of the first signs of Canine Distemper is a sudden onset of fever. This initial fever may be mild and go unnoticed, but it can return with greater intensity. Monitoring your dog’s temperature regularly can help detect this early sign.

Eye Discharge: Clear or watery discharge from the eyes is another common early symptom. This discharge can quickly become thick, yellow, and crusty as the disease progresses. Your dog’s eyes may also appear red and swollen.

Nasal Discharge: Similar to the eye discharge, dogs with Canine Distemper may develop a runny nose. This nasal discharge may start as clear but can become thick and pus-like, indicating an infection.

Coughing and Sneezing: The Canine Distemper Virus often affects the respiratory system, leading to coughing, sneezing, and difficulty breathing. These symptoms can be mistaken for kennel cough or other respiratory infections, so it’s important to seek veterinary advice if they persist.

Lethargy: Dogs in the early stages of Canine Distemper often exhibit signs of lethargy and depression. If your dog seems unusually tired, uninterested in activities, or is sleeping more than usual, it could be an early indication of the disease.

Loss of Appetite: A decrease in appetite or refusal to eat is a common early symptom. Dogs with Canine Distemper may also experience weight loss due to their reduced food intake.

Vomiting and Diarrhea: Gastrointestinal symptoms such as vomiting and diarrhea can occur in the early stages. These symptoms can lead to dehydration, so it’s important to ensure your dog stays hydrated and seek veterinary care promptly.

Hardening of Paw Pads and Nose: In some cases, dogs with Canine Distemper develop a condition known as hyperkeratosis, which causes the paw pads and nose to harden and thicken. This is a more advanced sign but can occur early in the disease’s progression.

What to Do if You Suspect Canine Distemper

If you notice any of these early signs of Canine Distemper in your dog, it is crucial to seek veterinary care immediately. Early intervention can make a significant difference in the prognosis and treatment outcomes. Tri-County Animal Hospital offers comprehensive diagnostic and treatment services to manage Canine Distemper Disease effectively.

Diagnosing Canine Distemper

Veterinarians diagnose Canine Distemper through a combination of clinical signs, medical history, and laboratory tests. Blood tests, polymerase chain reaction (PCR) tests, and antibody tests are commonly used to confirm the presence of the Canine Distemper Virus. Prompt and accurate diagnosis is essential for initiating appropriate treatment and care.

Preventing Canine Distemper

The best way to protect your dog from Canine Distemper is through vaccination. Puppies should receive their first distemper vaccine at six to eight weeks of age, followed by booster shots every three to four weeks until they are 16 weeks old. Adult dogs should receive regular booster shots as recommended by their veterinarian. Tri-County Animal Hospital can provide guidance on an appropriate vaccination schedule for your dog.

Conclusion

Recognizing the early signs of Canine Distemper in dogs is vital for ensuring timely and effective treatment. If you notice any symptoms such as fever, eye or nasal discharge, coughing, lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, or hardening of the paw pads and nose, seek veterinary care immediately. Early diagnosis and intervention, along with preventive measures like vaccination, are key to protecting your dog from this serious disease. For expert care and advice on Canine Distemper, contact Tri-County Animal Hospital today to schedule an appointment.