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Eyeballs are a delicate miniature world of their own.  They are crucial for sight, but there are many conditions that affect the eyeballs and the structures associated with them.  It is with good reason that a veterinarian may recommend a referral to an ophthalmologist for pets.  Here are some of the more common eye conditions that we see in cats and dogs at Mitchell Veterinary Services.

Red eye:  Conjunctivitis or “pink eye” is a term that describes swelling and redness of the moist pink membranes that line the eyelids.  This can be caused by a number of causes including allergies, infections (viral, bacterial or fungal) or a scratch to the outer clear surface of the eyeball (which is known as the cornea).  Corneal ulcers can be detected using fluorescein stain, which is a green dye that sticks to the injured surface of the cornea.

Blue eye:  The lens of the eye is made of layers like an onion and senior pets often develop a bluish haze as the layers are compressed with age.  This haziness is a normal aging phenomenon known as lenticular sclerosis and does not impact vision.  However, if your pet’s eyes seem hazy and have decreased sight, this could be cataracts.  Over half of diabetic dogs will develop cataracts, but there are a number of other causes for cataract development including genetics or degeneration of lenticular sclerosis.  Blue haze in your pet’s eyes should be evaluated by a veterinarian to determine whether treatment is needed.

Runny eye:  Excessive tearing is known as epiphora and can lead to that unsightly brown fur staining under the eyes.  This is caused by 1) excess tear production in response to irritation of the eye from hair, allergy, injury/infection or 2) decreased ability of the eye to drain tears through the tear duct due to the animal’s face or eyelid shape or an injury/infection that has blocked the duct

Dry eye:  Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca is a condition where a pet doesn’t produce the watery component of tears properly.  These pets have tears that are thick and goopy and are ineffective at lubricating the eye during blinking.  Dry eye can be diagnosed with a Schirmer Tear Test that measures a pet’s tear moisture.  This condition can occur after treatment with sulfa drugs, certain eye trauma or from immune-mediated disease.  Animals with dry eye are prone to injuries to the cornea.

Most eye conditions are quite painful.  Signs of pain include squinting, rubbing the eye (with a paw or on furniture), redness, swelling and lots of eye discharge, especially if that discharge is coloured.  Certain breeds are more prone to certain eye conditions and often multiple eye conditions will be found in the same patient.  Some eye conditions can lead to abnormal pressures within the eyeball that can cost a pet its vision if left untreated.  Mitchell Veterinary Services recommends a physical exam by a veterinarian if your pet has blue, red, runny or dry eyes.

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Feline upper respiratory tract infections are a frequent cause of sneezing in cats; often with goopy, green or blood-tinged snot and watery eyes.  The cat may sound congested and cough or gag.  An infected cat may have thick discharge from its eyes and have difficulty holding its eyes open.  The parts of the body that are affected may include the eyes, nose, mouth, larynx/pharynx and trachea.

These infections are caused by contagious viruses, mostly commonly herpesvirus (also known as rhinotracheitis virus) or calicivirus.  The cat may even be infected by multiple viruses.  These viruses are transmitted by sick or carrier cats sneezing on healthy cats or sharing the same toys or food bowls.  The viruses could also be transmitted on a person’s clothing.  Once herpesvirus infects a cat it will have the virus for life and may have a reoccurrence of symptoms during times of stress.  Humans cannot become infected by the majority of these viruses, which only spread from cat to cat.

Cats that are most likely to be infected are those that have a decreased immune system or high exposure.  Cats with decreased immune systems include young kittens, geriatric cats and cats that are already ill or stressed.  Cats are often stressed by changes in their household.  Keep in mind that introducing a new cat into your home may cause an outbreak of upper respiratory tract infection. Outdoor cats, barn cats or cats in a shelter have a greater risk of exposure.  Cat breeds with a flattened face (such as Himalayans) may be predisposed to infection as well.

Just a cold?  Some cats may be able to fight the viral component of this infection on their own; however, in most cases, they develop secondary bacterial infections.  Bacterial infections are best treated with appropriate antibiotics.  If your cat develops a fever, stops eating or breathes with an open mouth, those are urgent concerns that should be assessed by a veterinarian the same day.   If left untreated, a chronic upper respiratory infection may lead to dental problems such as gingivitis or pneumonia, which can cause death.

Treatment for upper respiratory tract infections may include:

• oral or injectable antibiotics
• eye ointment
• Lysine supplementation
  • contains anti-viral properties for cats infected with herpesvirus
• anti-virals
• time in a steamy bathroom during your shower
  • to aid with decongestion

Please do not give over-the-counter human medication to your cat without consulting a veterinarian

We recommend having your cat vaccinated preventively against feline herpesvirus and calicivirus with a core vaccine, known as FVRCP.  This vaccine is generally given at eight weeks of age, then again as a booster at 12 weeks and 16 weeks.  If a kitten has a severe infection that requires antibiotics, it may not be a good candidate for vaccination until it has been treated.  A veterinarian can discuss a vaccination protocol that is right for your cat.

Mitchell Veterinary Services examines feline patients with upper respiratory infections frequently and fortunately, the majority of infections respond well to treatment.

What is pancreatitis?

Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas that can occur in both dogs and cats. The pancreas is the organ responsible for producing insulin, as well as enzymes that help to break down fats and proteins in the small intestine. These enzymes are in an inactive state while in the pancreas. During a bout of pancreatitis, the enzymes are activated in the pancreas instead of outside of it, causing the pancreas to start breaking down – resulting in massive inflammation and pain.

What causes pancreatitis?

The inciting cause of pancreatitis in both dogs and cats is largely unknown. In dogs, it can be associated with eating a fatty meal or something else they are not used to. Risk factors in dogs include obesity and diseases such as Cushing’s disease and Diabetes Mellitus. Pancreatitis tends to occur in middle-aged to older animals. In cats, risk factors include any type of gastrointestinal disease, as well as certain medications.

What are signs my dog or cat may have pancreatitis?

• Lethargy
• Decreased appetite
• Vomiting
• Abdominal Pain

How is pancreatitis diagnosed?

If your pet is vomiting and lethargic, you should take it to a veterinarian right away. Your vet will perform a complete physical examination which may make pancreatitis highly suspicious. Unfortunately, pancreatitis can look like a lot of other conditions we see (such as foreign bodies in stomachs!), and so your vet will likely need to perform other diagnostics. This may include bloodwork and x-rays. Bloodwork will show certain abnormalities that are consistent with pancreatitis. Unfortunately, pancreatitis does not show up well on x-rays, but they will help to rule out other issues.

How is pancreatitis treated?

Your pet will likely need to be admitted to hospital for intravenous fluid therapy and supportive care. This care will include antibiotics, anti-nausea medications and pain medications as pancreatitis is a very painful disease. Your pet will have to be hospitalized until it is eating on its own and keeping the food down without vomiting. Unfortunately, in more severe cases, animals can go into shock and need blood transfusions or surgery.

What is the prognosis of pancreatitis?

The prognosis for pancreatitis depends on the severity. Many pets will recover and do well after a few days of hospitalization. However, more severe cases may require long term hospitalization to recover, and, unfortunately, some may not recover.

The best outcome results from addressing the issue right away and bringing any concerns to the attention of your veterinarian. Please call Mitchell Veterinary Services to discuss your pet’s issues.

Nowadays, we are all looking for ways to save money wherever we can. Here at Mitchell Veterinary Services, we have come up with some very easy ways to save money on pet care. Following these tips can easily save you hundreds to thousands of dollars!

• See your veterinarian regularly. Annual health exams are very important in maintaining your pet’s health. This allows your veterinarian to catch problems early or notice that something may become a problem in the near future. By preventing issues or catching them early, it will save costs on potentially expensive treatments later on. Senior pets should see a veterinarian twice a year as problems can develop faster as they get older.

• Keep your pets a healthy weight. Obesity is becoming a large problem in our pets and can cause a variety of issues. These issues range from diabetes, orthopedic problems such as arthritis and torn knee ligaments and increased risks for going under anesthesia. The costs of treating these issues can be quite substantial compared to the low cost of keeping your pet a healthy weight. Your veterinary team can help develop a weight loss plan for your pet if needed.

• Focus on oral health. Dental health is an important aspect of your pet’s health. Dental disease has been linked to various issues such as kidney and heart disease. Brushing your pet’s teeth is the best way to prevent dental disease. There are also veterinary specific diets that have been proven to reduce plaque and gingivitis. Regular dental cleanings with your veterinarian is also important, as these will keep your pet’s gums and teeth healthy. Ignoring your pet’s dental health can mean dental pain and eventually expensive dental surgery with multiple tooth extractions.

• Feed your pet a healthy diet. Diet is important for living a long and healthy life. Certain breeds are prone to certain disorders so it is important to speak with your veterinarian about what diet would be best for your specific pet. There is no one diet suited to all pets. Cats should be fed a high protein, low carbohydrate canned food diet with very little kibble to help prevent urinary issues and obesity.

• Consider pet insurance. Pet insurance can cover costs associated with many illnesses and injuries. Unfortunately, in an emergency, costs can add up quickly. Pet insurance in these cases can mean the difference between life and death for your pet. Depending on your coverage, pet insurance may also cover annual vet care costs.

• Spay or neuter your pet. Spaying or neutering your pet at a young age can prevent costly emergency surgeries in the future. Females can get a deadly infection in their uterus called “pyometra” that can only be treated by surgery. Other issues that can arise include certain types of cancers, emergency C-sections and unwanted puppies or kittens. Spaying or neutering your pet at an early age costs a lot less than dealing with emergencies and illnesses in the future that could have been prevented.

• Keep your cat indoors. Keeping your cat as an indoor cat will significantly expand its lifespan, as well as save you money. Outdoor cats are at risk of getting hit by a car, poisoning, attack by wildlife, cat fights, infectious diseases from other cats such as Feline Leukemia and Feline Aids (FIV). Outdoor cats will also have the added costs of extra flea treatments, deworming, and additional vaccines.

• Consider the breed before adopting. Before purchasing or adopting a dog, consider the breed. Large breed dogs will generally cost more in regular care (food, toys, medications, surgery, etc.). Certain breeds require regular grooming that will add to yearly costs. Furthermore, certain breeds are prone to certain health conditions, so make sure to prepare for that. Consider your lifestyle as well. If you work long hours, avoid getting a very active dog that will require dog walkers to come exercise. Adopting a puppy will cost more than adopting an adult dog as they require training, monthly vet visits, and surgery.

For more information on any of our tips ask our team at Mitchell Veterinary Services.

There are a few different types of rat poison that all work to kill rodents in different ways. Your pet’s symptoms and treatment will depend on what type of rat poison they ingested.  We at Mitchell Veterinary Services recommend using “rat stations” to put the bait into as a safe alternative.

Rodenticides Causing Bleeding disorders

These include Coumarin products such as warfarin and Indanione products such as bromadiolone and brodifacoum. These products inhibit vitamin K being transformed into its active form. Vitamin K is required for certain blood factors that are important for clotting. Signs don’t show until clotting is significantly affected. This can take 3-7 days and effects can last as long as 4 weeks.

Signs that your dog has ingested this poison include lethargy, loss of appetite, painful abdomen, bruising, bloody urine and pale gums. If left untreated, this can lead to death.

If your dog just swallowed the poison, your veterinarian will induce vomiting. Your vet may also want to perform blood testing to evaluate how well your dog’s blood is clotting. This type of rat poisoning is treated with Vitamin K for 2-4 weeks. Dogs with severe signs may need hospitalization and blood transfusions.

Vitamin D Rodenticides:

The toxin in these products is called Cholecalciferol. These products cause a dangerous increase in the calcium levels in the blood. This can lead to severe kidney damage and cardiac arrest.

Signs of toxicity include lethargy, loss of appetite, increased drinking and urination, or sudden death.

Treatment involves being admitted to hospital for fluid therapy and medications to lower blood calcium levels. Frequent blood monitoring is required and your pet may need to be on medications for months depending on the level of kidney damage that was suffered.

Rodenticides Causing Brain Swelling:

The toxin in these products is called Bromethalin. This toxin enters the central nervous system and causes swelling in the brain leading to dangerously high pressures.

Signs can occur hours to days after ingestion depending on the amount ingested. Signs can range from vomiting and depression with small amounts ingested to seizures, muscle tremors and lack of coordination with higher amounts.

Treatment involves hospitalization and supportive care that could be needed for many days. There is also the possibility for permanent neurological damage to occur.

What to Do If Your Pet Swallowed Rat Poison

The first thing you should do is get your pet to your veterinarian. The sooner you get it to your vet, the more likely your vet will be able to induce vomiting and remove the toxin. Further treatment will be based on the type of poison it is and so it is extremely important to bring the rat poison with you! Only with that information will your vet be able to properly treat your pet. It could mean the difference between life and death!

 What is crate training?

“Crate training” is teaching your dog to rest calmly in a small kennel or carrier.  Crates can be used routinely for times when the dog is home alone as well as when you are asleep.  It is easiest to train puppies to use a crate, but adults can be taught as well.

Reasons to use crates:

• To prevent destruction to your home from chewing and accidents
• To prevent the dog from hurting itself if it has separation anxiety
• As a safe place, during storms, fireworks or when strangers visit
• When it is getting groomed, boarded, at a vet clinic or traveling
• In the event of an emergency and the pet needs to be evacuated
• During changes in your family situation – including moving, renovations, introductions or losses of pets or people from the home

Eight hours is the limit for crating at one time or less if the dog cannot hold its bladder and bowels for that long.  Assume that a puppy can only hold its bladder and bowels for the number of hours equal to its age in months plus one.  For example, a 2 month old puppy should be given the opportunity to go to the bathroom at least every 3 hours.

How to crate train

Crates can be a wonderful tool for dogs that need comfort, rest or a break from a stressful event.  They are not to be used as a punishment; otherwise, the dog will learn to fear the crate.  All children should be taught to leave a dog alone when it’s in its crate.

What should the crate look like?

The crate should be large enough for the dog to turn around in, but not so large that a puppy can have an accident at one end and walk away from it at the other.  The crate size may need to be altered as the puppy is growing.  Sturdy plastic carriers are a good choice for dogs under 30 pounds, but a metal crate may be necessary for a larger breed dog.  It is normal for a puppy to chew what is in the crate, so putting bedding into the crate may not be a good choice for your dog.  Instead, you can offer your dog several chew toys, as long as it is supervised.  Bedding in the crate may also absorb accidents and make house training more difficult.

Where should I put the crate?

Place the crate in a quiet part of the home where the puppy will have few distractions and feel comfortable resting.  Putting the crate in your bedroom or living room is a good choice so that the puppy is not alone.

Where do I start?

Start by feeding your dog’s meals in front of the crate opening.  Once it is are comfortable with this, you can place the food just inside the crate.   Eventually, you can move the food to the back of the crate.  After the meal, offer some treats by reaching inside the crate or throwing treats to the back to encourage the dog to remain inside.  Slowly increase the length of time between treats and have the dog wait patiently inside the crate until the next treat is offered.  When your dog has become accustomed to the crate, you can close the door for brief periods.  If the puppy is vocal in the crate, ignore it to avoid reinforcing undesirable behaviour.  Continue to offer treats intermittently when it remains quiet.  Gradually increase the length of time you leave the room.  You do not want to trick the puppy and close the door when it is sleeping, otherwise it will distrust the crate.

Keep your puppy on a feeding and bathroom break schedule, so that if it learns that it will not be left in the crate with the urge to go to the bathroom.  Schedule a bathroom break at the same time every night if one is needed in order to avoid accidents.

Any time a family member wakes up during the night, it will also wake the puppy.  When puppies wake, they should be given a brief opportunity to go to the bathroom outside.  Don’t play with them during the trip and put them back to bed calmly.  Let them out first thing in the morning and again after their breakfast.  During the hours that you are with your puppy, give it ample opportunities for proper bathroom habits and gradually decrease their frequency.

Want more info on crate training? 

Please ask our technicians at Mitchell Veterinary Services for more tips for your specific dog’s needs.  Crate training isn’t an approach that works well for all dogs.  It is a safe space for a dog but remember that they also need lots of exercise, mental stimulation and time with its family in order to thrive.

Here at Mitchell Veterinary Services, we have seen our fair share of cases of GDV. GDV (also known as torsion or bloat) is an emergency condition that occurs most commonly in large, deep chested dogs but can occur in dogs of any size. GDV occurs when the stomach fills with gas and then twists on itself. This is an emergency and life threatening condition since blood circulation is cut off by the twist and expansion of the stomach, which can lead to shock.

What are signs of GDV?

Dry retching/attempting to vomit without producing anything
Drooling
Pacing/restlessness
Bloated looking belly

How is GDV diagnosed?

If you suspect your dog may have GDV, take your dog to a veterinarian immediately! Your vet will perform a physical exam that may lead to highly suspicious signs of GDV. If your pet is stable enough, the vet will perform an X-ray to diagnose the torsion. If not, your vet will stabilize your dog by removing some of the gas from the stomach first.

How is GDV treated?

GDV is treated by emergency surgery to correct the position of the stomach. During the surgery, your vet will evaluate the condition of the stomach and spleen. The spleen is close to the stomach and may twist with it and be damaged. If the spleen looks damaged, it will be removed. The stomach will also be assessed. Any dead tissue of the stomach will have to be removed as well. The stomach will then be anchored to the body wall in a surgery called a “pexy” to prevent it from twisting again.

Your pet will also receive emergency fluid therapy and other medications to help with shock. After surgery, your dog will require extensive monitoring as it can be prone to dangerous heart arrhythmias the day following.

Unfortunately, prognosis is variable for dogs that get GDV. The only way to increase your dog’s chance of survival is by getting your dog to the veterinarian as soon as possible when you notice something is wrong.

How do I prevent GDV?

Stress is the only factor that has been consistently shown to play a role in dogs that get GDV, however that is not always the case. No other factors have been directly linked to it. In deep chested dogs that have a higher risk of bloat, a surgery called a “gastropexy” can be performed. This surgery involves anchoring the stomach to the body wall to prevent it from twisting. This can be done at the time the dog is spayed or neutered. Breeds prone to developing GDV include Great Danes, German Shepherds, and Standard Poodles.

What is dental disease?

Bad breath is a big red flag indicating something is wrong in your pet’s mouth and should not be ignored.  Broken teeth, red gums, excessive drooling or discharge/bleeding from the eye, nose or mouth are also abnormal.  These can be symptoms of dental disease.  Other signs may include facial swelling, pawing at the mouth, chattering jaw, chewing food on one side or reluctance to open or close the mouth.  Although our pets may not tell us they are painful, dental disease hurts.

Dental disease is caused by bacteria below the gum line.  It is a condition that will continue to worsen if left untreated.  Dental disease can have negative effects on pets’ organs including the heart, lungs, liver, kidneys and joint; as bacteria from the mouth enters the bloodstream.

The good news is that this disease is reversible.  When there is pain in the mouth, it is not the time to start trying to brush your pet’s teeth – it is time for a professional dental cleaning.  During a physical exam, a veterinarian can diagnose dental disease, but anesthesia and dental x-rays are required to see the full picture below the gum line.

Dental cleaning when a cat or dog is awake does your pet a disservice, as only a fraction of tartar can be removed and is a cosmetic procedure only.  As the pet is wiggling around, there is a greater chance of causing it harm.  The teeth may look whiter, but the painful gum disease is still festering and can lead to tooth loss.

What is dental prophylaxis?

During a dental cleaning at a full service clinic such as Mitchell Veterinary Services, your pet is anesthetized to prevent it from wiggling around, control its pain and protect its lungs respiratory system from inhaling bacteria.  A registered veterinary technician or veterinarian will probe the gum pocket to check for deep pockets that indicate disease around the tooth.  If the pockets are small, scaling the teeth clean may be adequate therapy; but in more advanced cases surgical extraction is warranted.  Root canals and complicated orthodontic cases are performed by a veterinary dental specialist on a referral basis.  Teeth are polished and fluoride is applied.  When the pet wakes up, it may have to eat softened food for several days, as the gums are tender.  If teeth were extracted, the pet is sent home with pain medication.  Home dental care and strategies to prevent dental disease are discussed during a post-operative visit.

It’s never too late to make the decision to control dental disease in your pets.  Mitchell Veterinary Services encourages you to ask us about dental cleanings for your cat or dog in order to maximize a healthy, pain-free life for your pet.

See our educational articles on Dental Disease in Dogs and Dental Disease in Cats.

There are many human medications that can be very dangerous for your pet, even in small doses. While these drugs are safe for humans, dogs and cats often metabolize them differently, resulting in very different effects. Mitchell Veterinary Services will describe some of the most common medications that we see given to pets that can have serious consequences:

Tylenol (Acetaminophen): While Tylenol is considered a safe drug for humans to take, it can be fatal for your pets, especially cats. One pill is enough to be fatal as cats do not possess the liver enzymes necessary to metabolize it properly.  It will damage a cat’s red blood cells, limiting its body’s ability to carry oxygen to important tissues. Tylenol can cause severe stomach upset, ulcers and liver failure in dogs.

Other NSAIDS (Aspirin, Ibuprofen, etc): Any NSAID medication not prescribed by your veterinarian has the potential to seriously harm your pet. It can cause serious stomach upset – including severe ulcers. It can also cause damage to your pet’s kidneys, eventually resulting in kidney failure.

Pseudoephedrine (cough medications, allergy medications, etc.): Any medication listed as “non-drowsy” may include this ingredient. This medication can be dangerous, even at low doses (just one tablet can be lethal in a small dog or cat!). Ingestion can result in vomiting, seizures, and death.

Sleep Aids (Xanax, etc.): While these medications are occasionally used in pets (depending on the amount), medications used for sleep aids in humans can actually have the opposite effect in dogs such as agitation, aggression, and hyper-excitability. This is often followed by severe lethargy. Sleep aids can result in lethal liver failure in cats.

Anti-depressants (Cymbalta, Prozac, etc): Similar to sleep aids, these medications are sometimes used in pets; but depending on the dose, can result in aggression, agitation, decreased appetite, and seizures. A cat having just one pill can result in a highly toxic dose.

Estrogen/Steroid Creams: Pets can easily be exposed to these creams by licking owners after the owner has applied them. While single time exposure may not be significant, regular exposure can cause bone marrow suppression and even result in an endocrine disease called Cushing’s disease. This disease causes weight gain, hair loss, and increases in drinking and urination.

All human medications have the potential to do serious harm to your pet and some can have lethal consequences. Never give your pet a human medication without first contacting your veterinarian. If your pet swallowed medications it shouldn’t have, get it to a veterinary clinic right away. The sooner you get it there, the more likely your vet with be able to induce vomiting and limit the dangerous effects medications can have. Make sure to let your veterinarian know exactly what medication your pet ingested, as it is critical information for your veterinarian to have to make an appropriate treatment plan to save your pet’s life.