Small Animal

1. Feed your cat canned food. It is important that all cats receive some canned food as part of their diets as this is a better source of protein and water than kibble alone. In the cold weather cats tend to drink less, especially outdoor cats. For male cats especially this can be very dangerous and play a factor in causing urethral obstruction; an emergency and life threatening situation where a male cat is unable to urinate. Feeding your cat canned food will help to lower this risk.
2. Bang on the hood of your car before starting it. Outdoor cats and other small animals may seek shelter and warmth in the car engine, and can become injured if the car is started while they are inside. Banging loudly on the hood will help to scare them away.
3. Clean up and safely store antifreeze. Antifreeze is a highly toxic poison for both dogs and cats. Ingesting just a tablespoon is enough to be lethal for an average cat. Antifreeze does not taste bad to them and so they are not discouraged from drinking it. Cleaning any spills and storing antifreeze where your pet cannot access it will help prevent poisoning.
4. Clean your dog’s feet after walks. During outdoor activity, dogs will often pick up ice, salt, antifreeze or other potentially toxic substances on their feet. If you do not clean them off, they could end up licking and ingesting these chemicals. Another option is to have booties for your dog to wear outside. Dogs may also cut their feet on ice or salt, so regularly checking them for injury is prudent as well.
5. Do not leave your pet in the car. While we all may understand how dangerous it is to leave an animal in a car in hot weather, leaving them in a car in cold weather can also be hazardous. A car can act like a refrigerator – dropping your pet’s temperature to dangerously low levels.
6. Get some winter attire. If you own a short haired breed or your dog just seems sensitive to the cold, having some sweaters and coats for it to wear will help keep it comfortable.
7. Feed a bit less. Very often during the cold, dogs and cats will get less exercise than usual. This means that if they continue to eat the same amount of food they will gain weight. Preventing weight gain in your pets is a lot easier than trying to achieve weight loss. On the other hand, if your dog spends most time outdoors it may require more food to maintain a healthy weight.
8. Keep your dog on leash. Snow can cover familiar scents and dogs that are off leash may lose their way. Keeping them on leash is also a good way to prevent them from getting to areas of ice and falling through.
9. Keep your pets inside. Dogs and cats can get hypothermia and frost bite just like people. Keeping them inside, and only going outside while supervised will help keep pets warm and healthy. This will also prevent access to many of the previously mentioned hazards.
10. Be prepared for emergencies. All homes should have emergency kits in case of bad weather and power outages. Make sure your kit includes food, water medications and anything else your pet may need.

If you have any questions about our cold weather tips give our team at Mitchell Veterinary Services a call.

Have you thought of any New Year’s resolutions for your pet?

We at Mitchell Veterinary Services would like to offer a few suggestions for a happy and healthy 2015:

1. Brush your cat or dog’s teeth daily. This will pay off by avoiding expensive dental bills and maintain a beautiful smile with no bad “doggy” breath .
2. Play with your furry friend more often – we all get busy schedules, but even 15 minutes a day of interaction with a ball will keep your pet mentally stimulated and allow them to sleep better.
3. Take your dog for more walks – this is great for doggy weight loss.
4. Make a habit of petting everywhere on your pet – this can allow for early lump detection, as well as any lack of symmetry or pain.
5. Feed your pet the best food you can afford – the saying “you are what you eat” holds true. Feeding a diet with research to support it will allow for many benefits, including a shiny coat, good digestive health and dental health.

On behalf of the staff at Mitchell Veterinary Services, we wish you and your families a wonderful New Year.

Check out these cute pictures from our Christmas Open House!

Click on the links below to find out how to keep your pet safe over the holidays.

Holiday Hazards for Dogs

Holiday Hazards for Cats

What are seizures?

Seizures are episodes of abnormal brain activity that may result in loss of consciousness and involuntary movements.

What causes seizures?

There are many different causes of seizures. Seizures can be caused by low blood glucose, certain dietary deficiencies, toxins, congenital conditions, infectious agents, organ dysfunction, trauma, and cancer. Causes of seizures may ultimately be unknown and this is what we call “epilepsy”.

How can I tell if my pet is having a seizure?

Seizures can present themselves in many different ways. The most obvious seizures are the generalized tonic-clonic seizures that result in stiffness, repetitive muscle contractions, paddling, vocalizations, and loss of consciousness. Seizures can also be partial or focal, resulting in abnormal behaviours such as tail chasing, aggression, attacking invisible objects or abnormal movements in one part of the body.

What should I do if my pet is having a seizure?

• Make sure your pet is in a safe area and move any objects away that could cause injury.
• Keep away from your pet’s mouth, as your pet may unknowingly bite you.
• Call your veterinarian.

What will my veterinarian do?

Your veterinarian will first perform a thorough physical exam. It is helpful to record the seizure activity and show it to your veterinarian to help with diagnosis. Your vet will then likely take a blood sample to see if there is any organ dysfunction that could be causing the seizures. Depending on your pet’s condition, further testing may be recommended and could include taking spinal fluid samples or referring for an MRI.

How are seizures treated?

There are a variety of medications that can be used to treat seizures. The medication your vet chooses will be based on your individual pet’s needs. Sometimes a combination of medications is needed to get good control over the seizures.

What is the long term outlook for my pet?

The long term prognosis is really based on what the inciting cause of the seizure is. Ultimately, many pets with seizures can be managed well with regular veterinary care and live long and happy lives.

If you have any questions give our team at Mitchell Veterinary Services a call.

Chewing behavior is normal in dogs and this is especially true of puppies.  However, the idea that all dogs should chew bones is controversial.

Before giving your dog a bone or an antler, here are some possible risks to consider:

• Teeth can fracture if they are hitting hard surfaces such as bones, rocks or solid plastics.
• Injuries to the mouth can occur from chewing on bones.
• Gastrointestinal obstruction can occur if a bone or antler is swallowed, but is too is large to pass through the gut.
  • Symptoms include choking, vomiting, diarrhea or constipation, pain and lack of appetite.
  • To find and remove the obstruction, x-rays, intravenous fluids, pain medication, a scope or surgery may be required.
• Bones that splinter (such as chicken bones) should be inaccessible to dogs and cats, since shards can puncture the gut and lead to life-threatening infections.
• A raw bone may be contaminated with dangerous bacteria such as Salmonella, E. coli or Campylobacter. Exposure to these bacteria may make your dog sick. Although uncommon, there is a risk that owners can become sick when handling their dog’s raw bones.

Dogs need chew toys of good quality that are safe for their individual chewing habits.  If your puppy/dog is being destructive by chewing items like the coffee table leg, make sure to re-direct it toward appropriate toys with a variety of textures.  Never allow it to chew an old shoe, it will not be able to differentiate it from your new pair!  You can apply a bitter apple spray on the items that you don’t want it to chew.  A crate or baby-gate can be used to confine a dog when it cannot be supervised around those items as well.

Soft rubber toys, dental chews or rawhides that have enzymes to help them be digested in the stomach may be good choices for your dog.

Mitchell Veterinary Services acknowledges that dogs like to chew and hopes to keep our canine friends healthy and happy.

What is diabetes?

Diabetes is a complex endocrine disorder where the body either does not secrete enough insulin or the body’s tissues become resistant to insulin. Insulin is required for cells to uptake glucose, which is required for energy. With diabetes, the body essentially goes into a starvation state since it is not able to use the energy (in the form of glucose) available to it.

What causes diabetes?

Diabetes comes in two forms. Type I diabetes occurs when the pancreas does not produce enough insulin for the body to function. This can be caused by inflammation of the pancreas (pancreatitis), immune disorders and inherited disorders. This is the type we commonly see in dogs.

Type II diabetes occurs when the pancreas is able to produce insulin, but the body becomes resistant to it. This occurs as a result of obesity/inappropriate diet and is the type we commonly see in cats.

What are the signs my pet may have diabetes?

There are many signs that can occur depending on the severity of the disease. These signs include but are not limited to:

• Increased drinking and urination
• Increased hunger
• Weight loss
• Urinary tract infections
• Cataracts (in dogs)
• Vomiting

How is diabetes diagnosed?

Your veterinarian will perform a thorough history taking and physical exam which may make your pet highly suspicious for diabetes. However, diabetes can look like other issues such as thyroid and kidney disorders. So, your vet will likely need to perform bloodwork and a urinalysis. The key indicator of diabetes is very high glucose in the blood and glucose present in the urine.  The urinalysis will check for urinary tract infections as well (which are very common in diabetic animals).

How is diabetes treated?

Diabetes is treated with insulin. Insulin comes in many different types. The insulin type your veterinarian chooses will be specific to your pet. Insulin treatment requires regular glucose monitoring as well, which will also be discussed with you. This monitoring may be able to be performed at home. If your pet is a Type II diabetic, a diet change may also be required. While the idea of giving insulin injections may seem intimidating, most animals tolerate them surprisingly well.

What is the prognosis of diabetes?

With treatment, diabetic animals can live long, healthy and happy lives. Regular monitoring will decrease the risk of secondary complications such as hypoglycemia or urinary tract infections. Cats (when placed on a proper diet) can even go into remission and may be able to discontinue their insulin.

Without treatment, the prognosis is poor as the body is essentially starved of energy. This eventually causes an emergency medical condition called Diabetic Ketoacidosis (DKA). DKA requires hospitalization and intensive care, and some animals do not recover.

If you notice that your pet seems to be urinating or drinking more than usual, see your veterinarian right away. The sooner your pet is treated, the better your vet can control the diabetes.

Give our team at Mitchell Veterinary Services a call if you have any questions or concerns about your pet.

View these other articles for more information:

Diabetes Mellitus in Dogs – Testing and Monitoring

Diabetes Mellitus in Cats – Testing and Monitoring

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.