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You can e-mail your pet-related questions to us at msvh@telepath.com.
One question will be chosen and answered each month.

 

Question - Is it too cold for dogs to be left outside?

 

Answer - We hear this question often. The answer is yes, no, or maybe depending on the breed, age, and health of the dog. Some dog breeds with a heavy under coat (e.g. Siberian Huskies) love this type of weather. Short coated breeds and toy breeds don’t do well in snowy and freezing conditions. Other considerations are the general health of the dog. Dogs that have intestinal or heart worms or are geriatric shouldn’t be out in the cold weather for prolonged periods. In any case, all dogs need access to shelter from moisture and the wind. If you have any questions feel free to call Main Street Vet. Hospital.

 

Question - My neutered male cat was urinating everywhere for the past week.  Now he is licking himself, crying, and trying to urinate, but not producing urine.  Is he going to be okay until tomorrow?

 

Answer - What you have described are the symptoms of feline lower urinary tract disease (FLUTD). There is bladder irritation causing the cat to frequently urinate small amounts.  The urine is often bloody and especially foul smelling.  This stage can progress to an emergency when a conglomerate of mucus and crystals form a plug in the urethra.  When this happens the cat can no longer urinate.  As the bladder continues to fill, the toxins from the urine will be reabsorbed into the bloodstream.  If untreated, the cat will die.  Treatment involves unblocking the urethral obstruction and flushing the system of toxins.  If your cat is trying to urinate but producing nothing, do not wait.  This is a life-threatening emergency.

 

Question - What can I do about my dog’s dry flaky skin and excessive shedding?

 

Answer - Your first step is to get your dog examined by a veterinarian. The symptoms you describe could be from any of a number of causes.  Fleas, scabies, or other skin parasites may cause them. Alternatively, the skin problems may indicate an endocrine problem such as hypothyroidism, which is diagnosed with a blood test. Other possibilities include a poor diet, allergies, or may even be associated with normal shedding behavior. Incidentally, dull flaky coats in cats also warrant veterinary attention. An unkempt appearance in a cat can often signal serious illness. Please don’t hesitate to call if you have any questions.

 

Question - What’s this I hear about feline heartworm disease? I thought that only dogs get heartworm.

 

Answer - While heartworm is much more common in dogs, it is possible for cats to contract heartworm. Heartworm is transmitted by mosquitoes, for that reason heartworm disease is much more prevalent in warm humid climates such as Florida and Louisiana. In those areas, studies have shown that the risk to cats is about 10% of the risk to dogs. Here in Norman, we certainly see a significant number of dog cases. Therefore there is a risk for cats contracting heartworm.

 

Question - I recently obtained a couple of ferrets.  What type of preventive care should I provide for them?

 

Answer - Ferrets are required by Oklahoma state law to be vaccinated by four months of age against rabies.  Ferrets are susceptible to canine distemper which is 100% fatal in the ferret.  Fortunately, there is a vaccine that is safe and effective.  It should be given annually.  Those are the only vaccines that exist for ferrets.  You should know that ferrets are susceptible to the human flu virus.  They can also transmit it to humans.  The disease in ferrets is very similar to the disease in people, i.e. sneezing, coughing, fever and lethargy. If you have any questions please call.

 

Question - What is that black smelly stuff that keeps appearing in my pet’s ear?

 

Answer - “Black smelly ear gunk” is usually due to an outer ear infection.  It is common in dogs with heavy, floppy ears, such as cocker spaniels, in dogs that swim a lot, cats that spend time outdoors, and dogs with allergies.  The causative agent may be mites, bacteria, or yeast.  After diagnosis, the infection is treated with oral, topical or both types of medications.  Ear mites are usually cured for good with one effective course of treatment, but bacterial and yeast infections can recur.  Recognition of the signs of infection: scratching the ears and shaking the head and seeking and beginning treatment can prevent progression to a ruptured eardrum.

 

Question - I’ve noticed my dog is drinking a lot more than he used to.  He doesn’t seem sick, and his appetite is better than ever!  He doesn’t seem to see as well as he used to either.  Are these signs of old age, or something more?

 

Answer - Increased thirst, hunger, and urination in middle-aged and older animals are all common signs of the onset of Diabetes mellitus or kidney failure, among other diseases.  Dogs can even develop cataracts and go blind very quickly once they become diabetic, if the disease is not controlled.  If your pet increases its water intake significantly, have it checked by your veterinarian as soon as possible.  A physical examination, urinalysis and bloodwork are needed to accurately assess your pet’s health.  The earlier the treatment is started the better the long-term outcome for your animal. 

 

Question - My animal is active and seems very healthy.  Why would I need “Wellness Bloodwork” as part of my animal’s annual exam and vaccinations?

 

Answer - Wellness bloodwork provides your veterinarian with a baseline of your pet’s normal internal functions.  This is extremely useful for comparison with future bloodwork when your animal is sick.  Annual testing also allows the doctor to detect potential problems, such as thyroid disease or diabetes, much earlier.  Early detection can be essential for your animal’s treatment and can help provide a healthier, longer life.


Question - How do I know when I should take my pet to the vet?

 

Answer - There are no hard and fast rules, but here are some guidelines. Don't waste any time before seeking medical attention for sick puppies or kittens. They cannot tolerate symptoms like vomiting or diarrhea, for even a day without running the risk of permanent damage or death. With dogs and cats older than 1 year and current on vaccinations, it is okay to monitor them for a day or two as long as they are eating and drinking, and do not seem depressed. If you are unsure whether a situation is an emergency, call an emergency office and discuss the symptoms with the receptionist, if a doctor is unavailable. They are trained to know what signs constitute an emergency and what can wait.

 

Question - I am traveling by plane and want to bring my dog. What do I need to do ?

 

Answer - Most airlines require that a veterinarian certify your dog in good health within 10 days of the flight. Schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to receive a health certificate. Have an airline approved kennel, and be cautious with sedation. Though very few animals die during transport, over half of the mortalities are from over sedation. Small dogs can travel in a carrier with their owner. Large dogs go in the luggage compartment, which is pressurized. During the summer pick an evening or early morning flight to avoid excessive heat. This is especially important if you have to change flights, because the dog may end up waiting on the tarmac between flights.

 

Question - My cat is sore after getting her yearly vaccinations. Is it okay to give her a little baby Tylenol?

 

Answer - Never give a cat Tylenol unless your veterinarian specifically says that it's okay. Even small amounts of Tylenol can kill a cat. Cats have a small amount of an enzyme needed to metabolize Tylenol to a non-toxic compound. Cats given Tylenol can die from anemia. Dogs are also very sensitive to side effects from Tylenol. They can go into liver failure. If you ever want to give your pet a pain reliever for any reason, consult your veterinarian first.

 

Question - I just found a stray cat and want to adopt her. I already have two indoor cats. Do I need to take any precautions?

 

Answer - Yes, you certainly do. Do not introduce the stray to the others until you get her tested for Feline Leukemia and Feline AIDS. Both are contagious viral diseases that are common in the outdoor cat population. You also want to have her checked for internal parasites (worms), and get rid of any fleas. After your stray kitty gets a clean bill of health and is vaccinated, you need to introduce the cats gradually. Be patient. Most cats resent intruders initially, but usually end up content with a new family member.

 

Question - I have an outdoor dog, and I am concerned about heat stroke. What are the signs?

 

Answer - You are right to be concerned during the coming hot months. Some factors that increase the likelihood of heat stroke are water deprivation, obesity, breeds with flat faces, being very young or very old, lots of exercise, some medications, and some medical problems such as laryngeal paralysis or heart disease. The elevated temperature leads to tissue damage and potentially life-threatening multiple organ dysfunction. The signs you'll see are panting, drooling, depression, weakness, vomiting, diarrhea, and bleeding. Signs may even show up three to five days after the initial heat stroke. To prevent heat stroke, make sure that your dog has plenty of shade and water, and that you check on your dog regularly. Please call us if you have any questions.

 

Question - What can I do to prevent dental disease in my pet?

 

Answer - Fortunately, dental disease is a preventable and treatable condition. For starters your dog, cat, and even ferrets, should be on a diet of mostly dry food. The abrasive surface of the food helps to prevent plaque build up. Next, there are chew toys and treats that are designed with enzymes to reduce plaque and bacteria build up. There are toothpastes made especially for dogs and cats, which are intended to be swallowed, unlike the human variety, and can greatly reduce plaque build up with daily brushings. Finally, after 2-4 years of age (depending on the state of your pet's gums and teeth) your pet should have its teeth professionally scaled and polished on an annual basis.