Update on Miss Millie Mae

Miss Millie has found a home! She actually has been with her new owner for about 3 weeks. She is doing great and last I heard was sleeping beside the bed. Wonder how long before she's sleeping in the bed!

Mites, Mange and Creepy Crawly Things

When we refer to "mange" in dogs and cats, we are usually referring a mite infestation of the skin. The two most common skin mites found in dogs are Demodex canis (canine demodicosis) and Sarcoptes scabiei (canine scabies). I am going to limit this blog to these two types of mites.

Canine Demodicosis

Demodex mites live and fed in the hair follicle and oil glands of the skin. Many dogs have small numbers of Demodex mites in their skin without causing any problems or clinical signs. Demodex mites can cause clinical signs when the host dog is immunocompromised and the mites can reproduce into large numbers. Clinically, demodicosis can present in two form: localized and generalized.

Localized demodicosis occurs in dogs less then two years of age who show signs of irregularly shaped, mildly irritated areas of hairloss. For the most part, the skin is usually not inflammed and only mildly pruritic (itchy). Many cases of localized demodicosis will resolve spontaneously without treatment. Prognosis for this form is good. In contrast, generalized demodicosis is a severe disease. Dogs with the generalized form usually have secondary bacterial infections with systemic disease including lymphadenopathy (enlarged lymph nodes), lethargy, fever and cellulitis. Generalized demodicosis is usually seen in adult dogs with an underlying immune or systemic disease. The underlying disease must be diagnosed for treatment to be effective. Unfortunately, these cases can be difficult to cure.

For the most part, Demodex mites are not considered contagious. However, if a mother has Demodex mites present on her skin, the mites can invade the newborn puppy immediately after birth. If the pup has a normal, healthy immune system, the pup should be able to eliminate the mites. Because of this, young dogs showing clinical signs of demodicosis may have a hereditary predisposition for demodicosis and should not be used for breeding.

Diagnosis

Diagnosis of canine demodicosis is made by perfoming a skin scraping on the affected areas and identifying the demodex mite under a microscrope. This is a picture of a demodex mite.

Note the elongated, cigar-shaped mite with eight legs. Demodicosis is rare in cats but can occur.

Treatment

Canine demodicosis has been successfully treated with whole body dips. Some of these dips are no longer on the market. Oral ivermectin is successful in treating demodectic mange but should be used cautiously and under the supervision of a veterinarian. Antiparasitic therapy must be continued for 2 consecutive negative skin scrapings.

Canine Scabies

In contrast to Demodex mites, Sarcoptes mites are highly contagious by direct contact between dogs. These mites burrow tunnels into the skin to lay eggs, causing intense pruritis (itching), inflammation and hairloss. The Sarcoptes mite is round, without a distinctive head and they have four pairs of short legs. Sarcoptic mites can infest people causing intense pruritis in pet owners!Dogs with Sarcoptic mites may have raised papules on their skin which develop into thick crusts. Secondary bacterial and yeast infections may result leading to chronic, generalized disease with severe skin thickening if left untreated.

Here is a picture of a dog with Sarcoptic mites. Note the reddened, scabby appearance of the skin especially on the pinna (ear flap) of the ears. Sarcoptic mites commonly inhabit the ear flaps of affected dogs.

This pup was very itchy!

Diagnosis

Unlike Demodex mites, Sarcoptic mites can be difficult to diagnose from a skin scraping. These mites can be elusive leading to misdiagnosis. Treatment for Sarcoptic mites should be instituted if the history and clinical signs are suggestive.

Treatment

As with canine demodicosis, Sarcoptic mange can be treated successfully with parasitical whole body dips. Oral ivermectin is also successful in treating Sarcoptic mites but should be used cautiously and under the supervision of a veterinarian. A topical parasitical, called Revolution, is approved for the treatment of Sarcoptic mites. Secondary bacterial and yeast infections must also be treated.

So, now you know the difference between the common skin mites that cause mange in dogs. If you are like me, just the thought of these little guys make me itch!

Millie Mae-the Pup from Turkey Neck Bend Ferry

Miss Millie Mae @ the AVC

This is a great story about a stray, Beagle mix puppy named Millie Mae. Monica Miller, a veterinary technician at the Arthur Veterinary Clinic and her family were staying at a bed and breakfast cabin near Thompkinsville, Kentucky. Unfortunately, they were in Kentucky for the funeral of Monica's grandmother. To reach their destination, they had to cross the Cumberland River at McMillan's Landing using the Turkey Neck Bend Ferry which is the only state funded ferry in Kentucky and one of the last remaining free-floating ferries.

Anyway, as Monica and her family were crossing the Cumberland River, they noticed a small, Beagle type pup which obviously was a stray. Monica noticed that the pup had very little hair on her legs, face and ears. Her skin was reddened and itchy. Even though the pup was being fed table scraps and junk food by the operators of the ferry, she was scrawny and thin. Plus, the temperature was in the 90s with very high humidity. What impressed Monica the most, though, was the pup's exceptionally happy attitude. I mean, we all know how dogs can have amazing, positive personalities....but this little pup really caught Monica's attention. Weighing only 7 pounds, she would approach everyone wagging her tail and wiggling her entire body as if she had the best life in the world! As Monica said, "she was perfectly happy and accepting of her lot in life". Well.......after a couple of trips across the river, Monica decided to bring "Millie Mae" back home with her to Illinois.

Millie Mae has been staying at the AVC where we have all fallen in love with her. She has been treated for sarcoptic mites, demodex mites, hookworms and roundworms. She has gained weight, grew hair and continued to demonstrate her extraordinary personality! Now, all she needs is a home. She loves people, has never made a mess in her cage and is great with cats.....be sure and watch the video. We will make sure she goes to a great home! If you are interested in adopting Miss Millie Mae, please call the Arthur Veterinary Clinic.

Thunderstorms & Fireworks & Nervous Dogs

Is your dog afraid of thunderstorms and terrified of fireworks? Does he/she become increasing anxious, pacing and panting? Or perhaps your dog panics, fleeing for a place to hide? Or maybe, he/she becomes destructive? If this is the case, you are not alone. My four year old Jack Russell terrier, Scoop, exhibits some of these behaviors even before a storm is evident to me. Below is an handout I have created on Canine Noise Fears and Phobias. At the end of the article, I have included a great website devoted to animal behavior by Dr. Rolan Tripp, a veterinarian specializing in animal behavior.

Fear is a physiologic, behavioral and emotional reaction to stimuli that an animal encounters. this reaction results in an increase in heart rate, panting, sweating, trembling, pacing and possibly urination and defecation. The animal may respond by fleeing and hiding.

A phobia is an intense response to a fear.....which is out of proportion to the stimulus. Noise phobia is an excessive, unreasonable fear response to certain loud noises. It is more common in dogs than cats. It can result in all the above signs plus destructive behavior. The most common noise phobias are to fireworks and thunderstorms.

Thunderstorms

Dogs live in a different sensory world than we do. They hear and smell things which we do not. Because of this, dogs can react to the darkening sky, the drop in barometric pressure, high winds, lightening and of course thunder. So while a noise phobia may be the main issue in a thunderstorm, these other sensory occurrences can also trigger the phobia.

Fireworks

Similar to thunderstorms, dogs react to the noise of fireworks. However, they can also react to the bright glare and smell of fireworks.

Treating Noise Fears and Phobias

Many pet owners make the common mistake of trying to calm and soothe the pet when they are acting fearful or anxious. Sure seems like the natural thing to do, right?.....just like children, we want to reassure them that everything is going to be okay. Well, this actually the wrong thing to do. When you pet and reassure your dog while they are having a panic attack, this action tells them that their panicking is okay and pleasing to you. In other words, you are reinforcing their anxiety. So, the first treatment is to stop your behavior which reinforces their behavior. And I know this is difficult....just ask my husband! He wants to pickup Scoop and put him in bed with us......under the covers! (They are both afraid of storms if the truth be told)

Behavior modification and retraining can be used to treat fear of noise. Mild signs of anxiety can be overcome by having a "fireworks" party. When the first faint fireworks start, you respond happily and reward your dog with a treat. Using a happy, cheerful voice and rewarding with small food treats during every firework boom can recondition your dog. Along these same lines, using a recording of thunderstorms and rewarding your dog for good (non-fearful) behavior can relieve some anxiety and fear. As mentioned earlier, though, it can be difficult to treat some phobias because dogs sense changes in barometric pressure, wind and light. These factors can be difficult to recreate for behavior modification.

Dogs with moderate to severe phobias and panic attacks may need medication to not only reduce their anxiety but also keep them from harm....especially dogs which flee and run or dogs which become destructive. Since most state laws require a pet examination within 12 months to receive any prescription medication, you should notify your veterinarian of your pet's fear or phobia well in advance. This will allow your veterinarian to examine your pet and prescribe the best medication.

Summertime brings both thunderstorms and fireworks which can be stressful to some pets. Using these basic tips described can help relieve your dog's anxiety. However, if your pet reacts excessively or develops harmful behaviors, do not hesitate to call your veterinarian. For excellent behavior tips and advice, I recommend the Animal Behavior Network at www.animalbehavior.net which is founded by Dr. Rolan Tripp, a veterinarian specializing in animal behavior.

Saying Good-Bye

My original intent was to write a blog about euthanasia. As I was gathering my thoughts, I reflected back on my feelings and emotions when I have had to euthanize one of my own pets. Because of this, I decided to write about my beloved Welsh Corgi, Ruby and tie this into the difficult topic of euthanasia and letting go........

Ruby
August 12, 1993-September 15, 2009

This blog is both a tribute to my dog, Ruby and a lesson in aging, loving and letting go. I bought Ruby as an eight week old pup in October 1993. This was the first time I had owned a Corgi. She was a delight from the very beginning. She was easily house-broken and chewed very few belongings as a young pup. Ruby accompanied me to the clinic daily. She became our "Wal-Mart Greeter" for the equine clinic. She would come and go around the clinic, never seeming to be in the way or cause any trouble. Occassionally, her instinct to herd would erupt and she would assist us in loading a horse......now mind you, she would do this from a safe distance and just bark. In 1996, she did suffer a fractured pelvis from being kicked by a colt I was getting ready to castrate. I felt terrible.....she had to spend ~6 weeks confined to a cage.

Ruby loved the snow and winter. I remember reading in a Corgi newsletter how as a Corgi owner, one had to be careful that Corgis did not develop "intestinal chills" by laying on cold surfaces and because they were built "low to the ground". I chuckled about that article as I watched Ruby lay on ice and snow rather than be in the warmth of my office. Ruby's best friend was Dr. Linda's labrador retriever, Ben. While Ruby didn't seem to care much for other dogs, she loved Ben. They were best buddies. Ben often babysat for Ruby when I was out of town.

Ruby was a loyal companion.....she followed me willingly through a difficult period in my life when I seemed to be moving every 6 months. With each new residence, she would canvas the place, sniff and search, then make herself at home. She seemed to know.....long before I did....that this phase would end.....and all would be well. I could tell she wasn't too thrilled when Gordy joined the family and then Scoop.....but she accepted these additions with quiet stoicism.

Ruby began to slow down and start to show her age around 13 years. She would become disoriented and bark for no apparent reason. While she never would jump into my vehicle (she knew I'd pick her up), she was becoming reluctant to jump out. Radiographs showed arthritis in her hips and cervical spine. I started her on a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory, Metacam and the cognitive dysfunction medication, Anipryl. These daily medication helped her immensely and she showed her old spunk.

Then, about 6 months before her death, she developed idiopathic vestibular syndrome where she would lose her balance, listing and circling. She did recover somewhat from this episode but she just never seemed herself. Her appetite began to wan and I began hand feeding her. Towards the end of her days, she developed a cough. Thoracic radiographs revealed a mass. Caring for an elderly pet taught me alot about unconditional love, patience and duty. It also forced me to contemplate human aging and the passage of time.

When clients ask me...."when is it time?" to humanely euthanize their pet, I often tell them that they will know. The morning I euthanized Ruby, I knew it was time. She wouldn't eat, she hardly moved......and she looked at me. I could see in her eyes that she was ready. And while it broke my heart, I vowed to never let one of my pets suffer because I could not bear the pain. I euthanized Ruby surrounded by my husband, Gary and Dr. Linda. She was buried next to her boyfriend, Ben at Dr. Linda's farm.

There is much information written about grief and letting go.....and how to handle emotions and feelings after the fact. The time leading up to the decision to euthanize can be very difficult. The feelings of loss, pain and maybe guilt often deter us from letting go. My belief and philosphy is that it is a final gift that we can give our four legged friends by not allowing them to suffer. Whether it be a terminal disease, a castastrophic injury or natural aging changes, I truly believe it is our duty not to let them suffer. I am a big believer in quality of life......I read somewhere it is better to let them go one week too early, than one day too late. I believe that. God bless Ruby and all of our four legged friends.

In closing, I will reprint this anonymous letter:

A Dog's Plea

Treat me gently, my beloved friend, for no heart in the world is more grateful for kindness than mine. Speak to me often, for your voice is the world's sweetest music, as I will remind you by the fierce wagging of my tail when your footstep falls upon my waiting ear.

Do not break my spirit with a stick. Though I will forgive your every human shortcoming, your patience and understanding will more quickly teach me the things you would have me learn. In return, I will rejuvenate your heart and soul by sharing with you the simpler pleasures in life.

When it is cold and wet, take me inside, for I am domesticated and no longer accustomed to the bitter elements. Keep my pan filled with fresh food and water, for though in my youth, I may appear invincible, I depend on you for my very survival.

I ask no greater glory than the privilege of being a member of your family.
I will offer you companionship and unconditional love and make you smile in your bleakest hour. I will stand by your side, ready, willing and able to protect you with my life, should you be in danger.

But when my body or mind fails me or my injuries are too severe, please remember the things that have brought me pleasure. My sense of loyalty will drive me to go on living but I do not expect you to take heroic measures to support me or to sacrifice your own needs to care for me.

You may have to make the difficult decision to let me go before nature would take me. I understand the pain you will feel but trust you who love me most to decide what is best one last time. Please let me go while my dignity is still intact and see that my life is taken gently. Carry no guilt or remorse and be at peace with your decision. I shall leave this earth knowing with the last breath I draw that my fate was always safest in your hands.

Author Unknown

A Busy Sunday Evening

Sunday evening turned out to be busy at the Arthur Veterinary Clinic! The three veterinarians (myself, Dr. Linda Harmon-Dodge and Dr. Scott Nebergall) take turns being on call and handling emergencies. But many times, we all chip in to help when a real critical case comes in or more than one emergency happens at the same time. Well....that's what occurred on Sunday. Dr. Linda was on call and she called Dr. Scott to assist with a possible canine c-section. Well, much to every one's surprise, when the client arrived at the clinic, he brought two female dogs for possible c-sections. So, not to feel left out, I arrived at the clinic to help along with our assistant/receptionist, Jeannie.

Those of you familiar with breeding dogs already know that a bitch can need a c-section for different reasons. For the most part, we recommend a c-section if it has been four hours or longer between puppies or if a bitch has been in hard labor for over an hour. We also recommend a c-section if we detect fetal distress with an ultrasound. Some breeds are more prone to needing c-sections such as bulldogs, Boston terriers, chihuahuas to name a few.

A c-section is performed much like an ovariohysterectomy (spay) except the ovaries and uterus are not removed. The female is anesthetized. We adjust our anesthetic protocol when performing a c-section. You have to remember that any anesthetic given to the mother can be absorbed by the unborn fetus. It is vital that the induction of anesthesia and the delivery of the pups is performed quickly and efficiently. This greatly improves your chances of delivering live, vigorous puppies. An incision is made on the ventral midline and the uterus is exposed. The number and location of the pups will dictate where the incision is made in the uterus. Most of the time, pups can be delivered through two uterine incisions but occasionally, a third incision is needed. The pups are delivered into the waiting hands of our "neonatal team".....which incidentally can be experienced veterinary technicians, veterinary assistants, receptionists, husbands, wives and children. Everyone involved and associated with the AVC has helped deliver c-section puppies! The pups are then rubbed, stimulated and if need be, resuscitated. Hopefully, the end result is live, healthy puppies. While the neonatal team tends to the puppies, the surgeon is suturing the uterus, body wall and skin.

Our c-section party was successful! The first mother-to-be was "Caramel Sundae", a three year old Chihuahua weighing a whopping six pounds! "Caramel Sundae" had one live pup on her own late Sunday morning. On examination and ultrasound, one of the pups showed a weak heart beat. Since it had been over 4 hours since her last pup, the decision to deliver via c-section was made. Three live pups were delivered but the one with the weak heart beat did not survive. The other two pups and mother recovered nicely, though. Here's a couple of pictures of "Caramel Sundae" and her three pups. All doing well and went home later Sunday evening.

And this is "Karen", a four year old Shih Tzu weighing in at 13 pounds. Karen had whelped two live pups on her own but had also failed to have any more pups. The ultrasound revealed two live pups in Karen's uterus and since she had not shown any signs of labor for over four hours, off to surgery she went. Two more live pups were delivered. These pups were healthy and strong. Mom and brood also went home later in the evening.

So, even though we had not planned to spend Sunday evening at the clinic, it was very satisfying to deliver four healthy, live puppies!!

Hey, have you seen my panty hose?

String, Thread, Fishing Line, Dental Floss, Easter Grass……..
Bet you are wondering what in the world these things have to do with a veterinary blog! Well, these are all examples of items which can be classified as “linear foreign bodies” if ingested by a pet. Most of us know that dogs and cats will eat the darnedest things. And, many of us have experienced our pets raiding the garbage resulting in vomiting and diarrhea. For the most part, these forages of dietary indiscretion are mild and self limiting. However, when I am presented with a pet that has possibly swallowed a linear object; I tend to become much more worried.
The problem with string, thread, fishing line, Christmas tinsel, dental floss, Easter grass, panty hose (yes, I said panty hose….see the story below. Caution---not for the faint of heart) is these items can anchor in the stomach or intestinal tract causing the intestine to contract down on the object and then bunch up in an “accordion” type pattern along the linear object. This is very damaging to the intestinal tract causing the loss of blood supply, necrosis and death of the intestine. As a result, peritonitis can make the pet deathly ill.
If your pet swallows any kind of object, call your veterinarian. It is possible to administer medication and/or material to help the pet pass the object. Sometimes, the only clue that a dog or cat has swallowed a foreign object is seeing it pass in the stool. If you happen to see a foreign object or string type material protruding from your pet’s rectum DO NOT PULL ON IT! In this instance, our natural inclination may be to try to remove the object from the rectal opening, however, this can further damage the intestinal tract. Call your veterinarian immediately. Medication, enemas or possibly surgery may be necessary to remove the foreign object.
During my first year in practice, an elderly couple called with a Border Terrier which had eaten a pair of panty hose. They informed me that about 12 inches of the panty hose was protruding from the rectum and even though they tried to pull it out, it was stuck. When I examined the dog, she was quite sick and toxic. I performed surgery on the little dog and removed 24 inches of her small intestine plus the panty hose. Fortunately, the surgery went well and she recovered completely but she had to endure major surgery.
As with many issues in life, prevention is the key. If you have a pet that is prone to eating things he/she should not eat, keeping these type of items out of reach is advised. A good friend of mine once gave me his child rearing wisdom which is “Either remove the child from the temptation or remove the temptation from the child”. This also excellent advice for pets!