A Cat's Deepest Secret Revealed

Animal Doc AM-Multi-Media 

Dr. Don Don DeForge

31July2012

One of the DEEPEST SECRETS of the cat that we love is pain and discomfort caused by impacted anal sacs.

Each cat has two anal sacs.  If you lift the tail of your cat and look at 3 PM and 9 PM, as if you are staring at a clock, you will be face to face to the openings of these sacs.  Many times the veterinarian everts the anal mucosa to see the opening clearly.  In most instances, a mild sedative is needed for a complete exam of this site.

No one knows their purpose but they can become impacted.  Everyone knows about the problem in dogs.  Normally in a dog or cat when there is a bowel movement the pressure allows the secretion found in these sacs to be expressed.  In some animals, this does not occur.  

There are many reasons postulated why in some animals the sacs get impacted and cannot empty normally.  Here are some of these possible causes:

• Infection
• Inflammation
• Parasites
• Overweight animals
• Diarrhea
• Dietary Change
• Dermatitis of many types
• Allergy
• Genetics

The problem becomes serious when the impaction is not noticed which can lead to abscessation and rupture of the sac.  The cat does not show the classic sign of anal dragging or scooting seen in the dog when the sacs are impacted.  Many times the only way to recognize the problem is to have your veterinarian examine the area with sedation.  If you notice a malodor from the anal area or your cat is chronically licking the anal area, you should see the "red light" and call your doctor immediately.

Always ask for a referral to an animal dermatologist before considering removing the glands-i.e. anal sacculectomy.  Let the allergist or dermatologist let you know if this is warranted.  Just removing a structure will not always alleviate the rubbing, licking, and sucking of the anal area.

Do not try to empty or clean the glands yourself.  The Internet is full of articles on "how to" and this is one you do not want to attempt.  One mistake and you can rupture the anal sac which can lead to the necessity of a surgical intervention by your veterinarian.  Also, always ask your veterinarian to have an analgesic-sedative administered when the sac is examined and/or emptied.  Finally, ask your LDVM for an oral analgesic [pain-killer] to give your cat at home after this procedure is done.  It will be up to your veterinarian if an antibiotic or a topical local anesthetic or anti-inflammatory product is needed post-treatment.  We, as a profession, are always searching for pain control and quality of life.

 THE DEEPEST SECRET has now been revealed.  Take this secret and share the answer with all of your friends who are cat lovers.  Do it for the love of your cat today!

Dr. Don DeForge

Animal Doc AM-Multi-Media

31July2012

Silver Sands Veterinary Center

www.SilverSandsVeterinary.com

203-877-3221

FACEBOOK-Become a Friend at Silver Sands Veterinary

E-Mail DonDeForge@aol.com

Intervention: Saving Your Pet's Life

Animal Doc AM Multi-Media-Dr. Don DeForge

24July2012

In 2009, a human study showed that the top two death problems that were preventable by INTERVENTION are smoking and high blood pressure.  Both have effective interventions

yet they are responsible for the highest numbers of deaths in the United States each year.

What about our companions.  Do they develop Hypertension--i.e. high blood pressure?  The answer is YES!  Hypertension can be just as dangerous to pets as it is to humans.

At your next wellness exam or routine veterinary visit have your veterinarian check your pet's blood pressure.  An isolated high blood pressure reading is not a diagnosis of hypertension.

Many pets go through "white coat syndrome" the same as people and have very elevated blood pressure because of anxiety or stress in the doctor's office.  If your veterinarian gets a high reading it must be repeated a number of times to see if the reading is consistent.  If consistently high, other tests are run and a consult with an animal internist or cardiologist is recommended.

There are two numbers that make up the blood pressure reading.  The SYSTOLIC, or first number, is the larger of the two and measures the force of blood from the heart to the arteries.

The DIASTOLIC or smaller number measures the force as the heart relaxes as blood flows back to the heart.  In animals most Internal Medicine doctors and cardiologists feel that diastolic pressure is not as reliable as systolic, therefore veterinarians mainly measure systolic pressures.  Your veterinarian may recommend that your purchase a Doppler non-invasive Blood Pressure Unit to allow you to measure your pet's blood pressure at home on a daily basis and then report the readings to the doctor for analysis.

Hypertension can effect the heart, kidneys, eyes, and the central nervous system.  There is primary hypertension which is the disease itself and then there is secondary hypertension which means that some other condition is contributing to high blood pressure.

Here are some of the signs and problems that can occur with high blood pressure in your pet:

• Disorientation
• Dilated Pupils
• Rolling of the eyeballs that is involuntary
• Stroke and Cerebral Vascular Accidents
• Retinal Detachment
• Blindness
• Seizures
• Motor weakness of the legs

Discuss with your veterinarian the normal or abnormal blood pressure readings in the dog and the cat you love.  As stated, these readings can vary with age, breed, obesity, excitement, and medical problems present.

Hypertension can occur in older cats.  It is many times coupled with kidney disease or hyperthyroidism.

There are many drugs available to the general practitioner, internal medicine doctor, or the veterinary cardiologist to treat hypertension in animals.  Beta Blockers and Calcium Channel Blockers are just two categories of many that are called upon to help adjust blood pressure.

Never self-medicate your pet with your own medicines.  You can cause serious harm to your pet.

Finally, please REMEMBER, Animal Doc AM Multi-Media is only a guide or a tool of knowledge and is not written or meant to replace a professional consultation with a veterinarian or a veterinary specialist.  If you are concerned about hypertension in your pet and want to find out more about the diagnosis or treatment of animal hypertension contact your veterinarian today.

Dr. Don DeForge is Animal Doc AM Multi-Media

Silver Sands Veterinary Center

www.SilverSandsVeterinary.com

Become a friend at FB-Silver Sands Veterinary

Ph 203-877-3221

E-Mail DonDeForge@aol.com

Have a great summer with your pet and thank you for becoming a part of Animal Doc AM Multi-Media Blogger 2012.

Willy Wonka's Chocolate Factory:

Not a Place for Dog's To Visit

Dr. Don DeForge-Animal Doc AM Multi-Media

17July2012

Chocolate Toxicity:

Chocolate contains Theobromine, a natural stimulant, found in the cocoa bean.  Unfortunately, dog's metabolize Theobromine very slowly.

When ingested by pets in large quantity chocolate can cause:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhea
• Hyperactivity
• Increased Thirst
• Increased Urination
• Abnormal Heart Rhythm
• Seizures
• Even loss of life 

Dark chocolate and Baking Chocolate are the most dangerous; one ounce of dark chocolate in a ten pound dog is life threatening.  If you cannot reach your own veterinarian call your local ER Center to see if the type of chocolate and the amount ingested is life threatening.  If you wish, you can call Poison Control for Animals-The ASPCA Poison Control Center has a 24 hour Emergency Veterinary Poison Hot line -at 888-426-4435.

Xylitol Toxicity:

Xylitol is another very toxic sweet substance that dogs are drawn to commonly.  Xylitol is used in sugarless gums and candies and is generally safe for human consumption. Xylitol in pets can be rapidly fatal even in low dosages.  In the dog, Xylitol can cause liver failure, internal bleeding, and a fatal low blood sugar hypoglycemic reaction.  Signs of Xylitol toxicity may include:

• Vomiting
• Weakness
• Uncoordinated movement
• Depression
• Seizures
• Coma
• Liver dysfunction or failure
• Even loss of life

Xylitol, as stated is common in some sugarless gums but can also be found in diabetic candies, certain baked goods, some pharmaceuticals, dental products, mouthwashes, mints, and toothpaste.

If you believe your pet has consumed a Xylitol related product contact your regular DVM, your Animal ER Center, or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center right away.  Do not wait.  Do not see if the initial signs pass.  Get help right away.  The signs can develop 30 minutes after ingestion.  Your veterinarian can initiate an emetic drug to expel the Xylitol if do not waste precious moments.  Veterinary involvement centers on Critical Care, monitoring, fluid therapy, treatment of the hypoglycemia and evaluating clinical lab data to correct other toxicity problems.

If you need help with any poisoning problem in your pet keep this phone number in your Cell Phone Memory and utilize it immediately after any suspect poisoning:

ASPCA Animal Poison Control 888-426-4435

Questions?

Feel Free to Contact:

Dr. Don DeForge

Silver Sands Veterinary Center

17 Seemans Lane

Milford, CT 06460

Phone 203-877-3221

E-Mail DonDeForge@aol.com

Dr. Don DeForge is Animal Doc AM Multi-Media

www.SilverSandsVeterinary.com

 

Animal Doc AM Multi-Media

July 10th 2012 with Dr. Don DeForge

"Providing A Vacation for Your Pet"

It's that time of year again called: VACATION.  Why not take your friend with you this year on vacation!  Forget the boarding kennel, inconveniencing relatives, friends, or neighbors: hit the road this summer with your beloved dog or cat.

When taking your pet with you on vacation, there are some important tips to remember from Animal Doc AM, Dr. Don DeForge:

• Create a detailed medical file of all of your recent exams, diagnostics testing, and include a letter from your veterinarian explaining in detail any medical conditions now being treated.
• Make sure you have a vaccine history with you including your up-to-date Rabies Vaccine Certificate dated and signed by your veterinarian.
• Make sure your pet is COMPUTER CHIPPED in case you get separated or the pet becomes frightened and runs away miles from home.  Most of the new COMPUTER CHIPS include medical history in case your pet needs insulin, cardiac medicines, etc.  The computer chip is implanted by your veterinarian with a large syringe.  Ask for a mild sedative or a pain medicine before it is placed.  If your pet is undergoing a minor anesthetic procedure and does not have a COMPUTER CHIP yet have it placed at that time.
• If traveling out of state or to another country ask your veterinarian for the proper Health Certificate.  Some certificates, depending on destination, have to be co-signed by the State Veterinarian.  Do not wait to the last minute.  Do this one month before traveling.
• If flying, speak to your veterinarian.  Some pets cannot fly because of age, injury, illness, or temperament.  Also, each airline has different boarding regulations.  Again, check 30 days before travel and definitely before selecting your pet-carrier airline.  In the summer, if your pet is too large to stay in the cabin with you be sure the pet-holding area of the plane is cooled to avoid heat stroke or death.
• If traveling by car, 30 days in advance, check to be sure your lodging site will accept pets and what are their regulations on pets within their facilities.
• Always bring a Pet Emergency Treatment Kit with you. Go to the Web and research the AVMA Pet First Aid site.
• Bring a collapsible large portable kennel that can be placed outdoors when you make a rest stop.  It must be large enough for your pet and if traveling with a cat it is the best site for a litter pan after you stop for the night.
• Always have fresh bottled water in your car.  When you stop for your soft drinks and water, your companion should also have access to a short drink during the summer.

Enjoy these Internet sites:

Traveling with Pets- www.cdc.gov

AAA Pet Book

AVMA Travel Section

AVMA First Aid Site

Have a great summer vacation with your pet from Animal Doc AM, Dr. Don DeForge!

Dr. Don DeForge

Silver Sands Veterinary

17 Seemans Lane

Milford, CT. 06460

203-877-3221

E-Mail DonDeForge@aol.com

E-Mail CDRSVMD@yahoo.com

Visit us on FACEBOOK at Silver Sands Veterinary

Feel free to contribute to this Blog; we want to answer your questions at any time!