Veterinary Topics - Richmond Veterinary House Call Services

Many people don’t realize how important their pet’s dental hygiene is. Aside from having more pleasant breath, keeping your pet’s mouth healthy helps maintain their overall health. Periodontal disease can be linked to heart problems, and chronic pain can make it difficult for your pet to maintain a normal diet. The Veterinary Dental Society states that 70% of cats and 80% of dogs, over the age of three suffer from periodontal disease. Providing the necessary dental care for your cat or dog can even increase their lifespan by 2-5 years.

It can be extremely challenging to know when cats are in pain. certainly, sometimes it’s quite obvious. You know your cat is in pain when you see a large wound, noticeable limp, or observe an accident. In general, most cats do an excellent of hiding their pain. Fortunately, there are many signs that could indicate possible pain in cats.

• Behavior changes: Resistance to touch and wanting to be left alone. Be very cautious when handling a cats in pain, they are more likely to bite & scratch.

• Breathing Pattern: is very indicative when cats in pain and may have a faster and more shallow breathing

• Heart rate increases.

• Eye Changes: The cat eyes can be strong indicators of pain causing dilated pupils, and be constricted pupils or Squinting if the pain in the eye

• Food and Water Changes: Cats in pain often eat less or even stop eating if pain is severe.

• Lethargy & hiding: Most cats in pain will be less active and hiding

• Grooming More or Less: in general grooming less but if cat able to determine the source of pain on their body such as wound, skin inflammation they well lick continuously.

• Mobility Changes: Cats in pain move around less, particularly if they have problem in their joints or bone such as arthritis. They may limp, or go more slowly up or down the stairs.

• Bathroom Changes: Cats who have back pain, or anal sac disease, may have difficulty with the posture needed to defecate and can be constipated.

• Body Contour Changes: Swellings, be they on your cat’s legs, body, or face, could be an indication of a painful condition, such as cat bite or tooth root abscess, inflammation, cancer, or something else.

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Ticks are external parasites that feed on the blood of host animals such as dogs. Ticks are 8 legged parasites that belong to the spider family arachnids like mites and spiders. Rhipicephalus sanguineus  (The brown dog tick), Dermacentor variabilis ( the American dog tick)  and, Ixodes scapularis (deer tick or black legged tick): examples of ticks that commonly affect dogs, require  three feedings to complete their life cycles.

Ticks are visible to the naked eye and are most active in warm climates from spring through fall, they are living in grass and  wooded areas where they may attach to dogs playing on their turf. Tick infestations can be anywhere on a dog’s body, but commonly close to the head, neck, feet and ear area. It’s a good idea to check your dog regularly for these parasites particularly during the warmer months. Since it may only take a few hours for disease to be transmitted from an attached tick, take your dog to be evaluated by a veterinarian if you find any tick

life cycle of ticks includes  several stages – larva, nymph, and adult.  Species such as the Deer Tick can transmit diseases in their larval and nymph stages.

Ticks can transfer many disease to their host animal such as,

•  Lyme disease, transmitted by black-legged tick, commonly known as a deer tick, dog may not show signs of the disease until several months after infected. Symptoms can be lameness, stiffness, swollen joints, loss of appetite, fever and fatigue.

•  Canine Ehrlichiosis,, found worldwide, infection caused by the brown dog tick. Symptoms may be noticed months after transmission, and can include loss of appetite, fever, weight loss, depression, nose bleeds,  runny eyes and nose and swollen limbs.

•  Canine Anaplasmosis, also called dog tick fever, is transmitted from the deer tick. Symptoms include loss of appetite, fever, lethargy, stiff joints, vomiting, and diarrhea. In severe  cases, dogs may suffer seizures.

•  Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever cause by Rickettsia rickettsii  and transmitted by the American dog tick and  the wood tick. Symptoms include stiffness, fever, skin lesions and neurological problems

•  Canine Babesiosis is commonly transmitted by the brown dog tick and the American dog tick. Causing anemia, pale gums, and weakness.

•  Canine Bartonellosis comes from the brown dog tick. Symptoms are intermittent lameness and fever.

•  Canine Hepatozoonosis is thought to be transmitted by the brown dog tick. Symptoms are fever, muscle pain, runny eyes and nose and bloody diarrhea.

In addition to all abovementioned tick borne diseases, ticks can also cause anemia, tick paralysis, Skin irritation and inflammation.

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Intestinal parasites are one of the most common problems veterinarians see in dogs and cats affecting pets of any age, they are a health a problem primarily in young dogs, dogs whose life style increases their risk of exposure, dogs living in sub-standard conditions and dogs with other health issues.

Parasites are often “silent” and you will not know you pet has them, particularly in adult animals.

The most common early signs of intestinal parasites in puppies or kittens are poor growth, dull hair coat, lack of playful energy, diarrhea, flatulence and anemia. Many of these puppies have bony bodies but potbellied, big tummies. Many are anemia. In some cases worms can be seen either in stool, vomit, or on the hair  around anus. Sometimes, Heavily infested young animal can show symptoms of obstruction such as acute vomiting and dehydration. Puppies and kitten may still have the appetite until they become seriously ill.

Some parasites migrate through the lungs, some of these pets have a soft cough and can be mistaken for kennel cough.

Many parasites can be found in stool but the following are common

Roundworms =Ascaridiasis, Toxocara canis, Toxascaris leonina

Tapeworms= dipylidium caninum, Taenia taeniaeformis

Coccidia = coccidiosis, Isospora species

Giardia = Giardia duodenalis, G. intestinalis, G. lamblia

Whipworms = Trichuris vulpis

Hookworms= Ancylostoma caninum is a species infects dogs, while  Ancylostoma tubaeforme for cats

Strongyloides = Strongyloides stercoralis, threadworms

Some of them can be seen by the naked eye like roundworms and tapeworms, but most of these internal parasites are microscopic and pets may shed eggs in their poop.

If you recognize or see worms in stool, take some stool including worms you suspect to our mobile veterinarian in Richmond Hill or Brooker Ridge Anima Hospital in Newmarket aurora area, they can help you identifying the parasites found. In most cases stool needed to be microscopically examined for the parasites, their eggs or cysts. Call now at 647-873-3194 to schedule a veterinarian visit.

Intestinal parasites are one of the most common problems veterinarians see in dogs and cats affecting pets of any age, they are a health a problem primarily in young dogs, dogs whose life style increases their risk of exposure, dogs living in sub-standard conditions and dogs with other health issues.

Parasites are often “silent” and you will not know you pet has them, particularly in adult animals.

The most common early signs of intestinal parasites in puppies or kittens are poor growth, dull hair coat, lack of playful energy, diarrhea, flatulence and anemia. Many of these puppies have bony bodies but potbellied, big tummies. Many are anemia. In some cases worms can be seen either in stool, vomit, or on the hair  around anus. Sometimes, Heavily infested young animal can show symptoms of obstruction such as acute vomiting and dehydration. Puppies and kitten may still have the appetite until they become seriously ill.

Some parasites migrate through the lungs, some of these pets have a soft cough and can be mistaken for kennel cough.

Many parasites can be found in stool but the following are common

Roundworms =Ascaridiasis, Toxocara canis, Toxascaris leonina

Tapeworms= dipylidium caninum, Taenia taeniaeformis

Coccidia = coccidiosis, Isospora species

Giardia = Giardia duodenalis, G. intestinalis, G. lamblia

Whipworms = Trichuris vulpis

Hookworms= Ancylostoma caninum is a species infects dogs, while  Ancylostoma tubaeforme for cats

Strongyloides = Strongyloides stercoralis, threadworms

Some of them can be seen by the naked eye like roundworms and tapeworms, but most of these internal parasites are microscopic and pets may shed eggs in their poop.

If you recognize or see worms in stool, take some stool including worms you suspect to our veterinarian in Richmond Hill or Brooker Ridge Anima Hospital in Newmarket, they can help you identifying the parasites found. In most cases stool needed to be microscopically examined for the parasites, their eggs or cysts. Call now at 647-873-3194 to schedule a house call Vet visit.

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Brush your pet’s teeth every day if possible. It is easier to start brushing when your pet is young slowly and gradually.

Gently rub along your pet's gums and teeth. Dip your finger in tuna water, chicken broth, or other liquid your cat may like. The most important area to focus on is the gum line, where the gums meet the teeth bacteria and food mix to form plaque. Start at the front of the mouth, then move to the back upper and lower.

Gradually introduce gauze over your finger and rub the teeth and gums in a circular fashion.

When your pet can handle the gauze, try brushing with a toothbrush specially designed for pets or ultra-sensitive toothbrush designed for people.

Gradually add pet toothpaste, but never use people toothpaste or baking soda, as both will upset your pet’s stomach.

Use the following process to clean the inside surfaces of your pet’s teeth:

1. Place your hand over your pet’s muzzle from the top

2. Gently squeeze and push his lips on one side between the back teeth (to keep his mouth open)

3. Pull his head back gently so his mouth opens

4. Brush his teeth on the opposite side

5. Repeat this process for the other side

Avoid stress and keep sessions short and positive. If your dog continues to resist, try gently wrapping him in a large bath towel with only his head sticking out.

Dental care is necessary to provide optimum health and quality of life. Diseases of the oral cavity, if left untreated, are often painful and can lead to more serious health problems including heart, lung and kidney disease.

Regularly examine your pet’s teeth for signs of periodontal disease, such as dental tartar; red, swollen, or bleeding gums; bad breath; loose teeth or loss of teeth; pus between the gums and teeth and any unusual growth in the mouth.

Common signs of dental disease include:

•Yellow or brown build up (tartar) on the teeth

•Red, swollen, or bleeding gums

•Bad breath

•Excessive drooling

•Changes in eating or chewing habits

•Loose teeth

•Depression

Even if your pet doesn’t have these symptoms, we recommend that you have a veterinarian evaluate your pet’s dental health at least once a year. Bacteria and food debris accumulate around the teeth and, if left unchecked, will lead to deterioration of the soft tissue and bone surrounding the teeth. This decay can result in irreversible periodontal disease and tooth loss.

Alcoholic beverages and food products containing alcohol can cause vomiting, diarrhea, decreased coordination, central nervous system depression, difficulty breathing, low blood sugar, tremors, abnormal blood acidity, coma and even death. Under no circumstances should your pet be given any alcohol.

Avocados contain Persin, which can cause diarrhea, vomiting, and heart congestion.

These products all contain substances called methylxanthines. The severity of toxicity depends on the type and the amount of ingested chocolate, and the size of dog. Dark & baking chocolate are more dangerous than White & milk chocolate. When ingested by pets, methylxanthines can cause vomiting and diarrhea, panting, excessive thirst and urination, hyperactivity, abnormal heart rhythm, tremors, seizures and even death

The stems, leaves, peels, fruit and seeds of citrus plants contain varying amounts of citric acid, essential oils that can cause irritation, vomiting and possibly even central nervous system depression if ingested in significant amounts. Small amounts, such as eating the fruit, are not likely to present problems beyond minor stomach upset.

When ingested in small amounts, coconut and coconut-based products are not likely to cause serious harm to your pet. The flesh and milk of fresh coconuts contain oils that may cause vomiting, loose stools or diarrhea.

Contain an unknown toxic substance that can cause kidney damage or even kidney failure. It is best to avoid feeding your dog any grapes or raisins.

Macadamia nuts can cause weakness, depression, vomiting, panting, swollen limbs, tremors and hyperthermia in dogs. Signs usually appear within 12 hours of ingestion and can last approximately 12 to 48 hours.

Pets do not possess significant amounts of lactase to properly digest dairy foods. Milk and Dairy products can cause them diarrhea or other digestive upset.

Nuts, including almonds, pecans, and walnuts, contain high amounts of oils and fats. The fats can cause vomiting and diarrhea, and potentially pancreatitis in pets.

These vegetables and herbs contain disulfides and sulfoxides (thiosulphate), both of which can cause damage red blood cells, anemia, and gastrointestinal irritation. Cats are more susceptible than dogs.

Raw meat and raw eggs can contain bacteria such as Salmonella and E. coli that can be harmful to pets and humans. Raw eggs contain an enzyme called avidin that decreases the absorption of biotin (vitamin B7), which can lead to skin and coat problems. Bones can be very dangerous for a domestic pet, who might choke on bones, or sustain a grave injury should the bone splinter and become lodged in or puncture your pet’s digestive tract.

If fed exclusively or in high amounts can result in a thiamine (vitamin B1) deficiency leading to loss of appetite, seizures, and in severe cases, death.

Large amounts of salt can produce electrolyte imbalance, excessive thirst and urination, or even sodium ion poisoning in pets. If eaten in large quantities it may cause vomiting, diarrhea, depression, tremors, elevated body temperature, seizures and even death. This is why we encourage you to avoid feeding salt-heavy snacks like potato chips, pretzels, and salted popcorn to your pets.

Xylitol is used as a sweetener in many products, including gum, candy, baked goods and toothpaste. It can cause insulin release in most species. Even small amounts can cause hypoglycemia (lowered sugar levels) and can lead to liver failure. Initial signs of toxicosis include vomiting, lethargy, weakness and loss of coordination. Signs can progress to seizures and collapse. Elevated liver enzymes and liver failure can be seen within a few days.

Yeast produce ethanol and gas as by-product and a dog ingesting raw bread dough can become drunk. Make sure they don’t get any. While mild cases will cause gas, flatulence, and discomfort, too much of it could be painful and can cause bloat, and potentially stomach twist and possible rupture of the stomach becoming a life threatening emergency.

Can depress the nervous system, cause vomiting, urinary incontinence, hind legs weakness and changes in the heart rate.

Can contain multiple toxins causing vomiting and diarrhea and can also affect other organs.

Can contain toxins, which may affect multiple systems in the body, cause shock, and result in death.

Contain oxalates, which can affect the digestive, nervous, and urinary systems.

Can become trapped in the digestive system; called a "string foreign body." cause complications.

Can lead to obesity, dental problems, and possibly diabetes mellitus.

Contains nicotine, which affects the digestive and nervous systems. Can result in rapid heart beat, collapse, coma, and death.

The casing of apple seeds are toxic to a dog as they contain a natural chemical (amygdlin) that releases cyanide when digested.

This is a sure way to get your dog’s intestine blocked. The corn is digested, but the cob gets lodged in the small intestine, and if it’s not removed surgically, can prove fatal to your dog.

An ingredient in beer that can be toxic to your dog. The consumption of hops by your dog can cause panting, an increased heart rate, fever, seizures, and even death.

Persimmon seeds and peach and plum pits can cause intestinal obstruction and enteritis.

These contain oxalates, which can adversely affect the digestive, nervous, and urinary systems.

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