The Savvy VetTech

In the recent JAVMA May 2015, there was an article regarding what is listed on the pet food label and what is actually in the food when tested. I was a bit shocked by the findings, however I am not surprised that there may be some degree of cross-contamination in pet food facilities (much like the label on human foods that states "made in a facility that processes peanuts.")

However, according to the JAVMA article, "about 40 percent of dog and cat foods tested in a recent study (Food Control 2015; 50: 9-17), may have contained meats different from those listed on the product labels." WOW! 40 percent is a huge number! The tests conducted by this study were based on DNA results of the animal products found in the pet foods. Another reference was published by Laura Allred, PhD, who showed in her 2012 study that via ELISA testing 10 out of 21 commercial dog foods contained species that were not declared on the label or WERE MISSING SPECIES THAT WERE DECLARED! That's right, that bag of dog food with chicken listed as the second ingredient may not even contain any chicken. To me, that is by far the worst.

Anesthesia is routine in practice. However, it is important not to become complacent. All patients tolerate and react to anesthesia differently, and monitoring every patient closely is extremely critical.

This is Spunky. He is a 6-month old stray kitten that was brought in for a neuter and first FVRCP vaccination. He did well under anesthesia during his neuter and upon recovering was given his vaccine. A few minutes after receiving his vaccination, he acutely stopped breathing. Luckily the technician who was closely monitoring him was astute enough to recognize something was wrong. The doctor in charge immediately began chest compressions and ventilations as his heart had stopped and he was in cardiac arrest. Please take a moment to review CPCR technique. Review on CPCR Technique

This coming Saturday, May 30^th at 1:00 EST, Dr. Mauricio Dujowich will present the topic “Veterinary Surgery-What to Expect” on the Animal Airwaves Live call-in radio program on WUFT-FM. The episode was prerecorded this week so there will not be a live call in section during the show. Just as in people, many diseases as well as traumas experienced by pets require surgery for the best prognosis. Dr. Mauricio Dujowich, a veterinary surgery specialist, will discuss some of the more common situations requiring surgery, techniques now being used to treat various conditions, why a team approach to problem solving benefits animal patients and what pet owners should know if surgery is recommended for their pet. Listeners can also tune into the show online for live streaming during the broadcast: http://www.wuftfm.org/stream/

Pets will lose about 75% of their renal function before azotemia is noted on the labwork. This is why staging is important to determine how far underlying renal disease has progressed, so that supportive measures and appropriate intervention can take place.

What is Chronic Kidney Disease?

Chronic renal disease is kidney disease that has been going on for months or years (longer term). This is different than acute renal failure which occurs suddenly and more severe (such as with antifreeze or lily toxicity). There are many possible causes of chronic kidney disease including:

• Chronic bacterial infection
• A defect of the kidneys at birth
• Hypertension (high blood pressure)
• Autoimmune disease (such as lupus, glomerulonephritis, or amyloidosis)
• Infectious diseases (such as Lyme or Ehrlichia)

 

The kidneys contain thousands of nephrons (the functional unit of the kidney). The kidneys help to filter blood waste (from toxins, foods, cells, etc.), conserve water and electrolytes, and regulate calcium and Vitamin D levels. They also produce erythropoietin which helps the body to make new red blood cells.

Simply put, it isn’t enough for a dog to live in a home with a yard. A yard to play in does not equal a “daily walk.” I am not saying it isn't fantastic, because it is. I am just saying a daily walk and living in a home with a yard are not synonymous.

Often, clients come in with complaints of behavioral issues such as barking, fighting or dominance issues with other dogs in the home, or chewing up things around the house. The first question I always ask is, “How many walks does he/she get per day?” And most of the time there is silence because the answer is none. Or the response is, "None...but we have a backyard."

What is Plague?

Plague is a disease caused by the bacterium Yersinia pestis. You may have recently heard about it in the news, as the first case of a dog to human transmission was reported in Colorado.

Dog Transmits Plague to Its Owner

How is it Transmitted?

Plague is most common in the Western to Mid-Western states, and is mostly seen where there is a high incidence of infected rodents such as prairie dogs. The bacteria are carried by fleas. When an infected flea bites an animal, the bacterium is transmitted and continues to spread in this manner, by the flea taking meals from infected animals and going on to the next. Dogs or cats running around outside chasing or eating vermin are at a higher risk of getting infected as the disease is transmitted through infected bodily fluids. Cats are very susceptible and are a more common source of infection in humans.

We see lots of senior pets in practice. Here are a few pointers you can share with your clients!

1) Good Nutrition- all senior pets need a diet that is tailored to keeping them healthy. All foods are not created equal. You must talk to your veterinarian about which diet is best for your pet. For example, a dog with early kidney disease should be on a lower protein diet. A dog with constipation issues may need more fiber. Less active dogs may need a senior food with lower calorie content.

2) A Good Quality Bed- a nice supportive bed to lay on is beneficial to their joints and muscles as they age. While they may prefer to rest on the cool tile, having a bed available to them is important. Crib mattresses make great dog beds (they can't be soiled, they have plenty of room, and they have great orthopedic support)!

 3) A Daily Walk- most dogs benefit from daily walks. Just to get out and stretch their legs and move around helps with mobility longer term. Nothing rigorous is necessary. Just getting out for a walk is good for body and mind and is special bonding time between dog and owner. Many senior pets will just sleep all day, so getting them up for that walk helps to keep them mobile. If your pet can't walk for some reason or tires quickly, consider taking them out for a "stroll" instead or when they get tired! If they are not used to going for walks, start small. A walk down to the end of the sidewalk or block may be a good place to start until you know their limits. Never go out when it is too hot. Older dogs overheat more easily and may exert themselves more.

There is currently a severe outbreak of Canine Influenza Virus (CIV) in the Chicago area, on the brink of being an epidemic, which you may have seen in the news. The disease has caused more than a thousand cases and the death of at least 5 dogs from January through March (as reported by the Chicago Tribune). Chicago Tribune: Canine Influenza Article and Video

In the news recently, the debate about vaccinations for children was at the forefront during the measles outbreak. There has been a similar debate going on in the veterinary community about vaccines for pets. Clients are electing not to vaccinate their pets or are inquiring about why they should, and if they really need to vaccinate their pets every 3 years? What is the appropriate and recommended protocol? Are we currently over-vaccinating?

In 2011, the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) recommended that ALL of the core vaccines go to a 3-year protocol while also stating that “among healthy dogs, all commercially available (core) vaccines are expected to induce a sustained protective immune response lasting at least 5 years.” Many clients and professionals will still argue that an every 3-year protocol is still over-vaccinating and in fact most adult animals will have lifelong immunity without the need for repeated vaccination. Should we go to a 5 year or longer protocol for the DHPP and FVRCP vaccines?

A 10-year old Golden Retriever presents with a history of unsteady gait. The owner reports she is walking like she is drunk and she has vomited a few times. You are taking a history in the room and notice her tilting her head to the left. Upon closer look at her face you see that her eyes are moving side to side rapidly. The veterinarian asks you to perform a blood pressure. The blood pressure is 200/120 mmHg. Answer the quiz questions, then scroll to the bottom for the answer explanations.

1) What medication may help to treat hypertension (high blood pressure) in this dog?

a) Benazepril
b) Prednisone
c) Phenobarbital
d) Furosemide

It isn't all that uncommon. A client has a dog that has been bitten or exposed to a rabies "suspect." Whether it be a fox, a skunk, coyote, or bat, any wild animal could be a potential hazard for transmitting rabies to our domesticated pets.

State law is very strict regarding pets and exposure to rabies. There was a story in October 2014 that raised some controversy over this issue. A 10-year old Schnauzer was bit by a rabid skunk. The dog's rabies vaccine had only expired 10 days prior to the attack. The options were to euthanize the dog, or quarantine for 3 months in a kennel with then another 3 months of strict home confinement. The owner was devastated but ultimately chose euthanasia.

For currently vaccinated pets exposed to rabies, they must receive a rabies booster immediately and then be under home confinement for 45 days.

Please enjoy a few sample questions to help you prepare for the Veterinary Technician National Examination! VetTechPrep.com is the most comprehensive resource you will find on preparation for the VTNE exam. The site covers the categories you will find on the exam, and also includes PowerPages, which are condensed notes on important board review topics.

Scroll down to the very bottom for the correct answers and explanations. For access to the full database of study materials, visit www.VetTechPrep.com

POP QUIZ:

Question1: Bacteria differ from animal cells in which of the following ways?

a) They lack ribonucleic acid

b) They lack cell walls

c) They are unable to metabolize glucose

d) They lack a true membrane-bound nucleus

Question 2: A cigar-shaped mite that is seen on a skin scraping from a dog with severe generalized skin lesions is probably what type of mite?

As animal lovers, I think all of us that read about Spanish Ebola patient Teresa Romero‘s dog “Excalibur” being euthanized as a precaution from exposure to Ebola were disheartened. In the veterinary community, our pets are our family members. This disease has caused a lot of fear. I know we were all relieved that they decided to quarantine the U.S. Ebola patient Nina Pham’s dog Bentley for monitoring instead of euthanizing him as a precaution, and were happy to hear he is now safe at home.

There is not a confirmed source for Ebola currently, but is thought to be found in fruit bat populations. Humans initially may contract the disease by coming into contact with an infected animal (bat or primate) or infected fruit or meat (bushmeat), and then human to human transmission occurs via bodily fluids or fomites with infected fluid. Those caring for Ebola patients or in close contact are at highest risk.

October is Leptospirosis awareness month. Take a moment to review some facts about this zoonotic disease.

What is Leptospirosis? It is a disease caused by a spiral shaped Leptospira bacteria that can infect wildlife, domestic pets, and humans. Many wildlife are carriers of the bacteria and do not have any clinical symptoms of the disease.

How is it transmitted? The bacteria are passed in the urine to water sources where they can live and reproduce. They can survive for a long time in water (especially stagnant water, ponds, or lakes) and wet soil. Animals become infected by drinking or swimming in water that is contaminated by the bacteria. It can enter the bloodstream through the mucous membranes or through a wound or cut.