Monthly Highlights                

Thyroid disease in the dog and cat

The thyroid gland is one of the major metabolic centers present in the bodies of not only humans, but also dogs and cats. By controlling overall metabolism it plays a large part in how the body runs. In addition some of the functions it controls are: nerve function, fat metabolism, attitude and hair production. Thyroid problems occur mainly in older animals with generally cats having an overactive thyroid and dog an underactive thyroid gland.

Hyperthyroidism in cats can have serious side effects if left untreated. Diagnosed through bloodwork it can be seen through signs such as weight loss, increased anxiety or cardiac disturbances. Treatment is generally done through medication or ablation of the thyroid gland.

Hypothyroidism in dogs is also a serious problem that is also diagnosed through bloodwork. Signs generally are malaise and weight gain, but many others may be seen. Oral supplementation is generally the cure for this problem.

~ Michael Marshall DVM ~

Heartworm Disease in Cats

Historically heartworm disease has been known as a disease that mainly affects dogs, but recent research has shown that it is more prevalent in cats than previously thought. Cats are considered a 'resistant' host to the causative agent, Dirofilaria immitis, but are susceptible. With mosquitoes being the mode of transmission even indoor cats can be exposed, although less likely.

Heartworm disease is a bit of a misnomer in cats because the main affected organ is actually the lungs and not the heart. Worms can take up residence in the bronchi and cause asthma-like symptoms. Signs can include coughing, shortness of breath, and in severe cases, death.

Unfortunately heartworm disease is difficult to diagnose and incurable in cats. Therefore, prevention is the best medicine. Keeping your cat indoors during peak mosquito activity (dawn, dusk) can help as well as using an approved product that repels mosquitoes (Revolution). *DO NOT APPLY over the counter mosquitoes sprays to your cat.* Oral Heartguard for Cats does exist as well.

Dogs should be kept on oral heartworm prevention year-round and also kept away from mosquitoes as much as possible.

*This is meant as informational and not to scare cat owners. It should be noted that heartworm disease is far from the only cause of coughing or shortness of breath in cats. As always, if symptoms of concern are seen then you should contact a veterinarian for proper diagnosis.


~ Michael Marshall DVM ~

Did you know that recent research has found that about 35% of cats and dogs in the United States are overweight or obese? Among middle age animals that figure jumps to nearly 50%. Being overweight or obese dramatically increases you pets chance of developing many disorders including diabetes mellitus, cardiovascular disease, metabolic related kidney disease, hypertension, respiratory disorders, osteoarthritis as well as reducing your pets life expectancy. Can you recognize if your pet is obese?

Ideal weight: You should be able to palpate the ribs, see an obvious waist and a distinct abdominal contour near the tailbone.

Overweight: The ribs are difficult to palpate under a fat pad, the waist is absent or hard to visualize, and there is no abdominal contour.

Obese: The ribs are not palpable under heavy fat, and no waist or abdominal contour can be visualized. You will also see an obviously distended abdomen.

Effective weight management is a way of life - a continual balance of precise nutrition and appropriate exercise. When a weight loss program is begun it is recommended that you work with your veterinary healthcare team to develop a tailored plan that works best for your pet.
~ Pamela Marshall, CVT ~

Have you ever thought about diabetes and whether or not it can affect your pets? The answer most certainly is yes it can! Just as in humans diabetes mellitus can affect dogs and cats causing unregulated blood glucose levels that can adversely affect their health in many ways. Risk factors include genetic predisposition, older age, obesity, metabolic diseases such as Cushings', pancreatitis and others. Onset may be slow at first, but if you are noticing some of the classic signs then you should be concerned. The signs may include:

• Polydipsia (increased water consumption)
• Polyuria (increased urination)
• Polyphagia (increased eating) with weight loss
• Lethargy or depression
• Muscle weakness
• Vision problems (from cataract formation)

If you are concerned about your pet's health then the surest way to diagnose diabetes is by running simple tests on the blood and urine. Bloodwork will show high blood glucose (in addition to other potential abnormalities) and urine will show the presence of glucose.

The good news is that diabetes can be treated to minimize side effects and maintain a longer, healthier life. Insulin therapy, dietary modifications, and weight control are the main methods for control. Treatment protocols are generally tailored to each individual patient for maximum effectiveness.

If you think that your pet may have diabetes or any illness then it is always best to consult with a veterinarian to diagnose problems early and promote better long-term health.
Michael Marshall DVM

As October approaches, so do the Holidays. With them come lots of good times and good foods... for us, but not always for our pets. While Holiday eating's biggest concern for us may be a few extra pounds, the same things can be life threatening if ingested by our pets:

CHOCOLATE - This is one of the most common toxicities reported in pets. Dogs are the main offenders when it comes to chocolate, whether it is at Halloween, Christmas, Valentine's Day, or whenever. Dogs do not always practice moderation and as little as one piece can cause problems for smaller dogs. Mild signs may include anxiety and vomiting or diarrhea, but these signs can progress to seizures or even death if not treated.

If you suspect that your animal has eaten chocolate then attempt to determine the amount and type of chocolate (milk, dark, baker's, etc) and then contact a veterinarian immediately.

BONES - It is better to be safe than sorry when it comes to meat bones and not give them to your pets. Choking, GI obstruction or perforation are some of the more common problems that can result from feeding bones.

FATTY MATERIAL - Chicken skin is often the most common problem in this class. Foods that are high in fat can cause problems as mild as diarrhea or as serious as pancreatitis. Small dogs and cats are especially prone to developing pancreatitis from even small amounts of fat. Some of the signs of pancreatitis will include abdominal pain, vomiting, or diarrhea. As always, contact a veterinarian if you suspect a problem.

We hope that you will enjoy the coming Holiday Season, but also want to make sure that it is enjoyable and safe for your pets as well. Please be judicious with what you feed them and as a general rule, if you are unsure then don't give your pets a taste!

Michael Marshall DVM

September is known as National Senior Pet Health Month in the veterinary world, so what better opportunity than this to remind you about the need for senior care? Dogs and cats are classified as being geriatric once they reach the age of 8 years... such a relatively short time after their puppy and kitten stages.

Unfortunately as pets age and reach their senior years their bodies begin to change and a whole host of diseases can potentially affect them Endocrine, metabolic and orthopedic changes can lead to such conditions as thyroid disease, Cushing's disease, or osteoarthritis to name a few. The list of conditions is really too long to list, but often mimics the changes that go on in our own bodies as we age. Nutritional requirements also change and should be properly addressed as aging progresses.

The good news is that through proper wellness screenings many of these conditions can be detected and minimized before they get started It is strongly recommended that bloodwork is performed every six months and survey radiographs done yearly. Dental examinations are a key component of managing geriatric health and should be done biannually as well. By detecting problems early we can manage them medically through medication, nutrition and dietary supplementation so that long, comfortable and happy golden years for our pets can be enjoyed by all!
~ Dr. Michael Marshall ~

Heat: During the summer everyone needs to be extra cautious about protecting their pets from the heat. Dogs eliminate heat through panting and so are at greater risk of over heating than humans. When dogs pant they loose a lot of moisture and so in the hot weather it is important to provide plenty of cold water. When the air is both hot and humid dogs can not cool themselves as quickly and air conditioning or a fan might be needed to help them stay cool. Light skinned dogs can also be at risk for sunburn and should be protected with shade of even sunscreen on sensitive or thinly furred areas such as the bridge of the nose. Cats can also overheat, but are at less risk since they tend to be less active in the heat. Any pet with underlying respiratory illness, such as dogs with laryngeal paralysis or cats with asthma are at increased risk and should be provided increased protection. Everyone has heard of the danger of a hot car, but most people do not realize that even if the outside temperature is 70 degrees, the inside of a car can quickly reach dangerous temperatures. Never leave a pet in a car if it can be avoided. Pets are safer and happier to be left at home, especially in the warm weather.

~ Cary Dyer, DVM ~

Heart Disease Were you aware that heart disease can affect your pets in many of the same ways that it does humans? Luckily, cardiac conditions that are detected early can have their progression slowed and be managed medically.
    Cardiac disease affects animals of all breeds regardless of species, size, age, or gender. Clinical signs can range from non-existent to collapse and death. Some of the more common symptoms are decreased activity, coughing, or difficulty breathing.
    Routine cardiac auscultations with a stethoscope by a veterinarian begin at a young age and are followed up at every subsequent health check throughout your pet's life. When problems are detected through auscultation they are then pursued with further cardiac test such as electrocardiography (ECG), radiography, or echocardiography (cardiac ultrasound). Once the type of disease is diagnosed then proper medical management is begun.
    Managing cardiac disease in pets has come a long way in recent years and now makes it possible for an animal with heart trouble to live longer and healthier. Combinations of behavior modification, dietary changes, and medications can be tailored to each patient for maximum effectiveness.
    It should be noted that some breeds of dogs and cats are more susceptible to heart disease than others. Regardless of this high risk breeds can still expect long, healthy lives if treated correctly. Routine screening should be performed to detect problems early and slow any progression that may be taking place. Should you have any questions regarding potential heart disease then please do not hesitate to contact us at any time as, again, early detection is the key to proper management.

~Dr. Michael Marshall~

Are you ready if a natural disaster strikes your home? As we have seen this May, Massachusetts is not incapable of suffering major disasters. Flooding, hurricanes, blizzards, and fires could destroy or severely damage your home. Even smaller problems such as gas leaks or power outages can remove you and your family from your home for days. Have you considered how you will safely care for your family, including your pets, if disaster strikes?

The best strategy is to BE PREPARED. Here are a few tips to get you started: Make sure your animals can be identified. A microchip is permanent, can't be lost, and has a unique ID number that immediately identifies your pet. Collar tags should include your name, phone number, and home address. If you are evacuated, add a piece of tape providing evacuation site information. Also make sure to have their rabies tags on!

Have transportation available for each pet. This will aid in moving your pet, and may also be needed as temporary housing. Collapsible cages for dogs, and carriers for cats, are most appropriate. Make sure a litter box can fit inside for your cat, and have proper bedding and non-spill feeding bowls. Your pet should be able to stand and turn around with these items in the cage.

Prepare a list of emergency contacts. Include numbers where you can be reached, your veterinarian, separate local and out-of-state contact persons, boarding facilities, and police and fire stations.

Create a Pet Evacuation Kit:

• 2-week supply of food and water - don't forget a spoon and can opener.
• Copies of veterinary records and rabies certificates
• Instructions for special diet (especially items they should not eat) and medications
• Trash bags and paper towels, flashlights and batteries
• Bedding and litter (& a litter scoop)
• Leash, collar, harness, stakes, and tie-outs
• Photos of your pets to help identify them if necessary
• For more information, please visit www.avma.org/disaster. Links to additional disaster web sites can also be found from this site.

- Dr. Andrea Dow   

What you need to know about your cat's litter box...

Do you know if your cat likes his or her litter box? We all want our cats to use the box, but do you know how to help your cat to stay on target? Cats can be picky about their bathroom habits so here are a few guidelines to help you help your cat.

1. Most cats prefer clumping type litter which is softer on their paws.
2. Most cats prefer a covered litter box.
3. The litter box should be placed in a private location, but not too far away from where your cat spends his or her time.
4. If you have multiple cats you will need multiple litter boxes. Always have one more litter box than the number of cats that you have. If you have multiple boxes you should place them a variety of locations.
5. Keeping the box clean is a must!

If your cat is reluctant to use the box we recommend an exam to rule out any medical problems and to discuss behavioral modification strategies to help your cat get back to using the box. Remember, early intervention always has the best chance of success!

Cary Dyer, DVM   

As spring approaches, both we and our pets are eager to get outside. Here are a few safety reminders to keep your pets happy, healthy, and safe this season. Ticks and fleas are out! The best way to approach these parasites is through prevention. Using topical preventatives such as Frontline, Advantix, or Revolution on your dogs & cats will greatly reduce their chances of potential disease. Call to speak to one of the CVC team to choose which product is right for your family. Double check that your dogs are vaccinated for lyme disease as well.

Heartworm disease is easily prevented by the use of monthly dewormers. We now offer 2 means of prevention: Heartguard Plus, a monthly beef chew; and Iverheart Plus, a monthly chewable tablet. These 2 medications are bioequivalents, meaning they have exactly the same drug preparation. The only difference? Iverheart may offer a considerable savings. Please call to get details for your pet.

Did you know cats can get heartworm disease as well? Prevention is available for them using either Heartguard or Revolution.

Other parasites such as roundworms, coccidia, and whipworms, are found in the environment. Puppies and kittens commonly harbor these parasites from their mothers, but adult pets can also be infected. A fecal exam will help screen for disease. We encourage you to visit www.petsandparasites.org to get more detailed information regarding the various parasites that threaten both your pets and your family.

Plants are coming out! Unfortunately, not all are safe for your pets. Of particular concern are lily plants for cats, which induce acute kidney failure. A bite of a lily leaf, flower, or even licking the pollen could result in fatal disease. Other common spring plants, such as daffodils, amaryllis, clematis, iris, and hosta could also provoke illness. If you ever have a concern regarding the ingestion of any plant, pesticide, fertilizer, or other substance, please consider calling us immediately.

Also, the ASPCA Poison Control Center is available 24/7 at 1-888-426-4435. A consultation fee may apply in some cases. Be sure to have information on what was ingested, how much, when, and what symptoms your pet is experiencing.

~ Dr. Andrea Dow ~

Dental disease is a commonly unrecognized and serious condition in our pets. Gingivitis and oral cancers can go unnoticed even by diligent pet owners who frequently brush their pets' teeth. The key with the mouth is to stop problems before they get out of control and affect the rest of the body.

February is National Pet Dental Month. To promote better oral health CVC is offering free dental exams with certified veterinary dental technicians and $25 off all dental procedures during the months of February and March.

So... if your pet's breath is smelly and you're wondering if a dental cleaning might be of benefit then please call us to schedule your free dental exam today!
Dr. Cary Dyer, DVM

Use Cold Weather Common Sense To Protect Your Pets

As the temperature drops this winter, we would like to make you aware of a few special precautions and care tips to keep your pets healthy, happy, and warm. Here are a few simple steps to ensure your pet will be able to brave the cold months safely.

Keep your pets inside whenever possible; or provide appropriate shelter, water, and bedding if they must be left outside. Elevated, insulated shelters with plenty of warm blankets are the best. Also remember that water will freeze, making it impossible to drink! Check your local pet store for options in keeping water unfrozen. If clean, unfrozen water is not available, pets are more likely to drink out of puddles or gutters. This puts animals at risk of poisoning from antifreeze, chemicals, or other pollutants. Antifreeze causes life-threatening kidney damage in both cats and dogs. Cats are attracted to the warmth of car engines. Check beneath the car, honk the horn, or rap on the hood before starting the engine to help prevent serious injury to resting felines. Pet's foot pads often collect rock salt and ice. Prevent irritation by wiping the pads with a warm wash cloth after every trip outside. Booties are also available at most pet stores. Although you may use sweaters or other outer wear, remember that pets lose most of their body heat from their foot pads, ears, or from panting.

Low temperatures, snow, ice, and wind are significant dangers for our pets. Animals too suffer from frostbite and hypothermia - if you are cold, so is your pet! When in doubt about weather conditions, especially if you have an aging, ill, or young pet, it's best to leave your dog or cat indoors.
Dr. Andrea Dow

As the Holiday Season approaches so do the potential hazards to our pets. After working in emergency medicine for several years I would like to highlight some of the more common threats that you should be aware of in the coming months:
Chocolate/candy: Whether it's Halloween, Christmas or Valentine's Day, candy can prove to be quite a temptation to our furry friends. To top it all off, moderation is usually not in their vocabulary once they start in on a batch of candy. Chocolate in particular can cause serious problems such as seizures and lesser ones like vomiting and diarrhea. If candy is ingested immediately contact a veterinarian. Bones/fatty meat: Once again, pets do not always use discretion when eating scraps. Bones can cause serious intestinal problems if too many are eaten at one time. Fatty material such as turkey/chicken skin can often lead to severe conditions such as pancreatitis or diarrhea. Ribbon/tinsel: These items are particularly enticing to playful cats. While they are fun to play with, if ingested they can cause very severe problems if they make it into the intestines.
If at any time there is a question about something unusual your pet has ingested or played with then do not hesitate to seek veterinary advice since catching problems early is always best. Happy Holidays!!

Michael Marshall DVM

Obesity

Obesity and related health problems are of great concern in both cats and dogs. Cats and dogs that are overweight are at increased risk for diabetes and arthritis, both of which can shorten their life spans. Recent studies have shown a life expectancy increase of about 2 years in animals that were kept near their ideal body weight during their life. Even young growing animals are at risk for health problems related to over feeding. Studies have shown a strong correlation between hip dysplasia and over feeding during puppy hood in large breed dogs.

Maintaining your pet at their ideal body weight involves balancing their calorie intake with their activity level. Most pets fed as directed by the feeding instructions on the pet food bag will become overweight. Please ask your veterinarian for feeding and body weight guidelines for your pet to help your pet live a longer, healthier life.

Dr. Andrea Dow

Should Your Pet Be Taking Vitamins or Other Supplements?

You may have noticed the advertisements for human vitamin products on the radio and TV. Your own physician may have recommended a daily multivitamin, calcium supplement, or antioxidant. So what about our pets? Are these products good for them, too?

Yes! Premium dog and cat foods, such as Eukanuba, Science Diet, or Royal Canin, offer complete and balanced diets. They provide adequate levels of essential nutrients to maintain a healthy lifestyle. Adding a multivitamin to the daily routine of your dog or cat will enhance optimum levels of essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. These give your pet a better chance at a longer, healthier life with your family. Senior pets and those undergoing environmental changes, rigorous physical activity, pregnancy, or lactation are at a higher risk for vitamin and mineral deficiencies. Multivitamins are ideal for those individuals, giving them the opportunity to thrive in any situation. We recommend Nu-Cat and Canine Plus vitamins for all pets.

Does your dog have chronic ear problems? Skin disease or allergies? Is your dog in its senior years? Cell Advance may be the right choice for you. This antioxidant formula, which includes Vitamins A, C, and E, helps prevent free radical damage in dogs. Cell Advance will help prevent against age-related organ degeneration. It supports the immune system during chronic conditions such as ear or skin disease, and can be helpful in healing after surgery. Using Cell Advance in conjunction with Canine Plus Vitamins will provide the best overall diet supplementation for your dog.

It is important to remember that human products are not appropriate for your pets. If you are interested in starting a vitamin or other supplement, please stop by, call, or email to get more information on the best choice for your individual pet!

Dr. Andrea Dow

Pets have always occupied a special place within the hearts of humans. Not only are they a part of our families but they are also loyal friends, confidants, sources of enjoyment, exercise partners, and almost everything else you can think of to us. Unfortunately they are only able to perform their roles in a relatively short amount of time.

Often times when we think of the lives our pets lead we think of quality time, not quantity. While they grow so quickly before our eyes, they also age in the same manner. In veterinary terms we consider dogs and cats to be "geriatric" once they reach the tender age of eight! With that in mind, take the time to give them the extra pat on the head or to throw their ball just one more time.

Be on guard for the host of health problems that can present as pets get older. Dental, heart, liver, kidney and joint disease are just several examples of what can occur due to the aging process. Regular checkups with their veterinarian and performing geriatric screens are just some of the thanks you can give to your pet for all they've done for you. And again, remember to give them just one more hug tonight!

Lyme disease (Borrelia burgdorferi) is a bacterial infection which is transmitted by the small, hard shell deer tick. The infection can only be spread if the tick stays on the pet for more than 24 hours. The incubation period from tick bite to signs of infection is 2-5 months. Signs of Lyme disease are variable and some animals who test positive never end up showing symptoms. The most common symptoms are recurrent bouts of arthritic lameness frequently coupled with fever and loss of appetite. Severe disease can include heart, kidney and neurological symptoms.

The treatment for Lyme disease is a four week course of antibiotics, generally doxycycline. It is preferable to prevent Lyme disease by using an effective tick preventative such as Frontline or Advantix. Vaccination against Lyme disease is strongly recommended in this area. Initially dogs must be given two vaccines three weeks apart and then an annual booster.

At CVC we routinely check all dogs annually for Lyme disease. Our in-house test is very sensitive, but does not differentiate between recent and previous infections. 

A C6 antibody test can be used to confirm the diagnosis of Lyme disease and can differentiate between recent and previous infections. The C6 test can also be used to monitor response to antibiotic therapy.

Most dogs make a full recovery following treatment. However, a few dogs may develop serious or life threatening complications, making tick prevention and vaccination a must in helping keep your dog healthy in our heavy Lyme disease area.

- Compliments of Dr. Cary Dyer -

Dogs do not have sweat glands, but release heat by panting. Although not as common, cats also pant when they are hot. When your pet is overheated you can help relieve heat by placing cold water on both their feet and ears. As always, be careful with your pets in the car on a hot day and do not leave them enclosed for very long with poor ventilation.

Carlson Veterinary Clinic is pleased to now offer the ECG Teletransmitter to our patients. This tool allows us to measure and transmit a full diagnostic quality electrocardiogram to a board certified veterinary cardiologist at IDEXX Telemedicine. The process is easy on your pet and in most cases does not require sedation. When will this diagnostic tool be recommended and utilized? Any patients, especially older and debilitated ones, about to undergo anesthesia will be offered this test. The preanesthetic screen ECG is interpreted quickly and can be completed just prior to a surgical procedure. The ECG is reviewed by a cardiologist who gives an anesthetic risk assessment for your pet's upcoming anesthetic procedure. Patients with suspected heart disease, or breeds predisposed to certain heart conditions, find that the ECG works to diagnose and screen for problems not apparent on routine bloodwork. The ECG will also provide critical information in emergency transmission with STAT transmission of ECG data. CVC veterinarians will then be able to speak with a cardiologist within minutes to formulate the best plan for the care of your pet. We are excited about and look forward to offering your pets this advanced diagnostic service her at CVC!
- Dr. Andrea Dow
Hearty fact: The left ventricle is the largest and strongest of the four heart chambers as it has the job of sending oxygenated blood out to the rest of the body

The black flies and mosquitoes are back, and you aren't the only one that is bothered by them. Pets tend to attract them even more than you do so it is important to be conscious of them while enjoying the outdoors together. In addition to not going out around heavy insect activity times (dawn, dusk), many repellents are available for pets that seem especially susceptible to them. Localized skin reactions may be seen and many times show up as small, red spots on the belly of your dog or cat that can often cause excessive itching. If you have any questions about a lesion of this nature then you should not hesitate to seek veterinary assistance.

The American Veterinary Medical Association estimates that there are 70 million cats and 60 million dogs in the United States. Incidentally there are more dog-owning households than cats, but due to the tendency for multiple cats in one home the cats outnumber the dogs!