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Pet Care News From Your Veterinarian ®

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Su mmer 2011 | Volum e 8, No. 3

What You Need to Know about Ticks The Lowdown on Leptospirosis Is Your Senior Pet a “Zoomer”?

Help Prevent Tooth Fractures

Summer 2011 | VOL.8, No 3

Picture-Perfect Pets P etC are New s From Your Vet erinarian

IN THIS ISSUE

Fighting Fractures

2

Prevention and treatment

D.C.

Cohen Veterinary Center Deltona, Fla.

Rascal

Nokomis Veterinary Clinic Nokomis, Fla.

options for fractured teeth.

Is Your Senior

4 Pet a “Zoomer”?

H elp your pet stay in top health.

CoCo

Shores Animal Hospital Gainesville, Fla.

Ticks Off! 8

What you need to know

Unleash the complete

killing force

Piccolo

Kendall Lakes Animal Hospital Miami, Fla.

about these nasty pests.

against fleas and ticks.

The Lowdown on Lepto

1 2

Why your veterinarian may recommend a leptospirosis vaccination.

Daisy

Nokomis Veterinary Clinic Nokomis, Fla.

Pet Tales

1 4

Disaster preparedness check list and more.

Cloie

Value Vet Nashville, Tenn.

Snowball Pet Quarterly® is an educational resource provided by your veterinary hospital.

Ocean Animal Hospital Cocoa Beach, Fla.

Comments are welcome at info@petquarterly.com ©Copyright 2011. All rights reserved. Pet Quarterly® magazine does not make any representations as to opinions or facts as presented. Reproduction of contents in any form is prohibited without prior written permission of the publisher.

Unlike other products from your vet, only FRONTLINE Plus completely annihilates the flea life cycle on dogs and cats by killing fleas as adults, eggs, and larvae.

Plus ticks. And, FRONTLINE Plus keeps killing for 30 days. Satisfaction guaranteed.

That’s why it’s the #1 choice of vets for their pets* – and yours.† ®

®FRONTLINE is a registered trademark of Merial. ©2010 Merial Limited, Duluth, GA. All rights reserved. FLE10CNPRINTAD.

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South Orlando Animal Hospital Orlando, Fla.

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Sebring Animal Hospital Sebring, Fla.

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Pet Quarterly | Summer 2011 1

1

Dental Health

Treatment Options

Fighting FRACTURES Although pets with fractured teeth won’t show their pain, it’s important to treat the problem before infection spreads.

By Brett Beckman, DVM, Diplomate American Veterinary Dental College

How we treat tooth fractures depends on the extent of the fracture, whether any of the pulp (the soft, living center of the tooth) is exposed, what an x-ray shows and the status of the areas around the tooth.

The longer a tooth fracture is left untreated, the worse it gets. For example, take a look at an x-ray of Seymour’s tooth in Photo 2. The arrow shows a dark area around the root tip where the bone has been destroyed. This process starts when

Chew on This Help prevent tooth fractures by giving your dogs products approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council. www.vohc.org.

Key Points Fractured teeth can become infected and die.

Dead and discolored teeth need root-canal therapy or extraction to prevent further problems.

Animals with fractured teeth almost never show signs of discomfort.

Dogs often fracture their teeth on hard chew objects.

Teeth that are fractured but still alive may be restored.

2 Summer 2011 | Pet Quarterly

S

Seymour, a five-year-old mixed breed dog, loves to chew everything from sticks and branches to rawhide.

He especially likes ice.

At a recent examination, Seymour’s veterinarian noticed that a portion of the enamel on one of the dog’s upper teeth was fractured (Photo 1, white arrow). A portion of the cracked enamel was still present and attached to the gum (Photo 1, black arrow).

Seymour’s pet parents had not noticed anything unusual about Seymour. That’s typical. Most pets with tooth fractures don’t show signs of pain.

Unfortunately, they may silently suffer for months to years before the problem becomes so bad that their appetite decreases, they drop food while eating, appear less active or sleep more during the day. Seymour showed none of these symptoms, but fortunately his veterinarian noticed the problem and referred his case to our veterinary dental specialty office for treatment.

bacteria get into the tooth pulp. The bacteria infect the pulp, which then dies. Then the infection starts to leak out of the tooth’s root tip and destroy the bone. In severe cases, the infection breaks through the bone and spreads into the skin, forming a fistula on the dog’s face (Photo 3).

If the patient is young and the pulp is exposed for less than 48 hours, a veterinary dentist may be able to save the tooth without extracting it or doing root-canal therapy. If you think your pet may have fractured a tooth, see your veterinarian right away.

Not all teeth that have fractures need extraction or root-canal therapy. If only the enamel is fractured, it’s possible that all that’s needed is to smooth the enamel to eliminate sharp edges and prevent any further fracture. Many times, sealing the dentin (the tooth layer below the enamel) with bonding and composite can save the tooth by preventing any further chance for bacteria to enter the tooth.

Patients with a tooth that has been

protected this way must have that tooth x-rayed again in six to twelve months to ensure that the tooth remains alive.

If a dental x-ray shows that the tooth is dead or if pulp is visible, treatment options include root-canal therapy or extraction of the tooth.

Another sign that a tooth may need root-canal therapy or extraction is if part or all of it turns pink, grey, purple or black (Photo 4).

In most cases, the tooth can be saved with root-canal therapy, in which the nerve and pulp are removed and the inside of the tooth is cleaned and sealed. Crowns are a good option for large teeth that may undergo additional damage.

In Seymour’s case, bacteria had killed the pulp. His pet parents decided on tooth extraction. Although Seymour showed no obvious signs that he was in pain prior to the procedure, his owners noticed within a few days of the extraction that he was much more playful than he had been for a long time.

This fracture on Seymour’s tooth (white arrow) exposed dentin, the tooth layer just below the protective enamel. A portion of the fractured enamel is still attached at the gum line (black arrow).

2

The arrow points to a dark area where infection has destroyed the bone around Seymour’s fractured tooth.

3

Preventing Fractures Prevention is the key to avoiding tooth fractures. Hard objects of any type often fracture teeth. If an object or chew is not easily bendable, it can fracture a pet’s tooth. Roughhousing with other dogs can result in tooth fractures, too.

Common objects that can damage teeth include: n rawhide n cow hooves n bones n large sticks or branches n rocks n ice n non-bendable chews Remember that fractured teeth require prompt care. Even if your pet doesn’t show any signs of pain, be sure to schedule regular oral examinations for your pets. n

This patient developed a facial fistula (an opening where infection drains) after fracturing the same tooth as Seymour.

4

This tooth has purple discoloration at the tip, indicating that the tooth is dead.

Dr. Brett Beckman specializes in veterinary dentistry.

Pet Quarterly | Summer 2011 3

Senior Wellness

Is Your Pet a “Zoomer”?

Many active Baby Boomers are Zoomers. Pets can be too. Regular wellness checkups may add a little spring to your senior pet’s step.

I

By Geneva Keene Acor, DVM

In today’s world, we are politely sensitive to terminology.

We seldom say that someone is “old” or “elderly” and instead choose to use the term “senior.” This sensitivity extends to our pets too.

For people, The World Health Organization considers 65 years of age as the beginning of being “elderly”; that is not my idea of elderly. Instead, many Baby Boomers 65 and up are considered “Zoomers” (a term coined by a professor of gerontology) because of their active lifestyle and general good health.

So do we have Zoomers in the pet population, too?

You bet we do! Our chronological tables classify small dogs and cats as elderly at 12 years of age and large breed dogs at 8 to 10 years of age. (See chart on pg. 7.)

Loki Is a Zoomer At 10 years of age and weighing 104 pounds, Loki would be considered elderly—or a senior—by the chronological charts. But this Rottweiler shows little of

the signs generally associated with aging. He is active, alert, interested in his environment and physically healthy. He has no gray hair so far, although his rust color points are fading in depth of color, which is characteristic of aging Rottweilers.

Twice a Year Physical Exams Pet owners often ask veterinarians, “What would you do if he/she were your pet?” Loki is my pet and I see him every day. But he has physical exams and blood tests and urinalysis twice per year at a veterinary clinic. So, why does Loki go for checkups twice a year, even though I am a veterinarian and I see him every day?

When Loki was four, he had a recurrent skin infection. We treated the infection with several courses of antibiotics, but it came back. At his regular checkup, the veterinarian noted that his coat was thin with little undercoat and advised a check for low thyroid function. How could I miss that when I have >> >>

Key Points Physical examinations twice per year are recommended for senior pets.

Blood tests, urinalysis and parasite screening are part of a thorough examination.

Appropriate nutrition and weight should be reviewed at each examination.

Physical and intellectual stimulation delay aging signs.

4 Summer 2011 | Pet Quarterly

Pet Quarterly | Summer 2011 5

Senior Wellness

diagnosed many dogs with hypothyroidism? Because I saw him every day. Although pet owners may know their pets very well, sometimes they are just too close to notice changes. Until Loki was five years of age, he only had exams once a year. Now in his Zoomer years, he has exams two times each year.

About a year ago, my son’s 10-year-old Golden Retriever, Minnie, stayed with us for a week while my son was on vacation. Right away, I noticed Minnie’s stiffness and reluctance to go up and down even small stairs. I started Minnie on non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medicine (similar to ibuprofen for humans), and she improved immediately. My son hadn’t noticed Minnie’s stiffness because it happened gradually, and he saw her every day.

The Exam: What to Expect When you have your general health checkup, the doctor depends on you to describe where things hurt and what bumps or lumps you have noticed. However, veterinarians must depend more on thorough examination and observation.

Many experienced veterinarians actually go about the exam with such efficiency that you may not notice that they are checking your pet’s skin and hair coat, joint mobility, heart and circulatory system, eye clarity, teeth, and ears and any bumps or lumps as they carry on a conversation with you. The actual physical exam and recommended laboratory tests vary by individual veterinary practices. Ask your veterinarian what tests are included in a senior wellness examination. Ask about costs in advance so you can plan it into your budget.

Preventive Care and Vaccinations When you have your annual physical exam, usually your main concern is preventive care and maintenance, not vaccinations. However, pet owners in the past often associated their pet’s annual exam with vaccinations. The yearly rabies vaccination required by law for both dogs and cats initiated the visit to the veterinarian. Now, vaccines have improved and research has confirmed that vaccination for rabies is only required once every three years in most locations, and other vaccinations are customized to a pet’s lifestyle and exposure.

Emphasis for your pet’s visit has changed to a thorough physical exam, weight and body condition monitoring, routine examination for parasites including heartworms, early detection of disease conditions and discussions with the veterinarian or health team on nutrition, exercise, physical therapy, pain medications for osteoarthritis, supplements for brain aging behavior and skin and hair coat care.

Today, people recognize the connection between healthful eating and good health. That philosophy applies to pets too. Pets live longer, healthier lives at least partially due to nutrition research and improvement in pet foods. We feed Loki a premium brand of pet food with added antioxidants that is designed for large breed dogs.

As your doctor has probably emphasized to you, maintaining a normal weight reduces the occurrence of chronic diseases such as diabetes and heart disease.

Recommendation

6 Summer 2011 | Pet Quarterly

Determine Your Pet’s Age In “Human” Years

Other Zoomer Recommendations

Recommendations for Zoomer Health

Now age 10, Loki has exams twice a year.

Pets Age Faster Than People DOG’S AGE

0-20 LBS.

21-50 LBS.

51-90 LBS.

90+ LBS.

CAT’S AGE

“HUMAN” YEARS

6 years

40

42

45

49

5

36

7 years

44

47

50

56

7

44

8 years

48

51

55

64

8

48

10 years

56

60

66

78

10

56

12 years

64

69

77

93

12

64

15 years

76

83

93

115

15

76

20 years

96

105

120

Source: Antech Diagnostics

18

88

21

100

Frequency/year

Weight monitoring

4

General physical examination

2

Dental exam

2

Fecal exam for parasites

2

Nutrition review for size, breed, age

2

Complete Blood Count (previous problems)

1 (variable)

Blood chemistry for organ function (previous problems)

1 (variable)

Urinalysis (previous history of infection or urinary stones)

1 (4)

Thyroid test (previous hypo or hyper thyroid condition)

1 (2)

Blood pressure, electrocardiogram, chest radiographs

Variable

Glaucoma test

Variable

Radiographs, ultrasound for osteoarthritis

Variable

Similarly, help your pet maintain a healthy weight by feeding appropriate amounts and limiting treats to no more than 10 percent of food caloric intake. Ask your veterinarian to recommend the best food for your pet and to calculate the appropriate amount to feed, then make sure to check your pet’s weight four times per year.

Research has shown huge improvement in people 70 to 90 years of age when weight training and mental games are included in their daily activity. Just as it is important for people to remain physically active and intellectually stimulated, it is also important for pets. In addition to Loki’s walks of one to two miles per day, he is frequently included in car rides and visits to dog parks, restaurants and community events such as art shows.

Dogs receive much of their sensory stimulation from smells, so a walk becomes a “sniff smorgasbord”

of stimulation. For cats, physical and intellectual stimulation is often forgotten. Be sure to include a variety of toys, games and interaction with your cat. One cat owner uses a pet stroller to take her two cats for an outdoor experience every day. She claims they love it, and so does she. n Dr. Geneva Keene Acor is an independent consultant in small-animal nutrition and practice procedures.

See the cover reminder for an important message from your veterinarian.

Pet Quarterly | Summer 2011 7

Parasite Control/Dermatology Ticks can be as small as a grain of pepper.

Ticks off!

Prevention and prompt treatment can help protect your pet from a host of tick-borne diseases.

By Mary Scoviak

T

Ticks have a well-deserved reputation as an annoyance for your pet—and you. These ugly little pests, closely related to spiders, feed on the blood of animals (including dogs, cats and humans). They can transmit a cocktail of diseases, including Lyme disease, Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and bacterial infections called ehrlichiosis and anaplasmosis.

Most tick-borne diseases can pose a lethal threat to your dog if left untreated. The good news is that most dogs receiving prompt medical attention have an excellent prognosis—and with ongoing vigilance, you can help keep your pet safe from ticks.

Tiny Terrors Ticks are hard to spot. They can be as small as a grain of pepper. Ticks attach directly to an animal’s skin, which makes them difficult to find. By the time the tick is fully engorged and easily visible, it might already have done serious damage to your pet’s health.

Symptoms of tick-borne diseases include: n fever n joint pain n lameness n lethargy n loss of appetite n excessive mucus discharge. >>

3 Things to Know about Ticks

Did You Know?

Ticks, such as the Lone star tick shown here, are not insects. They have eight legs and are arthropods, like spiders and scorpions.

8 Summer 2011 | Pet Quarterly

At least 15 different infectious diseases are produced or transmitted by ticks in North America.

1. Ticks are not just a summertime nuisance. They’re a year-round threat in most climates. They can find places that stay above freezing, even when the outside temperature is not.

2. Ticks don’t respect geographical boundaries.

They have carried Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, for instance, well into the southern United States.

3. Ticks don’t just live in the woods. The biggest myth about ticks is that they are only a problem for woodland hikers and lakeside campers. Almost any outdoor activity, from a stroll in the park to a short walk on a city street, could make your dog the unhappy victim of a tick bite. That’s because ticks often position themselves on a blade of grass, a tree trunk or a leaf while waiting for a new “home.” When your pet comes along, they hop on.

That’s where the problems start.

Key Points Ticks are a year-round issue.

Ticks carry a variety of serious diseases that can be fatal to pets if left untreated.

Regular use of tick-control products will protect your pets.

Prompt treatment with antibiotics will cure most tick-borne diseases.

Pet Quarterly | Summer 2011 9

Parasite Control/Dermatology Dogs with Lyme disease may also have enlarged lymph nodes, and those with Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever may also exhibit coughing, bruising, vomiting and diarrhea.

Constant Control Often combined with flea preventatives, tick prevention comes as a spot-on treatment (topical treatments applied to a small area on the pet’s back).

Collars and sprays also are available. Your veterinarian can help you choose the right product for your pet.

Regular, year-round use is the best weapon in the arsenal against ticks.

Proper use is especially important, advises Michael Murray, DVM, technical marketing director for USA Pet Parasiticides, Merial Limited, makers of Frontline® preventatives. He suggests asking your veterinarian for tips on administering spot-on treatments, which are usually applied monthly.

It’s also important to minimize the threat of ticks in your pet’s environment. Keep your grass short, trim bushes and minimize mulch and leaves to remove tick habitat. When you take your pet for walks, avoid tall grass and brush, since they are common breeding

grounds for ticks. Check yourself and your pets for ticks after you get back from walks.

“Ticks don’t breed on the host, unlike fleas,” says Murray. Because they drop off and breed anywhere (like in your house) and can lay huge numbers of eggs, it’s crucial to stop them from getting into your house in the first place.

Don’t forget the felines in your household. Even “indoor” cats can be at risk, since most come into contact with other pets and people who do go outdoors.

“If you’ve seen a feral cat, a deer, a wild turkey or a dead possum in your area, your animals are at risk for tickborne diseases,” says Murray. Be aware that permethrin, a common ingredient in many tick-control products, can be toxic to cats, so only use tick products designed for cats.

And, be sure to check with your veterinarian about vaccination against Lyme and other diseases. If you live in a heavily tick-infested area, it can be a good complement to other preventative measures.

If treated promptly, most tick-borne diseases respond to antibiotics. So if you suspect your pet may be suffering from a tick-borne disease, see your veterinarian right away to keep your pet safe. n

1

2

1. Deer ticks transmit Lyme disease and anaplasmosis.

2. American dog ticks carry bacteria responsible for several diseases, including Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever.

Tick photos courtesy of Dr. Michael Dryden, Kansas State University.

Key Diseases Caused by Ticks Disease

Symptoms

Lyme disease

Lameness, fever, loss of appetite, fatigue and enlarged lymph nodes. Infects dogs and people.

Anaplasmosis

High fever, lethargy, swollen joints, lameness, loss of appetite. Infects dogs and people.

Ehrlichiosis

Fever, depression, lameness and loss of appetite.

Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever

Fever, loss of appetite, coughing, bruising, lameness, depression, vomiting and diarrhea. Infects dogs and people.

Tick Checkpoint

1.

Because ticks are tiny and attach directly to your pet’s skin, check your pet daily, especially if you’ve been out for a walk.

2.

Starting at the base of the tail, run your hands through the animal’s coat. Pay special attention to the head, neck and paws. Look for lumps under the fur. If you find any, separate the fur to check whether it’s a tick.

3.

If you find a tick, use gloves and tweezers to grasp the tick gently as close as possible to the skin. Pull it straight off, being careful not to crush it. Do not touch the tick with bare hands.

4.

Never try to burn a tick with matches or suffocate it with nail polish or petroleum jelly. These methods don’t work, and they may harm your pet.

5.

Put the tick in a bottle with water and bring it to your veterinarian for identification.

Source: Merial

10 Summer 2011 | Pet Quarterly

Pet Quarterly | Summer 2011 11

General Wellness

The Lowdown on Lepto veterinarian may recommend

Because leptospirosis presents a risk to both pets and people, keep rodent problems under control. Take a look at your yard and remove anything that may attract squirrels, skunks or other wildlife that may carry the disease. Talk to your veterinarian about vaccinating your pet against lepto.

a leptospirosis vaccination.

What Are the Signs?

sniffer or fond of drinking standing water? If so, your

Diagnosing lepto can be difficult, because the signs are not always easy to pinpoint. Clinical signs in a dog that may be due to leptospirosis include: n Vomiting n Lethargy n Weakness n Diarrhea n Fever n Jaundice

S

What Is Lepto?

Leptospirosis or “lepto” is caused by a bacterial spirochete called Leptospira. Dogs can contract the disease through various sources or situations, primarily through contact with infected urine or ingestion of urine-contaminated water.

“Many dog owners believe their pets are not at risk because they do not spend a significant amount of time outside,” says veterinarian Arne Zislin, vaccine technical manager at Boehringer Ingelheim Vetmedica, Inc., an animal health company based in St. Joseph, Mo. “However,

n

Contracted easily

n

Difficult to diagnose

n

Easy to overlook

n

Serious, but treatable

n

A potential cause of kidney failure or liver disease

n

Largely vaccine-preventable in dogs

Your veterinarian can perform testing to determine if your dog has lepto.

How Do I Protect My Dog? In many areas of the United States where dogs may have contact with water contaminated by infected urine from wildlife, your veterinarian may recommend an annual lepto vaccine. Heavy rains and warm weather may make the disease more prevalent. n

For More Information To learn more about leptospirosis, visit: www.leptoinfo.com

Is My Dog at Risk?

Prepare for your visit to your veterinarian by reviewing your dog’s risk factors for leptospirosis: Do you… n L et your dog go outside in your backyard? n

Live

in an area that recently was rural?

n

K now your dog’s history if he came from a shelter?

n

Travel

with your dog?

n

T ake your dog to parks or daycare?

Does your dog… n Like

to sniff or lick at animal odor sources? n

Swim,

wade, walk in or drink from ponds, lakes, creeks or streams?

n

G o outside where wildlife has been overnight?

n

n

12 Summer 2011 | Pet Quarterly

Leptospirosis is:

Risks in Your Own Backyard

Is your dog a swimmer, a

Sniffing around your backyard or in every nook and cranny along your daily walks may be one of your dog’s favorite forms of entertainment. A sniff here, a quick drink of standing water there, though, may put your dog at risk for leptospirosis. This infectious disease, typically spread by wildlife, is the most common infectious disease shared by animals and humans and is a leading infectious cause of acute renal failure in dogs.

Key Points

if the backyard is frequented by wildlife, such as squirrels, raccoons, skunks, opossums or rats (often at night), pets can be exposed in urban environments as much as they would if they were roaming wildlife areas.”

These wild animals spread bacteria by urinating on the grass, in puddles or even in bird baths. The organism is transmitted to dogs when they drink contaminated water, through mucous membranes (eyes, nose, mouth) or scrapes or cuts in a dog’s skin. A cooling summertime dip in a lake or stream also may increase your pet’s exposure to the disease.

H ave contact with wildlife such as squirrels, raccoons, skunks, opossums and rats?

H unt or roam in wildlife areas?

Pet Quarterly | Summer 2011 13

Pet Tales

Disaster Preparedness Check List Hurricanes, tornadoes or other disasters can happen anywhere, and it helps to be prepared. When you stock up on bottled water and supplies for your family in case of an emergency, create a plan for your pets too.

Plan ahead to find hotels or shelters that take pets in case of an evacuation. “Do not leave your pets behind,” advises the ASPCA. “If it isn’t safe for you, it isn’t safe for your pets.”

For safe measure, tape photos of your pets on their crates and label each with your pet’s name and your name and contact information. Make sure pets have tags and microchips for identification.

Have your pets’ Evac-Pack ready to go and handy if an emergency arises. Here’s a check list for emergency supplies and traveling kits.

P et first-aid kit (ask your veterinarian what to include) 3 -7 days’ worth of canned (pop-top) or dry food (be sure to rotate every two months)

Keeping Tabs on Fido

Pet Diabetes on the Rise

Litter or paper towels

Keeping on schedule with your pet’s medication can be

Statistics indicate that diabetes is on the rise among both dogs and cats. “State of Pet Health 2011 Report,” a study of 2.1 million

Disposable garbage bags for clean-up

a tricky task. And in busy households, it’s often hard to keep track of who last took your dog for a walk—and when.

The Dog-e-Minder can help keep your pet’s care organized. The three-button device attaches to your dog’s collar. It lets you input what time meds were given and when your pet was last walked and fed.

Visit www.dogeminder.com for details.

Last One In …

Make a safe splash this summer. Some pets are great swimmers and others are not. Keep an eye on your pets around pools, and make sure they wear flotation devices on boats, advises the ASPCA. After a dip in the pool, rinse off your pet to remove the chlorine from its fur.

Disposable litter trays

dogs and 450,000 cats, shows that this condition increased 32 percent in dogs and 16 percent in cats from 2006 to 2010.

Likewise, Trupanion, a pet insurance company, reports a 106 percent increase in diabetes claims from 2009 to 2010.

Diabetes mellitus, which affects glucose levels in a pet’s blood, can be debilitating for pets, but it is manageable. Common signs include: increased drinking and urination as well as weight loss despite a good appetite. Your veterinarian can test your pet’s blood for the condition and may recommend a diet change and insulin. (See the Summer 2010 issue of Pet Quarterly for more information on diabetes mellitus.)

Liquid dish soap and disinfectant

B ottled water, at least 7 days’ worth for each person and pet (store in a cool, dry place and replace every two months) A traveling bag, crate or sturdy carrier, ideally one for each pet Flashlight Blanket (for scooping up a fearful pet) R ecent photos of your pets (in case you are separated and need to make “Lost” posters)

Pet feeding dishes E xtra harness and leash (Note: harnesses are recommended for safety and security) P hotocopies of medical records and a waterproof container with a two-week supply of any medicine your pet requires (Remember, food and medications need to be rotated out of your emergency kit—otherwise they may go bad or become useless.)

Especially for cats: P illowcase or EvackSack, toys, scoopable litter Especially for dogs: L ong leash and yard stake, toys and chew toys, a week’s worth of cage liner

Arthritis: Know the Signs If your dog used to love to jump on the bed or hop into the back seat of the car, but now seems disinterested or reluctant, it may have arthritis.

Watch for these signs: n Favoring a limb n Sleeping more n Seeming to have stiffness or soreness n Hesitancy to jump, run or climb stairs n Weight gain n Loss of interest in play

If you notice that your dog is slowing down, let your veterinarian know. A thorough exam will help determine if arthritis may be the culprit. Depending on your pet’s health and lifestyle, your veterinarian may prescribe a diet and exercise plan, nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs or other types of treatments.

14 Summer 2011 | Pet Quarterly

Pet Quarterly | Summer 2011 15

Pet Tales

Safe Travels Headed out on the road with your dog? Try to make sure your

Behind the Scenes

pet is safely secured—even for short trips to the veterinarian. Keep your pet in the back seat in a crate or strapped in with a harness made just for pets.

Never let your pet ride with its head out the window. This can cause inner-ear damage and lung infections, and your pet could be hit by flying debris.

Ever wonder what your veterinarian is looking for when your pet has a wellness exam? Simple tests can reveal volumes about your pet’s health.

Blood and urine samples, for example, may help your veterinarian screen for a variety of conditions, including:

Blood CBC/Hematocrit are used to screen for: n Anemia (low red blood cells) n Inflammation n Infection n Stress n Leukemia n Bleeding problem n Inability to fight infection n Hydration status

Kidney Blood and urine tests can indicate: n Early renal disease n Renal failure n Infection n Stones n Cancer n Abnormalities resulting from long-term medications Source: Idexx Laboratories

We’d love to hear from you!

Tell us how your veterinarian has helped you and your pet, and you could be featured in our next issue! E-mail us at info@petquarterly.com.

16 Summer 2011 | Pet Quarterly

C H E WA B L E S CAUTION: Federal (U.S.A.) law restricts this drug to use by or on the order of a licensed veterinarian.

INDICATIONS: For use in dogs to prevent canine heartworm disease by eliminating the tissue stage of heartworm larvae (Dirofilaria immitis) for a month (30 days) after infection and for the treatment and control of ascarids (Toxocara canis, Toxascaris leonina) and hookworms (Ancylostoma caninum, Uncinaria stenocephala, Ancylostoma braziliense).

DOSAGE: HEARTGARD® Plus (ivermectin/pyrantel) Chewables should be administered orally at monthly intervals at the recommended minimum dose level of 6 mcg of ivermectin per kilogram (2.72 mcg/lb) and 5 mg of pyrantel (as pamoate salt) per kg (2.27 mg/lb) of body weight. The recommended dosing schedule for prevention of canine heartworm disease and for the treatment and control of ascarids and hookworms is as follows:

Dog Chewables Ivermectin Weight Per Month Content

Up to 25 26 - 50 51 - 100

1 1 1

68 mcg 136 mcg 272 mcg

Pyrantel Content

Color Coding 0n Foil-Backing and Carton

57 mg 114 mg 227 mg

Blue Green Brown

HEARTGARD Plus is recommended for dogs 6 weeks of age and older.

For dogs over 100 lb use the appropriate combination of these chewables.

ADMINISTRATION: Remove only one chewable at a time from the foil-backed blister card. Return the card with the remaining chewables to its box to protect the product from light. Because most dogs find HEARTGARD Plus palatable, the product can be offered to the dog by hand. Alternatively, it may be added intact to a small amount of dog food.The chewable should be administered in a manner that encourages the dog to chew, rather than to swallow without chewing.

Chewables may be broken into pieces and fed to dogs that normally swallow treats whole.

Care should be taken that the dog consumes the complete dose, and treated animals should be observed for a few minutes after administration to ensure that part of the dose is not lost or rejected. If it is suspected that any of the dose has been lost, redosing is recommended.

HEARTGARD Plus should be given at monthly intervals during the period of the year when mosquitoes (vectors), potentially carrying infective heartworm larvae, are active. The initial dose must be given within a month (30 days) after the dog’s first exposure to mosquitoes.

The final dose must be given within a month (30 days) after the dog’s last exposure to mosquitoes.

When replacing another heartworm preventive product in a heartworm disease prevention program, the first dose of HEARTGARD Plus must be given within a month (30 days) of the last dose of the former medication.

If the interval between doses exceeds a month (30 days), the efficacy of ivermectin can be reduced. Therefore, for optimal performance, the chewable must be given once a month on or about the same day of the month. If treatment is delayed, whether by a few days or many, immediate treatment with HEARTGARD Plus and resumption of the recommended dosing regimen will minimize the opportunity for the development of adult heartworms.

Monthly treatment with HEARTGARD Plus also provides effective treatment and control of ascarids (T. canis, T. leonina) and hookworms (A. caninum, U. stenocephala, A. braziliense). Clients should be advised of measures to be taken to prevent reinfection with intestinal parasites.

EFFICACY: HEARTGARD Plus Chewables, given orally using the recommended dose and regimen, are effective against the tissue larval stage of D.immitis for a month (30 days) after infection and, as a result, prevent the development of the adult stage. HEARTGARD Plus Chewables are also effective against canine ascarids (T. canis, T. leonina) and hookworms (A. caninum, U. stenocephala, A. braziliense).

ACCEPTABILITY: In acceptability and field trials, HEARTGARD Plus Chewables were shown to be an acceptable oral dosage form that was consumed at first offering by the majority of dogs.

PRECAUTIONS: All dogs should be tested for existing heartworm infection before starting treatment with HEARTGARD Plus which is not effective against adult D. immitis. Infected dogs must be treated to remove adult heartworms and microfilariae before initiating a program with HEARTGARD Plus.

While some microfilariae may be killed by the ivermectin in HEARTGARD Plus at the recommended dose level, HEARTGARD Plus is not effective for microfilariae clearance. A mild hypersensitivitytype reaction, presumably due to dead or dying microfilariae and particularly involving a transient diarrhea, has been observed in clinical trials with ivermectin alone after treatment of some dogs that have circulating microfilariae.

Keep this and all drugs out of the reach of children.

In case of ingestion by humans, clients should be advised to contact a physician immediately. Physicians may contact a Poison Control Center for advice concerning cases of ingestion by humans.

Store at controlled room temperature of 68°F - 77°F (20°C - 25°C).

Excursions between 59°F - 86°F (15°C - 30°C) are permitted. Protect product from light.

ADVERSE REACTIONS: In clinical field trials with HEARTGARD Plus, vomiting or diarrhea within 24 hours of dosing was rarely observed (1.1% of administered doses). The following adverse reactions have been reported following the use of HEARTGARD: Depression/lethargy, vomiting, anorexia, diarrhea, mydriasis, ataxia, staggering, convulsions and hypersalivation.

SAFETY: HEARTGARD Plus has been shown to be bioequivalent to HEARTGARD, with respect to the bioavailability of ivermectin. The dose regimens of HEARTGARD Plus and HEARTGARD are the same with regard to ivermectin (6 mcg/kg). Studies with ivermectin indicate that certain dogs of the Collie breed are more sensitive to the effects of ivermectin administered at elevated dose levels (more than 16 times the target use level) than dogs of other breeds. At elevated doses, sensitive dogs showed adverse reactions which included mydriasis, depression, ataxia, tremors, drooling, paresis, recumbency, excitability, stupor, coma and death. HEARTGARD demonstrated no signs of toxicity at 10 times the recommended dose (60 mcg/kg) in sensitive Collies. Results of these trials and bioequivalency studies, support the safety of HEARTGARD products in dogs, including Collies, when used as recommended.

HEARTGARD Plus has shown a wide margin of safety at the recommended dose level in dogs, including pregnant or breeding bitches, stud dogs and puppies aged 6 or more weeks. In clinical trials, many commonly used flea collars, dips, shampoos, anthelmintics, antibiotics, vaccines and steroid preparations have been administered with HEARTGARD Plus in a heartworm disease prevention program.

In one trial, where some pups had parvovirus, there was a marginal reduction in efficacy against intestinal nematodes, possibly due to a change in intestinal transit time.

HOW SUPPLIED: HEARTGARD Plus is available in three dosage strengths (see DOSAGE section) for dogs of different weights. Each strength comes in convenient cartons of 6 and 12 chewables.

For customer service, please contact Merial at 1-888-637-4251.

Unleash the complete

killing force against fleas and ticks.

1 Of

dogs showing a preference in three studies conducted by independent investigators, dogs preferred HEARTGARD® (ivermectin) Chewables over INTERCEPTOR® (milbemycin oxime) FlavorTabs® by a margin of 37 to 1; data on file at Merial.

®HEARTGARD and the Dog & Hand logo are registered trademarks of Merial. ®INTERCEPTOR is a registered trademark of the Novartis Corporation. ®FLAVOR TABS is a registered trademark of Novartis AG. ©2010 Merial Limited, Duluth, GA. All rights reserved. HGD10CNPETQTRAD.

Unlike other products from your vet, only FRONTLINE Plus completely annihilates the flea life cycle on dogs and cats by killing fleas as adults, eggs, and larvae.

Plus ticks. And, FRONTLINE Plus keeps killing for 30 days. Satisfaction guaranteed.

That’s why it’s the #1 choice of vets for their pets* – and yours.† ®

®FRONTLINE is a registered trademark of Merial. ©2010 Merial Limited, Duluth, GA. All rights reserved. FLE10CNPRINTAD.

completekiller.com *Data on file at Merial.

Data.

† Vet-dispensed, MDI

Photo provided by Dr. Stephen Jones.

What makes heartworm disease in dogs even harder to take...

...is that this is so easy to take.

1

Ask your veterinarian for the ONLY Real-Beef Chewable.

Important Safety Information: HEARTGARD is well tolerated. All dogs should be tested for heartworm infection before starting a preventive program.

Following the use of HEARTGARD, digestive and neurological side effects have rarely been reported. For more information, please visit www.HEARTGARD.com.

Buy 12 doses* of HEARTGARD Plus (ivermectin/pyrantel), get $12 back! ®

To help ensure rebate redemption, the coupon should be fully completed.

• FOR VETERINARY CLINIC USE ONLY •

• TO BE COMPLETED BY PET OWNER •

Merial Account Number:__________________________________________________________

Available only on purchase from your veterinarian. | Coupon expires 09/01/2011.

RECEIPT MUST ACCOMPANY FORM.

Veterinary Hospital: ______________________________________________________________

PLEASE PRINT THE FOLLOWING INFORMATION:

Address:_______________________________________________________________________

Name: ________________________________________________________________________ Street Address: ________________________________________________________________

City: __________________________________________State: ______ Zip: ________________ Staff Rewards #:_________________________________________________________________

City: ______________________________________ State: ______________ Zip:____________

Staff Member Name: _____________________________________________________________

E-mail Address: ________________________________________________________________

Receipt must be included and dated on or before 09/01/2011.

Rebate request must be received on or before 12/31/2011. Merial reserves the right to amend, substitute, or withdraw this offer at any time without notice. Receipts must indicate a HEARTGARD product purchase. Offer may be redeemed only by pet owner. Good only in continental U.S. and Hawaii. Void where prohibited or restricted by law. All federal, state and local laws and regulations apply. This form must accompany request; reproductions or other copies will not be accepted. Fraudulent submission could result in Federal prosecution under mail fraud statutes (Title 18, United States Code, Section 1341 and 1342) and applicable state laws. May not be combined with any other offer for HEARTGARD products.

By providing your e-mail address, you are requesting receipt of convenient monthly e-mail reminders to give your pet HEARTGARD, as well as to receive other special offers and pet care tips from Merial.

Is this your first purchase o Yes o No of HEARTGARD?

Pet’s Age in Years_________

10HGPQTR

Redeem this coupon by returning it to: HEARTGARD Program Headquarters • PO Box #4040 • South Bend, IN 46634 NOTE: Merial respects your privacy. We will not share, sell or rent the information you provide on this form.

Rebate request must be received on or before 12/31/2011 and must be accompanied by a receipt.

One coupon required for every 12-pack purchased. Please allow 6 to 8 weeks for delivery.

*of the same product at the same time

Stamp Clinic Information Here

®HEARTGARD and the Dog & Hand logo are registered trademarks of Merial. ©2010 Merial Limited, Duluth, GA. All rights reserved. HGD10CNPETQTRAD.