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… at Companions Animal Hospital
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Summer Time News
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Holiday Hazard
One not often though-of hazard is the Fourth of July celebration. Many pets dread this time of year! Fireworks can cause some problems or extreme trauma in animals; symptoms range from low level quivering and pacing or whining to full panic and self-mutilation.
If you have this problem, be alert once fireworks go on sale. You can try confinement, tranquilizers prescribed by your veterinarian, or isolation in quiet areas. It is recommended that you seek a behaviorist's help in advance (several months) and work at desensitization training for permanent results and relief for extreme cases.
The BARF Diet
One of the latest trends in pet food is feeding raw foods, commonly known as the Bones And Raw Foods (BARF) diet. BARF diets are further broken down into personally prepared or commercially prepared raw foods. Nutritionists cannot find any benefits to feeding raw foods over standard pet food, and as long as the raw foods are nutritionally balanced, often by adding vitamins and minerals, dogs seem to do well on them. The biggest issue is bacterial contamination of commercially or home prepared raw food diets. A recent study tested 240 raw food diet samples, and found Salmonella and other disease causing bacteria in over 55% of the samples. If you choose to feed a raw diet, whether home or commercially prepared, practice good kitchen hygiene: keep raw meat frozen until ready to use, thaw in the refrigerator or microwave, keep raw food diets separate from other foods, and keep any kitchen items that come in contact with the raw foods clean and disinfected.
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| We are coming up in the ways of technology and have created a facebook page. If you are a facebook fan then come check us out!
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Spring Time News
Rattlesnake Envenomation
As spring arrives and the weather warms, rattlesnakes begin coming out of hibernation. Every year we see many dogs, and an occasional cat, bitten by a rattlesnake. Most bites occur on the muzzle or forepaw as the pet's curiosity moves them to check out the slithering object. Depending on the amount of venom injected, the symptoms range from severe swelling (I once treated a Doberman whose head looked like a Sharpei), to massive internal damage and death of the pet. The best treatment is to prevent a bite in the first place by keeping your pet on lead in known rattlesnake areas like our local canyons. If you think your pet may have been bitten, seek emergency veterinary care as soon as possible. Though pets rarely die from a single rattlesnake bite, antibiotics, pain management, and intravenous fluid support is the minimum level of care we recommend. We do keep try to keep rattlesnake anti-venom on hand though it is often in short supply. Anti-venom is also very expensive, so we reserve it for more severe envenomations. A rattlesnake vaccine has been available for several years now, and we do see a reduction in the severity of symptoms in vaccinated dogs. Have fun, and be careful out there!
 Internet Pet Pharmacies: Use with Caution
Some of the Internet sites that sell pet drugs are legitimate, reputable pharmacies. Unfortunately, others are unscrupulous businesses operating against the law with no regard for your pet's health and safety.
The FDA has found companies selling unapproved pet drugs, counterfeit pet products, and expired drugs. There are also businesses that dispense prescription drugs without requiring a prescription. Getting drugs and products from these businesses may be short-changing your pet's health and putting their life at risk.
Recently, pharmacies from foreign countries began advertising prescription drugs to U.S. citizens without a prescription. They may claim that one of their veterinarians will "evaluate" the pet after looking at information provided by the client and then determine medications necessary. This is bad medicine in several ways. First, a physical exam is absolutely necessary to making a diagnosis for appropriate therapy. Secondarily, drugs dispensed from these pharmacies are not under the control of the FDA and may be either counterfeit, expired, or in some cases not approved medications in the U.S. Finally, it is absolutely illegal without a patient-client-veterinarian relationship to prescribe controlled medications in the U.S.
The most common prescription drugs dispensed over the internet are NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatories) and heartworm prevention. Both carry risks that a veterinarian should be monitoring for if a pet is taking them. With NSAIDs, animals should have regular blood work and physical exams to make sure that side effects from these drugs are not occurring. With heartworm prevention, it is imperative to make sure your dog isn't heartworm positive before starting prevention. If a dog does have heartworm disease, the longer the worms stay untreated the more damage will occur to the heart. Some breeds can also have sensitivities to certain heartworm medications.
If you are thinking about using an online pharmacy, check into its business practices first. If it offer medications with no prescription, are foreign based, or try to change a written prescription in any way without your veterinarian's approval, do NOT do business with them.
Sacramento Turtle and Tortoise Club (STTC) - RIDGE Branch
Announcing the launch of the RIDGE branch of the Sacramento Turtle and Tortoise club.
The RIDGE branch is a local resource for turtle enthusiasts to share their experiences in caring for chelonians and to get their questions answered. The branch will provide a venue to meet fellow hobbyists in the area and will provide a source to adopt or surrender turtles and tortoises. Please email: michael.rajkumar@gmail.com for details on becoming a member of the club or visit www.turtlebunker.com. Please note that we will have meetings in Paradise once we have considerable number of members in the area. Meanwhile feel free to write or call with any questions you might have. You can also find us on Facebook, search for Sacramento Turtle and Tortoise Club.
Come join us and Happy Turtling!
Michael - 530-873-6790
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| February Is Dental Month- Pets Needs Dental Care, Too!
For most of us, caring for our teeth and gums has been part of our daily routine for as long as we can remember. Just like it is for you, oral health care is important for pets - regular, professional care from veterinarians and home care from pet owners to keep plaque removed. PET DENTAL FACTS●Periodontal disease is the most prevalent disease among dogs and cats ●An astounding 80% of dogs and cats show signs of oral disease by age three, according to the American Veterinary Dental Society (AVDS) ●Periodontal disease is common in dogs of smaller breeds because dogs' teeth often are too large for their mouths, forcing the teeth closer together. ●Broken teeth are a common problem for dogs, especially among outdoor dogs. SIGNS OF PERIODONTAL DISEASE
Tooth loss
Subdued behavior
Abnormal drooling
Bad breath
Bleeding gums
Yellow/brown teeth
Change of chewing/eating habits
Going to the food bowl, but not eating
CONTRIBUTING FACTORS
●Poor Oral Hygiene: Ignoring the condition of your pets
mouth can lead to periodontal disease, tooth loss and other health problems.
●Breed: Periodontal disease is more common in smaller breeds of dogs and certain breeds of cats.
●Age: Periodontal disease is more common as pets grow older.
Please call for an appointment. Dr. Caruso or Dr. Duffy will be glad to examine your animal and check those teeth!
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Winter Time News
Spay Day Thanks from TOPCats
What better way to spend a leisurely Sunday than by spaying and neutering feral cats? That's what Dr. Valerie Caruso, owner of Companions Animal Hospital, thought when she proposed the idea of a spay day to TOPCats on the Ridge. Dr. Caruso has been working with TOPCats on their Trap/Neuter/Return (TNR) program. This program is designed to humanely reduce the feral and homeless cat population on the Ridge.
Drs. Caruso and Shawn Duffy; as well as vet techs Edie, Becca, Patty, and ROP students, Nicole and Shaguy, donated their time to fix the felines. TOPCats volunteers brought in cats in the morning and picked them up that same afternoon. The cats were returned to their territory the next day. The doctors and staff altered 7 males and 6 females. Thirteen more altered cats is a tremendous help in reducing unwanted litters.
By donating their time and services, this spay day saved TOPCats almost $600. The organization only had to pay for the cost of vaccines.
"This was such a great idea. We are so thankful to everyone at Companions for spending their Sunday helping the cats," said volunteer Janice Smith. "Everyone at TOPCats is very appreciative." By: Tamara Lynch President of TOPCats 
Help For Paradise Animal Shelter 
We will be holding a fundraiser for the Paradise Animal Shelter though December to help build up their supplies. They need all pet supplies including but not limited to: dog and cat food both wet and dry, treats, bleach, dish soup, laundry detergent, towels, blankets, and toys.
All donations can be dropped off at our office (we are open Monday through Friday 8-5, Saturday 9-12, and we do not close for lunch) or donations can be dropped off directly at the shelter, which is located off American Way in lower Paradise.
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Canine Influenza
Authored by: Becky Lundgren, DVM
Canine influenza, or canine flu, is an emerging respiratory tract disease. Canine influenza is caused by a highly contagious virus that was identified in Florida in 2005 when it caused several severe respiratory outbreaks in racing greyhounds. The disease appears to occur most frequently in high-density dog populations: dogs who are housed with numerous other dogs in places such as shelters, boarding facilities, breeding kennels, pet stores, rescue groups, dog shows, and greyhound tracks. The disease is thought to have originated as a mutation of a strain of influenza that affects horses and is not related to typical human influenza strains or the avian flu.
Based on cases diagnosed over the past several years, the influenza virus appears to be as contagious as other causes of kennel cough, and it has no greater mortality (death) rate. Morbidity (illness) rates can range from 80% to 50% on the high end, and evidence indicates that perhaps 50% of infected dogs develop antibodies without showing any clinical disease at all.
"Mortality rates are certainly less than 1% and often are zero," said Brad Fenwick, DVM, PhD, DACVM, University Vice President for Research and Professor of Infectious Disease Pathobiology at Virginia Tech. "As with most cases of kennel cough, the clinical signs are generally mild, the disease resolves without treatment, and treatment does not noticeably alter the course and duration of the disease."
According to Dr. Fenwick, in the complex cases with a secondary bacterial pneumonia, severe clinical signs of shock and disseminated intravascular coagulopathy (DIC, a clotting problem in which bruising is caused by internal bleeding) can develop rapidly regardless of the primary infection. For dogs suspected of having canine influenza, the complication rate of cases is generally around 1%, while with other causes of kennel cough the complication rate can approach 5%.
Christopher Olsen, DVM, PhD, a professor of public health at the School of Veterinary Medicine at University of Wisconsin-Madison, led a team investigating the virus. "Signs are fever, coughing, and decreased appetite and activity levels. Although this can look quite similar to routine 'kennel cough,' I would suggest taking dogs to a veterinarian at the first signs of illness, as intensive supportive care can be important in reducing fatalities."
In 2009, a canine influenza vaccine was released. This vaccine is not considered a "core" vaccine by veterinary experts. It can be useful for animals that are kept in high-density situations (shelters, racing kennels, boarding facilities, dog shows, etc.) where bordetellosis might also be commonly seen. The vaccine requires a booster 2 to 4 weeks after the first dose is given, and the second dose should be given at least 7 days prior to the dog entering the at-risk situation (boarding kennel, dog show, etc.) The vaccine will not prevent canine influenza, but it will help reduce clinical signs (the severity of lung lesions, the duration of coughing, and the amount of viral shedding).
Copyright 2009 - 2009 by the Veterinary Information Network, Inc. All rights reserved.
***Companions Animal Hospital is not currently offering the Canine Influenza Vaccine. We feel that it is not warranted for use in our area at this time. Whenever a company introduces a new vaccine, sales and marketing forces go all out to "launch" their product. Fear of disease is a commonly used marketing tool in both human and pet medicine. We prefer to use a scientific approach. The vaccine is new and only conditionally licensed. There are no studies by outside (independent) companies supporting its efficacy.
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Fall Time News
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Convenia: The New Convenience
(Antibiotic Injection Now Available)
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Are you unable to administer pills or liquid medications to your pet? This can be a serious problem should they develop an infection or abscess and need an antibiotic to recover. We now have available a long acting injectable antibiotic that can solve this problem.
Convenia is an injectable antibiotic that can be used to treat certain infections in our pets. It is given in a single injection under the skin during an office visit, and delivers medication for 7 to 10 days after the injection. Cats are the most common recipient of Convenia injections, but dogs can be treated with it as well. This class of antibiotics is especially effective in the treatment of abscesses, skin infections, and infected wounds.
If you should need an antibiotic for your pet in the future, Convenia might just be the more convenient treatment for you.
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Fall For a Feral
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For all of October, we will be having a fundraiser for TOPCats. This non-profit organization spays/neuters feral cats, as well as maintains and provides much needed care for the feral cat populations. Not only does TOPCats help to reduce the population of feral cats by altering and then releasing them, they also help ill feral cats in need who have no one else to take care of them. Donations of cat food (both wet and dry), volunteers, and monetary donations are needed most, though other donations are gladly accepted. Such donations include: blankets, pet carriers, towels, cat supplies, and cat foster homes.
TOPCats on the Ridge Inc.
P. O. Box 2281
Paradise, CA 95967
530-872-8112
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Summer Time News
 Summer: Its Hotter Than You Think
The hot weather is here. Please remember to leave pets at home when running errands. Even if parked in the shade with the windows open, your car can become a deadly oven for pets. Heatstroke is a horrible thing to suffer. Do your pets a favor and leave them home.
If you are planning to take your dog for some outdoor fun, remember to bring plenty of water. Also, try to time activities so that they occur during the coolest parts of the day (morning and early evening). Be especially careful if your dog is a short nosed breed (Pug, Boston, Bulldog, etc.) These breeds can easily over heat and go into respiratory distress. Be safe, and enjoy the sunny days.
 Pets In Need Clinic Update
Well, thanks to all the generous donations we received, our clinic was a success and a well-stocked pet food bank is in place at the Jesus Center in Chico. We vaccinated, examined, and treated approximately 12 dogs and cats, and have provided food for many more!! We would like to thank all of you who donated food or cash for this cause. Special thanks to the employees of United Health Care who collected 800 pounds of pet food, and to the Chico State University Friends of Animals who also donated a large amount of food. Thanks also go out to our veterinary suppliers who donated vaccines and medical supplies: Bayer Animal Health Merial Fort Dodge And, last but definitely not least, thanks to Jose and Patty for being my assistants, and to Deborah Howell and Bill Such of the Jesus Center for opening their facility to us. We hope to host another clinic in September - we'll keep you updated! Dr. Valerie Caruso  |
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Introducing Advantage Multi
 In our effort to help protect cats from heartworm disease we are now carring Advantage Multi for cats. Advantage-Multi is a once a month topical solution that prevents heartworm disease, kills adult fleas and is indicated for the treatment of flea infestations, control of ear mite infestations, control of hookworms and roundworms.
Advantage Multi is not for breeding, pregnant, or lactating cats. Cats must be older then 9 weeks, they also must weigh over 5lbs. Advantage multi comes in two sizes under 9lbs. and over 9lbs
Foxtails
Foxtail Season is fast approaching. Every year as our hills begin to brown up, the dreaded foxtail makes its appearance.
Foxtails are the seeds of a grass notorious for the problems it causes our pets. One plant can have dozens of seeds. The seeds are "V" shaped with a sharp point on one end and tiny barbs on the other. This structure allows the foxtail to migrate into the coat of our pets in a forward direction, getting into ears, eyes, and deep into the skin causing pain, infection, and serious health problems.
EARS: Foxtails in the ear canal are quite uncomfortable. They can even eventually rupture the ear drum and migrate deeper. Signs are shaking the head or pawing at the ears. Some dogs require anesthesia to have them removed.
EYES: Foxtails can get trapped underneath the eyelids causing excruciating pain and usually scratches to the cornea (surface of the eye). Symptoms include pawing at the eye, redness, discharge, and squinting. If not caught in time, the foxtail can cause rupture of the eye.
SKIN: Foxtails easily get caught in the fur and eventually work into the skin causing a nasty sore and infection. These lesions can be anywhere on the body, but the feet are especially prone. Symptoms include lameness, licking excessively in one spot, or a draining sore. Sometimes removal is easy, but if the foxtails are in long enough and the body has had time to try to "wall off" the invader, they can be very difficult to find. Sometimes multiple procedures are required to find the foxtail.
NOSE: Foxtails up the nose cause immediate, violent sneezing. This is a very painful condition and requires quick intervention. Removal requires general anesthesia.
Foxtails can travel a long way once inside the body and can end up causing severe, life threatening problems if they get into the lungs or other parts of the chest. For that reason, we take all foxtail cases seriously.
Minimize the Danger of Foxtails
- Keep pets on paths when walking them, and out of bushes or fields during the dry/hot months of summer.
- Keep your yard clear of weeds.
- Keep you pet's fur trimmed short, especially the feet and ears. Trim every 6 to 8 weeks form the time the hills start browning until the start of the rainy season.
- Brush and check your pet daily for foxtails.
- If you suspect a foxtail, call for an appointment as soon as possible.
Did You Know Cats Get Heartworms Too?
 Cats can contract heartworms the same way dogs can, through a bite from an infected mosquito. Though cats are more resistant to heartworms there is still a good chance they can contract the disease. Some cats develop a strong immune response to the heartworm, killing them or causing them to no longer be able to thrive. Though heartworms are not as common a threat they are still a significant danger to your cat. Heartworms can cause significant lung damage in cats. Newly arriving worms and the subsequent death of most of these same worms can result in an acute lung inflammation response and lung injury. The clinical signs of heartworm infection in cats can be very non-specific and may mimic other feline diseases. A cat may exhibit generic signs of illness, such as vomiting intermittently, lethargy, anorexia (lack of appetite), weight loss, coughing, asthma-like signs, gagging, difficulty breathing or rapid breathing. A blood test must be run to check to see if indeed a cat as heartworm. If your interested in finding out more about heartworm disease in cats or interested in getting your cat on heartworm prevention, please give us a call at 872-2345.
Treacherous Beauty
Easter Lilies and their close relatives grace many of our homes and yards with their beauty this time of year. Those of us with four-legged furred critters, i.e., our canine and feline family members, need to be vigilant if we choose to bring these lovely flowers into our homes.
Though the exact chemical nature of the toxins is unknown, they are particularly harmful to cats with the flowers even more toxic than the leaves. Symptoms of poisoning include: vomiting, lethargy, decreased urination, loss of balance, tremors, and seizures. If treated within two hours of ingestion, vomiting can be induced to rid the poison from the pet's body. Otherwise, a hospitalization of several days in duration to treat the nervous system signs as well as kidney failure will be needed. Not all pets will respond to treatment and survive.
Lilies to beware of include: Easter, Stargazer, Japanese, Day, and Tiger lilies. Lily-of-the-Valley and Peace Lilies are NOT toxic.
Please use caution when including the toxic lilies in your home environment and seek immediate attention if you suspect your pet may have chewed on leaves and/or flowers. |
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4/12/07 |
Rattlesnake Protection For Your Pup
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Locally Rattlesnakes are seasonal and come out during the warmer weather and with that warm weather approaching quickly it's a great time to get your dog started on the rattlesnake vaccine. If your dog has never had the vaccine before they will require two to three injections before optimal protection can be achieved. Each vaccine is given three to four weeks apart so you need to start early in the season, usually March or April. Rattlesnakes are found in wetlands, deserts and forests, from sea level to mountain elevations. Rattlesnakes are most active in warmer seasons, from Spring to Autumn. In southern latitudes they are occasionally found year-round. Dogs can encounter a rattlesnake anytime they are in rattlesnake habitat. You and your dog may live in rattlesnake habitat. Perhaps you travel through or frequently visit places where rattlesnakes are found. Maybe rattlesnakes are around when you take your dog hiking, camping or hunting. Curiosity or a protective instinct can place your dog at risk. A snakebite is always an emergency! Even after your dog is vaccinated against rattlesnake venom, she should be taken to a veterinarian for evaluation and care as soon as possible following snakebite. Even bites by non-venomous snakes can lead to serious infections and antibiotic treatment may be needed. A veterinarian can determine if your dog is sufficiently protected for the specific type of snake involved and the amount of venom injected, or whether additional medical treatment would be helpful. If you have any questions please give us a call at (530) 872-2345. For more info on the manufactor of the Rattlesnake vaccine please visit Red Rock @ www.redrockbiologics.com |
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