Fall 2005

Parvo Virus

WHAT IS IT?

Canine Parvovirus is a viral disease of dogs that was first reported in early 1978. Parvovirus is capable of causing two different sets of clinical problems. The first to be recognized, and most common, is the “intestinal” form, which is manifested by diarrhea; often bloody vomiting, loss of appetite, depression, fever, and sometimes death. The second syndrome, the “cardiac” form, occurs in very young pups and is manifested by an acute inflammation of the heart muscle.

Any age, breed or sex of dog could be affected by Parvovirus. However, infection with Parvovirus does not automatically mean illness. Several factors such as age, environment, stress, parasites and general health status of each individual dog infected could affect the severity of illness. The degree of illness could range from very mild to unapparent to very severe, often resulting in death. The disease is usually more severe in young dogs (less than 6 months of age) or old dogs.

What are the symptoms? The symptoms below indicate a problem warranting medical attention.  Early, vigorous treatment of illness caused by canine Parvovirus infection is imperative since vomiting and diarrhea can lead to dehydration and chemical imbalance in the body. If your dog shows these signs, see your veterinarian. Early treatment can save lives.

Cardiac Form (less than 8 weeks of age)

·          Sudden death

·          Crying, difficulty breathing, gasping for breath

·          Extreme depression

·          Weakness

·          Unwillingness to nurse

·          Irregular heartbeat

Intestinal Form (any age dog affected, but more severe in puppies).

·          Depression

·          Loss of appetite

 ·          Fever (above 103 degrees F)

·          Vomiting

·          Diarrhea with or without blood (more serious if blood present)

·          Low white blood count

How is it controlled?

  Control of Parvovirus by sanitation measures alone is extremely difficult because the virus is such a resistant, hardy organism and because it is so easily spread.  Contact with other dogs and especially their stool, should be minimized.  Clorox diluted one part to 30 parts with water has been effective in disinfecting inanimate objects such as clothing, floors, kennels, etc.  However, it is impractical, if not impossible, to disinfect public streets, parks, etc.  Isolation of infected dogs is another method of control, although moderately effective.  Both of these measures will help reduce the amount of contagious virus in the environment, but only vaccination will control the actual source of infection, the contagious shedding dog.

THE ROLE OF MATERNAL ANTIBODY IN PUPPY IMMUNIZATION:

Maternal antibodies are antibodies against Parvovirus, which are passed from the mother to the puppies through the “first milk” or colostrum.  They provide the puppy with an immediate temporary or “passive” immunity.  The mother obtains these antibodies from prior vaccination or by natural exposure to Parvovirus.  However, maternal antibody is a two-edged sword; it protects the puppy against disease early in life, but it also blocks active immunization.  In the case of Parvovirus, maternal antibody can interfere with vaccination for as long as 14 to 16 weeks of age in some pups.  A refractory period can exist in some pups where very low, almost undetectable levels of maternal antibody will inhibit the vaccination process but will not prevent Parvovirus infection.  Since the level of maternal antibody varies from puppy to puppy, it is important to begin vaccination at an early age and repeat every 2-3 weeks until the puppy is at least 16 - 18 weeks old.

Fall 2005

Raisins and Grapes may be lethal to your pet

 Recent findings by veterinarians indicate raisins and grapes can be lethal to pets. The ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) began tracking these findings through their Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) in the 1980’s.  Around 1989, the APCC began noticing that dogs eating grapes or raisins began to develop acute kidney failure.

 The amount of grapes or raisins ingested causing clinical disease differs from animal to animal.  One situation involved a two-year old Australian shepherd/ Saint Bernard mix who ate one cup of raisins.  Another situation involved an adult Labrador retriever who ate an entire pound of raisins.  Both situations ended in the death of the animals.  Even with aggressive therapy, some animals perish.

 The exact mechanism of intoxication is unknown at this time.  Early clinical signs can include vomiting, not eating, lethargy, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.  These signs can last from days to weeks.   The animal may quit urinating with the progression of the kidney failure.

 We recommend that all animals ingesting grapes or raisins be seen immediately by a veterinarian.  Due to the lethal nature of many cases, we will treat all cases as if in acute kidney failure.  This aggressive therapy will give your pet the best opportunity for survival.  Remember, beware of the grapes!

Fall 2005

Preconditiong: Just the Facts

There are many different preconditioning programs, as every vaccine company has their own version.  The basics of all the programs however, all come down to the same things. A preconditioning program consists of a two vaccination series to prevent “shipping fever”. 

Shipping fever is a complex series of events that cause calves’ immunity to be lowered, whereby they contract respiratory disease.  The first step in the series is fall as the colder nights are hard on the respiratory tract.  The second is weaning which causes stress and decreases the calves’ immunity due to cortisol release.  The third is more stress during shipment where calves are transported to a new feeding environment. The last step is when they are co-mingled with other calves from differing backgrounds. 

There is truth to the saying “You can either have reputation cattle or cattle with a reputation”.

Fall 2005

Equine Dentistry

With winter approaching it is a good time to take a look at your horses’ mouth.  It is not uncommon for horses to lose weight in the winter and when spring rolls around it can take a month or more to get them back into shape.

 So you have vaccinated, de-wormed and bought some good quality hay for winter.  That is a good start, but your horse may not be able to efficiently utilize the hay for maintaining its weight, staying warm, and being fit for spring riding.  The decrease in the ambient temperature and the decreased nutrients in the hay versus green growing grass leave a gap that needs to be filled.

 A horse with hooks, ramps, sharp enamel points, waves etc. has a decreased ability to fill that gap.  When the teeth are in good shape they can grind the fiber to useable lengths and get the most energy out of their food.  An oral exam and dental is good preventive medicine.  Schedule an exam today.

Fall 2005

Trick or Treat: Chocolate Toxicity

As we enter the holiday season, we must be aware of chocolate intoxication in our pets.  Pets can be exposed to a wide variety of chocolate and cocoa products, including candies, cakes, cookies, brownies, and baking supplies.  The toxic component of chocolate is methylxanthines, specifically theobromine and caffeine.

 The relative amounts of methylxanthines vary with the form of chocolate.  The highest levels being in dry cocoa powder and Baker’s chocolate and the least in white chocolate.  Clinical signs of intoxication usually occur within 6 to 12 hours of ingestion.  Initial signs include vomiting, diarrhea, increased thirst, bloating, and restlessness.  Signs can progress to include seizures.  Death, if occurs, is generally due to cardiac or respiratory failure.

 Always keep candy and any chocolate out of reach of your pets.  If ingestion occurs, contact us immediately at the clinic

Fall 2005

Winterizing Your Pet