Arthritis

Arthritis and Your Pet

Osteoarthritis is a very common problem in our pets.  It has been estimated that greater than 60% of pets over 4 years of age have some form of arthritis.  Early arthritis in our pets often manifests with no clinical signs and even veterinarians frequently miss early arthritis.  

What does this mean for your pet?  It means that you, as their caregiver, need to observe your pet very carefully and report any subtle changes to your veterinarian.  You should watch your pet for subtle signs of "slowing down."  The "slowing down" that you may assume is a normal part of aging, may actually be an early sign of pain and arthritis.  If your pet is having problems rising from a sitting or recumbent position, difficulty with stairs, or is more reluctant to go on walks, then your pet likely already has moderate arthritis.  

Today we have many options to improve your pet's arthritis and improve his/her quality of life.  Although arthritis cannot be cured, the progression can be slowed and your pet can live a very high quality of life with the right combination of medications and supplements.  Proper weight is also vital to the health of the arthritic patient.  Pets that are overweight progress through the stages of arthritis faster than lean pets.  Studies show that weight alone will result in a more serious form of arthritis.  Weight control is the single most important thing you can do for your pet's pain control.  

How do we treat arthritis in your pet?  We first start with medications that include non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDS), Gabapentin, Amantadine, Tramadol, and occasionally opiates.  We also use PS-GAG which improves joint function over time by normalizing the synovial fluid.  In addition, we use fatty acids and high quality glucosamine products.  We offer a variety of treatment options including, but not limited to, cold laser, soft tissue mobilization, traction, joint compressions, neuro-muscular electrostimulation, and therapeutic exercise. Some of the conditions we treat are cranial cruciate ligament rupture, general lameness, aging pet osteoarthritis, luxating patellas, orthopedic conditions associated with overweight pets, traumatic injuries and  painful back conditions.  Studies show that a combination of therapies provides the most optimal outcomes in pets with arthritis.  

Don't forget to talk with us today about how we can help your pet live a better life.  Don't let your pet suffer needlessly because your pet cannot talk.  Give us a chance to show you how much better your pet can feel.  Talk with one of our staff members about how we can assist you.  And remember, Dr. Jordan is a certified animal rehabilitator and a member of the International Veterinary Academy of Pain Management.  We would love to help your pet start feeling better today!

Euthanasia

Euthanasia

"As life begins with love and awe, so should it end with compassion and grace"

Euthanasia is the process of giving an ethical and pain free death to a pet whose options for treatment have been exhausted.  Deciding to euthanize a pet is always an emotionally painful and tough decision to make.  You can find encouragement for recovery by joining support groups.  

The SPCA Pet Loss Support Group is available to help anybody grieving from the loss of a pet.  You can share and learn from others who are also grieving.      

phone number (919) 772-2326

website:

http://www.spcawake.org/site/PageServer?pagename=Humane_Ed_Pet_Loss_Support_Group

The Decision:

The Process:

Step One:  We start an IV (intravenous) and administer a sedative to make the pet comfortable and not anxious during the procedure.  During this time you and your loved ones are able to pet and talk to your pet until they fall asleep (usually 5-15 minutes).  

Step Two:  The second step is the actual euthanasia.  Once the pet is sedated, an injectable drug is given in the vein through the IV.  This medication suppresses the cerebral cortex (in the central nervous system) which is responsible for awareness.  The pet will become unconscious and then progress to anesthesia, which is the absence of pain, and then to stop the heart.  This is a peaceful process and is quick and painless for the pet.

Heartworm Disease

10 facts about Heartworm Disease in Cats:

1. Heartworm disease is not as common in cats as it is in dogs, but it isn’t a rare disease. In heartworm endemic areas, feline heartworm disease is more common than both feline leukemia and feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV)


2. Infected dogs may have 25-50 heartworms at any given time; cats have one to six. However, because of the small size of their heart and blood vessels, those one to six worms really pack a punch!


3. Symptoms in cats are caused by the inflammatory response of hosting heartworms. This translates to lung disease in cats. Clinical signs are very similar to asthma—respiratory distress, chronic coughing, and gagging.


4. Another heartbreaking symptom of heartworm disease in cats? Sudden death.


5. Heartworms are transmitted by mosquitos, but they’re not a disease of outdoor cats only. A whopping 27% of cats with heartworm disease are indoor cats!


6. Ten to twenty percent of cats with adult heartworms will die from this disease.


7. Heartworm disease in cats is difficult to diagnose.


8. Heartworm disease in cats is difficult to treat. We cannot kill the worms. We can only try to manage the symptoms.


9. Heartworm disease in cats is EASY to prevent with monthly oral and topical preventives available from your veterinarian.


10. ALL CATS, indoor included, should be on a monthly preventative!

Parasites

Heatstroke Snakebites and Bee Stings

                                   PREVENTION IS BETTER THAN TREATMENT!

Summer Provides great opportunities for outdoor time with your dog.  Enjoy it while it lasts, but keep in mind some of the following health risks:

                        HEAT STROKE

--Dogs pant to cool down.  This is less effective than sweating, so dogs are far less heat-tolerant than people.  Overweight dogs, and breeds such as bulldogs with compressed airways, are even less able to handle hot weather.
--Early signs of heat stress include shade-seeking behavior, intense thirst, and uncontrollable panting.  Stop your pet's activity immediately once signs present and seek shade and/or air conditioning and offer water to drink.  You can cautiously resume more moderate activity once symptoms resolve.  Continued overheating may progress to life-threatening heat stroke.
--Symptoms of heat stroke include weakness, collapse, vomiting, diarrhea, or seizures, and require immediate veterinary care.  Wetting your dog down with cool (not cold) water and fanning him en route can start the cooling process and may save their life.
--To Avoid Heatstroke:
    [] Keep your dog fit
    [] Avoid exercise during the hottest parts of the day or
       extremely hot or humid days.
    [] Keep water readily available at all times
    [] Watch your dog closely for signs of heat stress
    [] Remember: there is no safe amount of time you can leave 
       your dog in a parked car.  Even with the windows open, it 
       can quickly become too hot for your dog to prevent 
       overheating.  Fatal heatstroke can occur within minutes.

                                            INSECT STINGS
--Bee and wasp stings cause local pain and swelling.  Call your veterinarian immediately for the best course of action.  In the meantime apply a cold compress to the area for 3-5 minutes (a bag of frozen peas or ice cubes wrapped in a towel works well)
--Severe allergic reactions are rare in dogs, but facial swelling and hives are common.  These warrant timely veterinarian attention, but typically respond well to treatment with antihistamines.  Never administer medications to your pet without consulting a veterinarian; some over-the-counter antihistamines are extremely toxic to pets.


                                SNAKE BITES/OTHER WILDLIFE
--All snakebites should be considered dangerous.  Signs of envenomation include local pain and moderate to severe swelling
--If you suspect your dog has been bitten:
     [] Keep him calm and restrict his movement
     [] Keep the bitten limb below the level of the heart and do 
        not allow him to walk
     [] Do not apply tourniquets, ice, or suction to the limb
     [] If he was bitten in the head or neck- remove his collar
     [] Seek veterinary attention ASAP!
--SKUNK- In addition to smelling terrible, skunk spray can be irritating and cause red eyes, sneezing, pawing at the face, or vomiting.  If your dog is showing these signs contact your veterinarian.  
--PORCUPINE- Porcupine quilling is a serious matter.  Quills are barbed, will imbed deeper into tissues and can migrate through the body to end up in the eyes, lungs, or heart.  Examination and treatment by a veterinarian is recommended for any case of quilling.  Try to prevent your dog from pawing at his face while he is en route; broken quills are challenging to find and remove, resulting in higher risk of infection and quill migration.

PHONE: (919) 781-0696
EMAIL: creedmoorroadanimalhospital@gmail.com
WEB:   www.creedmoorroadanimalhospital.com

Eye Care

Man's best friend could use a good eyeballing once in a while- believe us, your dog won't take it personally!  In fact, giving him regular home eye exams will help keep you alert to any tearing, cloudiness, or inflammation that may indicate a health problem.  Check out the following ways to help keep your dog's vision sharp- and that twinkle in their eyes.

1) The Initial Gaze
Face your dog in a brightly lit area and look into his eyes.  They should be clear and bright, and the area around the eyeball should be white.  His pupils should be equal in size and there should not be tearing, discharge, or any crust in the corners of his eyes.

2) A Closer Look
With your thumb, gently roll down your dog's lower eyelid and look at the lining.  It should be pink, not red or white.

3) What to Watch Out For
The following are signs that something may be wrong with one or both of your dog's eyes:
     [] Discharge & crusty gunk
     [] Tearing
     [] Red or white eyelid linings
     [] Tear-stained fur
     [] Closed eye(s)
     [] Cloudiness or change in eye color
     [] Visible third eyelid
     [] Unequal pupil sizes

4) A Clean Sweep
A gentle wipe with a damp cotton ball will help to keep your pooch's eyes gunk-free.  Wipe outward from the corner of they eye and be careful not to touch his eyeball- you don't want to scratch the cornea.  If your dog constantly suffers from runny eyes and discharge, please see your veterinarian.  Your pet may have an infection.

5) Control the Eye-Fro
Long-haired breeds can get eye damage if their locks aren't tamed.  Using scissors with rounded tips, carefully trim the hair around your dog's eyes to keep his vision clear and prevent hairs from poking and scratching.

6) Ouch-Free Grooming & Maintenance
Soaps and topical medications can be major irritants.  Make sure to protect your dog's eyes while bathing or applying ointments or flea-control formulas.

7) Driving Ms. Fluffy
Many a pooch loves the open road and the wind in her fur, but if debris or an insect touches her eye, she may suffer pain and a long-lasting injury.  It's much safer to drive with the windows only partially down and a doggie's head inside the vehicle.  The wind can also dry out your dog's eyes, possibly causing irritation and infection.

8) It's in the Genes
Do a little research and find out if your dog's breed is predisposed toward eye conditions, such as glaucoma or progressive retinal atrophy.  Of course, your pet should have his eyes checked on annual vet visits through an exam and a tonometry test (especially senior pets), but knowing about possible inherited problems will help you take important precautions.

9) Eye-Catching Behavior
Watch your pooch's body language- pawing or rubbing his eye area may alert you to possible problems.

10) Know Thy Eye Disorders
     [] Conjunctivitis -- One or both of your dog's eyes will look red and swollen, and there may be discharge.
     [] Dry Eye -- Diminished tear production can cause corneal inflammation, squinting, and discharge.
     [] Cherry Eye -- An enlarged tear gland forms a cherry-like mass on the dog's eye.
     [] Epiphora -- An overflow of tears creates stains on the dog's facial fur
     [] Glaucoma -- The cornea becomes cloudy and the eye enlarges due to an increased pressure in the eyeball.
     [] Ectropion -- A turning outward of the upper eyelid causes the lower lid to droop.
     [] Entropion -- A rolling in of the eyelid causes discharge and tearing.
     [] Cataract -- An opacity on the lens of the eye can cause impaired vision and possible blindness.
     [] Progressive Renal Atrophy -- Caused by degeneration of retinal tissue - night blindness is often its first sign.

Call our clinic for any questions or to set up your pet's next appointment :)
PHONE       (919) 781-0696
EMAIL          creedmoorroadanimalhospital@gmail.com
WEBSITE    www.creedmoorroadanimalhospital.com

Paw and Nail Care

                         **PAW CARE TIPS FOR DOGS**

Your dog's feet sure are made for walking, but did you know they are also made for protecting? Pads provide extra cushioning to help protect bones and joints from shock, provide insulation against extreme weather, aid walking on rough ground and help protect tissue deep within the paw. With all that work to do, it's no wonder your pooch's paws often take a bit of a beating. Keep a spring in your pet's step with these tips:

1) Pamper with Pedicures- 
Your dog's nails should just about touch the ground when she walks. If her nails are clicking or getting snagged on the floor, it is time for a pedicure. Call our office to schedule a nail trim for your pet today (or nail trims are free with any bath!)

2) Snip and Trim-
Trim paw hair regularly to avoid painful matting. Simply comb hair out, especially from between the toes, and trim even with the pads.

3) Clean in Between-
Foreign objects can become lodged in your dog's pads. Check regularly in between toes for foxtails, pebbles, small bits of debris. These items can usually be removed with a pair of tweezers.

4) Slow and Steady-
If you're about to begin a new exercise program with your dog, start off slow. Paws may become sensitive, chaffed, or cracked, particularly when starting your dog on walks and runs.

5) Summertime Sores-
Imagine stepping barefoot onto hot pavement. Ouch! It is important to remember your dog's paws feel heat extremes too. To prevent burns and blisters, avoid walking your dog on hot pavement or sand. Signs include blisters, loose flaps of skin, and red ulcerated patches. For serious burns, call your vet.

6) Wintertime Blues-
Winter is hard on everyone's skin, even your dog's! Bitter cold can cause chapping and cracking. Rock salt and chemical ice melters can cause sores, infection, and blistering. Toxic chemicals can also be ingested by your dog when he licks his paws. After outdoor walks in the winter, wash your dog's paws in warm water to rinse away salt and chemicals. 

7) Practice Prevention-
To reduce the risk of injury, keep your home and yard clear of pointy bits and pieces. Be conscious to avoid hazards such as broken glass and other debris when walking your dog. And keep this simple tip- if you wouldn't want to walk on it barefoot, neither will your dog!



**Don't forget that with every bath your pet will receive a FREE nail trim and ear cleaning.
*Schedule your pet's spa day today! (919) 781-0696  creedmoorroadanimalhospital@gmail.com

Prevent Fleas

FACT: 1 flea can bite your pet up to 400 times a day which can lead to discomfort, disease, and flea allergy dermatitis

What bothers you most?  When your pet scratches so much his rattling tags keep you up all night?  It is the "thump, thump, thump" of her back leg on the floor that makes sleep impossible for you both?  Or maybe it's just knowing that your best friend is miserable because he can't get comfortable?

The majority of pet's don't have fleas- but many have been bitten because fleas are everywhere!  Fleas live outdoors in warm weather.  They can live indoors too- even in really clean homes- year-round in any climate.  Fleas will gladly hitch a ride on your pet into your house.  All it takes is one flea bite (specifically the flea's saliva), to set off a full-blown skin allergy.  They may scratch their sides and neck or even lick their paws until they are red and painful. 

If a flea has bitten your pet and it's not treated, you will have THREE problems on your hands:

1) A little itch can develop into a full-blown skin infection, making life for your pet miserable.
2) Fleas may infest your house.  Remember, fleas just take a quick "blood meal" when they bite your pet.  The rest of their lives are spent in your house- and flea eggs can lay dormant in carpets, on floors, or in the sofa for months to years. EW!
3) How do you prevent your cat or dog from bringing home MORE fleas?

The good news?  You can count on us to help derail the whole flea problem.  We're experts when it comes to flea allergies and flea prevention.  Prevention is simple and affordable.  Schedule your pet's annual checkup and let's talk about the best options for keeping the whole family (both furry and human) flea free.  Make your appointment today!

creedmoorroadanimalhospital@gmail.com   phone# (919) 781-0696

Obesity and Weight

Stop by our lobby any time for a FREE weight check for your pet!  While you are there pick up a free measuring cup for your pet's food and some free samples of our low-calorie treat options!  

Questions to ask:
How much food should I be feeding my pet?
What is the ideal weight for my pet?
How can I tell when my pet reaches their ideal weight?
Is my dog at risk for weight-related health problems?

Characteristics of a Healthy Weight:
[] Ribs are easily felt
[] Tucked abdomen- no sagging stomach
[] Waist seen when viewed from above

Signs Your Pet is Overweight:
[] It is difficult to feel ribs under fat
[] Sagging stomach: You can grab a handful of fat
[] Broad, flat back
[] No waist when viewed from above

A recent study found that more than half of all dogs and cats in the US are overweight or obese. The trouble is, many pet owners don't see it.  "We see them as part of the family, and we feed them.  (The obesity) comes from a good place because we love them.  But we need to get it under control because it can cause health problems" [-Louise Murray]  There are medical conditions that can cause obesity and weight gain so any animal that is overweight needs to be evaluated by a veterinarian.  That way, a proper weight loss program can be designed by the veterinarian.  The program generally involves diet and exercise that is individually tailored for your pet.

When buying a pet food, feel free to call your veterinarian to ask their recommendation.  Ask them how much to feed your animal (ex: A spayed/neutered needs less food).  Most dog's weight problems can be blamed on leftovers, snacks, and treats though portion control of their regular food is to blame as well.  

EXERCISE IS KEY!  Ask your vet what level of activity is appropriate for your pet.  For most, a  nice, long, moderate walk 3-4 times a week is right, but work up to it gradually.  If you take a couch potato out with a frisbee, it could injure them.  If you aren't interested in exercising, a game of fetch goes a long way.  You throw the ball, Fido retrieves it.  The point is to get the dog moving.  Some intelligent breeds could benefit from agility training.  Older dogs would prefer swimming which is much easier on their joints.  

Exercising a cat can be as simple as tying a toy to a fishing pole and waiving it around, or flicking a laser pointer around the room, etc.  Cats do well in groups.  Bringing in a kitten or another cat causes them to play more and they tend to eat better.

If you have any questions e-mail us at creedmoorroadanimalhospital@gmail.com or call us (919) 781-0696

First Post

Hello.  Welcome to our blog!!  We thought this would be a great way to post both informative and fun things all in one place.  Hope you enjoy! 

Creedmoor Road Animal Hospital is located in Raleigh, NC

Contact our office:
(919) 781-0696
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