CORNELL COLLEGE OF VETERINARY MEDICINE
DOGWatch April 2019 . Vol. 23, No.4
@ I"" III . i~ What Emergency Clinics See Most Attempt to Stop Lyme Making the difference between life and death Target the primary carriers ur dogs are often curious and full than 24 hours to be noticed. You don't he battle against Lyme disease just of life. While this makes them great want to wait that long, A blunt trauma got more interesting. In an attempt O companions, it also makes them victim needs an immediate check· up. Tto move away from just ridding areas prone to injuries and toxin exposure, ofdeer to prevent tick-borne illnesses, which usually require immediate care. Toxic Food Ingestion Connecticut entomologists now plan to Most dogs love to scarf down a treat, target the start and va_c.cinate the white Bit. Wound. whether they are supposed.to or not, and footed mice that are major carries of the Why thl' is all emergency: Bite wounds many potential canine toxins are in our Lyme bacteria and popular tick targets. are often called the "tip of the iceberg." households. What you should know: According to Scientific American, the The wound itselfcan look superficial, Xylltol swe.tener is becoming more mice will be fed a kibble that contains belying significant trauma to the tissues fam iliar in households, but it poses a an oral vaccine. "It's OUf secret sauce, underneath. Further, bites are prone to significant threat to dogs. Ingestion will if you will:' says Mason Kauffman, a infection. cause a massive spike in insulin with a spokesperson with vaccine developer Wilat you should kllOw: resultant drop in blood u.s. Biologic. The pellet has layers, "like Ifyour dog will tolerate sugar. Early signs are a peanut M&M;' Kauffman says. Purina gentle cleaning of the Iii' weakness, tremoring, and custom manufactured the kibble. "The wound with warm water 1••••••\!!J.. seizures. Symptoms start 'chocolate coating' around the peanut is and soap, you can do that • as early as 10 to 15 minutes the vaccine, then the 'candy coating'... is at home. However, in all after ingestion, At higher a coating that protects the vaccine from but the mildest punctures, doses, xylitol can cause liver stomach acids;' Kauffman says. "The veterinary evaluation is -,- """'...... , failure. Ifyour dog eats this, vaccine enters the bloodstream through critical to avoid infection and rabies. this is an absolute emergency. the animal's intestines." Chocolate toxicity is dose· dependent. According to the Washington Post, Lacerations If an SO· lb. pit buJJ eats a few M&Ms, "In an endemic area ... at least half Why this Is an emergr"'),: Trauma clinical signs are unlikely. Ifa Chihuahua and sometimes up to 90 percent of the from branches, fences, equipment, and eats a few tablespoons of baker's mice are infected with Lyme bacteria." other objects can require sutures and chocolate, however, it could be lethaL You By targeting antibiotics. Treatment depends on the need to find out. the mice, location of the laceration and its severity. RaJslns mIdgmp.s can cause some eruchers What )'ou ,',ould k/low: Although dogs to devel~ kidney failure. Why hope to stop dogs are resis tant to the tetanus bacteria some dogs are OK and others experience the spread of (
truly approved to further protect yourself (yes, some products have Joseph Wakshlag, MS, DVM, Ph.D., Dipl ACVN, fraudulent or fake seals). If not, you may want to return the product. Asso<:: i(l lP Professor.( 1lI lIcal ulntion
Margaret C. McEntee, DVM Dipl AG1M DACVR Name the Dog Health Center at Cornell Professor of Dnco1ogy Meredith L. Miller, DVM Dip ACVlM We have the expertise-now we need the perfect moniker Lecturer, Sm,, 1! Animal Med icine
Leni K. Kaplan, MS, DVM ith nearly 90 million dogs living as pets in the United States, dog lovers, Lec turer. Community Practice Service 'tleterinarians. veterinary technicians, breeders. and others will benefit from DogWatch is an independent Cornell's College of Veterinary Medicine establishing a state-of-the-art canine W newsletter p roduced in collaboration health center. This center will be dedicated to improving the health and well-being of with the Co rnell Co llege of Veterinary dogs, while providing a reliable, respected source of information about the actual needs of the dogs and those who love them. Cornell University Our world-renowned experts are ready to conduct canine health studies. They will College o £ share that information with others and provide the latest in veterinary I) Veterinary Medicine care to everyone interested in dogs and their health. All we need is ! the right name! For information on pet health, visit the Cornell } We would appreciate your help in finding that name. Please go to University College of Veterinary Medicine, 'W'V¥W.vet.comeILedu /caninecenter and complete a short survey. We website at v et.comell.edu ,. understand the link was down for a few days in December, so please Send l'ellder qUestklM and I.n.rs to the! Id_ltor. try again if you still would like to participate .• DogWatch ------~~--~------~~------535 Connecticut Ave. Study Looks at Brain Size and Intelligence Norwalk, CT06854-1713 dogw [email protected] u Bigger dogs may have better memory and self control, at least with treats Subscriptions: $39 per year (U.s.) • $49 per year (Canada). For subscription and igger dogs may have better short-term memory and self-control than more petite customer service information, viSit pups, according to a study [rom the University ofArizona (UA) published in www.dogwatchnewsletter.com!cs B Animal Cognition. However, brain size didn't predict a dog's performance on or write to: DogWatch, P.O. Box 8535, tests of social intelligence, which was measured by testing each dog's ability to follow Big Sandy, TX 75755-8535.800-829-5574 human pointing gestures. It also wasn't associated with a dog's inferential and physical DogWatch' (lSSN: 1098-26391 is reasoning ability. _ published monthly for S39 per year by Belvorr Media Group, LL(' Short-term memory was tested by dog owners hiding a treat, in view of their dog, :]535 ConnectiCUI Ave., Norwalk, under one of two overturned plastic cups. Owners then waited 60, 90. CT 06854-1713. Robert Englander, Belvoir Chairman and CEO; Timothy H. Cole, 120, or 150 seconds before releasing their dog to get the treat. Smaller Executive Vice President, Editorial dogs had more difficulty remembering where the treat was hidden. Director; Philip L. Penny, Chief Operating Officer; To test self-control, owners placed a treat in front of their seated dog Greg King, Executive Vice President, Marketing Director; Ron Goldberg, Chief Financial Officer; and then forbade the dog from taking it. Owners then either watched the 10m Canfield, Vice President, Circulation. dog, covered their own eyes, or turned away from the dog. Larger-breed , (1 2019 Belvoir Media Group, LLC. dogs typically waited longer to snag the forbidden treat. I Postmasler: Send address corrections to The study was based on data from more than 7,000 purebred i DogWatch, P.O. Bo)( 8535, Big Sandy, TX 75755-8535. domestic dogs from 74 different breeds from dognition.com. Brain size i Express written permission is required to was estimated based on breed standards._ " reproduce, in any manner, the contents of this Horsclller. DJ, e! al. Absolute brain size predic!j dog breed dijj'erwces in executive j Ullction. Animal CogIIWon, issue, either in full or In part For more information; Permissi ons, DogWatch, 535 Connecticut Ave., 2019; D Ol : 10. J007/5 1oo71-018-01234-1 Norwalk, Connecticut 06854-1713.
2 DogWatch April 2019 primarily white, or do they have large Drool: Normal or Not? chunks of calculus (tartar) built up on them? Are his gums a healthy pink, or Drooling can indicate an illness or an injury are they red and irritated? These signs indicate periodontal disease and that it is very dog owner has experienced time for your dog to have a dental exam. ptyalism, aka drooling, at one time Look for cracked or broken teeth, Eor another. Dogs salivate when they missing teeth, cuts, growths along the smell something tasty just like we do, but gums and inside the lips, and anything they don't mind as much if anyone sees stuck in his leeth. Dogs who like to chew them drool. on sticks can get pieces wedged in the BaSically, your dog drools when there roof of their mouths-to check, place is an excess ofsaliva' in his mouth and it your fingertips behind his canine teeth to spills over rather than being swallowed encourage him to open his mouth. IfYOll normally. What you need to be aware of see an object caught in your dog's teeth are changes in the quantity or quality of and can easily remove it, he probably will the drool, which may indi.cate a problem. be back to his normal self shortly. Ifhe resists having his mouth looked What's Droo' Anywayl at, acts painful, or if you filld something The water and mucus found in saliva out of place, go to a veterinarian. TIle help lubricate food, which protects the removal of growths or foreign bodies that mucosal cells of the digestive tract from are really wedged in will require sedation damage and makes swallowing easier. A dog who begins to drool for no apparent or general anesthesia. Enzymes in saliva start the digestive reason needs a prompt mouth inspection. Even if your dog otherwise appears process by breaking down carbohydrates fine, unusual excessive drooling is worth and fats. him to focus, such as sit, down, or even scheduling an exam to make sure that White blood cells and antimicrobial to fetch a particular object. Ifyour dog there isn't something going on. Blood and immune factors in saliva serve as a seems to be stressed, figure out why work is a staple of systemic workups. as first line ofdefense against pathogens and address that issue. For example, if your dog's blood chemistry values can that enter the mouth. Not that our houseguests upset him, put him in a quiet direct your veterinarian to what part of darling dogs would ever eat anything room where he feels secure and can relax. the body is having trouble. Some tumors gross or contaminated. Dental problems, foreign bodies, within the head can cause excessive Saliva also plays an important role issues in the gastrointestinal (GO tract, drooling if they affect the nerves in taste. As food dissolves in saliva, the growths, injuries, irritation, and nausea associated with the salivary glands. resulting molecules are processed by the are more concerning causes of drooling. dog's taste buds, and that information is In some of these cases, drooling may Normal Conformation Effect sent to the brain via nerves. be initiated by your dog's body to break Some breeds drool more than others. Epithelial cells are from the outer down or remove something that shouldn't Dogs with large, loose lips are the layer of the inside ofyour dog's mouth. be in the mouth. It also could be due to most common offenders. including These cells are why a saliva sample can structural damage. Bloodhounds, Mastiffs, Newfoundlands, be used to extract DNA to check your and Saint Bernards. If you have a dog dog for generic diseases and to figure out Diagnosing a Problem of one of these breeds or a mix of them, what breed or mix he is. The first stepisTo check inside your dog's lrivest in some absorbent hand towels. mouth, if he'll let you. Do this carefully Breeds with tighter lips, like Dobermans, Causes of Drooling by lifting his lips-don't stick your fingers have conformation better suited to Things that make your dog drool include: between his teeth. Are his teeth clean and keeping saliva in the mouth.• .. Dental problems .,. Excitement .. Food What You Should Know .. Foreign bodies If your slobbery dog is happy and otherwise behaving normally, drool is probably a .. GI problems normal part of his day, or maybe there's reason for him to salivate, such as a sandwich .. Growths (benign or malignant) he desires. Be concerned about drooling and investigate further if you see; ... Injuries ... Irritation ~ Sudden drooling in a dog who does not normally do so ~ Nausea .. Stress ~ Excessive and prolonged drooling .. Systemic disease ~ Drooling accompanied by dry heaving andlor vomiting Excitement, food, and stress are all normal causes of drooling. For an overly ~ Abnormal behavior (just doesn't seem to be himself) i excited dog, you can calm him down by removing him from the situation or ... Known or suspected ingestion of a caustic or toxic substance asking him to perform tasks that require www.dogwatchnewsletter.com April 2019 3 IIIIIIIII~------
Senility and Your Senior Dog What You Can Do Watch your aging dog for COD by Recognizing it and realizing you can help is step No. 1 using the acronym DISHA: s our dogs age, we notice they sleep and then, once the person is up, the dog ... Disorientation more, show signs of arthritis, and goes back to lie down. ~ Interaction (social) changes A sometimes battle incontinence. We ~ Sleep/wake cycle disturbance understand heart problems and cancers DI,orlentation ~ House soiling sometimes come with aging, but changes Your dog may seem disoriented at times, ~ Activity/anxiety changes in neurologic function, known as canine walking into a corner, seeming confused You may also see a decrease in self cognitive disorder (CCO) or cognitive about how to get out. But there's also grooming, changes in appetite, less dysfunction syndrome (CDS) may take actual "head pressing" that may signal response to stimuli, and a decline in us back a step. neurologic disease such as brain cancers. memory or learning ability. Because In a study looking at owner-reported Sometimes owners notice an older dog these symptoms could have a medical symptoms and prevalence. 28 percent walks into walls or furniture, especially if cause as well, bring a video of the of dogs ages 11 to 12 showed signs things were moved. That may be a vision changes you see in your dog to the consistent with cognitive decline, which problem, not CCO. What about when veterinary appointment. rose to 68 percent by age 15 to 16. Amy L. you call your dog and he doesn't react? Pike DVM, a board-certified veterinary That could be hearing or CCo. may relieve himself right by the door. behavior specialist in northern Virginia, Many senior pets with CCD exhibit believes owners sometimes dismiss these SodaI InteractIon "house-training collapse." Your dog who signs as normal aging. But we shouldn't. Older dogs sometimes behave differently faithfully went eight hours without a Ignoring the subtle signs of cognitive when out in public or if a new person or problem while you were at work now has decline can delay treatment that might pet is added to the house. An example is accidents. He may wake up and leave a slow its progression. a senior dog who alway, enjoyed puppy small puddle of urine in his bed or just antics but suddenly starts snarking at suddenly stop while walking, urinate on SI""pIWlke Cyd., the pups. Older dogs with CCO may no the floor, and continue on as if nothing We often first notice changes in sleep longer greet people with enthusiasm, happened. Some dogs appear to be as and wake cycles. Your dog gets you up even those with "top friend status:' shocked as you are that there is a mess at night pacing and unable to settle. Maybe the dog who was always asked to on the floor and may act concerned and Maybe he can't get comfortable or has an go on errands now wal ks away from the hide when there are puddles or piles. increasing need to urinate. door, choosing to stay home. As always, the first step is to rule out It also could be "sundowners." Just as treatable medical conditions su ch as a in humans with dementia, sundowners House SoilIng bladder infection or diabetes. is when confusion and agitation set True incontinence is due to medical in around late afternoon through the conditions. An arthritic dog or dog with ActIvity/AnxIety evening. In dogs, they may wake their vision problems may hesitate to ask to go Activity can go both ways in dogs with owner up with nose nudges or whining out ifhe must negotiate stairs. Instead, he CCO. Many families report that their
What Type of CCO? Leticia Fanucchi, DVM, PhD, director of Veterinary Medicine Behavioral Services at Washington State University's Veterinary Hospital, classifies CCD into four categories:
Involutiye depression may be caused partly by untreated anxieties, similar to chronic depression in humans. Untreated anxieties seem to playa key role. And, because some of the symptoms (house soiling) often result in the dog's confinement, both anxiety and symptoms worsen.
Dy.thymla (dystemic disorders) involves a loss of proprioception, which is the awareness of body placement and movement. Dystemic dogs often get stuck in corners and behind furniture. But there's a more serious dimension to dysthymia: "If you interrupt a dog while he's in a dystemlc You may notice youro/der dog seems depressed, unsure, or state, he can get mad and bite; says Dr. Fanucchi. confused, seeming to be lost at rimes.
Hyper-aggrfl5slvene.ss in old dogs is associated with dysfunction related to serotonin. Cortical tumors can also be involved. "Dogs wi th this form olCCD lose their ability to communicate with other animals:says Dr. Fanucchi."They bite first and warn second:'
Confu.lonal syndrome is a profound decline in cognitive ability. These dogs "just don't seem to learn well in any form: says Dr. Fanucchi, noting that confusional syndrome in dogs is the closest thing to Alzheimer's in humans.
4 DogWatch April 2019 @ ',ii,1 '" dog is less active as he ages. This might prescription diet for cognitive problems. be due to a mental status problem, Extra ingredients in these foods usually obesity, or arthritis, or other problem, include antioxidants, like added vitamins On the other hand, many dogs with and omega 3 fatty acids. Before adding CCD pace in the evening and late night, a supplement, however, consult your exhibiting increased activity. This may be veterinarian or a veterinary nutritionist a repetitive pattern or random walking. to be sure that the diet will remain Sometimes senior dogs will pace, go to lie balanced with these additions. down for a few minutes, then get up and SpeCific neuronal support move again. supplements include ingredients sllch Anxiety levels may increase or as S-adenosyl methionine (SAMe), decrease. Dogs with storm phobias Cater your together time to your dog's mental ginkgo biloba, phosphatidylserine, and that develop later in life may lose those and physical ability. apoaequorin. Products that have some phobias due to physical changes in the clinical trials to support their beneficial inner ear. More commonly, dogs with is mental work with minimal physical actions include Neutricks, Senilife, and CCD become more sensitive to things stress, and even blind and deaf dogs enjoy Novifit. TI,e goal of these supplements is that concern them. TI,is may play out as using their sense of smell. to maintain and prolong the health of the separation anxiety or reacting strongly Old dogs CAN learn new tricks. nerves in your dog's brain. to situations that might have mildly The adage "use it or lose it" fits for Melatonin can help with the nightly concerned them before, such as strangers senior dogs. and learning new things pacing, as can veterinary-prescribed an ti coming to the house or flickering lights keeps their brains active. Pick up a trick anxiety medications. with power brownouts. book and choose some tricks that fit When it comes to specific treatment Occasionally, increased anxiety may with things your dog likes to do and for CeD, only Anipryl (selegiline) is show up as mindless barking. This can that won't be too much physically. Dog FDA-approved. Selegiline acts directly be complicated by barking related to Tricks (Idiot~ Guides) by Debra Eldredge on the brain to produce more dopamine. deafness. DVM and Kate Eldredge is a good choice This Inedication can interact with other with great photos. common medications. such as tick Diagnosis Consider setting up an area with preventives and pain medications .• ceo is a "rule out diagnosis;' which pee pads to encourage a senior dog who means you look at other possible has limited bladder control to go there. causes for the symptoms (like a bladder Put washable covers over dog beds with infection for house soiling) and, when water-resistant fabric, so you can just Stem Cells Promising those potential causes are eliminated. you wa sh the cover and not the whole bed. are left with CCD. A thorough workup Senior dogs tend to do best with Stem cells may offer a new treatment with a full physical examination , a regular daily routine. Try to keep option for dogs with CCD. A team of urinalysis, complete blood panel mealtimes and walk times consistent. medical doctors and veterinarians at including CBC and thyroid evaluations Don't rearrange furniture. When you the UniverSity of Sydney's Brain and is important. If there are concerns about go out, make sllre your old dog is safely Mind Centre collaborated to restore a possible brain malignancy, more serious confined in a safe space he finds familiar. normal function to two dogs with CCD. diagnostics such as an MRI may be It's risky to leave him alone, as he could They grew neural cells from skin cells recommended. wander and get stuck behind the couch, and then injected them into the dogs' A complete behavioral history for example. brains. Both dogs showed remarkable is paramount here in developing a improvemeRt,·which bodes well for treatment. Keep a written record of your Dietary Support the future for both dogs and humans, dog's behavior, including when and you Look into diets designed for senior dogs. although the small sample size limits saw the behavior. Your veterinarian might recommend a predictions.
Envlronm"ntal Management Treating CeD involves different options. Age-Related Physical Changes in Brain Anatomy Best results occur when you manage your dog's environment and lifestyle as well ... Atrophy of cells with an overall reduction in neurons as trying supplements and medications. Remember, you are trying to slow down ... Increases in the "open spaces" of the brain, such as ventricles and sulci an inevitable process; you aren't going for ~ Decreased blood now to the brain (which means less oxygen and glucose for fuell a cure. due to systemic diseases such as heart disease, kidney disease. or diabetes Keep your dog active and mentally engaged. Walks catered to your dog's ... Accumulation of substances that interfere with nerve physical statlls, with plenty of time for transmission wandering and sniffing, are excellent. Try I food puzzles and scent games, which are .. Decreased levels of dopamine, a critical brain neurotransmitter like crossword puzzles for dogs. Consider 1 doing scent or nose-work training, as this ... Various changes in brain vasculature 1 www.dogwatchnewsletter.com April 2019 5 glucose levels due to rapid use of the Bloodwork for Hepatic Problems body's current stores. Urea formation decreases with some The interaction among the liver enzymes is key liver diseases (portosystemic shunts. synthetic liver failure) and with liver epatic (liver) diseases are common inflammatory conditions or sepsis (severe damage. Since urea is excreted via the problems in dogs, especially infections) may also have low albumin kidneys, an abnormal level could indicate Hseniors, showing up due to aging, secondary to the primary problem. either liver or renal (kidney) disease. The cancers, toxins. and neonatal defects. AST (aspartate amInotransferase) accumulation of this metabolite can lead Liver ailments can be acute or chronic is an enzyme found in the liver and in to the neurologic signs seen in young and prove fatal. While clinical signs and muscles. Muscle trauma or damage to dogs with portosystemic (liver) shunts. symptoms are important (is your dog red blood cells will increase levels ofAST. Urea is excreted via the kidneys so renal drinking more than usual or not eating?), AST is rarely run without ALT, due to the damage may lead to increased urea levels. blood work is the backbone of diagnosis. importance of the AST-ALT ratio, which Urea levels can be affected by a variety of Breaking down the components of a can help your veterinarian determine if conditions, including diet) and anytime liver/hepatic function panel will help you the liver is injured or disease. With liver the body metabolizes extra protein such to better understand what is going on damage, AST continues to rise. as with a fever or injuries like burns. with your dog's health. ALT (alanine aminotransferase), ALP is alkaline phosphatase, an Albumin can be increased in dogs another enzyme. may spike in the event enzyme that is a sensitive indicator of with hyperadrenocorticism (Cushing's ofa liver injury or disease. Like AST, gall bladder problems in dogs but also disease) and possibly in cases of increased levels can be seen with severe has bone connections. Anything that copper toxicity. Some liver cancers muscle trauma, but this enzyme is interferes with bile flow can increase (hepatocellular carcinoma is one) will fairly liver specific. Certain medications ALP amounts. Levels may also increase increase plasma levels of albumin. may increase the levels of this enzyme as a side effect of corticosteroid therapy. Long-standing malnutrition can lower in the blood, such as corticosteroids, Because of its involvement in bone albumin levels as can diseases of the phenobarbital. and other anti-seizure growth, puppies and young dogs may gastrointestinal tract or kidneys that medications, and acetaminophen, have increased ALP levels without actual lead to albumin loss in the stool or the which is why routine blood work is liver damage. Some Siberian Huskies urine. Inflammatory bowel disease recommended for dogs on long-term have benign (and transient) familial patients may have low albumin. With seizure medications or corticosteroids. hyperphosphatasemia. Dogs with bone chronic liver disease, especially if liver Glucose is made in the liver (as weD cancer, some liver cancers, and mammary function has reduced substantially, as being derived from diet). Low levels tumors may have elevations of this the liver cannot manufacture normal of blood glucose may indicate severe enzyme on blood screenings. amounts of albumin. Dogs with systemic liver damage. Hyperadrenocorticism GGT Or y-glutamyl transferase is (Cushing's disease) can elevate glucose another enzyme commonly associated levels. With severe hepatic damage, your with the liver and biliary (bile) problems. Liver Disease Symptoms dog may have lower than normal glucose Inflammatory problems involving the .. Jaundice levels in her blood . biliary tract are often associated with Hepatic immaturity may be a factor increases of this enzyme. Since the excess • Ascites (accumulation of abdominal in the hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) enzyme is normally excreted via urine, fiuid) seen in toy breed puppies. In addition. renal problems may also increase the they don't have adequate liver storage of levels detected . .. Abdominal paIn glycogen. Hard-working hunting dogs T bilirubin stands for total bilirubin. may also show a transient decrease in Bilirubin is a marker for liver problems. • Spontaneous (stomach, Damage to the liver cells or to the intestines, biliary system can affect bilirubin urine) levels. Hemolytic anemia, with massive breakdown of red blood cells, will also Increased thirst • increase levels of this metabolite. Weakness Cholesterol levels can indicate • problems with hepatic function, • Lethargy gastrOintestinal disease, or some metabolic disorders. In addition, • Weight loss dogs with hypothyroidism, Cushing's disease, pancreatitis, and certain kidney • Lack of appetite problems will have higher than normal levels of cholesterol. Low cholesterol Head pressing .. levels are often seen in dogs with Seizures protein-losing enteropathies. Dogs with .. certain cancers, such as acute myeloid .. Vomiting leukemia, also will often have low Your veterinarian will/oak for signs ofjaundice. cholesterol levels on their blood work. •
6 DogWatch April2019 @H/,' " {.II " "
dogs should be withdrawn gradually ACVIM Report on GI Protedants from this medication to prevent rebound hyperacidity. Choosing a medication to ease gastric distress Complications from the use of NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti eterinary organizations inflammatory drugs) along like the American College with a PPI are possible Vof Veterinary Medicine decreased acidity allows bacterial (ACVIM) offer support to overgrowth and, coupled with your veterinarian in terms of erosive damage from NSAIDs, recommendations, diagnoses, could lead to illness, Common treatments, and presenting NSAIDs used in dogs include research. Recently, the ACVIM meloxicam (Metacam), deracoxib released "Support for rational J (Derama=), and firocoxib administration of gastrointestinal (Previcox). (GI) protectants to dogs and cats;' j Sucralfate (Carafate) is which is the ACVIM's treatment I sometimes used to protect the recommendations after an For dogs with exercise-induced GI problems, your--...... - mucosa in the stomach and extensive look at current research veterinarian may choose a PPI medication, esophagus. Given orally as a in both veterin<'lry and humelfl suspeH.sioA.-,-it-can .iH.-terfere with medicine. exercise-induced gastritis, but the results the absorption of medications including aren't consistent. PPIs tend to be more doxycycline, phenytoin, and digoxin. What Is a G I Protectant? effective for this problem. It appears most useful for esophageal Your dog's stomach is his first line PPls: Covering medications like lesions. of defense for many problems, Dogs omeprazole (Prilosec) and esomeprazale swallow toxins, eat things laden with (Nexium), PPIs can interfere with Re(om m endatlDns bacteria, and take medications that the metabolism of drugs such as In general, gastric protectants may
can be irritating to the stomach. The antifungal drugs1 warfarin (Coumadin), be overused for pets, but much more stomach's mucosal lining helps protect it c1odiprogel (Plavi.x), and diazepam research needs to be done. As always, and normally has an acidic pH that can (Valium) in people. It's possible that each dog and its medical conditions need neutralize some of the threats. However, they could have the same effect in to be evaluated individually. These are not once the stomach lining is disrupted, dogs. Used twice daily, omeprazole drugs that you should administer without the acidic pH can cause gastric ulcers, appears to be more effective for contacting your veterinarian as there are gastroesophageal reflux problems, and exercise-induced gastritis than H2RAs. many potential drug interactions and esophageal erosions and strictures. For Long-term use is not encouraged, and complications .• this reason, gastric-healing medications to influence the pH andfor assist the ® " lIIINC,', mucosal lining may be prescribed. Garden Issues: Yard Plants to Avoid Common Choices The most common medications used Keep these common plants out ofyour dog's play areas as gastric protectants are PPIs (proton -p.ump inhibit-oFS), ~ntaGids, sucralfate, Daffodils., The flowers. -leaves, and bulbs can cause and H2RAs (histamine type-2 receptor O abdominal pain, vomiting, and diarrhea. In severe antagonists). You may be familiar with cases, cardiac arrhythmias and respiratory problems may these medications yourself. Few are FDA occur. Bulbs planted with bone meal attract dogs! approved for animals, but off-label use is co mmon. a Lily ojti,. VaUey: Dogs who eat lily of the valley Antacids: Antacids lower gastric ~ plants may show cardiac arrhythmias, decreased pH, but the effect is short-lived and heart rates, and even seizures. unlikely to be of much help for dogs with gastric or duodenal (intestinal) A Tulips Gild Hyaciu/!Js: The bulbs are toxic. Mild ulcers or erosions, says the ACVIM .:.r cases show drooling and some vomiting, but if the statement. In addition, they may interfere dog eats too many, he may show an increase in heart rate. with the absorption of some antibiotics and medications while potentially ~ Olea"der: If your dog chews on leaves, flowers, or contributing to aluminum toxicity in ,.,branches he may suffer from a decreased heart rate dogs with advanced kidney disease. and could potentially die. H2RAs: The H2RAs include Yellow daffodils look pretty cimetidine (Tagamet), ranitidine ~ A~/ea.s : These can be fatal if your dog even chews as a background for this (Zantac), and famotidine (Pepcid). ,.,. on leaves. Initial gastrointestinal signs can lead to Rhodesian Ridgebock, but Some sled-dog racers use famotidine for coma and even death . • they could make him ill.
www.dogwatchnewsletter.com April2019 7 @) "11 ::: '"
Consider the Pack Why Do Dogs Bark for No Reason? The most serious kind of barking problem is the dog that barks when left Actually, they don't-and not all woofs are the same alone. He is not barking for no reason. He is barking because he has been lmost everything a dog (or horse or abandoned by his pack. That bark sounds person) does has a reason. Barking different than aggreSSive or excitement Atakes energy, so there's usually a barks in that it is a very discreet burst goal. The dog won't waste all that effort ofsound repeated again and again and unless there is a reward. again. To discover the reason for the An aU-too-common history presented barking, look at the circumstances in to the Cornell University College of which the dog is barking. The most Veterinary Medicine Animal Behavior common reason dogs bark-and one of Clinic is that of the owner who lives in an the reasons we have domesticated dogs apartment and whose dog has separation is to warn us when someone is coming. anxiety. The owner knows he will have The dog barks because he is territorial to pay for the damage the dog may have and is responding to another dog or caused by scratching at the door while person entering his territory. he is away, but the immediate problem is Not all bnrks sound the same. Barking that he m ay be-evictecl because-the dog at a trespasser sounds different than a is disturbing the other residents. The play bark and that sounds different from person who complains may be the crabby the bark ofa dog left alone. The late Dr. Ifyour dog is barking, he's trying to tell you old retiree or the fellow who works nights Sophia Yin made sonograms of three something that he's concerned about. and needs to sleep during the day while types of barks. A sonogram measures the the dog's owner is away. length and frequencies of a sound. Dr. "This is my turf." My favorite example A veterinarian may be able to help by Yin found that the sonograms from the of that is my first Westie, Dudley. Every prescribing an FDA-approved medication same dog were different when the dog night, Dudley would go outside after for separation anxiety in dogs. The two was playing vs. when he was reacting to dinner and bark and then the dog across drugs are fluoxetine and clomicalm. It an intruder vs. being isolated. the street would bark and then the dog a may also be wise to request a referral to The sonogram reveals that when a few houses down would bark. After 10 or a board-certified veterinary behaviorist dog is barking aggressively there are 15 minutes of this, Dudley would return (see the American College ofVeterinary many more harmonics-it is noisier than to the house. Behaviorists at dacvb.org) because a friendly bark. Even people who do not Dudley lived to be 16 and, in his final behavior modification in addition to own dogs can recognize the difference years, he became deaf. Every night he medication is usually necessary in these between the barks. This natural ability of would go outside and bark, but he could cases . • humans to gauge a dog's intentions has not hear the other dogs return his call, so probably saved many, many people from he would come back inside, apparently @ HAPPENING NOW... getting bitten. convinced that he had finally rid the The territorial bark can be stimulated neighborhood of all those pesky dogs. Better Cities for Pets Program - Mars by a person approaching your house in Petcare developed a program to ensure the middle of the night, although your we can always find pet friendly places dog is most like.ly to bn rk when he hears Hearing Differences to live. The program certifies cities that another dog bark. Each dog is saying, Two reasons dogs appear to bark for are deemed pet friendly, based on an assessment of shelters, homes, parks, no reason; and businesses. Cities already certified Corne//~ renowned • Dogs can hear high-pitched noises include Washington (DC), Fort Worth behavior expert (TX), Richmond (VA), and St. Petersburg Katherine Houpt, they we cannot (FL). Learn more at bettercitiesforpets. VMD, Ph.D. shown here with Yuki, her • Dogs can smell things at much, com to see if your city would qualify. West Highland much lower concentrations than White Terrier, we can PACT Act - House bill HR1494, which provided theadvice is the Preventing Animal Cruelty and In this column, So, when your dog is staring at the Torture (PACT) Act will make any act ceiling and barking, he probably hears of animal cruelty a felony, regardless of the house mice who are squeaking what state it Occurs in. Some states away behind your walls. When he "'min, Up .. , already have laws that make it a barks at the flo or grates, he may smell felony. In 2010, the Animal Crush • The SCD/lp., tho New Anti-Allergy Drugs that interesting toad in your basement. Video Prohibition Act prohibits • Titers >s. Vaccinati.,s anyone producing videos with • Ptmphigus Slri, Ltslo,s Remember, dogs bark for a reason. We gruesome content of animals • Copn«yllljlh.g. Bocttri••,d Dog Kiss.s just don't always understand it. being harmed. •
8 DogWatch April 2019