Travel with Pets: Car

Car Travel with Pets
By Dr. Karen Burgess 

Restraint while traveling
Safety for your pet and human passengers should be the number one concern when traveling together in a car.  The safest place for a pet to be is secured in a carrying cage ideally in the back region of the car.  When auto accidents occur, injuries often result from loose objects becoming projectiles.  Loose animals can also become a dangerous distraction while driving.  Free roaming pets may also inadvertently get loose when a car door is opened.  A cage protects all involved.  Seat belt harnesses while available and better than nothing have not been shown to be protective in safety studies.

Preparation for car travel
The more effort made to prepare for car travel the better likelihood of success.  Determining well in advance that a pet experiences motion sickness or is frightened by travel can allow ample time to address and even correct these issues.

Now, even if future travel is not anticipated
Acclimating your dog or cat to the car in a stress free time can lay the groundwork for potential future travel.  Leaving your carrier out for general exploration is a good idea.  Periodically put a treat or special toy in the crate for your pet to discover.  Feeding your cat or dog in the crate can also help create positive feelings.  Periodically take your pet to the car and let them get in and out of it giving verbal and treat rewards simultaneously.  Assuming your pet is not showing signs of distress start taking them for short rides (ex. pull out of the garage and then back in, pull out of the driveway and then back in, drive around the block, etc.) always providing rewards.  If your pet becomes nauseous, contact your veterinarian to discuss potential treatment options moving forward.

Month prior
Continue desensitizing your pet to the vehicle.  Ensure that you have proper identification in the form of a secure collar and tag.  Contact your microchip company and confirm that all contact information is up to date.  Schedule an appointment with your veterinarian to update vaccinations, obtain health records, and a health certificate if required.  Check supplies of medication (flea/tick, heartworm, etc.) and obtain any necessary refills.  Research your destinations finding appropriate lodging.  Determine where emergency veterinary hospitals are on your route in case urgent care is required.

Week prior
Check supplies of dog food necessary for travel.  Consider whether bottle water would be helpful to bring.  Pack your pet’s carry bag including food, dishes, leashes (bring an extra), plastic bags for cleanup, toys, bedding, litter and pan for cats, medications, medical records, and first aid kit.

Day of travel
Do not feed your pet prior to travel.  With dogs plan on taking several breaks to allow your pet to stretch, eliminate, drink, and possibly snack.  Always leash your dog prior to opening the car door.  Identify pet friendly break spots and always clean up after your pet.  Never leave a pet unsupervised in a vehicle.  The temperature inside a car can be life-threatening within minutes during warmer weather.

What if a pet experiences motion sickness?
Motion sickness can have medical and psychological origins.  Slow desensitization can dramatically help.  In addition there are several over the counter and prescription medications available for motion sickness.

Pet friendly travel resources

 

Whipworms

Whipworms
By Dr. Karen Burgess

What exactly is a whipworm?
Whipworm is a parasite or worm found in the large intestine and cecum.  The adult whipworm is only 1/4” in length.  Whipworms cause a great deal of irritation as they attach to the intestinal lining and ingest blood. Whipworm disease is often considered one of the more dangerous worms to a dog’s overall health.

What are the signs of whipworm infection?
Animals that test positive for whipworm may have no symptoms, be critically ill, or present with profuse watery or even bloody diarrhea.  In some cases whipworm disease can lead to electrolyte disorders that resemble another condition called Addison’s Disease.

How do dogs and cats get whipworm?
Whipworm disease is transmitted from dog to dog via eggs passed in the feces.  While it takes ten to sixty days for the fecal eggs to become infective to a dog, they are also very resistant to heat and drying.  For this reason once an area has been exposed to whipworms it is assumed that all future dogs kept in this environment will also be exposed.  Once ingested the whipworm goes through several stages before arriving in the large intestine and embedding itself.

How is whipworm diagnosed?
A microscopic examination of fecal matter will demonstrate whipworm eggs.  Unfortunately whipworm eggs may only be shed intermittently by the female worm.  For this reason, pets showing signs of large intestinal diarrhea may benefit from a preventative deworming in spite of a negative fecal exam.

What is the treatment for whipworm?
Treatment for the adult whipworm involves an oral dewormer while also addressing any clinical disease.  Some monthly heartworm preventative pills also contain dewormer for whipworms.  Whipworm larva that have not yet matured or arrived in the large intestine will not be treated by standard dewormers.  This requires repeated treatments as the whipworm matures to an adult and becomes susceptible to drug therapy.

How can whipworm be prevented?
Whipworm is found frequently in the environment making prompt removal of fecal matter essential to control.  Cleaning hard surfaces with dilute bleach (one cup per gallon of water) is recommended, but whipworms are considered nearly impossible to remove from the environment once exposed.  Avoid taking an infected pet to swim or communal dog areas in an attempt to minimize exposure to others.  Monthly treatment with heartworm preventative as early as possible is also recommended.

 

Can humans contract whipworm?
Humans are not infected by whipworms.

Thundershirt

ThunderShirt
(Anxiety wrap)
By Dr. Karen Burgess 

 

Brand name

  • ThunderShirt

What is ThunderShirt used for?
ThunderShirt is used to help alleviate stress or tension in dogs and cats.  Originally designed for dogs with thunderstorm anxiety, recently owners have seen improvement in a variety of stressful situations with the use of a ThunderShirt.

How does ThunderShirt work?
Temple Grandin, a reknowned animal science expert has over the years used her own experiences with autism to research behavior in animals.  Through this and other research it has been shown that pressure can have a calming effect on both people and animals.  This concept was used in the development of the ThunderShirt and its “hugging” design.

What conditions is ThunderShirt used for?
ThunderShirt use is appropriate for any situation that elicits fear or anxiety in a pet.  While the ThunderShirt may not help 100%, the goal is to see if there is any noticeable improvement.

How long can my pet wear the ThunderShirt?
It is safe to use the ThunderShirt for extended periods of time but is best to use it for more limited timeframes/times directly associated with problematic behavior.

How do I determine the right size of ThunderShirt for my pet?
Use a tape measure to determine the size of your pet around the chest cavity just behind the elbows.  Use chart below to help determine appropriate sizing.

How do I put the ThunderShirt on my pet?
Put the ThunderShirt on your pet’s back, then take the ShortFlap under the chest.  Next wrap the LongFlap under the chest and secure it snugly to the ShortFlap.  Take the TopFlap and wrap it down securing it onto the LongFlap.  Adjust as needed for snug fit.  Finally wrap the ChestStraps around the dog’s front and secure.

How do I wash my ThunderShirt?
Wash ThunderShirt in a regular wash cycle with cold water and laundry detergent.  Do not dry in machine, hang only.

Is ThunderShirt guaranteed?
ThunderShirt as a company provides a 45 day money back guarantee for its product.  If purchased through our hospital and returned the company then donates the product to a local shelter.  A no risk endeavor with a win-win return policy.

What other concerns may there be with ThunderShirt?
Take care that the straps on the stomach area do not abrade the prepuce on male dogs.  With initial use, remove jacket after shorter time periods to look for signs of irritation.

 

 

Size

Chest Size

Weight

XXSmall

9″ – 13″

up to 7 lbs

XSmall

13″ – 17″

8 – 14 lbs

Small

17″ – 21″

15 – 25 lbs

Medium

21″ – 25″

26 – 40 lbs

Large

25″ – 30″

41 – 64 lbs

XLarge

30″ – 37″

65 – 110 lbs

XXLarge (Camo only)

37″ – 50″

Over 110 lbs

 

 

 

Photo Credit: <a href=”https://www.flickr.com/photos/8489692@N03/5903289588/”>katerha</a> via <a href=”http://compfight.com”>Compfight</a> <a href=”https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by/2.0/”>cc</a>

Neuter

Neuter (Castration)
By Dr. Karen Burgess

 

Who is it for?

  • Male animals

What is it?

  • Surgical removal of testicles

When is it done?

  • 6 months of age or older, shelters will often do at a much earlier age.

Why is it done?

  • To prevent breeding/reproduction, eliminates chances of testicular cancer, decreases benign prostatic enlargement by 80% or more, decreases testosterone levels thereby curbing the chance of leaving the yard to find the in heat female which decreases their risk of HBC and dog fights

How is it done?

  • Preanesthetic bloodwork performed, intravenous catheter placed and intraop fluids administered, monitoring performed by a registered technician and include blood pressure, EKG, blood oxygen levels, and carbon dioxide levels.  The animal is sedated and then administered anesthesia via a tube in the windpipe.  After surgery the pet is monitored for the remainder of the day until discharge.  Pain medication is administered during the procedure and sent home with the pet.  The incision may have stitches or not that would be removed in 10-14 days.

Spay

Spay (Ovariohysterectomy)
By Dr. Karen Burgess

 

Who is it for?

  • Female animals

What is it?

  • Surgical removal of ovaries and uterus

When is it done?

  • Typically performed at 6 months of age or older, shelters will often do at a much earlier age.

Why is it done?

  • To prevent breeding/reproduction, has also been shown to significantly decrease the incidence of breast (mammary) cancer in dogs.  Risk if spayed after 2nd heat of breast cancer is 26%, if spayed after 1st heat is 8%, if spayed before 1st heat 0.5%

How is it done?

  • Preanesthetic bloodwork performed, intravenous catheter placed and intraop fluids administered, monitoring performed by a registered technician and include blood pressure, EKG, blood oxygen levels, and carbon dioxide levels.  The animal is sedated and then administered anesthesia via a tube in the windpipe.  After surgery the pet is monitored for the remainder of the day until discharge.  Pain medication is administered during the procedure and sent home with the pet.  The incision may have stitches or not that would be removed in 10-14 days.

Ear Hematoma

Ear Hematoma
By Dr. Karen Burgess

What is an ear or aural hematoma?
An ear hematoma is a typically non-painful pocket of blood that develops in the ear flap or pinna after rupture of a blood vessel.  Similar to a “blood blister” the cartilage of the ear flap contains the blood creating a swelling on the ear flap that often resembles a pillow or water balloon.

How do dogs and cats get ear hematomas?
Ear hematomas occur after a blood vessel ruptures in the ear flap.  This often occurs after a traumatic episode such as rough play, bite injury, or aggressive flapping of the ears.  It is not uncommon for pets with ear infections or severe ear inflammation to develop an ear hematoma.

How is an ear hematoma diagnosed?
Ear hematomas are diagnosed by visual examination or aspiration by a veterinarian.  Ear cytology may also be recommended to look for an underlying ear infection.

How are ear hematomas treated?
There are a variety of treatments that have been used over the years for ear hematomas.  In the end, this is not typically a life threatening issue and more of an aesthetic concern.  It is important to know that regardless of treatment method there is likely to be some degree of scarring.  The scarring may be more noticeable in pets with upright ears.  For this reason, some may opt to not pursue any treatment, letting the body reabsorb the blood and essentially scar.  This in turn avoids the expense, discomfort, and follow up involved with surgical repair.  Lack of treatment may cause more extensive scarring similar to a “cauliflower ear”.   Surgical treatment can range from incising the hematoma and stitching it flat to placing a cannula into the hematoma for several weeks.  If surgery is performed it is extremely important to protect the surgery site either via and Elizabethean collar or a bandage.  There are some veterinarians that have also had success using steroid injections to treat ear hematomas.  Some might wonder why the ear hematoma cannot just be drained.  Unfortunately this is usually only a short lived solution with the hematoma quickly refilling.

Hypoglycemia

Hypoglycemia
By Dr. Karen Burgess

 

What is hypoglycemia?
Hypoglycemia, or low blood sugar, is a relatively common problem in young puppies.  Other potential causes include liver disease, Addison’s disease, and severe bacterial infections.  Small breed and very young puppies are more prone to this condition as the liver is a reservoir of sugar and its functioning ability is often not fully developed.

What are signs of hypoglycemia?
Common signs of low blood sugar include weakness, vomiting, collapse, or seizures.

How is hypoglycemia diagnosed?
Low blood sugar is diagnosed based on history (young puppy) with consistent symptoms.  A blood test that evaluates glucose levels is confirmatory.  Additional testing may be necessary to rule out other potential causes for a low blood sugar.

What is the treatment for hypoglycemia?
Hypoglycemia can be life threatening in a very short time period.  If your puppy is showing signs of hypoglycemia, first offer them food.  If they are unwilling to eat, rub Karo syrup, maple syrup, or honey on their gums.  Life-saving sugar can be absorbed directly through mucous membranes.  Take your puppy immediately to a veterinarian even if this means an emergency visit in the middle of the night.  Many conditions can make a puppy more prone to hypoglycemia and the issue may recur if not addressed.  Make sure to keep your puppy warm (wrapped in blanket) while on the way as low blood sugar can predispose to low body temperature.

A puppy with signs of hypoglycemia requires immediate potentially life-saving treatment.  Notify hospital staff as to the severity of the situation and allow them to take your pet directly to a veterinarian even if this means being separated for a period of time.  Intravenous injections of glucose are typically administered.  Hospitalization until the puppy is able to maintain a safe blood sugar level is common.

What can be done to prevent hypoglycemia?
Preventing hypoglycemia involves providing a source of energy (sugar) on a regular and frequent basis.  For predisposed, small, or young puppies offering and ensuring eating of some amount of food every four to six hours minimum is recommended.  Nutrical, a commercial high caloric vitamin paste, is an often used product by breeders and veterinarians to further ensure safe levels are maintained.  If a puppy is experiencing vomiting or diarrhea or has lost their appetite for even eight to twelve hours this can be an urgent medical concern and should be addressed by a veterinarian.  Fortunately most puppies grow out of juvenile hypoglycemia by six months of age.

Vaccine Side Effects

Vaccine side effects
By Dr. Karen Burgess

 

What are the risks associated with today’s vaccination?
Just as is the case with humans, for the generally healthy pet vaccinations are considered a safe and effective means of preventing disease in an individual pet and the population as a whole.  Risk from vaccination is minimized by ensuring a pet is healthy prior to administration and giving vaccinations based on a specific patient’s exposure risks.  While rarely dangerous, side effects of vaccination to monitor for include…

  • Common and mild symptoms, considered normal post vaccination-for the first twenty four hours after vaccination a pet may be sluggish showing signs of lethargy, mild vomiting or diarrhea, decreased appetite, and mild fever.  Soreness at the vaccination site may also be present.  If an intranasal vaccine has been given some sneezing may be noted.
  • Severe vaccine reaction warranting immediate medical attention-a small number of animals may experience an allergic type reaction of vaccination anywhere from immediately to several hours after vaccination.  Symptoms of concern include swelling of the face, hives, intense itching, difficulty breathing, repeated vomiting and diarrhea, and collapse.

Infrequently, in the weeks after vaccination a non-painful lump may be noted where a vaccine has been given.  While these will typically self-resolve, please notify us if a lump is noted.

If your pet has had a severe reaction to a vaccination additional precautions will likely be taken prior to any future vaccination.

 

Hookworm

Hookworm
By Dr. Karen Burgess

 

What exactly is a hookworm?
Hookworm is a parasite or worm found in the small intestine.  The adult hookworm is only 1/8” in length but has six teeth and a voracious appetite for the blood it ingests after “hooking” onto the intestinal wall.  There are several different species of hookworms that infect dogs, cats, and humans.

What are the signs of hookworm infection?
Animals that test positive for hookworm may have no symptoms, be critically ill, anemic, or present with profuse diarrhea.  Anemia from blood loss is typically the most dangerous aspect of hookworm infection for puppies and kittens.  For animals infected via the skin itching may be the primary symptom.  In some cases the hookworm migrates through the lung before ending up in the small intestine, thus leading to a cough or respiratory signs.

How do dogs and cats get hookworm?
Hookworm disease can be transmitted in several different ways.  Eggs are shed in fecal matter and become infective larva.  When another dog or cat swallows these eggs they travel to the intestine and after several stages of development attach to the intestinal wall causing disease.  In dogs, hookworms can be transmitted from mother to baby via the placenta during pregnancy or nursing after delivery.  The lifecycle of the hookworm allows it to “hibernate” in the adult female’s muscle tissue.  Pregnancy hormones then awaken the dormant larva releasing them into the bloodstream to be passed on to the fetus or baby.  This is why it is very common for newborns to have parasites in spite of the mother having been dewormed.  Hookworm eggs that have matured into larva in the stool can also infect animals or people by penetrating the skin.  Finally, an animal may ingest another animal (ex. cockroaches, rodents, birds) that have ingested hookworm larva thus becoming infected themselves.

How is hookworm diagnosed?
A microscopic examination of fecal matter will typically demonstrate hookworm eggs as the adult female can produce 20,000 eggs daily.  In the very young however life-threatening disease from the adult hookworm may develop before eggs are seen on a fecal examination.  For this reason multiple deworming treatments are recommended for puppies and kittens regardless of fecal results.

What is the treatment for hookworm?
Treatment for the adult hookworm involves an oral or injectable dewormer while also addressing any clinical disease.  Monthly heartworm preventative pills also typically contain dewormer for hookworms.  Hookworm larva that have not yet matured or arrived in the intestine will not be treated by standard dewormers.  This requires repeated treatments as they mature to adults and become susceptible to drugs.

How can hookworm be prevented?
Hookworm is found frequently in the environment making prompt removal of fecal matter essential to control.  General good hygiene/handwashing and wearing shoes outside can prevent human exposure.  Hookworm eggs do not survive freezing temperatures or hot dry situations.  They are typically are short-lived in the environment dying on their own after several months.  Cleaning hard surfaces with dilute bleach (one cup per gallon of water) is recommended.  Avoid taking an infected pet to swim or communal dog areas in an attempt to minimize exposure to others.  Monthly treatment with heartworm preventative as early as possible along with frequent dewormings of puppies and their mothers helps further prevent disease.

Can humans contract hookworm?
Humans are not infected by adult hookworms however hookworm larva can penetrate skin causing an itchy lesion and a condition called cutaneous larval migrans.  This normally occurs with extended (5-10 minutes) contact between skin and hookworm infested soil.  Sunbathers may be at greater risk from laying on contaminated soil.  Less commonly humans can develop hookworms in their intestine typically after ingesting produce that has not been properly washed.

Elizabethean Collars (E-Collar)

Elizabethean Collars (Protective Collars)
By Dr. Karen Burgess

 

Types of protective collars

  • The typical Elizabethean collar or E-collar is a hard plastic cone or lampshade shaped apparatus that fits over a pet’s head with the narrow portion (lampshade top) secured to the neck with a piece of gauze or collar.  E-collars are typically used to prevent either self-destruction or injury by a pet.  Common uses include after surgery, protection of bandages, prevention of scratching, or prevention of eye rubbing.  E-collars are often cumbersome for pets and their owners.  Subsequently several newer protective collars have been developed over the years.  Some examples include
  • Comfy Cone-made of stiff nylon fabric this washable collar this reusable; light weight version is less bothersome for many pets and their owners than the traditional hard plastic collar.
  • Recovery Collar-soft nylon fabric collar, typically more appropriate for smaller patients such as cats; does not provide the same degree of restriction as a stiff collar making it inappropriate for some conditions
  • Inflatable donut style-these collars do not extend around the head like traditional E-collars making the more tolerable for some.  There use is limited to conditions that pets cannot reach around and still access a given area.
  • Rigid Velcro style-similar to inflatable collars and resembling a human neck brace

How to properly fit an Elizabethean collar on your pet
An E-collar should fit snugly thus preventing removal by a pet.  A good rule of thumb is that if two fingers can fit between whatever is securing the collar and the neck than it is not too tight.  Pets should initially be closely monitored to ensure that the collar is fitted appropriately.  It is also important to ensure that the length of the collar does not allow access to whatever is being protected, extending just past the nose when viewed from the side.

Initial response to an Elizabethean collar
Pets will range in their response to having and E-collar on.  Some will accept it immediately and aside from some initial clumsiness not miss a beat.  Others will initially act as if they are paralyzed and unable to move.  Finally, some will fight the collar violently trying to paw it off incessantly.  Animals that become stuck in one position will typically adjust in a short time frame.  It may help to lay them down in a room and let them be while they adjust.  Pets that fight a collar may benefit from a walk outside, special treat, or ultimately require being put in a safe room where they are given the opportunity to work things out on their own.

Caring for an Elizabethean collar
General cleaning of the inside and outside of the collar with soap and water is recommended as it gets dirty.  Ensure that the collar is kept dry to prevent moisture induced issues.  Trimming of the fur may be necessary to assist with moisture control.

 

Some common concerns regarding the use of Elizabethean collars

  • Eating and drinking-pets should still be able to eat and drink with an E-collar in place.  Elevation of the food and water bowl two to four inches off the ground will assist with this.  Make sure the diameter of bowls is smaller than that of the E-collar.  Also be aware the in particular initially pets will be somewhat clumsy and more apt to knock their bowls over.  It may be helpful to handfeed your pet from their bowl initially so they can “learn” how to eat with the E-colla in place.  Some collars (ex. Comfy Cones) allow for the edge of the collar to be temporarily folded back providing easier access to bowls.  If removal of the collar is authorized for feeding this must only be done under direct visual supervision.
  • Outside play should be monitored while a pet is wearing an E-collar to avoid becoming trapped or injured unintentionally.
  • Running into objects and catching the E-collar on items (ex. stairsteps) is common in the first few days.  Peripheral vision and hearing may be affected.  Put valuables up and supervise your pet as the adjust to navigating initially.