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  Our doctor and staff believe in the old adage "an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure." We offer comprehensive preventative health care programs designed to prevent disease and allow early detection and treatment of any abnormalities before they cause your pet to become ill. Generally, we recommend routine health examinations, fecal examinations, heartworm testing and immunizations. Dental prophylaxis and flea/tick control protocols depending on your pet's needs. Heartworm preventative is recommended year round for pets testing negative for this mosquito-borne blood parasite. Sub-clinical disease (having a disease or disorder but not yet showing signs of illness) is not uncommon in dogs and cats, and early diagnostic testing is key in preventing disease progression. We offer Wellness Laboratory Profiles - "Junior", for pets 1-6 years old and "Senior", for those older than 6 years. Pre-Anesthetic testing may be recommended for your pet prior to any surgical or anesthetic procedure. Spaying and Neutering and proper Diet and Nutrition are also integral parts of your pet's healthcare. Poor nutrition can contribute to serious health issues, including obesity. Click here for more information regarding Exercise and Weight Loss. Obedience and behavioral issues are other common topics routinely assessed during your routine wellness examination. |
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If your pet is otherwise healthy, we recommend and carry a full line of Innova products. Nutrition
in the management of disease
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As in people, overweight dogs tend to have increased blood pressure (hypertension). The heart has an increased workload since it must pump additional blood to excess tissues. This can lead to congestive heart failure. In
overweight animals, the lungs cannot function properly. The additional
fat in the chest restricts the expansion of the lungs. The extra fat
in the abdomen pushes against the diaphragm, which separates the abdominal
cavity from the chest. This also results in less space in the chest
for the lungs to expand on inspiration. To make matters worse, the increased
quantity of tissue puts an increased demand on the lungs to supply oxygen.
One
of the most common complications of obesity in dogs is the development
of diabetes mellitus (sugar diabetes). Obesity causes an increase in
the secretion of insulin in response to the increased blood glucose
level in the overweight dog. Insulin is also more in demand simply because
there is a greater amount of tissue in an overweight dog. When requirements
for insulin exceed the ability of the body to produce insulin, diabetes
mellitus develops. If the need for insulin increases over a long period
of time, the cells in the pancreas which produce insulin can actually
'burn out,' again resulting in diabetes.
Exercise Without you to lead the way, you're pet is not going to run laps or do 50 sit-ups. So as a pet owner, part of your responsibility is to ensure your pets get safe, enjoyable exercise on a regular basis. All pets need some physical activity to help them live a happy, healthy life. Different pets require different amounts of exercise, so it may be best to consult with your vet before determining the correct level for your pets exercise. Back to top
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Obedience
is a must when it comes to owning a pet. Whether you just acquired a
new puppy, or your wonderful older pet has developed some "bad habits,"
there are a few basic things you need to know so you and your dog can
have a good, loving relationship. Something you must ask yourself is
"what is obedient behavior versus obedience
training, and how do I apply it to my situation?" These
are just a few training and behavior issues to get you started on the
path of a well- behaved dog. For more information on training, please
contact Renee, our resident trainer at Renee@catsanddogsvet.com.
Or call the office at (772) 692-3331 to set up an appointment. Understanding the difference between obedient behavior and obedience training is the first step in setting realistic expectations for your dog's performance. A well behaved/obedient dog knows how to act in the absence of command, correction or your control. He is a dog that has learned to control himself, and make "good" choices. An obedience-trained dog does not have to be well behaved in order to respond to an order. He requires constant command and control. This dog relies on the handler's command to determine the appropriate behavior, instead of learning to make better choices. This is the "don't think, just do" dog. Obedience training does take time, effort and education to be a success. It certainly plays a major role in the owner/dog relationship. It enhances mutual respect and taps into the dog's brain, making the animal work like a child in school. It gives the dog something constructive to do while focusing your pets' attention on you. There are many real life situations in which your dog needs to be responsive to command, and in a controlled body posture. Changes in Behavior due to Physical Causes Your pet's behavior has changed-but why? Perhaps the new behavior is inconvenient or even dangerous. Could there be a physical reason? Much of the time, the answer is yes. It often takes considerable detective work to find the physical cause for a change in your dog or cat's behavior because they cannot describe symptoms. This detection starts with always suspecting a physical cause at the root of any behavior in your pet that you don't understand, particularly if it's a change from previous behavior. We tend to say a problem is either "physical" or "a behavior issue." Too often if we can't find a physical cause, the behavior label turns into a blame game against the pet. The physical cause might remain hidden, and when it does show, we may fail to see the connection. "Accidents" in the house get people's attention quickly, and can be caused by many physical ailments. Urinary tract infections are common in dogs and cats. Prostate problems are common in intact male dogs. Intestinal parasites are also common, and many other things can upset your pet's intestinal tract. Orthopedic problems can cause pets to postpone relieving themselves because it hurts too much to get into position. You wouldn't expect that a medication to relieve your pet's pain would correct the behavioral problem, but exactly that can happen. And you've helped your pet's pain as well as your own cleaning inconvenience. Old age is not a disease, but geriatric pets do become more prone to conditions that can affect behavior. These problems often can either be cured or made more comfortable for the pet with your veterinarian's help. Don't be afraid of a diagnosis. Knowledge gives you the power to make good decisions for your pet. Start with Your Veterinarian Write
down any symptoms you want to bring to your veterinarian's attention
so you won't forget to mention them. Be a detective when your pet shows
a concerning change in behavior. Take the clues to your veterinarian
and work together to try to figure out what's happening. Many animals
try to help you understand the problem. This experience between you
and your pet opens the way for a new, deeper level of communication.
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"An
ounce of prevention..." Remember the old saying, "An ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure"? That happens to be as true for the health of your pet as it is for any member of your family! Annual
health examinations will help determine the general well being of your
pet and identify potential problems. Early detection ensures prompt
action that may solve the problem before |
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Perhaps your pet will never have intestinal parasites. But, unpleasant as it may seem, pet owners should be aware of worms and other parasites that can affect their animals' health. Cats and dogs are the favorite nesting grounds of four principal groups of worms and a few species of microscopic protozoa. The four worms are roundworms, tapeworms, hookworms, and whipworms. Among the protozoa are coccidia, toxoplasma and giardia. It's very important to bring your pet's fecal sample (bowel movement) to your veterinarian as often as requested up to one year of age. Collect fresh fecal sample within 12 hours of an examination. It is also very important to keep the samples cool or refrigerated. An
annual fecal check is good preventative medicine. |
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ANTIGEN
TESTING ANTIBODY
TESTING |
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Immunizing
your pet against disease is one of the best tools of preventive medicine.
Dogs should be routinely immunized against distemper, hepatitis,
Para influenza, parvovirus, bordetella (kennel cough) and rabies. Depending
on lifestyle, leptospirosis and/or Lyme's vaccine may be recommended. Cats should routinely be immunized against feline panleukopenia (distemper), feline rhinotracheitis, calicivirus, and rabies. Depending on lifestyle, feline leukemia and/or feline bordetella may be recommended. Health
threats vary from city to city and even in various sections of cities;
therefore, your veterinarian can tailor an immunization program for
your pet based on local conditions and keep your pet protected with
the latest vaccines. |
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The frequency of dental prophylaxis depends on the degree of plaque and tartar accumulation. You need to examine your pet's teeth monthly. Look for an accumulation of yellow or brown material at the area where the tooth meets the gumline especially over the cheek teeth and canines. Once you notice plaque or tartar accumulation, it is time for a professional cleaning. Do not wait. Attached to the tartar are bacteria, which irritate gum tissues. When treated, the inflammation will resolve. When gingivitis is left untreated, it will progress to periodontitis, which is non-curable. The intervals between teeth cleaning procedures will depend on how often you can brush your pet's teeth. Once or twice daily cleaning is optimum. If you cannot brush the teeth, then your pet will probably need two or three teeth cleaning visits yearly. We also carry a full line of dental products and treats designed to help keep your pets teeth clean. Click here for more information about these products. Anesthesia
is necessary when performing teeth cleaning. Anesthesia provides three
important functions: immobilization in order to clean below the gum
line, pain control, and the ability to place a tube into the windpipe,
so bacterial products do not enter the respiratory system. We take every
effort to provide safe anesthesia. We use gas anesthetic agents; dogs
and cats are given pre-operative tests depending on their age and condition
to qualify them for anesthesia; and patients are monitored while anesthetized
both visibly and with similar monitoring devices as used in human hospitals. |
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There are a number of flea and tick control products on the market today. Talk to our veterinarian or one of our staff members regarding your pets' lifestyle to determine which product would be best suited for your pet. Back to top |
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Click
here for more information about
these products. |
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Our wellness testing is designed to be an early detection program. Along with a detailed medical history and a thorough physical exam, our veterinarian will order diagnostic testing to establish baseline laboratory data. The evaluation includes sensitive laboratory tests that can detect the onset of diseases and conditions early, when treatment and prevention are most effective. Back to top |
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Our pet's can't talk to us and tell us when they are not feeling well. Often, the only way we can find out something is wrong is through diagnostic testing. If something subtle is wrong, our doctor wants to know before surgery. Then, steps can be taken to reduce potential complications. The anesthetic protocol can be adjusted, or treatment for the medical condition can be started before surgery to ensure that your pet is healthy enough for anesthesia. The
type of testing your pet will have prior to going under anesthesia is
based on age and overall health. Our staff can better help you understand
what type of testing your pet will need at the time of your pets scheduled
surgery date. |
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Un-spayed females are more susceptible to uterine infections (pyometra) and mammary cancer. Un-neutered males are more susceptible to prostate infections and prostate enlargement Neutering also helps eliminate unwanted behavior such as urine "marking" and aggression For
more information regarding neutering…click on Neutering
the male cat or Canine Neuter FAQ's. |
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Pyometra is an abscessed, pus-filled infected uterus. Toxins and bacteria leak across the uterine walls and into the bloodstream causing life-threatening toxic effects. Without treatment death is inevitable. How does this Infection Come About? With each heat cycle, the uterine lining engorges in preparation for pregnancy. Eventually, some tissue engorgement becomes excessive or persistent (a condition called cystic endometrial hyperplasia). Bacteria ascend from the vagina and the uterus becomes infected and ultimately pus-filled. What is the the Usual Treatment? The usual treatment for pyometra is surgical removal of the uterus and ovaries. An emergency overiohysterectomy (spay). The surgery is challenging especially if the patient is toxic. Antibiotics are given at the time of surgery and may or may not be continued after the uterus is removed. Pain relievers are often needed post-operatively. A few days of hospitalization are typically needed after the surgery is performed. While this surgery amounts to the same end result as routine spaying, there is nothing routine about a pyometra spay. As noted, the surgery is challenging and the patient is in a life-threatening situation. For these reasons, the pyometra spay typically costs five to ten times as much as a routine spay. Back to top |
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We've all heard of breast cancer in women. With approximately one woman in eight or nine falling victim to this form of cancer, there are awareness campaigns from numerous health care agencies. and research continues. What many pet owners do not know is that the incidence of mammary tumor development in dogs is higher yet with one in four unspayed female dogs affected. This is a huge incidence, yet awareness among owners of female dogs is lacking. Protection from Spaying A female puppy spayed before her first heat cycle can expect never to develop a mammary tumor of any kind. The incidence of tumor development in this group is nearly zero. If she is allowed to experience one heat cycle before spaying, the incidence rises to 7% (still quite low). If she is allowed to experience more than one heat cycle, the risk is driven up to one in four.
Early Detection If your dog is unspayed, was known to have had puppies, or was spayed in adulthood, she fits into the high-risk group for mammary cancer development. It is important to be somewhat familiar with the normal mammary anatomy of the female dog. There are ten sets of mammary glands as shown though the average female dog has only nine. (It is not unusual for asymmetry of mammary glands to be found.) The normal glands should be soft and pliant, especially towards the rear legs. There should be no firm lumps. If a lump is detected, see your veterinarian at once regarding possible removal. Most tumors occur in the glands nearest the rear legs. Benign vs. Malignant The good news, if there is some, is that approximately 50% of the tumors formed by female dogs are benign. Since one cannot tell which it is by looking at a tumor, the tumor or part of it must be removed and sampled for biopsy. The laboratory can determine whether the tumor is benign or malignant based on the cells and their architecture within the tissue. Alternatively, a needle aspirate can be performed, in which a syringe is used to withdraw some cells from the growth and the laboratory can determine whether the tumor is benign or malignant with enough accuracy to determine how aggressive the surgical approach should be. Needle aspirate may be a helpful pre-operative procedure in many cases, but it should be understood that biopsy is ultimately what is necessary to determine the extent of disease. Hormone Receptors Approximately 50% of malignant mammary tumors in the dog have receptors for either estrogen or progesterone. This means that the presence of these female hormones promotes the growth of these tumors. Benign tumors also have female hormone receptors and can also be stimulated by hormonal cycling of the female dog. This means that spaying is important even if a tumor has already developed; in one study, female dogs spayed at the time of mammary tumor removal or two years prior lived 45% longer than those who remained unspayed. Types Of Tumors The following are common classes of mammary tumors that might be found on a biopsy. Fibroadenoma: Mixed
Mammary Tumor: Adenocarcinoma: Inflammatory
Carcinoma: In general: approximately 50% of malignant mammary tumors will have already spread by the time of surgery. This, of course, means that the other 50% are locally confined and surgery is curative. What Else Determines Prognosis? The type of tumor is obviously important in determining the prognosis; further, spaying at the time of tumor removal or prior is also an important factor in determining prognosis. Other factors include:
The biopsy sample will not only identify the tumor type, it will also indicated whether or not the tumor was completely removed (so called "clean" or "dirty" margins). If the tumor was not completely removed, one may wish to consider a second surgery to remove more tissue. Further Therapy? Radiation
therapy, chemotherapy, and anti-estrogen therapy have been used for
incompletely removed tumors. Sometimes it is most appropriate to monitor
for recurrence with periodic chest radiographs. |
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EARLY
NEUTER?
Early neutering does not seem to be a significant factor in this syndrome. Our hospital supports early neutering but prefers that kittens presented for neutering weigh at least 3 lbs so that the tissues are not too difficult to manipulate. RECOVERY There
are several web sites on the importance of spaying and neutering.
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What Are the Health Benefits to the Dog? There are several health benefits to neutering. One of the most important concerns the prostate gland, which under the influence of testosterone will gradually enlarge over the course of the dog's life. 
In old age, it is likely to become uncomfortable, possibly being large
enough to interfere with defecation. The prostate under the influence
of testosterone is also predisposed to infection, which is almost impossible
to clear up without neutering. Neutering causes the prostate to shrink
into insignificance, thus preventing both prostatitis as well as the uncomfortable
benign hyperplasia (enlargement) that occurs with aging. It is often erroneously
held that neutering prevents prostate cancer but this is not true.Other health benefits of neutering include the prevention of certain types of hernias and tumors of the testicles and anus. Neutering also reduces excessive preputial discharge. What Behavioral Changes Can Be Expected after Neutering? The only behavior changes that are observed after neutering relate to behaviors influenced by male hormones. Playfulness, friendliness, and socialization with humans are not changed. The behaviors that change are far less desirable. The interest in roaming is eliminated in 90% of neutered dogs. Aggressive behavior against other male dogs is eliminated in 60% of neutered dogs. Urine marking is eliminated in 50% of neutered male dogs. Inappropriate mounting is eliminated in 70% of neutered dogs. What Exactly Is Done Surgically? An incision is made, generally just forward from the scrotum. The testicles are removed through this incision. The stalks are tied off and cut. Castration is achieved. If the testicles are not removed, the desirable benefits listed above cannot be achieved. The skin incision may or may not have stitches. What Can I Expect upon Discharge from the Hospital? The scrotum is often swollen in the first few days after surgery, leading some people to wonder if the procedure was really performed. If the dog is immature at the time of neutering, the empty scrotum will flatten out as he grows. If he is mature at the time of neuter, the empty scrotum will remain as a flap of skin. Sometimes the incision is mildly bruised but this is not unduly sore for the dog and pain relief is almost never necessary post neuter. Most male dogs are eager to play by the day after surgery but to keep the incision intact; it is best to restrict the dog from boisterous activity. At What Age Can Neutering Be Performed? Neutering can be performed at any age over age 8 weeks. Neutering can also be performed in the geriatric patient should the prostate gland become enlarged and the best medical decision is to shrink it. In this event, pre-anesthetic blood work and other diagnostics relevant to anesthetizing an older patient would be recommended. The traditional age for neutering is 4-6 months of age and many veterinarians still recommend neutering at this age. The benefits of neutering (both health and behavioral) can still be obtained regardless of the age at which neutering is performed. Will He Get Over-Weight or Lethargic? Activity level and appetite do not change with neutering. A male dog should not gain weight or become less interested in activity post neuter. Will he Still Be Interested in Females? His interest will be reduced but if he is around a female dog in heat, he will become aroused by her. Mounting behavior often has roots in the expression of dominance and may be expressed by a neutered male in a variety of circumstances that are not motivated by sexuality. What if a Dog Has an Undescended Testicle? Undescended testicles have an increased tendency to grow tumors over descended testicles. They may also twist on their stalks and cause life-threatening inflammation. For these reasons, neutering is recommended for dogs with undescended testicles. This procedure is more complicated than a routine neuter; the missing testicle can be under the skin along the path it should have descended to the scrotum or it may be inside the abdomen. Some exploration may be needed to find it thus there is often an incision for each testicle. The retained testicle is sterile and under-developed. If there is one descended testicle, this one will be fertile, but since retaining a testicle is a hereditary trait it is important that the male dog not be bred before he is neutered. Back to top |
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Copyright (c) 2007
- Cats and Dogs Veterinary Clinic, Inc.
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In
disease energy requirements may go up a lot (e.g. heart failure, cancer,
thyrotoxicosis, following major trauma or burns) and sufficient energy
must be available in the food 
Studies
have suggested that approximately one-quarter of overweight dogs develop
serious joint complications. The bones, joints, muscles, and associated
tendons and ligaments all work together to give the dog smooth and efficient
movement. If they are required to carry excess weight, they can start
to become damaged. Arthritis can develop and the pain and joint changes
associated with hip dysplasia can become markedly more severe.
