Posted by
Anh Tran on Wed, Nov 21, 2012 @ 09:25 AM
Ah, Thanksgiving. Time for coziness and merriment, neighborly greetings and pie, winter sweaters and—what? The dog peed on the rug? Holiday time is full of love and laughs, but do you have your best pet friend’s needs in mind? Packing up the family can mean something entirely different when your dog, cat, or iguana is along for the ride! Here are some super tips to take with you this Thanksgiving and holiday season!
Getting There.
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Several weeks before your trip visit your veterinarian to make sure your pet is healthy for travel and up-to-date on all vaccinations. Inquire if there are any additional vaccinations recommended based on where you’re headed.
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Before you leave home, locate the nearest veterinarian or 24-hour emergency hospital in the town or area where you’ll be staying. Save the number to your phone. Hopefully you won’t need to visit, but being prepared in case of an emergency is definitely the way to go.
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Make sure your pet is wearing a collar and current ID tags and has a microchip. Make and attach a temporary ID tag with the information of the place you’re staying as well. Make sure the info on it is current.
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Pack up your pet’s favorite toy, blanket, and bed to keep him surrounded by familiar items while away from home. Don’t forget food, litter, litter box, bowls, water, treats, and any other things that are part of your pet’s regular routine.
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If your pet is on any medication bring enough for a few extra days as well as a prescription in case you need a refill.
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Make frequent rest stops to prevent accidents from occurring in the car. Remember to always keep your pet on leash when exiting your vehicle.
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Do not leave your animal in a parked car, even with the windows cracked. Temperatures inside a car can soar to well over 100 degrees in less than 10 minutes—even on cooler-feeling days. This places your pet at risk for heatstroke and possibly death.
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If you are travelling across state lines bring a copy of your pet’s medical records, specifically a rabies vaccination record. Some states require proof of vaccination at certain crossings.
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During your pit stops be sure to provide your pet with some fresh water to wet their whistle. Occasionally traveling can upset your pet's stomach. Take along ice cubes, which are easier on your pet than large amounts of water.
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Watch the food intake. It is recommended that you keep feeding to a minimum during travel. Be sure to feed them their regular pet food and resist the temptation to give them some of your fast food burger or fries (that never has a good ending!). Skip the car food. No pizza crusts or ice cream. Your pet may be tempted with table food while you’re visiting, so make sure he stays on his regular diet.
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No heads out the window! Although many pets find that sticking their head out the window is the best part of the road trip, it's not safe. Your pet can easily be injured by flying debris. This should go without saying, but NEVER travel with a pet in the back of a pickup truck. Some states have laws restricting such transport and it is always dangerous—this holiday season some states are fining up to $1,000 for drivers with pets on their laps. Keep pets safely restrained inside, in a carrier, or in an area away from you, and with a seat belt if possible. This is for your safety as well as theirs.
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If you're flying, research your airline. Some major airlines will now recognize your four-legged traveler. If you are flying to for the holiday, find out your airline's policy!
Enjoying your stay!
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When you and your pet arrive, introduce him slowly to any other pets—after he has had a chance to adjust. For cats, keep yours in a separate room—perhaps where you are sleeping—for a few hours, and then slowly let him see the other pets in the house. When introducing dogs, make sure yours is on a leash and give them outdoor meeting space so all parties have room to check each other out.
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Spend extra time with your pet before getting on with the party! Make sure he's had a chance to go to the bathroom outside before things get too exciting. Set up his bed, blanket, or toys in a place that he can call his own and then spend a few minutes in that space with him. Once he's had time to be with you and the familiar things you've brought along he'll be ready to go around the rest of the house and see what's going on. Take him exploring in a calm manner, and introduce him all the new people!
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Check in with your hosts! Knowing how the people in house are doing can make a huge difference in keeping everything calm and happy. Ask about any pertinent restrictions like new furniture or rooms that are off limits. Make sure the hosts know that you want to help with anything that will make it easier to have your pet around. Ask if there's anything you can bring in advance (like extra bed sheets, blankets, or cleaning supplies) that will help be respectful and appreciative of being in their home.
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Let family members, friends, and guests know if your pet has any behavioral issues, diet restrictions, medical conditions, etc., so everyone will know how to get along with him best. You want to create an environment where everyone can be informed and comfortable!
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Do not feed your pets human food. There are many holiday foods, including fatty meats, gravies, poultry skin, bones, chocolate, coffee, and alcohol that can cause illnesses from vomiting, diarrhea and other toxic reactions. In large doses onions, grapes, and raisins are also toxic to your pet.
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Take your dog on regular walks. This gives him a break from his new surroundings and is a way to work in some exercise. It will help reduce stress and allow you to both have some down time.
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Do not leave your pet alone in the house with other guests unless you feel it is truly safe and comfortable for all. When your pet is away from you in a strange, new place, his behavior can change. You both want to be invited back next year!
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Keep your pets indoors during extremely cold weather. Dogs and cats can develop a very low body temperature (hypothermia) and frost bite just like we can! Pets should not be kept outside for prolonged periods and should be brought in when the weather dips below 40F. When the weather falls below 20F it’s best for pets to stay inside.
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Know when to leave your pets at home. Our pets are family, and the thought of leaving them behind is often heartbreaking. But as much as we all love to have the whole family together, there are times when it's better—and safer—to leave them in good care elsewhere. If your travel means they'll be spending the whole time cooped up in a hotel room or off-limits somewhere in the house, or if your pet is antisocial, aggressive, anxious, or has a condition that makes them fragile, then everyone—especially your pet—will be happier staying at home.
VESCONE wishes you all happy, healthy, and safe Thanksgiving travel. And we'll be open 24/7 for you and your guests if you have any questions or problems! Give us a call at 781-684-8387 if there's anything we can do. Warm wishes for a fantastic holiday!
Posted by
Anh Tran on Mon, Aug 27, 2012 @ 01:48 PM
By: Dr. Andrew Ayre
Izzi's True Emergency Room Story:
Izzi is a very distinguished 11 year old neutered male Portuguese Water Dog who had been with family friends for the past week. When Izzi came home the owners noticed he was slower than usual and had a decreased appetite so they brought him to their family veterinarian at Chestnut Street Animal Hospital.
His bloodwork showed a low red blood cell count (anemia) and his abdominal radiographs (x-rays) showed abnormal fluid is the space around his kidneys. After the veterinarian asked about possible toxins, the owners asked the friends who found an open and eaten box of rat poison! Due to the anti-coagulating effects of the rat toxin, Izzi was unable to clot his blood normally and started to bleed around his kidneys. He was sent to VESCONE through our emergency room by his veterinarian.
He needed a total of two blood plasma transfusions to replace his non-working coagulation factors. Fortunately he responded well to his treatments and supportive care. On the third day of hospitalization he was discharge back into the care of his loving owners. Due to their astute observations and quick action, what could have been a tragic story ended very happily!
What’s the story with rat poison?
These products are also called “rodenticides” and there are two main methods with which they work. The mechanism seriously affects the nervous system and brain resulting in a progression from seizures to coma and/or death. However the more common type of rodenticide sold to homeowners works by destroying the body’s ability to clot blood normally (anticoagulant rodenticide). This can result in bleeding from anywhere in the body. If you suspect your pet has eaten rat or mouse bait and you have the box, bring it with you! This can be life saving as emergency clinics treat the two rodenticide mechanisms in very different ways.
What will I see with anticoagulant rodenticides?
This depends on the individual. The obvious signs of rat bait toxin are with patients that ate something, are vomiting bright green stomach contents (as the most common rat baits are bright blue-green) and have evidence of external or internal bleeding. However there is a large spectrum of clinical signs. For some patients we do not see any major external abnormalities until it is too late and they are beyond our abilities to help. Most animals start with very mild signs, like Izzi, such as slight lethargy/tiredness or less interest in food than normal. As the effects of the toxin progress we begin to see signs consistent with bleeding into areas around the body. These include nose bleeds, coughing up blood or having difficulty breathing, bloody urine or diarrhea, limping (blood in the joints), blood in the eyes, or bruising of the skin (commonly groin and belly) or gums.
If my pet ate rat poison, what’s the best and worse case scenario?
Worst case scenario is that you
r pet has bleed large amounts already and is very sick. A patient in this situation will require multiple transfusions (both red blood due to bleeding and blood plasma for coagulation factors) as well as multiple days of hospitalization. Unfortunately there are situations where despite giving everything we can, the patient still succumbs to the toxin and passes away. Therefore quick identification and aggressive treatment is the center of treatment for this toxin. Best case scenario is that the patient isn’t clinical for the toxin yet and we start therapies to help their coagulation factors work more efficiently and they are never sick and do not need hospitalization. They generally need initial bloodwork, 3-4 weeks of daily medication and recheck bloodwork. And, of course there is a whole spectrum of possibilities between these two scenerios.
When do I need to seek veterinary help?
If you even suspect your animal may have been exposed to a rodenticide you should have them evaluated by a veterinarian and some basic bloodwork performed. There is a medication that can be given to help slow or stop clinical signs. The longer the pet is left without treatment, to more likely they are to bleed and become life-threateningly sick.
If you or someone you know believes that their animal is in need of immediate medical attention, please call VESCONE at 781.684.8387.
We are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Posted by
Anh Tran on Wed, Aug 22, 2012 @ 01:36 PM
Recently at our hospital we have been seen many cases that require blood transfusions. The most common reason to give a blood transfusion is a low number of red blood cells (RBCs) which are responsible for transporting oxygen from the lungs to body tissues. RBCs are measured as a percentage of the entire blood volume (normally 35-50%). If this value is very low we can give them blood from another animal of the same species to help get oxygen to their tissues while their body heals. The blood can’t just come from any animal; a rigorous screening is necessary to make sure the blood transfusion does not cause problems in the patient’s body.
Sample Case
Dumpling is a 2 year old female spayed English Bulldog that was hit by a car after she accidently slipped out of a loose collar. She ran across the street and was struck by an SUV travelling fast down the street. She was in pain, breathing rapidly and actively bleeding from a deep wound to her left thigh. The owners reported that she had soaked 2 whole bath towels with blood on the way over. She was in and out of consciousness and very critical. Her RBC value was 22%, a very critical level. She needed blood! She had lost a very large amount of blood and was continuing to hemorrhage; she was breathing rapidly trying to get more oxygen to her tissues; she was in shock – all great reasons for a blood transfusion. But what do we do now? Where do we get this blood from? How do you chose who gives the blood? How is this blood given? How much blood do they need?
Where do hospitals get blood?
Most emergency hospitals, including VESCONE, have a blood stock on hand for times of need. This blood is obtained through commercial supply companies or from a list of blood donors that are patients of the hospital. Blood donors are young, healthy animals above a certain weight that have undergone a thorough veterinary assessment, full blood work and infectious disease screening.
What are the different blood types?
Prior to Dumpling’s blood transfusion we had to make sure that she was going to accept her transfusion. Just like with humans, animals have blood types. “Blood type” just refers to proteins on the surface of the red blood cell to which the immune system reacts. If you give a patient a transfusion of the wrong blood type they may react to that blood as “abnormal” or an “invader” and try to destroy it causing a host of problems including the possibility of anaphylactic shock and death. Therefore the first important step is to know the blood type of the donor (the healthy animal) and recipient (Dumpling, who was hit by a car). Dumpling was blood type DEA 1.1. Dogs have two main blood types, DEA 1.1 and DEA 1.2 and as more research is performed we are finding additional blood types (DEA 1.3 through DEA 1.7) however these additional types do not seem to be important when giving blood transfusions. (Cats have 3 blood types, A, B and AB) Luckily for Dumpling the two stored blood bags from a previous donors were also DEA 1.1. Which one do we use?
How do you make sure the blood is a match?
Even if the two animals are the same blood type, sometimes their immune system will still react to the new RBCs as “abnormal.” Prior to any transfusion, in addition to making sure the blood types are the same, we have to make sure that the blood we are going to give isn’t going to cause a problem in the specific patient. This process is called “cross-matching” when we place the donor and recipients blood together in a test tube to make sure that it doesn’t react abnormally. Dumpling’s blood was compatible with the first donor that was tested, so now we could go forward with a transfusion.
How is the blood given?
Blood is given just like any fluid, injected through a tube into the vein. Blood products are typically given slowly over 4 hours. During this process the patients are still monitored every 30 minutes to ensure that they are not reacting to the new blood.
How did our sample case react?
Luckily for Dumpling, the bleeding had slowed down enough and she responded well to her transfusion. She overcame many hurdles during her hospital stay including surgery to fix her leg and multiple important tests to make sure she did not have any other complications after being struck by a moving vehicle. Surprisingly, she was otherwise unscathed and after multiple days of hospitalization and supportive care, pain control and blood monitoring she was discharged from the hospital.
There are many reasons for giving a blood transfusion and unfortunately they don’t all have the same happy outcome. Some patients continue to lose blood and need multiple transfusions. Some, despite the best efforts that medicine has to offer, succumb to their underlying disease. For all of these patients, the use of blood transfusion has proved invaluable to their care and is an integral part of their therapy, keeping them alive and their tissues oxygenated so that healing and recovery can occur.
Posted by
Anh Tran on Mon, Aug 20, 2012 @ 02:38 PM
It used to be thought that 1 human year equaled 7 dog years. That’s not necessarily true. Depending on the size of your dog, they may age slower or faster than that!
Photo Courtesy of: http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/Dogs_g59-A_Dogs_Life_Having_Fun_At_A_Party_p55332.html
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How Old Is My Dog in "Human Years"?
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|
Pet's Age
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Pet's Size (in pounds)
|
|
0-20
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21-50
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51-90
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Greater Than 90
|
|
5
|
36
|
37
|
40
|
42
|
|
6
|
40
|
42
|
45
|
49
|
|
7
|
44
|
47
|
50
|
56
|
|
8
|
48
|
51
|
55
|
64
|
|
9
|
52
|
56
|
61
|
71
|
|
10
|
56
|
60
|
66
|
78
|
|
11
|
60
|
65
|
72
|
86
|
|
12
|
64
|
69
|
77
|
93
|
|
13
|
68
|
74
|
82
|
101
|
|
14
|
72
|
78
|
88
|
108
|
|
15
|
76
|
83
|
93
|
115
|
|
16
|
80
|
87
|
99
|
123
|
|
17
|
84
|
92
|
104
|
131
|
|
18
|
88
|
96
|
109
|
139
|
|
19
|
92
|
101
|
115
|
---
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|
20
|
96
|
105
|
120
|
---
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Based on a chart developed by Fred L. Metzger, DVM, Dipl. ABVP; State College, PA (metzgeranimal.com)
Tell us how old your dog is!
Posted by
Anh Tran on Mon, Jul 30, 2012 @ 02:23 PM
Meet Dr. Andrew Ayre, VESCONE's newest Emergency and Critical Care Staff Doctor. Dr. Ayre hails from the New York tri-state area and is a new transplant to Boston! Learn more about our newest doctor below and he welcomes any suggestions of dog friendly places in Boston to visit!
What interested you in becoming a veterinarian?
I have always been fascinated with animals, how they interact with each other as well as with people. I became interested in their biology during high school and proactively sought to be a doctor of veterinary medicine since then as I felt this was the best way I could help. I love what I do and can’t imagine a better way to spend my time then helping people through the treatments of their beloved pets… and getting to play with a few along the way too! J
Why were you drawn to Emergency and Critical Care?
During my internship I found that the variety of cases and intensity of medicine was a right fit for me with emergency medicine. I found that I enjoyed identifying with pet owners in crisis and guiding them through the necessary steps to give their animals the treatments they needed.
You mentioned you worked in an exotic species show for kids, what are you favorite varieties of exotic species?
This is a hard question because the reason that I enjoy exotics is for the variety of species that this area of veterinary medicine has to offer. However if I were to choose a type of species I would say furry pocket pets – rabbits, rodents etc. I did have the wonderful experience of owning a rat with recurring oral abscesses since the pet store could not sell her. That experience gave me a fondness for rats and showed me the unique personality that rats can have and the type of relationship that an owner can have with them.
Are you excited about living near Boston? What things are you interested in seeing?
I am very excited, everybody I spoke to before coming only had good things to say and that “You are going to love it.” So it has to live up to some pretty high expectations! I am interesting in exploring “tourist Boston” to see all of the sights but I also really enjoy outdoor activities with my adolescent Shepard mix, Nala. I would love to find some good hiking and dog-friendly beaches/boardwalks, etc. Any suggestions?
Share with us your philosophy about being a vet? What motivates you to help animals?
I believe in the noble profession of veterinary medicine and the important role that is plays in our society – from companion animals to protecting the food supply to aiding endangered species. My role in companion animals is to protect the human-animal bond and help to promote health so that this bond can be as long and create as much happiness as possible. Dealing with disease and death, as we must being veterinarians, is the biggest challenge to overcome and I think guiding pet owners through these times of grief and suffering are just as important as the health of their pets. I want to go beyond the expectations of my clients as a healer of animals to be a leader in the community who listens to owners to provide a higher level of understanding and care.
Posted by
Anh Tran on Wed, Jul 25, 2012 @ 12:19 PM
Photo Credit: http://www.freedigitalphotos.net/images/Cats_g129-Cat_Nap_p3516.html
Past thinking was that one year of a cat’s life equaled 7 human years. Most experts agree that the first two years of a cat's life are roughly equal to the first 25 of a human’s. After two years of age the aging process slows down. Below is a chart adapted from Purina: http://www.purina.com
Share with us how old your cat it!
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Cat’s Age
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Human Years
|
|
1
|
15
|
|
2
|
24
|
|
3
|
28
|
|
4
|
32
|
|
5
|
36
|
|
6
|
40
|
|
7
|
44
|
|
8
|
48
|
|
9
|
52
|
|
10
|
56
|
|
11
|
60
|
|
12
|
64
|
|
13
|
68
|
|
14
|
72
|
|
15
|
76
|
|
16
|
80
|
|
17
|
84
|
|
18
|
88
|
|
19
|
92
|
|
20
|
96
|
Posted by
Anh Tran on Wed, Apr 11, 2012 @ 01:53 PM
With the holidays over, please make sure that your delicious leftover chocolate is beyond your pet's reach. Amy Breton, CVT, VTS (ECC) and emergency nurse extraordinaire, explains what happens when your pet ingests chocolate.
Chocolate is toxic to dogs and cats. Chocolate contains theobromine, which is toxic to pets. Caffeine is also present in most types of chocolate and can also be a toxic component, but in much smaller amounts than theobromine.
Theobromine and caffeine effects on the body:
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Central Nervous System (CNS) stimulant
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Cardiovascular stimulant (elevated heart rate)
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Increase blood pressure (mild)
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Nausea, vomiting, diarrhea
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Pancreatitis (can occur days later)
Generally the pet can be seen panting, vomiting, shaking, running around and not settling down. The darker the chocolate, the more theobromine it contains. Therefore, a single bite of baker's chocolate can be deadly for pets. Conversely the pet would need more than a bite of white chocolate in order for it to produce a toxic effect. This is why when your pet gets into chocolate it's important to know what kinds and how much.
As soon as your pet ingests chocolate you should contact a pet poison control number to find out if the amount and kind is toxic for them. One of the best pet poison controls centers is ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center: (888) 426-4435. A $65 consultation fee may be applied to your credit card.
If you or someone you know believes that their animal is in need of immediate medical attention, please call VESCONE at 781.684.8387. We are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Posted by
Anh Tran on Thu, Apr 05, 2012 @ 09:51 AM
With Easter coming up this weekend, your house is probably full of flowers, easter baskets and chocolate! While these are fun and delicious for humans, they can be potentially dangerous for your pets.
We asked one of our emergency veterinarians, Dr. Amy Goldstein, to give us some tips on how to keep your pet safe during the holiday and for the rest of the Spring season.
Lilies
Lilies are toxic to cats and can cause kidney failure. Even small amounts of lilies can be lethal. Lily of the valley can affect the heart as well.
Easter Grass
Just like string, dental floss, and tinsel, Easter Grass can cause vomiting and an intestinal obstruction. This is a surgical emergency.
Chocolate
Chocolate contains theobromine, a xanthine compound which is in the same family as caffeine and theophylline- and is toxic to dogs and cats. At low doses chocolate can cause vomiting and diarrhea. At higher doses it can cause a high heart rate, an irregular heart rhythm and seizures.
Fertilizers and Pesticides
N-P-K fertilizers (containing nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium salts) can cause mild gastro-intestinal upset, and also skin irritation on the paws. Fertilizers containing greater than 1% iron can cause iron toxicity if ingested by a dog.
Fleas, Ticks and Mosquitos
Fleas can cause skin irritation, allergic reactions and they can transmit tapeworms. Ticks can transmit many diseases such as Lyme disease. Mosquitos can transmit heartworm to cats and dogs, which can be fatal. All dogs and cats should receive topical monthly flea and tick prevention. It is very important to read product labels very carefully on all flea and tick medications as the misuse of such medications, particularly over the counter varieties, can lead to acute toxicity in pets. It is important never to use a dog product on your cat, or vice versa. The ingredient “permethrin” found in some dog medications, while perfectly safe for dogs can be lethal to cats even in very small doses.
Insect Bites
Dogs can also have severe allergic reactions to insect bites this time of year. Common symptoms are a swollen face and hives. If left untreated, the inflammatory response can cause severe illness and respiratory distress.
Fishing Hooks and Lines
It is important to keep all fishing hooks away from your pet. They can get stuck in your pet’s mouth or paws. Fishing lines can cause an obstruction in your pet’s intestines.
Leashes
Remember to always keep your dog on a leash when they are outside. Make sure all leashes and collars fit appropriately for your animal, and are not too worn from usage. Keeping your dog on a leash can prevent them from being hit by a car or getting bit by another dog. Bite wounds are common emergencies; make sure to always keep your pets rabies vaccinations up to date.
If you or someone you know believes that their animal is in need of immediate medical attention, please call VESCONE at 781.684.8387. We are open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.
Posted by
Anh Tran on Thu, Mar 15, 2012 @ 09:52 AM
Dr. Amy Shroff, VESCONE's Chief of Staff and owner, was recently featured on All Paws Pet Talk Radio, which is heard on Sunday mornings on Boston's 96.9 FM.
Hear Dr. Shroff's suggestions on the must read veterinary books for children, pet lovers and veterinary students. Learn about what drives Dr. Shroff to run one of the most successful Veterinary Emergency and Specialty facilities in the Boston Area.
Hear the full radio show here.
Posted by
Anh Tran on Mon, Mar 05, 2012 @ 02:10 PM
By: Bari Spielman, DVM, Internal Medicine Department Chair
Lucky Caruso is a 10 year old Pomeranian who has been under the care of internal medicine for over 2 years. We first met Lucky to help with regulation of his recently diagnosed diabetes mellitus. Lucky had developed cataracts and was in dire need of tight blood sugar control. Lucky’s owners administer insulin under his skin twice daily. We have found the dose that keeps Lucky’s blood sugars within a normal range. Lucky also receives eye drops each day to decrease inflammation in his eyes not uncommonly seen with cataracts.
Over the years Lucky has developed a number of other medical issues. He has overcome pancreatitis (an inflamed pancreas), pneumonia, urinary tract infections, and battles a collapsing trachea, not uncommon to his breed. His 2 most recently diagnosed illnesses include pulmonary hypertension (increased pressure in the vessels of the lungs) and polycythemia (too many red blood cells).
Lucky receives a number of medications each day including Viagra, which helps greatly with the pulmonary hypertension. Lucky also comes in every few weeks for a phlebotomy. We remove a large amount of blood from his jugular vein, which brings his red count into a normal, healthy range.
Lucky has a wonderful quality of life. He has a very caring and dedicated family who love him very much. He lives with his father Fluffy, and son Gucci.
Lucky is a wonderful patient. He has always allowed us to do all testing, including his phlebotomies without sedation. He is a tough, trusting little dog who brightens our day.
