Strays Anatomy

Fleas are the most common external parasite of companion animals. Flea allergy dermatitis is the most common skin disease of dogs and cats! Flea control has always been a challenge for veterinarians and pet owners because the adult fleas cause the clinical signs, yet the majority of the flea population (eggs, larvae and pupae) are to be found off the pet in and around the home.  The ideal flea control program utilizes products that target the various stages of the flea life cycle, not only the adult fleas on the pet. In order to help you to select the most appropriate products to achieve a flea-free existence for an allergic pet, we will start by telling you about the life cycle of the flea.

The Life Cycle of the Flea: Ctenocephalides felis

Eggs are laid in the hair coat and are designed to fall off the host. They are resistant to insecticides, but susceptible to various insect growth regulators. Larvae develop in the host’s environment and feed on adult flea feces (blood) that fall out of the hair coat of the pet. Larvae are susceptible to traditional insecticides, borates and insect growth regulators. Larvae eventually spin cocoons (often within carpet fibers) for pupation. Pupae are resistant to freezing, desiccation, and insecticides. Pupae can lie dormant for many months; they are stimulated to expupate as emergent adults by vibration, warming and increased carbon dioxide. Normally, expupation occurs when a host is near and the new flea finds the pet within seconds of emergence. Emergent fleas are fairly mobile and can survive a few days without a host, if in a suitable environment. New fleas begin feeding within hours of finding a dog or cat. Once a blood meal has been taken, the flea can survive only a short time if it is dislodged from the host. New fleas experience very high mortality on healthy adult hosts. Most fleas do not survive 72 hours on an animal that is itching and able to groom itself.

Unfortunately, limited egg production does occur even on allergic animals. The entire life cycle of C. felis can be completed in as few as 16 days! Continue Reading…

How Common is Heart Disease?

Heart disease is frequently encountered in dogs. The function of the heart is to maintain an adequate flow of blood to the tissues and organs of the body. Acquired diseases affecting the heart valves or heart muscle can eventually cause the heart to fail and result in inadequate blood flow.

How is Heart Disease Detected?

A thorough physical exam, including listening the heart and lungs with a stethoscope, is how veterinarians determine that heart disease may be present in your dog.

To help confirm the diagnosis of heart disease, radiographs (x-rays) of the chest can help your veterinarian evaluate the size of the heart and condition of the lungs. In addition, the electrocardiogram can be used to evaluate how fast the heart is beating. Irregularities in the heartbeat also can be identified with an electrocardiogram. Continue Reading…

Complete blood count (CBC)

This is the most common blood test performed on pets and people. A CBC gives information on hydration status, anemia, infection, the blood’s clotting ability, and the ability of the immune system to respond. This test is essential for pets with fevers, vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, pale gums, or loss of appetite. If your pet needs surgery, a CBC can detect bleeding disorders or other unseen abnormalities.

o HCT (hematocrit) measures the percentage of red blood cells to detect anemia and dehydration.

o Hb and MCHC (hemoglobin and mean corpuscular hemoglobin concentration) are the oxygen-carrying pigments of red blood cells.

o WBC (white blood cell count) measures the body’s immune cells. Increases or decreases indicate certain diseases or infections.

o GRANS and L/M (granulocytes and lymphocytes/monocytes) are specific types of white blood cells.

o EOS (eosinophils) are a specific type of white blood cells that may Indicate allergic or parasitic conditions.

o PLT (platelet count) measures cells that form blood clots.

o RETICS (reticulocytes) are immature red blood cells. High levels indicate regenerative anemia.

o FIBR (fibrinogen) Is an important clotting factor. High levels may indicate a dog is 30 to 40 days pregnant Continue Reading…

Sunscreen can and should be used on cats and dogs. Animals that have light-colored noses and thin, very short, or missing fur are most in need of protective sunscreen, or sunblock. The groin, inside legs, and abdomen can also need sunscreen because hair is very thin there and UV light can reflect off of concrete surfaces to affect that skin.  Also, dogs who like to expose their belly to the sun may need sunscreen.  The American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) recommends use of sunscreen in appropriate animals. Pets with light skin and short or thin hair coat are particularly prone to sunburn or skin cancer. Pets who have suffered hair loss from allergies, hot spots, disease, surgical preparation, or radiation can benefit from sunscreen. If your dog’s coat is shaved so the dog is cooler during the summer, sunscreen may be helpful. Continue Reading…

Kittens and puppies are naturally inquisitive, which can often lead to serious injury. Here are some tips on how you can make your house safer for the new arrival.

That’s shocking -Young animals love to chew when they’re teething. Keep electrical wires out of reach, or use a pet-repellent spray.

They’d die for some chocolate - Chocolate can be dangerous. It contains theobromine, a powerful stimulant that is toxic to pets. Sweets, cakes and cookies can also upset a young animal’s G.I. tract and lead to diarrhea and vomiting, which can be serious.

Treats can be threats - Never give turkey, chicken or rib bones as a treat. They can splinter and cause serious injury.

Common household killers -Cleaning agents, bleach, ammonia, disinfectants, drain cleaner, oven cleaner, paint, gasoline, rat poison. Keep them locked up.

Check the antifreeze - Pets are attracted to the odor and sweet taste of antifreeze. Store it high and tightly sealed, wiping up any spills on the garage floor. Window-washing solution also contains antifreeze. Remember, engine warmth promotes catnaps, so honk your horn to wake pets under the hood. Continue Reading…