Archive for August, 2008
Having a cat’s nails removed is a very controversial issue. Many view declawing as inhumane and cruel, while others look at is as necessary. There are alternatives to the declawing procedure, so middle grounders may use declawing as a last resort. Whether or not you would like to declaw your cat is completely up to you and your veterinarian. But, before you rush into the procedure, you should understand the process, the alternatives, and the reasons why an owner would have a cat’s nails removed.
Onychectomy is a surgical method of removing a cat’s claws. The surgery is similar to an amputation where last phalanx on each toe is removed. For a human, it would be similar to removing the last segment of bone on a finger. By removing this bone, the nail bed is removed; thus, the nail is unable to grow. Surgical glue is used to seal the incision, and the cat is usually kept overnight. Another method used, tendonectomy, does not involve removing the claw. Instead, the tendons that allow the cat to flex its nails are cut. The nails are still there and continue to grow throughout the cat’s life; she is just unable to move her claws. Both procedures require anesthesia and many veterinarians will write a prescription for pain medication. Recovery for the procedures can take anywhere from a couple of days to a couple of weeks. An advantage of tendonectomy is that it is considered less painful for the cat after the operation. A disadvantage of the procedure is that the owner must keep the cat’s nails clipped throughout its life to prevent ingrown nails. Although an onychectomy may cause more pain for the cat initially, there are normally no additional side effects once the incisions heal.
There are a few alternatives to declawing, but all take time and patience. Soft Paws and Soft Claws are vinyl coverings that glue onto your pet’s nails. It may take time to get your cat used to the feel. For some cats, the claws will stay on anywhere between four and six weeks; but, the claws can detach earlier than that. Often, placing an intriguing scratching post in your home can deter your cat from clawing your beloved furniture. Using a scratching post combined with methods to keep your cat off the furniture (such as a spray bottle) has proven successful for many cat owners.
A fairly common belief is that all indoor cats are declawed; but, in truth, going through with the procedure is the owner’s choice. Some people automatically think that if they have an indoor cat, then it’s going to claw the furniture. All cats are different; and, yes, some will go straight for your favorite item. But, many owners are able to discourage furniture clawing and encouraging other forms of nail sharpening. Since you don’t know what behaviors your kitten will adopt, some veterinarians suggest holding off on the surgery until a problem arises. Others, however, suggest performing the surgery at an early age, since young kittens can heal faster than older cats. Many veterinarians will discourage or refuse to declaw a cat’s back claws, leaving them for protection.
If you are having a hard time deciding whether or not to declaw your cat, then consider the situation. If your cat spends times outside, then declawing is definitely not recommended; she needs her claws to defend herself. If she never leaves the confinements of your home and alternatives have not been successful, then you may need to have your cat declawed. Rest assured knowing that the procedure is performed regularly, and rarely do cats have problems later down the road.
Declawing a cat is a great debate in the United States. Many people feel that the procedure is inhuman, but others think it’s the only way to keep their home intact. There are different methods of performing the procedure; each has its own advantages and disadvantages. There are also alternatives to declawing, but they all take time and patience. Cats that spend time outdoors should never have their claws removed, since sharp nails are a way for them to protect themselves. Whether or not you want to have your cat declawed is up to you and your veterinarian.
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August 27th, 2008
Oh, those pesky little ticks. It seems as though they can cause a variety of problems for our favorite companions. Although flea and tick prevention is ideal, sometimes the pesky insect will slip passed our care. Lyme disease is easily treated; but, the ease of treatment should not deter you from thinking of it as an urgent situation. If you suspect your pooch is having problems, then you should see your veterinarian as soon as possible.
Lyme disease has been found in most areas of the United States; although, it is most commonly found in the northeastern region. The disease is transmitted by a deer tick which affixes itself to the host’s body. Many mammals, including humans, can contract the disease, but it is more common for dogs to be exposed. Once the tick attaches itself to your pooch, it takes about two days for the dog to become infected. Often, a pooch experiencing arthritic pain or inflamed joints may have been exposed to a Lyme disease host. Other symptoms include fever, loss of appetite, swollen lymph nodes, and lameness. When left untreated, kidney damage is the most common effect of Lyme disease. If your pooch is exhibiting any of these symptoms, then you should take him to see your veterinarian. Even if the symptoms are not caused by the disease, they are signals of a problem.
There are tests that your veterinarian can perform to detect the presence of Lyme disease. If your pet has had a previous vaccination against the disease, then it is a bit more difficult to distinguish between the vaccine and the actual infection. For instance, your dog may test positive because of his encounter with the vaccine or an infected tick, but he may not actually be infected with the disease. However, there are fairly new tests that can distinguish between the two. Often, if a veterinarian suspects Lyme disease but the tests are inconclusive, he or she will go ahead and start a treatment plan. After only one or two days of inexpensive treatment there are noticeable signs of improvement, so a treatment program can actually confirm the presence of the illness. Or, the medication is treating some other bacteria which are causing the discomfort. Either way, it’s a win-win situation for your pet.
Most often, an antibiotic is used for two to four weeks to treat the disease. The antibiotics are affordable, so there is no reason not to start treatment immediately. As mentioned before, your will see improvements in your dog’s health a couple of days after starting the antibiotics. It is unlikely that the bacteria will be completely removed from your pooch’s system. Instead, your veterinarian is looking to achieve a state of balance where your dog’s immune system is able to overcome the infection. No matter how much better your dog seems to feel, you should treat the medication like any other antibiotic; do not stop dosage until your veterinarian tells you to. Stopping the antibiotic before it has had time to eradicate the problem is almost a sure way for Lyme disease to recur.
Prevention of Lyme disease is the best bet for keeping your pooch healthy. Many areas of the country do not recommend a vaccination if they are not known to have a high infection rate. Determining whether your pet should have a vaccination is between you and your veterinarian. Other ways to prevent the contraction of the disease is with a regular flea and tick prevention program. Keeping the ticks off your pet is a sure way to keep the disease away from your pet. If you spend time in a place where the disease is present or if you spend time in areas where your pet can attract ticks, then check your pet for ticks each day. Removing the tick before it has a chance to infect your pet is another way to keep your pooch healthy.
Lyme disease is not necessarily a life-threatening situation, but it should be handled in a timely manner. The disease is transmitted by the deer tick, which is most commonly found in the northeaster United States. If your pet seems to be experiencing muscle and joint pain, has a fever, or has a lack of appetite, then visit your veterinarian immediately. Although prevention is ideal, there are successful treatment methods that your veterinarian can prescribe.
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August 21st, 2008
If your pet has been constantly scratching and hair is all over the place, then he may be suffering from a case of mange. There are two types of mange, and both are caused by mites. If you suspect your dog may have mange, the get to your veterinarian! Your veterinarian can help you identify the presence and the type of mites and get your pooch started on a treatment plan.
The first type of mange, demodectic or red mange, is normally found on puppies or adult dogs with lowered immune systems. Demodectic mange results from mites that are found naturally in the hair follicles. These mites are normally transmitted from a mother to her pup, which is completely normal. A dog with a strong immune system will be able to hold its own against the mites, and never experience skin problems because of them. A dog with a weakened or underdeveloped immune system, including a puppy, has a harder time keeping the number of mites down. The mites begin to multiply, eventually causing skin irritation. Signs of demodectic mange may include light scratching, hairless patches of skin, red patches with pimple like bumps, and scaling. Most puppies are able to overcome a case of demodectic mange within a few weeks; as their immune systems strengthen, the dog is able to overcome the mite irritation.
The second type of mange, sarcoptic mange, is a form of scabies. Unlike the mites that are passed down from mother to pup, these mites are contracted from another sufferer. Many animals can be infected, and humans are no exception. With sarcoptic mange, then mites burrow into the skin. This type of mange is much itchier than red mange, so your dog will spend a lot of time scratching. Hair loss occurs, but further signs may arise from your pooch’s intense scratching, such as cuts and scabbing. Skin damage and secondary infections are fairly common with sarcoptic mange, so an antibiotic may be in order. If you think your dog is suffering from sarcoptic mange, then he needs to be isolated from other animals as soon as possible to prevent spreading the mites. His bedding, toys, play area, and anything he comes in contact with must be thoroughly cleaned. Even after treatment begins, his belongings will still need to be disinfected regularly until the mites have been completely eradicated.
If you suspect your pooch has either type of mange, then you should take him to see your veterinarian as soon as possible. Your vet can perform a scratch test, removing a layer of skin from the infected area. Once under a microscope, the vet can view what type of mites are causing the itch. Demodectic mites are cylindrical while sarcoptic mites are rounder. This test is not foolproof. Since your dog has probably spent a lot of time scratching the irritated areas, he may have scratched away the actual mites. Often, your vet can confirm the presence of mites just by watching your pooch. Even without a mite sample, your vet will probably start a mange treatment plan. If the treatments do not work, then other possible skin problems will be examined.
Treatment for mange will depend on the severity. Since a puppy can overcome demodectic mange, he may not be started on treatment for a few weeks. If the demodectic irritation is minor, a special shampoo may be prescribed to help sooth the skin. Sarcoptic mange and some cases of demodectic mange can be treated with rinses, dips, or medication. In addition to treating the mites, your dog may be prescribed an antihistamine or similar drug to help with the itchy, swollen skin. If there are secondary infections, then an antibiotic may also be necessary. Your veterinarian will decide which option is better for your dog.
Mange is a problem that affects many dogs. Whether you have a puppy, a sick pooch, or a dog that likes to roam the dog park, you may have to deal with treating mange. There are two types of mange; one is fairly natural, while the other is highly contagious. If you suspect your dog is suffering, then you need to see your veterinarian as soon as possible. Your vet can perform tests, evaluate the situation, and get your pooch started on a treatment plan. Remember, he’s itching, so get him help!
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August 1st, 2008