Pine Ridge Pet Clinic

08/24/2024

Some dog breeds, like the Pug, are easy to say. Others, like the Nederlandse Kooikerhondje, are trickier. Learn proper ways to pronounce tough breed names.

08/22/2024

It's Take Your Cat to the Vet Day! 🏥 Ensure your cat's health with regular vet visits. Schedule an appointment today.

08/20/2024

Summer can bring hidden dangers for pets. 🌞🐾

Keep your furry friends safe by providing plenty of water, avoiding hot pavement, and never leaving them in a parked car. Watch out for signs of heatstroke and always ensure they have a cool, shady spot to rest.

Enjoy a safe and happy summer with your pets! 🐾

08/19/2024

Socialization is vital for your pet's development. 🐕🐾

Start early to build positive experiences. Gradually introduce new environments, people, and animals. Use treats and praise during interactions. Arrange playdates with friendly pets and enroll in obedience classes for good manners and confidence.

Happy socializing! 🐾

08/19/2024

The causes of a dog's goopy eye range from mild, transient issues like allergies to serious conditions like glaucoma, so evaluation by your veterinarian may be an important next step if your dog has eye discharge. (click below for more information)

Learn about dog eye boogers, goop, gunk & crustiness: when it's normal vs. when it could be a health concern and which breeds & sizes are most susceptible.

08/17/2024

Celebrate Black Cat Appreciation Day by sharing a photo of your black cat and why they're special to you! 🖤🐱

08/17/2024

https://www.humanesociety.org/resources/what-do-if-you-find-kittens?fbclid=IwZXh0bgNhZW0CMTAAAR2zio_eSJDoEslBph6P5QCdmesS71WRZ1E9nrqiRZPUdnmDP12TiqPsBiw_aem_-xlDWNjok_B3VfSbUr_-YA

Crucial considerations before you scoop up young kittens

08/15/2024

Don't let lost become forever! This Check the Chip Day, make sure your pet's microchip is registered and updated. It's a simple step that could save the day.

08/14/2024

Parvovirus
Canine Parvovirus (CPV), sometimes simply called “Parvo”, is a viral illness that exists in 2 forms. Intestinal CPV is the more common form. This is characterized by vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss and anorexia (lack of appetite). The second less common form is cardiac CPV. This affects the hearts of puppies in the uterus or up to 8 weeks of age and is often fatal. CPV is highly contagious, although the incidence of infections has been considerably reduced by early vaccination of puppies.

SYMPTOMS AND TYPES

The first sign of CPV is usually lethargy. The next symptoms are generally a loss of appetite or diarrhea, followed by vomiting.

Intestinal CPV
The intestinal form of CPV drastically reduces the dog’s ability to absorb nutrients. This means that infected animals quickly become dehydrated and weak from a lack of protein absorption. The major symptoms of CPV are severe bloody diarrhea, fever, vomiting, lethargy, anorexia and eventually, severe weight loss. The mucous membranes of the eyes and mouth often become redder and the animal may have tachycardia (rapid heart rate). Infected dogs may respond with pain or discomfort when the abdomen is touched. Another symptom of CPV can be hypothermia (low body temperature) rather than fever.

Cardiac CPV
The cardiac form attacks the heart muscle and the puppy often dies suddenly or after a brief period of breathing difficulty due to the collection of fluids in the pulmonary system. This disease may or may not be seen in conjunction with the signs and symptoms of the intestinal form. However, the cardiac form is now rarely seen due to vaccination of breeding dogs.

CAUSES AND RISK FACTORS

There are several risk factors that can increase susceptibility to CPV.

The virus is usually transmitted either indirectly from the f***s of an infected dog, or directly by contact with an infected dog. The f***s of an infected dog have high concentrations of the virus, so when a healthy dog sniffs or ingests infected f***s, it may contract the disease. The virus can also reside in the soil and on small items within the environment (fomites); it will be transmitted if these are ingested. Transmission of the virus to a dog’s environment can also occur from shoes that have contacted infected f***s or fomites. This is an important route of transmission as the virus can live in the ground for up to 1 year. It is also resistant to most cleaning products and weather changes. If there is a possibility that infected f***s have been contacted, the suspected areas should be washed with household bleach, the only disinfectant known to kill the CPV virus.

CPV infections can also be caused by improper vaccination protocols or vaccination failure. Establishments that house a large number of inadequately vaccinated puppies (e.g. some breeding kennels, dog shelters) are particularly hazardous places with respect to transmission. Dog breeds that have a high susceptibility to the virus include German Shepherds, Rottweilers, Pit Bulls, Doberman Pinschers, English Springer Spaniels, Labrador Retrievers and Alaskan Sled Dogs. A poor immune system from immuno-suppressive diseases or drug therapies can also increase the possibility of infection.

DIAGNOSIS

Diagnosis of CPV requires a range of techniques. This will usually start with a physical examination of the dog. If required, biochemical tests and urine analysis will reveal any elevated liver enzymes, lymphopenia (low lymphocyte levels) or electrolyte imbalances. The blood tests will give a chemical blood profile and a blood cell count. Radiograph imaging will show any obstruction of the intestine while ultrasound imaging can reveal enlarged lymph nodes within the body and any fluid-filled sections of the intestine.

The veterinarian will require a thorough history of the dog’s health, recent activities and when the onset of symptoms occurred. Samples of f***s or vomit can be examined and used microscopically for detection of the virus.

TREATMENT

Because CPV is a viral infection, there is no cure for it. Treatment is aimed at controlling the symptoms and preventing secondary infections. The dog will require intensive therapy for its bodily systems to recover. Severe diarrhea and dehydration will be treated by intravenous fluids to re-establish and maintain normal body fluid levels. Nutrition therapy is critical in re-establishing protein and electrolyte levels which will then need to be monitored and regulated.

Several medications may be given to your dog to treat symptoms or prevent further complications. These include antiemetics to reduce vomiting, H2 blockers to reduce nausea, antibiotics to prevent secondary infections and anthelmintics to prevent parasitic infections.

Untreated cases of CPV have a mortality rate of 91%. With aggressive therapy, mortality rates are reduced to 5-20%. When death occurs, this is usually due to severe dehydration, secondary bacterial infections, toxins in the blood from bacteria, or severe bleeding from the intestines. Because puppies have a less developed immune system, their prognosis is usually poorer. Puppies that are infected with CPV commonly suffer from shock and sudden death.

LIVING AND MANAGEMENT

During recovery, it is best to feed your dog a form of diet that is easily digested. After the initial recovery, your dog will be a contagion risk to other dogs for possibly 2 months. Therefore, you should isolate your dog from others. In addition, you should consider telling your neighbors that they may need to have their own pets tested. Wash all objects that your dog uses (e.g., toys, kennel, sleeping box, dishes) with a very dilute bleach solution (1:30 ratio) to disinfect and kill the parvovirus.

Having suffered and recovered from a CPV infection, it is likely your dog will have a weakened immune system making it more susceptible to other illnesses. Talk to your veterinarian about how the dog’s immune system can be made as normal as possible and ways in which you can protect your dog from unhealthy situations. Complete recovery means your dog will have long-term immunity against the virus, however, it is still possible that your dog can again be infected with the virus.

PREVENTION

To prevent CPV infection, the best course of action is to follow the correct vaccination protocol, and not allow contact with outside dogs until at least 2 weeks after the last vaccination.

08/12/2024

Planning a trip with your pet? Here are some tips to ensure a safe and comfortable journey for your furry friend. 🧳🐾

08/11/2024

Does your pet have you trained?
Shared from:Life With Doggos

08/10/2024

It's Spoil Your Dog Day! 🐕 Today is all about pampering your furry friend with extra love, treats, and fun activities. How are you spoiling your dog today? Share your ideas and photos below!

08/09/2024

🐾Dallas scored a touchdown for cuteness. ❤

08/08/2024

Happy International Cat Day! 🐱 Celebrate your feline friends by sharing a picture of your cat below!

08/08/2024

Fun Fact
In 1990, Bill Irwin, who was blind, traveled 8 months with his guide dog, hiking the Appalachian Trail. Such a bond of trust and love.

08/06/2024

🐾Need a Tuesday afternoon pick me up, check out Cool Hand Luke that came to visit today. He's sure to put a smile on your face. 🥰

08/05/2024

Ticks
Ticks are a type of parasite belonging to the class Arachnida, which differ in many regards from insects in that they have eight legs rather than 6, and two body segments rather than three. Ticks are obligate parasites in that they cannot survive or complete their life cycle without a host to feed on. There are two major groups of ticks – hard-shelled ticks (Ixodidae), and soft-shelled ticks (Argasidae). There are several anatomic differences between the two groups, however, the most notable difference is that the hard-shelled ticks tend to remain attached to their hosts for hours or days, whereas the soft shelled ticks take a short blood meal and drop off.

Ticks are found in general where their hosts are found and prefer more humid climates. They feed on a variety of species of mammals, birds, and reptiles and some amphibians. They are obligate blood-feeders. Ticks cannot fly or jump but instead crawl toward their prey. They are able to detect odors, chemicals, temperature, and airflow changes via “Haller’s organs” on their legs. Ticks waiting for hosts to attach to climb on grass or other vegetation and outstretch their front legs to help sense when a potential host is approaching; this is called “questing.”

Contrary to popular belief, ticks can survive through the winter by becoming dormant and hiding in leaf litter, or by attaching to a host. Some tick species can survive over a year without a blood meal.

Ixodidae (hard shell) ticks bite by making a cut in the skin, injecting a secretion with an anticoagulant or anti-platelet factor, and then sucking blood via their hypostome. Blood feeding is required in order for the completion of the life cycle stages. In hard-shell ticks, there are four life stages: egg, larva, nymph, and adult. The larva can be distinguished from adults in that they have six legs rather than eight. In soft shell ticks, there are seven nymph stages (instars). Each stage is completed on a different host.

RISK OF DISEASE

Ticks are carriers of several infectious diseases, including viruses, bacteria, and protozoa. Many of these can cause serious illness in animals and humans. Lyme disease is perhaps the most well known, however, others include rickettsial diseases such as typhus and Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever, and also Q Fever, Ehrlichia, Anaplasmosis, Babesia, Tularemia, and others. Tick paralysis is another disease caused by ticks, which is not due to any viral or bacterial cause, but rather neurotoxins secreted by the tick.

The primary tick species affecting dogs and cats are the Deer Tick (Ixodes Scapularis), the Brown Dog Tick (Rhipicephalus Sanguineus), the Lone Star Tick (Amblyomma Americanum), and the American Dog Tick (Dermacentor variabilis). Of these, the Brown Dog tick has the unique ability to complete its entire life cycle indoors.

REMOVAL AND PREVENTION

Removing a tick is best done with a removal tool or tweezer. If pieces of the mouthparts or head are left behind, they can be removed similar to how a splinter would be removed.

Preventing ticks is best accomplished through the use of permethrin products on clothing during outdoor activities, and for pets, using a product recommended by your veterinarian, at the specified dosage, frequency, and duration.

08/04/2024

Mark your calendars! ️ It's National Assistance Dog Day on August 4th!

We want to celebrate the incredible bond between these furry heroes and their human companions.

These amazing dogs provide invaluable support and independence to people in need.

07/31/2024

Kids will be heading back to school soon, which means our fur babies will be missing their little pack members. Start now to help prepare them for change.

For pets, the sudden switch from long summer days of playing with the kids to back-to-school can be a tough adjustment. Here are tips to make it easier.

07/28/2024

shared from: I Love Dogs

07/26/2024

The weekend is here! 🐾 What are your pet-friendly plans? Whether it’s a park visit or a cozy day at home, we’d love to hear how you spend your weekends with your pets.

07/25/2024

Vestibular Disease
Vestibular Disease is also known as “Old Dog” Syndrome. Most mammals gain their sense of balance and spatial orientation from organs in the inner ear and parts of the brain, collectively called the “vestibular system”. If the vestibular system becomes diseased, this affects the ability of the animal to balance itself. There are two forms of vestibular disease. The most common form is peripheral vestibular disease which arises from disorders affecting the inner ear and nerves (i.e. not the central nervous system). The second form, called central vestibular disease, is a much less common condition although it is considerably more serious as it originates within the central nervous system. Both forms result in the animal experiencing a loss of balance and other symptoms of vertigo and dizziness. This disease can appear extremely dramatic to dog owners, particularly the first time the symptoms are observed. However, most cases improve quickly with appropriate care, treatment and addressing the causes of the condition.

CAUSES

Peripheral Vestibular Disease
Peripheral vestibular disease results from irritation of the nerves connecting the inner ear to the brain. This irritation can arise from several causes:

Chronic and recurrent infections of the inner and middle ear
Overzealous cleaning of the ears
Trauma from head injury
Stroke
Tumors
Polyps
Meningoencephalitis
Hypothyroidism
Drugs like the aminoglycoside antibiotics, including amikacin, gentamicin, neomycin and tobramycin.
Loop diuretics
Ear cleaners that should not be used with ruptured eardrums
Congenital defect (present from birth)

Peripheral vestibular disease can also be idiopathic, meaning the cause has not been identified. Infection of the middle ear is the most common cause of the disease in younger dogs; in older dogs, brain tumors may be the cause of the disease.

Central Vestibular Disease
Causes of central vestibular disease include:

Inflammatory disease
Infection
Trauma
Bleeding in the brain
Loss of blood flow
Cancer

SIGNS AND SYMPTOMS

Signs of vestibular disease include:

Abnormal posture, e.g. leaning or head tilt (towards the side of the problem)
Asymmetric ataxia, i.e. “drunken” gait (worse on the side of the problem)
Circling/deviating (towards the side of the problem)
Nystagmus–involuntary, rhythmic, jerking eye flicks–the slower flick is towards the side with problem)
Vomiting (motion sickness)

Dizziness and loss of balance can cause excessive drooling, sometimes with nausea and vomiting. If only one ear is affected, circling and head-tilting is usually in the direction of that ear and only the eye on that side may develop nystagmus.

Congenital vestibular disease is usually apparent before 3 months of age. Breeds that are predisposed to this condition include the Akita, Beagle, Doberman pinscher, German shepherd, English cocker spaniel, Smooth fox terrier and the Tibetan terrier.

Vestibular disease in old dogs is often mistaken for the animal having a stroke. The signs of vertigo caused by the disease can be more intense in older dogs which may show a complete inability to stand, nausea and circling. The disease in old dogs can make eating and drinking, or even going outside to urinate or defecate, very difficult, if not impossible. Therapy is likely to be needed in the form of intra-venous fluids and supplemental nutrition.

DIAGNOSIS

A physical examination and neurological assessment will ascertain if the vestibular disease is of the peripheral or central form. If the peripheral form of the condition is identified, your veterinarian will likely use an otoscope to look deep into your pet’s ears. Sometimes, x-rays are needed to assist the diagnosis. Other screening methods such as blood tests, culture and sensitivity, and cytology will help eliminate other potential causes of specific symptoms. Your veterinarian may also recommend a biopsy of any polyps or tumors that are found. If central vestibular disease is diagnosed, MRI or CT scans are likely to be recommended. Additional tests include cerebrospinal fluid analysis in which the fluid that bathes the brain and spinal cord is analyzed for abnormalities in protein concentration, cell counts and other parameters. This test is most useful to determine if there is an inflammatory and/or infectious disease.

TREATMENT

The aims of treating vestibular disease are two-fold. The first aim is to deal with the underlying cause while the second aim is to provide supportive care.

The symptoms of nausea and vomiting can be mitigated by motion sickness medications. If the middle or inner ear is infected, antibiotics are likely to improve the condition. Ear infections should be identified and treated as quickly as possible. Inflammation may respond to treatment initially, but without good treatment, it can progress to a point where it may be untreatable. If the vestibular disease is caused by an under-active thyroid, the condition will resolve once the metabolic condition is managed correctly. If a medication is the cause, stopping the medication can bring complete resolution, however, there can sometimes be some residual hearing loss. Surgical removal of polyps can result in a complete cure, however, if there are cancerous tumors, the prognosis is usually less positive. The central vestibular form of the disease generally has a poorer prognosis than the peripheral form, primarily due to the potential for devastating damage to the brain stem. Fortunately, most cases of the peripheral form improve quickly once the underlying cause is diagnosed, addressed and the vertigo symptoms are treated with appropriate care.

Rehabilitation therapy can help your dog learn better awareness of his body position and thereby improve his stability. Symptoms of dizziness can prevent, or even totally stop, normal walking. This means food and water sometimes need to be close to your pet, or even brought to him to eat or drink. Some dogs may need to be hand-fed for a while. Many dogs need help getting to a place for urination or defecation.

There is no treatment that consistently manages either congenital vestibular disease or the geriatric condition. These pets require nursing care and confinement. Puppies born with the congenital disease often adapt and are less affected as they get older. In old dogs, the condition usually resolves in 7 to 14 days, however, the head-tilt can be life-long.

Talk to the veterinarian if you are concerned your pet is showing signs of vestibular disease.

07/24/2024

Hydration is crucial, especially in the summer heat! 💦 Keep your pets hydrated with fresh water.

07/23/2024

❤We welcome Molly Moon Pie, such a sweetie pie.🐾

07/22/2024

Good nutrition is the foundation of health. 🥗🐶

07/22/2024

Learn how to identify different types of aggression in cats and how to keep their sharp parts from causing injury. (click below)

Learn tips for identifying and minimizing overly aggressive play cats, such as adopting positive play techniques with your feline friend.

07/20/2024

https://www.facebook.com/watch/?ref=saved&v=2192886587711559

07/19/2024

Bored pets? Try these enrichment ideas! 🧠🐾 Keeping pets mentally and physically active is essential. What are your favorite ways to keep your pet entertained?

07/18/2024

Urinary Incontinence
Urinary incontinence is the involuntary leakage of urine, or inability to control urination. It occurs in dogs and cats of any life stage for various reasons.

Symptoms

Pet owners may notice urinary accidents in the home as the primary symptom. Since incontinence is only one potential reason for urinary accidents, it is important to carefully document when urine accidents are happening, whether the pet is cognizant of the urine leakage, if there is a pattern, and if there are any lower urinary signs such as urgency to urinate, frequent urination of small amounts, or blood in the urine.

Incontinence in Young Animals

In young animals, urinary accidents can be the result of incomplete house training vs. a variety of medical problems, including congenital abnormalities of the urinary tract, urinary infections, estrogen-associated urinary incontinence in dogs spayed at a young age, and trauma to the spine/pelvis.

Incontinence in Cats

In cats, incontinence is rare and usually associated with retroviral infection (Feline Leukemia/FIV). However, in cats, urinary accidents or inappropriate urination are a common symptom of feline lower urinary tract disease, and inappropriate elimination must be distinguished from incontinence.

Incontinence in Adult & Senior Animals

In adult or senior dogs and cats with recent onset of symptoms, leakage may result from sphincter-mechanism incompetence (most common in older female dogs, due to reduced tone of the urinary sphincter), diseases causing increased thirst and urination (diabetes, Cushing’s disease), trauma, or disorders affecting neurologic components of the control of micturition (voiding).

Diagnosis

Voluntary control of urination is a complex reflex pathway involving the brain, spinal cord, autonomic nervous system, nerves innervating the bladder and urethra, and muscles of the bladder and urethra. Disorders affecting control of urination can originate in any part of the pathway. These may be congenital or developmental, degenerative, cancerous, inflammatory or infectious, or trauma induced.

Diagnostic evaluation of pets with urinary incontinence may include the following:

Serial urinalysis evaluation and urine culture
Laboratory testing to assess for underlying issues such as kidney disease, diabetes, and Cushing’s disease; FeLV (feline Leukemia virus) and FIV (feline immunodeficiency virus) in cats
Diagnostic imaging such as radiology, ultrasound, contrast studies, CT or MRI
Urethroscopy and urethral pressure profiles
Treatment

Treatment of urinary incontinence is ultimately dependent upon the underlying disorder. Congenital/developmental abnormalities such as ectopic ureter (abnormality of anatomy in which ureter(s) terminate in the urethra rather than the urinary bladder) require surgical correction.

“Pelvic bladder” is another anomaly which may be treated with a combination of drug therapy and surgical options such as colposuspension and injection of collagen into the urethral sphincter. Estrogen associated urinary incontinence in young females spayed at an early age is responsive to treatment with diethylstilbesterol, an estrogen analog. Pets with spinal or pelvic trauma may recover some ability to control urination given time and physical therapy. In patients with urine leakage secondary to diabetes or Cushing’s disease, therapy aimed at treating the underlying disorder (trilostane for Cushing’s disease, insulin for diabetes) often resolves urine leakage. In adult or senior pets with reduced urethral sphincter function, drug therapy with phenylpropanolamine is often helpful.

Ultimately, though there are many potential reasons for urinary incontinence, your pet can benefit from thorough diagnostic evaluation and treatment under the care of your veterinarian.

07/17/2024

Never leave pets in hot cars! 🚗☀️

Even a few minutes can be dangerous.

Keep your pets safe by taking them with you or leaving them at home.