Meet Bruno, a young Pitbull 🐶 who came to our ER service for a stiff gait and difficulty swallowing. Prompt evaluation by our ER and Neurology teams revealed that Bruno had TETANUS!!! Bruno’s condition progressed to full body rigidity, and inability to open his mouth. He was hospitalized for over a week with supportive care, tube feedings, and intensive nursing care after which Bruno went home and his dedicated owners took over his care. Despite its challenges, thanks to the unwavering dedication of #PacVet staff and the patience, diligence, and loving commitment of his owners, Bruno made a full recovery! 💕🐾 We were so happy to see him walk around the hospital showing off his amazing recovery!
Tetanus is a rare but serious condition caused by a bacterial toxin affecting the nervous system, often leading to muscle stiffness, difficulty breathing and swallowing, and potentially life-threatening complications. Recovery from tetanus in dogs can vary widely depending on the severity of the condition and how quickly treatment is initiated. Treatment involves a combination of supportive care, such as wound management, antibiotics to eliminate the bacteria, muscle relaxants to alleviate stiffness, and supportive therapies like intravenous fluids, nutritional support via tube feedings, and occasionally respiratory support.
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Do you know what a veterinary specialist is and what education is needed to become one?
The veterinary profession, like human healthcare, has become very specialized. Veterinarians can specialize in many disciplines such as surgery, internal medicine, radiology, dermatology, cardiology, oncology, ophthalmology, neurology, etc. Specialties are recognized by the American Veterinary Medical Association’s (AVMA) American Board of Veterinary Specialties.
To become a board-certified/veterinary specialist, a veterinarian must undergo additional training after graduating from veterinary school and passing the National Veterinary Licensing Examination. The veterinarians who decide to specialize in a specific field will commit to an additional four to five years of training after veterinary school. This additional training consists of a minimum 1-year general rotating internship at a University Veterinary Hospital or a large specialty hospital. This can be followed by a one-year internship in the specialty of their choice (for example: Surgery or Oncology). A 3-year residency program then follows these internships in their specific specialty/discipline (for example Internal Medicine, Cardiology). The residency programs meet strict guidelines established by the specialties’ respective colleges (for example: the American College of Veterinary Surgeons - ACVS). During the residency program, the veterinarians are seeing cases/patients with conditions specific to their specialty, every day. They will have to meet specific training and caseload requirements of their residency program. They will also have to publish an original research article in a scientific journal and pass a rigorous examination. Only then, can a veterinarian obtain the title of “Diplomate” or “Board-certified”.
Credit: TikTok @branthua
Wishing you all a happy and safe Halloween!
Halloween is an exciting time of year filled with costumes, candy, and spooky decorations. While it’s a holiday many humans look forward to, it can be a stressful and potentially dangerous time for our beloved pets. To ensure your furry friends have a safe Halloween, here are some tips and tricks.
🎃 Secure Your Pet – The constant flow of trick-or-treaters and the sound of doorbells can be overwhelming for your pets. Consider keeping them in a separate room during peak trick-or-treating hours to prevent them from bolting out the door. Make sure this room is comfortable and safe with their favorite toys, water, and a cozy bed.
🎃 Choose the Right Costume – Dressing up your pet in a Halloween costume can be adorable and fun, but it’s crucial to prioritize their comfort and safety. Select something that doesn’t restrict their movement, breathing, or vision. Avoid costumes with small parts that could be chewed off and swallowed and keep a close eye on your pet while they’re in their costume.
🎃 Avoid Toxic Treats – Halloween = Candy, but many Halloween treats are toxic to pets. Chocolate, Xylitol (sugar substitute), and raisins are often part of the Halloween candy haul and can make your pet very ill. Make sure to keep all candy, out of your pet’s reach. Instead, offer them pet-safe treats or toys to enjoy.
🎃 Decorate with Care – Candles, electric lights, and pumpkins can pose fire hazards if knocked over by a curious pet. Keep candles and open flames out of reach and consider using battery-operated LED lights to avoid potential accidents. Make sure your decorations can’t be chewed or ingested, as this can lead to choking or digestive issues.
🎃Watch Out for Escape Artists – With all the commotion and the constant opening and closing of doors, Halloween can be a prime time for pets to make a break for it. Make sure your pet is properly identified with a collar and tag and consider getting t
