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It is getting to be a Texas Summer.
Extreme heat gripping wide swaths of the US is dangerous for dogs, which don't have sweat glands and release body heat through their paws and by panting, says veterinarian Joe Snock. Signs that a dog is headed for heat illness include excessive panting and drooling and dry, dark red or purple gums,....
Came across this today, and felt it may impact some of our clients.
The country's biggest provider of pet insurance cites rising cost of veterinary care in pulling product in some states.
We are seeing more and more facilities refusing service without proper influenza vaccines, so please make sure your check with your pes boarding and grooming facilities prior to seeking services so you will not be refused service.
It's a good idea to talk with a veterinarian about a canine influenza vaccine at least six weeks before traveling with a dog, says veterinarian Amanda Vockler. Few dogs are naturally immune to canine influenza, and exposure to the virus can result in weekslong illness and hospitalization, Dr. Vockle...
What an amazing event!
Highly pathogenic avian influenza was found in three dead cats in an investigation at dairy farms that also found cows and a person infected with H5N1. Wild and domesticated mammals have contracted avian influenza infections in the past, and health experts believe most cases stem from direct contact...
Updated guidance on canine leptospirosis reflects better understanding of disease
By R. Scott Nolen and Malinda Larkin
March 18, 2024
All dogs are at risk of leptospirosis, no matter where they live, their breed or age, whether they mostly stay indoors, or the time of year, according to the most recent guidance on the disease. Given that every dog is at risk, an expert panel has recommended that all dogs are vaccinated for leptospirosis annually rather than every three years.
Late last year, the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (ACVIM) published an update to its 2010 consensus statement on leptospirosis in dogs. The revised guidance for veterinary practitioners incorporates more than a decade’s worth of new information about Leptospira spp, including the epidemiology and pathophysiology of the zoonosis since the statement’s release more than a decade ago.
The ACVIM statement touches on clinical and laboratory criteria to confirm leptospirosis in a dog; treatment options, including antimicrobial and extracorporeal kidney support therapies; supportive care; and prognosis. There is also guidance on vaccine protocols and public health implications, such as protecting veterinary staff from Leptospira infection.
Dog retrieving his ball from a lake by the beach in a game of fetch
Leptospirosis continues to be prevalent in dogs, including in small breed dogs from urban areas, puppies as young as 11 weeks of age, geriatric dogs, dogs in rural areas, and dogs that have been inadequately vaccinated for leptospirosis, according to the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine's (ACVIM) recently revised consensus statement on leptospirosis.
Dr. Jane Sykes, lead author of the consensus statement and a professor of small animal medicine at the University of California-Davis School of Veterinary Medicine, provided an overview of the guidance document during a presentation at the 2024 Veterinary Meeting & Expo on January 16 in Orlando, Florida.
Disease risk
Rodents are the most important reservoir for Leptospira spp, especially rats, “in which a worldwide prevalence of infection of 30% has been identified, with prevalences exceeding 80% in some regions,” according to the statement. However, they are not the only source of infection. Spread through the urine or body fluid of an infected animal, the bacteria can survive in water or soil for weeks to months. Infections occur when Leptospira bacteria are brought into contact with skin abrasions or mucous membranes of human and animals, such as following ingestion of contaminated water or predation.
Dr. Sykes said increased rainfall in an area can allow leptospirosis to build up on substrates in the environment, especially muddy soil or water, likely because particulate matter allows it to build up as a biofilm.
“We know it does replicate in the environment, especially water-logged soil, and that’s important to its ability to persist in the environment,” she said, noting that the bacteria can survive freezing.
Human leptospirosis occurs primarily in subtropical climates such as those found in Sri Lanka, which has the highest number of human cases. Yet, as the ACVIM consensus statement explains, outbreaks of leptospirosis in dogs have been reported in regions with a large variety of climate conditions, including Arizona, Los Angeles, Chicago, and Wyoming. The recent appearance of outbreaks in association with boarding facilities has raised concern for dog-to-dog transmission or rodent infestations in such facilities, she said.
Leptospirosis is most commonly seen in the fall in the Northeast, wintertime or early spring in California, and year-round in the South. Regardless, the updated document says, “All dogs are at risk of leptospirosis, regardless of signalment, geographic location, lifestyle, and the time of year.”
Diagnosis and treatment
Although the most prominent signs of leptospirosis infection in dogs are acute tubulointerstitial nephritis and liver dysfunction, the disease is multisystemic and affects many other organs, the statement authors wrote.
This means it can range greatly in clinical presentation and affect various organs, including the pancreas (pancreatitis), heart (cardiac arrhythmias), eyes (uveitis, conjunctivitis, and retinal hemorrhage), and lungs (pulmonary hemorrhage).
Leptospirosis can be devastating if not addressed early, she added. When considering a diagnosis, the updated consensus statement says, “Because leptospirosis can progress rapidly to acute kidney injury (AKI), the disease should be considered in dogs with acute onset of febrile illness, especially if unvaccinated for leptospirosis. The owners of such dogs should be informed that clinical re-assessment and biochemical testing are recommended should their dog's condition fail to improve within 24 hours.”
The document goes on to say that specific diagnosis of leptospirosis should be based on clinical suspicion along with results of serologic assays and organism detection tests, including nucleic acid amplification tests (NAATs), because all available diagnostic tests have their own unique limitations.
“To optimize sensitivity of NAATs, specimens should be collected before administration of antibiotics. Also, both blood and urine should be submitted,” the updated statement says.
Dr. Sykes said artificial intelligence may also prove to be helpful in diagnosing the disease. She cited a study from the July 2022 issue of the Journal of Veterinary Diagnostic Investigation that showed machine-learning prediction models predicted leptospirosis with 100% sensitivity.
According to the statement, doxycycline treatment of acutely febrile dogs suspected to have leptospirosis based on history—lack of vaccination and other factors that raise suspicion for leptospirosis—could be considered, given the implications of delays in treatment on kidney function, “but more evidence is needed to support the latter recommendation to optimize antimicrobial stewardship.”
The statement goes further into nutritional management of dogs with suspected or confirmed leptospirosis as well as supportive care and monitoring.
“These dogs are prone to both fluid overload and dehydration, so it’s critical to closely monitor hydration status and adjust fluid rates accordingly,” Dr. Sykes said.
Other species
There is widespread serologic evidence of infection of domestic cats by Leptospira spp., Dr. Sykes said, but cats are considered disease resistant when compared with other animal species.
A brown tabby cat sitting on a porch scratches its neck using one of its hind paws
Spread primarily by the urine of infected rodents, leptospirosis is a disease that threatens human and animal health worldwide.
Pathogenic leptospires have been detected in the urine of up to 20% of apparently healthy cats using PCR and culture, and thus, cats may act as reservoir hosts, according to the ACVIM statement. However, other studies have shown lower prevalence of leptospires in the urine (0% to 5%), even in free-roaming cats.
“Cats may be an under-recognized source of pathogenic leptospires in some regions and should be considered in One Health investigations that employ sequence typing methods to advance knowledge of disease epidemiology,” the statement reads.
Leptospirosis is a quintessential One Health problem, Dr. Sykes said, explaining that the Leptospira spp bacteria can infect a wide variety of mammals. It has been estimated that the global burden of human leptospirosis is more than 1 million cases each year, and of those, roughly 60,000 are fatal, she added.
Dr. Sykes suspects the actual number of cases worldwide is much higher, however.
“Leptospirosis is a nonspecific illness with flulike symptoms and can resemble COVID, so the frequency of disease is likely to be much higher than the figures given,” she said.
That said, evidence suggests that getting leptospirosis from an infected dog is low as they don’t shed many organisms. For example, an investigation by the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention that examined people heavily exposed to dogs with leptospirosis during an outbreak in Arizona found no evidence of seroconversion.
Selecting a Pet Dog
Pets are an important part of the American household. Your dog-owning experience will be most enjoyable if you carefully consider which pet best suits your family, home, and lifestyle. The primary reason dogs are given up to animal shelters is unfulfilled expectations, so make an informed decision. Consider any factors that might mean a dog is not a good choice for everyone in the household such as allergies or diffuclties tolerating normal dog behavior. Avoid acquiring animals on impulse or as gifts.Take time, involve your family, and give careful consideration to the following questions:
What’s special about dogs?
The saying that “dogs are a man’s (or woman’s) best friend” has a lot of truth to it. Dogs have been faithful companions to humans for tens of thousands of years. They are friendly, affectionate, and entertaining. They are also capable of doing extraordinary jobs—and seem to enjoy doing them.
What choices do you have for a pet dog?
Dogs have been selectively bred for generations to exhibit specific physical and behavioral traits. The amazing diversity of dogs includes varied sizes, hair coat lengths, colors, temperaments, and activity levels. A dog’s size may affect its lifespan: the lifespan of a large-breed dog tends to be shorter than that of a smaller dog.
What are the special needs of dogs?
Some dogs may be at greater risk for certain medical conditions, while others may require more training, exercise, and patience to help them to become good companions. Others will need special grooming to manage their coat. Ask your veterinarian about healthcare requirements and temperament that may be common in the breed or type you are considering.
Who will care for your dog?
As its owner, you will ultimately be responsible for your dog’s food, shelter, companionship, exercise, and physical and mental health for the rest of its life. While families should involve their children in caring for a pet, youngsters need the help of an adult who is willing, able, and available to supervise the daily care of a pet. You should arrange for people to care for your dog during planned or emergency absences.
Does a dog fit into your lifestyle?
Feeding, grooming, exercise, play, and elimination are daily needs that must be considered in caring for a healthy, happy dog. Breeders, rescues and shelters should be familiar with every dog they are placing and able to match you with a dog whose temperament and needs are a good fit for your family. Think about the following factors when deciding if you should get a dog and in determining what breed or type would be the most appropriate for you and your family:
Do you have the time to provide the care and attention a dog needs?
Do you live in the city, suburbs, or country?
Do you rent or do you own your home?
Are there any restrictions on number or types of pets where you live (building, town, or state ordinances)?
Do you live in an apartment or single-family home? Do you have easy access to areas where a dog can exercise?
How long is your work day? Do you frequently have obligations after work?
Who will care for your dog(s) in your absence?
Do you have other pets? Will your new dog get along with your existing pets?
What future changes might occur in your living situation that would affect your ability to keep your dog in years to come?
Are you prepared to provide appropriate veterinary care throughout your dog’s life to help prevent and treat illness or injury?
What are you looking for in a dog (e.g., jogging or hiking companion, cuddly lap dog, or high energy companion)?
What traits might you need to avoid in a dog (e.g., boisterous, noisy, requiring intensive grooming)?
Should you look for a puppy or an adult dog? What size of dog should you get?
Puppies require additional time for housetraining, socialization, and obedience training, as well as more frequent feeding, exercise, and supervision. Consider the possibility of an adult dog; older pets are often already housetrained, know some basic commands, and usually adapt very well to their new home.
Some larger or high energy dogs require more space, and they may be harder to maintain in an apartment or condominium. Whatever the size of your dog, it must be provided with access to the outdoors multiple times a day for elimination and exercise.
Can you afford a dog?
The purchase price for a dog can vary tremendously by breed and source, and it is only the initial expense for a dog. Dogs need high quality food, proper housing, mental stimulation (e.g., toys, play time), and regular visits to a veterinarian for preventive care. Other costs may include emergency medical treatment, grooming, boarding, licensing, identification, sterilization (spaying or neutering), training, and accessories. Pet health insurance is available and can help defray unexpected expenses resulting from illness or injury.
Where do you find a dog?
Purebred dogs can be obtained from reputable breeders. Both mixed-breed and purebred dogs can be obtained from animal shelters and rescue organizations. In many communities, there are rescue groups dedicated to finding good homes for specific dog breeds and their mixes.
What should you look for in a healthy dog?
A healthy dog has clear, bright eyes; a clean, shiny hair coat; and does not appear thin, overly fat, or show signs of illness, such as nasal discharge or diarrhea. When choosing a dog, pick one that is active, friendly, inquisitive, and not afraid of you. The dog should accept gentle handling and not exhibit signs of aggression. The temperament of a puppy’s parents may be an indication of its future behavior. In case of any problems with your new dog you should be able to easily contact the provider of your dog, and they should provide you with up-to-date health records, a receipt, and acknowledgement of their obligations under local Pet Purchase Protection Laws.
What must you do to prepare for your dog?
Before bringing your new dog home, ensure all members of your family welcome this new addition. Prepare an appropriate place for it to eat and sleep and have ready the necessary accessories such as a collar and leash, ID tag, and food and water bowls. Be sure to pet-proof your home to prevent injury to your dog or damage to your possessions. For example, make sure that electrical wires and cords are out of the reach of curious mouths. Ask your veterinarian about other ways to make your home safe for your pet.
Schedule a veterinary examination to assess the health of your new companion as soon as possible to ensure it receives the appropriate vaccinations and any needed health care. If you have medical information from your dog’s original owner, including its vaccination and deworming history, be sure to take this information with you on your first visit to your veterinarian. Not only is your veterinarian best qualified to evaluate the health of your new companion, but he/she can advise you about proper immunization, parasite control, nutrition, sterilization, socialization, training, grooming, and other care that may be necessary to protect the health of your new pet.
If you choose a puppy, be prepared for several weeks to months of housetraining and some initial medical expenses for wellness exams, vaccinations, and sterilization. Plan your puppy’s arrival when there is sufficient time to socialize and housetrain him or her. If your community offers puppy classes, they are a great way to socialize your new companion and for both of you to learn some basic commands. Frequent, positive contact with people and other dogs early in the puppy’s life enhances its future interactions with your family, other people, and their dogs.
Any dog can become bored and potentially destructive if left alone all day without an outlet for its exercise, exploratory, and social needs. Therefore, set aside time each day for activities that are fun for you and your dog such as walking, playing, petting, grooming, etc. Remember that dogs are highly social creatures, and isolating a dog to the backyard or an area of the home with no interaction is one of the worst things you can do.
When you acquire a pet you accept responsibility for the health and welfare of another living thing. You are also responsible for your pet’s impact on your family, friends, and community. A pet will be part of your life for many years. Invest the time and effort necessary to make your years together happy ones. When you choose a pet, you are promising to care for it for its entire life. Choose wisely, keep your promise, and enjoy one of life’s most rewarding experiences!
Puppy tips
Eight to 10 weeks is considered an ideal age for a puppy to move to a new home.
Preventing unplanned litters is an important part of responsible pet ownership. Talk to your veterinarian about the best time to have your puppy spayed or neutered.
When possible, meet the puppy’s parents—their temperaments are often good indicators of what the puppy’s temperament will be.
If you are getting a puppy as a second pet, remember that some older pets may be less tolerant of a puppy’s behavior. Ask your veterinarian or dog trainer about introducing your puppy into its new animal family.
Proper socialization of puppies during the critical socialization period (3-14 weeks of age) has a big impact on your dog’s behavior for the rest of its life. See: avma.org/socialization
Consult with your veterinarian to determine how best to care for your dog including preventive health care, socialization, and training.
I would like to thank all of you that came to visit Tugger during his final weeks. We lost our boy to cancer late last week. He truly enjoyed seeing you each and every day as he spent his days here working with us. RIP "T"
https://youtu.be/lHvUu97H5oQ?si=TvOMnzjux7Qc-5JS
Home dental care can go a long way toward helping protect your pet against dental disease and related problems. Here’s how to make your dog or cat comfortabl...
Dogs and cats are vulnerable to cold temperatures, with signs of frostbite including pale skin and curling at the tips of the ears, says veterinarian Dana Varble, and signs of hypothermia, including whining, shivering, anxiety, weakness, confusion and burrowing, according to the AVMA. Pets need warm...
Many of you have come to know my Tugger over the years. Unfortunately he was diagnosed with a terminal illness on Monday and has weeks to live. He will continue his role as the Arbor Hills Ambassador until he is called over the rainbow bridge. If you would like to say your goodbyes, please stop in and visit, he is still very much himself for now.
Dr. M
Two veterinarians with the AVMA visited Santa's workshop and examined his team of reindeer, declaring the animals healthy and ready for flight and issuing a certificate of animal export.
Things you need to know.
It is common for us all to indulge in some high-calorie foods during the holidays, but what about our pets? Can they join the feast? Oklahoma State University assistant professor of behavior science Dr. Leticia Fanucchi advises against it and offered five tips to consider when it comes to food and p...
We have received several inquires about the bad respiratory disease they heard about on the news. We definitely see more respiratory illness this time of year with all of the boarding and travel, but this is not a new infection that is worse than the what we normally see and treat.
There may be multiple unidentified pathogens causing severe respiratory illnesses in dogs throughout the US, and neither dog owners nor veterinarians should panic, says veterinary infectious disease specialist Jane Sykes, a professor at the University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary Medic...
Researchers working with the Golden Retriever Lifetime Study started looking into why some goldens live longer than others, and they found that a variant of the ErbB4, or HER4, gene promotes survival while another variant of the same gene is linked to shorter life spans, and estrogen may play a role...
Calls to the Pet Poison Helpline spike every year in November and December as pets get into things like eggnog in addition to everyday poisons such as lilies, chocolate, xylitol and human medications, says veterinary toxicologist Renee Schmid. Grapes, raisins and onions also pose pet poisoning risks...
things to consider as the Holidays approach!
Thanksgiving is a special holiday that brings together family and friends, but it also can carry some hazards for pets. To help keep everyone happy and healthy this Thanksgiving, the AVMA has gathered pet-safety tips to cover everything from poison risks to precautions for holiday parties to travel....
Halloween can be a scary and dangerous time for pets, with hazards including candy, raisins, candles, glow sticks, batteries, ill-fitting costumes and strangers at the door or in the house. Keep pets safe on Halloween by keeping all candy and decorations securely out of reach, ensuring they wear an....
Training cats in animal shelters to go for walks in strollers or backpacks might reduce stress-related behaviors and improve well-being and chances for adoption, according to preliminary results of a study at Virginia Tech and the Montgomery County Animal Care and Adoption Center.
It is very hot out there, please be careful.
Triple-digit temperatures in the Fort Worth, Texas, area have kept emergency veterinarian Lindsay Robinson busy caring for dogs and even some cats with heat exhaustion and heatstroke.
Lets be careful out there.
More pets go missing in the US in the days around Independence Day than at any other time of the year, and owners of pets that have been frightened of loud noises in the past should talk with their veterinarian about how to keep pets calm. Tiring out a pet with exercise is one way to reduce anxiety,...
Things to know during this holiday weekend!
Excessive panting or drooling, vomiting, respiratory difficulties, staggering, acting dazed and, in cats, open-mouth breathing are signs that an animal is experiencing heat-related stress that could progress to heatstroke, says AVMA President Dr. Lori Teller. The first thing to do is to wrap the pet...
Kennel cough can be a bacterial or a viral infection, and it can become severe and cause lasting lung damage if an unprotected dog is exposed to a contagious pathogen, says veterinarian Kathleen Aicher. Dog owners should keep their pet's Bordetella and canine influenza vaccinations up to date, board...
Veterinarian Nicole Jewett with the New Brunswick Veterinary Medical Association says dogs and cats should be kept away from dead birds to avoid the risk of catching avian influenza. People who keep chickens in their yards should also take steps to prevent their birds from coming in contact with wil...
Heartworms aren't detectable in infected dogs and cats until the larvae are about six months old and the animal's body produces a detectable level of antigens, which is why veterinarians recommend keeping pets on preventive medication year-round, says clinical assistant professor in veterinary patho...
Here is the list of safe and beneficial fruits.
Most dog owners know that a balanced and nutritious meal is important to the growth and development of their beloved dog. From puppyhood to adulthood, what you feed your pooch can affect their mental and physical health. In addition to providing wholesome daily meals, owners can go a step further
People are always asking!
Veterinarians say fruit can be a healthy snack for dogs that provides vitamins and minerals without excessive calories. Cored, seeded apple slices, blueberries, pumpkin, watermelon and small servings of banana are good options, but most of a dog's diet should be an appropriate pet food, and veterina...
We are still seeing cases in our area, if your pets are high risk (boarding, play care, grooming, etc), we strongly recommend vaccinating you pet against this disease.
Canine influenza is highly contagious and infected at least 65% of the dogs at a Carrollton, Texas, animal shelter in November, causing coughing, nasal and eye discharge, fever and lack of energy. Most dogs recover from the virus in two or three weeks with rest and hydration, but some may need anti-...
The signs of feline cognitive dysfunction are similar to Alzheimer's disease symptoms and include anxiety, disorientation, learning or memory deficits, behavioral or sleep changes, and excessive vocalization, says veterinary behaviorist Gary Landsberg. Nearly half of cats older than 15 may be affect...
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