Townline Animal Hospital

11/07/2024

11/06/2024

WELLNESS WEDNESDAY: Ehrlichia in Dogs: Understanding the Risks, Signs, and Prevention

🕷What is Ehrlichia?🕷
Ehrlichia is a bacterial infection that targets white blood cells, compromising the immune system and causing various symptoms. There are several strains of Ehrlichia, but Ehrlichia canis and Ehrlichia ewingii are the most common types affecting dogs in North America. This infection is caused by bacteria transmitted through tick bites, primarily the brown dog tick and the lone star tick.

🌳Risk Factors🌳
Any dog that spends time outdoors, especially in grassy, wooded, or bushy areas where ticks thrive, is at risk of contracting Ehrlichia. Even pets in urban areas are susceptible because ticks can attach themselves to pets or people and be brought indoors. Although ticks are more active in warm months, they can survive mild winters and pose a year-round threat in many regions.

🐶Clinical Signs of Ehrlichia in Dogs🐶
The symptoms of Ehrlichia can vary depending on the stage of infection—acute, subclinical, or chronic. Here are some common signs to watch for:

Acute Phase: Symptoms usually appear within 1-3 weeks of a tick bite.

Fever
Lethargy and weakness
Swollen lymph nodes
Loss of appetite
Difficulty breathing
Joint pain and stiffness
Subclinical Phase: Some dogs may not show any symptoms in this phase but still harbor the infection, which can reemerge later.

Chronic Phase: In severe, chronic cases, symptoms can progress and include:

Weight loss
Bruising or spontaneous bleeding
Pale gums (anemia)
Neurological signs, such as tremors or balance issues
Eye abnormalities (e.g., inflammation or discharge)
If you notice any of these symptoms, particularly if your dog has been in a tick-prone area, it’s crucial to contact your veterinarian for evaluation.

💉How Dogs are Tested for Ehrlichia💉
Ehrlichia can be detected through blood tests that identify antibodies to the bacteria. Testing is typically done in two steps:

🩸In-House SNAP Test: This is a quick and convenient test done in the veterinary clinic. A few drops of your dog’s blood are placed on a SNAP test, which screens for multiple tick-borne diseases, including Ehrlichia, Lyme disease, and anaplasmosis. Results are available within minutes.

🩸Send-Out Confirmation Test: If the SNAP test is positive, your veterinarian will likely recommend a confirmation test, which involves sending a blood sample to a specialized lab for a PCR (polymerase chain reaction) test or a more detailed antibody test. This confirmation helps determine the specific strain and the level of infection.

💊Treatment for Ehrlichia in Dogs💊
Once diagnosed, Ehrlichia is typically treated with antibiotics, most commonly doxycycline. Treatment lasts for several weeks, and in most cases, dogs start to feel better within a few days of starting antibiotics. However, completing the entire course is essential, even if symptoms improve, to ensure the infection is fully cleared. In severe cases, supportive care, such as IV fluids or blood transfusions, may be required.

👍Preventing Ehrlichia 👍
Prevention is the best strategy to protect your dog from Ehrlichia and other tick-borne diseases. Using a tick preventative year-round can significantly reduce your dog’s risk. Our clinic carries NexGard and NexGard Plus, both effective in killing ticks quickly, which reduces the chance of Ehrlichia transmission. NexGard is a convenient, once-monthly chew that protects your dog from fleas and ticks.

❤️The Bottom Line❤️
Ehrlichia is a serious but preventable disease. Awareness of risk factors, prompt testing, and effective prevention can keep your dog safe and healthy. By using preventative measures like NexGard or NexGard Plus and staying vigilant about ticks, you can significantly lower the risk of Ehrlichia and other tick-borne diseases.

If you have any questions or need to pick up tick preventatives, please don’t hesitate to reach out to our team. We’re here to help you keep your furry friend healthy and happy all year round!

11/05/2024

Important update!!
We already considered Lepto a core vaccine in our clinic.
Want more information? Please let us know!

🚨 Important Update: Leptospirosis Now a Core Vaccine for ALL Dogs
The 2022 AAHA Canine Vaccination Guidelines have been updated to classify the leptospirosis vaccine as CORE for all dogs starting at 12 weeks of age – regardless of lifestyle, location, or breed.
Why the change?
🌆 ALL dogs are at risk—urban, suburban, and rural.
⚠️ Potentially fatal, even with treatment.
🔄 Zoonotic—it can spread from pets to humans.
🏢 Dogs in daycare and kennels also face exposure risks.
You can find the full update in the Nov/Dec issue of JAAHA, or check out the full 2022 Canine Vaccination Guidelines here: aaha.org/canine-vaccinations

11/01/2024

Time to give your pets' their monthly prevention!!!

10/31/2024

We will still be open all weekend, so if something comes up with your pet on Friday that is NOT an Emergency, we will be happy to see them Saturday or Sunday.

If you have an urgent matter, please bring your pet to the nearest Urgent Care:
🚨EVS Urgent Care – open 10 am - 7 pm – Inside Northbrook PetSmart – www.EVS.pet – 877-874-4838
🚨VetMedic Urgent Care – open 8am - 10 pm – Libertyville - www.vetmedic.co – 847.982.VETS (8387)

OR

Emergency Hospital:
🚨Veterinary Specialty Center – open 24 hours – Bannockburn – www.vetspecialty.com – 847-459-7535
🚨Veterinary Emergency Group (VEG) – open 24 hours – Buffalo Grove – 847-754-3996
🚨Premier Veterinary Group – open 24 hours – Grayslake – 847-548-5300
🚨Blue Pearl Vet ER – open 24 hours – Northfield – 847-564-5775
🚨Thrive Pet Care ER -- open 24 hours -- Hoffman Estates -- 618-495-5010

10/31/2024

HAPPY HALLOWEEN!

10/30/2024

WELLNESS WEDNESDAY: Lyme Disease is Year Round

Lyme disease is a serious tick-borne illness that affects both humans and dogs. It is caused by the bacteria Borrelia burgdorferi, which is transmitted through the bite of an infected black-legged tick (often called a deer tick). While Lyme disease can have significant impacts on your dog’s health, with the right knowledge and prevention strategies, you can reduce the risks and protect your dog year-round.

❄️❄️❄️Why Year-Round Prevention is Essential❄️❄️❄️
A common misconception is that ticks disappear during the winter. However, while their activity may decrease, ticks do not fully go away, even in colder months. Ticks can still be found on warm winter days, hiding in leaf litter, brush, or tall grass. If temperatures rise above freezing, ticks become active, seeking a host. This means your dog remains at risk, making year-round tick prevention essential for reducing exposure to Lyme disease.

Skipping prevention in the colder months can leave a gap in your dog’s protection. Even brief exposure to ticks during the winter can be enough to transmit Lyme disease, making consistent preventive measures critical.

🕷🕷🕷Recognizing the Signs of Lyme Disease in Dogs🕷🕷🕷
One of the challenges with Lyme disease is that symptoms can be subtle or delayed, sometimes not appearing until months after the initial tick bite. If you notice any of the following signs in your dog, it’s essential to contact your veterinarian:

🕷Lameness or limping: Lyme disease often causes inflammation in the joints, leading to limping that may shift between different legs.
🕷Swollen joints: Joint inflammation can cause pain and difficulty moving.
🕷Fever: A fever of unknown origin may develop as the dog’s body responds to the infection.
🕷Loss of appetite: Sick dogs often show a lack of interest in food.
Lethargy: You may notice your dog seems more tired than usual or reluctant to move around.
If left untreated, Lyme disease can lead to long-term complications, particularly in the kidneys. In severe cases, Lyme nephritis, a potentially fatal form of kidney inflammation, can develop. This is why early detection and treatment are critical.

💊💊💊Preventing Lyme Disease in Dogs💊💊💊
The best way to protect your dog from Lyme disease is through a combination of preventive measures:

💊Year-Round Flea and Tick Prevention: There are various topical treatments, oral medications, and tick collars designed to kill or repel ticks. Your veterinarian can recommend the most effective product for your dog based on their lifestyle and risk factors. It’s essential to maintain this protection throughout the year to prevent any gaps in coverage.

💊Tick Checks: After walks or outdoor playtime, thoroughly check your dog for ticks, especially around the ears, neck, belly, and between the toes. The faster you remove a tick, the less chance it has to transmit Lyme disease.

💊Avoiding Tick-Prone Areas: Whenever possible, avoid tall grass, wooded areas, or places with dense underbrush, as these are prime habitats for ticks. If your dog frequents these areas, it’s crucial to be even more vigilant with prevention.

💊Vaccination: An annual Lyme disease vaccination is available for dogs, providing an added layer of protection. This is particularly recommended for dogs that live in or frequently travel to areas where Lyme disease is prevalent. While the vaccine won’t eliminate the need for other forms of tick prevention, it can significantly reduce the risk of your dog contracting the disease.

Final Thoughts
Lyme disease is a serious health concern for dogs, but with proper year-round prevention, the risk of infection can be significantly reduced. By combining consistent flea and tick preventatives with routine tick checks and vaccinations, you can help ensure that your dog stays healthy and Lyme disease-free, regardless of the season. If you have any concerns about Lyme disease or tick prevention, speak with your veterinarian for tailored advice and recommendations.

Protect your dog with a proactive approach, and remember: ticks never fully disappear, even in winter. Consistent prevention is the best defense!

10/28/2024

WE NOW CARRY A THREE-IN-ONE PREVENTION!

We are going to gradually transition over to NexGard Plus instead of HeartGard and NexGard. This is a three-in-one product that protects against fleas, ticks, heartworms, and some internal parasites. You give this in place of NexGard and HeartGard.

Your options for prevention through Townline Animal Hospital will now be:
💊NexGard Plus (one chewable given monthly that protects against everything)
💊Proheart (1 injection that lasts 12 months that protects against heartworms) + NexGard (one chewable given monthly that protects against fleas and ticks)

We currently have sample of NexGard available for our current dog patients that are up to date on their heartworm (4DX) testing. Please reach out if you would like a to try a sample for your dog.

We will carry HeartGard in house for a couple more months and then it will still be accessible through our online pharmacy if you would like to continue (www.townlineah.com).

10/23/2024

WELLNESS WEDNESDAY: The Importance of Flea and Tick Prevention in Dogs: A Year-Round Commitment

As a responsible pet owner, keeping your dog healthy and protected from external parasites, such as fleas and ticks, should be a top priority. These tiny pests can lead to significant health issues, not just irritation or discomfort. Here in our practice, we see dogs testing positive for tick-borne diseases DAILY, which emphasizes the critical need for flea and tick prevention.

🕷 Why Flea and Tick Prevention is Essential 🕷
Ticks and fleas are more than just nuisances—they are carriers of dangerous diseases. Ticks, in particular, are vectors for several serious illnesses, including:
🕷Lyme disease
🕷Ehrlichiosis
🕷Anaplasmosis
🕷Rocky Mountain spotted fever
These diseases can cause lasting harm to your dog, ranging from joint pain to severe organ damage if left untreated. In our clinic, we regularly see pets that are positive for one or more tick-borne diseases, often when prevention has not been used consistently.

❄️Ticks Don’t Completely Go Away in Winter❄️
A common misconception is that ticks disappear during the colder months. While flea activity tends to decrease with lower temperatures, ticks remain active all year round—even in winter. They can survive in temperatures as low as 40°F and often hide in leaf piles, tall grass, or wooded areas. This makes it crucial to provide year-round flea and tick prevention for your pet.

💊Types of Flea and Tick Prevention💊
There are several effective options available for preventing fleas and ticks, each with its advantages depending on your dog's lifestyle, environment, and overall health. Here's a breakdown of the most common types:

Oral Medications -->
💊Monthly chewables: These flavored tablets provide systemic protection by killing fleas and ticks after they bite your dog. Examples include NexGard, Bravecto, and Simparica.
💊Benefits: Easy to administer, effective against multiple parasites, waterproof (great for dogs that swim often).
💊Considerations: Must be taken consistently to maintain protection, and some pets may dislike the taste.

Topical Treatments -->
🧪These liquid products are applied directly to the skin, usually between the shoulder blades, and spread across your dog's body through their natural skin oils. Brands like Frontline Plus, Advantage II, and K9 Advantix are popular choices.
🧪Benefits: Easy to apply, fast-acting, provides a barrier against fleas and ticks.
🧪Considerations: Some dogs may experience skin irritation, and you should avoid bathing your dog for a few days after application to maintain effectiveness.

Flea and Tick Collars -->
📿Collars like Seresto provide long-lasting protection (up to 8 months) by releasing active ingredients that repel and kill ticks and fleas.
📿Benefits: Long-lasting, easy to use, great for dogs that may not tolerate oral or topical treatments.
📿Considerations: Some dogs may not enjoy wearing a collar, and you’ll need to ensure it’s fitted correctly for maximum effectiveness.

Whichever method you choose, consistency is critical. Even missing a single dose can leave your dog vulnerable to parasites, especially since ticks and fleas can be active any time of year. Speak to your veterinarian to determine which type of prevention is best for your pet's unique needs.

10/17/2024

🚨Updated Polices and New News🚨

We hope this newsletter finds everyone well as we prepare for this colder weather.

We wanted to reach out with some updates and changes at Townline Animal Hospital.

📆Fridays in November: We will be open regular hours for Fridays in November; however, we will not have a doctor available on the 1st, 8th, and possibly the 15th. Dr. Singh will be having an elective procedure and will be recovering during that time. She is hoping to return by the 15th but will certainly be back by the 22nd. This may cause a slight delay in communication and medication refills. We appreciate your patience during this month. We will still be open for calls, medication refills, and outpatient technician appointments.

☎Out of hospital prescriptions: We will be making significant changes to our prescriptions, and we appreciate your understanding during this change.

We will no longer be able to call prescriptions into a pharmacy. There have been significantly increased phone hold times and miscommunication with pharmacy staff, resulting in delays for all of you. We have also found that some pharmacies do not check the messages left by our staff.

We will be happy to provide a written prescription in person, for you to take to the pharmacy of your choice (controlled substances will still be called in).

Prescriptions that are wished to be filled through Chewy.com will be done through their online portal, to help decrease the number of duplicate prescriptions. Also, a reminder that any prescription can be filled through our online pharmacy as well. The link for Vetsource.com is located on the pharmacy tab in the upper right-hand corner of our website.

We will be happy to provide all written prescriptions at the time of your appointment, so that you efficiently have them in hand.

🕷Heartworm/Flea/Tick Prevention: We are happy to announce the addition of NexgardPLUS to our practice. NexgardPLUS is a monthly chew that is a 3-1, effective against heartworms, fleas, and tick. The cost is very comparable to purchasing Heartgard and Nexgard separately. There are also some great instant rebates available on a yearly dose. We will be sending all pets home with a sample to try during their annual visit, if they have tested negative for heartworm disease. We will be carrying a limited amount of Heartgard in hospital as we transition to NexgardPLUS, but it will be available through our online pharmacy.

💊Low Stress Visits: We strive to offer visits that are enjoyable and safe for all our patients, pet parents, and staff. Low stress visits help to make vet visits a happy experience for your pet, which helps keep them happy for future visits. We encourage stopping by with your pet for happy visits that just include love and attention with no medical base.

To stay in line with this principle, our doctors will be using their discretion to recommend medication that may help reduce a pet’s anxiety so that the best medical care can be provided. This may at times cause the need for an appointment to be rescheduled so that our team can provide the appropriate care.

💉Updated Rabies Policy: In order to keep in line with our local laws regarding Rabies, we will now be requiring an updated Rabies profile for all pets receiving wellness care (yearly exams, elective surgeries, annual visits, nail trims, a**l gland expression, etc.). This can include a Rabies vaccine given by our doctors, proof of current Rabies from another facility, or an updated Rabies blood titer on file. We will continue to help all sick pets in need, until the doctors deem they are healthy to receive the vaccine.

We appreciate your patience and understanding as we navigate through these changes. We are happy to address any individual questions or concerns. ♥️

Thank you,

Dr Singh, Dr. Lovell and your TAH Team

10/16/2024

WELLNESS WEDNESDAY: Its Vet Tech Week!

We appreciate our technicians and everything they do to keep your pets happy and feeling loved when they are here for their appointments. We are celebrating our techs this week and all the wonderful skills they bring to the profession!

Let them know how awesome they are when you bring in your pet this week!

10/13/2024

Good Luck to all the Chicago Marathon runners today!!

Dr. Lovell, one of our doctors, is running this morning! Send her good thoughts for good weather and a great race!

10/10/2024

For Waukegan Residents:

10/09/2024

WELLNESS WEDNESDAY: Why You Shouldn’t Give Human Pain Medications to Dogs and Cats

When our pets are in pain, it’s natural to want to help them feel better. However, reaching for human pain medications like aspirin, ibuprofen, or acetaminophen (Tylenol) can do more harm than good. While these drugs are effective for humans, they can be dangerous—even deadly—when given to our furry friends.

💊 Aspirin and Ibuprofen: Gastrointestinal Ulcers and More 💊
Aspirin and ibuprofen are common over-the-counter medications used to reduce pain and inflammation in humans. However, these drugs can have devastating effects on the GI systems of dogs and cats. Both aspirin and ibuprofen can cause stomach ulcers, leading to symptoms like vomiting, diarrhea, and internal bleeding. In severe cases, gastrointestinal perforation can occur, which is life-threatening.

Cats are especially sensitive to these drugs because their bodies metabolize medications differently than humans and dogs. Even small doses of ibuprofen or aspirin can cause toxicity in cats, leading to kidney failure or severe digestive tract issues.

💊Acetaminophen (Tylenol): Extremely Toxic to Cats, Risky for Dogs 💊
Acetaminophen, the active ingredient in Tylenol, is incredibly toxic to cats. Cats lack the necessary enzymes to safely process acetaminophen, which can lead to liver failure and the destruction of red blood cells, causing a condition called methemoglobinemia. Even a single tablet of Tylenol can be fatal to a cat.

In dogs, acetaminophen is somewhat less toxic, but is dangerous at human doses. A veterinarian may prescribe acetaminophen for pain relief in dogs, but human dosages are far too high. High doses can cause liver damage and other serious health problems. Always consult a veterinarian before giving any acetaminophen to your dog.

💊What to Do if Your Pet Ingests Human Pain Medication 💊
If your pet has ingested aspirin, ibuprofen, acetaminophen, or any other human medication, it’s important to act quickly. Call Poison Control (ASPCA Poison Control: 888-426-4435) or take your pet to an emergency veterinary hospital immediately. Time is of the essence, as early treatment can significantly improve the chances of recovery.

💊Final Thoughts: Always Consult a Veterinarian First💊
While it’s tempting to treat your pet’s pain with what’s readily available in your medicine cabinet, human medications can be extremely harmful to pets. Aspirin, ibuprofen, and acetaminophen are dangerous for dogs and cats, with the potential to cause serious health problems or death. Before giving your pet any kind of medication, always consult with your veterinarian. And if your pet ever ingests a human pain reliever, seek emergency care immediately.

Reach out and give us a call with any questions:
☎ 847-549-3187

10/02/2024

WELLNESS WEDNESDAY: Limping dogs

A limp can be caused by a whole list of things: strained muscle, fractured bone, cut on the paw or leg, foreign material stuck in the paw, neck or back pain, bladder infection, or neurological abnormality.

If your dog is otherwise acting normally and can still walk, it may be okay to monitor and rest them at home for a few days to see if the limp improved. If it does not get better with rest, your dog cannot use their leg at all, or they are yelping in pain -- its time to come see us for an appointment.

During the appointment, the veterinarian will perform a physical exam, orthopedic exam, and maybe a neurological exam. She will likely recommend taking radiographs (x-rays) to check for breaks or abnormalities. Blood work may also be recommended if there are signs of an infection in the skin, bone, or bladder.

Depending on what is found, the treatment plan normall includes one or a few of the following:
🐾 Pain medication and anti-inflammatories
🐾 Antibiotics if signs of an infection
🐾 Pain injections like Librela
🐾 Laser therapy on the hurt muscle, joint, or bone
🐾 Acupuncture around the hurt area

Sometimes these treatments are only needed once, but if the cause is more severe, several repeated treatments (3-5 cold laser session or acupuncture treatments) may be recommended.

Questions? We are happy to help!
☎ 847-549-3187
💻 www.townlineah.com
✉ [email protected]

10/01/2024

🍁 Time for that monthly prevention! 🍁

09/26/2024

It's World Cassowary Day!

The Cassowary is known as the most dangerous bird in the world! They are only found in the wild in Australia. Cassowary have three 4-inch long claws on each foot, can jump 7 ft into the air, run 31 mph, and are great swimmers! Luckily, these large birds eat a diet of fruit and plants, so they are not out hunting humans 😃

09/25/2024

WELLNESS WEDNESDAY:
📋 The Importance of Annual Lab Work for Your Pets 🐾

Did you know that our pets can’t always tell us when something is wrong? 😿 That’s why regular lab work is so important! 🧪 By getting annual bloodwork and other tests, we can:

✔️ Monitor health trends over time
✔️ Catch early signs of disease before symptoms show
✔️ Help your pet live a longer, healthier life 🐶❤️🐱

Early detection means early intervention, which can make a world of difference in your pet’s quality of life. Ask your vet about scheduling your pet’s annual lab work today! 👩‍⚕️
☎ 847-549-3187
💻 www.townlineah.com
✉[email protected]