Pyometra Infection is Another Case for Spaying Your Pet

Pyometra is a serious and potentially life threatening infection of the uterus. It occurs in some unspayed females, usually during middle age. It is common for pyometra to develop a few weeks after a heat cycle. Hormonal changes during and soon after a heat cycle can make the uterus more vulnerable to infection. The entire uterus may fill with pus.

Spayed females do not develop this form of the disease. Very rarely, a spayed female can develop an infection of the small amount of uterine tissue that can sometimes remain after a spay surgery (stump pyometra).

Signs include:

• Loss of appetite
• Excessive thirst
• Vdischarge or swelling of the vulva
• Abdominal discomfort

The disease can develop slowly over an extended period before the illness becomes apparent.

Diagnosis is based on symptoms, examination findings, blood or other tests and x-rays.

Treatment usually requires extensive therapy and surgical removal of the uterus.

IMPORTANT POINTS:

• Spayed females do not develop this form of the disease
• Use all medications as prescribed by your veterinarian
• It is important to follow any aftercare or post surgical instructions
• Monitor your Pet's progress carefully and have her rechecked as directed by your veterinarian
  

If you have questions about this or any medical topic, please contact your vet or Banfield hospital today.

German Shepherd

Intelligent, responsive and bright, German shepherds are a delight to train. As long as they are well bred and socialized early, they can be some of the most easy-going, friendly and playful dogs. German shepherds are also loyal and highly protective of their owners and property; if threatened, they will not retreat.

Breed-related concerns

Every dog breed carries a distinct set of genetic advantages and health risk factors. The following are the most common diseases found in the German shepherd breed. Hopefully, your German shepherd will not face these problems. However, early detection and preventive healthcare can make all the difference in helping your dog live a longer, happier life (see breed-related disease descriptions below).

Puppy (birth to 1 year)*

• Developmental bone/joint disease (hip dysplasia cannot be definitively diagnosed until 2 years of age)
• Fear-induced aggression

Adult (1 to 6 years)*

• Chronic diarrhea
• Pannus
• Perianal fistula
• Pyoderma

Senior (7 years and older)*

• Hemangiosarcoma
• Hind limb weakness

Breed-related disease descriptions

Listed in alphabetical order *Please note that these common diseases can occur earlier or later in the dog’s life.

Chronic diarrhea. Loose stool that is persisted for more than two to three weeks. May be accompanied by vomiting and weight loss. Causes include ingestion of toxins, intestinal parasites, intestinal infections, digestive enzyme deficiency, food allergies, inflammatory bowel disease, hormonal abnormalities, liver or kidney disease and intestinal cancer. (A sensitive digestive tract is breed related. However, the ingestion of toxins, internal parasites, and intestinal infection are not a breed predisposition.)

Developmental bone/joint disease. Affects predominantly young, large-breed dogs (it starts in young dogs, but a lot of the time it is not evident until the dog is older). Dogs may show no signs or may show pain, lameness, and reluctance to exercise. With hip dysplasia, there may be muscle wasting in the hind legs.

Fear-induced aggression. A pet that growls and snaps when afraid thinks he is fighting for his life. Because of a combination of genetic tendencies, lack of socialization, early experience, and sometimes abuse, the dog that cannot escape will attack. During the growling, snapping or attack, the dog shows fear postures such as crouching with his tail between his legs.

Hemangiosarcoma. Cancer of the cells lining the inside of blood vessels. Affects mainly the spleen, liver, heart and skin. Symptoms include masses weakness, a distended abdomen, sudden collapse and pale gums.
Hind limb weakness. Weakness and sometimes a lack of coordination or wobbliness affecting the rear limbs. Causes include slipped disc, degeneration of the bones of the spine and degeneration of the spinal cord.

Hypothyroidism. Insufficient thyroid hormone production caused by disease of the thyroid glands. Symptoms include hair loss, obesity, lethargy, cold intolerance and skin infections.

Pannus. Inflammation and discoloration of the cornea (window of the eye). Signs include pink to black growths over the front of the eye, squinting, excessive tearing or eye discharge, eye redness, rubbing or pawing at the eyes and impaired vision.
Perianal fistula. Abscesses and ulcers that form around the anus. Signs may include frequent licking around the anus, pain on defecation, straining excessively to defecate, blood in the stool and a foul-smelling discharge coming from sores around the anus.

Pyoderma.Recurring bacterial infection of the skin, often with the presence of pus. Pyoderma is infection of the skin not the disease behind the infection. There are always several factors including different allergies, external parasite infection, and any kind of self trauma.The underlying cause is thought to be an immune system deficiency. Signs include scratching, skin redness, pimples, sores, scabs and areas of hair loss. The skin may be painful and some pets may be lethargic and lose their appetites.

Help your dog live a longer, healthier life. Ask your veterinarian about a breed-related preventive health plan.

Dog bites— Are there dangerous breeds?

Dog bites are a serious problem in the United States. Each year, an estimated 4.7 million people are bitten by dogs, according to the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC). Around 17 percent of these people require medical care. And in approximately 10-20 tragic cases per year, the bite victim is killed. The CDC has labeled dog bites in America an "epidemic."

In response to this growing problem, some communities have banned ownership of certain dogs that are perceived as dangerous, particularly pit bulls and rottweilers. Are some breeds really more dangerous than others?

Breed characteristics

It's difficult to determine just how much a dog's genetics determine his behavior, just like it's hard to know how much of a person's personality is nature and how much is nurture. It's true that some breeds simply have more ability to injure people than others do. Though it's no more likely to bite than a smaller dog, if it does bite, a Great Dane can do much more damage than a Maltese, for example. (Even very small breeds can be dangerous to children, however.)

A study performed by the American Veterinary Medical Association, the CDC, and the Humane Society of the United States, analyzed dog bite statistics from the last 20 years and found that the statistics don't show that any breeds are inherently more dangerous than others. The study showed that the most popular large breed dogs at any one time were consistently on the list of breeds that bit fatally. There were a high number of fatal bites from Doberman pinschers in the 1970s, for example, because Dobermans were very popular at that time and there were more Dobermans around, and because Dobermans' size makes their bites more dangerous. The number of fatal bites from pit bulls rose in the 1980s for the same reason, and the number of bites from rottweilers in the 1990s. The study also noted that there are no reliable statistics for nonfatal dog bites, so there is no way to know how often smaller breeds are biting.

Owner responsibilities

This study supports what many veterinarians have believed for years: nearly any dog can be aggressive or nonaggressive, depending on his training and environment. Owners play a big part in making sure that their pet is safe around other people. There are several steps you can take to help ensure that your dog isn't dangerous.

• Restrain your pet. Unrestrained dogs cause about 82 percent of all fatal bites. Keeping your dog on a strong leash whenever you're in public is a big first step toward preventing bites. Strangers and a strange environment may startle your pet. Extra precautions should be taken to make ensure your pet is at ease. If you leave your dog alone outdoors, your yard needs to be enclosed with a six- to eight-foot fence, depending on your dog's size.
• Socialize your puppy. Puppies are more open to learning between the age of 8 and 12 weeks. This is the opportune time to start puppy classes and begin socialization with other pets. It is important to introduce the puppy to animals with a known vaccination history. Talk to your veterinarian about the proper time to take your canine friend to puppy classes, the park and the pet store. Socialize your puppy by taking him anywhere where he can interact with people and other dogs in a nonthreatening environment. Be sure to praise him when he interacts well with others.
• Spay or neuter your dog. Intact (non-neutered) male dogs are responsible for approximately 80 percent of fatal bites. When dogs are altered, they lose some of their territorial instincts, including a lot of their territorial aggression.
• Train him not to bite. Dogs will mouth, chew and bite everything from your hands to your furniture until you teach them that it's inappropriate. If your dog is biting or growling at you or other family members, distract him with a quick sound, such as a clap or a sharp "ouch!" Then redirect his attention to a chew toy. Remember, timing is everything. Make sure your noise is heard at the exact moment the dog is biting. The dog will not understand what is going on if the noise occurs after the bite (they cannot make that connection). Also be sure to reward him when you catch him chewing on the right things.
• Watch your dog's behavior. This may be the most important part of preventing your dog from biting. It's easy for owners to be in denial that their sweet, furry Fido may be a threat. But if your dog exhibits any of the following behaviors, it's time for your veterinarian's help: growling at, snapping at, or biting family members; growling or snapping at strangers; or extreme fear of strangers.

If you see signs that your dog could be aggressive or dangerous, you can ask your veterinarian to refer you to a veterinary behavioral specialist. While your dog is being treated for aggression, be careful with him in public. Be sure to warn strangers to use caution if they interact with him. It may be important to wear a basket muzzle while out in public until the aggression is managed properly. A gentle leader may also be very helpful in controlling your pet when out in public.

Following these directions won't guarantee that your dog won't bite, but they'll certainly make it less likely. Any dog that is well restrained and well trained can be perfectly safe, regardless of breed. The truth is, an irresponsible owner is much more dangerous than any dog.

Clues to Detecting Fluffy and Fido’s Painful Secrets

To protect themselves from predators, animals naturally hide their pain. Your pet may be suffering even though he isn’t showing obvious signs. Advancements in veterinary science have decoded subtle telltale signs of animal distress. Observing your pet’s behavior is vital to managing his or her pain. How well do you know your pet? Use these five clues from the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) to help you understand your pet’s body language.

Clue 1—Abnormal chewing habits

If your pet is showing abnormal chewing habits, such as dropping its food or chewing on one side of the mouth, it may have a dental disorder or a mouth tumor. Additional signs may include weight loss, bad breath or excessive face rubbing. Routine dental checkups are important to prevent and treat dental disorders and related pain.

Clue 2—Drastic weight gain or loss

Pain directly influences your pet’s weight and eating habits. Animals carrying excess weight have an increased chance of tearing ligaments and damaging joints. Pets with arthritis or muscle soreness may not want to access their food because bending over is uncomfortable. Arthritis pain may also cause pets to gain weight while their eating habits remain the same due to lack of exercise. Pain can also cause animals to loose their appetites which will lead to weight loss.

Clue 3—Avoids affection or handling

Did Fluffy used to be active and energetic, but now sits quietly around the house? Avoiding affection or handling may be a sign of a progressive disease such as osteoarthritis or intervertebral disc disease. Although your pet may appear to be normal before petting or handling it, the added pressure applied to its body may expose sensitive and painful areas. Hiding is also a sign of pain. Because the animal is hurting, she will hide to avoid a vulnerable position (this allows the pet to prevent painful interactions).

Clue 4—Decreased movement and exercise

Osteoarthritis or joint disease is the most common cause of pain. Pets that limp may be reluctant to go up or down stairs, exercise, or play. Weight and joint injuries can also go hand-in-hand. Losing unnecessary pounds will help overweight pets decrease pressure on sore joints and reduce pain. Consult your veterinarian about exercises, diets and medical therapies that can help improve your pet’s health.

Clue 5— “Accidents”

Pet owners often believe that “accidents” are a result of behavioral issues. Although behavioral issues may cause unwanted surprises, going to the bathroom in inappropriate places may be caused by pain. Pets with sore joints or arthritis may not make it to a convenient location due to painful obstacles like stairs.

Urinary tract infections also may cause a messy situation. In addition to having “accidents,” symptoms of a urinary tract infection may include, lethargy, fever, tender lower abdomen and difficulty urinating. Even after the urinary tract infection is dealt with it may be necessary to get a new litter box because the cat makes painful associations with the old litter box.

The lack of verbal expression does not mean that your pet is not experiencing pain. Minor behavioral change can be cause for alarm. Being aware of your pet’s habits can help you and your veterinarian assess and treat your pet’s pain. Pain management has become an integral part of your pet’s overall healthcare. Diagnosing and managing pain is among the 900 standards an animal hospital is evaluated on in order to become accredited through AAHA. For more information about the advancement of pain management, check out the AAHA/AAFP Pain Management Guidelines for Dogs and Cats.

Feel free to download a handout that help detects cat and dog pain courtesy of AAHA Trends online.

Prep Your Pet to Dress in His Halloween Best

Halloween is just around the corner and your dog would look cute in a costume. But just because you know he looks cute, doesn’t mean your dog finds it very cute to wear a costume. Here are some tips to help him get more comfortable with wearing clothing and accessories:

• Start small. If your dog has never even worn a bandana, expecting him to be enthused about wearing the full pirate outfit, complete with eye patch, might be going a bit overboard. Try a bandana and see how he does. If wearing the bandana goes well, try a t-shirt or a cape. Remember to reward him when he’s calm and doesn’t try to remove the costume.
• Once he’s doing well with the t-shirt (you’re still rewarding him for being good right?), you can try the costume you really want him wear. Leave off the accessories (shoes, hat, etc.) for now.
• If the costume has shoes, put all the shoes on (so he can’t stand on two or three legs to shake them off) and let him walk around the house in them. You could try this with or without the costume at this point. Don’t forget the treats and make sure you reward for the good behavior.
• If the costume has a hat, put it on your dog and make sure it’s a good, comfortable fit and isn't too tight around the head or under the chin. Once it’s on, make sure you reward him like crazy for not shaking or pawing it off. Let him practice walking around the house in it and continue to reward for good behavior.
• If everything has gone well up to this point, try dresing him in the entire costume. Put it on, reward him for being good, and then take a picture! You’d hate to miss him looking adorable.

When the trick-or-treaters come calling, it’s best for some dogs to stay home and away from the door. All those “scary creatures” and an open door may not be the best combination for many dogs. As always, keep the candy out of reach of your dog!

Like everything else we teach our dogs, the key is patience. If you want your dog to truly enjoy something, make it worth his while and take it slowly. If you practice with small steps, you’ll soon have a dog that will tolerate any article of clothing you dress him in.

And, once he's all decked out, don't forget to snap a picture and enter our online Howl-O-Ween Costume Photo Contest!

Happy Halloween!

Debbie McKnight is an accredited PetSmart trainer in Hurst, Texas.

For information on PetSmart's Accredited Training, please visit PetSmart's training web site.

Safely Including Your Cat in Fall Holiday Fun

Fall holidays mean jack-o-lanterns throughout the neighborhood, knocks at the door, a fully stocked table, lots of rich, fatty food and even more candy! As part of the family, you'll want to include your cat in on the festivities too, but it's best to take a few safety measures before doing it. That's why we've tackled some common fall holiday hazards and offered tips to prevent them.

Halloween Safety Tips for Cats

• To ensure that your cat isn't part of any Halloween mischief or pranks, don't let him outside unattended, especially at night. Even if your cat does normally go outside, remember that on Halloween, he could get spooked by the loud noises and costumes and wander off.
• If you plan to put a costume on your cat, try it on him well in advance of Halloween to see how he reacts to it. If he tolerates it without fuss, make sure that it fits well enough to allow him to see, breathe, hear and move.
• Your cat should wear a collar and name tag with your phone number and address on it all times -- if he does get out of the house, at least you can be contacted.
• Never leave candy lying around or put it where your cat can get it. Small candy and errant candy wrappers are choking hazards.
• Consider keeping your cat confined to one area of the house during parties or high-traffic trick-or-treating times. This way, you'll be at ease when opening and shutting the door. And, if trick-or-treaters enter your home, your cat will be protected from pokes, prods and loud noises.
• Lit pumpkins and candles can easily be knocked over and burn your cat. Curious kittens are especially at risk for getting hurt.
• Instead of sharing any of your trick-or-treating loot, celebrate Halloween with your cat by giving him goodies made especially for him. You could even find a cat-specific recipe for making homemade treats. Another way to get in the spirit is to switch out regular toys with some Halloween-themed toys.

Thanksgiving Safety Tips for Cats

• It may be tempting to allow your cat to snack alongside you at the Thanksgiving table, but human food can wreak havoc on a cat's system. Keep the dinner fare to yourself, away from curious cats.
• If your cat does manage to sneak any food from the table, keep a watchful eye on him and consult a veterinarian immediately if he starts showing signs of distress.
• Reduce some of the potential for your cat to gaze longingly at the turkey by feeding him before you serve dinner.
• Having guests over for a Thanksgiving feast? Consider creating a "Pet's Only" area using a pet gate or crate so that your cat has a calm, quiet place to relax away from the festivities.
• If you're preparing raw turkey or other meats, wash your hands before playing with your pet, cleaning out his food bowl or handling his water bowl. This can help reduce the spread of bacteria.
• Give thanks to your cat with an extra hour of brushing or by playing with him with his favorite toy -- he'll appreciate the reprieve from noise and relatives!

The holidays are different when you're a new Pet Parent. While you don't want to leave your furry friends out of the fun, making these adjustments to your usual plans to celebrate can get you through the season and keep your spirits bright!

The Poet and the Editor

"MY dear sir," said the editor to the man, who had called to see
about his poem, "I regret to say that owing to an unfortunate
altercation in this office the greater part of your manuscript is
illegible; a bottle of ink was upset upon it, blotting out all but
the first line - that is to say - "

"'The autumn leaves were falling, falling.'

"Unluckily, not having read the poem, I was unable to supply the
incidents that followed; otherwise we could have given them in our
own words. If the news is not stale, and has not already appeared
in the other papers, perhaps you will kindly relate what occurred,
while I make notes of it.

"'The autumn leaves were falling, falling,'

"Go on."

"What!" said the poet, "do you expect me to reproduce the entire
poem from memory?"

"Only the substance of it - just the leading facts. We will add
whatever is necessary in the way of amplification and
embellishment. It will detain you but a moment.

"'The autumn leaves were falling, falling - '

"Now, then."

There was a sound of a slow getting up and going away. The
chronicler of passing events sat through it, motionless, with
suspended pen; and when the movement was complete Poesy was
represented in that place by nothing but a warm spot on the wooden
chair.