Health Care

Since I'm running two blogs, I know lines can be blurred and I sure don't want to post the same thing in both places. I'm forgetful, but redundancy is something I try to avoid.

Over at the East Tennessee TTouch blog are a couple of interesting articles on the health care of your canine companion. One focuses on dry dog foods, the other on tooth cleaning.

I invite readers to check out both blogs from time to time as they are complementary.

May the song of spring be marking time in your world...

Elvis Casserole

Elvis is Jazz's big brother in every sense of the word; out weighing her by 107 pounds and 3 years her senior.

Elvis was diagnosed diabetic some time back, which facilitated radical changes for the old boy. The vet recommended Science Diet's diabetic kibble. Obediently following direction we wrestled with an ever increasing blood sugar! Finally I read the ingredient label. The second major ingredient is corn meal?! Corn is a carbohydrate. I explained this to the vet who said the corn was added for fiber. Fiber.

I switched Elvis back to his former food. Taste of the Wild, High Planes' second ingredient is sweet potato. Now potatoes are carbohydrates too, but complex rather than simple. Sweet potato is more a more complex carb than its white counterpart making it an excellent complex carb for those watching their blood sugar. For adding the all necessary fiber, I added generic frozen vegetables in what evolved into "Elvis Casserole":
We begin with a $5 bag of chicken leg quarters. There's about 10 thighs in there. Great for BBQ, too. But for cheep dog food, this is the ticket.

Get a few dollars worth of frozen vegies. For high fiber I like broccoli cuts, green beans, lima beans, and carrots. Here's what we're using this time.

Here's 4-5 chicken thighs in a large pressure cooker. It was freezer cleaning day and we came across some freezer burned meats to add.
I add the frozen vegetables on top of the meat so that they retain their shape & fiber qualities. This is both small bags shown earlier.

Then, I add water to reduce any chance of burning and to produce a nice gravy with the casserole.
On goes the lid. I turn the heat on high till it's fully pressurized, then I let a batch this size simmer for 2 to 3 hours. A half size amount for 1 1/2 hour.
The bones retain their shape, but they're fully cooked and will fall apart easily. After allowing the casserole to cool, I break up the bones as I spoon the casserole into a storage container.
The bones provide valuable marrow and the bone itself will gently clean teeth.

Here's the casserole in it's storage container. Store in refrigerator.
Here's an Elvis portion of his casserole on top of his kibble. Jazz & Nestle also enjoy a proportion size of the casserole. Health and coat condition have been quite favorable for all.


Thank you to the kind Gianna Violin's customer who gave me the idea!

A Dog Owners Public Service Announcement

"The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center cautions animal owners that xylitol, a sweetener found in certain sugar-free chewing gums, candies, baked goods and other products can potentially cause serious and even life-threatening problems for pets.

“Last year, we managed more than 170 cases involving xylitol-containing products,” says Dana Farbman, CVT and spokesperson for the Center. “This is a significant increase from 2004, when we managed about 70.” Barely halfway into 2006, the Center has already managed about 114 cases. Why the increase? “It’s difficult to say,” Farbman states. “Xylitol products are relatively new to the United States marketplace, so one possibility may be an increase in availability.”

According to Dr. Eric Dunayer, veterinarian and toxicologist for the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center, dogs ingesting significant amounts of items sweetened with xylitol could develop a fairly sudden drop in blood sugar, resulting in depression, loss of coordination and seizures. “These signs can develop quite rapidly, at times less than 30 minutes after ingestion of the product. Therefore, it is crucial that pet owners seek veterinary treatment immediately.” Dr. Dunayer also stated that there appears to be a strong link between xylitol ingestions and the development of liver failure in dogs.

While it was previously thought that only large concentrations of xylitol could result in problems, this appears to no longer be the case. “We seem to be learning new information with each subsequent case we manage,” says Dr. Dunayer. “Our concern used to be mainly with products that contain xylitol as one of the first ingredients. However, we have begun to see problems developing from ingestions of products with lesser amounts of this sweetener.” He also says that with smaller concentrations of xylitol, the onset of clinical signs could be delayed as much as 12 hours after ingestion. “Therefore, it is important to keep in mind that even if your pet does not develop signs right away, it does not mean that problems won’t develop later on.”

The ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center strongly urges pet owners to be especially diligent in keeping candy, gum or other foods containing xylitol out of the reach of pets. As with any potentially toxic substance, should accidental exposures occur, it is important to contact your local veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center for immediate assistance. "

Direct quote from the ASPCA

Watch those food hounds!

Happy, Safe Summer!

Jazz sends a happy "Woof" greeting to all her readers! We hope everyone out there is enjoying their summer with their favorite fur-friend!

Don't forget to care for your dog in the summer as well as yourself:

Dogs sunburn too: If your dog spends a fair amount of time outdoors and has light colored skin, place a dab of sunscreen lotion on the bridge of their nose (where the hair is the most thin and the skin most exposed) and rub it in.

Monthly heartworm preventative is important, just as monthly flea & tick protection are essential during these summer months. But what can you do about the flies? Head to your nearest farm store or Co-op and get a fly spray sold for use on horses. Avoid spraying your dogs face when applying this product. If flies are an issue around your dogs face, apply with a wipe. Some fly sprays may have a sunscreen ingredient as well to help prevent sun bleaching to the dogs coat.

Glass: be vigilant of glass where ever you travel with your dog. Serious cuts can lead to an emergency situation and stitches. Avoid soft shoulders when out jogging as our litter-minded Nation has certainly led to the threat of broken glass at our way sides.

"Crash Kit": I highly recommend traveling with a plastic tackle box stocked with emergency supplies for both human and canine:
Benadryl
Nitrofurizone (stronger and thicker than Neosporin)
Hydrogen Peroxide
Iodine (stronger than Betadyne)
Pain reliever (human only)
Eye drops or saline solution
Vet Wrap (self stick wrapping material avail. from vet. Replace annually)
Syringes (no needles. For irrigating wounds and targeted application of liquid ointments. Large bore ones can be used for liquid oral medications).
Pepto Bismol
Band Aids
Sterile bandages
Tape, scissors, tweezers, wash cloth

I also try to keep on hand a roll of paper towels (1/2 or more used), 1/4 roll of toilet paper, 1-2 small bath towels, plastic grocery bags . When it comes to outings with dogs or kids, it's a virtual guarantee that some of these items will see use.

Have a safe, happy summer & keep your pediatrician and vet phone numbers saved in your contacts list in your cell phone, or tucked in a safe place (wallet).

Adequan

After some discussion with Jazz's vet, she is now taking a series of Adequan injections to help give some relief to her hip pain. We're still in the decision phase of surgery (not yet confirmed if artificial hips come in her size). Jazz has had 3 of the 8 injections thus far.

Adequan belongs to a class of drugs commonly referred to as “Disease-Modifying Osteoarthritis Drugs (DMOAD). It is an FDA approved water based liquid (polysulfated glycosaminoglycan) available from and administered by a licensed veterinarian. It is an intramuscular (IM: injection into the muscle) that has been clinically shown to help treat degenerative or traumatic arthritis while giving relief from the pain due to degeneration of the joint and associated inflammation.

Adequan modifies the disease cycle as well as alleviating pain and inflammation. It stimulates the senovial lining while suppressing inflammation, thus nutrients supplied to the articular cartilage is improved. Simultaneously, Adequan blocks the excesses of degrading enzymes from affecting joint lubricant, fluid and cartilage. Adequan does not repair a poorly fitting joint, so it can't cure a hip problem, but it does aid in relieving the pain and slowing further deterioration.

Adequan is a viable option to relieve the stiffness from arthritis or joint disease. It can effectively prolong a pet's life when surgery is not an option due to age, cost considerations, non-candidate, etc.; or, by providing comfort and helping either delay or eliminate the need for surgery in some individuals. Adequan is a better choice over human OTC's (over the counter) as some human pain killers are harmful to your pet. Aspirin and Tylenol will kill your cat, aspirin will cause vomiting in some dogs, and Advil can cause severe stomach ulcers. Never use human OTC's without your vet's recommendation.

Adequan is administered in a series of eight injections over a four week period. Maximum benefits are achieved if the pet receives the full series of injections. Most pet owners begin to notice an improvement within the four week period. 70% of dogs receiving the full series show significant improvement. Lasting effects vary by individual, but I have heard of noted improvement lasting several months or more (anywhere from 6 mos. to 2 years). Brenna (my Rottie) was diagnosed with hip dysplasia at five years after showing symptoms of stiffness, difficulty getting up and refusal to jump. She was not a candidate for surgery so she took Rimadyl the rest of her days and had one full series of the Adequan injections. Before the Adequan, Brenna would whimper and cry out in pain when getting up after a nap as well as off and on during the day. After the Adequan she never again experienced that level of pain. She lived six more years. Of course her hips continued to degenerate and was her death sentence in the end, but that was due to spinal bone spurs pinching the nerves in her rear end which made her incapable of walking, not the hip joint itself.

Hip & Joint treatments should accompany careful monitoring of the dogs diet to avoid obesity which will further stress the body and increase pain/discomfort of affected joints. If your dog is already heavy at the time of diagnosis, assess and adjust his diet and intake accordingly.

Consult your veterinarian before using any other prescription or over the counter medicines including vitamins and supplements. What works for humans does not necessarily provide the same benefits for pets and can (in some cases) prove fatal.

FHO or THR ?

Last Monday (March 10^th) my lovely husband and I took his parents and Jazz on a peaceful hike near Tellico. It was a remarkably lovely day with a clear blue 70 degree sky. Since Jazz had been exhibiting such a reliable recall, I let her do this one off lead in spite of it being her very first hike. I felt confident of her abilities and she did not disappoint me. She was exuberant and energetic, but reliably obedient. She must have walked double the distance (with double the energy!) we humans did!

Tuesday she was tired, but seemed no worse for the wear. This was expected. Thursday night we observed her carrying her right rear leg, not continuously, but regularly. I gave her a thorough feel over and didn't find anything obvious, but I knew that I could not examine her skelatal system with the expert feel of a veterinarian. I would continue to monitor her.

Friday, she held her leg less, but she was still doing it so that by the end of the day, concern got the better of me and I dropped by the vets office. At first exam by an assistant, she discovered a luxated patella. Our dear vet did a thorough exam and in addition to the luxated patella (which seemed to be of no bother to Jazz), she found a rather sore hip. This called for an x-ray.

I saw it immediately on the vets face and the x-ray film. Her left hip is perfect, her right, however, is not properly seated in the socket, swollen and severely arthritic. Jazz is clearly in pain. I was floored. Surgery would be necessary to alleviate her discomfort and allow a long, happy life. She's not even two years old. Jazz will be on remadyl (an anti-inflammatory) till surgery. Although one option was heavily suggested, some research gave me two options:

FHO: (Femoral Head Ostectomy), essentially removing the head of the femur with a small saw, scar tissue forms over the bone end acting as a sort of cushion thus relieving the bone pain and allowing a small dog to return to a normal life. The drawback is a shorter leg and possibly a permanent limp as a result; loss in full range of motion (reduction of say 25%); stiffness; inability to jump, and decreased activity. This is what the vet suggested, but this procedure didn't sit well with me.

THR: (Total Hip Replacement), this is the expensive option as it's done at a veterinary hospital rather than in the vets office. Recovery time is a bit longer; recovery is near 95% with full range of motion (little to no reduction) and return to a full active lifestyle, including jumping. No permanent limp as there's no shortening of the leg.

At first the choice seemed obvious, having been given only one. However, cutting off the femoral head just didn't sit well with me, and thus I thank the Internet for my further education. Confirming my feelings on the FHO, the THR seems to be the surgery of choice given that Jazz is still such a youngster and has many, many good years in which to enjoy this life.... and fully enjoy it, she should!

No decisions have been set, I will speak with the vet at length and I (at this point) predict we will opt for the THR sometime this summer or early fall.

Dare I state the obvious in that my heart is crying for her?

We're on vacation this week. Jazz will have me post pics of her on the beach.

Emergency Transport

I came upon a woman by the roadside who was trying to coax an injured dog into a portable crate without success. By the time I got my vehicle turned around and returned to the scene, the woman had left, the crate left beside the dog and the dog covered with a blanket. The elderly dog still very much alive though obviously suffering either a broken back or pelvis (at the least) and thus completely immobile. Disoriented and very frightened, she was snapping and biting at anyone trying to help her. After some in-depth discussion with other passersby, a nearby resident promised to make calls and have the dog dealt with. I hated to leave the scene, but I had done all I was able to do under the circumstances.

An injured dog, no matter how loyal and sweet, is frightened, in pain, disoriented and prone to snap or bite as a result. This is not to be taken personally, simply taking effective, preventative measures is all that's necessary to prevent further harm to the dog and possibly to yourself. Something as simple as a bandanna will work as a makeshift muzzle in an emergency. Take the bandanna at opposite corners and roll it up to make a long, narrow cloth "rope". Begin at the bridge of the muzzle (top) with the center of the bandanna and wrap it around the dogs' muzzle, meeting at the underside. Cross the two sections over one another then bring them around and tie it off behind the head. The dog will not be able to wriggle out of it, nor open his mouth enough to cause you harm.

To safely move an injured dog you will need at least two people and either a large towel or sturdy blanket (depending on the size of the animal). Lay out the blanket alongside the dog with a fair amount of fabric gathered nearest the animal. Barrel roll the animal onto the blanket with the least amount of movement to the spine and limbs. Have someone at the dogs head to keep him as calm and quiet as possible. Once the dog is on the blanket, the extra fabric you had nearest him before transfer can be unfolded and then the dog is automatically centered on the blanket.

With as many people as necessary to move the dog, lift the blanket and gently move him to a ready and waiting vehicle for transport in a sort-of makeshift "litter" fashion. Someone should attend to the dogs head for providing support, comfort and ensuring the dog doesn't freak out thus causing himself or the handlers injury. He will be frightened. Most areas have at least one veterinarian that will offer emergency hours, or an emergency veterinary clinic dedicated to "after hours" needs. If the owner is not available, or can't afford emergency care, the local shelter may be all you have left. If nothing else, a local vet can euthanize the animal humanely.

Towels, a blanket and bandanna serve many useful purposes. Bandannas can serve as a cold water compress, a makeshift bandage, or for cleaning a wound. Towels are handy for the unexpected wet or muddy dog. An old blanket can protect your vehicles' interior, cushion the dog, warm him in foul weather. I tend to keep these items in my primary vehicle along with some plastic grocery bags for fecal pickup (as well as many other uses, too!).

If the dog is somewhat mobile, a towel can be used as a sling to support the rear end by passing under the abdomen, the handler holding each end. This is far easier on the handlers back than bending over and supporting the rear end without a towel.

I deeply hope this tidbit of emergency care knowledge is something every reader will never, ever need.