From the Medical Side


Bladder stones are mineral deposits that form anywhere between the kidneys and the urethra, but most commonly in the bladder itself (hence the common name "bladder stone").

Starting out as microscopic mineral crystals commonly present in the urine, these crystals are often flushed out with urination. The stones become problematic in dogs that have a higher than normal mineral content, and the crystals attach themselves to each other, forming stones that could be several millimeters in diameter.

Possible Causes:
There are several possible causes to bladder stones, genetics being one of them, as several breeds have shown a tendency towards crystals and stones in the urine: Beagles, Basset Hounds, Dalmatians and Pugs among that number. Diet also plays a large part, foods high in protein contribute to the amount of minerals in the urine. Bacterial infections in the bladder can cause the urine to become more alkaline and inciting chemical reactions that cause struvite crystals to form.

Symptoms:
Symptoms of bladder stones can often go undetected. Blood in the urine is usually the one most owners pick up on. Other symptoms are :

frequent urination of small amounts Straining to go, or a reluctance to go due to discomfort

At times there is no outward symptom at all, but stones are discovered when a veterinarian palpates the belly and feels the stones in the bladder during a routine check-up.

Available Treatments:
Bladder stones can be treated with both medications or surgery, although if a blockage occurs, immediate surgery becomes necessary.

Antibiotics and a change of diet and habits may be prescribed if the stones have been caused by an infection. A special diet designed to lower the pH level of the urine, antibacterial medication, and increased water intake may be all that is needed, once the type of bladder stone has been determined.

Diet Change:
A change of regular diet can prevent stones from forming, and in some cases, eliminate stones that have already formed in the bladder or kidneys. Please let your veterinarian advise you on selecting the correct prepared diet, as there may be some adverse reactions if your dog is currently on additional medication.

Article courtesy of Janet Tobiassen Crosby, DVM - www.about.com

 

For the extra-picky pooches!

* Three 2 1/2 oz. Each jars of baby food: either beef or chicken
* 1/4 c Dry milk powder
* 1/4 c Wheat germ

Instructions:
Combine ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Roll into small balls and place on well-greased cookie sheet. Flatten slightly with a fork. Bake in preheated 350 oven for 15 minutes or until brown. Cool on wire racks and STORE IN REFRIGERATOR...also freezes well.

Notes: cream of wheat can be substituted for the wheat germ.

Tester's note: Definitely something to howl about!! Cookies are soft and chewy........

 

NO SCAREDY CATS THIS HALLOWEEN: TOP 10 SAFETY TIPS FOR PET PARENTS


Attention, companion animal caretakers! The ASPCA would like to call your attention to these common- sense cautions that'll help keep your pets safe and stress-free this time of year.

1. No tricks, no treats: That bowlful of candy is for trick- or-treaters, not for Scruffy and Fluffy. Chocolate in all forms can be very dangerous for dogs and cats, and tin foil and cellophane candy wrappers can be hazardous if swallowed. If you suspect your pet has ingested a potentially dangerous substance, please call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.

2. Popular Halloween plants such as pumpkins and decorative corn are considered to be relatively nontoxic, yet they can produce gastrointestinal upset should pets ingest them. Intestinal blockage could even occur if large pieces are ingested.

3. Keep wires and cords from electric lights and other decorations out of reach of your pets. If chewed, your pet could experience damage to his mouth from shards of glass or plastic, or receive a possibly life- threatening electrical shock.

4. A carved pumpkin certainly is festive, but do exercise extreme caution if you choose to add a candle. Pets can easily knock a lit pumpkin over and cause a fire. Curious kittens especially run the risk of getting burned or singed by candle flames.

5. Dress-up can be a big mess-up for some pets. Please don't put your dog or cat in a costume UNLESS you know he or she loves it (yup, a few pets are real hams!). For pets who prefer their "birthday suits," however, wearing a costume can cause undue stress.

6. If you do dress up your pet, make sure the costume isn't annoying or unsafe. It should not constrict the animal's movement or hearing, or impede his ability to breathe or bark. Keep a look out for small, dangling, or easily chewed-off pieces on the costume that your pet could choke on.

7. Take a closer look at your pet's costume and make sure it does not obstruct her vision in any way. Even the sweetest animals can get snappy when they can't see.

8. All but the most social dogs and cats should be kept in a separate room during peak trick-or-treat visiting hours. Too many strangers can be scary and stressful for pets.

9. When opening the door for trick-or-treaters, take care that your cat or dog doesn't dart outside.

10. IDs, please! Always make sure your dog or cat has proper identification. If for any reason your pet escapes and become lost, a collar and tags and/or a microchip increase the chances that he or she will be returned to you.

Article Courtesy of www.aspca.org

 

 

Chocolate is a popular treat all year round. Care must be taken when animals are around, though. Chocolate can be toxic, and sometimes even fatal, for animals. Dogs are most commonly affected, due to their ability to find it and the common 'sweet tooth' they seem to have. It is important to remember that cats and other species are susceptible to the toxic effects of chocolate, too.

Chocolate is made from the fruit (beans) of the cacao tree. Theobromine, a component of chocolate, is the toxic compound in chocolate. (Caffeine is also present in chocolate, but in much smaller amounts than Theobromine.)
Unsweetened (baker's) chocolate contains 8-10 times the amount of Theobromine as milk chocolate. Semi- sweet chocolate falls roughly in between the two for Theobromine content. White chocolate contains Theobromine, but in such small amounts that Theobromine poisoning is unlikely.

Quick Guide for Theobromine levels in different types of chocolate: From The Merck Veterinary Manual, 8th ed

Unsweetened (Baker's) chocolate = 390-450 mg Theobromine per oz chocolate
Milk chocolate = 44-60 mg Theobromine per oz chocolate
Semi-sweet is a bit less than half of the Theobromine content as Baker's chocolate.

The toxic dose of Theobromine (and caffeine) for pets is 100-200mg/kg. (1 kiliogram = 2.2 pounds).

However, various reports by the ASPCA (American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals) have noted problems at doses much lower than this - i.e. 20mg/kg. Translated to a "typical" scenario, and using the 20mg/kg as a measure of "problems can be seen at this level of ingestion", a 50 pound dog would have to consume 9 ounces (+/-) of milk chocolate to consume the 20mg/kg amount of Theobromine. Some dogs won't see problems at this rate. Some may. This is a much more conservative toxic level calculation than the "standard" of 100-200mg/kg, but better safe than sorry.
Signs are most commonly seen within 12 hours (or less) of chocolate ingestion.

Excitement / nervousness / trembling
Vomiting / diarrhea
Excessive thirst / sometimes excessive urination (at higher levels of Theobromine toxicity)
Muscle spasms
Seizures
Coma (rare)
Death (rare) -- likely due to heart rhythm abnormalities.

The Big Question: Why isn't chocolate toxic to humans?
Humans can break down and excrete Theobromine much more efficiently than dogs.

If you suspect that your pet has ingested chocolate, please contact your veterinarian for advice and treatment.

Article courtesy of Janet Tobiassen Crosby, DVM - www.about.com