Animal Medical Center-Cairo, Georgia: "We offer loving, gentle hands to care for your pets"

Doodle Bug says hello too! He was brought to the office as a tiny puppy- no bigger than your hand. Starving & cold, he had been left at a dumpster and found by a kind person who could not keep him. He had an infection in his head so severe that his head was misshapen. With TLC and a loving home, he has truly blossomed!

Your questions and feedback are always appreciated. The website is a living, growing thing, and will be added to periodically. We hope you will stop in, and send your friends to us as well.

Great news for dog and cat owners! There is a new antibiotic injectable, called Convenia, that is long acting. A single dose lasts for 10 days, and treats the most common bacteria that cause abscesses and skin infections. This means that you won't have to wrestle with your pet to give oral medications twice a day. This can sometimes be quite a challenge, especially in pets who do not take tablets well.

If your pet is in need of longterm antibiotics, it's nice to have this new tool in our toolbox. Ask your vet if this is an appropriate treatment for your furry friend.

Bella is a beautiful, precious Dachshund who was hit by a car. She had multiple injuries, including a badly fractured leg and several fractures in her pelvis. After being stabilized, Bella was taken to surgery for repair of the leg fracture. (The pelvic fractures were expected to heal well without surgery). The femur was pinned, and things looked fairly good, but unfortunately, the fracture did not heal well and it was deemed best that the leg be amputated. Bella did terrifically well post-op, and is running on 3 legs as well (or better!) than many dogs run on four! She will bring much joy to her family for many years to come. And, of course, she will never be allowed to run loose again

We are pleased to announce the addition of a new doctor to our staff. Dr. Cindy West has unique skills in acupuncture and other alternative medical services for pets, and will be available by appointment at our office. Dr. West has found that the best results of acupuncture, herbology and nutrition therapy can be achieved when integrated with conventional treatment as recommended by veterinarians. There are many conditions that respond very well to this approach, including chronic pain from arthritis, as well as many other health issues. We are thrilled to have her on board and to be able to offer more services to benefit your beloved pets.

INTERESTING CASE

Sally, a 2-year-old Saluki who lost her left hind foot in the Kuwait desert a year ago is doing well after recently being fitted with a metallic prosthesis. Sally was rescued and flown to an orthopedic veterinarian, Dr. Erick Egger, at Colorado University, for evalution. He immediately adopted her, and started some pioneering techniques for prosthetics. What's different about Sally's titanium "foot" is that the metal rod is fused directly into the end of the bone through her left hind limb stump.

Dogs and other animals often have trouble with prosthetics because (so far!) most have to be strapped on. The patients either chew the straps or have difficulty keeping them in proper position, given their activity levels. Often there are problems with skin irritation with the socket type devices most commonly used.

Having the rod implanted in bone also gives Sally better feedback on the location of her foot, and makes it easier for her to use the limb. After several surgeries, Sally is healing well. Her efforts, as well as the efforts of her owner/veterinarian will probably help technology for human amputees as well.

WORLD RABIES DAY

One day each September is designated World Rabies Day. Together the USA and the UK are launching a program to raise awareness of Rabies in humans and animals. Over 100 countries will benefit from this educational effort.

Did you know-

*55,000 people around the world die from rabies each year, mostly in Africa and Asia.

*About 65% of these deaths are in children aged 5-15.

*One person dies of rabies every 10 minutes.

*7,000 animal rabies cases were reported in the US in 2007.

*In the US, 1-3 cases of rabies in humans is the average for one year.

*Mexico's program to vaccinate dogs has reduced the number of cases of rabies by 2/3 in 5 years.

Rabies is virtually always fatal, and easily prevented with proper vaccinations. Many huge drug companies are helping this effort by donating vaccine to needy countries.

For more information go to www.worldrabiesday.org.

SLEEPING SICKNESS IN HORSES

If you've listened to the news, you're aware of an outbreak of a dangerous virus among our horse population. The virus is Eastern Equine Encephalomyelitis (EEE for short); also called Sleeping Sickness. This virus is transmitted by mosquitoes, from birds to horses or to humans. Hence, the usual surge in numbers of animals affected during wet summer months when the mosquito population is up.

The virus affects the central nervous system and causes symptoms such as ataxia (incoordination and staggering), circling, head pressing, and other similar behavioral changes. The horse may go down or seizure in the later stages of the illness. Because EEE is caused by a virus, antibiotics will not cure the disease. Treatment involves nursing and symptomatic care, time, and Mother Nature. It is often fatalFoals need a series of immunizations to acquire protection; adults need boosters twice yearly to maintain their antibody levels. There is no reason not to protect your horse from this potentially deadly, preventable disease. Protective vaccines are safe, inexpensive, and effective and are readily available

Lori taught owners how to teach their own dogs many skills, including how to walk quietly alongside their owner (without pulling!), sit, stand, lie down, stay on command, and exhibit good dog manners at all times. To graduate, participants had to complete an obstacle course that required them to demonstrate all their new skills. Great fun was had by all! Congratulations to the group.

We have (finally!) completed some remodeling at the office. Can you believe it? We've been here over 20 years, so it was time for a face lift. Floors have been tiled, and new colors freshen up the place. Our goal has been to make your visit as pleasant as possible, and to have a clean, inviting place for you and your pet to enjoy.

Our Spring Canine Obedience Class went splendidly. Five pets and their owners made it through the six week class and graduated honorably. Instructor Lori Ashe made the class fun, and the improvement among the participants was dramatic. Watch for dates for our Fall class around mid-September.

California has passed legislation allowing people with certain mental & emotional disabilities to keep their pets, even if their apartment owners would not normally allow this. Lawmakers have recognized that pets often serve a vital role in the emotional well-being of many people, and with a doctor's prescription, many can remain with their loving owners.

One Ohio Sheriff Department's K-9 staff now includes a Chihuahua-Rat terrier named Midge. She has been specially trained as a Sniffer dog, and does drug detection work. Because of her small size (6 pounds), Midge is able to check lots of places that the bigger dogs have trouble maneuvering. She's very social, and a great representative of law enforcement!

Over 50,000 dogs have been brutally killed in China, due to a Rabies outbreak that has caused the death of three people. The government there condones and even encourages people (by paying them $5 per dog) to club, hang, or electrocute dogs. They have no Rabies preventative program. Thank goodness we have and require the use of vaccine in our dogs and cats. Much, much better.

"I can't believe he ate the whole thing...". We seem to be having a run on GI foreign bodies lately! One little guy was feeling droopy, and X-rays revealed something abnormal in his abdomen. We could not be sure what it was, but fortunately, after a few days of laxatives and bulking agents (and axiety on the part of his owner!) he passed a blue striped sock!!! Whew. Had he not been able to pass this on his own, he could have been in danger without surgery.

Another patient was fed chicken bones. Not good. The sharp edges can puncture through the stomach or intestines with disastrous consequences. Peritonitis results and is usually fatal. Pork chop bones likewise can be quite dangerous, as well as anything that is sharp or pointed. Again, her owners elected conservative treatment, and we are awaiting and assisting the safe passage of many bones! So far, so good.

Pets are much like toddlers- they are capable of getting into lots of trouble, and often not capable of getting themselves out! It's up to us to guard what they have access to, or what they are given to eat. I enjoy surgery, but owner's usually don't enjoy surgery bills. An ounce of prevention... (You know the rest).

In response to your needs and new information that has become available, we now have Rattlesnake vaccine on hand. It will help protect your dog from the effects of rattlesnake bites. It will NOT guarantee complete protection, but problems should be much milder and fatalities less likely. It offers partial protection from Copperhead bites, but none from Water Moccassins. You may call the office for more information, or to schedule an appointment for this important opportunity to protect your dog from an ever-present outdoor danger.

Both West Nile and Eastern Equine Encephalomyelitis (Sleeping Sickness) viruses are causing serious illness and deaths in many horses in our area, expecially among our near-by neighbors in Florida. These viruses attack the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord) and cause symptoms ranging from incoordination, stumbling, blindness, inability to eat or drink, and even coma and death. Animals that survive usually have some degree of permanent brain damage.

Both viruses are spread by mosquitoes. Naturally the diseases show a surge in summer months, especially when there has been a lot of rainfall. On a positive note, although humans can also get the disease, they cannot contract it directly from a horse. Secondly, there are vaccines available that are simple to use, effective, and MUCH cheaper than treating illness or losing a horse. Sadly, there have been cases of both illnesses where the horse owner actually had the vaccine in their refrigerator. It can't work unless it gets in the horse, and then it is good insurance against a devastating illness.

It's summer and this has been an especially hot one! (I think we say that every year...). Anyway, our pets feel the heat, too. Heatstroke can occur when an animal is kept in too hot an environment, cannot get to water, or exerts itself too heavily in this weather. It can be life-threatening, and immediate care is essential to stop the damage that over-heating can cause.

We recently treated an elderly Greyhound who had only been outdoors a brief time before she became overheated and could not get up. Her temperature was over 107 degrees when she was brought to the hospital. There is great danger of permanent damage if temperatures over 106 are maintained for any significant length of time. Fortunately, her owners brought her in as soon as they discovered the problem. She was cooled down quickly, treated for shock, and recovered very well, with no apparent permanent problems. She was most fortunate to have an owner who was paying attention!

Research has shown that high levels of anti-oxidants in the diet can provide many benefits to our pets, especially those who are aging. Among the benefits is relief from joint pain, and delayed development of arthritis in joints that are prone to this chronic, painful problem. Hill's Science Diet has formulated a special diet called j/d (for joint health) that has high levels of anti-oxidants and other beneficial nutrients, and has been shown to improve mobility in pets who have been "getting a little stiff" lately.

Just as important as providing beneficial nutrients is making sure that all nutrients are in the right balance for your pet. Just as we do, dogs & cats have needs that change as their bodies mature, then age. Puppy & kitten formulas have far too many of some nutrients for adult and senior dogs, and these excesses can be just as big a problem as a deficit. Balancing the special needs of each age category can be quite complex, so we are grateful to have researchers who define these and make appropriate diets to fit each life stage. Special diets are also made to meet special medical needs, like kidney or liver disease, and obesity. Ask your veterinarian or his or her staff which diet will best suit your pet.

This spring and summer we have seen a flood of new puppies and kittens. Many have been orphaned, or uncared for by their owners. One client brought in three bulldog puppies after the mother had killed the other five puppies in the litter. The three that remained were wormy, malnourished, flea bitten, and dehydrated. Fortunately, fluids, appropriate medications, and lots of TLC revived the puppies, and they overcame their bumpy start. One of them (Chloe) is still part of our "family" at the office, and is fat and happy. It is a joy to see patients respond so well to care.

Unfortunately, not all the needy puppies and kittens out there get the care they deserve. Two things need to change. Number one: pet owners need to be aware that when they acquire a pet, they also acquire the responsibility to care for that pet. The dog or cat cannot go buy what they need or drive themselves to the hospital! If someone becomes unable to care for a pet, there are shelters and rescue groups everywhere that can help. All one has to do is call.

Secondly, pet owners need to spay and neuter the pets they have, unless they are equipped to handle the extra work and responsibility of breeding. Each puppy or kitten born will need its own good home, and it can be very hard to find homes for mixed breed and/or unhealthy animals. Spaying & neutering makes a better pet, and prevents many diseases. More male dogs & cats than I can count are hit by cars and killed or injured, or beat up in dog & cat fights when they go roaming. Neutering helps keep them happy to stay home and be your pal, instead of out partying all night. Who knows what they will bring home, if they do return at all.

Spaying & neutering is simple, relatively inexpensive. and one of the best investments you can make toward your pet's long-term well-being.

     Max was a Boxer who was in the wrong place at the wrong time, and was injured by a car.  His injuries were not terribly severe, but he did need to be radiographed in order to assess the damage. Low and behold, in his stomach was the perfect image of a rubber duckie bathtub toy! After his immediate injuries were taken care of, the owners were asked if they could explain the presence of a duck in their dog's stomach! After some pondering, they recalled missing their child's tub toy about six years ago!!! Max had played with it and swallowed it accidentally, on the sly. It had sat there for years, causing no apparent problems.

    But, enough is enough, so the duck was surgically removed. The rubber had discolored and changed texture due to years in the stomach acids, but was still obviously a duck!

    Note to all pet owners- be careful of what your pets play with! Anything small enough to be swallowed is a potential hazard. Ordinarily, foreign bodies in the stomach will cause some sypmtoms, but sometimes the symptoms are overlooked or blamed on something else. Puppies especially are much like toddlers when it comes to putting things in their mouth, so puppy proof your home accordingly.

Something new in veterinary medicine is a different therapy for a particular type of allergy called Atopy. Atopy is quite common in our area, and dogs who are affected are especially itchy on their feet and ears. If it drives us nuts just listening to them chew, lick and scratch- imagine how they must feel! Allergy testing and immunotherapy have been around for a while, and can be quite helpful. It's rather intensive, and somewhat costly. Cortisone works great, but has a heavy load of potential side effects. The latest medication is called Atopica- it works to quiet the immune response, which relieves the itching, without the side effects of cortisone. It costs more (of course) but if safety and relief are important to you (they are to your pet!) it can be well worth the investment.

Spring time is coming (Hooray!), and along with the awakening of our beautiful flowers & trees comes a new generation of parasites. They've been dormant during cold weather, and warmer weather triggers their hatching. For horses, this is especially important because they love the new green sprouts of grass that pop up, particularly around manure piles. Eggs on the ground hatch, and the larva travel up the grass blades.
Along comes a hungry horse; the larva is swallowed with the grass, and a parasite has found a happy home inside the horse. Now, every time the owner feeds its horse, she is also feeding the worms! And they are wreaking havoc on the horse's digestive and circulatory systems, and can cause anemia, colic, and even death.
What to do? There have always been dewormers to give horses orally. Most are quite effective, as long as the horse actually swallows his correct dose. A vet can pass a stomach tube and give the medication that way, guaranteeing that the horse gets what he needs. The latest trend is toward a continuous feeding deworming. This way, worms are "nipped in the bud" and killed before they have time to accumulate and cause harm. It's very easy to add the flavored pellets to the feed daily.
For dogs & cats, the warm weather means a new crop of mosquitoes, which can carry heartworms. Preventative is available, easy & effective. Outdoor pets will also be in contact with hook, round, and whipworms from the ground as well.

INTERESTING CASE- ROWDY'S BEEN FIGHTIN'
Rowdy the Mutt came home limping after days away, partying. "Three legged lame", he was. An exam revealed a draining wound near his hock joint. It was a round puncture wound that went quite deep and had caused lots of swelling and pain. Radiographs were done, to check for bullets or BB's, and none were found. The wound was cleaned up, flushed, and wrapped with an antiseptic salve, and Rowdy was given antibiotics and pain medication. He did quite well, and healed uneventfully, but his story is a good reminder of what can happen when dogs, especially un-neutered males, are allowed to roam. Apparently Rowdy got in a fight, most likely with another male dog and probably over a female. He could have been shot, as people will sometimes do when stray dogs are fighting. (Not the best solution to the problem, but it does happen an awful lot in our area). He could have been run over at any point during his wandering. So, treating the wound was only part of his care; having him neutered will help keep him happy to be home and hopefully prevent a trajedy "down the road".

     The Geogia House of Representatives will soon be voting on Bill 78, which will make it illegal to own, breed, or sell a Pit Bull or Pit Bull type of dog in the state of Georgia. If the bill is passed, people who have had their bulldog for at least six months may keep it, but will be required to have their dogs neutered and confined, or leashed, muzzled, and accompanied by an adult when in public. Fines of at least $1000 and jail time are the penalties for noncompliance.
     I understand that there have been severe injuries, and even deaths from dog bites. These trajedies deserve attention, but I do not believe that banning one breed of dog is the right solution to the problem. By far, the vast majority of bulldogs we see at our office are wonderful dogs and good companions. However, in every breed there are individuals who do cause problems, and when a bulldog (or any other large, athletic dog) bites, the bite is powerful. As well, we see more aggressive and potentially dangerous individuals of other breeds (Chows, Rottweillers, and Chihuahuas!) than Pit Bulls. Of course, those mindless people who train dogs to fight are doing the greatest harm. Don't even get me started. Owners (of any breed) who are careless and don't socialize their dogs, and fail to control them are the ones who need to be regulated.
     There are two issues on the table. One is whether or not Pit Bulls should be discriminated against as a whole. I see literally thousands of dogs each year, and feel this is unjustified. The other is whether or not the State of Georgia should be able to dictate our choices on pets, and how we care for them. For now, bulldogs are in the spotlight. Another breed could be next.

Wish this had a happy ending, but sadly it does not. However, it makes a good point and could help others, and so is worth sharing. Smokey was a mixed breed dog much loved by his owners. But, when they brought him in, he was in shock, hypothermic, barely conscious, and having extreme trouble breathing. Supportive care revived him from shock, but the damage from the heartworms was so severe he could not be saved.
These parasites invade and clog the heart and lungs, and if left too long, the damage they cause can become irreversible and cause death. If anything good can be said about heartworms, it is that they are entirely preventable. All puppies should be started on a monthly medication that is effective in preventing heartworms, and should be continued for the life of your dog. (Dogs over 6 months of age must be bloodtested prior to starting preventative, and at least once yearly afterwards). As long as we have mosquitoes, heartworms will threaten the health of your pet. Please learn from this sad loss, and protect your four-legged friend from heartworms.

Not exactly new, but important nonetheless, is an Emergency Management program that has been put in place in our county to assist in times of natural disasters. The last hurricane season was monumental & tragic for Florida and many of our close neighbors. Countless people were displaced, and many were in a bind because they had pets and no idea of where they could take them as most shelters would not accept pets. Some stayed home rather than leave their beloved animals, and risked great harm by doing so. In order to help fill the need for information in a hurry, our County Commissioners have created a list of places in our county that could house pets for people desperate for help. Boarding kennels and folks with fenced pasture or barns could be contacted on short notice to provide safe housing for pets when needed. Not only will this help the pets, it will also relieve one source of stress from their owners during times of crisis.

Along with the list of places that can shelter animals is a list of volunteers who could be ready to assist on horseback. There could be needs to search and rescue where vehicles cannot go, but horses can. Of course, these horses would need to be well trained and able to cope with any variety of unexpected circumstances. If you're a cowboy or 'girl or know anyone who is that would like to be on the list, please forward names and contact information to me and I will add to the list the County is compiling.

Now is the time to be giving consideration and laying the groundwork for this networking system. We all know how quickly a disaster can hit. I'm grateful to Commissioner Ellis for taking on this responsibility.

You would think that the venomous snakes in our area would be holing up where it's warm and dry. Those who made it past Rattlesnake Roundup, anyway! Despite this, little Miss Mischief, the Lab puppy, stirred one up and got bitten in the face. She swelled dramatically, and was having trouble breathing when her owners brought her in for care. She was painful and depressed, understandably. Antivenin was given, along with pain control medication, antibiotics, tetanus antitoxin, and other supportive care, and within a very short time, she was feeling much better! A quick response with antivenin made a difference for her. Unfortunately, it is very costly, but is a patient's best chance at survival and quick recovery.

It can be nearly impossible to prevent snakebites in country dogs 100%, but keeping grass mowed short and getting rid of debris piles can eliminate shelter that snakes seek, and make your yard less attractive to them. Keeping down rodent populations (by eliminating THEIR shelters and available food) can also make your yard a less snake-friendly area, since rattlers and moccassins prey on these kinds of animals. Work is still being done on a snake venom vaccine. I'll pass along information as it becomes available.
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