Archive for the ‘Questions’ Category
Scratching, itching
My 5 month westie is constantly scratching, he is eating a natural diet from his holistic vet. he scratches his neck his back, licks his anus and lately he is scratching his ears so much that they are bleeding. Took him to the vet twice and nothing has worked. He has had giardia 3 times already, i don’t let him touch the stool, what can i do to help him.
PRURITUS – ITCHING AND SCRATCHING
What is pruritus?
Pruritus is the medical term for itching. It is common in many types of skin disorders. Itching and scratching are commonly associated with flea allergy dermatitis and other allergic skin diseases.
Is it common?
Pruritus is a common clinical sign of many skin disorders. It is often accompanied by red, inflamed areas of skin and may lead to skin infection called pyoderma.
What causes pruritus?
Skin disease is one of the most common reasons dog owners seek veterinary care. There are many causes of pruritus. Flea allergy dermatitis, seasonal allergies or atopy, food allergies, contact dermatitis and sarcoptic mange are some of the most common causes of pruritus in dogs.
How can the problem be tackled?
Skin diseases can be challenging and frustrating both for owners and veterinarians. In order to diagnose the specific cause of itching in your pet, several tests and treatments may be necessary. In some cases this process may take weeks to months. Some pets may require lifelong treatment for their condition.
Is all pruritus that complicated?
No, in the majority of dogs pruritus is seasonal and the most common cause is flea bites. Other causes may be due to inhalant allergies (atopy) and food allergies.
Are some dogs more prone to pruritus than others?
Any dog can develop skin allergies or pruritus. Many purebred dogs have family histories of skin problems. Cocker Spaniels, French Poodles, West Highland Terriers and Retrievers are known to have high incidences of skin disorders.
Can pruritus be cured?
It depends upon the cause of your pet’s itching. Some pets will require intermittent treatment for the rest of their life. These are extreme cases and the majority of itchy dogs respond very well to relatively simple treatment.
Please do not hesitate to contact Dr. Selmer with any further queries or concerns.
Can what you feed your dog predispose him to a brain tumor? According to the veterinarian whom I asked this question to, it’s possible that diet can be part of the multifactorial process that can increase brain tumor risk in dogs.
My parents’ dog was diagnosed with a brain tumor at the age of 8 years and 10 months. And I thought, Dammit, I just knew it; I knew what they were feeding him would eventually cause something like this. One of the diagnosing veterinary neurologist’s assistants told my mother, “There was nothing you could have done to prevent the tumor,” after she asked what could have caused it.
Is it remotely possible that bad diet can cause a brain tumor in dogs? I posed this question to Dr. Michel Selmer, DVM, of Advanced Animal Care Center in Huntington, NY. He is not treating my parents’ dog, but he is my expert source for some of my dog health articles on this site.
Dr. Selmer’s response begins, “I believe that certain foods, additives, preservatives, processing agents, etc., can lead to an increase in incidence of cancer in general. I agree with you about your ‘pulling the trigger’ theory.”
My “pulling the trigger” theory is actually a commonly accepted theory in the world of genetic research: Genetics loads the gun, but environment pulls the trigger. Many dogs are fed a bad diet; the vast majority of dogs are fed a diet that does NOT mimic the diet that nature designed dogs to consume; yet most 8 year old dogs do not have cancer.
I’m supposing that a combination of what my parents fed their German shepherd for eight years, and “bad genes,” led to the brain tumor. Purebred dogs are more likely to get cancer than mixed breeds. It’s no secret that some purebred canines come from a line of inbreeding.
Dr. Selmer continues, “You may not realize it, but you and your pet have spent your lives altering your genetic activity. When you took your first sip of wine or beer, you turned up the volume on your body’s genetic ability to detoxify alcohol. Every summer, when you strive for that perfect tan, you activate the genes that protect your skin. Genes are not a fixed set of preprogrammed instructions. They are a dynamic, active part of your pet’s life, responding each day to the environment and their diet. Diet and the environment have the capacity to turn up the volume on some genes and silence others, vastly changing our health.”
From day one, I warned my mother about the possible harm of feeding the dog certain foods, namely processed meats, gravies from a can, and pancakes, waffles, potato chips, mashed potatoes from a box, and French fries, to name a few. I never told her or my father (whom I’ve witnessed feeding the dog apple butter on white bread) that these food choices could cause cancer, let alone a brain tumor.
Instead, I harped on the idea of general health and longevity, as well as weight control. My brother kept telling my mother to stop feeding the dog anything with grains, including pasta. Dogs should not eat grains! Grains suppress the immune system of dogs! In addition to the “human food,” the dog was fed standard dog food from a bag, plus doggie “cookies.”
A second veterinarian (an alternative practitioner) is now treating my parents’ dog. He told us, “If the immune system works, you won’t get cancer.”
I can’t help but wonder: Had my parents avoided feeding their dog anything that was processed – and that includes “dog food,” would the brain tumor still have developed?
That dog was also fed cereal, which, contrary to what the giant cereal companies have been advertising for years, is one of the worst things people can eat (with the exception of a very tiny percentage of minimally processed, whole grain cereals); many kinds of cereals are high in acrylamide, which was recognized in 2005 by the FDA to be a carcinogen, formed from the heating process used to make starchy foods. Many cereals are loaded with sugar, such as high fructose corn syrup.
“A little bit won’t hurt him,” was my parents’ mantra regarding processed food. Dogs’ bodies were not designed by nature to accept with open arms processed foods. Think of what dogs in the wild eat, what they have evolved over hundreds of centuries to eat: food in its natural state — raw! This includes vegetation; dogs are omnivores.
Toxins from processed foods and conventionally raised meats (manmade sugars, artificial colors and flavorings, preservatives, miscellaneous carcinogens, pesticides, hormones, antibiotics) accumulate in dogs. The day after you feed your pet junk does not begin at ground zero; instead, it’s an add-on to previous junk feedings!
I’ve never told my parents, and don’t intend to, that I think the dog’s brain tumor could have been prevented, indeed, with a diet absent of processed “human food.” I suspect that the incidence of brain tumors in dogs would be drastically reduced if dogs were fed a diet limited to raw meat from wild game or grass-fed livestock, plus organic vegetables and fruits. Keep in mind that some “healthy” foods are toxic to dogs, such as grapes, raisins, onions, cocoa, mushrooms and macadamia nuts.
Should Healthy Dogs Get Routine MRIs for Brain Tumors?
Cancer is the leading killer of dogs; purebreds are particularly susceptible to cancer, and that includes brain tumors. When my parents’ German shepherd was diagnosed with a brain tumor via MRI, the veterinary neurologist said, “I see this all the time.” An MRI is the gold standard for diagnosing brain tumors in dogs.
A vet tech at the general vet clinic told me that brain tumor risk really goes up once a dog hits 6 years of age. Dogs are very prone to cancer, and once they reach age 10, there’s a 50 percent chance of developing cancer.
By the time the MRI was taken of my parents’ dog, the brain tumor was “fairly large,” said the vet neurologist, and that the brain tumor had “been there for a while.”
This got me thinking: Had the dog been getting routine MRIs annually, the brain tumor would have been detected when it was smaller, and thus treatable, perhaps the size of a pea, even.
A dog can be the look of health, picture perfect, romping around like a puppy, with a ferocious appetite and a vivid soul pouring out of its eyes — and all the while have a tumor growing in its brain, producing no symptoms, which is why just a few months prior to the German shepherd’s diagnosis, the general vet declared him healthy as a horse.
A “fairly large” tumor that had “been there for a while” was certainly there a few months prior to the MRI finding.
Is it practical for dogs to get routine MRIs to screen for brain tumors? After all, many pet owners think nothing of spending outrageous amounts of money on elaborate doghouses complete with custom made leather furniture, oriental rugs and other high-end fixtures. I asked Dr. Michel Selmer, DVM, of Advanced Animal Care Center in Huntington, NY. He responded:
“Although you may find that people are willing to spend exorbitant amounts of money on their dogs, if you did a study you would find that only 5 percent of the pet population will spend over $1,000 per year on the their dog’s medical expenses directed toward wellness and prevention…. I believe if their pet was having seizures they would definitely have an MRI done. I am hard-pressed to believe that if you asked them to have an MRI yearly, proactively to look for a tumor, they would say NO to the $1500 bill. They do love their elaborate doghouses, Gucci and Hermes collar and leash sets though…. sad, isn’t it…”
Are routine MRIs safe for a dog? Dr. Selmer explains, “Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) is primarily a medical imaging technique most commonly used in radiology to visualize detailed internal structure of the body. MRI provides much greater contrast between the different soft tissues of the body than computed tomography (CT) does, making it especially useful in neurological (brain), musculoskeletal, cardiovascular, and oncological (cancer) imaging. Unlike CT, it uses no ionizing radiation, but uses powerful magnetic fields.”
A yearly MRI for your dog’s brain tumor screening is medically smart, and can ultimately save you tons of money (canine cancer treatment is wickedly expensive) because the earlier a malignancy is caught, the less extensive will treatment be; that $1,500 yearly investment could save your dog’s life.
when i bought him he was sent home with glucose syringes. For the first month I gave them to him a few times a day. The 1st & 3rd set of vaccines, he overdosed and almost died. He got a yeast infection & UTI the 1st & 2nd time ….he is allergic to pain meds and most foods…
He was eating nutro for the 1st 4 years and was ok until I changed him to wellness super5mix… started licking everything on him and around him. Became aggressive and anxious. About 3 months later after changing his food, he had his 3rd set of vaccines and
almost died…. 3 months after that is when it all started getting really bad….
He started staring into space.
chasing his tail, walking around aimlessly, barking aggressively at strangers(eyes bugging),
losing hair, urinating everywhere
sleeping tremors and twitching… they were getting really really bad at this point. He couldnt even keep himself awake, falling into full body spasms…stopped breathing at certain points of them and i couldnt wake him up, eyes rolling back….
hind leg weakness, joint problems,wheezing, coughing, facial twitching,rapid eye movements, ear flipping back n forth…. sleeping under blankets and in the sun…hair loss on his tail,armpits,abdomen,ears…. when he’s urinating and has his leg up he pushes it out(looks like it hurts)….
started sitting with one front paw up in the corner
we took him for an MRI, Spinal tap, blood work,MRI… to AMC and everything was ”WNL”
I dont believe ‘WNL’ is the same for every dog… especially when mine is having seizures
Ive taken him everywhere and one homeopath said it was emotional and had chronic inflammation….3 months:detox,food change’s(his seizures stopped but aggression was getting worse and so were his food allergies(couldnt afford it anymore) .I started cooking for him and his skin allergies got worse. The high amount or source of protein seems to be a problem….I am so confused at this point.. Ive tried by cooking him duck and a pre-mix from the holistic vet….he was allergic to that.Then switched to a gluten free mix and cooked lamb….im currently weaning him off and onto ‘honest kitchen grain free mix”… thinking of adding fresh cooked turkey??? Confused because he didnt have any issues on nutro(bizarre) Now he’s on chinese herbs, says he wont get better but wont get worse…
and to put him on IAM’s or Eukanuba….i wont do that 
! I know he can be ok again with the right help of a VET who actually loves animals more than anything else…
but its a year later and i havnt felt hopeless until today.. I need to save him he is truly everything to me
My problem is…. I know he will be healthier if he has the right tests done and not one of these vets tested for thyroid,liver,cancer, candida or focused on nutrition… what should I do next?
I am so sorry for this long email…thank you for reading this (mod.ny@live.com)
My 9 year old male Shep/Chow/Lab mix, Rocky, suffers from Lymphocytic Eosynophilic Colitis. Among other issues, he has chronic ear infections that flare up a few times a year and seem to be getting worse. A few months ago he had an emergency surgery – ablation, I believe – and we’re considering removing his left ear canal if things don’t improve. Meanwhile, he’s on a number of medications, including prednosilone, and an extensive, twice-daily ear-flush protocol. It’s a little exhausting.
My vet has suggested stem cell therapy as a potential aid in reducing the severity of his symptoms. Apparently there has been some success in treating inflammatory diseases in human subjects.
This would not be an inexpensive prospect, but if it works, it can improve both my dog’s life and mine. Especially if we could reduce the daily ear-flushes and potential for further surgery.
I’d be very interested in your thoughts on the matter.
Thank you,
Laura G
My dog has been diagnosed with diabetes im haveing a hard time injecting the insulin every one has a different method could i learn yours.
I have an almost 10 year old Belgian Malinois who seems to be very sore after playing in the snow yesterday. Is there anything I can give for pain?
Pain Drugs for Dogs: Be an Informed Pet Owner
A decade ago, few drugs were available to treat pets in pain at home. Pups were spayed or neutered at the animal hospital, stitched up, and sent home without pain medication. And dogs with painful arthritis limped along without drugs that were safe and effective for long-term use.
Today, a new generation of nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) is bringing relief to millions of dogs with joint problems or with pain after surgery.
“NSAIDs are extremely effective for controlling pain and inflammation in dogs,” says Stephen F. Sundlof, D.V.M., Ph.D., director of the Food and Drug Administration’s Center for Veterinary Medicine (CVM). “These are very valuable drugs that help many pets live to a ripe old age.”
But like any drugs, NSAIDs carry a risk of side effects, or adverse reactions. Most adverse reactions are mild, but some may be serious, especially if the drugs are not used according to labeled directions. Some reactions result in permanent damage or even death.
“It’s important for pet owners to be aware of the risks and benefits of all drugs, including NSAIDs, so that they can make informed decisions about their pets’ health care,” says Sundlof. “Owners who give their dog NSAIDs need to know the side effects to watch for that indicate their pet needs medical attention.”
The most common side effects from NSAIDs include vomiting, loss of appetite, depression, lethargy, and diarrhea. Serious side effects include gastrointestinal bleeding, ulcers, perforations, kidney damage, and liver problems.
“The side effects of NSAIDs are very well known and very well documented,” says Michele Sharkey, D.V.M., in the CVM’s Office of New Animal Drug Evaluation. But this information is not always getting to the pet owner, she says. “If the pet owner can recognize a possible reaction, stop the medication, and get veterinary help, it could mean the difference between a good outcome and a disaster.”
Safety and Effectiveness
The CVM, which regulates drugs for use in animals, has approved some NSAIDs for use in dogs with pain from degenerative joint disease (osteoarthritis) or with pain after surgery. These include Etogesic (etodolac), Rimadyl (carprofen), Metacam (meloxicam), Zubrin (tepoxalin), Deramaxx (deracoxib), Previcox (firocoxib), and Novox (generic carprofen).
NSAIDs help to control signs of arthritis, including inflammation, swelling, stiffness, and joint pain. Inflammation–the body’s response to irritation or injury–is characterized by redness, warmth, swelling, and pain. NSAIDs work by blocking the production of prostaglandins, the body chemicals that cause inflammation.
The FDA considers approved NSAIDs to be safe and effective when used according to the label and when dog owners are informed about common NSAID adverse reactions.
And veterinarians are becoming increasingly aware of the advantages of recognizing and controlling pain, says Charles Lemme, D.V.M., a member of the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), Clinical Practitioners Advisory Committee. “We recognize that pets are healing better and faster with pain control.”
Lemme says that the emphasis on pain management may be partly because of the availability of the newer NSAIDs. “The NSAIDs we have available now are a lot safer than what we’ve had before and we’re seeing far fewer side effects than before.”
Before the newer generation of NSAIDs came along, “people were using NSAIDs such as aspirin in an attempt to mitigate arthritic pain,” says Michael Andrews, D.V.M., president of the American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA). “We saw the consequence of their use,” adds Andrews, who recalls seeing a client who gave her dog aspirin for six weeks, two times a day. “The dog had a bleeding nose that wouldn’t stop.”
“NSAIDs are used in many, many dogs and the frequency of problems is quite low,” says Andrews. “The duration of use makes a difference in safety. If used for a day or two, the risks often are much lower than when used over long periods of time for a chronic arthritic condition.”
Drugs used to control pain should be given only when necessary, and in the smallest dose that is effective, says Sharkey. “Arthritis waxes and wanes. Some animals get worse in cold weather. If the dog seems to improve to the point of not needing the drug, the owner should discuss continued use of the NSAID with a veterinarian.”
An owner should never give an NSAID to a pet, or increase the dose or frequency of a drug, without the veterinarian’s instructions, adds Sharkey. “Just like different people respond differently to a drug, the way each dog responds to an NSAID varies.” Because of this individual response, no one NSAID is considered more effective than another, and because every NSAID can cause adverse reactions, none is considered safer than others.
If a pet is prescribed an NSAID, the CVM recommends that pet owners take the following steps to make sure they are fully informed about the drug and can make the best decision for their pet’s health.
Ask Questions and Tell All
Ask your veterinarian about the benefits, risks, and side effects of any medication, including NSAIDs. “An informed dog owner is the best defense against serious side effects from NSAIDs,” says Sharkey. “Owners should not hesitate to ask questions and inquire about possible side effects or signs to watch for when treating a dog.”
Tell your veterinarian your pet’s symptoms and current medications, including prescriptions, over-the-counter drugs, vitamins, herbal supplements, and flea control products. Giving NSAIDS and other medications together could harm your pet. Aspirin, for instance, may be in a supplement you’re giving to your pet, says Sharkey, and should not be used in conjunction with an NSAID.
Ask for the Client Information Sheet
Pet owners should receive a “Client Information Sheet” with every NSAID prescription. Client Information Sheets, also called “Information for Dog Owner Sheets,” are user-friendly summaries that explain the results to expect from using the drug, what to discuss with your veterinarian before giving the drug, possible side effects to look for, and other important information. The FDA has helped the pharmaceutical companies who make NSAIDs for dogs develop these sheets for the owners, and the companies provide them with each NSAID they ship.
Ask your veterinarian for the sheet if you do not receive one, and read the information carefully before giving the medication to your dog. If your veterinarian can’t provide the Client Information Sheet, you can get one by printing it from the CVM’s Web site or by calling the toll-free number of the drug company.
Bernadette Dunham, D.V.M., Ph.D., deputy director in the CVM’s Office of New Animal Drug Evaluation, explains why some veterinarians may be unable to locate the Client Information Sheet. “They often have the role of veterinarian and the role of pharmacist,” she says. Veterinary hospitals get shipments of drugs from the pharmaceutical companies or distributors. Then they may repackage the drug in their hospitals’ bottles, often in smaller quantities for distributing to clients. In the repackaging process, the Client Information Sheet, which is often printed on the package insert for the veterinarian, may be tossed out inadvertently.
The FDA, the veterinary community, and the pharmaceutical companies are working together to ensure that NSAIDs are used safely and responsibly and that owners are given the Client Information Sheets.
“The pharmaceutical companies are trying to come up with creative ideas to make it easier for busy veterinarians,” says Dunham. Many companies are making the Client Information Sheet a tear-off sheet that can be easily separated from the drug labeling.
Some companies also are packaging drugs in smaller quantities with the Client Information Sheet sealed inside the package. Therefore, the veterinarian can just attach the hospital label and dosing instructions on the drug container without repackaging the drug and inadvertently discarding the sheet.
Through published journal articles, electronic newsletters, and information posted on their Web sites, both the AVMA and the AAHA are reinforcing the importance of client communication regarding NSAIDs, including handing out the Client Information Sheets, to their veterinary members.
Get the Recommended Tests
NSAIDs approved for use in dogs contain the following information on their labels:
All dogs should undergo a thorough history and physical examination before initiation of NSAID therapy. Appropriate laboratory tests to establish baseline blood values prior to, and periodically during, the use of any NSAID are strongly recommended.
If the veterinarian recommends a blood test before administering an NSAID to a dog, don’t decline it, advises Sharkey. “There are good reasons for it.” The knowledge gained from these tests could be critical in deciding whether the drug is safe to use in a dog.
Testing is particularly important with long-term NSAID use, such as to treat arthritic pain, says Andrews. “It makes sense to do some preliminary screening blood work and periodic tests to identify any problems and monitor how well the pet is tolerating the drug over time.”
Work With Your Veterinarian to Find the Best NSAID
Many NSAID choices are available, and selecting the best NSAID for a particular pet is important, says Sharkey. “Sometimes, the process of finding the best one can mean changing the prescription.”
Lynne Heslip of Howell, Mich., tried several NSAIDs on her 4-year-old Irish wolfhound, O.B., who had painful hip dysplasia. “The first NSAID did not work well,” she says. “Pain relief seemed to be minimal, and she had vomiting and wasn’t interested in eating.” Heslip watched her normally outgoing dog seclude herself behind the kitchen table. “She was severely depressed. She didn’t want to interact with other animals or with people.”
Working with her veterinarian, Heslip stopped the NSAID, waited five days for the drug to clear out of the dog’s system, and tried another NSAID. “Within one week, I noticed a drastic change for the better,” says Heslip. “She was much more animated and happier.” O.B. was on NSAIDs for about three years until her death. Heslip reports that her current 6-year-old Irish wolfhound, Isabella, is on the same NSAID, with very good results.
Bad Reaction? Stop Medication and Call a Veterinarian
If you suspect an adverse reaction to an NSAID, stop administering the drug and contact a veterinarian immediately. Some reactions are mild and go away after stopping the drug.
When giving a pet an NSAID, watch for these side effects, which are listed on the Client Information Sheet and on the drug label:
Decrease or increase in appetite
Vomiting
Change in bowel movements (such as diarrhea or black, tarry, or bloody stools)
Change in behavior (such as decreased or increased activity level, seizure, aggression, or lack of coordination)
Yellowing of gums, skin, or whites of the eyes (jaundice)
Change in drinking habits (frequency or amount consumed)
Change in urination habits (frequency, color, or smell)
Change in skin (redness, scabs, or scratching).
These side effects are the most common. But not all possible side effects are included on the Client Information Sheet or on the drug label. Always contact your veterinarian if you have questions about your dog’s medication.
What starts out as a minor problem can rapidly progress to an emergency. An owner should be encouraged to call his or her veterinarian with any concerns about the NSAID the dog is receiving. You may even call the drug manufacturer’s toll-free number that appears on each Client Information Sheet. When problems are experienced with a product, the manufacturer may have specific recommendations for your veterinarian regarding tests and treatments.
Cindi Brinkley of Danville, Ill., rushed her dog to the veterinarian at the first sign of a bad reaction. Maude, a cocker spaniel-collie mix, injured herself when she was 11 months old while playing with a littermate in the house. “She slipped on the basement floor coming out of a turn, and both back legs splayed out,” says Brinkley.
Maude was diagnosed with a deformed hip joint and scheduled for corrective surgery. In the meantime, the veterinarian prescribed an NSAID for pain control. “I was not told a thing about the drug other than how to give it to her,” says Brinkley.
Maude had been on the drug for a month when Brinkley came home from work one day to find the dog bleeding from her rectum. “It was very, very frightening,” she says. “The whole back of my dog was bright red–I thought she was bleeding to death.” After treatment in the veterinary hospital and discontinuation of the drug, Maude recovered from the incident. Now more than 7 years old, “she has some vomiting and loose stools every so often,” says Brinkley, who suspects the digestive problems may be a lasting effect of the drug.
Report Bad Reactions
If you or your veterinarian suspects that an adverse reaction is related to the use of an NSAID or any drug, it should be reported to the pharmaceutical company. Usually, the veterinarian reports it, but if the veterinarian doesn’t, the owner should. The company, by law, has to report all adverse reactions to the FDA, which looks for signals of increased frequency and severity of adverse reactions. The FDA works with the pharmaceutical firms to address these events and improve the ability of the product to be more safely used.
If unable to report problems directly to the pharmaceutical company, veterinarians and owners are encouraged to report veterinary Adverse Drug Experiences (ADEs) and suspected product failures to the government agency that regulates the product. Adverse experiences with NSAIDs should be reported to the FDA’s CVM.
Medicate Under Veterinary Supervision
The FDA has approved some nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) for use in dogs. In the United States, there are no oral NSAIDs approved for use in cats. Veterinarians can, however, legally prescribe human drugs to animals unless it presents a risk to the public health. This type of use is known as extralabel, or off-label, for uses not listed on the label. Extralabel use can also mean prescribing a drug to a different species, for a different condition, or in a different dosage than that for which the drug was approved. For example, a veterinarian may prescribe a lower dose of an NSAID drug approved for dogs to a cat with an inflamed joint.
But pet owners should not give their own drugs to pets or otherwise medicate their animals without veterinary supervision, says Michele Sharkey, D.V.M., in the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine.
Different species metabolize drugs differently, she says. “You take aspirin or Tylenol on any given day for a headache and not think twice about it, but dogs are more sensitive to aspirin than humans, and one Tylenol can kill a cat. Pet owners should always work with their veterinarians to make medication decisions.”
My son’s 9 year old pitbull, who I have had custody of since he joined the Army in 2002, has been diagnosed with a ligament tear in his left rear leg. He originally presented with walking on his toes or limping with 3 legs. This had been going on for about 3 weeks but with his symptoms getting worse. He has been on anti-inflammatories for almost 3 weeks. Although I see some improvement in putting weight on this leg, I also see more “wobbling” of that leg as he walks. He also is still walking on the toes. He right front leg seems to almost bow out to help him stand. I am unsure of how the symtoms of a tear vs. a rupture present. He is an active dog and we try to keep him “quiet” and reduced his access to the yard by sectioning off an area. I was given your website from a friend who uses your services. You seem to have quite a few different treatment options. Can you tell me what would be involved in the diagnosing and different treatment options available. I know he is uncomfortable. The vet that he goes to will only do surgery if his symtoms hadn’t improved with rest and anti-inflammatories. Cost is also a concern, yet I want the best for my son’s dog.
Thanks in advance.
Advanced Animal Care Center
260 Evergreen Avenue
Huntington Station, NY, 11746
Phone: (631) 367-7387 Fax:(631) 367-7417 advancedcareforpets.com
CRUCIATE LIGAMENT RUPTURE
What and where are the cruciate ligaments?
There are two bands of fibrous tissue called the cruciate ligaments in each knee joint. They join the femur and tibia (the bones above and below the knee joint) together so that the knee works as a hinged joint.
They are called cruciate ligaments because they “cross over” inside the knee joint. One ligament connects from inside to outside the knee joint and the other outside to inside, crossing each other in the middle.
Humans have the same anatomical structure of the knee. Cruciate ligament rupture is a common knee injury of athletes. The term anterior cruciate is used to describe the identical anatomical structure in humans.
How does a cranial cruciate injury occur?
The knee joint is a hinged joint and only moves in one plane, backwards and forwards. Traumatic cruciate damage is caused by a twisting injury to the knee joint. This is most often seen in dogs and athletes when running and suddenly changing direction so that the majority of the weight is taken on this single joint. This injury usually affects the anterior or cranial (front) ligament. The joint is then unstable and causes extreme pain, often resulting in lameness.
The injury also occurs commonly in obese dogs, just by stumbling over a pebble while walking.
A more chronic form of cruciate damage can occur due to weakening of the ligaments as a result of disease. The ligament may become stretched or partially torn and lameness may be only slight and intermittent. With continued use of the joint, the condition gradually gets worse until rupture occurs.
How is it diagnosed?
With traumatic cruciate rupture, the usual history is that the dog was running and suddenly stopped or cried out and was then unable to bear weight on the affected leg.
· Many pets will “toe touch” and place only a small amount of weight on the injured leg.
· During the examination, the veterinarian will try to demonstrate a particular movement, called a drawer sign. This indicates laxity in the knee joint. Many dogs will require mild sedation before this test can be performed. Other diagnostic tests such as radiographs (x-rays) may also be necessary.
· Tests such as arthroscopy may be needed to rule out other damage to the joint.
Is other joint damage common?
Inside the knee joint are pieces of cartilage called menisci. The menisci act as shock absorbers between the femur and tibia. Many times these cartilages are also damaged when the cruciate ligaments rupture. They are usually repaired at the same time as the ligament surgery.
Is an operation always necessary?
Dogs under 10 kgs (22 lbs.) may heal without surgery. These patients are often restricted to cage rest for two to six weeks. Dogs over 10 kgs (22 lbs.) usually require surgery to heal. Unfortunately, most dogs will eventually require surgery to correct this painful injury. Other treatment options include stabilization with a knee brace and stem cell therapy.
What does surgery involve?
There are various techniques available to replace the action of the cruciate ligaments. These surgeries most often involve the placement of artificial ligaments along the outside of the knee joint. There is a newer surgical technique available called tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) that is especially beneficial for larger, more athletic dogs. Your veterinarian will discuss with you the best treatment option for your pet.
Is post-operative care difficult?
It is important that your dog have limited activity for six to eight weeks after surgery. Provided you are able to carry out your veterinarian’s instructions, good function should return to the limb within three months. Unfortunately, regardless of the technique used to stabilize the joint, arthritis is likely to develop in the joint as your dog ages. Weight control and nutritional supplements such as glucosamine / chondroitin may help delay the onset of arthritis in your pet. Many dogs will receive physical therapy after the surgery to speed recovery and reduce complications. Your veterinarian will discuss your pet’s recommended post-operative care with you prior to surgery.
Is obesity such a problem?
Obesity can result in cruciate ligament rupture. If your dog is overweight, the recovery time will be much longer. Obesity also increases the risk of injury to the other knee. Weight loss is as important as surgery in ensuring rapid return to normal function.
I recently rescued a 2 year old Brittany. She has been with us for about 4 months and has since developed Coprophagia. We have tried various remedies including pumpkin in her food and pet store powder remedies. None of these have worked so far. We are still in a training phase with her. She still only listens when it is convenient for her. I am taking steps to try and train her to a strong “No” or “Leave it”, but we’re still struggling. Someone has sent me a link for CoproBan. Do you have any thoughts on this?
Thank you so much.
First, many dogs that exhibit coprophagia may have an underlying digestive disorder, so please have your dog screened. Next, make sure that this dog has plenty of daily exercise and enrichment. I would consider feeding this dog all her meals out of a food dispensing toy so that she works harder to get her food. Another option is to toss her food out into the yard or the deck and make her forage for it.
Of course, cleaning up after the dogs when they defecate is important as well. Leash walking makes that easier and then there are fewer stools in the yard for the dog to eat.
Some dogs can be trained with a clicker to “turn away” when they defecate for a food reward and gradually trained to return to the house for a food reward after defecation.
Some dogs will respond to a remotely activated citronella collar, when the dog tries to eat the stool, the owner activates the collar. Then hopefully there is an association with something aversive with picking up stool. This will not work if the dog has the opportunity to be outside unsupervised and eat feces.
Good luck and keep us posted.
I have a 2 year old lab/rottie mixed and at night he barks like crazy ! He’s not in a kennel at night because he burst through them and during the day hes outside (wish he’d say out at night) But anyways HOW CAN WE HUSH HIM AT NIGHT ? the barking is ridiculous. Its so bad that my son has to sleep in the same room as him and not in his own room. I’ve been told to muzzel him at night but I just dont find that reasonable.. Please any suggestions ??
BARKING
Why do dogs bark?
Barking is one of the most common complaints of dog owners and their neighbors! But barking is natural. It can serve as a territorial warning signal to other dogs and pack members. Dogs may vocalize when separated from their pack or family members. Barking also occurs during times of indecision, anxiety, or frustration. Medical problems can also contribute to vocalization, especially in the older dog.
How can barking problems be prevented?
Socialization and habituation — get puppies used to as many new people, animals, situations and noises as possible. This will minimize the amount or intensity of alarm barking. Barking should only be allowed to alert owners and then be controlled and stopped before the dog becomes agitated and out of control. Owner control, training and leadership are essential (see our handout on ‘Puppy training – taking charge’).
How can I stop my dog barking when I leave?
Effective crate training techniques when your dog is first obtained should decrease the dog’s anxiety when it is left alone in its crate (see our handout on ‘House safety and crate training’). Your dog should gradually be taught to spend longer periods of time away from you. Obtaining two dogs may provide company for each other and may reduce distress vocalization and departure anxiety. If your dog has been barking when you leave for some time, he may be suffering from separation anxiety and you should consult your veterinarian for treatment options.
My dog constantly barks. What does she want?
Attention getting barking can be problematic and is often reinforced by owners giving in to their dog’s demands. Allowing a barking dog indoors, or feeding, patting, praising, playing with, giving a toy, or even just going to a barking dog to try and quiet it down, are just a few examples of how an owner may unknowingly reinforce barking. Never reward barking with any type of attention, even occasionally since it usually will make barking more likely to continue.
How can I train my dog to ‘quiet down’ on command?
Training the dog to a “quiet” command is an invaluable aid for controlling undesirable barking. In fact, most owners accept their dog’s barking as normal and even acceptable. However, the barking becomes problematic when it gets too loud, too frequent, or will not stop on command. Therefore, to train the dog to quiet down on cue, you must find an effective means of quieting the dog, which should be preceded with the command. Just loudly telling your pet to ‘be quiet’, will probably not be understood, especially if silence does not follow the verbal command. In fact, yelling may just add to the noise and anxiety, thereby encouraging your dog to bark more. Therefore you must be able to associate silence with whatever command you are using. (Yellow denotes new wording)
Another method to teach a “quiet” command is to wait until your dog is barking, say to a doorbell and while he is barking place a very tasty food treat by his nose. Most dogs will stop barking to sniff the treat. At the same time you must say the word you will use for quiet, such as ‘silent’, ‘hush’ etc. When the dog is quiet (as they will be because dogs cannot sniff and bark at the same time) you can praise him, say ‘good, quiet’ and give the treat. Again, as with all new tasks, numerous repetitions are necessary for lasting learning.
Alternately, distraction or remote punishment devices (see below) can be used to disrupt the barking. One of the most effective means of interrupting barking and ensuring quiet is a remote leash and head halter. A pull on the leash disrupts the dog and closes the mouth, which should also coincide with a verbal command such as ‘quiet’ or ‘hush’. Quiet behavior can then be reinforced first by releasing and then giving a reinforcer such as praise or food if the dog remains quiet. Soon the dog should associate the closed mouth and the word prompt with the absence of noise and begin to stop barking when given the verbal prompt alone.
Another practical technique for teaching a dog to cease barking on command is to first teach it to begin barking on cue. Use a stimulus that will cause the dog to bark and pair it with a ‘bark’ command. Numerous repetitions allow the dog to associate the word ‘bark’ or ‘speak’ with the action. Dogs that bark on command can then be taught to turn off the barking by removing the cue or stimulus, and giving a ‘hush’ or ‘quiet’ command just before the barking subsides. As soon as your dog is quiet, give a favored treat or reward.
It can be difficult or impractical to teach a dog to be ‘quiet’ on command if the barking cannot be predicted or ‘turned on’ or if it is too intense.
How can I train my dog to be quiet without having to constantly tell him or her to quiet down?
The key is to reward the behavior that we want (i.e. quiet and settled) rather than to constantly pay attention to the behavior we don’t want (barking). Each time you attend to the barking dog, you may be able to quiet it down (as discussed above). However, when you are unsuccessful you may actually be inadvertently rewarding the barking (by giving the dog attention or treats to quiet it down) or may be aggravating the problem with yelling and punishment (which can make the dog more anxious and more likely to bark). The goal of training should be to teach the dog what you want it to do (for rewards) rather than to try and teach it what NOT to do. By providing a daily routine that provides sufficient play, exercise and training, followed by set times where the dog is taught to settle and nap or play with its toys in a bedding area, your dog can be reinforced for quiet times, rather than for play soliciting, attention getting and barking behaviors.
What are my chances of correcting my dog’s barking problem?
Chances are good for most barking problems. But the household situation in which the dog resides may make it extremely difficult to correct completely. Even a small amount of barking could disturb a sleeping baby, or upset neighbors, (particularly in apartments or townhouses). When trying to resolve barking problems, the motivation for the barking behavior is an important component. Some stimuli are so strong that it will be difficult to stop the barking behavior. You need sufficient time to implement the correction training.
What can I do to correct my dog’s barking problem?
The treatment program must be based on the type of problem, your household, the immediacy of the situation, and the type and level of control that you require. A good behavioral history is important to determine cause, motivation and potential reinforcing stimuli for the barking behavior. Treatment plans need to consider the following:
Ensure that your dog is not being rewarded inadvertently. Some owners in an attempt to calm their dog down will actually encourage the barking by giving attention, play, food or affection.
Insure that your response is not aggravating the problem. For example yelling at a dog that is barking due to anxiety or as a territorial response is only likely to increase the dog’s barking and anxiety.
Sometimes the home environment can be modified so that the dog is kept away from the stimuli (sounds and sights) that cause barking. Exposure might be minimized by confining the dog to a crate (if the dog is used to a crate) or in a room away from doors and windows, or by covering windows so that the dog cannot look outside. Additionally, privacy fencing may be helpful for dogs when they are outdoors. Dogs that bark when left alone outdoors may have to be kept indoors except when the owner is available to supervise. Trigger sounds such as doorbells or telephones that might have become conditioned stimuli for barking should be altered to change their sound.
Until effective control using a reward based training program, it is unlikely that the dog will quiet down on cue. Increasing interactive play periods and exercise, crate and confinement training, halter training and obedience classes may need to be implemented before bark control training can begin.
Once you have sufficient control and the dog responds to obedience commands and handling, it should be possible to train your dog to cease barking on command. Training the dog to cease barking on command can be accomplished with lure reward techniques, distraction techniques, or halter and leash training as described above. Regardless of the technique, rewards should be given as soon as the barking stops, so that the dog learns that quiet behavior earns rewards. It is most important to associate SILENCE with the command used. Over time the behavior should be shaped so that the dog is required to stay quiet for progressively longer times, before a reward is given.
Once the owner has sufficient control with training and the quiet command, it may then be possible to begin a retraining program in the presence of the stimuli (people, other dogs) that lead to barking. Training with a head halter and leash often provides a tool for implementing the techniques safely and effectively especially indoors or when the owner is nearby. The stimulus should first be presented to the dog from a distance (e.g. children riding bicycles on the street while the dog stands on its porch), and the dog given a quiet or sit-stay command. Although the halter and leash is generally all that is required to control the dog and achieve the appropriate response, the dog could also be disrupted using a device such as an ultrasonic trainer or shake can. Training sessions are then repeated with progressively more intense stimuli. This type of training can be effective, but progress can be slow and time consuming.
Pets that are barking for other reasons (fear, separation anxiety, or compulsive disorders) will require treatment for the underlying problem.
Should I punish my dog when she keeps barking?
Punishment is seldom effective in the control and correction of barking problems. Excessive levels of punishment can increase anxiety and further aggravate many forms of barking, while mild punishment merely rewards the behavior by providing attention.
What anti-barking devices are there and are they effective?
For product list and manufacturers see our product handout.
Owner-Activated Products: These products are most useful for getting the pet’s attention (disruption) during quiet command training. Ultrasonic devices, audible devices, water sprayers, a shake can (an empty soda can with a few coins sealed inside) or even a favored squeaky toy might be used to get the dog’s attention and temporarily stop the barking. However, without concurrent retraining techniques and an owner with good control, many dogs will soon begin to ignore the devices. However, if the device is used to interrupt the barking and the quiet behavior is then reinforced, the pet may become less anxious and less likely to bark in the presence of the stimulus, or at the very least will quiet much faster on command.
Bark-Activated Products: When barking occurs in the owner’s absence, bark activated products (in conjunction with environmental modification and retraining) are often the most practical means of deterring inappropriate barking. Bark-activated products may also be a better choice than owner-activated devices, since they ensure immediate and accurate timing. Off-collar devices are useful for training the dog to cease barking in selected areas, such as near doorways or windows, (or for dogs that bark in their crate or pen). The Super Barker Breaker emits an audible alarm.
Bark-activated collars are useful when barking does not occur in a predictable location. Audible and ultrasonic training collars are occasionally effective but they are neither sufficiently unpleasant nor consistent enough to be a reliable deterrent. There are also collars that emit either a citronella or unscented spray each time the dog barks and is sufficiently unpleasant to deter most dogs. Although these may be effective in the owner’s absence, they may soon become ineffective without concurrent training. One problem is that barking that is highly motivated may be too intense to be deterred for any length of time by the citronella spray. In addition, if the reservoir empties out or the battery “runs out” then the dog may learn to bark while wearing the collar and even when refilled the collar may no longer be effective. Therefore, when using a citronella spray collar it is advisable that the owner be present so that as soon as the dog stops barking, the owner can direct the dog into an enjoyable pastime (e.g. play, tummy rub, favorite treat) as long as the dog remains quiet. In this way, the quiet behavior is reinforced, and any anxiety about the stimulus (people coming to the door, people coming to the yard, other dogs) can be gradually reduced. In fact, in time some dogs may begin to associate the arrival of new people or other dogs, with something positive (counter-conditioning).
Most importantly, bark collars only work when they are on the dog. Most dogs will learn to distinguish when the collar is on and when it is off. When they are not wearing the collar, most dogs will bark.
Is debarking surgery effective?
Surgical debarking is a drastic and often permanent method of eliminating barking. Varying degrees of vocalization may return as the surgical site heals and scars. However, devocalization does not address the underlying motivation for barking and is unlikely to reduce the intensity or frequency of barking itself. Devocalization is therefore not a consideration except where the owners are confronted with the need to relinquish their pet if vocalization cannot be resolved. In these cases the risks and humane issues will need to be weighed against all other possible options.