February is Pet Dental Health Month
Sun, Jan 15 2012 08:57 PM
February is Pet Dental Health Month and Dr. Teliha and the River Ranch Animal Hospital wanted to remind you that dental care is very important to your pet’s overall health.
During the month of February, we encourage all of our clients to check your pet's teeth at home for signs of tartar, plaque, decay, loose teeth or bad breath, which can indicate periodontal disease.
According to the American Veterinary Medical Association approximately 80 percent of dogs and 70 percent of cats have some form of periodontal disease by age two.
Periodontal disease refers to the condition in which bacteria attacks the soft gum tissue which can damage the underlying support structures of the teeth. Bacteria from the teeth and gums can enter the bloodstream and may infect major organ systems such as the lungs, heart, kidneys, and liver.
The easiest way to check for signs of periodontal disease is to lift your pet's lips and look at your pet’s teeth at home. Bad breath is often the first sign of periodontal disease.
Check your pet's teeth for:
· Tartar - Staining and yellowing, especially on the molars in the back
· Plaque - Brown build-up on teeth
· Decay - Dark brown or black areas on any portion of the teeth
· Loose teeth
· Bad Breath
If you find any of these symptoms we recommend that you schedule a dental cleaning as soon as possible.
To schedule a cleaning call the River Ranch Animal Hospital at 331-7889.
Mon, Nov 21 2011 10:08 AM
Thanksgiving and Your Pets
While you may think you are “loving” your dog by giving him table scraps from Thanksgiving dinner, it could be very unsafe for your pet. While there’s not a “toxicity” issue from fatty table foods (such as bacon, gravy, turkey skin, grizzle, etc.), it can result in a gastroenteritis (such as a mild vomiting or diarrhea) to a severe, fatal pancreatitis. Other table food like corn-on-the-cob can result in a severe foreign body in your dog’s intestines, resulting in projectile vomiting, diarrhea, and may require an expensive intestinal surgery. Desserts made with xylitol, a natural sugar-free sweetener, or foods containing grapes or raisins can also result in toxicity. Xylitol results in an acute drop in blood sugar and even liver failure at high doses, while grapes and raisins can result in severe, fatal acute kidney failure. When in doubt, don’t let your pet get any table food!
While you may think you are “loving” your dog by giving him table scraps from Thanksgiving dinner, it could be very unsafe for your pet. While there’s not a “toxicity” issue from fatty table foods (such as bacon, gravy, turkey skin, grizzle, etc.), it can result in a gastroenteritis (such as a mild vomiting or diarrhea) to a severe, fatal pancreatitis. Other table food like corn-on-the-cob can result in a severe foreign body in your dog’s intestines, resulting in projectile vomiting, diarrhea, and may require an expensive intestinal surgery. Desserts made with xylitol, a natural sugar-free sweetener, or foods containing grapes or raisins can also result in toxicity. Xylitol results in an acute drop in blood sugar and even liver failure at high doses, while grapes and raisins can result in severe, fatal acute kidney failure. When in doubt, don’t let your pet get any table food!
Threat to pets:
Fatty foods such as butter, oils, meat drippings/grease, chocolate and meat scraps may cause pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas) when ingested, especially by dogs. Certain breeds, miniature Schnauzers in particular, are more likely to develop pancreatitis than other breeds.Signs:
Delayed onset vomiting (1-4 days after fatty meal ingestion), abdominal pain, diarrhea (+/- blood), reduced appetite and lethargy.Treatment:
Anti-nausea and anti-vomiting medications, withholding food or giving only easily digestible diets, IV fluids, monitoring of blood chemistry panels and in-hospital care. In certain cases other drugs such as antibiotics may be necessary.Prognosis:
Good when treated early and appropriately.Winter Holiday Pet Poison Tips
Thu, Nov 10 2011 10:02 AM
Winter Holiday Pet Poison Tips
The holidays are stressful enough without having to worry about a potentially poisoned pet. Below is a list of holiday-related decorations, plants and food items that the veterinarians at Pet Poison Helpline recommend keeping away from pets.
Holiday Ornaments:
When decorating for the season, consider your pets. Holiday decorations such as snow globes or bubble lights may contain poisonous chemicals. If your pet chews on them the liquid inside could be could be dangerous to their health. Methylene chloride, the chemical in bubble lights, can result in depression, aspiration pneumonia and irritation to the eyes, skin and gastrointestinal tract.
If you own a cat, forgo the tinsel. What looks like a shiny toy to your cat can prove deadly if ingested. Tinsel does not pose a poisoning risk but can cause severe damage to a cat’s intestinal tract if swallowed. Ultimately, cats run the risk of severe injury to, or rupture of their intestines and treatment involves expensive abdominal surgery.
When it comes to the holidays, the best thing a pet owner can do is get educated on common household toxins and pet-proof your home accordingly. If you think your pet has been poisoned, contact your veterinarian or Pet Poison Helpline at 1-800-213-6680 with any questions or concerns.
Holiday Tips Coming Soon
Wed, Nov 9 2011 09:49 AM
Barney is putting together some helpful tips for the holidays - check back soon. B
Welcome to Barney's Corner
Fri, Aug 26 2011 09:40 PM
| Overview
Barney says Hi! and welcome to the new River Ranch Animal Hospital Website.
Dr. T is really excited about our new site and many of the new features like on line appointments, new client information forms and my blog - Barney's Corner.
We will use it to share important health tips, preventive recommendations and safety warnings.
Please let us know what your think and as always stop on by and say to Dr. T, the staff and me -
Barney
Dr. T is really excited about our new site and many of the new features like on line appointments, new client information forms and my blog - Barney's Corner.
We will use it to share important health tips, preventive recommendations and safety warnings.
Please let us know what your think and as always stop on by and say to Dr. T, the staff and me -
Barney