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Pancreatitis in Dogs

info@arkvet.com.sg (AVH Animal Ark) — Fri, 01 Jul 2022 18:12:27 GMT

What Is Pancreatitis in Dogs?

The pancreas is an internal organ in the abdominal cavity that is located adjacent to the stomach. This important organ is responsible for production and release of enzymes that helps break down food products. Pancreatitis refers to an inflammatory reaction within the pancreas and can happen both suddenly (Acute Pancreatitis) or over a period of time (Chronic Pancreatitis). This potentially debilitating condition occurs when the digestive enzymes are activated too early upon release resulting in inflammation and damage to the pancreas as well as surrounding organs. This condition can happen is cats too! However, it is less common and symptoms may be less obvious than in dogs.

Causes

Mostly pancreatitis occurs when the dog is on a high fat diet, or from obesity. Some other causes are include hyperthyroidism and even blunt force trauma. However, the exact cause of pancreatitis can often be completely idiopathic (cannot be determined).

A dog that has Acute Pancreatitis will have more serious clinical signs, such as:

Severe lethargy
Abdominal pain
Vomiting frequently
Severe dehydration
Collapse and shock (sometimes)

While A dog with Chronic Pancreatitis is typically not as sick and can suffer from:

Lethargy
Decreased/ No appetite
Abdominal pain and/or vomiting

Diagnosis and Treatment

To diagnose pancreatitis, your veterinarian will often perform blood tests (Canine Pancreatic Lipase testing) and Ultrasonography to accurately confirm the pancreatic inflammation.

Treatment is most often supportive care regardless of whether the patient has acute or chronic pancreatitis. Patients with severe, acute pancreatitis often require more extensive medical intervention and treatment such as:

Intensive intravenous fluid and electrolyte support
Pain-control medication
Anti-nausea medication
Stomach-protectants
Antibiotics
A bland, low-fat diet is recommended during recovery
(this may be a home-cooked and/or home-prepared diet)

Blocked Cats (Feline Urethral Obstruction)

info@arkvet.com.sg (AVH Animal Ark) — Sat, 25 Jun 2022 04:34:39 GMT

What is a blocked cat?

The term ‘Blocked cat’ describes a physical obstruction of the cat’s urethra resulting in the inability for successfully urination. This painful condition falls under a wider group of feline abnormalities known as Feline Lower Urinary Tract Disease, and usually come in the form of mucoid plugs or urinary crystals. Interestingly, this condition is more common in male cats due to their long and narrow urethra! Furthermore, studies have also shown that urethral blockage occur more often in cats that live indoors and in multi-cat households, suggesting that stress might be a key contributor.

If left untreated, blocked cats are a medical emergency. When urine is unable to be excreted, significant tension is placed on the bladder as it continues to strain and stretch in its attempt to contain an increasing amount of urine. When this happens, the bladder wall may rupture internally resulting in leakage of urine in the abdominal cavity. This can most certainly be fatal. Other complications that can happen include severe electrolyte imbalances and life-threatening cardiovascular problems.

Signs to look out for

- Straining to urinate at litter box

- Dripping of urine

- Lethargy

- Loss of appetite

- Loud meowing indicating pain

If any of the signs above are noted and urethral obstruction is suspected, do bring your pet to the vet immediately.

Diagnosis

After initial stabilisation, your veterinarian will likely perform an X-ray imaging, physical palpation and possibly an ultrasonographic study to assess the size and state of the urinary bladder. Furthermore, urine and blood tests may also be helpful to determine if any other medications are required.

Treatment and Prevention

The physical obstruction in the urethra should be cleared by inserting a urinary catheter (a thin blunt-ended tube). This allows urine to resume egress by flowing out of the now unobstructed urethra, thus greatly relieving pressure from the bladder. This catheter can then be left in the cat for a couple of days to ensure patency and to allow the urethra to recover in the meantime. Pain-relief medications will also be administered to prevent reduce discomfort.

Environmental changes are also highly recommended and studies have shown that decreasing stress levels at home can reduce the rate of recurrence drastically.

Pyometra

info@arkvet.com.sg (AVH Animal Ark) — Sat, 18 Jun 2022 17:13:05 GMT

Pyometra

What is Pyometra?

Pyometra is a term used to describe an infection of the uterus in an animal. This serious condition affects unsterilised female dogs & cats and can be life threatening! Interestingly, pyometra is actually hormone driven hence creating an optimal condition in the uterus for bacterial infection. After a heat cycle, the hormone progesterone is produced from the ovaries in high amounts to thicken the lining of the uterus in preparation for possible pregnancy. During this time, the immune defence system in the uterus is weakened and is susceptible to bacterial infection. In most animals, the body releases a counter hormone to prevent prolonged period of uterine susceptibility. However, in some animals, this period is sustained and an overwhelming bacterial invasion ensues. Over a short period of time, the infection continues to build up and the uterus will begin filling with pus.

Symptoms

Discharge / pus leaking from vagina
Generalised lethargy
Vomiting
Lack of appetite
Increased intake of water
Listlessness

Diagnosis

Your veterinarian would often carry out various tests once Pyometra is suspected. Diagnostic imaging usually in the form of ultrasonography may be performed to visualise abnormally enlarged uterus. Blood tests may also be undertaken to account for the infection.

Treatment

Surgery to remove the uterus and ovaries is usually performed (spay). This completely removes the source of the infection. Antibiotics should also be administered to treat possible systemic infection. Furthermore, Intravenous fluid therapy is imperative to replenish fluids as affected animals are often fluid depleted. Medical treatment of Pyometra is available, however surgical intervention is often the most effective and curative.

Prevention

The best way of preventing pyometra from happening is to spay or sterilise your female pets. Sterilisation is a definite way of preventing Pyometra from happening, along with the other benefits that comes with it!

Heartworm disease in cats and dogs

info@arkvet.com.sg (AVH Animal Ark) — Sat, 11 Jun 2022 18:49:48 GMT

Heartworm is a deadly disease caused by a parasitic worm known as Dirofilaria immitis. Interestingly, this infectious disease is not transmitted through close contact like many others, but through mosquitoes! New infections begin when mosquitoes ingests heartworm larvae known as microfilaria from the bloodstream of an infected animal. These larvae then develop into its infective stage in the mosquito prior to entrance into another animal during a blood meal.

These worms then grow into their adult stages and can potentially cause severe debilitating disease such as severe inflammation, cardiac issues and respiratory problems. Once at their mature form, heartworms can live for up to 2 - 3 years in cats and 5 – 7 years in dogs!

Things to look out for:

Persistent dry cough
Exercise intolerance
Difficulty in breathing
Fatigue
Decreased appetite
Weight Loss
Lethargy
Swollen belly

Diagnosis

To diagnose a dog with heartworm disease, blood is drawn for antigen testing – this detects heartworm antigens released by female heartworms in the dog’s bloodstream. If the patient is diagnosed with a heartworm infection, starting medical treatment immediately is imperative. Furthermore, ensuring strict cage rest is also important to ensure that the disease process do not progress rapidly.

Treatment

Treatment for heartworm disease is not easy. It involves administration of various medications, given at specific timings. Infected dogs with no or mild signs of heartworm disease generally have a higher chance of survival with the treatment, while dogs who present with severe symptoms typically have a poorer prognosis.

Prevention is better than Treatment

There is a wide array of different products available in the market that will keep your pet safe. These products come in different preparation such as in tablets (i.e. Nexgard Spectra) or in injectables (i.e. Proheart). Some heartworm preventives also contain other ingredients that are effective against a wide range of other bugs such as fleas, ticks, mites and intestinal worms - to name a few. Heartworm preventions are highly effective in dogs and cats, however if there is a lapse in coverage, it is recommended that your pet gets tested immediately.

As prevention is better than cure, have a friendly chat with us about the different products available to keep heartworm at bay!

Impacted Anal Sacs

info@arkvet.com.sg (AVH Animal Ark) — Sun, 17 Apr 2022 18:48:53 GMT

What Are Anal Sacs?

Anal sacs are a set of glands that are just under the skin near your pet’s anus. The two oval shape sacs are located at the 4 and 8 o’clock positions just on either side of the anus. The anal sacs fill with a foul-smelling fluid that is normally expressed through a tiny duct when animals pass stools. Animals may use their anal glands to mark territory or repel aggressors, although a nervous dog or cat may accidentally express these glands when frightened.

When an animal cannot naturally empty their anal sacs during defecation, fluid gradually accumulates within the sac, causing it to become increasingly swollen. This is called an impacted anal sac, which can become painful and irritating to the animal. Some pets drag or “scoot” on their rear end to try to relieve pain and empty the glands. Pets may also lick the area to relieve discomfort.

If impacted anal sacs are not emptied, they continue to swell with fluid, leading to inflammation. Eventually, the area becomes infected, and an abscess (pus) can form. In some cases, the abscess can rupture through the skin. This condition can be extremely painful to the pet and requires immediate medical treatment. In some cases, particularly if the problem happens several times to the same animal, surgical management of the anal gland disease may be recommended.

Signs of Impacted Anal Glands

Scooting on their bottoms
Licking, chewing, or “chasing” the anal area
A foul odour around the anal area
Straining to defecate
Pain during defecation
Swelling or bleeding around the anus

Remember that every animal is different and thus may not always exhibit any or a combination of the signs listed above. If you are concerned that your pet may have an impacted anal gland, it is best that you seek advice from your veterinarian.

Diagnosis

Your veterinarian can diagnose many anal gland issues by examining the area and perform a rectal exam to evaluate the anal glands. For pets that are in a lot of pain, sedation may be recommended so that a thorough rectal examination can be performed. During the examination, your veterinarian will look for redness, signs of pain, swelling, or the presence of pus, which indicates infection. If there is an abnormal thickening, lump/s, or growth/s within the anal gland, your veterinarian may also recommend a biopsy (collecting and testing a small sample of tissue) to help determine whether the tissue is cancerous.

Treatment

Expressing the anal sacs describes the manual removal of fluid that has accumulated in the anal glands. This can be performed at the vet clinic. Sometimes if the pet is in too much discomfort, your veterinarian may recommend sedation to express the impacted anal sacs. If the anal glands are infected or abscessated, your veterinarian may need to flush out the sacs with an antiseptic solution and/or insert an antibiotic ointment to relieve pain and inflammation. Oral antibiotics, pain relief, and anti-inflammatory medications may also be prescribed.

Surgical removal of the anal glands may be recommended for animals that have had repeated anal gland issues or infections. Your veterinarian will talk to you about the benefits and risks of this procedure and whether it may be a good option for your pet.

Prevention

The best way to prevent anal sac issues is to frequently express the anal sacs if they are not emptying on their own. This may be done by a veterinarian or a veterinary nurse. This helps prevent the sacs from over-filling with fluid. Some experts recommend adding fibre to the pet's diet, which helps make the stools “bulky” thereby encouraging the anal sacs to empty at time of defecation.

Common Toxicities for Cats and Dogs

info@arkvet.com.sg (AVH Animal Ark) — Sat, 17 Apr 2021 18:48:53 GMT

It is not surprising that dogs and even some cats will eat just about anything they can get their paws on. Though we may be pleasantly surprised that some of our pets function better than the new robo-vacuum cleaners, things can get pretty nasty when the seemingly harmless item they put in their mouths is in fact highly toxic to them. Here are some common foods and household items you should keep out of your beloved furry friend’s reach:

1. Chocolate

Though these wonderful snacks have been rumoured to be an excellent remedy for human anxiety and stress, however, it can be highly toxic to dogs. This is because chocolate contains a substance known as Methylxanthine which can affect your pet’s neurological receptors resulting in signs such as tremors, seizure, vomiting and even death when consumed in large quantities. It is also important to note that the darker the chocolate, the more dangerous it can be!

2. Grapes and Raisins

It is not uncommon for owners to be giving raisins or grapes to their dogs as juicy treats. These fruits however, can cause significant damage to a dog’s kidneys resulting in kidney failure. This is due to a substance in grapes known as tartaric acid and potassium bitartrate that results in kidney damage. Some signs of ingestion include excessive salivation, lethargy and/or vomiting. It is not known why some dogs are able to tolerate grape/raisin ingestion better than others, but it is best to avoid these potentially damaging fruits altogether.

3. Lilies

These beautiful flowers are highly dangerous to cats and ingestion of any part of the plant (flowers, pollen, stems and even the water in the vase) can cause potentially fatal kidney failure in less than 3 days. Signs of kidney damage can occur between 12 – 24 hours after ingestion and if treatment is delayed, damage to the kidneys can possibly be irreversible. Signs to look out for include decreased activity levels, drooling, vomiting and loss of appetite. As Lilies are so toxic to cats, it is highly advisable to not keep them in your balconies or anywhere in the household.

4. Paracetamol

Paracetamol or Panadol is a very common medication that can be found in any household. As it is commonly used to treat aches, fever and pains in humans, owners may be tempted to use them to treat similar conditions in their pets too. Furthermore, adventurous pets with easy access to their owner’s medication may consume paracetamol when the opportunity arises. Unfortunately, these scenarios can lead to very serious consequences such as developing liver failure and decreasing the blood’s ability to carry oxygen – due to pet’s inability to efficiently metabolise the medications. Signs of paracetamol ingestion include rapid breathing, bluish gums, abdominal pain and vomiting and present as early as 4-12 hours after consumption. Cats are usually more severely affected than dogs. Consulting with your pet’s veterinarian is recommended prior to administration of any medication, in order to prevent similar accidents.

What to do if your pet has ingested any of these items?

Stay calm! It is important that you act quickly and rationally. Firstly, gather the wrappings or left-over toxic products that may still be present. This will not only prevent your pet from consuming more, but the information gathered can also be useful for your veterinarian to get a better understanding of how much and what was consumed. Secondly, call your veterinarian and follow recommended instructions.

Mostly, veterinarians will advise you to bring your pet in as soon as possible to induce vomiting or for further treatment if the toxic substance has already been digested. Lastly, prevent further intoxications by preventing exposure and consumption of your pet to these items. Prevention is always better than cure, hence, ensure that these items are not within your fur-kid’s reach.

If you suspect that your pet has ingested any of the items listed above, feel free to give us a ring and we will be happy to advise you accordingly.

Heatstroke in Dogs and Cats

info@arkvet.com.sg (AVH Animal Ark) — Sun, 31 Jan 2021 18:48:53 GMT

In sunny Singapore, it is not uncommon to feel the effects of the blazing sun and insatiable humidity that greets us on a regular basis. As such, both us and our beloved pets may fall victim to the relentless climate and develop heat injuries. It is therefore, crucial to ensure that owners are well-equipped with knowledge to recognise early signs, act promptly and undertake measures to prevent this potentially life-threatening occurrence.

Animals are at a higher risk of sustaining heat related injuries due to their thick coats and the inability to regulate their body temperature by sweating, like humans do. Instead, they adopt other mechanisms such as panting to cool their bodies down. Unfortunately, this isn’t always an effective way to avoid overheating and external factors can result in rapid elevation of an animal’s body temperature. When this happens, they may begin to show signs that may point towards an impending heatstroke. These signs include:

Excessive panting/drooling
Difficulty breathing
Vomiting / diarrhoea
Incoordination or stumbling
Sudden collapse

Though any animal can develop heatstroke, there are certain breed of dogs and cats that have a higher risk. Animals with a short muzzle such as Bulldogs, Pugs, Persian cats are more likely to suffer from heat injury due to their decreased ability to expel heat. Furthermore, obese animals or animals that have ongoing cardiorespiratory issues are also susceptible to heat stress.

It is important that you act quickly if your pet display any of these signs as once overheating occurs, his/her condition can deteriorate rapidly. The following is a step-wise guide as to what owners can do when faced with such scenarios.

Carry your pet to an area away from direct sunlight (into a shaded / indoor setting) and offer room temperature water
Begin active cooling by running room temperature water over your pet (Ensure water is not cold or chilled). Call your vet at this point and inform the clinic staff about what has happened
Take your pet’s rectal temperature and stop active cooling measures once 39.0oC is reached
Transport your pet to your nearest veterinary clinic immediately

* If owners are unsure or if temperature is not decreasing after 10 minutes, patient should be transported to the nearest veterinary clinic immediately for management.

Now that we are familiar with what to do during a crisis, here are some pointers to we can follow to minimise heatstroke risk in our beloved pet.

Bring your dogs on walks during cooler times of the day
Do not leave your pet unsupervised in the sun while you are away
Do not leave your pet alone in a parked car regardless of the weather that day
Ensure that your pet has access to clean and fresh water at all times
On hotter days, keep your pet in doors with adequate ventilation or air-conditioning

arkvet

Pancreatitis in Dogs

Blocked Cats (Feline Urethral Obstruction)

Pyometra

Pyometra

﻿

Heartworm disease in cats and dogs

Impacted Anal Sacs

What Are Anal Sacs?

Signs of Impacted Anal Glands

Diagnosis

Treatment

Prevention

Common Toxicities for Cats and Dogs

1. Chocolate

2. Grapes and Raisins

3. Lilies

4. Paracetamol

What to do if your pet has ingested any of these items?

Heatstroke in Dogs and Cats