Introducing Laser Therapy for Your Pet

Posted on 11/01/2012 by hahlogin

Pain Removed. Life Improved.

We now offer the latest technology in health care for your pet. This FDA-cleared, non-invasive laser therapy stimulates injured cells to heal at a faster rate and allows relief of pain through the release of endorphins.

There now is an alternative to pharmaceuticals when choosing a treatment option for your pet. The Companion Therapy Laser System™ can provide immediate results for a wide variety of conditions without any dangerous side effects.

Call us today to see how this exciting new technology may be just the thing for your best friend.

585-334-3800

Drug-Free. Surgery-Free. Pain-Free. Relief. www.companiontherapylaser.com

Losing Your Pet

Posted on 01/29/2012 by hahlogin

This article is directly from Cornell Unviversity College of Veterinary Medicine. Although concise it covers basic questions that plague many caretakers when tough decisions are on the horizon.

Pet Loss Support Hotline – Resources for Grieving
Frequently Asked Questions
607-253-3932

As we receive your comments and suggestions to the site, there are questions which have come up several times. We want very much to continue to hear from you and to respond to your individual questions. Below, however, please find responses to questions that have come up several times already.

Question

When is a good time to think about getting another pet? Am I dishonoring the memory of my deceased animal by replacing it with another one?

Answer

Perhaps the best answer to that question is that there is no “correct” time to get another animal. What is disturbing to many pet owners is the pressure from concerned friends to fill the empty place in their home and life as quickly as possible, to “get over it” and find a new pet.

The timetable of an individual’s recovery from loss is intrinsic to the person themselves and their relationship with their pet; some feel that they can and should get another as soon as possible, perhaps they were waiting through some illness to get a new young animal in the house. If so, this was done out of love and courtesy to the previous pet, and the joy that a new puppy or kitten can bring should not be tinged with guilt for having done so quickly. For others, years can pass before the time feels right to get a new animal. The place occupied by that pet was so large, and the loss so overwhelming, that finding emotional space for another is not possible.

When considering getting a new animal, be sure that you are prepared for the time and emotions needed to be given to this new pet. No animal could ever hope to replace the special relationship that was shared with a former animal, expecting this would be cruel to the new animal, as it is simply unrealistic. However, every animal, like every person, brings all of their uniqueness to a new owner. Going to pet shops and shelters, looking around and waiting for an animal to strike your fancy may be the best way to go about acquiring a new pet. If this makes you uncomfortable, or brings up too many bad memories, it is ok to stop and wait. When the time is right, you will know, and a new animal will find you.

Question

I have another animal, and they’ve been acting strangely since the death of my animal. What are the signs of animal grief, and how can I help?

Answer

Here is a short list of things to look for in an animal that is grieving:

Anxiety, restlessness or a need to stay by the owner
Changes in eating, drinking, sleeping or exercise habits
Depression, heavy sighing or disinterest in usual activities
Destructive behavior
High-pitched distress vocalization (especially in young animals)
Housesoiling
Searching the yard, house, and other familiar areas for the animal that has died

The best way to help your animal through this time, which seems to be as difficult for them as it is for us, if not sometimes more so, is simply to give them time, and allow them to grieve with you. It may be helpful for you as well as for your pet to spend time together talking about, or silently remembering the one who has passed on. Trying to spend extra time and attention with your animal will be good for you as well as for them, playing special games with them, giving them special treats, etc.

In cases of severe grieving, when an animal stops eating, cries incessantly, self-mutilates (cats especially), or seems especially anxious, your veterinarian may be able to suggest medication to relieve the anxiety associated with the loss.

Canine Influenza update for 2012

Posted on 01/15/2012 by hahlogin

Spike in dog-flu reports attracts media attention

December 22, 2011
By: Edie Lau
For The VIN News Service

An uptick in reports of canine influenza cases in the northeastern United States and Texas has captured the attention of media during what has been so far a quiet flu season in people.

The extent of the “outbreaks” and whether widespread public concern is warranted is unclear, because no central agency or institution monitors influenza in dogs. The virus doesn’t cause illness in humans and generally is not considered serious in otherwise healthy dogs unless it leads to secondary infection.

News outlets including the Wall Street Journal and WCVB-TV in Boston reported this week cases in New York, New Jersey, Connecticut, Massachusetts, Colorado and Texas.

Dr. Edward Dubovi, director of the virology laboratory at the Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine Animal Health Diagnostic Center, confirmed that he’s seen a spike in positive canine influenza test results on samples taken from dogs in New York City and environs: southern New York, Long Island, northern New Jersey and southern Connecticut.

While his laboratory has seen a distinct increase in positive results, Dubovi said that doesn’t necessarily mean dog flu is circulating more vigorously in greater New York City than before. Dubovi said that New York, as well as Colorado, are enzootic for dog flu, meaning the virus appears in those regions regularly.

“Our data says it’s more this year (in New York) than in a while, but we may not have gotten samples last year,” Dubovi said.

He did not have precise figures on how many positive cases the Cornell lab has detected recently but said the total is several dozen, compared with fewer than five in 2010.

Dubovi noted that the increased detection might be the result of heightened awareness and vigilance rather than a real rise in infections. Because no central database exists for canine influenza, information on national disease incidence often is “done off rumor,” he said.

As for activity outside the New York City area, Dubovi said his lab confirmed cases in several dogs from a kennel in the vicinity of San Antonio, Texas, six to eight weeks ago. He did not know whether the outbreak had spread beyond the single kennel.

Dr. Alice Wolf, a professor emerita at Texas A&M University and a specialist in small-animal internal medicine with an interest in infectious disease, said she, too, had not heard of additional recent cases.

News reports of spreading canine influenza in Texas are circulating nonetheless. An NBC-affiliated news website covering Dallas and Fort Worth reported Wednesday that a local veterinarian, citing cases in the region, is requiring her clients to have their dogs vaccinated. The veterinarian, Dr. Karen Spikes, did not return a call today from the VIN News Service.

As for Massachusetts, the VIN News Service was unable to obtain information about dog flu cases in that state.

Dr. Gabriele Landolt, a researcher at Colorado State University studying the prevalence of canine influenza virus in dogs at shelters in California, Colorado, Florida, New York, South Carolina and Texas, said small outbreaks occur periodically in the Colorado shelter, but she has not heard of a surge in cases in the general population. A spokeswoman in the Colorado Department of Agriculture likewise said the state has received no reports of a jump in dog-flu cases.

Among the states in the shelter-population research, which is funded by the Morris Animal Foundation, Landolt said the virus is most prevalent in Colorado and New York.

Across the United States, canine influenza has been documented in 38 states since the virus first was identified in 2004, according to the website www.doginfluenza.com, which is maintained by Merck Animal Health, maker of one of two canine influenza vaccines on the market.

The Wall Street Journal report cited Merck as the source of information that the virus had been detected in Massachusetts, Connecticut, Colorado and Texas and under investigation in California. The VIN News Service was unable today to reach spokespersons from Merck for comment.

Canine flu first was reported among racing greyhounds in Florida. Up to that point, dogs weren’t known to be susceptible to any influenza virus.

Clinical signs of flu in dogs are similar to those in people: runny nose, cough and fever. Without laboratory diagnostics, canine flu is difficult to distinguish from other respiratory infections, Dubovi said.

The availability of the first canine influenza vaccine in 2009 raised questions among veterinarians across the country about the threat of dog flu and the value of immunizing pets against the virus. Interest in the vaccine appeared high among pet owners, probably because a human flu pandemic occurring at the time was caused by a virus that had transmitted from people to a house cat and ferrets.

By contrast, the big flu story at the moment is the reported spike in dog flu; human influenza has been mild so far this season, judging from the latest surveillance report by the U.S. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention.

Boston’s WCVB-TV, in a brief segment on dog flu posted to its website Wednesday, reported that the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) now is recommending the flu vaccine be given to dogs that regularly are boarded, attend day care or travel. But contrary to the report, officials at the AVMA told the VIN News Service today that the association’s position has not changed since 2009, when it deemed the immunization to be a “lifestyle” vaccine not recommended for every dog.

Its statement on the subject advises: “Dog owners should consult with their veterinarian to determine whether their dog’s lifestyle includes risks for exposure to the (canine influenza) virus and if the vaccine is appropriate for their dog.”

In general, veterinary infectious disease and immunization experts recommended the canine influenza shot only for dogs that come into regular contact with other dogs — show dogs and racing dogs in particular, and pets that frequent dog parks or are kept in day care or boarding kennels in areas where outbreaks are occurring.

Wolf, the small-animal internal medicine specialist in Texas, said the advice given to most human patients to receive a flu shot annually does not apply to dogs because they usually do not mingle with other dogs to the extent that people mix with other people.

“Most dogs I know do not travel extensively in the company of hundreds of other dogs from all over the U.S. nor work eight hours a day in a closed environment with hundreds of other dogs from all over a local area,” Wolf said. “Few ride buses with other dogs, go to school or work in hospitals.”

Pet Hospice is an option for many patients

Posted on 09/25/2011 by hahlogin

Veterinary Hospice is about facilitating healthy living and graceful aging for the animals who enhance our lives.
Traditional veterinary medicine does little to accommodate pets that are coming to the end of their lives. The decision to euthanize one’s companion is never easy.
We provide a hospice unit at the Henrietta Animal Hospital. Our goals are simple; we want to be able to counsel our clients about their pet’s overall medical condition and long term prognosis, review the options and determine what needs can or cannot be met for the patient.
We target pain control, nutrition, hygiene, and hydration while the owners can take time to assess their options. Companions are almost always sent home in the evening where they can be surrounded by their family.

Food Allergy

Posted on 09/21/2011 by hahlogin

Your Pet’s Itchy Skin

Itchy skin in the small animal is often more than just a minor annoyance. Red, oozing bald patches; rashes; and large expanses of hair loss are unfortunate markers of very real discomfort for which a cause should be sought and dealt with.

The food allergy is one of the itchiest conditions known to cats and dogs. Animals eat a variety of processed food proteins, fillers, and colorings that are further processed inside their bodies. Proteins may be combined or changed into substances recognized by the immune system as foreign invaders to be attacked. The resulting inflammation may target the gastrointestinal (GI) tract or other organ systems, but in dogs and cats it is the skin that most often suffers from this immunologic activity.

Many people erroneously assume itching due to food allergy requires a recent diet change of some sort. In fact, the opposite is true.

Food allergy requires time to develop; most animals have been eating the offending food for years with no trouble.

What Kind of Allergy?

Sarcoptic mange and inhalant allergy (also known as atopy) are the two conditions which must be distinguished from food allergy as the treatment approach to each is markedly different. Much time and money can be wasted pursuing the wrong problem.

Please consider the following clues that contribute to pointing us towards the food allergy as a diagnosis. Your pet demonstrates:

Your pet has been treated for sarcoptic mange without any positive change.
Your pet’s itchiness is not and has never been a seasonal problem.
Your pet has responded poorly or only partially to cortisone-type medications.
Your pet has had a skin biopsy demonstrating changes often associated with allergy or, more specifically, food allergy.
A lesion distribution pattern that is common for food allergy (see illustration above).
Your pet did not have skin issues before age 5 or 6.
Any of the above findings or observations warrant pursuit of food allergy.

Note that three of the above four criteria relate to what you, the owner, observe at home. Trouble results when the veterinarian must speak to different family members about the pet and there is disagreement in their observation of the pet at home. It is best to have one person, preferably the one who has the most contact with the pet, be the spokesperson and make the relevant judgments.

The Flea Factor

Some animals have many allergies. It would not be particularly unusual for an animal with a food or inhalant allergy
Flea

to also be allergic to flea bites, especially considering that flea bite allergy is extremely common among pets. Because allergies add to each other, it is possible that a food-allergic dog will not itch if its fleas are controlled. Since new technology has made flea control safe and convenient, it is especially important (and no longer difficult) to see that fleas are not complicating a pet’s itching problem.

Ensure immaculate flea control for any itchy pet!

See more information on flea biology and flea control.

How to Deal with the Food Allergy Suspect: The Hypoallergenic Diet Trial

The Basic Principle

To determine whether or not a food allergy or intolerance is causing the skin problem, a hypoallergenic diet is fed for a set period of time. If the pet recovers, the original diet is fed for up to two weeks to see if itching resumes. If we see recovery with the test diet and itch with the original diet, then food allergy is diagnosed and the pet is returned to either the test diet or another appropriate commercial food indefinitely.

What is a Good Hypoallergenic Diet?

There are two approaches to this question. Obviously, the test diet must be of a food source that the patient could not possibly be allergic to. The traditional method is the use of a novel (new to the pet) protein and carbohydrate source; that is, something the pet has never eaten before. In the past, lamb has been the protein source of choice as American pet food companies had traditionally failed to produce lamb-based pet foods. Unfortunately, recent production of lamb and rice-based foods has removed lamb from the acceptable hypoallergenic diet list for most pets.

Fortunately, many pet food companies have discerned the need for diets using unusual protein and carbohydrate sources with a minimum of additives. Foods can be obtained based on venison and potato, fish and potato, egg and rice, duck and pea, and even kangaroo. Diets used for allergy trials must contain basically one protein and one carbohydrate source and neither can be something the pet has had before. Recently several diets that include duck, venison, and so on have been released to the general market. Be aware of foods that contain these ingredients because these ingredients will not be useable for future diet trials if they were ever used in the pet’s regular food.

It is important that no unnecessary medications be given during the diet trial. No edible chew toys (such as rawhides or bones) should be given. Treats must be based on the same food sources as the test diet. (Beware of rice cakes, though, as wheat is commonly used as a filler.) Chewable heartworm preventives should be replaced with tablets.

Home cooking was originally the only option felt to be appropriately free of allergens but for most animals these special commercial foods are adequate. Occasionally home cooking ends up being necessary after all. Recipes for appropriate diets can be purchased through www.balanceit.com, a website set up by the American College of Veterinary Nutrition.

The Hydrolyzed Protein Method

Recently a new approach has been introduced using therapeutic diets made from hydrolyzed proteins. This means that a conventional protein source is used but the protein is broken down into molecules too small to excite the immune system. Some hydrolized diets are on the market; discuss with your veterinarian which is best for your pet.

How Long to Feed the Trial Diet

In the past, four weeks was thought to represent a complete trial period. More recent work has shown that only one food allergic dog in four will respond within this time frame and that a more appropriate trial period would be 10 to 12 weeks. This may be an extremely inconvenient period of time to home cook. Some veterinarians recommend a recheck appointment or a phone call after four weeks of diet trial and then again after 8 weeks. Eighty percent of food-allergic dogs will have responded to diet trial at least partially by six weeks. The Labrador retriever and cocker spaniel appear to require longer trials.

Most commercial diets used in food allergy trials have a 100% guarantee. This means that if your pet doesn’t like the food, the food can be returned for a complete refund, even if the bag is opened. This is especially helpful for feline patients, as cats are famous for being choosy about what they are willing to eat.

What to do if the Diet is Successful?

To confirm food allergy, return to the original food; itching resumes within 14 days generally if food allergy was truly the reason for the itchy skin. Many people do not want to take a chance of returning to itching if the patient is doing well; it is not unreasonable to simply stay with the test diet if the pet remains free of symptoms. Often it is difficult to remember 10 to 12 weeks later how itchy the dog used to be before the diet trial. The diet challenge helps make it more obvious whether the diet trial has worked or not.

It is possible to more specifically determine the identity of the offending foods after the pet is well. To do this, a pure protein source (such as cooked chicken, tofu, wheat flour or any other single food) is added to the test diet with each feeding. If the pet begins to itch within 2 weeks, then that protein source represents one of the pet’s allergens. Return to the test diet until the itching stops and try another pure protein source. If no itching results after two weeks of feeding a test protein, the pet is not allergic to this protein.

What to do if the Diet is Unsuccessful?

Assuming secondary skin infections have been controlled, an unsuccessful food trial is strongly suggestive that an inhalant allergy is the primary problem but there are some other considerations that should at least be mentioned:

Are you certain that the dog received no other food or substances orally during the trial?

Was sarcoptic mange ruled out?

Your pet may require a longer diet trial. Are you certain regarding the factor which pointed toward the food allergy?
If your pet has not been biopsied, now may be a good time. If an inhalant allergy has risen to the top of the list, symptomatic relief either via medication, baths with specific shampoos, or allergy shots will likely be necessary. Chronic itchiness can be extremely uncomfortable and prompt relief is our goal as well as yours.

Overweight Pets

Posted on 09/20/2011 by hahlogin

Obesity has become an extremely important health problem in the Western world, not just for humans but for dogs and cats as well. Obesity in pets is associated with joint problems, diabetes mellitus, respiratory compromise, and decreased life span; recent estimations suggest that up to 35% of dogs and cats in the U.S. suffer from obesity.

Why Obesity is Bad

A common justification for over-feeding treats is that a pet deserves a higher quality of life as a trade off for longevity. While this might on some level makes sense (after all, a pet munching on a treat is certainly getting a great deal of satisfaction from doing so), the other consequences do not make for higher life quality in the big picture. Here are some of problems that obese animals must contend with while they are not enjoying their treats and table scraps.

Arthritis
The over-weight animal has extra unneeded stress on joints, including the discs of the vertebrae. This extra stress leads to the progression of joint degeneration and creates more pain. Weight management alone decreases and can even eliminate the need for arthritis medications. The problem is compounded as joint pain leads to poorer mobility, which in turn leads to greater obesity.

Respiratory Compromise
The obese pet has a good inch or two of fat forming a constricting jacket around the chest. This makes the pet less able to take deep breaths as more work is required to move the respiratory muscles. Areas of the lung cannot fully inflate, so coughing results. The pet also overheats more easily. Many cases of tracheal collapse can be managed with only weight loss.

Diabetes Mellitus
Extra body fat leads to insulin resistance in cats just as it does in humans. In fact, obese cats have been found to have a 50% decrease in insulin sensitivity. Weight management is especially important in decreasing a cat’s risk for the development of diabetes mellitus.

Hepatic Lipidosis
When an overweight cat goes off food or partially off food because of illness or psychological stress, body fat is mobilized to provide calories. Unfortunately, the cat’s liver was not designed to process a large amount of body fat. The liver becomes infiltrated with fat and then fails. A stress that might have been relatively minor, such as a cold, becomes a life-threatening disaster.

Reduced Life Span
A study of age-matched Labrador retrievers found that dogs kept on the slender side of normal lived a median of 2.5 years longer than their overweight counterparts.

Unwillingness to Accept Therapeutic Diets
If the pet should develop a condition where a therapeutic diet is of great benefit, the pet that has been maintained primarily on a diet of table scraps may be unwilling to accept commercial pet food of any kind, much less a food modified to be beneficial for a specific disease process. This unwillingness will hamper treatment.

Increased Surgical/Anesthetic Risk
Obesity poses an extra anesthetic risk because drug dosing becomes less accurate. (It is hard to estimate a patient’s lean body mass for drug dosing if it is encased in a fat suit.) Furthermore, anesthesia is inherently suppressive to respiration and adding a constrictive jacket of fat only serves to make proper air exchange more challenging. And still further, surgery in the abdomen is hampered by the slippery nature of the extra fat as well as difficulty visualizing all the normal structures through the copious fat deposits. One never knows when a pet will require an emergency surgery (to say nothing of regular teeth cleanings).

So is the enjoyment of all those extra treats really worth it?

How did my Pet get so Fat when he doesn’t really Eat that much?

One might think weight management might be easier for a pet than it is for a human. After all, the pet relies completely on someone else for feeding and exercise so it should follow that if the humans in control can regulate feeding and exercise, the pet should lose weight. It seems like this would be true but, as with humans, there is tremendous individuality with how different pets store the food they have eaten. Beyond this, sometimes it is hard to know what a pet is eating or the owner may not have a good sense for how much should be fed. Here are some factors involved:

A cup of food depends on the cup
When food packages refer to a certain number of cups of kibble being appropriate for a certain body weight, they are referring to an actual measuring cup. This may seem obvious but many mugs, coffee cups, and other scooping cups may not be equal to a cup measure. If you do not have a cup measure, you can often get one from your veterinarian’s office as most manufacturers of reducing diets for pets provide free cup measures.

The package guidelines are just guidelines
Many packages of food include on their label some sort of feeding schedule that indicates how much food should be fed to a pet of a certain weight. This information is also available on most pet food web sites as well. The problem is that each pet is an individual and just as one person weighing 150 lbs can be obese and another person of the same weight may be skinny, the same is true of pets. These guidelines are meant as a starting point only. If your pet is too fat on the recommended feeding schedule, then you should reduce the amount of food or change to a diet that is higher in fiber so that a satisfying volume of food can still be eaten without adding calories.

Genetics
Some animals simply have the genes that predispose them to obesity. Dog breeds with genetic tendencies towards obesity include the: Golden Retriever, Cocker Spaniel, Dachshund, Beagle, Shetland Sheepdog, Boxer, Cairn Terrier, Basset Hound, Cairn Terrier, and Labrador Retriever.

Children at home
It is almost impossible to keep children from providing extra treats to their dog. This may include snacks spilled during play (pets have no “5 second rule”) or purposely feeding the pet unwanted food under the dining table. Similarly, pets that are allowed to roam (usually cats) often find food left out by neighbors, either to purposely feed their own pets or strays, or as unsecured trash. It is almost impossible to control the diet of an outdoor cat.

Slow metabolism
Some pets do not burn calories efficiently; they simply have a slow metabolism. This might be genetic as mentioned or it might be the result of a disease such as hypothyroidism or Cushing’s disease. Testing for health problems such as these is helpful to get the best treatment for resolution of the obesity. It seems like increasing exercise and eating a healthier diet would be easy to accomplish for a pet but it generally does not turn out that way.

Underestimation of the power of treats
Many people express their affection for the pet by providing regular treats, and the pet happily obliges by begging or even performing cute behaviors. For some people, feeding treats to the pet constitutes a major part of the human-animal bond and they do not wish to give it up or reduce it. Pet treats are often high in calories, though, and four or five treats readily converts into an extra meal’s worth of added fat. Free feeding of dry food encourages the pet to snack as well; meal feeding represents better calorie control.

Neutering
Sterilizing a pet is good for public health (fewer strays means fewer dog bites, less public resources needed for animal shelters etc.), good for a better house pet (less urine marking, tendency to fight or roam), no unwanted litters, reduced risk of many diseases, etc. The change in the hormonal picture, though, creates a tendency to form more fat cells (creating increased fat storage capacity – especially in female cats), and typically slows metabolism.

What can be done: Diet and Exercise

This sounds simple but in fact when one simply tries to cut back on food, it just does not seem to work. As with humans, a more formal approach seems to work best. This means feeding a prescription diet made for weight loss (typically “lite” or “less active” diets are meant to prevent weight gain, not actually cause weight loss), feeding a measured amount, and coming in for regular weigh-ins at the vet’s office.

This means:

There must be control over what the obese pet eats. That’s easy enough if there is only one pet and roaming is not allowed, but trickier if there is more than one pet in the home. Use your ingenuity to feed the pets separately.

Feed in meals. Leaving food out encourages snacking. Feeding in meals makes it easier to feed multiple pets different foods or different amounts of food.

Commit to regular weigh ins. Know what the goal weight is and how long it should take to reach this goal/or how to tell if the pet is on target. It is important not to try to go too fast. If the weight loss is not on track, sometimes it is necessary to feed more rather than less. Your veterinarian can contact the clinical nutritionists at the pet food company so as to make the best recommendations.

Consider interactive toys that can be used when you are not home or where your own participation is minimal.
As an initial step in obesity management, be sure to rule out health issues that might specifically cause obesity.

For more specific information, consult your veterinarian.
Article from Veterinary Information Network by Dr. Wendy Brooks.

Canine Influenza

Posted on 07/30/2011 by hahlogin

Fast Facts About Canine Influenza
It seemed to appear without warning. Newspapers, television news programs and Internet websites are filled with stories about canine influenza, a flu-like disease that seems to be sweeping the country. How new is canine influenza? How did it develop? How is it spread? How do veterinarians treat it? And, are there a few, common sense precautions that may lessen your pet’s risk? To answer your questions, AAHA compiled the most current information from the Centers for Disease Control (CDC) and researchers in the field.

How did canine influenza develop?
Canine influenza appears to be related to an influenza strain that affects horses. At some point, the virus mutated and the new strain made the leap from horses to dogs.

Is canine influenza a new disease?
No, canine influenza was diagnosed initially in 2004. According to a September 26, 2005, CDC media briefing, the first evidence of canine influenza in companion dogs was documented in spring 2005 when shelters, boarding facilities, humane societies and veterinarians submitted samples from dogs suspected of carrying the disease.

Is my dog at risk?
Yes. All dogs are at risk and are susceptible to infection. There is a canine influenza vaccine. However, the vaccine doesn’t prevent the disease, it decreases the disease’s severity.

Is canine influenza fatal?
Usually not. Most dogs diagnosed with canine influenza experience a mild form of the disease. They usually suffer from a persistent cough that may last for as long as three weeks and may experience a yellowish nasal discharge that can be treated effectively with antibiotics. Dogs that experience a stronger version of canine influenza frequently have a high fever and exhibit increased respiratory rates and other indications of pneumonia. Currently, antibiotics treat this form of the disease successfully in about 95 percent of the cases.

How is canine influenza spread?
At present, canine influenza appears to be an airborne disease, much like kennel cough (Bordetella bronchiseptica). Physical contact between dogs does not seem to be required.

Can I catch canine influenza from my dog?
To date, there are no documented cases of humans contracting canine influenza from dogs.

How do I protect my dog?
A good rule of thumb is to assume that the greater the exposure your dog has to other dogs, the greater the chance of infection. If your dog socializes frequently with other dogs or is boarded at a kennel, the odds of exposure are greater than if your dog remains at home. Contact your veterinarian to see if a canine influenza vaccination is necessary.

Does this mean I shouldn’t take my dog to the groomer, doggie day care, the dog park, or a boarding facility?
That is a decision you need to make individually, balancing your needs and those of your animal with the potential risk. If your pet exhibits signs of a respiratory illness, be sure to contact your veterinarian.
Also, use groomers, day care sites and boarders with which you are familiar and at which you feel comfortable. You are entitled to ask about steps operators take to isolate any dogs that appear to be ill.

What are the symptoms of canine influenza?
The symptoms are very similar to kennel cough. The first indication is a cough that may last for as long as three weeks in spite of treatment with antibiotics. According to an advisory issued by the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine. Most dogs have a soft, moist cough, while others have a dry cough similar to that induced by Bordetella bronchiseptica/parainfluenza virus infection. Many dogs have purulent nasal discharge and a low-grade fever. The nasal discharge likely represents a secondary bacterial infection that quickly resolves with treatment with a broad-spectrum, bactericidal antibiotic.

What should I do if I suspect my dog has canine influenza?
Contact your veterinarian immediately. Be sure to tell your veterinarian if your dog has been boarded, sent to the groomer or involved in any social activities (dog park, doggie day care, etc.) within the last month.
Remember, coughing may be an indication of any of a variety of diseases. Your veterinarian is best qualified to make the diagnosis.

Is it safe to adopt a dog from a shelter?
Adopting a dog from a shelter is a wonderful way to acquire a pet and most shelters are now vaccinating dogs for canine influenza. Given that canine influenza is a contagious disease, be sure to take reasonable precautions, particularly if you have another dog at home. Those precautions may include:

Obtain your new pet from a shelter with which you are familiar and in which you have confidence.
Inquire about the shelter’s quarantine procedures. Ask if incoming animals are kept in a separate area during the quarantine period, and ask if the shelter avoids any cross-traffic between new animals and the general population until the quarantine period has elapsed.
Inspect the general population area for yourself when you walk through.
Ask if the shelter has experienced any cases of canine influenza; and ask how those cases were treated.
Finally, ask if the shelter vaccinate dogs for canine influenza.
What is the incubation period for canine influenza?
The incubation is approximately 2-5 days.

Custom Made Heartworm Prevention

Posted on 07/24/2011 by hahlogin

Henrietta Animal Hospital is dedicated to offering the best available products to your pet and continues to strive to stay on the cutting edge of new advances in veterinary medicine.

Most recently, we are able to prescribe “custom made” heartworm prevention. We have aligned with a veterinary pharmacy that is able to add specific compounds into your pets’ heartworm medication so that they get the most benefit from their monthly dose. Currently, our heartworm prevention prevents heartworm, hookworms and roundworm prevention. With the addition of two more compounds we can provide protection from harmful whipworms and tapeworms.

Please call 334-3800 and ask for more details. If you haven’t scheduled your dog’s heartworm test, please do so immediately. PLEASE remember that this test also identifies Lyme disease which continues to escalate in our area.!!!!

heartworms copy 295x300 Custom Made Heartworm Prevention

Adult worms in a dog's heart

Tick Alert!

Posted on 05/26/2011 by hahlogin

We are seeing an alarming number of ticks in our area this year. Consequently, we are seeing more Lyme positive pets this year.Lyme is a serious and oftenn difficult disease to diagnose. It can be fatal to our pets and people as well. Plan ahead and make sure that your canine friends are protected with the Lyme vaccination and a Scalibor collar. Prevention is the key to a healthy pet. Schedule your appointment today! If you have feline friends that go outside, ask us for more information.
lyme map 01 Tick Alert!

Contact Us

585-334-3800

3156 East Henrietta Road
Henrietta, NY 14467

Henrietta Animal Hospital

Category Archives: Pet Medical Health