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Mammary Cancer in Dogs

The superstitious amongst us say that things come in threes, in the past few weeks I have had to euthanase (put to sleep) two lovely female dogs with metastatic lung cancer. Both owners were understandably devastated. I am not very superstitious, but it got me thinking - I hope I don't have a third one soon and what a waste.

The fact is that this was totally preventable. In both cases the cancer in the lungs had spread (metastasised) from mammary tumours. By the time we seen them it was too late and the best that we could do was put them to sleep humanely to alleviate any suffering.

A mammary tumour (Breast Cancer) unfortunately is still very common in older female dogs. If operated on in time, surgery to remove the tumours is normally very successful. However if left, the cancer may spread to the lungs and is then usually inoperable.

The fact that mammary tumours are still common tells us that as Vets we are not getting the message across. Mammary tumours are caused by Oestrogen which the bitch produces whilst in heat (Oestrus). Spaying (neutering) your bitch early, ideally before the second heat reduces the risk of her developing mammary tumours by a massive 95-99%.

Sunbathing Cat and Skin Cancer

Q: My cat loves sunbathing on top of our garden shed. Is this normal?

A: Perfectly normal! Cats love to spend time relaxing perched up on top of something high like a garden shed roof. They are very agile climbers and they feel safe and secure up there away from dogs and humans. As hunters the high vantage point of the roof top is ideal for surveying prey e.g. birds, field mice.

The problem is the sun. We are all now very much aware of the risks of excessive sunbathing and the damage it can do to our skin, in particular the risk of skin cancers.

Because cats spend a lot of time lying in the sun they are at risk of developing a skin cancer called Squamous Cell Carcinoma. White cats are more at risk. These cancers can occur anywhere on the body but mostly on the areas with little hair cover – i.e. tips of ears, nose, around the eyes. Affected skin will usually appear reddened, flakey or crusty and the tips of the ears are often curled up.

This type of cancer usually responds poorly to chemotherapy and usually requires surgery. When done in time, surgery is usually very successful. If in doubt, don’t ignore it. Have it seen straight away.

*Tip – To help prevent skin cancer developing apply sun block (factor 40+) to the tips of you cats ears each day before they go outside.

Harvest Mite Allergy In Cats

Q: My cat lives outdoors mostly and is a great hunter. Over the last few days I have noticed him scratching a lot. When I checked his skin I noticed he has lots of scabs on his head and belly and in between his toes are raw. What can I do?

A: I’m afraid its another trip to the vet. What you describe is most likely a skin condition called MILIARY ECZEMA. Miliary Eczema is a common reaction on cat’s skin to various allergies. The cat breaks out in spots over its body which oozes and become crusty. If you run your fingers through his coat, you will feel them.

The question is what is he allergic to? It is most likely an allergy to Harvest Mites (TROMBICULA AUTUMNALIS). During this time of year (harvest time hence the name harvest mites) these little orange mites are present on long grasses. They attach themselves onto animals passing by and feed of the surface layers of skin for 3-5 days. Then they fell off. The problem is that a lot of animals and in particular cats develop quite a severe allergic reaction to them resulting in skin lesions similar to those described in your cat. The good news – the symptoms are very quickly alleviated by the correct veterinary treatment.

The bad news – The allergic reaction tends to reoccur around the same time each year – i.e. harvest time usually anytime from mid July – end of September.

Snake Can’t Shed It’s Skin

Q: My pet snake cannot shed its skin, what can I do?

A: All reptiles shed their skin on a regular basis as they grow. How often and by what means will depend on the species, age, size and their health status. For example, snakes shed their skin in one piece.

Snake skin (epidermis) becomes a dull colour a few days before they shed and the scale that covers the eyes turns blue. The snake will be off its food (Anorexic) until the shedding process is finished. Sometimes they are unable to shed their skin properly. This is called Dysecdysis (slough retention). Dysecdysis can be caused by ill health, or by poor husbandry, usually too low relative humidity, or incorrect ambient temperature.

Treatment: Firstly, check the relative humidity. The correct relative humidity varies with the species –lower if a desert snake, higher if from tropical rain forests. Consider buying a hygrometer for the future to avoid a repeat of problems. You could soak the snake for approx 10 minutes in warm water or provide a humidity chamber (damp tissue paper or a damp towel in plastic cartons). Regularly spray the vivarium and the snake with water mist. Be sure to provide some cage furniture for the snake to rub against to help shedding e.g. Rocks, logs. And remember, check the temperature is correct. Too low a temperature slows down all bodily functions including shedding. Too high, and it can be fatal.

Chocolate Poisoning In Dogs

Q: My dog loves chocolate, and I occasionally give her a small piece. After somechocolate last week, she had very bad diarrhoea and was unwell that evening.

A: Chocolate contains an ingredient called Theobromide that is toxic to dogs in sufficient quantities. Theobromide is a xanthine compound and belongs to the same family as caffeine. Theobromide affects the nervous system and the cardiovascular system, and is also diuretic (causes increased urination).

Signs of poisoning include:

· Hyperexcitabilitly · Hyperirritability · Restlessness · Increased Heart Rate · Muscle Tremors · Increased Urination · Vomiting · Diarrhoea · Death (if large quantities ingested)

Treatment:

There is no specific antidote to chocolate poisoning. However your vet will give symptomatic treatment depending on how bad the clinical signs are – for example, intra venous fluids, oxygen therapy, anticonvulsant drugs.

Toxic Doses:

The good news is that it usually takes a fairly large amount of theobromide (approx 100 – 150mg/kg body weight) to be toxic. On Average,

· Milk chocolate contains 44mg theobromide per oz

· Semi sweet chocolate contains 150mg/oz

· Bakers Chocolate 390mg/oz If we use 100mg/kg as the toxic dose, this comes out roughly at:

· 1 ounce per 1 pound of body weight for Milk chocolate

· 1 ounce per 3 pounds of body weight for Semi-sweet chocolate

· 1 ounce per 9 pounds of body weight Baker’s Chocolate

So small amounts occasionally given as a treat should be okay but be careful!. Also if you do give chocolate, stick to milk chocolate it contains far less theobromide.

Caring For Your Pet Rabbit

Don’t Get Caught On The Hop!

Flystrike is a really big problem in rabbits during the warmer months. Rabbit’s rear ends often become soiled or damp and these moist areas attract flies, which lay their eggs there. The eggs look like little creamy, white dots. Within a few days these eggs hatch out into maggots, which are capable of burrowing through the rabbits skin and into the underlying flesh. They may also enter the body through the anus or the genital openings. This is therefore a very painful and serious condition, which frequently can be fatal.

So what can you do? Though out the summer months, when the flies are active, rabbits rear ends should be inspected DAILY for fly eggs or maggots. Also remove any soiled bedding on a daily basis to minimise flies being attracted to the hutch.

If the rabbit has loose faeces (diarrhoea) for any reason, don’t ignore it! Have it treated immediately, as diarrhoea can cause faecal soiling which encourages flystrike. Also watch your rabbit’s weight. Many pet rabbits are obese and are often so fat as to preventing them being able to reach their rear end and keep themselves clean.

So if you notice fly eggs or maggots on your rabbit’s rear end, contact your vet immediately. It must not be left as these maggots grow very quickly and can do a lot of damage in a relatively short period of time. Your vet will probably give your rabbit some sedation and painkillers, clip and clean the area, use insecticide to kill the maggots and treat any open wounds with antibiotics.

The good news is that if seen in time, most make a complete recovery.

It Pays To Spay

Q. Should I have my dog or cat neutered?

A. This is a question most vets are asked on a daily basis. The answer is simply

YES. The advantages far outweigh the disadvantages.

The Facts:

Ireland destroys dogs at a rate 10 times higher than the U.K. We destroyed 16,546 unwanted dogs in 2005. This number would be dramatically cut if more owners would spay or neuter their pets. Spaying or neutering is actually good for you pet’s health. Their risk of cancer plummets, they’re less likely to be aggressive and they live longer as a result.

….And The Fiction:

Myth: Spayed or neutered pets get lazy and fat

Fact: Proper diet and exercise keeps them healthy and fit

Myth: Female cats and dogs should have at least one litter.

Fact: They are perfectly healthy and fulfilled without reproducing. Also pregnancy is not without risks.

Myth: Neutering changes a pet’s personality.

Fact: Your pet will remain as loving as ever.

Every year VICAS Veterinary Ireland launch a Spay Week in an effort to remind people to have their pet cats and dogs neutered and to explain why they should. Spay week 2007 was launched May 27th – June 2nd jointly by VICAS Veterinary Ireland and Dogs Trust. The have produced a very useful update on the latest facts about spaying and neutering. If you are undecided, it is worth checking this out on:

www.spayweekireland.ie or on our website: www.westgatevets.com

Some people don’t proceed because of the cost. Last year the International Dog Trust launched a subsidised neutering campaign. This is still available and offers dog owners on means tested social welfare benefits the opportunity to have their dog spayed or neutered for a nominal fee of just €20.00 Euros. For information, call the Dog’s Trust Neutering Hotline on 1890 946 336 or contact your own vet who will happily explain the scheme to you.

Q. My six-month cat has started scratching and biting at his back and is loosing some hair. Could it be fleas?

A. There are many reasons for hair loss (alopecia) and itchy skin (prieritus) in cats. However given his age and the fact that his back is in involved I’m afraid fleas are the most likely cause. Has he started going out recently?

Fleas are picked up from mixing with infected dogs and cats. Fleas feed by biting and sucking out tiny amounts of blood. Their favourite area to bite is on the lower back hence the itching there. Look through his coat carefully. Fleas are small and black and can be seen moving quickly through the coat. A useful tip - check his coat for flea faeces. It looks like coal dust. The good news is that there are excellent products available now for flea control. I find the ‘spot ons’ that go on the back of the neck very effective and convenient. Good brand names are Advantage, Frontline, Frontline Combo and Stronghold.

It is better to continue using these product all year round. With warmer winters and widespread central heating fleas are no longer the seasonal problem they used to be. They can breed all year round and flea eggs can live up to six months.

Also, check if he has broken the skin if so he will need a visit to the vet for some anti-inflammatory treatment and antibiotics.

Dangerous Dog Act

Recent stories of children being attacked and seriously injured are sending out waves of panic among the public. Many people have a justified fear of dogs and these stories further exacerbate this. We are all entitled to go out in public places with our children or our pets and not fear being attacked by a large aggressive dog. Owners of large powerful dogs must act responsibly and be in complete control of their dogs in public places. The law is very clear in this regard.

The Control of Dogs Act 1986 lists 9 breeds of dog. These are:

· American Pit Bull Terrier

·Bull Mastiff

·Doberman Pinscher

·German Shepard (Alsatian)

·Japanese Akita

·Japanese Tosa

·Rhodesian Ridgeback

·Rottweiler

·Staffordshire Terrier

And any cross breed of the above

It states that when in a public place, these dogs must:

·Wear a muzzle at all times

·Be on a lead of 2m or less

·Be controlled by a competent person over 16 years of age

·Owners of dogs on this list who fail to comply may be fined, imprisoned or have their dog impounded and euthanased.

There is much debate regarding which breeds should be on the list. Many owners may feel their dogs are being singled out because of their breed even though they may trust their own dogs 100%. However, the dogs on this list are on it for a reason. A Pit Bull, for example can clamp down causing 500 pounds per square inch of jaw pressure (enough to snap bones). It is true that any dog that is not trained and controlled correctly can be aggressive but the larger breeds will cause much more damage if they bite.

Some owners feel it cruel to muzzle their dogs. This is not true. There will be no discomfort if the dog is fitted for the correct muzzle. Some breeds particularly Pit Bulls and Rottweiler’s have larger heads, in these cases a specialised muzzle can be ordered. I do understand how owners of these breeds may think the law unfair but it is the law and should be followed.

Dogs can be unpredictable when put in strange situations and we can never know how their mind works to predict their every move. We most also keep a healthy respect for the power these dogs possess. Also remember not everyone knows our dogs like we do. It is natural for a person to show fear when faced with a large dog. All in all it is better to obey the rules rather than regret something happening and possibly loosing your dog to euthanasia.

As the saying goes “better safe than sorry”.

Q. How do I go about bringing my pet on holidays?

A. With a European Passport Scheme :

Step 1: Your pet must be micro chipped by your vet for identification

Step 2: Your vet should then fill in the passport application form which should be then be returned to the issuing authority. If you wish to have your pets photograph on the passport you should bring it along to your practice. The photograph should be no bigger than 6cm wide and 4 cm long.

Step 3: Your pet should then be vaccinated against rabies by your vet.

Step 4: After a sufficient period of time (advised by your vet) a blood test. Will then be taken to ensure your pet has acquired the correct amount of antibodies. If your pet fails this test the vet will have to re-vaccinate and re-test. The blood test is a requirement only if your pet is returning to Ireland.

Step 5: The passport will be sent directly to your vet from the issuing

Authority where the vaccination details and test results can be filled in.

Step 6: It is only after a period of six months has passed from the date of the successful blood test that you are free to bring your pet back into Ireland. You should always check with the embassy of the country you are travelling to before you travel to ensure that there no further requirements.

You should always keep your rabies vaccinations up to date as advised by your vet. If this is done correctly the blood test will not have to be repeated.

For further information on the European Passport Scheme

http://www.agriculture.gov.ie/pets/

Q. I have recently lost my dog how long do you recommend I should wait before getting a new pet?

A. The loss of a beloved pet can be as devastating as losing a family member. People that live alone and especially the elderly find it difficult to cope with the loss. A pet can mean many different things to many different people, a part of somebody passed on, a companion to share life with, motivation to a better life or just a pal to enjoy fun times with.

It is important for a pet owner to understand that the loss and hurt they feel when losing a pet is natural and not at all “silly” as some people may feel. The need to grieve for a lost pet is essential. To help the grieving process some people find it helps to bury their pet at home in their favourite spot in the garden or alternatively to have a private cremation and then scatter the ashes at their pets favourite place.

To have somewhere to place flowers and reflect on times spent together also seems to be a great help to children when trying to accept the death of a pet. The time to grieve will also differ for everybody. Some people will find it easier to cope by getting a new pet straight away whereas some people cannot face it so soon. It is said that when a person can look back at their pet’s life and smile at all the good memories without feeling to upset then it is time to get a new pet, this could be 5 days or 5 months later. The hurt experienced when a pet passes away can be off -putting to a person when considering “starting over” with a new pet, but they should consider the love they have to offer an animal and try to remember the joy animals bring to our lives. It can be difficult for people who don’t have pets to understand how it feels when a pet passes away. It is a difficult time and the healing process can be hard, but to get another pet some day can bring that happiness back to your daily life and there are always lots of animals in local sanctuaries just waiting to give away all their love to someone that will love them back!