Bella’s Big Surgical Adventure

Although you may not know it at first glance, Bella, a 168-pound Mastiff, is one of our sweetest patients! Her intimidating size is far surpassed by her big heart and playful spirit. Bella brings great joy to her family, including her new sister, Gracie, a 3-month old Labrador Retriever. So, when Bella ruptured her cruciate ligament, neither she nor her family were going to let anything stand in the way of getting her fixed and back into action as resident love bug and gentle big sister.  

Like people, dogs have two cruciate ligaments to help provide support for their knees. Their presence keeps the femur and tibia from sliding around and destabilizing the joint. According to Dr. Hotchkiss, repairing torn cruciates is one of the most common orthopedic surgeries he performs. He adds that certain large breeds (Labradors and Rottweilers) show up with this injury more frequently than other pets. (This kind of injury in humans is referred to as a ruptured ACL or anterior cruciate ligament.)

Dogs can rupture these ligaments with sudden twisting movements while running or even from slipping on tile or wet concrete. In Bella’s case, she tore her cruciate while playing with the new puppy. Because Bella had this same injury to her other leg in 2006, her mom and dad knew just what to do.

In most cases, diagnosing a cruciate tear simply requires a veterinarian’s examination and, if the patient is not cooperative, a touch of sedation. Palpation of the knee joint is the key to the diagnosis although it is also a good idea to take x-rays of both knees to look for any other problems.

The next step is surgery. According to industry experts, pet owners spend more than $1 billion dollars on cruciate surgeries for their pets each year. A variety of procedures exist to help stabilize the knee, but most surgeons will utilize one of three procedures. Because of Bella’s anatomy, breed and size, Dr. Hotchkiss determined that a Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy (TPLO) would be the most effective solution.

As with any surgery, cost can be an issue. Some pet owners will question the need for surgery as fibrous tissue in the dog’s body will eventually stabilize the joint. Sadly, this could lead to bigger problems, including severe osteoarthritis or even a rupture of the ligaments in the other knee. Certainly this route only increases the pet’s discomfort. If an owner has the funds for surgery, it’s definitely considered the “gold standard” for treatment.

After surgery, most dogs feel much better. In fact, it’s a challenge for owners to keep their pets rested during the recovery.  Bella’s mom and dad are having her stay with us at The Grand for a while, because it’s hard to keep her calm, especially with the puppy jumping around!  

This 8-10 week recovery period is crucial. Too much activity can delay healing at the site or even cause enough damage that a second surgery might be needed! Bella needs to stay in a crate or small area when she can’t be supervised, go outside ONLY on a leash and only for bathroom breaks until Dr. Hotchkiss says short walks are OK.  And Bella should avoid running, jumping and the stairs until she’s fully healed.

Our doctors have several recommendations to help patients avoid an injury like Bella’s:

First, weight control! Excess weight creates additional stress on joints and can lead to ligament tears.

Next, daily exercise is important. Spending about an hour each day engaged in moderate exercise is not only a good way to keep your dog healthy and limber…it will probably help you, too!

Finally, don’t overdo it!  Since we work all week, most of the time the only chance we have to exercise our dogs is on the weekend. Lack of conditioning makes our dogs vulnerable to injury when they try to overdo it on the weekend. You wouldn’t run a marathon without training, so don’t expect your dog to hike 4-5 miles without building up to it.

Fleas Really Get Under Our Skin

Fleas are truly a pet owner’s curse and worst nightmare. Designed to survive and efficient at reproducing, these blood-sucking pests can quickly overrun house and home! In addition to causing misery for our pets, fleas have the potential to carry serious, even deadly diseases.

For every adult flea seen on a dog or cat, there are about 95 other fleas in various life stages (eggs, larvae and pupae) around the pet’s environment. The failure to address the juvenile life stages is a primary reason why owners never seem to win any battles against fleas. 

Once on a pet, the flea will start drinking blood immediately and about eight hours later will start to mate with other fleas on the pet. Within about 24 hours, eggs are laid by the female fleas which roll off the pet and into the home/bed/yard. Females can lay 40-50 eggs per day over their lifetime, resulting in more than 2000 eggs added to the environment. Thirty adult fleas can explode into more than 250,000 fleas in less than one month!

Given these huge numbers, it is entirely possible to see live fleas on your pets that have been treated with flea medications. Most topical medications will kill fleas within 1-2 hours after the flea jumps onto the pet and oral products only work when the flea actually settles down and bites the pet.

Likewise, the life cycle of the flea means that new adults are continually present in the environment. Flea eggs are constantly hatching into flea larvae which then spin cocoons. Adult fleas hatch from the cocoons in as little as seven days but some can delay hatching for almost 180 days! Therefore, a single application of a flea medicine will not stop an existing infestation.

So, when you are faced with a flea problem in your home, what steps can help resolve it? First, talk with your veterinarian about effective flea control medications. 

Next, make sure that all pets in the household are treated. Even the “indoor only” cat will need protection from adult fleas hatching in the home environment. Use the products as directed and don’t split doses among your pets.

Continue the treatment until the infestation is gone from the home. If your pet is picking up adult fleas in the yard or at the park, you may need to consider using a flea product all year long.

A home area treatment spray can help eliminate flea colonies more quickly, but be sure to use one that contains an insect growth regulator (IGR). IGRs prevent flea eggs from hatching and flea larva from molting. 

Understanding the flea life cycle can help you defeat this unrelenting annual pest. Your veterinarian and our staff will guide you towards the best flea product for your needs and can even answer concerns you have about treating the environment.

Top Summertime Tips for Pet Safety

Summertime! Finally, your chance to relax and unwind! With your sunblock, sunglasses and a good book, you plan to enjoy the day at the pool! Suddenly, you remember your dog is in the yard – unsupervised …surely he will be okay for a couple hours. Or will he?

Summer temperatures might be great for tan lines and boating trips, but the excessive heat and increased outdoor activities could spell disaster for your pets. As the mercury rises, take just a few moments to ensure that your pets are safe and prevent an urgent trip to Hulen Hills for emergency care!

The most common heat-related problem for pets is heat stroke. This is a real emergency for dogs that can be fatal. Even on moderately warm days, an excited dog might show a body temperature increase. Because dogs don’t sweat like we do, they can’t dissipate the excess heat and heat stroke may soon follow.

In the last month, we’ve treated several dogs for heat exhaustion. One German Shephard collapsed after a long run with his owner, a small Pomerarian got too hot while waiting outside of a restaurant while her owners grabbed a quick dinner, a 4-year old Labrador heated up after a long day of running errands with her owner. Sadly, all of these pets passed away, leaving a wake of devastation behind for their greiving owners.

Any outdoor pet can overheat on a warm summer day, but short-faced breeds like Pugs and Bulldogs are at a higher risk. In addition, every year thousands of pets succumb to heat stroke because they were left in cars while their owners ran “just a few” errands. On a 100 degree day, it takes only 15 minutes for the temperature inside of a car to reach 140 degrees. Even on a 70 degree day, temperatures inside a car can soar to over 110 degrees in less than one hour! 

When the sun goes down and the temperatures start to cool, your pets still face many summer challenges. The patriotic holidays are often celebrated with fireworks. The bright flashes and loud bangs are terrifying to some pets and can cause anxiety, stress and even escape. Each year on July 4, our emergency staff ends up tending to the injuries of these frightened pets.

Likewise, some pets react in a similar way to thunderstorms. Normally calm pets may become distressed, destructive and even bite in an attempt to get away from the noises. If your pet has severe thunderstorm anxiety, talk to your veterinarian about it. Often times, we can help by prescribing sedatives to give your dog when you know a storm is coming. Dr. Running has also experienced great results with her anxiety-ridden patients through acupuncture treatments and music therapy.

The warm summer season also brings out a many pests. Fleas and ticks are two examples, but some species of biting flies are very fond of dogs’ ears. Repeated bites can cause a condition that can be serious and difficult to control known as “fly strike.” Make sure your pet is on flea and tick preventatives. We like Revolution because it also protects our pets from heartworm disease. 

It is possible to enjoy the summer with your pets by taking just a few precautions:

• First and foremost, always be aware of the weather forecast.
• Don’t leave your pet unattended outside or plan heavy exercise on hot, humid days. If your pet is left outdoors, he must have access to adequate shade and fresh water. 
• When it’s time to run errands, leave your pet at home. Even a few minutes in a hot car is enough to increase your pet’s body temperature dramatically.
• If you find your pet disoriented, panting excessively or collapsed in the yard, move him immediately to a cooler environment. Use cool wet towels over his back, armpits and groin to help bring his temperature down. Fans are often helpful too. DO NOT USE ICE! Then, get him to Hulen Hills immediately so that we can begin life-saving treatments.
• If you are planning to take your pets to any outdoor celebrations or cook-outs, find out first if pets are welcome or if fireworks are planned. It might be easier to simply leave the dogs at home rather than risk a run-away or injury. 

Summertime should be a time for relaxation and fun…don’t let a pet emergency spoil your good time.

Heartworms Continue to Plague our Pets!

It’s been more than 150 years since a scientist discovered the heartworm parasite of dogs and more than 80 years since the parasite was found in cats. Still, each year hundreds of thousands of dogs and cats are diagnosed with this dreaded worm and it is estimated that North American cases are actually in the millions. In all this time, why have we not found a way to combat and stop this plague?

Heartworm disease is devastating to the pet’s health. Spread by mosquitoes, this parasite can grow close to two feet long and takes up physical space in the heart’s chambers and pulmonary artery. This means that the dog’s heart must work harder to push the same amount of blood out to the body. Early signs of this disease include fatigue and exercise intolerance, but later signs can include coughing, fluid accumulation in the lungs or abdomen and death.

For cats, the heartworm larvae prefer the lungs and can cause vomiting, asthma-like symptoms and even sudden death in some cases.

Not only is the pet harmed, but owners are affected as well. Heartworm treatments for small dogs can run in excess of $500 and costs for larger breeds might surpass $1000. Sadly, the case might be worse for cats as there is no approved treatment for heartworms in our feline friends.

Amazingly, we do have an answer to this problem. Safe, effective heartworm medications exist in a variety of easy to use applications. What’s even more incredible is that the cost of a lifetime of preventive for most pets is significantly less than a single treatment for the disease. So, why do pets continue to suffer and die from a preventable problem?

Two radical theories seen on the Internet state that either the heartworm medications are failing or that the parasites are developing a resistance to the drugs. While conspiracy theorists may love these ideas, scientific evidence for both is lacking. Heartworm preventives have a failure rate of less than 1 in 1 million doses. Likewise, the complex life cycle of the heartworm does not lend itself to developing a natural resistance to medications.

Some people look to climate change for answers. Increasing temperatures mean a longer mosquito season and larger potential for transmission to pets. While we are seeing more mosquitoes in previously mosquito-free areas, the likely reasons are changes made by humans. Irrigation of dry areas and increased plantings of trees in certain locales can actually help a mosquito population. More mosquitoes mean more opportunities for transmission of heartworms.

When all the facts are reviewed, the simplest reason for our failure to control this deadly parasite is simply that we don’t give the preventive as we should. Whether it’s forgetfulness or financial concerns, you must realize that you are on the front lines in this battle and your actions could save your beloved pet from Heartworm Disease.

Thankfully, as pet owners, you do have powerful allies in this war. We can help you pick the best heartworm medication for your pet and your lifestyle. If you have questions about heartworm disease, products or treatment, call us to schedule an appointment!

Source of Sparky’s Long-Term Pain Uncovered

Sparky arrived in a lot of pain. His owner said he couldn’t get comfortable and was having a hard time getting around. She told us he had a long history of back pain, in fact this handsome fella hadn’t felt very good for 4 ½ years! He’d even been to an orthopedic specialist in Dallas who did a CT scan and determined Sparky’s spine was normal and not the cause of his discomfort. Sparky’s owner also told us that he belched a lot, had some flatulence issues and often cried out in pain. All of this history led Dr. Hotchkiss to order a complete medical work up, including blood work and chest and abdominal radiographs.

The x-rays revealed what appeared to be a rotated stomach, more commonly known as Bloat. Because Bloat can happen very quickly and can kill a dog before its owner even has a chance to wonder what happened, this potential diagnosis still didn’t explain Sparky’s long history of suffering. But because it seemed to be his immediate problem, Dr. Hotchkiss proceeded with emergency surgery.

To his surprise, he didn’t find a twisted stomach at all.  What appeared on the x-rays as an enlarged stomach that had folded over on itself actually was a greatly inflamed section of the small intestine (the duodenum). So inflamed, in fact, that what is normally the width of your finger, was larger than the entire stomach – a condition we’d never seen before! Without a doubt, this was why Sparky had felt so cruddy for so long!

The swollen duodenum formed a pouch big enough to fit a grapefruit (remember, it’s only supposed to be the width of your finger!). Inside the pouch were three golf ball-sized accumulations of hair and food along with about a quart of fluid. Because of the chronic dilation, the small intestine had lost much of its ability to contract and move food through to the stomach.

Dr. Hotchkiss removed what had been rotting in Sparky’s small intestine for so long. He then reduced the size of the swollen duodenum by resecting the “extra” tissue using a stapling device, much like a gastric bypass procedure in humans. Check out the photo below that compares the size of a healthy segment of Sparky’s intestine to the swollen part. Even after it was reduced in size, it still remains 4 times the size it should be. Hopefully with time and healing, the swelling will continue to reduce and will eventually regain its normal size and function.

After the surgery, Dr. Hotchkiss is guardedly optimistic. That means he’s concerned, but hopeful that Sparky will make a full recovery. 

Poison Prevention Week for Pets

Poison Prevention Week is an annual observance started in 1961 that is designed to highlight the dangers of poisonings and how to prevent them. Although originally created to focus on preventing poisoiningsof children and adults, this week is a great time to discuss potential dangers to our pets as well.

Xylitol, a sweetener found in many sugarless gums, desserts, and other baked goods, can be toxic to our canine friends.  The compound can cause a sudden drop in blood sugar, or, in some cases, liver failure.

Human pharmaceuticals are also on this “most common” list.  Through accidental or purposeful ingestion, many pets are sickened by over the counter pain relievers (such as aspirin, Tylenol® or NSAIDs like Aleve®).  Another common poisoning occurs when our pets get into an owner’s antidepressant medications. For cats, Adderall — a combination of mixed amphetamine salts used to treat attention deficit hyperactivity disorder — has quickly risen to become one of the most common and dangerous of these pharmaceutical threats. The flavor of Adderall has proven to appeal to the finicky feline palate. And that’s bad, because a single 20 milligram capsule could kill the average size cat.

With Easter approaching, many families will chose flowers to decorate their homes. Flowers of the Lily family can be deadly to cats and ingestion of a few petals or even the pollen can cause severe kidney failure.

Chocolate is another potential poison that is prevalent during Easter. Dark chocolates and baking chocolates are more dangerous than milk chocolate, but enough of any chocolate can cause abnormal heart rhythms, vomiting, and hyperactivity in dogs.

Springtime also puts people in the mood for yard work and cleaning. Be wary of using certain fertilizers for your lawn and garden if they contain organophosphates and/or carbamates. These poisons can cause severe seizures, respiratory failure and death in pets.

Many pets will find pest control products, like snail bait or rodenticides. Rat poison toxicity will eventually kill the pet without intervention and treatment.

Sometimes, severe damage can be avoided with prompt medical attention. If you see your pet ingest any of these poisons, call us for help — or just head on in. We’re here 24-7 and are ready to help you through any emergency situation.

Pet Parasites Don’t Take Vacations!

Pets share our homes, our kitchens, and, in some cases, even our beds.  Unfortunately, they might also be sharing some unwanted guests – WORMS! Unlike fleas and mosquitoes who sometimes give us a break during colder weather, these parasites can cause problems all year long!

Most people don’t realize it, but most puppies and kittens are born with roundworms, hookworms or even both. In the vast majority of cases, these worms are passed from mom to the babies either during pregnancy or during nursing after birth. Left unchecked, these tiny monsters can cause poor growth, diarrhea, vomiting, or even death in young animals.

Adult pets aren’t immune to these parasites either. Pets who consume other animals’ feces, eat grass, or even those who catch and eat infected rodents might end up with bloody, runny stool or vomiting caused by the worms.

But beyond their immediate effects on the animals, there is an even more sinister side to these pests. Both roundworms and hookworms are zoonotic, meaning that they can be passed to humans. Children are especially susceptible and can suffer blindness, seizures or organ dysfunction. In extreme cases, young children have lost an eye to roundworm infections.

The Centers for Disease Control (CDC) estimates that almost 14% of the U.S. population is infected with roundworms. That’s nearly 40 million people! Why aren’t we aware of this danger?

The answer lies in the life cycle of these parasites. After the larval worms make their way to the puppies’ digestive tract, they mature into adults over a 3 week period of time. Then, the real danger begins. Adult female worms begin shedding enormous numbers of eggs into the environment. It’s not unusual for more than 200,000 eggs to be shed every single day by a single female. 

Now, imagine a mother dog with a litter of 9 puppies. Including mom’s contribution, even if each pup had only one female worm, more than 2 million eggs are being deposited daily into the yard where the puppies…and your kids, play. Multiply that by the number of days until the pups get an initial de-worming and you can see why this is a problem that has not gone away.

Roundworm eggs are also very hardy, able to survive for about two years in the environment. This makes places such as dog parks or other areas where dogs roam, potential danger zones for becoming infested. Dogs can even pick up roundworm eggs during the winter time! 

Thankfully, hookworm eggs are often killed by freezing temperatures, but in areas of the Southeastern U.S., hookworm larva can survive in sandy soil, emerging to penetrate bare skin. In people, this infection causes an intense itching sensation along with redness and swelling along the migratory track of the hookworm larva. Dogs often present with hair loss on all four feet and thickened, damaged skin on the lower legs.

Due to the prevalence of these worms in our pets, we have developed “strategic de-worming” protocols as a means to help protect both people and pets. Starting with puppies and kittens, we routinely administer de-worming medication.  In addition, we urge pet owners to use Revolution, a monthly heartworm prevention product, that contains medication to control these intestinal parasites. Both dogs and cats should use Revolution every month, all year round!

Parents should teach children to wash their hands after playing with the pets or playing in the yard where pets defecate. Since the eggs are microscopic, you won’t see any evidence on the kid’s hands, but a thorough washing will help insure these parasites won’t end up infecting your children.

It’s also a good idea to check your pet’s stool sample routinely. The short life cycle of these parasites means that a severe infestation can occur quickly. Also, many other parasitic worms and protozoans pose some danger to our pets and these can all be found with a routine fecal sample. As you know, we do a stool sample test twice a year during your pet’s wellness exam. We also administer a de-wormer twice a year, to kill any parasite that may be lurking.

Our pets are a big part of our lives and we want to share as much as we can with them. Playing it safe and following our guidelines for de-worming  could mean that you can share a much longer, healthier life together!

Help Your Pet be Fit for Life in 2010

Did you know that more pets than ever are overweight? According to a recent study by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, 44 percent of dogs and 57 percent of cats are too plump for their own good. Obese pets are prone to heart disease, diabetes, arthritis, skin and haircoat problems, and a shortened lifespan.

Our staff is committed to helping owners help their pets shed unwanted pounds. Our doctors will prescribe a prescription diet that’s low in calories and high in protein — a combination that helps fill your pet up while limiting their caloric intake.

We’ll enter your pet’s information into our Fit for Life software and a weight loss goal and meal plan will be generated.

You’ll return with your pet once a month to get weighed to gauge their progress. One of our nurses will partner with you along the way to give you advice, encouragement, and to help Fido overcome any weight loss challenges.

Once Fido reaches his goal weight, he’ll be rewarded with a free bag of prescription food.

If you’d like your paunchy pet to participate in our new Fit for Life program, call us at 817-731-3733 to schedule an appointment with one of our doctors.

Treats Can Add Pounds to Pets

Portly pets dig their treats. It’s not just the treat they love, but the pagentry that surrounds getting it — the click of the pantry door, the sweet sound of their owner’s voice declaring what a good dog they are, the slight pause of the treat just shy of their awating tounge. But owner beware, a few treats here and there add up and can be the source of your pets added baggage.  When a medium-size dog is allotted 500 calories a day, just a few 50 calorie treats a day really makes an impact on his waistline!

Our doctors want you to know that dogs can love low calorie treats, too. A green bean or a baby carrot are just a few calories a piece. And an ice cube is free! Just make sure the show remains the same. After all, it’s your love and attention that they really crave most of all.

Just check out the calorie count of some of the most popular treats that we give our dogs:

Fast Food Treats

McDonald’s Hamburger 260 calories

McDonald’s Cheeseburger 310 calories

1  McDonald’s Chicken Nugget 42 calories

Sonic Vanilla Ice Cream Cone 180 calories

MilkBones

Small Biscuit 20 calories

Medium Biscuit 40 calories

Large Biscuit 115 calories

Extra Large Biscuit 225 calories

Grillin’ Bites 30 calories

Alpo

Liver Snaps 13 calories

Al’s Grill Treats 35 calories

Purina

Beggin’ Strips 30 calories

Busy Bone – Dental Bone Large 600 calories

Busy Bone – Dental Bone Small 309 calories

Cheweez Chew Strips 60 calories

Cheweez Rolls Small with Meaty Middles 171 calories

Cheweez Rolls Large with Meaty Middles 211 calories

TBonz 42 calories

Purina One

Adult Biscuits 33 calories

Large Breed Biscuits 84 calories

Healthy Weight Biscuites 26 calories

Pedigree

DentaBones Small 105 calories

DentaBones Medium 188 calories

DentaBones Large 300 calories

Jumbone small 270 calories

Jumbone regular 560 calories

MarrowBone 39 calories

Scooby Snacks

Zoinks Bone 22 calories

Burger 22 calories

Drumsticks 19 calories

Cheese Wedge 18 calories

Mystery Machine 45 calories

French Fry 9 calories

Meaty Bones

Small 27 calories

Medium 60 calories

Large 93 calories

Misc.

PupPeroni 24 calories

Snausages 25 calories

Jerky Treats 21 calories

Keeping Pets Safe in the Frigid Weather

As Fort Worth woke up to frigid temperatures in the 20s today, folks were chilled to the bone — and so were our pets! Although they come ready-made with fur coats, they still need our protection during the cold days of winter.  Below are some cold weather tips to make sure your pets are just as warm, cozy, and safe as you are:

• Although some pets are conditioned to cold weather, you should bring outdoor pets indoors if the temperature drops below 20-degrees Fahrenheit. Puppies, kittens, and short haired pets should come inside anytime the temperature goes below 40-degrees.
• For pets with long hair, proper grooming is essential to help them maintain a layer of warming air within their coat. Pets who are heavily matted cannot keep themselves as warm. If your outdoor dog is matted, just give The Grand a call at 817-989-PAWS. The salon staff does a great job getting dogs ready for the long winter season! 
• If your pet must stay outdoors, be sure to provide a shelter. A good “house” will have three enclosed sides, will be elevated off the ground, and will contain generous amounts of bedding such as straw or hay. In cold weather, bigger is not always better. A house just big enough for your pet will warm up faster and retain heat better than something that is too big.
• Your pet will need access to fresh water that isn’t frozen. Use heated water bowls and replenish them frequently.
• Antifreeze is a common and deadly pet poisoning during colder months. Did you know that antifreeze has a sweet taste, so pets will readily lick up any that has spilled? If you spill antifreeze, dilute the area well with water and sweep excess water into a rocky or sandy area. Cover area with soil to keep pets from licking at the rocks. If you suspect your pet has consumed any antifreeze at all, head to Metro West right away.
• Cats love to warm up underneath car hoods. If your car is kept outdoors, or if cats have access to your garage, be sure to pound on the hood of the car prior to starting it. Every winter, we see many cats that are killed or injured grievously by fan belts and moving engine parts.
• Pets should not be left alone in vehicles due to the potential for carbon monoxide poisoning or hypothermia.
• Monitor all pets around wood-burning stoves, fireplaces and space heaters. These can cause severe burns!

Santa Visits The Grand!

Although he’s very busy during the holidays, Santa found time to visit The Grand and help us collect food for homeless pets. With his help, we collected over 1,400 pounds of food that we donated to local animal shelters. We are so grateful to the Big Guy and to our clients for making this event so successful! Click here to see more Santa Photos.

Does Fido Need a Flu Shot?

Canine influenza is an emerging respiratory infection in dogs caused by the H3N8 virus. Sadly, 8% of those who contract canine flu will die from it. Most deaths occur in breeds that have short snub noses like English Bulldogs and Pugs. Up to 20% of exposed and infected dogs will not show clinical signs but will shed the virus to others in social environments like dog parks, playcare, and pet resorts.

Dr. Ross, who joined our team after relocating from Princeton, New Jersey, has first-hand experience with this potentially fatal infection. The first outbreak of Canine Influenza in the state of New Jersey happened at a kennel less than 5 miles from her clinic. The kennel was shut down by the CDC and Dr. Ross saw dogs for months afterwards with varying signs from mild cough to pneumonia, all confirmed as influenza. Without a doubt, Dr. Ross and all of our doctors at Hulen Hills and Metro West, know how serious the effects of canine flu can be.

In June, the USDA approved a new canine flu virus vaccine. Studies indicate that the vaccine can reduce the incidence and severity of lung lesions as well as the duration of coughing and viral shedding. What this means is that the vaccine won’t prevent your dog from contracting the canine flu, but will help lessen the severity of the illness.

Our doctors are recommending it for any patient whose lifestyle includes risk for exposure to Canine Influenza. The first time a pet receives the vaccine, we will follow up by administering a booster 2 – 4 weeks later. We recommend the vaccine be updated on a yearly basis.

If your pet is a current client of Hulen Hills, and we’ve seen Fido within the last year, we can administer the vaccine without a Physical Examination. If you are a new client or your pet’s last visit was over a year ago, our doctor is required to perform a Physical Examination prior to administering the vaccine. If you’re interested in learning more about the Canine Flu Virus Vaccine, or would like your pet to receive the vaccine, call us to schedule an appointment.

Thanksgiving Hazards. Chocolate, Turkey Bones, Pie … Oh My!

Thanksgiving is a busy time for our emergency staff at Metro West. Over the long weekend last year, we saw 73 patients including one Springer Spaniel named Wally who ate half of a turkey carcass and a large slice of Pecan Pie. Although we’re sure Wally loved scarfing these treats down, it landed him in the hospital with a bad case of pancreatitis.

The last thing any pet owner wants to do on Thanksgiving is rush their pet to the animal emergency room!  But, the truth is that many pets are injured or poisoned during this time of the year. How can you make sure your holiday doesn’t end in disaster?

• A small amount of white turkey is an acceptable treat but definitely avoid the turkey skin and the turkey bones!  The skin is often fatty and can cause pets to develop pancreatitis.
• Poultry bones, especially cooked, have potential to both break off and cause a perforation of the digestive tract or, if large amounts are consumed, could cause an obstruction.
• Other foods to avoid include:  grapes and raisins, excessively salty foods, foods flavored with onion or garlic powder, desserts and sweets containing Xylitol, and chocolates.
• All leftovers should be secured behind a pet-proof door.
• Remember, keep your trash can secure.  Many items used in the meal preparation and then thrown away can be dangerous.  A turkey string, foil wrappers, etc. may smell like food and be eaten by a curious pet.
• Decorative plants are also a source of danger. Mistletoe and holly can cause vomiting and lilies are often deadly to cats. Poinsettias, despite their reputation, are not deadly and often cause little more than mild stomach upset.
• Some holiday decorations are also dangerous. Ribbons and tinsel are especially attractive and hazardous to cats. Keep an eye on electrical cords to ensure puppies and kittens don’t chew on them.
• During family gatherings, it might be best to keep pets confined if they are overly anxious. Also, monitor people going in and out of the front door. Pets might take advantage and try to escape.
• Remember that Metro West is open 24-7 during the holiday weekend. We’re here around the clock for you and your pet!

Three Dachshunds Live to Wag Again

Tuesday, Nov. 3, was a busy day at Hulen Hills and Metro West Emergency. Three Dachshunds, Precious, Darby and Matilda Begonia, arrived throughout the day, each suffering from a serious spinal column injury that required emergency surgery.

As a breed, Dachshunds are extremely prone to injuring their backs. In fact, experts estimate that one in four Dachshunds will develop some form of disc disease or injury in its lifetime. Although spinal injuries happen most often to dogs with long backs, any breed is at risk of this kind of injury occurring.

How Does a Spinal Cord Injury Occur?

Between each bone is a cushioning disc that helps to soften the movement of the spine and prevent pain and injuries. To understand what happens during a spinal injury, imagine the disk as a grape. If you squeeze the grape firmly, you’ll compress it without breaking it, and the grape will return to its shape. If you squeeze too hard, the grape ruptures and the insides shoot out. An intervertebral disc is like the grape, but it has a hard center called the nucleus. When the disk is compressed too much the nucleus leaks out, and the only direction it can go is against the spinal cord, which can lead to permanent paralysis. When the discs become damaged, it’s called Intervertebral Disc Disease or IVDD.

Signs of a Spinal Disk Injury

Dogs have high pain thresholds and an instinct not to reveal when they’re in pain. After all, in the wild, the obviously injured animal is the one that gets picked off by the predators. But if you pay attention, you can tell whether your dog is in pain from a disk injury. Look for the following warning signs of spinal disk injury:

• Shivering — especially when combined with unusual inactivity
• Refusal to get up and play, even for food
• A yelp when you pet your dog or try to pick him up
• A pulled-in head, arched back, or any other strange position
• A refusal to bend down to the food or water dish to eat or drink
• Limping of any kind
• A “drunken” rear end, which moves but looks as if it isn’t completely under control
• Dragging of the back legs

If you notice any of these warning signs, call us immediately. In the case of dragging the back legs or showing any other signs of paralysis or severe pain, head here right away (24-7). It’s wise not to wait. You can call on the way.

Treating IVDD

Milder cases in which the dog is painful but can still walk, are treated with cage rest, anti-inflammatory medications, and muscle relaxants. Unfortunately, these three girls had severe injuries that required emergency surgical intervention to remove the bone and disc material that was lodged against their spinal cords.

Dr. Hotchkiss is the one of the few veterinarians in North Texas who performs neuro surgeries, and Metro West Emergency Center is the only 24-hour facility in Fort Worth who can manage these patients. Dr. Hotchkiss realized early in his career that time is of the essence when attempting to save dogs who have suffered a spinal cord injury. To ensure he had the skills necessary to perform this delicate procedure, Dr. Hotchkiss committed to a course of extensive training, including over a year working alongside Dr. Peter Early, DVM, DACVIM, a neuorologist who is currently a Professor at the University of North Carolina, College of Veterinary Medicine.  After nursing hundreds of IVDD patients through their recovery, our staff is well-prepared to care for them in the days and weeks following surgery.

Recovering from Surgery

As for these three, Precious was already walking the first day after surgery. Darby and Matilda Begonia are sitting up, standing, urinating on their own, and scooting around – all good signs of a positive recovery. There are many factors that affect the outcome of a dog’s injury, including the severity and the time that lapsed between the injury and surgery. After surgery, healing of the disc is accomplished only with time and rest. Recovery can take weeks to months and can vary from patient to patient.

No Regrets

Although treating IVDD with surgery can be a big investment financially and in terms of the work an owner will have to put in during their pet’s recovery, the rewards can be great. Check out a message that was relayed to Dr. Hotchkiss from Matilda Begonia’s owner, “Matilda Begonia’s parents are so thankful for everything that we have done for her. They wanted to make sure that Dr. Hotchkiss knew that Matilda Begonia was a step away from euthanasia. They are so grateful that they decided to give the surgery a try. Matilda Begonia is very happy to be home!”

Relief for Sore Seniors

Emma (pictured above center) is an 11 year old English Lab who suffered with chronic joint pain that seemed to get worse the older she got. Her mom brought Emma to Hulen Hills Animal Hospital after a friend told her we could help her old dog get some relief. As the quality of life for our pets is constantly improving, our best friends are living longer and owners are being confronted with the health problems that accompany old age.

One of the most common health problems of geriatric dogs is Osteoarthritis (Degenerative Arthritis) — in fact 30% of all older dogs suffer from it. The sign we most frequently see is a gradual slow-down in a dog’s activity level. In this case, it took Emma longer to climb the stairs, longer to run down the stick, and longer to get up from her cozy nap on the floor.

At Hulen Hills Animal Hospital we have many geriatric patients just like Emma who benefit greatly from medicine that helps relieve the pain and inflammation caused by osteoarthritis and improves their mobility. Response varies from dog to dog, but can be quite dramatic. In most patients, improvement can be seen in a matter of days. After just a few months on Rimadyl, Emma is having a much easier time keeping up with her young friends.

If you think your senior pet is too young-at-heart to be slowing down, make an appointment with one of our veterinarians to explore the options that are available. You may just get your old dog back!

Congratulations Karen Lee!

We are happy to announce that Karen Lee has been promoted to a Nurse position at our hospital. Karen Lee left the Fort Worth Zoo to join our team. Since coming aboard, she’s been immersed in training to perfect her veterinary technician skills. She’s grown so much in her abilities and is able to care for our patients during routine wellness exams and in emergency and critical care situations. Karen Lee’s love of animals and her compassion for our clients shines through in everything that she does. We’re proud to have her on the team!

S.T.A.R. Puppies Graduate!

Congratulations are in order for our latest graduates of the S.T.A.R. Puppy Class. Olive, Kate, Brinkley, Avery, and Dodger passed the AKC S.T.A.R. Puppy test with flying colors! As you can see from the photos above, the graduates celebrated with a well-deserved twilight pool party. We’re so proud of them all!

Kasaan Beats Parvovirus!

It’s hard to believe from these photos, but just a few weeks ago Kasaan was a gravely ill little girl.  She transferred to our emergency clinic, Metro West, after her regular veterinarian determined that she had contracted Parvovirus, a particularly lethal viral disease that can lead to sudden death. When she arrived, Kasaan was lethargic and was experiencing chronic bouts of vomiting and diarrhea. Her condition was rapidly declining and it was clear that she was critical. Our medical team rallied together in an effort to save this baby.

Parvo is an extremely contagious disease caused by a virus that attacks the gastrointestinal tract. Vomiting and diarrhea cause rapid dehydration, and most deaths from Parvo occur within 48 to 72 hours following the onset of clinical signs. Unfortunately, there’s no specific drug available to kill the virus. Treatment is intended to support the dog’s body systems until its immune system can fight off the infection. Treatment includes replacing electrolyte and fluid losses, controlling vomiting and diarrhea, and preventing secondary infections.

The good news is, most dogs are vaccinated against Parvo. However, sadly, many aren’t. Young puppies who haven’t had the chance to be fully vaccinated yet are especially at risk of contracting it — as was the case with Kasaan. She spent 11 days with us, and received around-the-clock care. Her bone marrowed stopped working from the severity of the virus, which required 8 blood transfusions to rectify. Our team never gave up on her, and neither did her mom – who came to visit often. Kasaan showed steady, gradual improvement, until one memorable morning when she woke up bright, alert and full of energy. Her tail started to wag, the sparkle returned to her eyes, and we knew she had made it through her tough battle. Way to go, Kasaan!

To learn more about how to protect your pet against Parvovirus, call Hulen Hills to make an appointment with one of our doctors.