HYPERTHYROID TREATMENT IN CATS

Methimazole is an antithyroid medicine used for treating cats that suffer from Hyperthyroidism Oral and trans-dermal administered options are available Side Effets: -Although cats can well tolerate oral medication, but some may experience mild to moderate GI upsets resulting in Vomiting, Diarrhea or Decreased appetite -Some cats may show facial excoriation(repeated urge to pick at one’s own skin) around neck and pinnea,blood dyscrasia(neutropenia,thrombocytopenia) Or Hepatopathies(increased liver enzymes) -Rarely Myasthenia Gravis(Neuromuscular weakness and positive Acetylcholine receptor auto-antibodies)may be seen Call your veterinarian if you noticed any unusual signs while your cat is taking methimazole

LYME DISEASE

LYME DISEASE, also known as Borreliosis is an infectious bacterial disease that mainly effects Joints and Urinary system. Unfortunately both human and pets especially dogs can be a victim for the infection. Cats are also susceptible to infection but dog cases are more seen than cats, the reason could be being outside living environment, chances for exposure becomes more. Infection is mainly transmitted through tick bites. The causative organism can multiply in the tick body, enters the pet body through tick bite or attachments. Initially replicates locally in skin at tick bite site then moves from there to other tissues of the body. Some pets may show clinical signs but some may not show signs and may become carrier for the infection and pet owners may get infection from contaminated environment. Pets showing clinical signs may suffer from Lyme Arthritis. May have fever and sore, swollen and painful joints. Lymph nodes may be enlarged in effected cases. Some may show other signs like renal failure, ascities, respiratory signs, hypertension and / or eye problems Problem can be diagnosed by laboratory diagnostics including CBC, Chemistry and Snap test for Lyme disease. Radiographs of effected joints can be taken to rule out other causes of arthritis. Urinalysis is recommended in all Lyme positive cases along with proteinuria test. Cases can be treated by running antibiotics course. Some cases give good response to antibiotic but renal effected pets may not respond well. Some cases may need long term antibiotic combination treatment along with supportive care especially for renal issues. Although some vaccines are available in the market but tick prevention and control are the key things that play a role in disease prevention. Public health issue or aspect of Lyme disease should be kept in mind as the problem is ZOONOTIC in nature Risks Associated with Vaccines In general vaccines are safe but still some pets can show allergic reaction to certain part of vaccines, though chances are rare and generally are mild, of short duration and can resolve by their own. Call your veterinarian if you noticed any serious side effect or allergic reaction. Symptoms may include Vomiting, Diarrhea, Facial swelling, Severe scratching, Hives or Difficult breathing. Mild lethargy after vaccines is a normal and does not require any treatment, generally subsides in 24-48 hours. Never use human pain killers as some of them are highly TOXIC for pets. PREVENTIVE CURE is highly recommended to avoid serious and complicated problems and includes regular updates on vaccines, de-worming on regular basis, regular Wellness Exams 1-2/year, dental care, weight management and Flea/Heartworm/Tick prevention. Please feel free to call at clinic number if you have any questions regarding health care issues for your pets. Rivard Animal Hospital 5635 Tecumseh Rd East, Windsor, Ontario, N8T 1C8: (519) 974-7387 www.rivardanimalhospital.com, www.facebook.com/rivardanimalhospital

CLAW INFECTION IN PETS

CLAW INFECTION IN PETS Pets might suffer from traumatic injuries that can turn into secondary bacterial infections or in some cases fungal infections. But other than infection, claw problems might be related to allergic for example food allergies, inflammatory, immune mediated or parasitic causes. Some intestinal parasites can cause severe problems in foot pads that can involve nails also. Regular deworming is recommended to avoid any serious complications in pets. Problem can be diagnosed by cytology, bacterial and / or fungal cultures and radiography. Treatment may need long term (weeks to months) medication. Systemic and local medication (topical foot scrub or foot soaks) may be required in complicated cases. Some cases may need to give oral fatty acids as supplement. Ask your veterinarian about the treatment plan for a particular case if you noticed any unusual discoloration or inflammation in your pets paw area. To ask any questions related to pet health issues, plz feel free to call at 519-974-7387

LYME DISEASE IN WINDSOR ON

Lyme disease is a tick borne problem effecting both pets and humane. Recently some positive cases have been suspected in Windsor and surrounding areas.Pets can be exposed to ticks when playing in bush areas or going for camping where ticks are commonly found. Tick bites can transfer the infection to pets. To protect your pets, vaccination against Lyme disease and monthly tick preventive measures are recommended in risk areas

HEARTWORM MONTH WINDSOR ON

HEARTWORM IN PETS WINDSOR - AN INTRODUCTION

HEARTWORM is a large worm infection that is worldwide in distribution and can infect a wide variety of species including dogs and cats. Mature worms lives in heart and vessels that supply blood to the lungs. Mosquitoes spread the disease from infected to healthy pets. When infected mosquito bites, it can transfer baby worms to a healthy pet where they start further development. When mosquito bites, nobody knows either that mosquito was infected or not and even a single bite of mosquito is sufficient to transfer the infection. If the heartworm goes undetected or proper remedy is not done to control baby form of worms, they will grow and develop into adults, then reproduce causing a very serious disease. Baby worms can survive in body up to 3 years. Adult worms may range from 16 to 28 cm (6 ½ to 11 inches) in length and can survive up to 5 years.

FLEA ALLERGY IN PETS

Flea Allergy is a common problem in cats and dogs. Fleas can multiply very rapidly. As they survive by taking blood from host through bites, it can cause blood loss in pets resulting in anemia. Moreover, fleas carry tapeworms and during grooming pets can eat the flea bodies carrying tapeworms. Some pets can show severe flea allergy dermatitis. Pet may start scratching and causing skin wounds. To avoid all these complications, better approach is to keep all pets on regular monthly flea preventive program in flea problem areas. If you have any questions regarding flea problem in pets, plz feel free to call:519-974-7387 www.rivardanimalhospital.com

EAR HEMATOMA IN PETS

Ear Hematoma in Cats and Dogs can result from any injury to ear flap. Accidentally blood vessels inside the flap are ruptured and blood starts accumulating inside the flap making a small balloon at the site. Area feels semi soft to touch. In most cases ear infection could be the primary reason that turned into ear hematoma but in some cases inner ear looks clear. Fleas could be another reason. When crawling close to ears and biting those areas can result into local irritation. Pets try to get rid of problem by rubbing with paws and accidentally may injure the blood vessels. Unfortunately in Windsor area Flea Allergy in pets is very common problem. It is advisable to check your pets for fleas on regular basis and keep them on monthly flea preventive program. If you have any questions regarding ear hematoma or flea allergy in pets, plz feel free to call at 519-974-7387

DENTAL MONTH - PET DENTISTRY IN WINDSOR

GIARDIASIS IN CATS AND DOGS

GIARDIASIS, a protozoan intestinal parasitic infestation effecting both cats and dogs as well as HUMAN (Zoonotic Problem). Giardia cysts may survive in a favorable environment for days to weeks. Infestation occurs by licking fecal contaminated surfaces or other materials or cysts may be taken into the body by drinking contaminated waters. Clinical signs depends upon severity of infestation, age and defense system of the host. Generally young pets and immunocompromised animals are at great risk. Over crowding of pets in a particular area and poor hygenic conditions also play a major role in developing the clinical form of the disease. Clinical Signs vary from acute to chronic diarrhea. Some pets may show intermittent diarrhea. Feces may have mucous material. Problem can be diagnosed by running a fecal test for cyst. trophozoites or Giardia test on feces. Positive cases can be treated by using specific treatment therapy that is effective against Giardia. Precautions should be taken while handling fecal samples to avoid accidental ingestion of cysts. Washing hands after handling fecal samples or using gloves is recommended. Proper hygienic measures should be taken to minimize the chances of re-infestation from the contaminated environment. If you have any questions regarding Giardiasis in Pets, feel free to call at (519)-974-7387 Rivard Animal Hospital 5635 Tecumseh Road East Windsor ON N8T 1C8 www.rivardanimalhospital.com