Abandoned Animals

The other night, one of our doctors returned to the office to finish up some work. He noticed a small box by our emergency door and went over to investigate. Luckily he did because there were two little kittens inside. Although the kittens were in a box, the temperatures would have been about 30 degrees that night. They would not have survived.

We understand how hard it is to care for pets sometimes. There are limited choices of what to do with pets that can no longer be cared for or that may come into our possession unexpectedly. The local shelter is crowded and often pet owners do not want to leave their pets in a place where they may be euthanized, especially if sick.

Fortunately for us, we have a terrific staff and our clients are generous, loving care-givers. We will certainly nurse these kittens back to health and adopt them to a good home once they are old enough. While we cannot be a rescue to every animal that needs a home, often we can help when someone is faced with a similar situation.

I encourage every animal lover who is reading this to consider becoming a foster to abandoned or unwanted animals. Fostering is temporary until a permanant home can be found. There are so many pets that need help. If this is something you think you can do, consider calling or emailing us. As we continue to see a rise in abandoned animals, the only alternative to an overcrowded shelter or euthanizing a healthy pet is to develop a solid foster program. 

One pet at a time, together we can make a difference.  

What is Leptospirosis And Should I Be Concerned? 

Leptospirosis is a bacterial disease that is contracted by animals from animals. It is a disease that veterinary industry experts recommend vaccinating dogs against. This is because Leptospirosis is a zoonotic disease, meaning it can be transmitted from animals to humans.  However, there are still plenty of veterinarians who do not vaccinate their canine patients for Leptospirosis. This means there are many dogs (and wildlife) that are infected with Leptospirosis and consequently, shedding the disease. There really is no way to know which animals have it and which don’t.

Leptospirosis is caused by a spirochete bacterium called leptospira. Leptospires travel across mucous membranes and broken skin. People become infected with Leptospirosis from contaminated soil or water as well as from direct contact with the urine, saliva or blood of an infected animal. Animals that carry Leptospirosis can include cattle, pigs, horses, dogs, rodents, foxes, raccoons, squirrels and many others.

Clinical signs of Leptospirosis are often nonspecific. They include fever, vomiting, abdominal pain, diarrhea, weakness and stiffness.  Leptospires multiply quickly once they enter the blood stream and spread to many organs, primarily the kidneys and liver. The severity of the disease depends on a number of factors including the immune system of the animal or human being exposed and the virulence of the organism being transmitted.  

Leptospirosis is treatable with antibiotics but the success directly correlates to how ill the patient is and how soon the disease is diagnosed.  It is important to seek medical attention for your pets from your veterinarian or for yourself from your physician as early as possible. The severity of disease can vary as can the speed at which it replicates in the body. 

To help prevent leptospirosis, all dogs should be vaccinated against the disease.  The vaccine does not provide 100% protection as there are many types of leptospirosis.  At New Hartford Animal Hospital, we vaccinate with most technologically advanced vaccine which protects against the four most common strains found in the USA.  Because this is a bacterial disease, the highest level of protection is achieved by vaccinating your dog biannually. Many pet owners are reluctant to vaccinate twice a year but even once a year provides some protection. Not only by vaccinating are you protecting your dog but also your family. 

Other steps to prevent leptospirosis include rodent control and avoiding any contact with urine and blood from your pet or other animals.  As always, good hygiene is paramount in preventing disease.   

For more information on Leptospirosis in humans visit: http://www.health.nsw.gov.au/factsheets/infectious/leptospirosis.html

Why Nutrition Matters

It is well accepted that as humans, our individual health is influenced on a daily basis by environment, genetics, and nutrition. For the last several decades, veterinary medicine has focused more on the role proper nutrition plays in our pet's overall health. Veterinarians increasingly recognize that nutrition enhances a patient's health through all life stages, maintains quality of life, and provides therapeutic support following disease or injury.

AAHA and AVMA recommend that every dog and cat receive nutritional assessment appropriate to their age and lifestyle during each examination. Nutritional factors that must be considered are age, activity level, lifestyle, body weight and condition, medical history, underlying disease, current medications, and diet.

 

Starting dogs and cats out on a good balanced diet early in life is a form of preventative medicine that is almost always cost effective in the long run. There are diets that minimize periodontal disease, prevent urinariy tract infections, or control weight and all are good examples of how nutrition can help prevent disease and illness later in life. Nutrition truly is the foundation for well being.

Ask your veterinarian for their nutritional recommendations and give your pet the best chance at great overall health!