Cheyletiella dermatitis is caused by a small mite that lives in the outer layers of the skin of dogs, cats, rabbits and people. Infected animals have an accumulation of dandruff on their backs and occasionally on their necks and heads. Most infested animals scratch and shed hair excessively.
The mite spreads easily from animal to animal by direct contact or sharing contaminated quarters or grooming supplies. People become infested through contact with infested animals.
As the entire life cycle of these mites occurs on the host animal, environmental cleaning is not difficult.
Diagnosis is made by identifying the mite microscopically. The characteristic appearance on examining the pet is one of 'walking dandruff'.
Important Points in Treatment
1. Cheyletiella infestations are easily treated with acaricidal spot-ons such as Revolution, Stronghold or Advocate. They can also be treated effectively with medicated shampoos and insecticidal dips, powders or sprays. The veterinarian will advise you concerning the best product for your pet.
2. During treatment, your pet should be isolated from other animals for 3 weeks.
3. While environmental contamination is not a great problem with Cheyletiella, mites may survive up to 10 days off the host. For this reason, a strong effort should be made to clean the premises thoroughly and spray the area with a good residual insecticide.
This article was donated by the Columbia Animal Hospital. For further information visit http://www.petshealth.com
Televets is a new and free online pet Q&A service. Visit them at http://www.televets.com to ask your question today!
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Sunday, February 17, 2008
Friday, February 15, 2008
Liver Disease in Dogs & Cats
The liver is the main filtering and clearing organ of the body. All blood supply travels through the liver to be detoxified. There are many causes of liver disease - genetics, copper storage diseases, drug induce diseases, poisons, pancreatitis, Cushing's disease, malnutrition, parasites, environmental stresses, cancer, trauma and infectious diseases (bacterial, viral, fungal), just to name a few.
When diagnosed early, treatment of liver disease can be very rewarding. Diagnosis includes blood tests (lab interpretations) such as an ALT (SGPT), alkaline phosphophotase, bilirubin, total protein, bile acids etc. X-rays and ultrasound are also very important in the diagnose of this disease. Liver biopsies may also be an invaluable aid in the determination of the type of liver disease.
Listed below are several of the more common diseases of cats and dogs:
Hepatic Encephalopathy
A metabolic disorder affecting the CNS that develops as a result of hepatic disease causing seizures. The end result is the accumulation of ammonia in the blood stream due to portal shunts, cirrhosis, or end stage liver disease.
Clinical signs include: excessive drooling in cats, behavior changes, visual defects (blindness), circling, pacing, anxiety, stupor and seizures. These signs are more prevalent after eating due to the increased amount of ammonia in the blood stream affecting the brain.
Causes: portal shunts, infectious hepatitis, cirrhosis, dietary restriction of arginine in cats and ferrets.
Treatment: repair portal shunt if possible, low protein diet, antibiotics such as neomycin affecting intestinal flora to reduce the production of ammonia, lactulose to trap the ammonia in the gut, and low protein diets.
Acute Hepatic Failure
A rapid loss of liver function due to death of liver cells.
Causes: drugs, toxins, infectious diseases, and lack of oxygen.
Clinical signs: acute depression and illness-vomiting, icterus, diarrhea, seizures, hemorrhage
Diagnosis: abnormal laboratory values, abnormal x-rays and ultrasounds, and biopsy
Treatment: IV fluids, intestinal sedatives, plasma if indicated, antibiotics, vitamins
Hepatic Lipidosis (Fatty Liver)
The accumulation of fat within the liver.
Causes: loss of appetite which promotes the accumulation of lipid in the liver. This leads to a decreased in liver function. Underlying causes include-primary liver disease, shunts, diabetes, intestinal disease, pancreatitis, cancer, and other illnesses causing loss of appetite.
Signs: loss of appetite, weight loss, icterus, vomiting, enlarged liver on palpation.
Treatment: Dietary therapy is the primary treatment. High protein high calorie diets should be fed either by force feeding or by stomach tube. This process of tube feeding may last for 6-8 weeks. In our practice we place a either a PEG tube or pharyngeal tube surgically. Iv fluid therapy and antibiotics as well as vitamin therapy is also done.
Hepatitis Chronic Active
Inflammation of the liver resulting in the accumulation of inflammatory cells and scarring. This disease is more common in dogs and is due to many causes.
Causes: infectious canine hepatitis, leptospirosis, immune mediated diseases, copper storage diseases of Bedlingtons and Westies.
Diagnosis: Laboratory tests, x-rays, ultrasounds, biopsies
Treatment: A diet of high calorie and low in protein (HILL'S LD Diet), IV fluids, steroids, broad spectrum antibiotics, ursodiol (Actigal), B-complex and vitamin K.
Copper Storage Disease
Bedlington Terriers and Westhighland White Terriers can suffer from this genetic disease caused by accumulation of copper in the liver. This may also be seen in Doberman Pinchers and Skye Terriers. Copper is found in all foods then absorbed by the intestines, stored in the liver and excreted through the bile system. These breed genetically have the inability to eliminate copper from the liver. As many as 2/3 of Bedlingtons in the USA have this disease and may be clinically affected. Westies do not show the clinical signs of the disease even though they may have high levels of copper. Other breeds affected are cocker spaniels, keeshonds and Labrador retrievers.
Diagnosis: Blood tests, x-ray, ultrasound and biopsy
Treatment: Iv fluids, lactulose, d-penicillamine for binding the copper, and zinc acetate given before feeding. Vitamin C may also help reduce the absorption of copper.
Infectious hepatitis
A viral disease targeting the liver, kidneys, eyes, and blood stream.
Clinical signs: fever, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain
Diagnosis: Blood tests, x-rays, ultrasound, liver biopsy.
Treatment: This disease is preventable with vaccination. Treatment is supportive-IV fluids, antibiotics, highly digestible diets.
Leptospirosis Hepatitis
A bacterial disease caused by leptospirosis. This is a potential communicable disease to people.
Clinical signs: Depression, loss of appetite, signs of kidney disease, respiratory disease.
Diagnosis: Blood tests, serum testing for leptospirosis, urine culturing
Treatment: IV therapy, Procaine penicillin G, or enrofloxicin
Other liver diseases include:abscess of the liver, benign tumors, cancer, toxins, parasites
There are many types and clinical signs of liver cancer. Treatment is often not rewarding as the disease is diagnosed when the cancer is to far advanced. Diagnosis may be made by blood tests, x-ray, ultrasound, laproscopy, CAT scan, and exploratory surgery.
End stage liver disease encompasses may types of pathology. Cirrhosis is one form of end stage liver disease. As the disease progresses, the liver is unable to filter and process properly. As a result, the body is overwhelmed with toxins such as ammonia. When this occurs, your pet may develop a seizure like disorder as a result of the toxins. Diets low in protein as well as medications to bind the ammonia may be of use to help minimize the clinical signs as well as prolong your pet's quality of life.
This article was donated by the Columbia Animal Hospital. For further information visit http://www.petshealth.com/
Televets is a new free pet Q&A service available to pet owners worldwise. To ask your question today, visit http://www.televets.com/
When diagnosed early, treatment of liver disease can be very rewarding. Diagnosis includes blood tests (lab interpretations) such as an ALT (SGPT), alkaline phosphophotase, bilirubin, total protein, bile acids etc. X-rays and ultrasound are also very important in the diagnose of this disease. Liver biopsies may also be an invaluable aid in the determination of the type of liver disease.
Listed below are several of the more common diseases of cats and dogs:
Hepatic Encephalopathy
A metabolic disorder affecting the CNS that develops as a result of hepatic disease causing seizures. The end result is the accumulation of ammonia in the blood stream due to portal shunts, cirrhosis, or end stage liver disease.
Clinical signs include: excessive drooling in cats, behavior changes, visual defects (blindness), circling, pacing, anxiety, stupor and seizures. These signs are more prevalent after eating due to the increased amount of ammonia in the blood stream affecting the brain.
Causes: portal shunts, infectious hepatitis, cirrhosis, dietary restriction of arginine in cats and ferrets.
Treatment: repair portal shunt if possible, low protein diet, antibiotics such as neomycin affecting intestinal flora to reduce the production of ammonia, lactulose to trap the ammonia in the gut, and low protein diets.
Acute Hepatic Failure
A rapid loss of liver function due to death of liver cells.
Causes: drugs, toxins, infectious diseases, and lack of oxygen.
Clinical signs: acute depression and illness-vomiting, icterus, diarrhea, seizures, hemorrhage
Diagnosis: abnormal laboratory values, abnormal x-rays and ultrasounds, and biopsy
Treatment: IV fluids, intestinal sedatives, plasma if indicated, antibiotics, vitamins
Hepatic Lipidosis (Fatty Liver)
The accumulation of fat within the liver.
Causes: loss of appetite which promotes the accumulation of lipid in the liver. This leads to a decreased in liver function. Underlying causes include-primary liver disease, shunts, diabetes, intestinal disease, pancreatitis, cancer, and other illnesses causing loss of appetite.
Signs: loss of appetite, weight loss, icterus, vomiting, enlarged liver on palpation.
Treatment: Dietary therapy is the primary treatment. High protein high calorie diets should be fed either by force feeding or by stomach tube. This process of tube feeding may last for 6-8 weeks. In our practice we place a either a PEG tube or pharyngeal tube surgically. Iv fluid therapy and antibiotics as well as vitamin therapy is also done.
Hepatitis Chronic Active
Inflammation of the liver resulting in the accumulation of inflammatory cells and scarring. This disease is more common in dogs and is due to many causes.
Causes: infectious canine hepatitis, leptospirosis, immune mediated diseases, copper storage diseases of Bedlingtons and Westies.
Diagnosis: Laboratory tests, x-rays, ultrasounds, biopsies
Treatment: A diet of high calorie and low in protein (HILL'S LD Diet), IV fluids, steroids, broad spectrum antibiotics, ursodiol (Actigal), B-complex and vitamin K.
Copper Storage Disease
Bedlington Terriers and Westhighland White Terriers can suffer from this genetic disease caused by accumulation of copper in the liver. This may also be seen in Doberman Pinchers and Skye Terriers. Copper is found in all foods then absorbed by the intestines, stored in the liver and excreted through the bile system. These breed genetically have the inability to eliminate copper from the liver. As many as 2/3 of Bedlingtons in the USA have this disease and may be clinically affected. Westies do not show the clinical signs of the disease even though they may have high levels of copper. Other breeds affected are cocker spaniels, keeshonds and Labrador retrievers.
Diagnosis: Blood tests, x-ray, ultrasound and biopsy
Treatment: Iv fluids, lactulose, d-penicillamine for binding the copper, and zinc acetate given before feeding. Vitamin C may also help reduce the absorption of copper.
Infectious hepatitis
A viral disease targeting the liver, kidneys, eyes, and blood stream.
Clinical signs: fever, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, abdominal pain
Diagnosis: Blood tests, x-rays, ultrasound, liver biopsy.
Treatment: This disease is preventable with vaccination. Treatment is supportive-IV fluids, antibiotics, highly digestible diets.
Leptospirosis Hepatitis
A bacterial disease caused by leptospirosis. This is a potential communicable disease to people.
Clinical signs: Depression, loss of appetite, signs of kidney disease, respiratory disease.
Diagnosis: Blood tests, serum testing for leptospirosis, urine culturing
Treatment: IV therapy, Procaine penicillin G, or enrofloxicin
Other liver diseases include:abscess of the liver, benign tumors, cancer, toxins, parasites
There are many types and clinical signs of liver cancer. Treatment is often not rewarding as the disease is diagnosed when the cancer is to far advanced. Diagnosis may be made by blood tests, x-ray, ultrasound, laproscopy, CAT scan, and exploratory surgery.
End stage liver disease encompasses may types of pathology. Cirrhosis is one form of end stage liver disease. As the disease progresses, the liver is unable to filter and process properly. As a result, the body is overwhelmed with toxins such as ammonia. When this occurs, your pet may develop a seizure like disorder as a result of the toxins. Diets low in protein as well as medications to bind the ammonia may be of use to help minimize the clinical signs as well as prolong your pet's quality of life.
This article was donated by the Columbia Animal Hospital. For further information visit http://www.petshealth.com/
Televets is a new free pet Q&A service available to pet owners worldwise. To ask your question today, visit http://www.televets.com/
Saturday, February 2, 2008
Lyme Disease in Pets
Lyme Disease is a disease caused by a spiral-shaped bacterium, Borrelia burgdorferi. The disease can affect dogs, cats, horses, cattle, birds, wild animals, and people. White-tailed deer and white-footed mice appear to be natural carriers.
The disease is transmitted by the bite of a tick. Some biting insects have been found carrying the organism, but they are not considered as major transmitters of the disease. There is NO evidence that you can get the disease from your pet, BUT your pet could bring infected ticks into your yard or house. Most of the signs of Lyme Disease are reported in the spring to fall, when tick populations are the highest.
Lyme Disease appears to have a world-wide distribution. Cases have been reported in at least 30 of the United States. The areas of highest activity are along the northeastern seaboard, however, a few cases have been documented in Texas.
Signs of Lyme Disease are vague and resemble various other conditions. Initial signs include a rash, fever, joint swelling and pain, and swollen lymph nodes. Within days, weeks, or even months, more serious signs develop, such as heart, brain, and joint disorders. Painful joint swelling is the most common advanced sign.
A positive antibody test for Lyme Disease only shows that your pet has been exposed to the organism at some point in time. It does NOT mean that your pet is currently infected. The test is performed to help evaluate clinical signs where the disease could be a possibility. Often a diagnosis of Lyme Disease cannot be made until a response is seen to treatment for the disease. Many pets that are exposed to the organism will test positive, but never develop signs.
The disease is readily treated with antibiotics. The earlier in the course of the disease treatment is begun, the better the chance for complete cure. Your pet may appear well after only a few days of medication, BUT IT IS IMPORTANT TO CONTINUE GIVING THE DRUG FOR THE FULL TIME PERIOD or your pet may show signs again.
PREVENTION
When you and your pet venture into areas that may be infested with ticks, you should take precautions to avoid infection with Lyme Disease or other tick-transmitted diseases. Apply repellents to yourself and regularly use flea and tick insecticides on your pet. Always closely inspect your pet and yourself after walking in woods, fields, or meadows. If you detect any ticks, do not crush the tick’s body during removal. Rather, use tweezers or forceps to grasp the tick’s head as close to your pet’s skin as possible, and gently remove the tick to avoid separation of the tick’s head from its body.
A VACCINE IS NOW AVAILABLE FOR THIS DISEASE.
This vaccination is recommended if you live in an area inhabited by ticks or if you plan on taking your dog to the park, woods, out camping, or hunting.
Televets is a new free online pet Q&A service. For further information or to ask a pet question, visit http://www.televets.com/
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