What Are You Preventing by Neutering Your Pet?

Why should you spay or neuter your pet? According to a 1995 survey by the American Animal Hospital Association, nearly 80 percent of the cats and dogs in the United States and Canada are spayed or neutered.

Neutered males of all species are less likely to roam, less likely to fight, and less likely to spray urine everywhere to mark their territory. When male cats and dogs roam they are exposed to many dangers including but not limited to cars, infectious diseases, and fights with other animals. These hazards will most likely lead to an expensive trip to the veterinarian.

The word neuter refers to the removal of the reproductive organs of either a male or a female of a species, the commonly used term for the removal of female reproductive organs is spay. The scientific terminology for neutering in the male is castration and in the female is ovariohysterectomy.

The majority of the Veterinarian community believes it is best to neuter either a male or female pet just before or shortly after sexual maturity. For rabbits and other pocket pets, this time could range from four to six months in the small to medium sized breeds and up to nine months in the giant breeds. For cats and dogs, it is important to wait until all of the adult teeth are in. In order to avoid common behavioral issues, it is best not to wait past a year of age to neuter males. Once a hormone-triggered behavior has continued long enough, you can be dealing with a firmly entrenched habit that will not fade even after neutering. Frequently, neutering helps with behavior problems, even if done much later, so don't give up on it just because you've missed the optimum time.

Un-Neutered pet’s prostate gland will gradually enlarge over the course of the dog’s life due to the influence of excess testosterone in the body. With age, the prostate is likely to become uncomfortable, possibly being large enough to interfere with defecation. The prostate under the influence of testosterone is also predisposed to infection, which is almost impossible to clear up without neutering. Neutering causes the prostate to shrink into insignificance, thus preventing both prostatitis as well as the uncomfortable benign hyperplasia (enlargement) that occurs with aging.

Read more about the specif benefits of spaying your female companion animals at our veterinary practice's website by clicking here.

Spaying and neutering is a very important subject for this quarter’s prevention topic. A Pediatric care exam is the first step to prevention. Our Doctors and Technicians vet at West Ridge would love to talk to you about your pets spay or neuter options. Let’s help decrease the overpopulation so that they are safe and healthy! 

Juvenile Pubic Symphysiodesis (JPS) can help Minimize Hip Dysplasia Risk

This quarter, West Ridge Animal Hospital is focusing on Pet Prevention and the different ways to inhibit health issues in our pets. There are many different ways to prevent health issues and one approach is surgical. One surgery in particular has had marked success in minimizing the number of animals with hip dysplasia. This surgery is called the Juvenile Pubic Symphysiodesis (JPS) and is performed in puppies between the ages of 15-20 weeks.

If you have ever watched your beloved 12 year old Labrador struggle to get up off the floor you know exactly what we are referring to. Hip dysplasia is a degenerative disease in which dog shave poor fitting hip joints.  Typically, the ball and socket joint fit together neatly, allowing a dog to move their legs freely and without pain. If the animal’s joint does not fit together properly, as in the case of hip dysplasia, they are more prone to developing arthritis and pain in their joint area as they age.  Motion of the hip joints slowly causes erosion of soft cartilage, causing the bones to rub together increasing pain.

Hip dysplasia can occur in any breed, but is predominant in the larger dogs, particularly the German Shepherd, St. Bernard, Labrador Retriever, Pointers, and Setters. Although hip dysplasia is a genetic condition, research shows that environmental factors can also put a dog at risk. Overfeeding (especially of puppies) can predispose a dog to hip dysplasia. Excessive exercise may predispose dogs as well. Those who adopt a breed of puppy prone to dysplasia should ask their breeder if they have done any screenings on their dogs.

There are several different signs of severe hip dysplasia. Symptoms usually appear before the dog reaches one year of age and may include pain in the rear legs, incoordination, limping, and difficulty rising. Those with less severe cases may not develop arthritis or other symptoms until they become older (6-10 years).

Surgical procedure in young dogs such as the JPS is a more successful option than drugs for treating severe cases of hip dysplasia. Surgeons can improve the joints in young dogs by making changes to the shape of the femur or pelvis. During the JPS procedure, the pubic symphysiodesis, which is the cartilage seam connecting the left and right sides of the pelvis, is electrocauterized (or removed) to induce bony fusion and to stop the continued growth of the growth plate. This then allows the pubic bone to grow normally and allows for a tighter and healthier hip joint.


Much like humans who have joint problems, dogs that are diagnosed with hip dysplasia should not be free of exercise. Exercising at the dogs own pave can help loosen up the stiffness in the joints. Weight is a big factor as well. Shedding extra pounds can cause relief to the joints and bones. Those dogs that do have arthritis should be kept away from the cold since cold weather can aggravate aching joints.

If you are concerned about your dog having hip dysplasia or you want to do everything you can to prevent it, please talk to your veterinarian about the JPS procedure (www.WRAH.net/care/procedures/JPS.html) when scheduling his or her spay or neuter. Your pet will thank you for it!

Read about Lowering the Risks of Degenerative Joint Disease

Monthly Heartworm Prevention: Why Does My Dog Need It and What Does It Cover?

It's that time of year again; spring is in the air!  Many people and animals love this time of year because they have the chance to get outside and enjoy the warm sunshine and beautiful weather.  But you and your furry friends aren't the only ones to enjoy the new season.  Predators lurk, waiting just outside your doors.  One of these sneaking creatures would love to slip inside a crack in your window and make a blood meal out of you or your unsuspecting pet.  Want to know what this nasty little guy is?  A mosquito!  These guys seem like a mere nuisance, biting and giving us annoying itchy bumps; yet what most people don't realize is that mosquitoes can carry heartworm larvae that can easily infect our unprotected pets.

Many people will say, "Fluffy doesn't go outside but to go potty a few times a day, so I don't think I need to worry." Or, "The area I live in doesn't have many mosquitoes, so Fluffy doesn't need protection."  Heartworm disease is prevalent in all fifty states, and all it takes is one bite from a mosquito to infect your pet.  Heartworms live in your pet's arteries; they multiply until there are so many of them that the blood cannot flow properly. Treatment for heartworms is costly and dangerous but also lifesaving. Heartworms are scary, but there are several preventive options on the market.

West Ridge Animal Hospital uses a product called Sentinel that protects your pet against not only heartworms, but other intestinal parasites that they might bring home to you and your family. Sentinel Flavor Tabs and Sentinel Spectrum are oral medications proven to help protect your dogs from heartworms, hookworms, roundworms, whipworms, and flea eggs.  Spectrum goes one step further and protects against tapeworms as well!  Both medications contain powerful, safe, and well tolerated drugs (Mibemycin Oxime, Lufenuron, and Proziquantel added to Spectrum) to kill heartworms and other parasites before they can cause serious health problems to your furry friends.  This monthly preventive product also has the ability to protect your dogs by killing flea eggs from hatching and developing into a full blow flea infestation.

As evidenced by the comparison chart below, Sentinel and Sentinel Spectrum both have the ability to thoroughly protect your pets with an easy to administer monthly dose. Sentinel is a proven product. It is safe and effective in preventing not only heartworm disease, but intestinal parasites that could possibly infect your family.  All you need to do to get your dogs started on this monthly parasite preventative is a yearly heartworm blood test that can be performed at your veterinarian's office.  This test ensures that your pet is not already infected with heartworms and can safely receive the preventive.  So get out there and enjoy the beautiful weather with the knowledge that you are protecting your dog and family all with a little flavored tab!

Heartworm Prevention: Dogs

(click image to enlarge)

Read about Treating Canine Heartworm Disease

Speaking from Experience:  One Pet Owner’s Story of how Heartworms Affected her Family 

Dental Quarter Update:

Dental Quarter is in full swing at West Ridge Animal Hospital! According to the American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA), periodontal disease is the most common, preventable, condition most frequently seen in dogs and cats. Good home care includes: brushing, appropriate chewtoys, and a healthy diet. For pets that are predisposed to dental disease or struggle with their oral health, there are a myriad of additional resources, including: water additives, medications, and oral health wipes. 

In conjunction with proper home care, your pet’s dental health needs to be assessed by a veterinarian on a yearly basis. Usually this is completed at the time of their preventive care physical examination(s). West Ridge Animal Hospital uses a grading system to determine the level of your pet’s periodontal disease. If needed we can complete an American Animal Hospital Association (AAHA) approved anesthetized dental cleaning, assessment, and treatment to address your pet’s periodontal disease. To date this year we have performed over fifty anesthetized dental procedures, and have one month remaining in our big push for your pet’s dental health.

Contact us today at (970) 330-7283 to learn more about our at home starter kit
or to discuss your pet’s dental health. 

Click here to read more about AAHA Dental Care Guidelines

Holiday Tips for Protecting Your Pet

Holiday Tips for Protecting Your Pet

 'Tis the season when it starts getting colder, and the holiday spirit is in the air. Here are some tips for making this a healthy and happy time for you and your pets.

HOUSING: Make sure your pet is protected from the weather. If your pet is an indoor pet, make sure they have a warm, draft free place to sleep, preferably elevated slightly off the floor. If your pet is outside, a warm insulated pet house or shelter is recommended. The house should be elevated so moisture cannot accumulate inside. Provide a small opening covered with canvas to block out winter winds. If the wind chill or weather conditions become too severe, please bring your pets inside.

FROSTBITE: Remove ice and snow from your pet's paws and coat at once. Frostbite can look reddish, white, or gray and the skin may appear scaly. If you think your pet has frostbite, take him/her to a warm place immediately. Apply warm, moist towels...  (read more)

For some some great ways to include your pets in your holiday memory-making, click here.

Keeping Your Pet's Mouth Healthy, Dental Grades

These figures depict how the doctors grade your pet's teeth.

Periodontal Disease and Its Treatment, Part I

PART I: What is it?

We’ve all heard the term Periodontal Disease, but do you know what it really is and how it forms?
Periodontal literally means “around the tooth”; periodontal disease, then, is infection and inflammation of the gums, ligaments, and bones surrounding the teeth.  Gingivitis is the less severe form; if left untreated it progresses into periodontitis and tooth loss.

It all starts with a sticky substance called plaque which is made up of saliva, bacteria and tiny bits of food.  Plaque is easily removed through brushing and flossing.  Areas of plaque that are left on teeth eventually harden into tartar; once formed, tartar can only be removed with ultrasonic tools and special instruments during a dental cleaning.  To further exacerbate the situation, tartar has a rough outer surface to which even more bacteria likes to attach.  This buildup irritates and inflames the gum, causing a pocket with ideal conditions for-- you guessed it-- even MORE bacteria and tartar.  Thus, a vicious cycle forms of bacteria accumulation and additional inflammation until eventually the result is tooth and bone loss.  On top of the risk of tooth loss, bacteria can separate and travel through the bloodstream to the liver, heart, and/or the kidneys.

Knowing our pets can’t brush their teeth and remove plaque, it is easy to see how animals’ mouths are so susceptible to disease!

Feline Odontoclastic Resorptive Lesions

Our beloved cats (and some dogs, too!) commonly fall victim to Feline Odontoclastic Resorptive Lesions (aka FORLs or, simply, Resorptive Lesions).  These cannot be prevented, meaning that (1) if your cat gets them, you are not guilty in any way, and (2) cats must receive dentals performed by a veterinarian regardless of how well their teeth are cared for.

Resorptive Lesions originate in the cementum which covers the root of the tooth.  They work their way to the pulp, then move either down or up the inside of the tooth; sometimes going both directions at once.  By the time any external signs are visible, your pet’s tooth already has a painful end-stage lesion.  Signs that your cat has a lesion which has progressed to the crown include: not eating, eating only soft items, general malaise, and drooling.

Diagnosing a Resorptive Lesion requires both oral radiographs and dental probing- both of which can only be performed while the cat is under anesthesia.  In every one of our comprehensive dental exams, a veterinarian probes the gums and gets full-mouth x-rays to ensure all issues, even those under the gums, are discovered.

If a Resorptive Lesion exists in a tooth, that tooth must be extracted.  Treatment following an extraction includes pain management and antibiotics.  Your cat will need to come back in for the DVM to monitor healing.  Unfortunately, any cat that has had one Resorptive Lesion is likely to have subsequent lesions.

Of course, we all would prefer to completely prevent any chance of pain in our furry friends but the good news is that, with careful treatment by a licensed DVM, Resorptive Lesions are completely treatable!

Be thankful AND vigilant for an emergency-free Thanksgiving

We all have things for which to be thankful, but allow us to give you one more this year: thankful for NOT having to make an urgent care visit to your local veterinarian!

As far as animal safety goes on Thanksgiving, the food reigns supreme:

• The more obvious culprit, of course, are the turkey/ chicken/ ham (even steak) bones. Not only can they get lodged in the throat, stomach and even the intestinal tract, they can also puncture your dog insides.
• Fatty or rich foods- poultry skins, gravy, fatty meat, etc.- can, at the least, cause intestinal distress and may even lead to pancreatitis, a serious inflammation of the pancreas or intestine.
• By now, everyone has heard that chocolate can be toxic to our dogs, but a less-known fact is that xylitol (a common sugar substitute) is even more dangerous. To be safe, keep all sweets up out of your pets' reach. Other foods on the not-allowed list are onions and garlic, grapes and raisins, and macadamia nuts; all of these can be toxic to our pets.

It would also be good to keep in mind the fact that lots of visitors can be stressful to your pets, as well. To avoid this, you can create a safe haven for them or even board them in a facility.

All of us at West Ridge Animal Hospital wish you and yours a peaceful, playful, happy Thanksgiving!

And no offense, but we hope we don't see you first thing Friday morning for an urgent care visit...

How to transport your cat to the vet with less stress – for them and for you!

Providing regular health care for your cat is essential to a longer, healthier and more comfortable life for them. However, many cats get stressed going to the veterinarian. Here are some tips to make the trip to your veterinarian easier:

· Try to have your cat associate the carrier with positive experiences. Your goal should be to have them enter the carrier on a regular basis. Leave the carrier in a room where your cat spends a lot of time and give them time to become familiar with it. Placing soft bedding or clothing inside may help them feel more secure.

· Treats, toys or catnip placed inside should encourage them to enter the carrier. It could take days or sometimes weeks for them to trust the carrier, so be patient! Always reward your cat for the behavior you want, so if your cat is sitting near or exploring the carrier, give a treat.

· If your cat is not yet used to the carrier, but needs to go to the veterinarian right away, try putting the carrier and your cat in a small room with few hiding places. Encourage your cat to enter the carrier using a special treat. If that doesn’t work and your carrier has an opening at the top, try to gently cradle the cat and lower it into the carrier. If your carrier allows, removing the top half, placing your cat into the lower half and calmly replacing the top can also work.

· There are many types of cat carriers on the market. Before deciding which one is best for your cat, consider your cat’s size, how well she tolerates handling, and what carrier is easiest for you to transport. It should be safe, secure, sturdy, and easy for you to carry. Some of the best carriers are hard-sided and open from both the front and the top. An easily removable top allows a cat which is fearful, anxious or in pain to stay in the bottom half for exams by the veterinarian.

· It’s always a good idea to secure the carrier with a seat belt to keep your cat safe in the car. Sometimes cats are less anxious if the carrier is covered or partially covered with a blanket or towel, while others like to be able to see out.

Contact your veterinarian for additional ideas on making your cat’s visit a calm and pleasant one.

Resource: 2011 Feline Friendly Handling www.catvets.com

Some Surprising Summer Safety Situations

Ah summer… days filled with sprinklers, beaches, yard work, and other adventures.  Many of us understand how to keep ourselves and our children safe, but there are some hidden dangers for your pets of which you may not be aware.

-    Hoses: just pieces of innocuous yard equipment, right?  Usually, yes.  However, some dogs are actually being scalded by hot water from hoses that bake in the sun.  If using an outside hose for fun or a bath let it run for a moment and check the water temperature before pointing it at your pet- or your child, for that matter!

-    Solid ground: the ground is a hazard?  Yes.  Animals, obviously, don’t wear shoes when they go outside.  On high-temp days, try out the concrete, asphalt, and even dirt with your own bare feet and your pet will thank you!

-    Cars: NEVER leave an animal in an unoccupied car, even with the windows open.  Temperatures in cars increases alarmingly fast and can be harmful- even fatal- in minutes.

-    Wildlife and pesky insects: not only can they be irritating, they can also inflict illness.  Leptospirosis, intestinal worms, heartworms, distemper, rabies, and tick-borne diseases can all be avoided with proactive measures.  Verify with your veterinarian that your pet is up to date on all vaccines and preventive medications.

-    Pools, beaches and lakes: we all know that these can be very dangerous if we’re not careful.  Here are some suggestions for keeping your four-footed family members free from harm.

• Never force an animal into water, not all dogs enjoy or are adept at swimming.
• There is a very rare risk of water intoxication caused by dogs gulping large amounts of water- be on the watch for strange behavior during or after playing in water.
• It’s a good idea to wear a life vest and not swim too close to your dog so that you don’t get scratched or pulled under accidentally.
• Be sure to provide fresh drinking water.
• Keep a close eye on your pet for signs of dehydration, ear infections or other water-related issues.

-    Landscaping: This category has sub-categories all its own…

• ASPCA’s website to discover what plants are toxic to animals so that they can be placed where your pets won’t have access to them.  
• One must also be careful when applying fertilizers and other chemicals to the yard to restrict exposure to any animals.  
• Metal garden edging may pose a hazard to dogs as it can possibly cut them between their tender paws.  We recommend using rubber, brick, or wood instead.
• It’s a good idea to do an inspection of the yard periodically to check for threats to your pets’ safety.  Oftentimes a piece of fence comes loose or a nail becomes exposed- both treacherous situations for sure!

With just a little extra effort and close observation, we can all enjoy a safe, happy summer!

Skunk rabies confirmed in Weld County

Skunk rabies has been confirmed in Weld County earlier this month. While bat rabies has been in our area for awhile, terrestrial wildlife with rabies is more of a concern due to increased potential for exposure to pets and other domestic animals. The Weld County Department of Public Health and Environment lists the following as ways to prevent exposure to rabies:

• Do not feed, touch or handle wild animals and be cautious of stray dogs and cats
• Teach children to leave wildlife alone and tell you when they have been bitten or scratched
• Have dogs, cats, horses, and livestock vaccinated regularly by your veterinarian
• Maintain control of pets by keeping them indoors and under supervision
• Spay or neuter pets to reduce the number of unwanted or stray animals in the neighborhood
• Call local animal control to remove stray animals from the neighborhood
• Keep trash bins tightly closed and do not leave pet food outdoors

Be especially wary of any wildlife that acts out of the norm, i.e. nocturnal animals out at daytime or wild animals seeming to be tame. These signs can point to illness.

For more information:
Weld County Press Release
Colorado State rabies brochure

Keeping Your Pet's Mouth Healthy, Part 3

As seen in this picture, Bhaer presented to us with a Dental Grade 3 mouth on the morning of January 12th, 2012.
Before doing any treatments, the veterinarian will perform a pre-surgical exam, including bloodwork, to ensure the animal is healthy. Pre-anesthetic medication is given to make the patient sleepy then we intubate him/her.

Doing this allows us:
• unlimited access to the mouth,
• the ability to perform all the actions necessary during the procedure,
• to prevent any fluid and bacteria (loosened from the teeth) from
going in to the lungs,
• to keep our patient pain-free throughout the entire procedure by
utilizing inhalant anesthesia.

While anesthetized, all patients are closely monitored; we watch their temperature, blood pressure, heart rate, ECG tracing, respirations, blood-oxygen saturation, and carbon dioxide levels. We also place a catheter and administer fluids.

Here, you see our technician scaling Bhaer’s teeth to remove the plaque and tartar.

As you can see, we need to reach far into the mouth to get to all the teeth. Can you imagine your pet sitting still and permitting a technician do this while awake??

Then we progress to probing the gums. This tells us about the health of the gingiva; we measure pocket depth and furcation (the space between the roots). This is another action that patients do not allow if they are awake for the dental.

Once that is finished, the mouth is sprayed and cleaned out, then each tooth is polished. Aside from making the teeth pearly-pretty the polish serves to smooth the tooth surface, removing any divots where bacteria can adhere.

Every dental prophylactic procedure here at West Ridge Animal Hospital includes full-mouth digital dental radiographs. Teeth are a little like icebergs in that so much of them is hidden under the gums. Radiographs allow the veterinarian to see the roots and pinpoint any previously undetected issues. It is not uncommon for pets to present with what seems to be a good dental grade, only to find problems lurking in the roots.

Finally, the veterinarian checks over the entire mouth, assessing the teeth and performing any necessary extractions, mass removals, or other oral surgery. Bhaer, fortunately, did not require any of these procedures.

See the difference a dental prophylactic procedure makes!

Please note: You may notice the shape and color change to B's upper fang. This was from years of cage chewing before he was adopted. The brown color change is not 'dirt' or 'stain" but restorative dentin. When worn down slowly the tooth tries to heal and protect itself from invasion of the pulp chamber by putting a layer of thicker dentin over the chamber. In Baher's case, the radiographs and dental probing confirmed that the crown was intact and safe. We see similar changes in dogs who fetch tennis balls year after year.

Keeping Your Pet's Mouth Healthy, Part 1

So many people think of dental care for their pet as tedious and unnecessary, but if one thinks about it one will realize just how disgusting a mouth can get if not brushed and cleaned regularly. Shoot, if I forget to brush my teeth just one morning, I feel gross all day- I can only imagine what our pets feel like! Even more than that, though, is the fact that good dental health lends itself to better overall health as well. Dental disease can lead to issues with the kidneys, lungs and even the heart. So now we’ve established the WHY on dental health, but HOW does one go about it?

Starting when your pet is just a puppy/ kitten, your veterinarian will want to inspect the teeth. He/ she will be checking for problems with the deciduous (baby) teeth, placement of teeth, and looking for any abnormalities or swelling in the mouth. This is a great time to ask your doctor to demonstrate proper teeth-brushing technique. If started at an early age, your pet will accept it more readily, making it easier on everyone to maintain good dental health in the years to come. West Ridge Animal Hospital carries a variety of animal-specific toothbrushes, toothpastes, and oral rinses to better accommodate each household and their pets. Please note: it is not safe to use human toothpaste on a pet, it could cause poisoning from the fluoride since animals don’t spit and rinse.

At each wellness examination, your vet will again look in the mouth and inform you of your pet’s dental “grade”. Don’t worry, they’re not grading your ability or skill; all animals have different dispositions when it comes to their mouths, just as we humans do. This number, 1 through 4, refers to the amount of plaque and tartar, and signifies whether periodontal disease is present and, if so, its severity. This creates a consistent chart for all doctors who might see your pet.

Stay tuned for further posts regarding dental health….

USE OF CANNED FOOD IN CATS - NEW RECOMMENDATIONS

Historically, cats are true carnivores. Consider a tiger hunting on the savannah – it will experience hunger (it does not eat all the time), it will hunt and kill prey, and it will ingest a large portion of the carcass, including muscle tissue, fat, and fluid. It does not generally eat grains.

Cats have daily needs for water, energy, protein (which is converted into glucose), fat and essential fatty acids, minerals and vitamins, and low to no carbohydrate needs. Healthy adult felines have high protein requirements (30-45%), moderate fat requirements (10-25%), and very low fiber requirements (<5%). Consider that most commercially available dry diets have only 8% water, and 35% carbohydrates. In our desire to domesticate felines, we have placed them on diets which fit our needs: diets that are convenient, inexpensive, have a long shelf life, and are easily fed. Unfortunately, this has translated into dry cat food. Dry cat foods are inappropriate for three main reasons:
1) the water content is too low
2) the carbohydrate content is too high, and
3) the protein is often plant-based as well as animal based

Veterinarians now recommend feeding EVERY cat a portion of canned cat food EVERY day. New kittens should be started on canned food as soon as they are able to eat solid food. Benefits of feeding canned food with increased moisture content, higher levels of animal-based protein, and lower levels of carbohydrates include:
1) decreased chance of obesity, and increased desired weight loss
2) decreased risk of urinary tract problems, including urinary tract obstruction and sterile cystitis
3) decreased risk of inflammatory bowel disease, GI upset, and chronic vomiting and diarrhea, and
4) decreased risk of development of diabetes

Feeding cats strictly canned food has resulted in a lower predisposition to dental disease than previously thought. Many cats that have eaten only dry food for years still have severe periodontal disease. In addition, it has been shown in clinical studies that feeding as little as 25% of a dry kibble diet will provide as much protective benefit regarding the teeth as a completely dry diet.

It may, however, be very difficult to transition an older cat to canned food. Cats can become addicted to shapes and textures, and refuse new foods. There is a reason they are known to be “finicky”! Also, it is important to remember that the best time to try a diet change is when your cat is healthy. A cat that is already feeling ill may get sicker if it does not eat, and it may develop a food aversion if offered a new food at the time of an illness.

While some cats will readily accept canned food, others will be extremely resistant. The transition to new food may require time and patience. The goal is to actually make the change, not to make it as quickly as possible. If your cat accepts canned food, start slowly and gradually increase the amount to the desired portion over a week-long period. Some cats may initially experience soft stools or regurgitation with canned food – this is not a reason to abandon the change, but it may be a reason to try a different canned food or to slow the transition down to a period of several weeks.

Experiencing normal hunger sensations may help with cats that are difficult to transition. Thus, it is very important to stop free-feeding dry food. Established mealtimes must be set. Cats do NOT need food available at all times, despite of how much they may vocalize. It is important, though, not to withhold food longer than 24 hours – starving a cat, especially an overweight cat, may cause a negative energy balance and result in a very serious disease called hepatic lipidosis (fatty liver disease). Most cats will lose some weight during the transition to eating canned food. Since many cats are overweight already, this is generally a desirable side effect, as long as they do not lose too much weight too quickly. It is important to monitor your cat’s weight closely. Most cats will lose fat and gain muscle mass as they become more active.

Some methods for increasing the palatability of canned food may be to add a bit of cooked chicken, meat baby food, or tuna to the canned food; to gently warm the food – especially if refrigerated;, or to sprinkle some parmesan cheese on the food. You can also try dipping some of the cat’s dry food into canned food juice, or adding a bit of the canned food to the dry.

You can also try many different brands and flavors of canned foods. Don’t worry about feeding “high end” food at the beginning; just worry about getting the cat used to eating canned food - you can mix different types of food together later. Above all, be patient. It may take weeks or months to transition a cat to eating canned food. The investment is well worth it, as the new diet will be much healthier for your cat in the long run.

**some material for this column was adapted from the website www.catinfo.org by Lisa A.Pierson, DVM – please refer to this website for further information.

TOXIN EXPOSURES IN PETS- DON’T TAKE A HOLIDAY

With the holidays rapidly approaching, it is a time of year to be especially careful about the possibility of toxin exposures occurring with your pet. Some common toxicities seen this time of year include chocolate and sugarless gum (xylitol) ingestion, ingestion of prescription or cold medication, inadvertent ingestion of large amounts of high fat foods or bones (especially poultry or rib bones), alcohol ingestion, ingestion of poisonous plants, exposure to rat or mouse bait, and ingestion of holiday decorations.

In order to most effectively treat a toxin exposure in your pet, it is best to be prepared BEFORE a potentially dangerous or life-threatening situation occurs. You can do this by having the following ready in advance:

• Your veterinarian’s phone number and office hours, and the phone number of an after-hours facility for emergencies

• The phone number of a pet poisoning helpline

• The breed, weight and age of your pet

If you are concerned that your pet has ingested a toxin, first, remove the pet to prevent any additional ingestion – i.e. take the pet from the room and clean up any vomit (save it in paper towels). NEVER try to induce vomiting at home. This can be exactly the wrong thing to do if the toxin is caustic, and can cause aspiration of the vomitus into the lungs in certain breeds. In addition, administration of substances such as hydrogen peroxide, salt or ipecac can lead to dangerous side effects of their own, including changes in the pH of the blood, salt toxicity, and hemorrhagic enteritis (bloody diarrhea) and ulcers.

When calling your veterinarian for advice, listen closely to what the staff member tells you and write it down. Remember, you may be in a highly stressed, emotional state of mind, but your pets’ well-being depends upon you being able to react in a calm manner. Be prepared to tell your veterinarian the following:

• What exactly did your pet eat?

• Confirm the active ingredient on the packaging if possible and SPELL IT, including any letters after the name (for example, Claritin is not toxic in small amounts, but Claritin D, which contains pseudoephedrine, is highly toxic to pets)

• If your pet ate a plant, try to identify it by the common and/or scientific names

• How long ago did your pet eat the toxin?

• Is your pet showing any abnormal signs – vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, etc.?

• What breed is your animal and how much does it animal weigh – even approximately?

• How old is your animal?

• Have any home remedies been given?

• Try to quantify the amount ingested – even minimum/maximum amounts and estimates will help

• If your pet has ingested a human prescription medication and you are unsure as to the number of tablets, you will need to call your pharmacy and ask:

-when the medication was last refilled
-the number of pills in the refill
-the dose that is taken daily
-you, or your veterinarian, can then calculate how many pills your pet possibly
ingested

• Bring the package/pill/plant and even the vomitus with you to your appointment at the veterinarian’s office. If possible, have another person drive so that you can monitor your pet on the way to the hospital.

Make every effort to prevent to prevent toxin exposures form occurring in your pets – especially during the winter, when risks are higher. Being prepared for a toxin exposure in your pet can make a world of difference in its prognosis.


-Dr. Debra Singleton
West Ridge Animal Hospital

Halloween Dangers

While such a fun holiday, Halloween also brings with it many possible dangers for our pets that many of us probably don’t even realize:

- Most people know that chocolate (especially dark) can be toxic to dogs, but were you aware that sugar-free candies and gum are even more so? To be safe, please keep both the candy bowl and your childrens’ stashes out of your pets’ reach.

- Pumpkins with lit candles can be knocked over, which risks more than just your pet- and curious kittens in particular may get burned by them.

- Having so many strange people (especially when dressed up for Halloween!) can be stressful for all but the most social dogs. It is best to keep pets in a separate room during peak trick-or-treat hours.

- The ASPCA recommends keeping all dogs out of the front yard, and keeping cats (particularly black ones) indoors, due to the chance of injuries.

- As terribly cute as costumes can be on our pets, they can also pose dangers. Please only put them on your pets when you are there to supervise them. Also choose costumes that do not have bells or other items that are loose or dangle; some dogs may ingest these, possibly causing choking.

Since accidents do happen, even to the most vigilant animal owners, West Ridge Animal Hospital is here to help with urgent care visits and emergencies every weekday until 9, Saturdays until 5, and Sundays 9 to 1. Our number is: 970-330-7283. If you have an emergency after our hours, please contact P.E.T.S. Emergency Service at 970-339-8700.

Have a safe, fun Halloween everyone!

High temperatures dangerous for our pets

With outdoor temperatures steadily rising; it's time to remind everyone of the dangers posed by heat stroke...

We all know how uncomfortable we can get in the heat, but even so, we sometimes forget that dogs may hit this point, and worse, long before we humans do. After all, dogs are not only wearing a fur coat, but their bodies handle heat differently than ours. Instead of all-over sweating to cool themselves, dogs must rely on panting and sweating from their paws and nose only.

Hyperthermia (also known as heat stroke) is a serious issue that, if not caught in time, can cause irreversible damage to organs and possibly even death. While the best way to determine hyperthermia is through the use of a rectal thermometer (anything above 104), owners must be ever-vigilant in watching for these signs:
- Vigorous panting
- Tacky or dry mucous membranes (gums)
- Dark red or purple gums
- Restlessness/ pacing
- Excessive drooling
- Unsteadiness/ dizziness
- Disorientation
- Lethargy/ unwillingness to move

As soon as you notice any of these symptoms, it is important to move your pet to a shady, cool location and direct a fan on him/her. To help speed cooling, you can place cool wet cloths on him/her; the most efficient areas would the back of the neck, armpits, feet, and groin. Then call or transport your pet to your veterinarian immediately.

Contrary to what one might think, do not use cold water or ice, but instead use tepid tap water. Make sure a bowl of cool water is available for your dog; but do NOT force water into your pet's mouth, as your dog may inhale it accidentally.

Of course, the best way to "treat" hyperthermia is to prevent it in the first place. Some situations that can cause hyperthermia include:
- Leaving pets outside on a hot day without shade and water
- Leaving pets (or any living thing) in a vehicle without adequate ventilation, even on a temperate day
- Exercising in the heat.

Please have a safe, fun, not-too-hot summer!

Senior Pet Seminar

How to give your cat a pill

All cat lovers know that felines are particularly difficult to pill. Here is a video with some pointers...



- Thanks go to Firstline