Petplan USA Blog

Size Matters: Petplan pet insurance looks at size-specific canine hereditary conditions

Wed, 16 May 2012 09:44:13 GMT

The Guinness Book of World Records has quite a few interesting (to say the least) statistics, but of course, my favorite entries involve our furry friends. I recently came across an article that gave me this blog’s idea, and it had to do with a rather large dog who goes by the name “Giant George.” You see, George is the current record holder in the Guinness Book of World Records for being both the “Tallest Living Dog” and the “Tallest Dog Ever.” George is a Great Dane from Tucson, Arizona, and an unusual one, at that. He weighs in at 245 lbs and stands a towering 43 inches tall. That’s right--he’s over three and a half feet tall – at his shoulders! That’s twice as tall as your average Golden Retriever. George is so big that he sits on the couch just like you or I would! Reading about George got me thinking about the other extreme – the smallest dog. This distinction currently belongs to a tiny little heartbreaker named “Boo Boo.” Boo Boo is a female Chihuahua from Kentucky, and stands a mere four inches tall and tips the scales at a whopping 24 ounces! I would have loved to have been there when the two dogs met for the first time back in 2010 to promote the newest edition of the Guinness Book of World Records. It truly amazes me that two animals that are so different are actually more or less the same. A dog is a dog, right? Well, sort of. Though they are both canines, clearly they have a few differences. And while large breed and small breed dogs alike are prone to inherit genetic diseases, the specific conditions tend to vary with size. Let’s start with large breed dogs. This category includes big dogs like German Shepherds, Labrador Retrievers, Rottweilers, Golden Retrievers, Newfoundlands, etc. This list should also include large mixed-breed dogs. Partly due to their size, and partly due to genetics, large breed dogs are prone to orthopedic problems like elbow and hip dysplasia and rupture of the cranial cruciate ligament in the knee. In addition, large breed dogs who are deep chested are more likely to experience bloat, or gastric dilatation-volvulus. Small breed dogs aren’t off the hook – they are also prone to their own unique set of inherited conditions. Small breed dogs include the Chihuahua, Maltese, Yorkie, Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, Dachshunds, Pug and many of the smaller terrier breeds. As is the case with the larger dogs, small mixed-breed dogs also count here, too. These little dogs have their own orthopedic problems, including patellar luxation, Legg-Calve-Perthes disease, and intervertebral disk disease. They are also more likely to have liver shunts and problems with tracheal collapse. This isn’t to say that all large dogs or all small dogs will be affected by these conditions – because of their breeding, they are just a little more likely to occur. Because they are inherited conditions, choosing your breeder wisely will go a long way toward avoiding costly (and sometimes painful) medical conditions. Of course, if you’re adopting a pet from the shelter, you don’t have the benefit of knowing that your dog’s bloodlines are free from disease. By taking into account your pet’s size, you can be hyperaware of potential causes for concern and address them quickly with your veterinarian should problems arise. You should also consider protecting your pet with dog insurance that covers hereditary and congenital conditions, like Petplan. To learn more about the specific conditions that different breeds are prone to, visit our Condition Checker.

Walk This Way: Petplan pet insurance looks at Wobbler's disease in pets

Mon, 14 May 2012 13:32:59 GMT

Recently, we discussed intervertebral disk disease (IVDD) in dogs and focused on disk herniations that occur in the spine located between the front and hind limbs. In this blog, we’ll address the kind of disease that big dogs like Great Danes and Doberman Pinschers get – cervical instability, or Wobbler’s disease or syndrome. As a review, IVDD occurs when the cushiony disks that live between the bones in the spine weaken and herniate out of their normal space. When this happens, they can press on the spine, causing spinal damage and possibly paralysis. Cervical instability, or Wobbler’s disease, is IVDD that occurs in the neck. Of course, it’s not quite that simple. A few other conditions may also be present in dogs that display signs of Wobbler’s disease: Small vertebral spinal canal in the area of the neck; Malformation of the bones of the spine in the area of the neck; and/or Vertebral instability. All of these changes cause chronic compression of the spinal cord in the neck, resulting in weakness in the hind limbs followed by weakness in the front limbs as well. This can result in a wobbly walk, hence the term “Wobbler’s” disease. Affected dogs are unsteady on their feet. Some cases are acute, meaning that the onset occurs suddenly, but in most cases, clinical signs will occur slowly and then progress over time until they are severe. In general, diagnosis is not made using plain X-rays. Instead, a procedure called a myelogram is performed. A liquid is injected around the spinal cord that will show up differently on an X-ray, and can help to reveal the exact spot of spinal compression. If your veterinarian suspects Wobbler’s disease, your pet will likely be referred to a neurologist for diagnosis and treatment. The treatment of choice for severe cases is surgery, and the exact type will depend on the location of the compression, as well as the individual surgeon. Mild cases may be treated medically, with the goal of decreasing inflammation with anti-inflammatories and muscle relaxers. The goal of both treatments is to restore the dog’s quality of life. In severe cases of paralysis, this means returning the ability to walk. The recovery period after surgery depends greatly on the severity of the disease, but you can expect that a significant amount of tender loving care, physical therapy and confinement will be needed. Mild cases that are treated medically will also require plenty of TLC and confinement, as well as monitoring for progression of disease. Disk herniations are no fun no matter where they happen. Remember – if your pet appears paralyzed, or loses the ability to use his front or rear limbs, this is a veterinary emergency. Get to your vet or emergency veterinary center ASAP!

Spiny Situation: Petplan pet insurance takes a closer look at intervertebral disk disease

Fri, 11 May 2012 13:56:04 GMT

Intervertebral disk disease (IVDD) is a common condition affecting dogs. Intervertebral disks are cushions between the bones in the spine. They act like shock absorbers and allow for mobility of the spine. Understanding disk disease requires a little bit of an anatomy lesson regarding the disks themselves. Each disk has two parts--the inner part (called the nucleus propulsis) and the outer fibrous ring (called the annulus fibrosis). Think of each disk as a jelly donut. The nucleus propulsis is the inner jelly filling and the annulus fibrosis is the surrounding donut. Degenerative changes in the disk structure allows for herniation of nucleus propulsis (jelly) through the annulus fibrosis (donut). When this happens, the herniated material can push up into the spinal canal and push up on the spine, causing discomfort and, if severe enough, paralysis. Though it can occur in any breed, most commonly this condition occurs in breeds with short legs, such as the Corgi and Dachshund. In these breeds, clinical signs generally show up between three and six years of age. In taller breeds, the disease most often shows up in six to eight-year-old dogs. Seventy-five percent of IVDD cases occur in the part of the spine known as the thoracolumbar spine, which is the space between the front and hind limbs. Clinical signs of severe disk disease in this area include sudden hind limb weakness or paralysis. Mild disease may show up as a generally painful appearance in your pet, with specific pain in the back. He may walk in a crouched stance and find it hard to get comfortable. The second most common area for disk herniation occurs in the cervical spine, or the spine in the neck. This condition is known as Wobbler Disease or Wobbler Syndrome, and will be discussed in detail in a future blog. Diagnosing IVDD can be a little bit tricky. Sometimes simple X-rays will clearly show disk herniation, though sometimes additional testing is needed. Generally, if severe disk herniation is suspected, the patient will be transferred to the nearest neurologist or surgical referral practice. There, a myelogram or MRI can help pinpoint the exact problem. Once IVDD has been diagnosed, treatment will depend on clinical signs. Mild cases will respond well to anti-inflammatories and muscle relaxers. More severe cases, however, will require surgery to allow the affected pet to return to normal function, which can be costly. Petplan pet insurance recently paid out a claim for over $3,000 for a 12-year-old German Shepherd who needed treatment for IVDD. Prognosis is poor for pets who have been “down in the rear” or paralyzed in the hind limbs for over 24 hours. If you feel like your pet is having spinal pain, or worse, is acutely weak in the hind or front limbs, contact your veterinarian right away, as IVDD may be to blame.

Take Heart: Petplan pet insurance advises pet parents to protect their best friends from heartworm

Thu, 10 May 2012 13:51:05 GMT

It’s starting to warm up all over the country. Warmer temperatures bring mosquitoes back into our lives, and with them comes your pet’s risk of contracting heartworms. According to the American Heartworm Society, cases of heartworm disease have been found in all 50 states, and the range of heartworms is spreading every year. Because heartworms are spread by mosquitoes, more cases are found in the Southeast, along the Gulf Coast, and along the Mississippi River, but as the mosquitoes that transmit disease continue to migrate, so does the disease. The life cycle of heartworms When a mosquito takes a blood meal from an animal with heartworms, it ingests baby heartworms (microfilaria) present in the infected animal’s blood and becomes a vector of transmission. During the next 10 to 14 days, the microfilaria develop into larvae inside the mosquito. When the mosquito bites another dog or cat, the larvae are transmitted to that animal. From there, it takes about six months for the larvae to turn into adult heartworms. Heartworms live in the arteries around the lungs, but as the number of worms accumulates, they can back up into the heart as well. In dogs, the average heartworm can live five to seven years, and it is not uncommon to find up to 30 or more spaghetti-sized worms in severely affected dogs. You can imagine the impact a clump of worms like this would have on the heart’s ability to contract normally. Clinical Signs Signs of heartworm disease in dogs are easy to miss initially, but as the disease progresses, you may notice exercise intolerance or a mild, persistent cough. In cats, the symptoms mimic other diseases, such as asthma, including the exercise intolerance and coughing seen in dogs. Diagnosing heartworms Testing for heartworms in dogs is easy – a simple blood test will do, and many dogs have this done at their yearly physical. Cats present a diagnostic challenge, as a negative heartworm test will not necessarily rule out heartworms. Additional diagnostics may be needed for symptomatic cats. Treating heartworms Unfortunately, there is no approved treatment for heartworm disease in cats. Dogs are a little bit luckier – there is an approved treatment, but it is not without its own risks. Post-treatment thromboembolisms occasionally occur and may be fatal. Treatment in dogs involves using medication to kill off adult heartworms, as well as others to kill circulating microfilaria (thereby preventing transmission of disease). An ounce of prevention All of this sounds pretty scary, right? Take heart - there’s good news, too. Heartworm disease is 100% preventable. Many different types of heartworm preventatives are currently on the market, so whether you prefer to give your cat or dog a tasty treat once a month or apply a topical heartworm preventative, your vet has you covered. If your pet has been off of heartworm prevention, talk to your vet about scheduling a heartworm test and getting him back on his medication as soon as possible. His life depends on it.

Diamond Dog Food Salmonella Outbreak Infects 14

Mon, 07 May 2012 12:25:56 GMT

I’ve written about this before, but the latest news is a serious reminder that humans can get sick from pet food. According to the Centers for Disease Control (CDC), at least 14 individuals have been infected in a multi-state Salmonella outbreak contracted from contaminated dog food. The news began breaking a couple of weeks ago but there were no confirmed human or animal cases until the CDC news release today, May 4, 2012. A Gaston, South Carolina Diamond Pet Food plant is the source of the infection based on CDC DNA tests performed on recalled dog food and infected human patients. Brands recalled are Chicken Soup for the Pet Lover’s Soul, Diamond Puppy, and Diamond Naturals Lamb Meal & Rice Formula. To date, no dogs have been reported as infected. Fortunately, dogs tend to become infected less easily with Salmonella than humans. If you live in Alabama, Florida, Georgia, Kentucky, Maryland, Michigan, North Carolina, New York, Ohio, Pennsylvania, South Carolina, Tennessee, or Virginia and purchased one of these foods, discontinue using it immediately and contact the store from which you purchased it. Common clinical signs of Salmonella infection in dogs are lethargy (acting more tired or sleepy), diarrhea (even bloody diarrhea), fever, and vomiting. Some pets will experience decreased appetite, a low-grade fever, and abdominal pain or tenseness. An otherwise healthy dog can be a carrier of Salmonella and infect other animals or humans. If your dog has been fed any of the recalled foods and has any of these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian at once. When you’re handling pet foods, use good hygiene. Wash your hands after handling any pet food or treats. Avoid placing pet foods on treats on counters or surfaces where you put human foods. Wash your pet’s bowls with soap and hot water at least several times a week if not daily. Throw away old or spoiled pet food in an enclosed bag so other animals won’t accidentally ingest it. Remember other animals can harbor Salmonella and other pathogens and transmit them to you through direct contact or feces. Be especially careful with pet food and treats around infants and toddlers. The good news is this outbreak was identified. The bad news is at least 14 people are known to be sick with a serious bacterial infection. Use proper hygiene and report any suspected food-borne illness to your veterinarian at once.

One of a Kind: Petplan pet insurance celebrates Be Kind to Animals Week

Mon, 07 May 2012 11:13:46 GMT

May 6-12 is “Be Kind to Animals Week.” The American Humane Association came up with this idea in 1915 to celebrate the human-animal bond and, of course, encourage kindness toward animals. For many pet parents, this may seem repetitive – after all, we’re kind to animals every week! However, it is a great reminder to be extra loving to animals, including those outside your own home. The human-animal bond is certainly a special one. As we know, many pets today are viewed as members of the family. While they can sometimes do little things to annoy us, like chewing on our things or using the throw rug as a bathroom, the unconditional love we share with them is worth it. There is nothing like playing or snuggling with a beloved pet to erase the stress of a long day. In honor of Be Kind to Animals Week, think about what you can do in your own life to encourage kindness toward animals. While obviously this applies to your own pets, be they dog, cat, horse, chicken or guinea pig, perhaps you can also use this week to help out needy animals in your community. Here are a few ideas to help get you started: Be an advocate for your pets: They can’t speak for themselves, and they rely on you for their care. Keep up with regular wellness checkups, and don’t hesitate to mention even the smallest thing that might be out of whack with your pet. As vets, we know that you know your pet best! Be an advocate for other pets: Become informed about legislation that may have an impact on the animals in your community, including breed-specific legislation. These may affect your or your neighbors, so get involved and speak up! Report animal abuse: Anything you see that may be abuse of an animal should be addressed. If you suspect abuse is happening, contact your local humane society, animal control office or police office. Volunteer or donate to an animal shelter: Gather information about volunteering at your local shelter and see if your schedule might allow you to help out in person. If time is just too scarce, make a donation of another kind. Shelters can always use monetary donations, but check with them to see what else they need. Blankets, towels, litter, newspaper, toys and food are often much appreciated, too. Consider adopting a new family member: If it works for your family, this would be a great time to adopt another pet. So many pets have no family to call their own, and what greater kindness can you show than to provide a forever home to a pet in your local shelter? Just be sure that your whole family (four-legged members included!) is prepared before you bring home a new pet. Consider fostering a pet in need: If adoption is out of the question for your family right now, consider fostering a pet. By bringing a pet into your home as he waits for a forever home, you’ll not only help the pet but the shelter as well, by creating more space for other pets in need of good homes.

Out of Joint: Petplan pet insurance looks at arthritis in pets

Wed, 02 May 2012 14:04:44 GMT

Today, we’ll take a look at a condition that many pets – just like people! – struggle with as they get older: arthritis. Arthritis, simply put, is inflammation of the joints. There are several different types of arthritis, but the most common type that affects our pets is a chronic degenerative disease resulting from damaged cartilage. Cartilage damage can result from injury, a congenitally abnormal joint, normal wear and tear in athletic pets, or even just being overweight. Arthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease (or DJD), occurs in both cats and dogs, though it is most commonly diagnosed in dogs. This is not because it occurs more frequently in dogs. In fact, up to 90% of cats over the age of 12 have arthritis. The discrepancy in diagnosis probably occurs because cats are a little better at hiding their diseases than dogs are. Clinical signs in dogs are as you might suspect, including: • Reluctance to move/exercise • Stiffness, especially upon first waking up • Difficulty climbing the steps or jumping into the car or bed • Limping • Pain when touched Clinical signs in cats, however, may be easier to miss: • Weight loss • Inappetence • Urinating outside of the litter box • Acting withdrawn • Poor grooming habits • Limping Degenerative joint disease has many treatment options. The most important thing that you, the pet parent, can do to help combat pain from arthritis is to keep your pet at a healthy weight. If your pet is overweight, talk with your veterinarian about safe, healthy ways to get your pet’s weight down, including a specific diet plan. Oral anti-inflammatories exist for both dogs and cats and are helpful in controlling pain. Nutraceuticals, such as glucosamine/chondroitin and omega-three fatty acids, are also helpful to provide a little bit of extra cushion and lubrication in the affected joints. Other therapies, such as injections of cartilage protectants, acupuncture, laser therapy and physical therapy are also useful in treating DJD. If you suspect your pet is showing signs of DJD, bring it up with your vet so that the two of you can formulate a treatment plan that works for both of you. Arthritis rarely occurs as the result of illness, but it is possible. Infectious arthritis occurs when organisms invade the joint and it becomes inflamed. Diagnosis will likely be made via a joint tap, or sampling some of the fluid in the joint for testing. Treatment will rely on identifying the offending organisms and starting the appropriate antibiotic. Immune-mediated arthritis also occurs. Intermittent signs, such as fever and shifting leg lameness, may indicate an immune-mediated inflammation in the joints. Underlying disease, such as lupus, Lyme disease or chronic infectious disease may be to blame, although most of cases of immune-mediated arthritis are known as idiopathic, meaning that no underlying cause can be found. Treatment centers on decreasing the body’s immune response, either through steroids or immunomodulating drugs. With a little attention to joint care – particularly for those stoic cats! – you can help your pets enjoy an active life well into their senior years.

Emergency Response: Petplan pet insurance offers tips for understanding a veterinary emergency

Tue, 01 May 2012 13:28:40 GMT

As a veterinarian, I have the luxury of not having to wonder “Should I call the vet?” regarding potential health issues that may crop up in my pets. But as a mom of a toddler, I feel all pet owners’ pain when something like a fever crops up and I don’t know what to do. Should I call the doctor? Should I go to the emergency room? These are also questions dog and cat parents everywhere struggle with, especially in difficult economic times. To help you out, I thought it would be a good idea to talk about what types of things constitute a veterinary emergency - and also to reiterate the importance of carrying veterinary pet insurance, which can help alleviate costs and make the decision to get your pet treated easier. The very best advice I can give you is this: if you are worried, call the vet. The receptionists are usually knowledgeable and will be able to give you some advice regarding whether you should bring your pet in to be seen by the veterinarian. You may also be able to talk to a veterinary technician or leave a message for the vet to get their opinions as well. Sometimes just in talking with a client over the phone, we are able to determine that a problem is not really a problem, and this saves that client a visit, but sometimes it’s hard to discern much over the phone. In these cases, it’s best to schedule an appointment so your furry friend can be seen in person. Let me reiterate – if you are worried, just call! You are not “bothering” the receptionists or veterinarian – we are here to help you! Ok, enough of that. Let’s get down to brass tacks. Here are some things that ALWAYS need to be seen by your veterinarian. The following conditions need to be seen the same day they happen: Wounds, especially when they are the product of a fight. First time seizure. Prolonged seizures are an emergency. Prolonged inappetence Prolonged vomiting/diarrhea (more than 24 hours) Altered mental state Insect stings, if generalized facial swelling or hives accompanies Persistent mild to moderate lameness (over 24-36 hours) These conditions need to be seen immediately, as soon as you can get to the vet. Hit by car Trouble breathing Rapid swelling of the abdomen/bloating Heat stroke Straining to urinate Snakebites Paralysis of the front or back legs Severe, sudden lameness Exposure to or ingestion of toxins Trouble with birthing of puppies or kittens Extreme lethargy This list in no way includes every emergency situation, but is pretty comprehensive of the most common situations. Again, if you are worried about your pet, just call the office. If the receptionist can’t help you, he or she will find someone who can!

Petplan pet insurance recognizes Hairball Awareness Day with tips for keeping kitty healthy

Fri, 27 Apr 2012 09:25:24 GMT

Today is National Hairball Awareness Day, which gives us the perfect opportunity to talk about the ins and outs of this common kitty conundrum. On many occasions, I’ve had my slumber interrupted by the sound of my cat producing a hairball. One extremely unpleasant night, I even stepped on one of these slimy suckers! It’s a common story I have also heard from many of my cat-owning clients. A hairball is the byproduct of the normal grooming a cat performs daily. Over time, fur that is accidentally ingested during the grooming process builds up in the stomach, and eventually comes back up. It usually resembles a tube-shaped ball of hair, which can help differentiate it from vomit. If you have more than one cat, you may notice that the hairball is a different color than the cat that produced it, due to mutual grooming habits. Occasional hairballs are normal, but if your cat is producing them often – more than once every few weeks – there is likely an underlying cause that needs attention. Gastrointestinal problems, including stomach motility issues and irritable bowel disease, may be to blame. On rare occasions, hairballs can cause obstructions. They can grow so large in the stomach that they cannot pass through to the intestines, thereby becoming gastric foreign bodies. Similarly, they can pass into the intestines, only to get stuck there. Gastric foreign bodies may be retrieved under anesthesia via endoscopy, but intestinal foreign objects will likely require surgery, which can be covered by your Petplan veterinary pet insurance policy. There are many hairball remedies on the market, but many of them are fraught with controversy. Petroleum-based products have long been touted to help move hairballs along, but veterinarians do not favor them as they have not been proven to help. The same goes for diets “specifically formulated” for cats with hairballs. The best solution is to keep your cat well groomed, especially long-haired cats. Daily brushing will help keep the amount of hair ingested to a minimum. If your cat has more than the occasional hairball, check with your veterinarian. These unwelcome deposits may be a symptom of an underlying pet health issue that needs to be addressed.

Best Friends Furever: Petplan pet insurance offers tips for keeping kids and pets happy and safe

Thu, 26 Apr 2012 09:50:09 GMT

April 26th is National Kids and Pets Day! It’s a day to celebrate that special bond that children share with their pets. I still think back fondly to the days I got to spend with my childhood cat, Bianca. I knew her my whole life, and she lived to the ripe old age of 21, passing away when I was in college. My mother knew our bond was so strong that she couldn’t bear to tell me that Bianca died until I came home for the summer. She was worried that the news would have affected my exams! You can’t help but have your heart melted by pictures of a child nestled alongside her favorite pet. Children see pets as confidants, heroes and best friends, and I think pets see “their” kids the same way. Pets also teach our children compassion and kindness and can foster responsibility in those children old enough to pitch in with animal care. Unfortunately, not all interactions between children and pets are positive. Each year, 5 million people are bitten by dogs, and a large percentage of these bites are to children. Children between the ages of five and nine seem to be at the highest risk for dog bites, and most bites occur at home with a familiar dog. Teaching our children the proper way to interact with pets can go a long way toward keeping them safe from bites or scratches. So as we celebrate the bond between kids and pets, let’s also be sure we’re aware of how to keep that bond strong, and keep pets and kids safe and happy: Be sure your kids know to be extra cautious around pets that are eating, sleeping or in pain. Startling pets while they are sleeping can easily lead to inadvertent bites, and pets who are eating might sense competition from children too close to the food bowl. Teach children to ask pet parents before touching their pets. Not all pets are comfortable around children and may bite out of fear. This is especially important for kids who have pets that are very comfortable with them, as they may not realize all pets aren’t the same around wee ones. Teach children to reach under the pet’s chin to do their petting. Reaching over a pet’s back or head can make them uneasy, which may cause them to bite out of fear. Guide your toddlers on the proper way to pet. Use “gentle” or “soft” and guide their hands along your pet’s body. Discourage pulling of tails or ears, and explain that pets feel pain just like they do. Teach children dog body language and how to recognize the signs that their pets just want to be left alone. Designate areas of your home (such as the pet’s bed) as safe spots that pets can go to avoid interacting with children. Do not let your child play with your dog’s toys (and similarly, don’t let your dog play with your child’s toys). Avoiding confusion about which toys belong to which member of the family will avoid competition for these items. Teach your children how to protect themselves in case of an attack. Rolling into a ball and protecting their head and face is much more effective than running or screaming if chased. Pets aren’t off the hook here, either, as it takes two to tango. Socialize your pets early so that they are used to children. Ensure that your pets get plenty of exercise every day, and practice the basic commands you learned in early obedience classes. It will help to have your children practice commands with your pets, as well. If you have questions or concerns about the interactions between your kids and your pets, be sure to ask your veterinarian how to best deal with them.

Starting from Scratch: Petplan pet insurance takes a closer look at spring allergies in pets

Mon, 23 Apr 2012 12:22:52 GMT

In my region, the arrival of spring brings the blossoming of tulips, daffodils – and the pollen count. While it feels a little bit like the entire city is “waking up” from its winter hibernation, for those of us that suffer from seasonal allergies, the city isn’t the only thing waking up. Unfortunately, our pets can be susceptible to the effects of pollen and other inhaled allergens as well. Both spring and fall bring a rise in the number of patients I see with allergies. Inhaled allergies (or atopy, as veterinarians call it) occur when the immune system is overly sensitive to substances like pollens. While symptoms in our pets may mimic our own (itchy, runny eyes and nose, and sneezing), more commonly atopy shows itself in pets’ skin and ears. A dog or cat with atopy is itchy. Some pets are itchy all over, but in general, the itchiest spots are the belly, armpits, face, ears and feet. If your pet is scratching more than usual this spring, it’s best to get them to the vet as soon as you can. Prolonged scratching at itchy skin and ears can quickly lead to infection, making them even more itchy and painful. At that point, topical or oral antibiotics would be needed to clear the infection. Some breeds are predisposed to developing atopy, including Golden Retrievers, West Highland White Terriers, Shar Peis, Labrador Retrievers, Cairn Terriers, Shih Tzus, Boxers, Pugs and English Bulldogs. Many more can also be affected, including mixed breed dogs. No breed predilection exists in cats--allergies are an equal opportunity offender in them! There are several options for treating atopy. Often, antihistamines are all that is needed to stave off symptoms. Pets that have concurrent ear or skin infections will need a round of antibiotics, and severely itchy cases may need a short course of oral or injectable steroids to help find relief. Topical therapies, like medicated shampoos and sprays, are also beneficial in atopy cases. Atopy generally starts out as seasonal in nature but can progress to a year-round condition. If this happens, you may consider more aggressive diagnostics for your pet. Allergy testing can be performed with either a blood test or a skin prick test, and once we know what specific allergens are causing the problem, desensitization (allergy shots) can start. Desensitization can lessen the severity of the symptoms and in some cases can get rid of the allergies all together. Finally, an oral medication called cyclosporine (the brand name is Atopica) is available for atopic patients. Cyclosporine helps quiet the busy immune response that leads to clinical signs. While cyclosporine is unlikely to help during an acute flare-up of signs, it can be very effective at preventing future episodes and can eventually lead to remission. Atopy can be quite a frustrating cycle for both pet parents and vets, so having a pet insurance policy that allows you to fully pursue the best course of treatment can be extremely helpful. If your pet starts scratching more than normal this spring, don’t let it go unaddressed. Once you and your vet formulate a plan, be sure to follow it closely and let him or her know if you don’t think it’s going well. Atopy generally requires quite a few rechecks, so communication is key!

Petplan Pet Insurance Celebrates National Pet ID Week

Wed, 18 Apr 2012 09:58:05 GMT

April 15-21 is National Pet ID Week, so it’s a perfect time to reiterate how important it is to make sure your pet is properly tagged and chipped! Did you know that one in three pets gets lost at some point in their life? It’s true, and the sad part is that very few of these pets ever make it back to their homes. Let’s start with the basics of pet identification: a collar and tag. Good Samaritans are more likely to stop and help a wandering cat or dog if the pet is wearing a collar with a tag because they know they won’t be “stuck” dealing with a stray dog or having to house it themselves. So while you may see Spot’s argyle collar as a fashion statement, someone else may see it as reassurance that the wandering pup has a home. When creating the tag for your pet, there are a few things to consider including: Your cell phone number: You are likely to not be at home if your pet is lost – you could be at work or out looking for her yourself! The call that someone has found your pet is not one you want to miss. Your address: The person who picked up your lost dog or cat may prefer to just drop her safely at her home. Your pet’s name: It can help your scared pet feel more secure if he is called by name. Be sure to keep your pets’ rabies vaccinations up to date as well as their city or county license. Both of these things will provide an extra tag for his collar, and therefore another way to get in touch with someone about the potential owners of the lost pet. Always have a current picture of your pet handy, just in case you need to make a flier to alert the neighborhood to your missing pet. This is a heartbreaking flier to have to make, but using a current photo will be more helpful to your neighbors than one of your four-legged friend as a puppy or kitten. Unfortunately, collars and tags can occasionally be separated from the pets they are meant to identify. Breakaway collars for cats are meant to do just that for safety reasons, and dogs lose collars all the time. So, while I always advocate the use of a collar, I also recommend making sure your pet is microchipped. This is a permanent form of identification. Microchips are implanted non-surgically under the skin of your pet and remain there for her lifetime. Veterinarians, shelters and humane societies know to scan a lost pet upon its arrival to find out if the pet has a microchip. Should a chip be found, the number is noted, matched to an owner, and then the pet and owner are reunited! Just be sure to keep your contact information updated with the microchip manufacturer, so that the scan will show the most current way to reach you. As an added bonus, microchipped pets can get a 10% discount on a Petplan dog insurance or cat insurance policy. If your pet does not currently have a microchip, pick up the phone and call your vet. This is a very quick appointment (you’ll be in an out in no time!) and may save you, your family and your pet heartache should he wander off and get lost.

The bird is the word: Petplan pet insurance on the hazards of dogs eating birdseed

Mon, 16 Apr 2012 13:26:53 GMT

You ask, we answer! From time to time we get policyholder questions submitted to our Ask our Experts inbox, and we are always happy to answer them. This week’s question comes from a policyholder whose outgoing dog loves to eat birdseed. As soon as she opens the back door, her dog goes straight for the bird feeder to gobble up spilled seeds, and she wondered if she should be concerned. The short answer is that she probably has nothing to worry about. But providing a short answer must also mean that there’s a long answer, too, right? Nothing in life is ever simple. In most cases, ingestion of a few scattered seeds is no big deal, but there are a few exceptions to the rule: Obstruction: You know these dogs--they will eat ANYTHING, and they will eat ALL of it that they can find. These dogs have been known to eat whole bags of birdseed. While this is an exception, it could also constitute an emergency. Large amounts of birdseed can clog up the intestinal tract, potentially causing gastrointestinal obstruction. These kinds of obstructions can be difficult to treat and will probably entail several days in the hospital for fluids and enemas until the bulk of the seed has passed, leading to a hefty hospital bill. Bloat: Another potential danger of ingesting large amounts of birdseeds is the possibility of the seeds fermenting in the stomach. Fermenting seeds may lead to gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV or bloat), which veterinarians lovingly call “the mother of all emergencies.” Toxins: Moldy bird seeds can contain hepatotoxins, and therefore may be potentially dangerous for your pet’s liver. All of those things are rare, and if you have a pet who just can’t control her craving for the occasional bird seed snack, it’s probably not a big deal. If you want to err on the side of extreme caution, consider moving the bird feeder outside of your pet’s allowed territory (outside of the fence, for example) or where you know your pet will be under control on a leash (like the unfenced front yard). You could also consider getting a tray to catch the overflow seeds, thereby preventing them from landing on the ground. If you have one of those pets who will eat anything, be sure to take extra precautions by keeping bags of birdseed safely out of reach. And to protect your pets from these types of accidents as well as illnesses, consider enrolling your pet in a veterinary pet insurance policy from Petplan. Click here to get a free pet insurance quote and to do a pet insurance comparison.

Digging in the Dirt: Petplan pet insurance highlights pet problems in the garden

Wed, 11 Apr 2012 16:29:58 GMT

In my part of the country, spring has sprung! After a particularly mild winter, the daffodils have been out for a couple of weeks and everything is starting to turn green. For those of you still tangling with old man winter, your turn is right around the corner! It’s about this time that I start itching to get back in the garden to plant spring vegetables and freshen up the flower beds. But when you’re planning your garden this spring, it is important to recognize potential dangers to your pets and do what you can to minimize them. Plants Unfortunately, some of the most beautiful plants in the garden are also toxic to pets. Lilies, rhododendrons, azaleas, foxglove and lantana are on the list, but there are many, many more. Review this list of toxic plants to check for potential problems with your landscape planning. Mulch Most mulch is not too worrisome, but cocoa mulch can be dangerous for pets. Cocoa mulch’s sweet smell invites pets to eat it, and because it’s made from cocoa bean shells, it can cause the same effects as chocolate ingestion. Cocoa mulch contains theobromine and caffeine, compounds which cause vomiting and diarrhea, elevated heart rate, restlessness, seizures and death. Garden Chemicals Pesticides and herbicides are toxic to pets if ingested. Pay close attention to the labels of products you use in your yard, and restrict your pet’s access to the garden for the specified amount of time. Of course, you’ll want to keep these compounds safely out of reach of your pets, as well as slug bait and mouse/rat poisons. Even the most organic garden can benefit from fertilizers, which can cause gastric upset in small doses or gastrointestinal obstruction if ingested in large amounts. Additionally, take care when using compost. If you can’t restrict your pet’s access to your garden, make sure your compost doesn’t contain coffee grounds, moldy food or foods that are dangerous for pets, like onions and grapes. Parasites Ticks and fleas love this time of year because as we all emerge from our winter hibernation, we often forget that it’s time to start applying flea and tick preventive to our pets. Many of us kept up flea and tick treatments all winter long, but if you took a break, now is the time to get back into the routine. Fleas and ticks spread debilitating and sometimes deadly diseases.

Petplan pet insurance presents tips for a safe vacation with pets

Mon, 09 Apr 2012 13:57:11 GMT

For many of us, going on vacation just isn’t the same without our four-legged family members. Obviously, I’m not going to take my pets with me if I’m going on a 10-day tour of Europe, but I can’t even imagine going to the beach without my dog! Taking the entire family on vacation takes a lot of planning, but you know what they say – an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Planning well can help you out of a potentially sticky situation should your pet run into trouble. Accidents can happen anywhere, and just because you’re on vacation doesn’t mean that injuries are, too. If your pet is injured while the family is out of town, being prepared makes all the difference. Schedule a pre-vacation check-up with your veterinarian to make sure your pet is healthy for travel and is up to date on vaccines. If you are planning to fly with your pet, this is imperative, as most airlines require a health certificate issued within 10 days of your flight. If your pet does not already have a microchip, this is the time to get one - microchipped pets save 10% on a Petplan pet insurance policy. Put together a folder of important information about your pet to bring with you in case you need to visit the vet on vacation. Include current vaccine information, the name and phone number of your home veterinarian, your pet health insurance information, and your pet’s microchip number, as well as the microchip company’s phone number. Research your veterinary options at your destination before you leave home. You’ll want to find a reputable vet with daytime hours near your destination, as well as the closest emergency clinic should an injury occur after hours. For help locating a clinic, check out the Petplan Find a Vet feature. The last thing you want to do in the face of an emergency situation is struggle with a phone book and map trying to figure out where to go. Travel safely. Keep your pet safely secured in your vehicle, either in a crate or by using a safety seat or harness seat belt. Remember to take frequent potty and watering breaks. Don’t forget to pack your pet first aid kit. When you’ve finally reached your destination, relax and have fun! You’ve already done everything you can to prepare for potential problems. Should your pet sustain an injury, call the veterinarian you researched ahead of time to let them know you need to see them. If it’s an emergency, it is wise to call them ahead of time anyway, just to give them a heads-up that you’re on your way. If you’re not sure what constitutes an emergency or whether your pet’s injury is serious enough to need veterinary care, call the veterinarian for advice. Also, stay tuned for an upcoming blog on what kinds of injuries always need to be seen by a vet.

Dangerous beauty: Petplan pet insurance advises keeping cats clear of Easter lilies

Thu, 05 Apr 2012 11:48:37 GMT

The Easter lily is a beautiful flowering plant, and has long been associated with the arrival of spring (and more specifically, the Easter holiday). It originally comes from Japan and is meant to bloom in the summer, but has been tricked to bloom just in time for Easter by crafty florists. While it is a beautiful and fragrant harbinger of springtime, if you have cats in your house, the Easter Lily is best enjoyed elsewhere. Like all lilies, this one is toxic and potentially deadly to cats. Both the leaves and flowers contain toxins, and even the pollen can pose problems. Lilies cause acute kidney failure in cats. Clinical signs include vomiting, lethargy, decreased appetite, and increased water intake coupled with increased urination. These symptoms tend to worsen over time as the kidney disease progresses. If you suspect your cat has ingested Easter lilies (or any lily – even those from the yard), contact your veterinarian immediately. If you catch it quickly, your veterinarian can induce vomiting to hopefully bring up most of the deadly plant and lessen the severity of the problem. If your pet has progressed to acute kidney failure, though, expect her to be hospitalized for several days. During this time, you can ring up quite a bill as well, so having your pet protected by Petplan pet insurance can help manage the costs. Blood tests will be used to monitor kidney function, and intravenous fluids will be used to hydrate your cat and flush out the toxins from her system. In addition, other medications may be given to help with your pet’s nausea and other symptoms. Acute kidney failure can resolve with medical intervention, but sometimes the kidneys are so damaged that some degree of chronic kidney insufficiency persists. So this spring, keep the lilies out of your house – you don’t want to have to rely on an Easter miracle to save your favorite furry friend!

Red Flag: Petplan pet insurance looks at the problem of bloody stools

Tue, 03 Apr 2012 12:49:04 GMT

Seeing blood in your pet’s stool can be quite alarming, and it’s worth a call to your veterinarian. There is an almost endless list of things that can cause bloody stool, but the first thing your veterinarian will want to do is determine the source of the blood. There are two types of bloody stool. Hematochezia is the term for bright red (or fresh) blood that coats the stool. This is the more common complaint of the two. The second type of bloody stool that we see is called melena, and shows itself as dark, tarry stool. Let’s talk a little more specifically about each. Hematochezia Hematochezia is bright red blood in or around an otherwise normal stool, and it is caused by either external or internal factors: External: Rectal masses, anal gland masses, anal gland abscesses, anal fistulas and rectal tears can all cause bleeding that shows up in the stool. Internal: Colitis, stress, constipation, intestinal parasites, polyps and blood clotting disorders can cause red blood in the stool. Often times, straining to defecate accompanies hematochezia. In these cases, straining doesn’t necessarily mean constipation. In fact, most dogs that strain during defecation actually have diarrhea, which may often contain blood. Melena Melena is caused by bleeding higher up in the gastrointestinal tract. Bleeding can occur anywhere above the first part of the small intestine, including the oral cavity, respiratory tract (nasal passages and lungs), stomach or esophagus The dark, tarry stools are a result of digested blood. The causes of melena are many – from gastric ulcers, kidney failure, blood clotting disorders and pancreatitis to a simple mouth wound leading to ingested blood. Because melena is not usually associated with clinical signs like diarrhea or straining, it may be more difficult for pet owners to notice. Treating both hematochezia and melena depends on the underlying cause. Your veterinarian will want to know your pet’s history, including any appetite changes, incidents of diarrhea or vomiting, or any other recent unusual symptom. From there, he or she will perform a thorough exam and likely will do other tests like fecal analysis or blood work to find an underlying cause. Further treatment will then be discussed based on the results of the exam and diagnostic tests. Protecting your dog or cat from an early age with veterinary pet insurance from Petplan can help you manage the costs of the diagnostics involved as well as any treatment that may be necessary. If you see any type of blood in your pet’s stool, you should call your veterinarian. While most cases of hematochezia are easily resolved, many cases of melena are caused by serious illnesses that may carry a poor prognosis.

Tugging at the Heartstrings: Petplan pet insurance looks at feline cardiac disease

Wed, 28 Mar 2012 11:11:37 GMT

Feline cardiac disease can be heartbreaking for many reasons, but most upsetting is that it is so often undetected. For many owners, this leads to the sudden loss of their beloved pet. Cats hide their heart disease so well that many of them show no clinical signs until they are very sick. Some show no symptoms at all and simply perish suddenly, seemingly without cause. Heart disease in cats is relatively prevalent, occurring in 15 percent of all cats. So why are so many cases going undetected? The answer is complicated, of course, but part of the reason is that in the past, we didn’t have a great way of finding heart disease in the average, healthy-looking cat. Every year (or every six months, for geriatric cats), your veterinarian listens to your cat’s chest with a stethoscope as part of your cat’s annual (or semi-annual) exam. One of the things she or he is listening for is a heart murmur. A heart murmur is caused by turbulent blood flow in the heart or great vessels of the heart. Anything that causes some obstruction in these structures leads to a “whooshing” sound as blood squeezes through. This is a heart murmur. If your cat has a heart murmur, she is more likely to have heart disease, but it turns out that the presence of a murmur is not all that great of a screening tool. Here’s why: a study of 103 average “healthy” cats performed at Virginia Tech found underlying heart disease in 16 of those cats, but only five of those 16 cats had a murmur. There is a relatively new blood test, however, that may help veterinarians find sneaky heart disease in healthy-looking cats. It’s called NT-proBNP, and it is a biomarker of cardiac disease. Its production is markedly increased when the heart’s ventricles stretch or undergo stress, so higher levels of BNP could mean the heart is in trouble. Unfortunately, this test is not perfect either, but it is thought that it can catch heart disease in nine out of 10 healthy looking cats. Regardless of the method of detection, if heart disease is suspected, your cat should have an echocardiogram (or ultrasound of the heart), a diagnostic test that can be covered by your Petplan pet insurance. This test is noninvasive – although your cat’s chest fur may be shaved – and provides an actual image of the heart. Heart size, wall thickness and the ability of the heart to contract and move blood can all be assessed in real time, giving your veterinarian an idea of what is happening in the heart. Early detection is key in feline cardiac disease. Initiating therapy early can mean a reduction in clinical signs such as thromboembolisms and can delay the onset of congestive heart failure. At your cat’s next exam, consider asking your veterinarian about the NT-proBNP test. When to run the test is open to debate, but some experts advise running it every two years in cats over the age of one. It could be a life saver for your cat.

Bringing home baby: Advice on introducing pets and new babies from Petplan pet insurance

Mon, 26 Mar 2012 11:48:11 GMT

Preparing for the birth of my second child has me remembering the anxiety I felt when I brought my first baby home from the hospital to meet our pet. My beloved Labrador mix, Katie, had long been my four-legged baby, getting my undivided attention for 12 years. How would she adapt to not being the center of attention anymore? In fact, she fared better than us during the first few months, and now, almost two years later, she couldn’t care less about the current child or the one on the way. I’m lucky that way – some dogs really have a hard time adapting to a life with a baby. And why shouldn’t they? Just as babies change our lives, they change our pets’ lives, too. There are lots of new things in the house (like scary swings and loud toys), new (and sometimes terrible) smells, and most importantly, new rules. Dogs and cats who are used to being the center of attention may bristle at the cooing cutie stealing all of their thunder. To make the transition to “life with baby” a little easier, be sure to start initiating the major changes well before your bundle of joy comes home. That way, your pet will be able to learn the new rules without the added stress of the baby. One of the most important new rules to establish is where your pet is and is not allowed. Small dogs who are used to being held a lot or like to sit in your lap will need to be retrained, for instance. Setting new boundaries includes limiting access to the nursery, if you think that is important. Every pet is different, and you know your pet best. I only limit my pet’s access to the nursery when my baby is sleeping, mostly because I don’t want them to wake him up. My cats aren’t very snuggly, but some cats are. They may inadvertently curl up next to that warm, cuddly body in the crib, and this may be cause for alarm. Play it as safe as possible. Speaking of safety: never, ever, ever leave your baby alone with your pets. Your baby is utterly defenseless, and no matter how loving your pet is, accidents can occur any time. Crawlers and toddlers pose a new problem to your pet – sudden movements and shrieks can startle your pet and might lead to an inadvertent injury. Older dogs may suffer from arthritis, making it hard for them to escape a curious toddler quickly. In the same vein, playful “pats” from toddlers can be especially painful to arthritic joints. To make your pet as comfortable as possible, have someone bring home one of your newborn’s hospital blankets before your arrival with baby. This can get her comfortable with the smell of your new addition. When you get home, take the time to say hello to your pets without your baby. They have likely missed you while you were gone and will be excited to see you. Once they have calmed down, you can introduce them to their new sibling. Use praise or treats to reward good behavior. Bringing a new baby home is stressful for everyone, but by preparing ahead of time, you may be able to avoid some of the stress on your pet. If you are unsure how your pet will do with a new baby, talk to your veterinarian. He or she will be happy to give you a few extra pet pointers.

Paws Up for Puppies: Petplan pet insurance celebrates National Puppy Day

Fri, 23 Mar 2012 11:16:11 GMT

National Puppy Day is March 23rd! Few things are cuter than puppies (kittens being the exception, of course!), and I always look forward to puppy appointments, especially if it’s been a hard day. Nothing can bring a smile to my face or make a bad day brighter quicker than puppy kisses. So dedicating a day to all things puppy certainly makes sense to me! However, as anyone who has had one knows, when considering adopting a new puppy, it’s best to think carefully before making an emotional decision – cuteness isn’t all you’ll get! Puppies are both a huge time commitment – starting with the early days of training and continuing throughout their lives, which could last up to two decades for some breeds – and a substantial financial commitment (which is why protecting your new family addition with Petplan pet insurance can be helpful). It’s a good thing they are so adorable, because by the time they go potty on your floor or chew your favorite shoes for the millionth time, you’ll be at your wits’ end! So before you bring a puppy home, make sure you’re prepared. I always recommend rescuing a puppy from your local shelter or rescue organization. Every day around the country, thousands of pets arrive at shelters, many of them pregnant. The sad reality is that five out of 10 dogs in shelters nationwide are euthanized simply because there is no one to adopt them. So, before you head off to the breeder, please consider making one of the shelter dogs your family pet. If you have your heart set on a particular breed, you can still get lucky at the shelter! Many shelters have full-breed pets for adoption, or you can look for breed-specific rescue organizations. If you decide to buy a puppy from a breeder, do your research - unfortunately, there are many disreputable breeders out there. Pet stores can be tricky, as well. Many pet stores get their pets from puppy mills, notorious for their inhumane housing and treatment of both moms and pups. Make sure your home is prepared for the homecoming of your new puppy. Puppy-proofing your home is imperative, so get down on all fours and survey the scene from his point of view to make sure there’s nothing that can get your pup into trouble. Have food, toys, a leash and collar, food and water bowls, and a crate for crate training ready and set up before you bring your puppy home. Now, for one of the most important parts – naming your new puppy! This is a very important part of the adoption process, and can be tricky. Remember, this is the name you will be using for the next decade or more, so it is important to pick one that you love and that will stand the test of time. Human-sounding names are “pup-ular” right now, with the top names being Max, Bella, Buddy and Daisy. Try saying potential names out loud, and make sure they don’t sound too much like a command or another family member’s name. Training will be much easier for everyone if your pup isn’t constantly confused!

No Bones About It: Petplan pet insurance looks at the dangers of giving bones to dogs

Wed, 21 Mar 2012 11:55:16 GMT

You can knick knack paddywhack, but if you give a dog a bone, you might find yourself rolling off to the emergency clinic instead of following the old man home. Though you may think that a dog and a bone go hand in hand, it’s not always a safe idea. I am often asked about the safety of giving bones to dogs, as we all know that dogs love to chew on, hide, and play with bones of all sorts. Whether it’s a soup bone, a ham bone, or a bone from your Christmas roast, my answer is always the same – cooked animal bones are not safe for your dog! Bones can cause a variety of medical emergencies, including the following examples of real cases I have seen: Broken teeth: This is very common. Dogs love chewing on bones, but the bones are so hard that they often cause fractures of the molars and, more commonly, premolars. Broken teeth, as you can imagine, are very painful and will require dental surgery or extraction to resolve. Oral injuries: Broken bone bits are sharp and often cause lacerations or punctures to the mouth or tongue. Depending on the severity, surgery may be required to repair the damage, but whatever the case, count on these injuries to be quite messy. The mouth is home to many blood vessels, so injuries here tend to bleed profusely. Cut sections of long bones meant for chewing can become lodged around your dog’s lower jaw, settling in behind the lower canine teeth. Believe it or not, I’ve seen this happen more than once. For one unfortunate patient, it was an even worse because one of his front limbs had been amputated. Every time he tried to paw at his mouth to get the bone loose, he would fall right on his face. All of the cases that I have seen have required anesthesia to free the pet of the lodged bone. Esophageal obstruction: Bones that are hastily scarfed down can get lodged in the esophagus and are unable to move down into the stomach. Esophageal obstructions will not allow other food or liquid to pass into the stomach. This problem will likely need endoscopic removal and often require referral to a larger veterinary center. Gastrointestinal obstructions: Just as larger bones can get stuck in the esophagus, they can also get stuck in the stomach or intestines. When a foreign body is stuck in the stomach, you may not know for quite some time, but if it is lodged in the intestines, the consequences can be life-threatening. Endoscopic retrieval of the bone from the stomach or invasive abdominal surgery will be needed if either of these things occur. Intestinal perforations: Remember those sharp bone edges that I said could cause mouth injuries? They can also perforate through the intestines, causing potentially fatal infection in the abdomen. While having Petplan pet insurance can help with the medical costs for emergency surgery if these accidents occur, you're better off not taking the risk in the first place. I know that you don’t want your pet to experience any of these medical problems, so keep bones safely out of her reach, no matter how much she begs. Don’t forget about discarded bones in the trash – make sure your trash can is “paw-proof.” Do give your dog something to chew on, though. Nylabones are a good alternative to real bones. Ask your veterinarian for other suggestions the next time you and your dog are in the office.

Calling the shots: Petplan pet insurance looks at vaccine side effects

Mon, 19 Mar 2012 13:57:48 GMT

I recently had the privilege of attending a talk by a great veterinarian named Dr. Alice Wolf, an adjunct professor at Texas A&M University who is board certified in both feline medicine and internal medicine. She also happens to be a really great speaker. The topic of her presentation was feline vaccine protocols, which I’ve talked about in previous blogs, but she also brought up something worth focusing on: vaccine “reactions.” Surely, you are familiar with the side effects of the vaccines that you get. The vaccination site is sore for a couple of days (or more), sometimes you feel terrible for a day or two afterwards, and in some cases, you may develop a fever. Soreness at the vaccine site makes sense – you got a shot there, so there is local inflammation. Other side effects, like malaise or fever, are actually good signs – they mean that your immune system is reacting appropriately to the vaccine. For the most part, it’s fair to say that dogs and cats generally do very well after receiving their vaccines. But just like us, they can have side effects too, so it’s important to know the signs so you can contact your veterinarian if necessary. Within a couple of hours after vaccines, your pet may show similar signs to those you experience post-vaccination, including fever, local discomfort/swelling, and decreased appetite. If your pet received a vaccine nasally (such as Bordetella), he may have nasal discharge or sneezing. These mild reactions are normal, but if they persist for more than a couple of days, or if your pet seems significantly uncomfortable, contact your vet. Less commonly, severe side effects can occur due to “allergic” reactions. Vomiting and/or diarrhea, hives and facial swelling indicate a more severe reaction, and these occur, you should call your vet right away. If your pet has experienced vaccine reactions before, be sure to tell your vet before additional vaccines are administered. She may choose to premedicate your pet to try to avoid side effects and might ask you and your pet to hang out at the office for an extra half hour just to make sure your pet does well after her vaccines. If your pet experiences the mild side effects mentioned above, try not to be discouraged. Just like it us, it means the vaccine is doing its job. If you are ever concerned about your pet’s vaccine reaction, be sure to talk to your vet about it.

Getting to know you: Petplan pet insurance emphasizes the importance of vet-client-patient relationships

Fri, 16 Mar 2012 11:15:26 GMT

You know it is important to get to the vet if your pet has an illness, but annual wellness checkups are probably just as important. Not only is this the time for your pet to get caught up on overdue vaccines and yearly tests (such as fecal and heartworm tests), but it also gives your veterinarian a chance to get a baseline on your pet and answer any questions you may have about your pet’s health. Yearly exams are essential to maintaining a veterinarian-client-patient relationship, or VCPR. This type of relationship allows your veterinarian to know your pet well enough to be able to diagnose and treat medical conditions. Without a VCPR, your veterinarian cannot prescribe medications or make recommendations about her health. If you’ve ever let your wellness checkups lapse accidentally, and then called your veterinarian to get a new prescription, you likely ran into trouble. Without having seen your pet within the past year, it would be unethical (and in many states illegal) for your veterinarian to make decisions about your pet’s health. The VCPR is valid only when it is maintained by regular checkups and a veterinarian examines your pet in person. Discussing your pet over the phone or through e-mail is not sufficient to sustain a VCPR. I am going on and on about valid veterinarian-client-patient relationships because I really want to drive home how important they are. If your pet was my patient, without seeing her on a regular basis I don’t have the information I need to make good decisions about her medical conditions. And, in my state, it would be illegal for me to do so, according to my state’s Veterinary Practice Act. Ensuring regular checkups ensures that your pet is getting the very best care possible. When veterinarians ask you to maintain valid VCPRs, it has nothing to do with trying to make more money or making your life difficult, but has everything to do with being the best doctor they can be and valuing your pet’s health above all else.

Second time around: Petplan pet insurance looks at vomiting versus regurgitation

Tue, 13 Mar 2012 16:23:01 GMT

Vomiting is a very common complaint that veterinarians hear. Young or old, cat or dog, I can count on seeing at least a few cases of vomiting pets each week. When a pet is bringing up food or water, it seems like the obvious choice to assume that they are vomiting, but that is not always the case. The first step in working up a “vomiting” pet is to make sure they are really vomiting. Vomiting versus regurgitation is an important distinction to make, as their causes can be much different. So what’s the difference? Vomiting is when the contents of the stomach (including food, water and/or bile) are ejected. It is usually accompanied by nausea, drooling and an abdominal effort (heaving). Often, stomach gurgling also occurs. Regurgitation, on the other hand, involves only the contents of the mouth or esophagus. Food and/or water or other ingested items do not make it to the stomach before they come back up, and there is no abdominal effort – food or water is simply ejected, often very soon after eating. There may be some coughing or gagging associated with regurgitation, but not the retching we see with vomiting. It is important to determine if it is vomiting causing the puddle of food on the kitchen floor or if regurgitation is to blame. Without knowing this, it is difficult to get to the bottom of the root problem. Vomiting can be caused by many, many things, including: Liver or kidney disease Bowel obstruction Toxins or poisons Endocrine disease Pain Motion sickness Pancreatitis Delayed gastric emptying And the list could go on and on ... Regurgitation occurs when there is either an obstruction or weakness in the esophagus. Foreign objects, strictures, or masses in the esophagus can all cause obstruction. Diseases that affect the esophageal muscles, like megaesophagus, hypothyroidism and myasthenia gravis, may weaken the muscles enough to cause regurgitation. When esophageal muscles are weakened, they cannot adequately move food into the stomach. Of course, treatment for either situation (vomiting or regurgitation) will depend largely on the underlying cause. If either is severe enough, dehydration will occur quickly, so usually fluid therapy will be necessary to rehydrate the patient. Patients who are experiencing regurgitation may be at an increased risk of developing aspiration pneumonia, or lung disease that occurs as a result of accidentally inhaling the regurgitated contents, so your veterinarian may suggest hospitalization to keep an eye on the situation. In this case, it helps to have a veterinary pet insurance plan in place that covers both chronic conditions (like multiple incidents of regurgitation) and hospitalization, such as Petplan. If your pet is “bringing it up,” pay close attention to her actions before the event. Nausea and retching likely indicate vomiting, but if the event seems to come out of nowhere, regurgitation may be the cause.

Cat Scratch Fever: Petplan pet insurance discusses cat scratch disease

Fri, 09 Mar 2012 09:23:49 GMT

Sorry, Ted Nugent fans – this blog is NOT dedicated to his 1977 hit song of the same name. Instead, we’ll be talking about the condition known as cat scratch fever (but feel free to play your old Nugent record while reading it)! The disease is actually called cat scratch disease, and it is caused by infection with the bacterium Bartonella henselae. The disease is harbored in cats but spread by fleas, so now you have one more reason to be vigilant about your cat’s flea and tick control. The disease process goes like this: A cat (let’s call him Max) carries Bartonella henselae and is also unlucky enough to have a case of terrible fleas. Poor Max scratches a particularly itchy spot behind his ear and inadvertently picks up flea dirt under his toe nail. If you’re not familiar with flea dirt, it’s the tiny black flecks you find in the fur of pets with fleas. Those flecks are actually flea feces, and it’s made up of the host’s blood. In Max’s case, this flea dirt also carries the bacterium Bartonella henselae. Thankfully, his owner has just realized that Max is riddled with fleas and attempts to apply his topical flea prevention. During the process, Max scratches his owner, thereby transmitting the disease to him through the infected flea dirt. Max might also become annoyed at another cat and scratch him, transmitting the disease to his feline friend and making him into a carrier. Let’s just hope his friend’s owner is keeping up with his flea medication! For Max’s owner, who is a healthy person, cat scratch disease is an inconvenience, but not life-threatening. Generally, the scratch site will develop redness and then two to three weeks later, Max’s owner’s local lymph nodes will swell, and he will get a fever. Most of the time, these symptoms will resolve on their own. However, in people with compromised immune systems, cat scratch disease has more serious consequences. Max’s infection with Bartonella henselae is still not completely understood. Cats who are infected with the disease generally don’t show any symptoms, but several illnesses seem to be correlated with infection. For instance, plasma cell stomatitis, an oral disease, has been linked to Bartonella infection, but questions remain as to whether this is because there is such a high incidence of infection or not. In warm climates where fleas are prevalent, up to 40 percent of cats may test positive for Bartonella, making it difficult to prove if there are associations between it and other concurrent diseases. Testing for Bartonella further complicates the issue, as there is no one test that diagnoses positive cases 100 percent of the time. As with so many other things, when it comes to disease in our pets, prevention is key. If your cat does not have fleas, he cannot transmit the disease, even if he has it. By keeping up-to-date on your cat’s flea prevention, you ultimately keep yourself safe, too.

Pupularity Contest: Petplan pet insurance reveals the most popular dog breeds of 2011

Wed, 07 Mar 2012 15:45:24 GMT

The American Kennel Club recently released the list of the top 10 canine breeds from last year. Though it doesn’t change all that much from year to year, it’s still exciting to see what breeds are the most “pupular” based on AKC registration statistics. In fact, there was a small change this year as the Rottweiler replaced the Shih Tzu on the top 10 list. Without further ado, the top 10 breeds of 2011 were: Labrador Retriever German Shepherd Dog Beagle Golden Retriever Yorkshire Terrier Bulldog Boxer Poodle Dachshund Rottweiler All of these dogs make awesome pets and would certainly improve the vibe in any home. When considering adding any dog to your home, there are several things you must consider. Of course, size, personality and general upkeep requirements should be high on your list of considerations. If you live in a tiny studio apartment, a Yorkie is probably a better choice than a German Shepherd, for instance. Another important factor to consider is the general health of the breed. Full-breed dogs are historically more prone to certain conditions depending on their breed, often because heritable conditions can get perpetuated in the breed’s bloodlines. Reputable breeders avoid using bloodlines tainted by disease, but some conditions are so prevalent that they are hard to avoid. For instance, large breed dogs, like the Lab, Golden Retriever and German Shepherd, are prone to the orthopedic conditions hip and elbow dysplasia. Poorly fitting hip and elbow joints lead to discomfort and contribute to osteoarthritis. Cardiac conditions such as aortic or pulmonic stenosis and cardiomyopathy can affect several of the breeds on the list above, including the Golden Retriever, Bulldog, Boxer and Beagle. Skin conditions are common in many, many breeds. Atopy (or inhaled allergies) shows up as chronic skin and ear infections and very itchy dogs. Atopy can be seen in any dog, including mixed breed dogs, but are particularly prevalent in Labs, Golden Retrievers and Bulldogs. Another skin condition called sebaceous adenitis is seen more frequently in Poodles. Two unlucky breeds on this list (the Bulldog and Dachshund) are prone to the condition keratoconjunctivits sicca (or dry eye), and two breeds are also over represented in the “bad back” category (Dachshund and Beagle). The Yorkshire Terrier hasn’t been mentioned yet, but don’t worry – it’s not off the hook for heritable conditions. Yorkies are prone to liver shunts, undescended testicles and patellar luxation. Of course, most of the individual dogs in a particular breed are healthy dogs. But knowing what MAY be in store for you will only help you be more prepared in the face of illness. Knowing that your dog may be prone to develop a condition and knowing the symptoms will keep you ahead of the eight ball in terms of both diagnosis and treatment. For added protection, you can protect your cat or dog with a veterinary pet insurance policy from Petplan that covers all congenital and hereditary conditions. Visit GoPetplan.com to do a pet insurance comparison and get free pet insurance quotes for your best friends today!

Come, Sit: Petplan pet insurance celebrates Professional Pet Sitters Week

Mon, 05 Mar 2012 11:01:23 GMT

Until recently, there weren’t many options for pet parents who wanted to go out of town. Pets could be boarded at the vet’s office, perhaps, or at a kennel. If you were really, really lucky, you had a nice neighbor or other local family who could help you out. These days, there are so many more options when it comes to how our pets spend their time while we are away. From luxury kennels to hotels offering pet-friendly vacation packages, your dog or cat is sure to have fun whether they are with you or not. Personally, my favorite way of making sure my pets are well taken care when I go away is hiring a pet sitter. And what better time to talk about pet sitters than Professional Pet Sitters Week (March 4-10th)? Some pets do great at the kennel, but mine happen to really dislike it there, so on the few occasions that I have boarded them, I end up worrying a lot about my gang. Having a pet sitter come to the house allows me to keep my furry family in the comfort of their own home, eating their own food and sleeping in their own (or my!) beds while I’m gone. Here are some tips to make working with a pet sitter a breeze: Meet up with the pet sitter well before your scheduled trip so you can see how he or she interacts with your pets. It also allows you to show the pet sitter around the house. Don’t be shy about requesting proof of bonding and liability insurance. Have an extra key made for the pet sitter (and make sure it works!) Provide the sitter with information he or she will need to have, such as: The normal routines and schedule of your pets, including when they eat, when they need to go outside, where they like to walk; Any health problems, including food allergies; Any medications your pets receive on a daily basis, and where these are located; How to reach you in case of an emergency, including names and numbers of alternates in case you cannot be reached; Your pets’ favorite toys and hiding spots. Not being able to find your pet in the house will induce panic in both the sitter and you! Leave the name of your veterinarian as well as your pets’ vaccine records. Be sure to include the name and policy number of your pet insurance as well, just in case there is a medical emergency. Plan ahead, especially around national holidays when other people will be requesting the sitter’s services. It never hurts to be the early bird when booking. Make sure you have extra provisions for your pets, like food and litter, in case you are gone longer than you thought you would be. Let your neighbors know that a pet sitter will be coming. Not only will this avoid an awkward call to the authorities about a possible intruder, it will give you a chance to ask your neighbors to keep an eye out for abnormalities while you’re gone. When you go away, either on business or for pleasure, the last thing you want to worry about is the wellbeing of your pet. Hiring a pet sitter can help ease your mind. After all, knowing that your pets are sleeping soundly (probably in your bed!) might help you catch a few more winks as well!

Pick Your Poison: Petplan pet insurance looks at the most common causes of pet poisoning

Thu, 01 Mar 2012 09:57:11 GMT

March is Poison Prevention Awareness Month. Every year, thousands of pets are accidentally poisoned when they ingest something that they shouldn’t. The folks at the Pet Poison Hotline have recently put out a top 10 list of the most common emergencies they took calls about last year. Some of them are obvious toxins, but others are not. Take a look at the list below and make a mental note to store these potential hazards out of the reach of your pets. The list starts with the most common emergencies and goes down the list from there. Golden Retriever and Labrador Retriever owners should pay special attention – those two breeds topped the list of the breeds most likely to get into something they shouldn’t have! Certain “people foods:” This category includes chocolate, grapes, raisins and the artificial sweetener xylitol, all of which can be fatal if ingested in large enough quantities. Insecticides, especially those that contain organophosphates: Pay special attention to spot-on flea treatments, because often these are not safe for cats. Be sure to read the directions before you apply a product to your cat. Rodenticides (mouse and rat poison): The same properties that make these toxic for rodents are also poisonous for dogs and cats. They cause internal bleeding, which can be life-threatening, and pets are also subject to what is called “relay toxicity,” which is poisoning from eating a poisoned mouse or rat. Non-steroidal anti-inflammatories (NSAIDs), such as ibuprofen and naproxen: Pets that are given human over-the-counter pain medications are subject to stomach and intestinal ulcers, as well as kidney failure. Never give an NSAID to your pet without first checking with your veterinarian. Household cleaners: Because of their corrosive nature, ingesting these can cause severe illness and death. Antidepressants, such as Prozac and Paxil: Severe neurologic problems, sedation and tremors can occur with ingestion of these medications. Fertilizers, especially those that contain blood and bone meal: These fertilizers are especially tasty to our pets, but their ingestion can lead to pancreatitis and bowel obstruction. Acetaminophen (Tylenol) and cough/cold medications: These can cause liver failure, and the effects can be especially severe in cats. Amphetamines (Adderall, Concerta): These medications used to treat ADD and ADHD can cause neurologic signs like tremors and seizures in pets. Veterinary pain relievers, like Rimadyl, Deramaxx and Previcox: Because these medications are made for dogs, they are often flavored, making them a tasty treat that may be too hard to resist. Overdosing on these medications can cause stomach ulcers and kidney failure. Our pets don’t mean to jeopardize their health when they accidentally ingest toxins--they just can’t resist. Luckily, the good people at the Pet Poison Hotline are there to help. One simple call to them starts the ball rolling on finding out exactly what the potential problems are with the particular toxin your pet ingested and how to begin to treat them. If your pet has gotten into something you think might be harmful, be sure to call the hotline (1-800-213-6680) or your regular veterinarian right away. And always remember to do your part to protect your four-legged family members by making sure potential dangers are well hidden from curious mouths.

Getting a Leg Up: Petplan pet insurance on addressing mounting behavior in dogs

Wed, 29 Feb 2012 12:34:15 GMT

Your dog’s mounting behavior is likely an embarrassment to you, but to him, it’s just canine nature. Or is it? Today, we’ll take a look at the most common causes of this unacceptable (by human standards) habit. Many people find the subject of canine mounting difficult to bring up at a routine veterinary visit, but try not to be too shy about it. As veterinarians, I can guarantee you that we’ve heard FAR worse questions! I think that, for the most part, my clients think that mounting behaviors are sexual in nature and therefore will subside after neutering. These clients become frustrated when the behavior continues after castration. The truth is, there are a variety of reasons for mounting behavior. Let’s take a look at some of them. Anxiety: Anxiety is actually the main reason that dogs display mounting behaviors, either toward people or nearby objects. Mounting serves as an outlet for extreme emotional arousal or getting too excited. When a new person comes to the door, causing excitement to your pet, he might mount her leg in lieu of knowing how else to express his excitement. The same goes for when a new toy comes into the house and becomes the target for mounting behavior. Over time, mounting can become an attention-seeking behavior as well. Sexual in nature: Even if your pet is neutered, he still might have the motivation and ability to go through the motions of copulation. If he’s not neutered, consider doing this to curb some mounting behavior – doing so reduces the behavior by 50% in 70% of patients. Dominance: Many people think that dominance is the most common reason for mounting behavior, but that is not always the case. It can be used to establish dominance or remind a companion who is dominant, but it can also be a part of normal play between two dogs with a healthy relationship. Dominance certainly plays no role in the mounting behavior your dog may display toward his favorite toy. Self-soothing: Much like thumb sucking soothes our children, mounting behavior can calm our pets. Dogs can sometimes be found mounting their favorite toys during stressful events or before going to sleep. While mounting behavior is natural, it is not preferred, and can occasionally get out of hand and become a compulsive problem. The goal in dealing with it is to try to decrease the frequency and duration of events. If this blog sounds all too familiar, bring the matter up with your vet, who can give you some tips for dealing with your pet’s mounting behavior.

Reaching a Fever Pitch: Petplan pet insurance looks at treating fevers in pets

Mon, 27 Feb 2012 12:57:43 GMT

We had a health scare in our house over the weekend – my son’s first fever. As a mom, I can’t help but worry about things like this, even though as a veterinarian, I know that fevers serve a purpose. Our furry children get fevers, too, although often times the signs are less obvious than in our human children. Simply put, a fever is an elevated body temperature in response to infection or inflammation. A normal body temperature in our pets is higher than it is in us. A rectal temperature of 101 to 102.5 is considered normal for cats and dogs. And that’s right – I said rectal temperature. Unfortunately, no one has devised a more accurate and safe method of taking pet temperatures yet. And if you can get your cat to keep a thermometer under her tongue until it beeps, you deserve a prize*! A fever shouldn’t be confused with what we term “non-pyrogenic hyperthermia,” which is elevated body temperature due to increased exercise, extreme environmental heat or heat stroke, or prolonged seizures. Of course, like most things in life, there are pros and cons to having a fever. Some of the benefits of a fever include: Inhibiting the growth of infection producing bacteria. Contributing to cancer cell death. Encouraging patient inactivity/rest, thereby contributing to recovery. On the down side, though, fevers: Make the patient feel terrible, and usually lead to lack of appetite and a decreased nutritional state Lead to the production of endotoxins, which can complicate illness. Strain the ability of the heart to function normally. Can cause seizures and brain damage, if they are prolonged. Unfortunately, you cannot tell if your pet has a fever in any way other than taking a rectal temperature. The wetness or dryness of your pet’s nose, as well as whether or not your pet’s nose is warm or cold, is irrelevant in terms of internal temperature. If your pet is acting lethargic, shivering or doesn’t seem interested in eating, he or she may have a fever. If you suspect your pet does have a fever, call your vet and arrange to have your pet seen as soon as possible. In the meantime, do not give over-the-counter human medications! Many, many, many things can cause fever, and the sooner your vet figures out what is causing your pet’s fever, the sooner he or she can be on the road to recovery. Figuring out what is causing your pet’s fever can occasionally be problematic. Our pets can’t tell us where it hurts, so it is up to your vet to figure out how to best treat the problem. Sometimes the source of a fever is obvious, and sometimes it takes a little more digging (in the form of blood work, X-rays, ultrasounds and more blood work) to get to the bottom of the problem. All of these tests can add up, which is where veterinary pet insurance from Petplan pet insurance can help. The dreaded “fever of unknown origin” often takes some time to figure out, but rest assured that your vet is trying her hardest to provide the best care for your pet. Nobody likes to be sick, and our pets are no different. While fevers serve an important biologic function, they make us feel terrible. If your pet is showing signs of a fever, get her into the vet quickly to get her back to her old self. * Just kidding. Please do not try this. Especially with a glass thermometer.

A real mouthful: Petplan pet insurance opens up on two dental diseases unique to feline friends

Fri, 24 Feb 2012 10:52:30 GMT

Pet Dental Health Month is a perfect time to highlight the uniqueness of our feline friends. In addition to sharing most of the dental problems that can plague our canine companions, unfortunately cats have the added bonus of being susceptible to two other diseases unique to their species. Feline tooth resorption Feline tooth resorption is very common in cats, affecting more than 50% of all cats at some point in their lives. Tooth resorption goes by many other names, including cavities, neck lesions and feline odontoclastic resorption lesions (FORLs). The cause of resorptive lesions remains unknown, but autoimmune responses and/or calicivirus infection are thought to be culprits. Resorptive lesions are usually found on the tooth at or around the gum line. They start as small erosions in the dental enamel and progress both in size and depth. Eventually, the erosions are deep enough to expose nerves, making the lesions extremely painful. Affected pets may have difficulty eating, or may display jaw spasms or teeth chattering when the lesion is touched. Sometimes the extent of the lesion cannot fully be determined unless dental X-rays are taken. These are a normal part of a dental procedure under anesthesia. By visualizing the tooth root, your veterinarian will be able to determine what actions to take to fix the problem. Sometimes the tooth will be removed in its entirety, and sometimes just the removal of the crown will be sufficient. Gingivostomatitis Gingivostomatitis is a painful inflammatory condition thought to be caused by an allergic response to plaque on the teeth. The result is swollen, inflamed, painful gums and often the condition expands to include the tissues of the hard and soft palate and back of the throat. Early signs may be easy to miss, but once the disease is established, the swollen, red gums are easily noticed. In addition, it is painful enough to cause your cat to lose interest in eating. Excess drooling may occur, and you may notice your cat’s fur becoming scruffy looking because she has stopped grooming. Treatment options are numerous, but include treating with oral or injectable steroids, antibiotics, laser therapy and the use of immune modulators to try to slow the body’s immune reaction. Oftentimes, removal of the tooth leads to resolution, so whole mouth extractions (removal of ALL the teeth) can be curative. Be on the lookout for these feline specific dental problems, and be sure to bring it up to your vet at your pet’s next wellness exam. If your cat’s mouth is painful, don’t wait – schedule an appointment right away, before the condition worsens.

Just Say No: Petplan pet insurance looks at the dangers of no-anesthesia dentals

Thu, 23 Feb 2012 11:37:31 GMT

Since February is National Pet Dental Health Month, we’re focusing several of our blogs on dental issues this month. With 80% of dogs and 70% of cats over the age of two showing some form of periodontal disease, it should come as no surprise that dental cleanings are among the most-recommended procedures by veterinarians. As a vet myself, it frustrates me that so many owners are wary to oblige these requests. As we talked about it previous blogs, pet dental health has such a big impact on their overall health, not to mention how much more pleasant it is to receive doggy kisses from a healthy mouth! I think the thing that gives pet parents the most pause about dentals is the anesthesia. Because many of the dogs and cats most in need of dental cleanings are older, owners are understandably concerned about the potential for anesthetic complications during a dental. Additionally, dentals are expensive, and a lot of that cost can be attributed to the cost of the anesthetic. Some people take advantage of these fears and concerns by offering “anesthesia-free dentals.” This sounds like the perfect solution, doesn’t it? Well, it’s not – for many reasons. As a refresher of what we previously discussed about routine professional dental procedures under anesthesia, after a thorough exam (which may include X-rays), your vet or trained technician will use an ultrasonic cleaner to remove tartar from the teeth and then carefully polish every surface of the tooth, creating a smooth surface less likely to collect tartar-causing plaque. To contrast, people who perform “anesthesia-free dentals” often use sharp tools to remove tartar, and in the process, the tooth’s enamel may be damaged. The resultant micro-pitting actually retains more plaque than a polished tooth, therefore causing increased tartar accumulation and the need for more frequent dentals. More importantly, during “anesthesia-free dentals,” only the parts of the teeth that are visible are cleaned, and bacteria that accumulates under the gum line is ignored. You already know that it is the bacteria under the gum line that contributes to periodontal disease and causes weakening of the periodontal ligament, leading to loose teeth. To ignore this area is to completely ignore the major cause of dental disease. It frustrates me that people try to take advantage of pet owners’ fears by offering these services, but even more concerning is the blatant lack of concern for the pet’s health. More than once I have seen weak teeth broken during “dentals” performed in grooming salons and elsewhere, and have even had to treat a dog with a broken jaw sustained during an “anesthesia-free dental.” If your veterinarian recommends a dental, voice your concerns so that your veterinarian gets a chance to address them. Your pet’s health is our very first and only concern.

Under the Gum: Petplan pet insurance goes behind the scenes of a dental cleaning

Wed, 22 Feb 2012 12:44:47 GMT

In honor of National Pet Dental Health month, we’ll be taking a closer look at your pet’s oral health throughout the month. We talked a little bit about tooth brushing in an earlier blog, so you know how to try to prevent dental problems at home. But if your pet has dental problems that can’t be solved at home, you can expect to hear your veterinarian recommend a thorough dental exam and teeth cleaning. It isn’t too hard to spot the signs of obvious periodontal disease. Bad breath is one of the biggest complaints about pets that I hear in the office, and is a common sign of dental disease. Other signs include: Accumulation of tartar at the gum line Loose or broken teeth Excess drooling Swelling and/or draining tracts on the face Sneezing Discolored (grey) teeth Here’s what you can expect from a dental procedure. First, you’ll be dropping your cat or dog off for the day, as she will require anesthesia. Unlike humans, who willingly (or not so willingly!) lie still for their dentists and open their mouths on command, our pets are not as cooperative. Anesthesia allows for a thorough dental exam. There is always a risk associated with anesthesia, but your vet will use the safest anesthetic procedures and intra-operative monitoring to ensure the safest experience for your pet. Once your pet is under anesthesia, her mouth will get a thorough exam. Any pockets between the gums and teeth (a sign of periodontal disease) will be noted, and diseased teeth will be addressed. Oral X-rays will probably be taken to assess the health of the entire tooth, including the roots, since seemingly healthy teeth can sometimes turn out to be diseased. All of your pet’s teeth will be ultrasonically cleaned and polished, and usually some type of fluoride treatment will be used. Broken or loose teeth, or those that are so diseased that they are beyond hope, will be extracted. If this is the case, it is likely that your pet will be sent home with pain medication for the next couple of days. Your veterinarian will go over discharge instructions, such as feeding guidelines (for example, maybe you will need to feed soft food temporarily) and instructions on when it is ok to start tooth brushing again. Every once in a while, your veterinarian might come across a problem that is over his head. In this case, your pet will likely be referred to a veterinary dentist for the best care possible. Poor dental health contributes to overall poor health. I cannot count the number of times that I have had clients tell me that after a thorough dental procedure, their pet acts years younger. Dental pain is sometimes very hard to detect, and chronic pain can cause our pets to withdraw. In addition, dental disease contributes to systemic disease, with the potential for damaging the kidneys and heart. Veterinary pet insurance can help you deal with the costs to manage your pet's care should they develop problems as a result of poor dental health, but the best thing to do would be to prevent those problems from ever occurring in the first place! Do your pet a favor this February – flip up her lip and take a peek at those chompers. If you see (or smell) anything alarming, it’s time to schedule a visit to your vet. It may be time for a dental cleaning!

Tough Break: Petplan pet insurance takes a look at broken bones in pets

Fri, 17 Feb 2012 13:54:46 GMT

Sticks and stones may break your bones, but your pet is more likely to suffer from broken bones due to trauma. The most common cause of broken bones in pets is being hit by a car, but falls from high places are also a danger, especially for puppies and kittens. The very first thing you should do if you suspect that your pet has a broken bone is call your veterinarian (or the closest emergency center, if your vet’s office is closed). They will want to see your pet as soon as possible. In the meantime, try to keep your pet calm and still. Exercise extreme caution – broken bones are very painful, and your pet may lash out at you due to intense pain. You may need to muzzle your pet to avoid being accidentally bitten. Use a flat board to move your pet to the car if he is a larger breed, or use a carrier for small dogs or cats. The less your pet has to move, the better. Do not attempt to splint the fractured area yourself. Doing so may cause more damage and will put you in more danger of being bitten. First, your pet’s general health will be assessed. In the case of severe trauma, such as a car accident, a broken bone may not be the most serious ailment your pet has. Your veterinarian will make sure there are no life-threatening injuries and stabilize your pet before deciding on a plan of action for the broken bones. Rest assured, however, that your veterinarian will address your pet’s pain right away. Once your pet has been stabilized, your vet will address your pet’s broken bone. If she hasn’t taken an X-ray already, she will at this time. Depending on the severity of the fracture, your veterinarian may choose to treat your pet herself, or may need to refer you to an orthopedic surgeon. Simple fractures may heal with just a cast, but more complicated fractures will need pins, screws or plates to heal correctly. However your pet’s fracture is treated, the post-operative period is a critical time. If your pet has a cast, it will be a daily battle to keep him from chewing on it, especially if your pup or cat is young (or young at heart). Keeping the cast clean and dry is also very important. Your veterinarian (or the orthopedic surgeon) will send you home with specific instructions for post-operative care, including restrictions on activity and instructions for physical therapy. If you have questions, be sure to ask. From this point on, your pet’s doctors are relying on you to help your pet through the rest of the healing process, which will take six to eight weeks at a minimum. You’ll probably have several check-up appointments during this time, so you’ll have plenty of opportunity to ask any questions that may arise. But if something comes up in between appointment times, be sure to call right away. A pet’s broken bone is not the end of the world, but it sure can feel like it at the time. Fractures can be costly, as well, so having veterinary pet insurance from Petplan can help relieve the pressure on your family budget. Click here to compare pet insurance companies and get free pet insurance quotes to see if it would be a good choice for your family situation.

Brush with Fate: Petplan pet insurance on the importance of brushing your pets teeth

Wed, 15 Feb 2012 11:55:58 GMT

February is Pet Dental Health Month! Maybe you don’t give much thought to your pet’s dental health, but you should! You and I brush (or should brush) our teeth twice a day and still sometimes end up with tooth troubles such as gingivitis and cavities. Imagine if, like our dogs and cats, we never brushed our teeth! Our twice-a-year visits to the dentist would be much more painful (on many levels)! For us, daily tooth brushing removes the daily buildup of plaque that accumulates on the surface of our teeth. Our pets are susceptible to plaque buildup, as well. Plaque and bacteria build up at the gum line, and over time, this plaque turns into calculus. Calculus is hard and brownish-tan in color, and when it accumulates at the gum line, it causes the irritation known as gingivitis. Calculus is full of bacteria, and when this bacteria seeps up under the gums, it also causes infection and loosens the attachment of the teeth to the gums. Gingival redness, bad breath and loose teeth are hallmarks of periodontal disease, but signs don’t have to be so obvious for your pet to have dental disease. To top it all off, when the bacteria comes into contact with irritated gums, it can enter the blood stream, spreading to the liver, heart and kidneys. So, what’s a pet parent to do? Well, the very best thing to do is to start brushing your pet’s teeth. If your pet is a youngster, getting into this habit early makes your life a heck of a lot easier in the long run. Not only will your pet be used to the brushing routine, but she will also enjoy a life of better dental health and reduce the risk of developing dangerous dental disease - which can put a real hole in your family budget without Petplan pet insurance. If your pet has a few years under her belt, start by discussing her current dental health with your vet. If dental disease is present, it’s best to address it first. Your veterinarian will perform what is known as a “dental” to adequately assess your pet’s dental health and correct any problems, as well as clean each tooth thoroughly. We’ll go over what happens during a dental procedure in a future blog this month. How to Brush Your Pet's Teeth After having a thorough cleaning, your older pet is now ready to begin having her teeth brushed at home. Don’t fret – it’s not as bad as you think it will be. Start slowly, and over time, you’ll wonder what you were so worried about! There are many ways to try to brush your pet’s teeth. The mainstay of tooth brushing involves the mechanical removal of daily plaque buildup. This can be achieved by using a pet tooth brush, but many people find a bristled finger brush makes the job a little easier. Pick up some toothpaste from your veterinarian – these are made specifically for pets, featuring flavors like poultry and fish (sounds gross to us, but they love it!). Technically, you should brush your pet’s teeth twice a day for the best results. I am a realist, though, and I know that not all of us have the luxury of that much time. I just tell my clients to do their very best. Aim for twice a day, but any tooth brushing is better than no tooth brushing. Stay tuned for a few more blogs on dental health this month, and take the time now to peek into your pet’s mouth and see how it looks in there. If you spy (or smell) trouble, it’s time to high tail it to the vet for a thorough dental exam.

Be My Valentine: Petplan pet insurance looks at the pet health hazards of a sweet holiday

Mon, 13 Feb 2012 11:58:23 GMT

Once a year, people all over the country go on the lookout for the sweetest token of their love to present to their partners on February 14. Oftentimes, it comes down to the wire, and some of us rely on the old standbys – chocolate, flowers and a store-bought card. This Valentine’s Day, you may choose to reward your pet for providing a lifetime of unconditional love, but be sure to keep some of those more traditional gifts out of reach. Candy is Not Dandy Those heart-shaped boxes full of chocolate are a temptation too great to ignore, both to us and our curious pets. We’ve talked about the dangers of chocolate before, but it never hurts to reiterate an important point. For many reasons, chocolate can be quite dangerous to our pets. Chemical compounds in chocolate cause gastrointestinal and neurologic problems and can lead to an accelerated heart rate and compromised cardiac function. Dark chocolate and baker’s chocolate are the most worrisome, and small dogs are particularly prone to chocolate’s dangerous effects due to their size. In addition to the methylxanthines that cause the problems I just mentioned, milk chocolates can have a high fat content. Consumption of fatty foods like candy can lead to a life-threatening inflammation of the pancreas called pancreatitis. Pancreatitis causes vomiting and abdominal pain, and more often than not, pets with pancreatitis require hospitalization (which, if you don't have a Petplan pet insurance policy to help with the bills, can make any sweet holiday sour). Trying to be good this year and skip candies with high sugar content? Good for you! But be careful with those candies that contain the artificial sweetener xylitol. While it helps people keep a fit figure, it can be deadly to our pets. Xylitol causes dangerously low blood sugar and is also dangerous for dogs’ livers. Some dogs may make a full recovery, while others develop deadly acute liver failure. Nip it in the Bud Don’t let the joy you feel from getting a bouquet of flowers turn into an emergency trip to the vet. Some flowers, particularly lilies, are toxic to cats. If your cats are anything like mine, fresh flowers are ripe for the eating, no matter how hard I try to keep them out of reach. For that reason, lilies are never allowed in my house. For a cat, eating even just a small amount of lily can lead to fatal kidney failure. Talk to your florist about only including flowers that are safe for your pets. Bring on the Romance Nothing sparks romance better than candle light and champagne. Before you and your partner head off into the sunset, make sure they are both out of the reach of your four legged Valentines. Candles can accidentally be knocked over and curious kitties (especially youngsters) can burn their paws trying to play with the flame. Overconsumption of alcohol can give us quite a headache, but our pets may not be so lucky. Their small size makes even a small amount of alcohol dangerous. If your family celebrates Valentine’s Day, include your pet in safe ways. Stuffed heart toys or heart-shaped healthy pet treats are a perfect way to show your four-legged Valentine how much you love them. Just be sure to keep the human treats out of reach!

Breed All About It: Petplan pet insurance presents a primer on the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show

Thu, 09 Feb 2012 12:08:37 GMT

Boy, do I ever love the middle of February! Not only do I get to eat chocolate on Valentine’s Day, but I get to enjoy the best of the best when it comes to full bred dogs. That’s right, it’s time once again for the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show! This year is the show’s 136th year, making it second-longest continuously running sporting event (just behind the Kentucky Derby), and the fun starts February 13. This year, six new breeds will make their appearance at the Westminster Kennel Club Dog Show. These breeds are now recognized by the American Kennel Club and will strut their stuff alongside breeds that have been there since the beginning. The new breeds are: American English Coonhound (Hound group) Cesky Terrier (Terrier group) Entlebucher Mountain Dog ( Herding group) Finnish Lapphund (Herding group) Norwegian Lundehund (Non-sporting group) Xoloitzcuintli (Non-sporting group) The schedule of events is well planned out. Two thousand dogs will compete in seven groups: Hound: This group contains breeds like Foxhounds, Basset Hounds and Beagles, as well as Greyhounds, Whippets and Borzois. Toy: Toy breeds like Chihuahuas, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Yorkshire Terriers and Pugs make up this diminutive group. Non-sporting: This is very diverse group. Its members include the Chow Chow, Dalmatian, Lhasa Apso, Bichon Frise, Boston Terrier and the Bulldog. Herding: This one is the newest group and includes Corgis, Border Collies, German Shepherds and several kinds of sheepdogs. Sporting: This group is made up of typical hunting companions, including spaniels, retrievers and pointers. Working: These dogs are generally large in size and ready to help. Doberman Pinschers, Boxers, Newfoundlands, Saint Bernards and Rottweilers are part of the Working Group. Terrier: This group consists of 28 breeds of terriers, including the Welsh Terrier, Staffordshire Bull Terrier, Parson Russell Terrier and the Miniature Schnauzer. Four groups compete on Monday (Hound, Toy, Non-sporting and Herding), and the last three will compete on Tuesday. It all comes down to the grand finale Tuesday night, when the coveted title of “Best in Show” will be handed out. The playing field is wide open – any breed could take it, and age is only a number in this competition. The proof is in the pudding – in 2008, the winner was a 3-year-old Beagle named Uno, and then in 2009, a Sussex Spaniel named Stump won the title at 10 years, 2 months, and 9 days old! The youngest winner in the show’s history was a 9-month-old Rough Collie, who took the title back in 1929. Whether your heart belongs to a mixed-breed or a purebred dog, it’s hard for dog lovers not to be drawn to the big showdown each February. I hope you tune in, too!

No Butts about it: Petplan pet insurance looks at the dangers of smoking around pets

Tue, 14 Feb 2012 10:55:05 GMT

Everyone knows that smoking is bad for humans, but evidence shows that it also is bad for our pet’s health. Second-hand smoke has been linked to lung cancer in humans, as well as childhood leukemia and cancers of the brain, bladder, stomach and breast. It stands to follow, then, that second-hand smoke (or environmental tobacco smoke) poses similar risks to the pets who live with smokers. Something in the air If you’re a smoker, I know that you know that it’s in your best interest to quit. I also know that some people are more concerned about the health of their pets than they are about their own health. That’s why it is important to remember that environmental tobacco smoke is dangerous to our pets. When toxins in tobacco smoke settle on the floor, couch and bed, it can gather on your pet’s fur. Because cats are such fastidious groomers, they are more prone to the ill effects of toxic build-up. Cats that live in houses with smokers are at an increased risk of oral squamous cell carcinoma. Not only is this type of cancer painful, it is also difficult to treat. Cats that live with smokers are also at an increased risk of developing asthma over time. And if your cat already has asthma, smoking in the house will hinder her treatment. Perhaps the most disturbing trend we see with cats who are exposed to second-hand smoke is in their risk of developing lymphoma, or cancer of the lymph system. If a cat lives with one smoker, her chances of developing lymphoma are TWICE that of cats who live with non-smokers. And if a cat lives with two smokers, her chances of developing lymphoma are a staggering four times higher. Dogs are not off the hook, either. Nasal cancer rates are higher in dogs who live with smokers, particularly if the dog is a long-nosed breed. There is plenty of anecdotal evidence that second-hand smoke exacerbates atopy (or inhaled allergies), as well. In addition to exposing pets to second-hand smoke, smokers should be aware that cigarettes and other forms of nicotine pose a toxic threat to pets if ingested. Puppies are probably most at risk, as they are curious and love to chew on odds and ends, but adult dogs and cats also sometimes end up accidentally ingesting whole cigarettes, cigarette butts or chewing tobacco. Nicotine gum and patches are also toxic, so be sure to keep these out of paw’s reach. Nicotine poisoning causes symptoms such as tremors, excessive drooling, hallucinations, excitement and an increased heart rate, and if enough nicotine is ingested, death can occur. The toxic dose of nicotine is about 4 milligrams per pound, so smaller dogs and cats are obviously more at risk. Quitting smoking now greatly reduces your own risk of cancer over time. Just two weeks after quitting, circulation and lung function improves, and after one year the risk of coronary heart disease is half of what it is for smokers. But if these benefits don’t convince you, consider the health of your pet. If quitting smoking is just not in the cards right now, do your best to protect your pets by smoking outdoors and keeping indoor ashtrays clean and free of potentially dangerous butts.

Presidential Pets: Petplan pet insurance takes a look at Oval Office companions

Mon, 06 Feb 2012 11:54:38 GMT

Presidents’ Day is coming up! Throughout the history of America, our presidents have retired at the end of the day much like the rest of us – to the company of beloved pets. I thought it would be fun to take a look at some of the pets that kept the feet of our noble leaders warm in the Oval Office. I wanted to start at the beginning with George Washington, our first president, but it turns out that while he had many dogs, they were mostly generic hounds and hound mixes. And our second president, John Adams, had only horses. His wife Abigail did have two dogs, though. I had to go to our third president, Thomas Jefferson (who happens to be one of my favorites) to find a president with a full-breed dog. He had two Briards, and is credited with bringing them to the United States from France. From there, it gets a little weird for a few terms: James Madison had no pets, but his wife had a green parrot. James Monroe also had no pets of his own. John Quincy Adams apparently had an alligator! Definitely not the warm and cuddly type of pet. His wife took it one step further, and kept silkworms! Andrew Jackson gave us a break from the odd pet. He had “Sam Patches,” his wartime mount, and several other racing horses. Martin Van Buren brought us back to the exotic pets, receiving a pair of tiger cubs from the Sultan of Oman. Luckily, he was encouraged to give these pets to the zoo. Modern presidents have tended toward the more common cats and dogs. The current First Dog is Bo Obama, a Portuguese Water Dog. And who can forget President Bill Clinton’s cat Socks, who had a notoriously bad relationship with Buddy, the chocolate Labrador Retriever puppy the Clintons added to their house while in office. Some First Dogs have more time on their hands than others. President George H.W. Bush’s Springer Spaniel Millie even had time to write her own book! The tome, called “Millie’s Book,” describes a day in the life of Millie, including morning briefings with President Bush. Presidents evoke many emotions in us commoners, from awe to ire, from jealousy to pity. It warms my heart a little to know that throughout our sometimes troubled history, American presidents were comforted by the joyful, loving eyes of their pets.

Someone Special: Petplan pet insurance takes an expert look at veterinary specialists

Fri, 03 Feb 2012 11:45:19 GMT

Most veterinarians are generalists, meaning that they don’t really specialize in any one health problem. Veterinarians tend to do it all, from soft tissue and orthopedic surgery to solving skin infections, behavioral problems, obstetric emergencies and other complicated internal illnesses. All of that, and they do it on multiple species as well! However, it is impossible for us to know it all or be able to provide the best care in every pet’s situation. Sometimes we have to refer our patients to a specialist, much like your general practitioner does if you present with an unusual illness. Sometimes, your veterinarian will refer you after his treatments have failed to solve the problem, or sometimes your pet will be referred right away. Veterinary specialists are those who have gone not only to veterinary school, but also followed up with internships and residencies to become proficient in a particular specialty. After finishing their residency, they must pass a rigorous exam to become board certified in their specialty of choice. Below is a summary of common veterinary specialists and why you and your pet may be referred there: Internal Medicine: Generally, these specialists can be found at veterinary schools, larger practices and referral practices alike. Internal medicine veterinarians are the ultimate problem solvers, handling sick patients with multiple concurrent illnesses or unusual conditions. Problems that are often referred to internal medicine specialists include those that are difficult to regulate, such as diabetic or adrenal disease, illnesses that do not respond to initial therapies, or illnesses that cannot be pinned down. Dermatologists: Veterinary dermatologists focus on diseases of the skin and ears. Recurring or non-responsive ear infections are a commonly referred problem, as are chronic skin infections and atopy. Skin disease can be very frustrating for owners and veterinarians alike, and sometimes referral to the dermatologist can just make everyone feel better! Oncologists: Veterinary oncologists specialize in treating your pet’s cancer. They have access to chemotherapy drugs and often are able to perform radiation treatments as well. If your pet has been diagnosed with cancer and you decide to seek treatment, an oncology consult is generally recommended if it is at all possible. Neurologists: Veterinary neurologists focus on diseases that affect the nervous systems of our pets, be it in the brain, spinal cord or in nerves that communicate with major muscle groups. Intervertebral disk disease (a common condition of Dachshunds) can present as an emergency, and with quick referral to a veterinary neurologist, your pet’s ability to walk can often be salvaged. Meningitis, encephalitis, brain tumors and nerve damage are also reasons that your pet may need to see a neurologist. Read the fetch! magazine interview with veterinary neurologist Dr. Annie Chen-Allen here. Cardiologists: If your general practitioner hears a heart murmur when they listen to your chest, they will refer you to a cardiologist. The same is often true when your vet hears a murmur in your pet. Cardiologists can do echocardiograms to visualize your pet’s heart to see where the problem lies and then provide an appropriate treatment plan for your pet’s condition. Ophthalmologists: These veterinary specialists treat your pet’s eyes. Often, your veterinarian will try a few therapies for eye problems, but when those methods fail, you may be referred to an ophthalmologist. Uncontrolled glaucoma, chronic corneal ulcers, ocular cancers and cataract surgery are commonly referred conditions. Your veterinarian and veterinary specialists work as a team to solve your pet’s health problems. If your veterinarian has offered a referral, it is because he or she feels that the specialist will be able to provide the very best treatment for your pet’s condition.

Winter Walking: Petplan pet insurance offers advice for navigating the great outdoors during winter months

Thu, 02 Feb 2012 13:09:34 GMT

Did you know January was “Walk Your Pet Month?” I have no idea why anyone would designate one of the coldest months of the year to this particular task, but it’s true. Maybe it can coincide with one of your (or your pet’s) New Year’s resolutions, because walking with your pet is good for the heart, body and soul! Walking your pet for 30 minutes at least once a day (preferably twice a day) has multiple benefits. Getting out of the house and seeing and smelling the world provides your pet with both mental and physical stimulation. These daily walks can actually prevent behavior problems for this very reason. And don’t forget the added benefits to your health – walking burns calories and may qualify as your cardiovascular workout for the day. Easy Does It If you and your pet are both out of shape, start slow. Over time, you can build up both time and distance until you reach your 30-minute goal. Geriatric pets can still benefit from walks as well, as long as walking is not too painful. They may not make it quite as far as your younger dog, so keep an eye out for signs of pain or fatigue. Let There Be Light Winter walks often occur in the dark, as most of us get home from work after night has fallen. Be sure to wear reflective clothing and outfit your pet with reflective jackets or collars as well. Collars with strong LED lights are also available, as are head lamps and leashes equipped with flashlights. The goal is to be seen by drivers, but also keep in mind that should your pet slip her lead, she will still be visible in the dark. Treats for Tricks Don’t forget to bring treats on your walk to foster good behavior. Your dog should not be pulling on the lead. If she is, talk to your veterinarian about ways to correct this, including the use of a head collar. When strangers approach, make sure your dog is polite. Use treats to keep her attention and distract her from oncoming neighbors and their pets, or treat her to a nice reward after she has interacted with them in an acceptable way. Good Habits Make Good Neighbors Don’t forget to bring baggies for your pet’s waste. Everyone hates to find mystery poop in their front yard, but the bigger problem here is the spread of disease, which can occur in both fresh and old feces. Cleaning up your pet’s waste makes you a good neighbor and a champion of public health. Let the Cat Out of the Bag “This is all well and good,” you may be thinking, “but I don’t have a dog. I have a cat.” Don’t fret! Your cat can also be trained to walk on a leash. Time and patience are all it takes to get your cat used to a leash, and for indoor cats, this outdoor time is such a treat. I know it is unusual to see, and maybe you will become the talk of the neighborhood, but the benefits to you and your cat will be worth it. I recently visited a park in Los Angeles and it made me so happy to see a couple hanging out there on a blanket – with their cat! The cat seemed to love basking in the sun as much as his owners. This year can be the start of a brand new tradition – daily walks! Celebrate by hitting the roads or trails with your four-legged family members.

Petplan pet insurance celebrates National Train Your Dog Month with tips for tricky cats and dogs

Mon, 30 Jan 2012 10:59:08 GMT

January has been declared “National Train Your Dog Month” by the good people at the Association of Pet Dog Trainers (APDT). Too often, good pets are relinquished to shelters due to behavior problems that have just gotten out of control. Sometimes, owners are even forced to consider euthanasia because bad behavior has become too much to bear. A puppy chewing on a shoe or nipping your fingers may seem cute, but to ensure bad habits don’t upset a happy home later on, training your dog from the very beginning is imperative. The same can be said for cats. Though cats are generally fiercely independent, they also need to cultivate good house habits to maintain healthy relationships with family members, both two- and four-legged. The APDT has several webinars on their site to help you learn how to remedy canine and feline behavior problems. Even if you are lucky enough to have very well-behaved pets, it’s a good idea to at least peruse their website in case your pet develops a rebellious streak someday! Topics include (but are not limited to): Dog safety around children Basic dog handling House breaking Litter box issues Scratching behavior in cats Separation anxiety Successful dog-cat interactions Behavior problems in both dogs and cats can be very frustrating, and I think it helps to know that you not alone, and other people are also going through the same thing. If you have serious concerns regarding your pet’s behavior, bring it up with your veterinarian as soon as possible. Without meaning to, you may be reinforcing bad behaviors that will only get worse (and therefore more difficult to curb) with time. Serious problems may be referred to a veterinarian who specializes in behavior. These vets have gone through extra training to become board certified in dealing with behavior and training issues. Shelters are full of pets who are relinquished for behavior problems, and these dogs and cats can be difficult to adopt out because of them. Nipping behavior problems in the bud and working with basic obedience commands daily goes a long way in fostering healthy, happy relationships in the home. What resources have you found successful for curbing behavior problems in your dog or cat? Let us know by commenting on this post!

Fat Cat Skinny Cat: Petplan pet insurance presents solutions for feeding cats with different dietary needs

Thu, 26 Jan 2012 11:25:26 GMT

From time to time, we get questions from our policy holders about pet health in our Ask our Experts mailbox, and we are happy to address these. Because there are probably lots of you with the same or similar questions, what better way to address them than here? Here are two similar recent inquiries: Q: I have three cats and one kitten. Two of the cats are overweight, but they don't eat a lot at one time. How do I feed four cats so that all of them are getting enough food? They eat out of each other’s bowls. Q: I have three cats, aged 4, 3 and 2. The 2-year-old is very overweight, while the other cats are very lean. Is there any way to put her on a diet without starving the others? These are very common questions for vets. It is always difficult when you are dealing with multiple cats, especially because it is likely that at least one cat is overweight. Difficulties also arise with age differences, because adult food is not nutritionally adequate for kittens, and geriatric cats often have conditions requiring special diets that are not appropriate for all the cats in the house. The easiest way to address feeding multiple cats is to feed them all twice a day. Too often, dry food is left down all day while the owner is at work. Many cats cannot control themselves and will snack on this dry food buffet all day, leading to obesity. In reality, cats do really well with twice–daily feedings, either with a measured amount of dry food or canned food (though my particular preference is for canned). Establishing the habit of “meal time” allows you to either supervise feeding, making sure that each cat eats his or her own food, or allows for you to feed each cat their own food in their own room. Allow them to eat for 10 minutes or so, and then go check on their progress. If they are still eating, allow them to finish. If they have lost interest in the food, pick it up. This lets them know that meal time is over. While you are trying to train your cats to get used to scheduled feedings, here are some other ideas to tide you all over: Place the slim cat’s food up high in a place that the fatter cat can’t jump to. This does not always prove successful, as fat cats seem to become extra motivated by the challenge of finding a housemate’s food. Consider installing cat doors that require a microchipped collar to go through. The cat who wears the collar will be the only one allowed through the door, making separate feedings a little easier. For kittens, cut a kitten-sized hole in a cardboard box in which you’ve placed the food. The kitten can fit through the hole and chow down, while the adult cats are forced to only observe because they cannot fit. Similarly, place a baby gate a few inches above ground level, allowing the kitten to crawl under to get to her food, but keeping the adult cats out. Obese cats need calorie restriction, but cats at healthy weights will also need adequate caloric intake. Talk to your veterinarian about the nutritional needs of your multiple cats, and then get busy adapting them to twice-daily feedings. We really like answering your pet health questions, so be sure to keep them coming!

Giving legs to hope: Petplan pet insurance on adapting to life with a paralyzed pet

Tue, 24 Jan 2012 13:30:26 GMT

Both cats and dogs can become handicapped by spinal disease, but rear limb paralysis is not a death sentence by any means. Major spinal damage or damage involving the part of the spinal cord in front of the front legs will cause whole body paralysis that affects the quality of life of dogs and cats. But when the damage involves only the rear limbs, several things can be done to enhance quality of life. When spinal damage occurs somewhere between the front and rear legs, only the rear legs will be affected. The front limbs, and everything in front of the injury, should work just fine. This means that your pet will think and act as normal up front, but the hind limbs will either be partially or fully affected. Spinal damage can be temporary or permanent, depending on its underlying cause. There are several causes for spinal damage that leads to pet paralysis, including: Trauma or injury (being hit by a car, for example) Intervertebral disk disease Fibrocartilagenous embolism Degenerative myelopathy Tumors Osteomyelitis or bone infection Thromboembolism or blood clots, especially in cats Treatment of spinal damage depends on the underlying cause, but many pets can benefit from laser therapy, acupuncture and physical therapy. If your pet has sustained spinal trauma leading to rear limb paralysis, there are several things you will need to consider when going about your day to day business. First and foremost are cleanliness issues. A dog or cat who has sustained spinal injuries may not have a competent bladder and may experience leaking or dribbling through the day. Daily or twice-daily bathing may be required if this is the case. Pets who are allowed to lie in urine all day are prone to skin infections and sores. Pets who have trouble urinating or holding urine will also be more prone to urinary tract infections. Keep a close eye on your pet’s urine and notify your veterinarian of any changes. Frequent bathing may lead to dry skin, so be sure to use a moisturizing shampoo and consider leave on conditioners. Dry shampoo is also useful for smaller accidents, as are baby wipes. Using underpads or piddle pads will help protect bedding from accidents, and some dogs will tolerate doggie diapers as well. Pets who are immobile can easily develop bed sores (or pressure sores) from lying on the same side all day. Be sure to turn your pet from side to side to alleviate some of these troubles. Sores can also develop when your pet drags himself across the floor. If your pet develops a sore, be sure to attend to it immediately to prevent it from becoming larger. Many pets will not tolerate the bed rest that comes with rear limb paralysis, and a life in bed can lead to a poor quality of life. Rest assured that several options are available for allowing your pet to get up and about. Harnesses can be placed at the hind quarters to allow you to carry the hind end for your pet to go outdoors and walk around. Better yet, dog and cat wheelchairs and/or carts allow your pet to roam as they wish (and can be covered by your Petplan pet insurance policy!). Though it takes some getting used to, many pets enjoy the same freedoms they did when they were fully mobile. It is true that a paralyzed pet will be more difficult to care for, but for many owners the alternative is not an option. Many pets adapt well to paralysis and enjoy many, many happy years with their dedicated owners.

resolved: petplan pet insurance reminds you to pick your pet’s new year's resolutions

Mon, 23 Jan 2012 17:07:14 GMT

If you’re anything like me, by the time January is coming to a close, it’s a good time to gauge how I’m doing on my New Year’s Resolutions. While I was revisiting my own resolutions, I also decided to start a new tradition that you may want to join in: New Year’s resolutions for our pets! I’ll start you out with four New Year’s resolutions that you can make for your pet, and, ironically, you may find them very close to those you used to (or still) try to keep for yourself! • Exercise more: Your dog deserves a walk every single day, and some high-energy dogs could really use more than one a day. Walking your pet benefits your exercise goals, too! In addition, try to build some extra play time into each day. If that is simply not possible (we are all busy, after all!) consider dedicating time on the weekends to go to the dog park or somewhere else your dog thinks is fun (the lake, the beach, etc). • Watch that diet: If your pet is overweight, there’s no time like the present to get started on a new diet plan. Consult your veterinarian for suggestions. If your pet is already at a healthy weight, continue feeding a high quality diet and high quality snacks. • Focus on health: We all want to be as healthy as we can be, and diet and exercise are a good start. Maintain your pet’s heartworm prevention and be diligent about flea and tick control, especially in the spring when the weather starts warming up in those cold areas. Make and keep annual appointments for your pet, and talk to your veterinarian about which vaccines your pet needs. Remember that older pets really should see their doctor twice a year. • Help others: This is a great time to set a goal to help pets other than your own. There are so many unwanted and abandoned pets in our country, and shelters are bursting at the seams. Consider fostering a pet if there’s room in your house. Some dogs just need to “buy some time” in a foster home until they find their forever homes. Pets that are presented to full shelters may be euthanized due to lack of space if they can’t find foster homes. If there isn’t room in your house for another pet, consider donating time, money or goods to a shelter. Contact your local shelter to see what they need the most. With just a little attention (and maybe some frequent checking-in!), you can make 2012 a great year for your whole family!

keep a sharp eye out: petplan pet insurance discusses pannus

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 13:05:53 GMT

Pannus is an inflammatory condition that affects dogs’ eyes, especially in German Shepherd dogs and German Shepherd mixes. Also called chronic superficial keratitis, it generally shows up in dogs between four and seven years old and is a life-long condition. Though German Shepherds and their crosses are most often affected, other breeds that are commonly affected include: • Greyhounds • Borzois • Siberian Huskies • Border Collies • English Springer Spaniels • Dachshunds • Cattle Dogs Pannus is thought to be immune-mediated – meaning the body’s immune system over-reacts and starts attacking the body – but an exact underlying cause has not been found. One theory suggests that increased exposure to UV light may be to blame, and pannus is seen more commonly in higher altitudes, possibly due to the increased UV light present there. Once a dog presents with pannus, she will have it for the rest of her life. Symptoms The symptoms of pannus start off small and may be hard to notice. Generally, tiny vessels begin to grow on the cornea of both eyes and progress to large lesions. They tend to be raised and may also include dark pigmentation. Sometimes, thickening of the third eyelid is also seen. Without treatment, the lesions may eventually cover the entire cornea. The good news is that the condition is generally not painful. Treatment Pannus cannot be cured, but it can be controlled with lifelong treatment. Most conditions are controlled quite well, with symptoms being stopped in their tracks once treatment is started. However, more severe cases are harder to control, as is the often the case when young German Shepherds present with the condition. Treatment centers on suppression of the immune response in the eye and consists of daily topical medication. Cyclosporine or steroid drops are used several times a day when the condition is first noted, and then the frequency of application decreases over time until the lowest effective dose is found. The goal of treatment is to stop current lesions from growing larger. Severe cases will require much more invasive procedures like steroid injections, radiation treatments and surgery, especially if blindness and corneal scarring have occurred.

got clot? petplan pet insurance explains Von Willebrand Disease

Wed, 18 Jan 2012 11:31:58 GMT

Von Willebrand Disease (vWD) is an inherited blood clotting defect similar to hemophilia A in humans. Without the ability to clot blood, pets and people can experience prolonged bleeding from wounds and bruises and may experience internal bleeding from trauma. In a normal animal’s system, platelets and the cells that line blood vessels are responsible for making protein complexes called von Willebrand factor. These proteins act like a glue that helps hold platelets together when they are called upon to seal up a tear in a blood vessel where bleeding is occurring. When the platelets do not stick together properly, prolonged bleeding occurs. There are three types of vWD, and they vary in severity: Type I: All of the proteins that make up von Willebrand factor are present, but in smaller-than-normal amounts. This type of vWD is common in Doberman Pinschers, Shetland Sheepdogs, German Shepherds and Standard Poodles. Type II: The larger proteins making up von Willebrand’s factor are missing, leaving the smaller proteins to do all of the work. This results in more severe bleeding episodes than in Type I. This type of disease is more commonly seen in German Shorthair and Wirehair Pointers. Type III: There is no von Willebrand factor present. This is the most severe type of the disease, and is seen in Scottish Terriers, Chesapeake Bay Retrievers and Shetland Sheepdogs. Von Willebrand Disease can occur in any breed of dog, but is most commonly seen in the breeds listed above. Generally, the condition is first recognized in puppies as a result of prolonged bleeding during a spaying or neutering procedure, or perhaps picked up in pre-surgical testing in at-risk breeds. There are blood tests specific for von Willebrand Disease to measure the amount of von Willebrand factor present in the blood. Some veterinarians prefer to do a test prior to surgery to test how long it takes the pet’s blood to clot. This is easily performed under anesthesia just prior to surgery. A tiny incision is made in the inside of the pet’s lip, and then the veterinarian times how long it takes to stop bleeding. Additionally, DNA testing is currently available for 11 different breeds and can determine if a dog is clear of disease, a carrier or is affected by the disease. Because vWD is inherited, affected dogs and carriers of the disease should not be bred. Dogs that are at a higher risk of disease due to their breeds should be tested before breeding. Mildly affected dogs generally do not need treatment, though special care should be taken to avoid injury. More severely affected dogs may need a transfusion of von Willebrand factor if prolonged bleeding occurs and will need transfusions prior to major surgeries.

roll with it, baby: petplan pet insurance looks at entropion and ectropion

Tue, 17 Jan 2012 08:27:54 GMT

We don’t give very much thought to our own eyelids – much less our dog’s – but in some cases, we should. Two conformational abnormalities may be making trouble for your pet, causing the eyelids to roll outwards or inwards, directly affecting the eye itself. Entropion and ectropion are problems that need to be addressed as soon as possible for the health of your pet’s eyes. Entropion Entropion is the inward rolling of the eyelids, and while it can occur in both the upper and lower lids, it is more common in the lower lid. When the eyelid rolls in, the lid hairs and eyelashes to rub against the cornea, or eye’s surface. Chronic irritation can lead to conjunctivitis, thick yellow discharge, scratches or ulceration of the cornea, and increased tear production. Entropion can be congenital (meaning that it is present at birth) or can occasionally be acquired as a result of injury or inflammation. It is usually easily recognized during routine physical exams. The age of the dog and severity of the disease will dictate treatment. If entropion is found in a young puppy, your vet can place temporary sutures to tack the lids in a normal position to protect the eyes while the puppy grows. Sometimes, this temporary treatment leads to a permanent cure. In more severe cases, or cases recognized in adult dogs, surgical correction is usually suggested. Breeds that are more prone to entropion include English Bulldogs, Shar Peis, Bloodhounds, Chow Chows, Labrador Retrievers, Miniature Poodles and English Mastiffs. Ectropion Ectropion is the eversion, or outward rolling, of the eyelids. It is either related to abnormal lid length or to a laxity of the eyelid itself. Ectropion is occasionally acquired through overzealous surgical correction of entropion, but most often is a congenital problem. Unfortunately, ectropion is considered a desired trait in some breeds. Ectropion is easily recognized by that droopy-eyed look we have come to associate with dogs like the Basset Hound. Though it definitely adds to the cuteness factor of those affected by it, ectropion is not healthy for the affected pet’s eyes. Droopy lids lead to increased tear production, but those tears cannot be distributed over the eye properly, so painful keratitis (dry eye) can occur. Chronic conjunctivitis is also a problem for dogs affected with ectropion. If ectropion is mild and uncomplicated by severe conjunctivitis or keratitis, no treatment is needed. Severe cases should be surgically corrected, however, to prevent ongoing ocular disease. Breeds that are more prone to ectropion include Basset Hounds, Cocker Spaniels, Boxers, Bloodhounds, Clumber Spaniels, Mastiffs and St. Bernards.

The Biotic Pet: Petplan pet insurance on the benefits of probiotics and prebiotics for pets

Fri, 13 Jan 2012 13:20:36 GMT

Probiotics and prebiotics seem to be all the rage over the last couple of years, but what do these buzzwords mean, and how can you incorporate them into your pet’s lifestyle? Better yet, should you even incorporate them? I’ll answer the first questions in detail below, but the last question is easy – yes, you should! Probiotics Let’s start with probiotics, which are live microorganisms that can benefit the host when present in adequate amounts. These “good” bacteria act to aid digestion and keep out the “bad” bacteria. While the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) considers probiotics that are labeled with medical indications for animals to be unapproved, they have been shown to have powerful benefits. They not only enhance immune function, but they also play an important role in the treatment of animals with gastrointestinal conditions. In humans, probiotics have proven useful in many conditions such as recurrent urinary tract infections, prevention and treatment of allergies, pancreatitis and bladder stones. There is no reason to believe that they cannot be of benefit to our pets as well! Probiotics for pets come in a variety of forms, ranging from palatable pastes to powders applied to food to tablets. Most are quite tasty and are easily given to both cats and dogs. Your veterinarian may sell them in his or her office or may recommend an over-the-counter brand to you. Because probiotics are not regulated by the FDA, their quality varies greatly from brand to brand. If you decide to buy over-the-counter brands, be sure to consult your veterinarian first for recommendations, otherwise you may be wasting your money. Prebiotics You can think of prebiotics as food for probiotics. Unlike probiotics, prebiotics are not living organisms at all. They are actually soluble fiber sources that are used as food by the good bacteria in the intestines. The digestion of fibers by bacteria results in the formation of volatile fatty acids and vitamins, which have a beneficial effect on the lining of the bowels and on the patient as a whole. Some prebiotics are available in supplement form, though more commonly, pet food producers are working to incorporate them into high-quality diets. Much of the knowledge we veterinarians have regarding prebiotics and probiotics stems from their use in human medicine, and we hope that they will prove as beneficial to our pets as they are for us. However, remember that the intestinal microflora of our pets is quite a bit different from our own, so steer clear of supplements made for humans, as they will likely be of no benefit to our pets.

Nothing to Sniff at: Petplan pet insurance profiles working dogs with a nose for saving lives

Thu, 12 Jan 2012 17:35:30 GMT

On an earlier blog, we covered the light-hearted topic of every day pets directly saving our lives. Along the same lines, I wanted to share with you some stories of how animals (specifically, specially trained dogs) can save our lives in a more indirect way. I know you’ve probably seen working dogs at airports and ferry terminals, sniffing for illegal drugs. And we are somewhat familiar with military dogs that are trained to sniff out bombs. Military dogs serve a special role in protecting us from foreign danger – as evidence, Time magazine just named SEAL Team Six’s canine companion their Animal of the Year for bravely participating in the raid on Osama Bin Laden’s compound this year. There are also dogs who are “employed” by the U.S. Department of Agriculture to use their keen noses to sniff out foreign plants or animals that are brought in to the United States illegally. These dogs are so highly alert to keeping us safe that they can even smell a tiny Oriental fruit fly, which is potentially dangerous to American crops. It is nature that makes dogs such keen detectors – their sense of smell is up to 100,000 times better than ours. Some dogs can even “smell” cancer! German research has discovered that these bio-detection dogs can smell lung cancer on the breath of sufferers! It seems that cancer produces volatile chemicals that dogs can be trained to detect. At this point, dogs are still being trained just to detect cancer, not diagnose it, but as research continues, think of the potential these dogs hold! Medical alert dogs have been trained to detect potentially life-threatening low blood sugar levels in diabetic owners; detect when epileptics are about to have a seizure; and help narcoleptics detect when sleep paralysis is about to occur. All of this is possibly due to the uncanny ability these dogs possess to detect subtle changes in the chemical makeup of his owner’s breath. Soon, dogs may be able to detect an oncoming severe allergic episode in owners who suffer from food or insect allergies. There is no doubt that animals are capable of contributing to our well-being, but it seems miraculous that they may be able to help us detect cancer in its early stages, or prevent anaphylactic reactions. It just goes to show us – if we keep our pets happy, healthy and safe, they will do the same for us.

Color Me Calico: Petplan pet insurance examines the curious case of a male calico cat

Thu, 05 Jan 2012 11:53:06 GMT

A shelter in Loveland, Colorado, happened upon a bit of good fortune this summer when a rare cat showed up at their door. At first glance, there was nothing unusual about the 7-month-old tortoiseshell kitten. But then the staff noticed that the kitten was a male, which made him a very rare cat, indeed. He was so rare, in fact, that they raised his adoption rate to $300, which a local couple very willingly paid. The story that all calico cats are female is not completely true, as you can see in this case. But it’s almost true - most calico cats (tortoiseshell included) are female, and the reason behind it is purely genetic. If you can remember all the way back to high school biology, you might remember a thing or two about sex-linked traits. In the case of calico cats, coat color is related to sex. A normal female mammal has two X chromosomes (XX), whereas a normal male mammal has an X and a Y chromosome (XY). The coding for the colors black and orange are found on the same X chromosome, and the color white is found on another. Since females have two X chromosomes, they can have black and orange on one, and white on the other, leading to the characteristic black, orange, and white calico color. So, how does a male become calico? Usually, this is due to a genetic abnormality in which a male cat ends up with an extra X chromosome, giving him an XXY, and allowing for additional coat colors. These cats are generally sterile, though they should still be neutered to prevent behavior issues. (A similar abnormality occurs in humans, called Klinefelter’s syndrome.) Occasionally, male calico cats are the result of chimerism instead of being XXY. A chimera is formed from four parent cells. Two fertilized eggs or early embryos fuse together, and each population of cells keeps its own characteristics, resulting in an organism that is a mixture of tissues. Whatever the case, male calico cats are rare, and if you get the chance to meet one, consider it your lucky day!

Prosperous Pets: Petplan pet insurance on the value of best friends

Wed, 04 Jan 2012 10:12:51 GMT

I have read some fascinating human interest stories involving pets, but none has captured me more than the story of the luckiest black cat in history. Tommaso, a 4-year-old black cat, started life as a stray cat in Rome. Now this former stray cat is the richest cat in the world! It happened when his 94-year-old owner, who was childless, died and left him $8.5 million in her will. Well, technically, it wasn’t left directly to him, as Italian law prohibits animals from inheriting money directly. Instead, he became a beneficiary, while his owner’s nurse was named a suitable trustee. This story reminded me of another lucky pet – the tiny dog known as Trouble, who was Leona Helmsley’s beloved Maltese. Helmsley was a flamboyant businesswoman and real estate entrepreneur, and when she died in 2007, Trouble was bequeathed a $12 million trust! What in the world does a Maltese do with $12 million? Well, as it turns out, it might have been more of a curse than a blessing, as Trouble received quite a few death threats. This led to an annual bill of $100,000 for full-time security, and his caretaker received a salary of $60,000 a year. Not too shabby! To top it all off, two of Helmsley’s grandchildren got nothing! Now, that’s a lucky dog! Trouble died of natural causes last December, and the remainder of his trust was combined with Helmsley’s charitable trust used to benefit the lives of other dogs. For most of us, the ability to leave gobs of money to our pets is a pipe dream. After all, just the yearly costs of caring for a pet take away from our future heirs’ fortunes, be they pets or children. Luckily, Petplan pet insurance can help defray the costs of treating illness and emergencies, and can make the difference between life and death when financial concerns arrive. Your pet doesn’t need $12 million – or even $8.5 million – to live a happy, full life. Luckily for most of us, our pets lead far less opulent lives – food, shelter, veterinary care and loads of hugs and kisses should suffice to keep them purring and wagging their tails!

Picky Palates: Petplan pet insurance offers tips for pet parents of picky eaters

Tue, 03 Jan 2012 11:14:00 GMT

Feeding your pet is a tricky thing. I doubt that many caring pet parents feed their pets too little on purpose, but feed them too much, and they risk becoming overweight. You want the best for your pet, so naturally you want to feed them the best food that you can. Sometimes, though, giving in to demands for the “good stuff” can turn your pet into a picky eater. Picky eaters are difficult cases for veterinarians and pet parents. And, though it seems contrary to common sense, picky eaters can actually be overweight as well, as they tend to hold out for the tastiest food, which often happens to be unhealthy. But let’s get one thing straight: picky eaters still eat. If your dog or cat usually eats with gusto but suddenly starts skipping meals, this is probably not a “picky eater” type of problem. Anorexia, or going off of food, is a symptom that could mean a serious illness is brewing (something Petplan pet insurance founders and pet parents Chris and Natasha Ashton are very familiar with! Their Birman cat, Bodey, once racked up a $5,000 vet bill for anorexia). This is particularly important in: Puppies and kittens: Very young animals have little to no reserve in the tank. Skipping even one meal can be trouble. Small breed dogs: Small dogs also have little reserve, and anorexia should be closely monitored. Geriatric pets: Older dogs and cats may have several reasons for not eating, including pain. I consider pain in our pets to be an emergency that should be addressed as soon as possible. Cats: Cats (especially overweight cats) are prone to a condition called hepatic lipidosis, when they suddenly stop eating. This is a serious illness which can be life-threatening. Anytime your pet stops eating, you should consult your veterinarian immediately. Knowing what and how much to feed your picky eater is a challenge. This is where your veterinarian can help. He or she can work with you to develop a diet and plan that will work best for both of you. Remember, just like us, different pets have different metabolisms, so some will put weight on easily, while others don’t gain an ounce. To start, be honest with your veterinarian about what you really feed your dog or cat, including any and all “people food” and treats. Once you have figured out healthy foods to feed and how much to feed, you have to figure out HOW to feed. Start with a schedule and stick with it. Usually twice-a-day feedings work best. Don’t expect that your pet will eat the new diet on the first day. You will likely need to do a little mixing and matching. Keeping a food log will help you track your pet’s likes and dislikes. Do not give your pet unhealthy foods. Your pet is an opportunistic feeder and doesn’t understand that unhealthy foods are unhealthy – they just think they are tasty! Of course they will hold out for the tasty food! Every time you give in, you reinforce the fact that if they refuse their healthy food, you will give them the good stuff. Experiment with what makes your pet comfortable during meal times. Does she like to eat with company (either human or furry housemate) or alone? Does she like to eat from a bowl, a plate, or maybe even a tray? Anything you can do to encourage your picky eater to establish mealtime routines is good! Picky eaters frustrate owners and veterinarians alike. Stick to your guns – just as it takes time to develop good habits, it takes time to get rid of bad ones. But feeding your dog or cat healthy, appropriate pet food can lengthen her lifespan and add to the wellbeing of you both!

Fight the Flu: Tips for protecting your dogs from the canine influenza virus from Petplan pet insurance

Thu, 29 Dec 2011 11:46:22 GMT

As we make our way through flu season, it is important to remember that our canine friends can get the flu just like people can. While there is no particular “flu season” for dogs, we do see a rise in infections over the holidays. This is because canine influenza is very contagious, and increases in grooming appointments and boarding over the holidays helps spread the disease. The influenza virus has been detected in high numbers in New York, New Jersey and Colorado, and has been confirmed in 38 states. It was first seen in 2004 in racing Greyhounds. Genetic analysis of the virus shows that it is very closely related to an equine influenza, suggesting that it evolved from the equine virus and jumped from horses to dogs. Luckily, although the disease is highly contagious, it has a low mortality rate. While the virus can persist in the environment for up to a week, it is easily killed with bleach. It is spread through contact with infected respiratory secretions, and its persistence makes it prime for spreading in close quarters, like boarding kennels. The symptoms of canine influenza are very similar to those of kennel cough, and it can be almost impossible to differentiate the two without laboratory testing. The incubation period of the disease is two to five days, so by the time you pick your dog up from the kennel, he may already be showing signs. A persistent cough and nasal discharge are the most common signs, but severe cases are accompanied by fever and respiratory distress. Though most cases are mild, occasionally the viral infection sets up for a bacterial infection and leads to pneumonia. These cases are considered severe and will likely require hospitalization. Mild cases, on the other hand, generally clear up on their own. Tender loving care is all that is required in those cases, although you will want to keep infected dogs away from other dogs to prevent spreading. Dogs of any age can be affected, and because the virus is relatively new, there is little to no natural immunity in the canine population. Don’t worry, though – there are no cases of transmission to humans. There is a canine influenza vaccine available at some veterinarians, though it’s not a core vaccine (those recommended for all dogs that protect against diseases that are serious or potentially fatal). Speak to your veterinarian to determine if your dog is at a higher risk than most and can benefit from vaccination.

Coming Home: Petplan pet insurance shares another successful microchip story

Tue, 27 Dec 2011 09:52:49 GMT

0 0 1 382 2178 Fetch Inc. 18 5 2555 14.0 544x376 Normal 0 false false false EN-US JA X-NONE /* Style Definitions */ table.MsoNormalTable {mso-style-name:"Table Normal"; mso-tstyle-rowband-size:0; mso-tstyle-colband-size:0; mso-style-noshow:yes; mso-style-priority:99; mso-style-parent:""; mso-padding-alt:0in 5.4pt 0in 5.4pt; mso-para-margin:0in; mso-para-margin-bottom:.0001pt; mso-pagination:widow-orphan; font-size:10.0pt; font-family:"Times New Roman";} Continuing the theme of happy December blogs, I am thrilled to share with you a story I read the other day about the safe return of a missing dog. Petunia, an outgoing, loving Pit Bull mix, was 3 years old when she was sadly lost from her family’s farm in Virginia around Thanksgiving of 2003. Despite her owners’ best efforts, she was nowhere to be found. Obviously, losing such a beloved pet was heartbreaking, and after some time, her owners resigned themselves to the fact that she would likely never be found. Imagine their surprise, then, when they recently received a call from the Yuba County Animal Shelter saying that they had Petunia with them, and that she was safe and sound! That’s right – Petunia was found in the Spenceville Wildlife Area near Beale Air Force Base, all the way across the country in California. From there, she was taken to the animal shelter, where she was scanned for a microchip. Luckily, her chip was found, and her owners in Virginia were contacted – 8 years after she went missing! The animal shelter sent the owners a picture of Petunia, and sure enough, it was their missing girl. Arrangements were made for Petunia’s return and her reunion with her family was recently captured on a live news program. She has a few more television appearances to make before finally returning to her old home, but I am sure she is looking forward to it. This story is remarkable, and it is a perfect example of how very important microchipping your pet is. In this case, and in thousands of other cases, a microchip directly led to a miraculous homecoming (even if it took a little longer this time!). If your pet does not have a microchip already, now is the perfect time to get one. Consider it the most important gift you will ever give her. The microchip is implanted quickly by injection, and takes just seconds, no longer than a simple vaccine. Fill out the required paper work, and voila – your pet will be linked to you for life! As an added bonus, Petplan pet insurance offers a 10% discount for all microchipped pets. As pet parents, we make every effort to ensure our pets’ safety, but unfortunately, accidents happen. If your pet should ever get lost, having a microchip is her best chance at finding her way home.

The Big Chill: Petplan pet insurance offers tips to protect pets from winter hazards

Fri, 23 Dec 2011 14:03:27 GMT

Winter is upon us, and with the cold weather should come thoughts of keeping our beloved four-legged family members safe this season. There are few things more beautiful than freshly fallen snow, and many families (including pets) chomp at the bit to get out and play in the winter wonderland. Just be sure to keep a few things in mind this winter to keep your whole family safe. On thin ice Ice is as slippery to our pets as it is to us. Just because they have four feet instead of our two, that does not make them any more capable of navigating slippery sidewalks and steps. Be sure to keep your pet’s pathway free from ice, especially where stairs are involved. Keep in mind that fresh snowfall can hide icy patches. Frozen lakes or other bodies of water should be avoided altogether because of the danger posed by thin ice. Pets are especially susceptible to hypothermia when they get wet in the winter. A cold burn Speaking of ice, beware of outdoor areas that are covered in salt or other de-icers. These chemicals make the terrain safer, but they can also irritate our pets’ paw pads and skin. Keep unscented baby wipes near the doors your pet uses so that you can wipe your her feet upon entering the house. Be sure to check for clumps of salty snow stuck to the fur between foot pads. You can avoid this trouble all together by having your dog wear booties – if she’ll tolerate them! Antifreeze is particularly prevalent this time of year, and its sweet flavor can tempt pets and wildlife into tasting it. Antifreeze (ethylene glycol) is a potent toxin, causing kidney failure and death, and the sad news is that it doesn’t take much to cause illness. A teaspoon and a half of the sweet green liquid is enough to be lethal to a cat. Consider purchasing antifreeze with an added bitter flavor to deter tasters (now required by law in several states), and always clean up antifreeze spills thoroughly. Let it snow Every winter, I am overjoyed watching my dog romp in the snow. She looks so incredibly happy bounding through the backyard in two feet of the white stuff! However, not every pet enjoys the snow. Cats and small dogs can easily get lost in deep snow, so you may need to shovel a path for them to get out into the yard to do their business. If you do have a snow-loving pet in your house, beware of letting them off-leash after a newly fallen snow. Snow covers basic landmarks and smells, and this can be confusing for your dog. More dogs are lost in winter than any other season, partly because they cannot always find their way home. Deep snow can hide potholes and other perils that cause unsteady footing. Many a dog has been injured by dangers hidden under snow. Bringing out the worst Cold weather can exacerbate skin disease in furry friends, especially in houses with forced air heat. If winter itch is affecting your family, consider adding humidifiers to help with dry air. Omega-3 fatty acids added to food can also alleviate your pet’s dry skin, but check with your vet about what is best for your pet. Cold weather can also make stiff joints a little more painful. If your dog or cat suffers from arthritis, pay special attention to their activities during the winter. You may need to alter their pain control protocol to account for cold weather aches and pains, so talk to your vet about keeping achy pets comfortable as winter settles in.

Catch some Zzzzs: Petplan pet insurance looks at snoring in pets

Mon, 19 Dec 2011 14:38:03 GMT

My husband snores. My dog snores. And one of my cats snores. Suffice it to say, I wake up quite often looking for which body to (gently) nudge so that I can get back to sleep. Snoring pets and partners are just a way of life for many of us, and for both our pets and our significant others, snoring can be quite normal. But there are other times when snoring should be further investigated. Snoring is a result of abnormal air flow caused by a partially blocked airway. Occasional snoring is usually nothing to worry about - you nudge your pet to wake him briefly, then you both fall back to sleep. As your pet gets older and sleeps more soundly, you may notice an increase in snoring. Snoring that occurs because of other problems should be addressed, however. If your pet has never snored before, and then all of a sudden develops a snoring problem, it’s wise to schedule a visit with the vet to get it checked out. Upper airway disease, such as nasal polyps, respiratory infection or other problems may be to blame. Overweight dogs (just like overweight humans) are prone to snoring. Excess fat gathers in and around the throat, contributing to partially blocked airways. There are many more important reasons for overweight pets to slim down, but this is just one more to add to the list. Some dogs are born with a conformation perfect for snoring. Brachycephalic breeds like Pugs, Boxers, Bulldogs, and Persian cats have short snouts and are likely to suffer from brachycephalic syndrome. This syndrome includes a condition called stenotic nares, or narrowed nostrils. This easily contributes to snoring the same way a stuffed up nose does. In addition, brachycephalic syndrome includes an elongated soft palate and redundant tissues in the back of the throat. With all that extra tissue back there, of course they snore! Luckily, surgical correction of those conditions reduces respiratory distress and snoring. Snoring is a nuisance, but make sure it’s not a health problem in your pet. New or sudden onset of snoring should always be checked out.

Tis the Season to Share: Tips for sharing the seasonal joy with pets from Petplan pet insurance

Fri, 16 Dec 2011 15:53:50 GMT

The holidays are rapidly approaching! We have already talked about why it is not the wisest idea to try to introduce a new pet during the busy holiday season, but that doesn’t mean that we can’t try to involve the four-legged friends we already have in our holiday festivities! First, let me do my job by reminding you that even though we may indulge our cravings for cookies, candy and big holiday meals, this is one holiday perk we should not share with our pets. Fatty foods, chocolate and even sugar-free candies can be dangerous to our pets, leading to pancreatitis or worse. Let’s explore some healthier ways to share the holiday spirit with our canine and feline family members: Holiday Cards Including pets in photos for holiday cards is now fairly common, and very adorable! In fact, a recent holiday survey conducted by Petplan shows that 62.5% of respondents said they include their pets in their family holiday greeting card photos! Extra points for dressing Fido in reindeer antlers, and double-extra points if you can get your cat to wear a Santa beard! The Gift of Giving Hopefully your furry family members have been on the “nice” list for most of the year, so they deserve Christmas and/or Hanukkah presents, too! Pet beds for cats and dogs look great under the tree on Christmas morning, or perhaps a new collar or two will help your pet sparkle well beyond the holidays. It is also a good opportunity to refresh your stock of catnip toys, tennis balls and Frisbees. For a cat who has been very, very good this year, consider a cat tree. Cats love perching up high and looking down on their territory! Last but not least, if you're already a Petplan family member but have any friends or family members that could benefit from the peace of mind that Petplan pet insurance helps bring, you can refer them to Petplan and even get a $25 gift card for yourself if they enroll! Treats to Eat While you should keep human treats well beyond paw’s reach, there is no reason not to include your pets in the holiday baking spree. Check out the December edition of the fetch! health newsletter for a great recipe for Zucchini Tarts, perfect for satisfying your pet’s holiday snack craving. Don't Wait to Donate Perhaps the best gift you can give your pet is helping the lives of his fellow animal cousins. Your donation to a local shelter will provide meals and shelter for other pets who are not as lucky as yours.

The Gift of Giving Time: Petplan pet insurance on giving pets as gifts during the holidays

Wed, 14 Dec 2011 13:46:05 GMT

The winter holidays are fast approaching, and as you are making your list and checking it twice, you may be struggling with gift ideas. If the thought of a cuddly kitten or playful puppy wearing a big holiday bow is crossing your mind, I ask you to think again. The holidays may not be the best time to expand your family, for many reasons. Most importantly, I think that the decision to be pet parents or to add another pet to the house should be made as a family. Giving the gift of a pet excludes the gift receiver from participating in that decision. While children will certainly experience the joy and excitement of a new puppy or kitten on Christmas morning, remember that adopting a pet is a 10- to 20-year commitment of both time and money. The holidays are hectic times, with shopping to be done, cookies to be baked, lights to be hung, presents to be wrapped and exchanged (and inevitably some to be returned), holiday meals to be prepared and family and friends to visit. With all of this going on, adding a puppy or kitten that will need constant supervision just makes it more hectic. Puppies and kittens need a lot of attention and can easily end up on the back burner at busy times like the holidays. In addition, the pressure of a deadline (such as Christmas Day or a particular night of Hanukkah) can lead to poor decisions. If you’re anything like me, procrastination is one of your vices. However, when deciding on a pet, you should allow plenty of time to research. Should you adopt from a shelter or pet rescue group, or would you rather purchase a pet from a breeder? Finding a reputable breeder takes time, and some breeders refrain from selling puppies during the holidays to avoid the problem entirely. Don’t let a deadline force you into the less-than-perfect pet for your family. There will be plenty of impulse buys this holiday season, I’m sure, but I hope that a pet won’t be one of them. Consider waiting until the busy holiday season is over and then make the decision to expand your family with your family.

Petplan pet insurance looks at the Iams dog food recall

Tue, 13 Dec 2011 10:39:07 GMT

It seems to be a bad month for pet food and treats! The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has just issued a recall of Iams brand ProActive Health Smart dry puppy food due to unacceptable levels of the toxin Aflatoxin. The affected bags of food were shipped to retailers in several states in the Eastern United States, including Alabama, Connecticut, Delaware, Florida, Georgia, Louisiana, Maryland, Maine, Mississippi, North Carolina, New Hampshire, New Jersey, New York, Pennsylvania, South Carolina and Virginia. Retailers have all been notified, and affected bags have been removed from their shelves. The affected bags have a use-by or expiration date of Feb. 5 or Feb. 6, 2013. The good news in this situation is that there have been no reports of illness. No other dry or canned foods (dog or cat) are affected in this recall. The FDA has more information on the specific lots of food that were recalled. You can find all of the information here: www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm282506.htm If you discover that you have an affected bag, stop feeding your dog the food immediately and throw the rest of the bag away. Like I said, there have been no reports of illness at this time. Aflatoxin toxicity is uncommon, but is caused by contamination of food by naturally occurring Aspergillus flavus, Penicillium species and other fungi. These fungi can grow on crops that are then used in the production of dog food. Signs of illness include lethargy, reluctance to eat, vomiting, bloody diarrhea and jaundice (yellowing of the whites of the eyes, skin and gums). Aflatoxin toxicity can lead to liver failure and death within a few days, so if you have been feeding your pet food from one of the affected bags and notice any signs of illness, contact your veterinarian right away.

Vacation Fur All: Petplan pet insurance offers advice for traveling during the holidays with pets

Mon, 12 Dec 2011 13:13:38 GMT

With the holidays comes holiday travels, especially if you're one of the 18 percent of travelers who take their pets with them on trips. Visiting family and friends this time of year is part of the fun of the season, but in my family, no Christmas morning is complete without my nearly 14-year-old dog poking her head in a gift bag to see what Santa brought. That’s why when we travel, she travels. I am lucky that my family understands that to love me is to love my dog. That is not always the case. Before you head out for your holiday travels, make sure you have plans in place for your four legged family members. RSVP for Pets First, ask your hosts if your pet is welcome. Showing up with your pet without first checking can lead to some awkward situations. Your hosts may be allergic, or may have pets of their own and may feel that adding an unknown pet will upset the balance. Whatever the case, finding out that your pet is not welcome when you show up is a sticky situation. If, for whatever reason, your pet needs to stay home, it’s best to know ahead of time so that you can arrange for holiday boarding (which can fill up quickly) or for a pet sitter. Packing for Pet Care When you are packing your bags to go home for the holidays, don’t forget to pack for your pet. Of course, you’ll need to bring food and food bowls, but don’t forget any medications your pet receives. Also, if you’re traveling to a different climate, think about parasite control. Just because you may not use heartworm or flea protection in Massachusetts in the winter (though you should!) doesn’t mean that you won’t need it in the deep South. For added peace of mind, you can protect your pet with Petplan pet insurance (which can be used with any licensed vet in the United States) in advance of your trip. Hairs to You A major complaint of all pet owners is pet hair. We’re all tired of cleaning up what seems like an endless supply of dog and cat hair. Imagine how annoying it would be to have to clean up someone else’s pet hair! Do you best to limit shedding hair by brushing your pet often (hopefully outdoors) during your trip. If your host is gracious enough to allow pets on the furniture, consider laying a sheet over couches and beds to pre-empt pet hair buildup. Manners Matter Make sure your pet is polite at your host’s house. Bring along a crate, exercise pen or baby gate to make sure your pet doesn’t get into trouble. If need be, keep your pet leashed to you so that you can always keep an eye on her. Most importantly, always, always, always supervise your pet with unknown children. It only takes a second for a rambunctious child to provoke a frightened pet to bite or scratch. This holiday season, keep your entire family welcome and your host’s family safe.

Saving Lives Four Legs at a Time: Petplan pet insurance highlights heroic pets

Fri, 09 Dec 2011 12:30:55 GMT

November was a heavy month for us, what with all the talk of cancer treatment and life expectancy and the like. I thought it would be good to balance that out this month with some more uplifting pet blogs. Pets bring so much joy to our lives that it is hard to imagine life without them. When I rescued my three pets, I likely saved their lives (not that the cats show me ANY gratitude!), but some pet parents actually owe their lives to their pets! Stories abound of pets saving people’s lives. Some pets are even trained to notice signs of oncoming seizures or low blood sugar and can contact emergency officials in response. Military dogs save lives every day, and search and rescue dogs are key in locating missing people after disasters. But my favorite stories involve every day, run-of-the-mill pets saving their pet parents' lives. Here are some of my favorites: Just recently, a 79-year-old Minnesota woman with Parkinson’s disease fell outside her country home. Nobody responded to her calls for help, and her medical alert bracelet did not work. Her fearless dog, Crackers, kept her safe through the night, first fending off raccoons, and then guarding her from coyotes! Now that’s loyalty! Another recent story comes from Canton, Georgia, where a 6-month-old Boxer puppy named Ollie insisted that his family leave the house, and wouldn’t quit in his efforts until the whole family was safe in the yard. It turns out that the gas in the gas fireplace was leaking! Along the same lines comes the tale of Schnautzie the cat. You know when your cat comes to bug you in the middle of the night and not only do you ignore her, sometimes you shoo her away? Well, Schnautzie wouldn’t give up. She bugged and bugged and bugged her owners until finally they relented and got up. It’s a good thing, because gas was leaking in the basement. And had the furnace turned on (a likely scenario on a chilly October night), the house could have gone up in flames! Proving that tales of pets’ love and bravery is timeless, this story comes from 1959, when a female sled dog named Red fought a bloody battle against a polar bear, saving the life of Colonel E.D. Feathers, the commander of a floating weather station in Alaska. And before you give all the credit to our dogs and cats, here’s one for all the bird lovers out there: Willie, a parrot in Denver, Colorado, saved the life of a choking 2-year-old when he screamed “mama baby” over and over, drawing the babysitter’s attention to the troubled toddler. Luckily, I have never been in the position to need lifesaving effort by my pets, but I have a feeling that we’ll continue to hear these tales of heroic acts of bravery throughout the rest of time.

a festive feast: pet-friendly holiday recipes from petplan pet insurance

Thu, 08 Dec 2011 14:19:52 GMT

This holiday season, instead of piling your pet’s food bowl high with table scraps and bones, which can be hazardous to their health, try whipping up these smart, seasonal dishes, from the vet experts at Petplan. Remember, moderation is key. Treats should make up less than 5-10% of your pet’s caloric intake – talk to your vet about how many calories your pet should be consuming to stay trim given their breed, level of activity and life stage. Paws-atively Peanuty Crudité Baby Carrots Apple slices Celery sticks (no longer than 4 inches) Natural unsalted creamy peanut butter With a spoon or butter knife, spread a small amount of peanut butter onto each baby carrot, apple slice and along the inside surface of the celery and then arrange on a small plate. Give one carrot, one apple slice and one stick of celery to each pet. Turkey Pie 3.5 cups cooked (unseasoned) chopped white turkey meat 1 cup chopped raw broccoli ½ cup chopped apples 1 1/2 cups cooked millet 1 T kelp powder Rinse the turkey break with cold water and pat dry. Wrap the breast with aluminum foil, folding the edges to seal in moisture. Place in a baking pan. Roast at 350 degrees for 20 minutes per pound. Open the aluminum foil, being careful not to burn yourself on the escaping steam. Chop once cooled. Combine broccoli and apples in blender or food processor and blend until minced. In bowl, combine vegetable mix with turkey, millet and kelp powder and mix thoroughly. Divide into portions appropriate for your pet’s caloric intake. Makes 6 ½ cups (163.5 calories per cup). Recipe from Dr. Ernie Ward’s Chow Hounds: Why Our Dogs are Getting Fatter - a Vet's Plan to Save Their Lives (2010 HCI). Sweet Potato Cookies 1 large cooked sweet potato 1 banana 1 T vegetable oil ½ cup quinoa flour Preheat oven to 350. In a medium bowl, mash together the banana and sweet potato until well blended. Add the vegetable oil, then add the flour to the wet mixture until well blended. Place one teaspoon of dough on a nonstick baking sheet and lightly flatten. Repeat for all dough. Bake 30 minutes. Makes 4 dozen cookies, each with 14-15 cal. Recipe from Dr. Ernie Ward’s Chow Hounds: Why Our Dogs are Getting Fatter - a Vet's Plan to Save Their Lives (2010 HCI).

Tastes like Trouble: Petplan pet insurance cautions against chicken jerky treats

Wed, 07 Dec 2011 10:17:33 GMT

The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) has recently issued an alert regarding chicken jerky products imported from China. This year alone there have been 70 reports of dogs who became ill or died after consuming chicken jerky treats. This is not the first time that the FDA has warned pet owners against feeding chicken jerky treats. The first warning came in 2008, after 156 dogs became ill the previous year from the treats. The number of affected dogs dwindled over the next two years, but has increased again recently, leading to the most recent warning. Though animal health diagnostic laboratories are investigating why the treats are causing illness, they have yet to determine an exact cause. No recall has been issued, and the FDA is not specifying any particular brand name of offending treats. I think it’s safe to say that for now, you should avoid feeding chicken jerky snacks, especially those that are imported from China. If you have already been feeding the snacks, don’t despair. Keep an eye on your dog for the following signs, which can develop hours or days after ingestion: Decreased appetite Decreased activity Vomiting and/or diarrhea (sometimes with blood) Increased water intake Increased urination The treats are dangerous because they are associated with reports of kidney failure and Fanconi-like syndrome in dogs. Fanconi syndrome is a disorder of the kidneys whereby substances normally absorbed in the renal tubules are instead released into the urine. This can show on a routine urinalysis when the glucose level in the urine is elevated, despite normal blood glucose levels. With supportive care and hospitalization, some dogs recover fully from these episodes, but unfortunately, some dogs have died from ingesting chicken jerky treats. Err on the side of caution here and stick to some other kind of treat for now.

Ask our Experts: How soon should I start my puppy's dental routine?

Mon, 05 Dec 2011 12:25:46 GMT

Petplan pet insurance staff veterinarian Dr. Nina Mantione answers your Ask our Experts questions... Question: I read in a previous issue of fetch! that I should brush my pet’s teeth every day. I just brought home a new puppy – Theodore, a two-month-old English Bulldog. How soon should I start his dental routine? Will he lose his puppy teeth if I start too early? Answer: This is a great question, because most pet owners tend to overlook this important part of pet health. Don’t be afraid to start brushing those puppy teeth on the first day you bring him home. It may take a little bit of training and a lot of rewards, but over time, brushing teeth will become second nature to you and your puppy. Starting this routine early on will make it an easy task as your pup grows and matures. Tooth brushing on a daily basis helps to prevent the formation of dental tartar and inflammation of the gum tissue, called gingivitis. These aren’t huge issues in a puppy, but can become problematic later in life, so it is important to establish good dental care habits early on. And you are correct, those little sharp teeth are baby teeth and he will lose them between three and six months of age!

Ask Our Experts: In the Middle of the Night

Fri, 02 Dec 2011 16:54:59 GMT

Question: Quincy, my 14-year-old Golden Retriever, has been barking and pacing in the middle of the night. No one is getting any sleep! What’s going on? Answer: Having cared for an elderly dog who behaved much like yours, I can really empathize! What you are experiencing is not uncommon in geriatric dogs. Assuming your dog seems fairly normal in the rest of his activities, it sounds very much like he is experiencing cognitive dysfunction. This means that his brain is aging, and much like an elderly person, he may experience confusion and disruptions of his sleep cycle. Speak to your veterinarian, because there are several options for dogs with cognitive dysfunction – ranging from special diets to medications. Expect your veterinarian to perform a thorough physical exam, and what we call geriatric blood work (typically a chemistry screen, complete blood count, and urinalysis), to rule out any other health problems that may be contributing to his change in behavior. Good luck, and hopefully with the help of your veterinarian, you will have some relief to your sleepless nights! Do you have a pet health question you'd like to Ask our Experts? Submit it here!

A Primer on Pet Cancer: Petplan pet insurance on tumors of the spleen

Thu, 01 Dec 2011 13:50:59 GMT

Today we’ll be wrapping up our month-long series on pet cancers with tumors of the spleen. These tumors are particularly troublesome because they often go undetected until it is almost too late. In addition, in acute cases, it doesn’t matter whether a splenic tumor is benign or malignant – either way, they can be fatal. The spleen is an oblong organ that sits under the stomach and not only stores blood, but also filters out old and fragile red blood cells. Tumors that affect the spleen do not necessarily make your pet appear outwardly ill, which is why they can go undetected for so long. Splenic tumors may be benign (non-cancerous) or malignant (cancerous). But because the spleen is full of blood vessels and blood, any tumor is dangerous. Unnoticed splenic tumors can eventually grow so large that they break open and bleed freely. In a vascular organ like the spleen, the amount of blood loss can be fatal. The typical presentation of a ruptured splenic tumor is a pet that seemed completely fine earlier in the day, but rapidly becomes weak, develops pale gums, and pants or can’t seem to catch her breath. All of these symptoms are due to blood loss, and this is a medical emergency. Luckily, the spleen is not a vital organ, so removing it will remove the short-term danger. Prior to surgery, an X-ray can be done to check for metastasis to the lungs, and sometimes metastasis can be seen once the surgeon is into the abdomen. Once the spleen (and tumor) is removed, it can be biopsied to find out whether the tumor is benign or malignant. If the tumor turns out to be malignant, the cancer has most likely already spread, but chemotherapy options exist to lengthen your pet’s disease-free interval. The good news is that if the tumor was benign, removal of the spleen will cure your pet. Cancer certainly is a heavy subject, and I have to admit that I’m glad this month is over so that we can focus on lighter, but equally important, topics. I hope your pets never develop cancer, but being informed and educated can make a cancer diagnosis a little less scary. Above all, keep the lines of communication open with your veterinarian and be sure to ask any questions that you think of. If your vet can’t answer your questions, he or she can refer you to someone who can. And remember – it’s never wrong to get a second opinion!

Pet Cancer in Focus: Petplan pet insurance on squamous cell carcinoma in dogs and cats

Wed, 30 Nov 2011 12:59:34 GMT

In our previous cancer awareness blog, we discussed the locally invasive fibrosarcoma, which is more common in cats. Today, we’ll discuss an equal opportunity tumor, squamous cell carcinoma, which unfortunately occurs in both our canine and feline friends. The cells that line many of the surfaces of our bodies are called epithelial cells. These cells cover the surfaces and line the cavities that interact with the outside world, whether that be the skin, mouth, digestive system or respiratory system. Squamous cells are a normal type of epithelial cell, and make up the outer layer of our skin, mouth and nose. Common locations of squamous cell carcinomas include: Mouth Nose Nail beds of dogs The ear tips and muzzles, particularly in white dogs and cats - these are sun-induced tumors The difficulty regarding squamous cell carcinomas is their location. We already know that these tumors are generally locally invasive, meaning that they don’t spread to other parts of the body until well into the course of the disease. So, why can’t your veterinarian just remove the tumor and be done with it? Well, they can – if the tumor is located in the right place. A perfect example of a tumor that can usually be removed in its entirety is the case of the white cat with a tumor on the tip of his ear. The vet would simply remove the affected ear tip. However, in the case of oral and nasal tumors, the solution is not so easy. Oral masses are more difficult to detect, because in general, we don’t peek inside our pets' mouths on a daily basis. Bad breath, excessive salivation and bloody drool may clue us in to the fact that something is amiss in the mouth, but often these signs do not occur until the tumor is advanced. Surgery can be performed on some tumors, like those that occur on the lower jaw or nail bed, but because of the locally aggressive nature of the tumor, surgical margins must also be aggressive. This usually results in removal of some of the jaw bone or the entire digit, as well as the tumor. A combination of surgery, radiation and occasionally chemotherapy will provide the best chance of prolonging the disease-free interval. As is generally the case with cancer, early intervention will lead to the best outcome. If your pet will allow it, check her mouth and gums from time to time. This is easy to do if your pet is already accustomed to daily tooth-brushing. Notice your dog’s nail beds each time they are trimmed, and make sure to have unusual skin lesions checked out, especially if your pet is white and spends a lot of time outdoors.

Locally invasive tumors: Petplan pet insurance takes a look at fibrosarcoma in cats for Pet Cancer Awareness Month

Mon, 28 Nov 2011 11:04:19 GMT

With the end of November comes the end of our month-long series on pet cancer awareness. Cancer is a sad subject, but one that needs to be addressed. If your pet gets a diagnosis of cancer, being educated on the treatment options could make a big difference in your pet’s life. This week we’ll discuss locally invasive tumors, which work a bit differently than what we typically think of as cancer. Locally invasive tumors, like fibrosarcoma and squamous cell carcinoma, grow in one place and tend to not spread until late in the disease course, if they spread at all. Fibrosarcoma Our feline friends are particularly prone to developing fibrosarcoma, which arises from soft tissues in cats. While it looks like a discrete round tumor, in this case, looks are deceiving. The tumor actually has hundreds of finger-like projections, or tendrils, that invade the surrounding soft tissue and extend well beyond the margins of the visible tumor. When trying to surgically remove a fibrosarcoma, these tendrils must be taken into account. Leaving any tumor cells behind will result in regrowth of the mass. Often, when a fibrosarcoma is surgically removed, it will regrow even more aggressively. Fibrosarcomas can occur spontaneously or can be induced by the feline sarcoma virus. In addition, evidence exists to suggest that routine vaccination is another cause. The incidence of this occurring is rare, with only one in 1,000 to one in 10,000 cats developing vaccine-associated fibrosarcomas. This news may make you think again about vaccinating your cat against common diseases, but don’t! You should still be vigilant about ensuring that your cat’s vaccinations are up to date, but you and your veterinarian should develop a plan to vaccinate in a smart way. Discuss your cat’s lifestyle and avoid unnecessary vaccines. Be sure your vet vaccinates your cat in standard areas – there is a standard location for each vaccine. Vaccinating low on the limb, rather than between the shoulder blades, makes the likelihood for complete surgical removal of possible fibrosarcomas better. Once a fibrosarcoma is detected, surgery to remove the tumor is generally considered. Very wide margins must be obtained in order to remove the entire tumor, so the incision will appear quite large. Though chemotherapy is not thought to be very effective against fibrosarcomas, radiation therapy is helpful to prolong the disease-free interval and can be covered by your Petplan pet insurance plan. In the next blog, we’ll examine another locally invasive cancer - squamous cell carcinoma.

Pet Cancer Awareness Month: Petplan pet insurance takes a look at bone cancer in dogs and cats

Wed, 23 Nov 2011 16:19:17 GMT

As we continue our month-long series on pet cancer during Pet Cancer Awareness Month, today we will focus on bone cancer. By far, the most common kind of bone cancer in dogs is osteosarcoma, and its diagnosis can be quite devastating. Osteosarcoma is so aggressive and fast-growing that by the time it is diagnosed in the bone, usually it has already spread to the lungs. In addition, osteosarcoma is extremely painful for our furry friends. Osteosarcoma occurs most often in middle-aged to elderly dogs, though it can occur in young dogs, cats and commonly in Greyhounds. Any bone of the body can be afflicted, but the majority of tumors affect the bones of the limbs. You may notice intermittent or constant lameness for months before you notice signs of swelling. This is because the tumor starts deep in the bone and becomes progressively more painful as it grows outwards. Over time, external swelling can be seen. Diagnosis can sometimes be made by doing X-rays, as osteosarcomas can show some characteristic changes in the bone: A lesion in the bone will give it a moth-eaten appearance. Pathologic fractures, or breaks in the bone, are quite common, as the tumor weakens the bone. The tumor does not cross the joint space – in other words, if there is bone affected on both sides of the joint, it is likely not osteosarcoma. Further diagnosis will be made by performing a biopsy on the affected bone. This is often done by amputating the affected limb first. This may seem rash, but consider this: osteosarcoma is extremely painful for your pet, and removal of the affected limb removes 100% of the pain. The median survival time in a pet with osteosarcoma is four to five months without chemotherapy, regardless of whether amputation is performed or not. Amputation ensures that time will be pain-free. Treatment of osteosarcoma entails fighting its spread and treating your pet’s pain. Most dogs are euthanized due to pain in the affected limb, which is why amputation is such a good option. Though human amputees face certain social implications, the same is not true for dogs – they don’t care what they look like! Following a short recovery time, three-legged dogs will run, jump and play as if nothing is out of the ordinary. While amputation can help relieve your pup’s pain, there is still the very high risk that the tumor will spread, or metastasize. Chemotherapy can help hinder metastasis and add to the affected dog’s lifespan. Depending on the type of chemotherapy administered, median survival times are around one year, though some combinations of chemo lead to a two-year survival time in 30% of patients. A diagnosis of osteosarcoma is certainly devastating, but there are options! Talk to your veterinarian about treatment and possible referral to a veterinary oncologist. Remember that your pet’s comfort is of utmost importance, and should be your top priority. If limb amputation is not possible, talk to your vet about other pain relief options. Hopefully your pets never develop cancer, but if you protect your furry family member with pet insurance and they do, Petplan can help with the vet bills for treatment, letting you concentrate on your pet's care.

Breast cancer in cats: Petplan pet insurance on preventing and treating mammary tumors in felines

Mon, 21 Nov 2011 11:53:43 GMT

Unfortunately, most people have experienced the devastation of breast cancer, either through a personal diagnosis or the diagnosis of a loved one. As we continue to examine cancer in our pets during Pet Cancer Awareness Month, we should keep in mind that breast cancer can also strike our feline family members. Mammary tumors are the third most common cancer in cats, and senior female cats between 10 and 12 years of age are most commonly affected. Siamese cats also seem to be overrepresented in this type of cancer. Though our canine friends develop mammary tumors as well, only about half of those tumors are malignant (meaning that they spread and can be fatal). Unfortunately for our cats, over 90% of mammary tumors are malignant, rapidly spreading to nearby mammary glands and local lymph nodes. Usually, cats have eight mammary glands, arranged in two rows of four. The most common sites for mammary tumors are the top pair (closest to the forelegs) and the bottom pair (closest to the rear legs) of mammary glands. Owners of older female cats should routinely feel for lumps or bumps on all mammary glands. The smaller the mass is when it is removed, the longer the median survival time can be. When mammary masses are removed when they are less than two centimeters in size, a patient’s estimated survival time is four and a half years. Considering that most patients are elderly when diagnosed, this may be a normal life span for them. However, if a mammary mass is three centimeters or larger, the median survival time decreases to just six months. Treatment consists of surgery to remove not only the affected gland, but the entire chain of glands. If both chains of mammary glands are involved, both will need to be removed, although this often cannot be completed in one surgery. To maximize the disease-free interval, pet parents may want to consider adjunctive chemotherapy. Mammary tumors are fatal for one of two reasons. The first is progression of the external tumor. These tumors grow rapidly and become ulcerated and necrotic. Euthanasia is often pursued due to infected, ulcerated tumors. The other reason mammary tumors are fatal is the cancer’s spread to the chest. By far, the easiest way to prevent mammary tumors is to have your cat spayed before she is six months old. Doing so will decrease her risk of developing mammary cancer by 91%! Additionally: Spaying before one year of age decreases her risk by 86%. Spaying before two years of age decreases her risk by 11%. Spaying after two years of age does not decrease her risk. Having one or more litters of kittens does not decrease her risk. Whether your kitty is spayed or not, make sure to check her regularly for lumps, and call your veterinarian if you find anything out of the ordinary.

Thanksgiving Fur All: Tips to avoid a Turkey Day disaster from Petplan pet insurance

Wed, 16 Nov 2011 10:19:26 GMT

Thanksgiving is one of my favorite holidays, because I love getting together with friends and family to celebrate all that we are thankful for, and of course, chowing down on some good eats! One of the things I am thankful for is the health of my pets. As I’ve mentioned in previous blogs, my first baby is my Lab mix, Katie, who I rescued from the pound almost 14 years ago. She’s getting older, but is enjoying relatively good health in her golden years. My two cats are also healthy, despite being crazy as loons! November is a time to count our blessings, and as you’re preparing your Thanksgiving feast and sitting down to eat, follow these safety tips to keep you and your pets far away from the vet clinic this season: Bird is the Word Turkey is the main attraction at Thanksgiving, and your pets will put on their cutest faces to tempt you into giving them a bite or two. Remember that raw or undercooked turkey can harbor salmonella, which can cause the same disastrous gastrointestinal affects in our pets as it does in us. A Side of Danger Onions and garlic have a supporting role in stuffing and other side dishes, but can be dangerous when ingested by our pets, especially cats. In our feline friends, onion ingestion can lead to hemolysis (or destruction) of red blood cells, leading to dangerous anemia. Ditch the Table Scraps We tend to overeat at Thanksgiving, but overindulging our pets with table scraps can lead to severe inflammation of the pancreas called pancreatitis, which can be severe enough to warrant hospitalization and can be fatal. Too much of a good thing can also cause unwanted gastrointestinal symptoms, including diarrhea and vomiting. If you MUST treat your four-legged friends to a taste of Thanksgiving, stick to a bite or two of pet-safe veggies like broccoli or carrots, or a small taste of plain turkey. Consider putting these morsels into a Kong or other food-releasing toy while the family sits down to eat. Your pet will get a treat, and you’ll get to enjoy dinner without a beggar at your feet! For even more healthy fun, you can try your hand at preparing one of these pet-friendly Thanksgiving recipes. Take Out the Trash Keep track of the trash. Pets are notorious for trying to “clean up” after us, so make sure the lid stays on the trash can. If you’ve partaken in the new trend of deep-frying your turkey, keep the used oil way out of reach of your pet. One patient I will never forget is the dog who discovered a vat of used turkey-frying oil. What a mess! Be thankful for the things you have, including the health of your four-legged family members. Follow the tips above to help stay thankfully away from the nearest veterinary emergency center! For added peace of mind this holiday season, you can protect your pets with a pet insurance policy from Petplan. That way, should your Turkey Day go fowl, you'll be protected.

Fat Cats: Petplan pet insurance on feline obesity

Tue, 15 Nov 2011 16:57:43 GMT

It is no secret that many Americans are struggling with their weight, but you might not know that American cats are also having a similar problem. Obesity is becoming so common in our cats that almost half of the cats I see each day are overweight! Obesity in cats is unhealthy on its own, but it also exacerbates chronic conditions like arthritis; leads to poor coat quality as the cat becomes too large to groom properly; and often leads to diabetes. Most cats are particularly prone to packing on the pounds due to their sedentary lifestyles. We worsen this by offering food constantly and conveniently, and often we unknowingly provide too much. This results in a cat who lies around all day, lazily snacking from the bowl whenever the mood strikes. And for many kitties, the mood strikes all too often! If your cat is overweight, it’s likely that your veterinarian has already mentioned it - and why it can be dangerous to kitty's health. Adjustments might be recommended regarding the type or amount of food your kitty gets each day. A change of food is recommended, and most of the time, the amount we feed also needs to be adjusted. Cats are just like humans – to lose weight, they either need to decrease the amount of calories taken in or increase the amount of calories burned. Or in many cases, both! Shedding the weight To get your kitty to shed pounds, try incorporating daily exercises. A laser pointer is irresistible to many kitties, and watching your cat chase that little red dot up and down the hall can be quite amusing (especially if hardwood floors are involved!). If a laser pointer doesn’t interest your cat, find something that does. Feathers attached to sticks can induce acrobatic leaps reminiscent of Olympic gymnasts! Once an appropriate diet is established, consider alternate ways of feeding. Toys that slowly distribute food make your cat work for her supper, much the way she would in the wild. Combatting feline obesity is a slow process. Don’t get discouraged, and certainly don’t withhold food. Doing so can lead to a fatal liver disease. If you kitty has extra pounds to lose, work closely with your veterinarian to help your cat shed the weight. Frequent weigh-ins will let you know you’re whether you’re on the right track or whether your plan needs to be tweaked a little to produce good results. Though she likes to pretend the opposite, your cat actually depends on you – not only for food and shelter, but also for helping her stay healthy.

Foreign Affairs: Petplan pet insurance on pets and foreign body ingestion

Mon, 14 Nov 2011 13:00:48 GMT

I’ve said it before, and I’m sure I’ll say it many more times in my career: some pets will eat ANYTHING! To prove I’m not making it up, at the end of this post I’ll share with you the results of a contest put on by an industry magazine called Veterinary Practice News. They asked veterinarians to send in X-rays of some weird and wild cases of pets eating strange things, and the results are amazing! The ingestion of “foreign bodies” (pretty much anything that isn’t food!) is a common occurrence by both dogs and cats. Sometimes, things are eaten out of curiosity. Other times, playtime turns dangerous when kitties accidentally swallow one end of a string of yarn and then keep swallowing until the entire string is eaten (one reason the holiday season is so dangerous for pets)! Foreign bodies pose a great threat to your pet because they can cause intestinal obstruction. When the intestines are obstructed, they can no longer function normally. Defecation becomes impossible, as fluid and feces cannot get around the obstruction. Bowels become dilated and the risk of rupture is high due to compromised blood flow to the affected area. If bowel rupture occurs, fecal matter will leak directly into the abdomen, causing severe infection. Cats are particularly susceptible to linear foreign bodies, which include strings, yarn, Easter grass and ribbons. These playthings are nearly irresistible to cats, and are often accidentally ingested. Once the long foreign body is ingested, one end can become lodged in the gastrointestinal tract. While the bowels try to move the obstruction along, the string acts like a saw, cutting its way through the bowel and allowing the contents of the bowels to leak into the abdomen. Clinical signs of foreign body obstruction include vomiting, straining to defecate, abdominal pain and anorexia. These animals can be very, very sick, and unfortunately, diagnosis is often confusing. Sometimes, foreign bodies show up very clearly on X-rays, but other times it is not that simple. An ultrasound may be needed to further assess the situation, and sometimes your veterinarian may just recommend an exploratory surgery to determine if an obstruction has occurred. I’ve seen many unusual foreign bodies in my day, but the winner of 2011’s contest put on by Veterinary Practice News takes the cake! Without further ado, the grand prize “winner” was a naughty dog from Oregon who ate nine billiard balls! We will never understand what motivates a pet to do things like this, so it is important to remain vigilant and keep small objects away from curious canines and kitties. It also helps to have pet insurance that covers unlimited incidents of foreign body ingestion in case your pet develops an appetite for billiard balls or something else he shouldn't be eating! Other entries to VPN’s contest included: a cat who ate a guitar string; a duck who ate nails; a dog who ate a tube of glue, and another dog who ate his owner’s false teeth!

The Dry Season: Petplan pet insurance offers advice on scratching the winter itch

Thu, 10 Nov 2011 16:44:31 GMT

Fall is in the air, and crisp days and cold nights can lead to a common cold weather ailment in our dogs and cats – dry winter skin. As the mercury drops, so does the humidity level, which can lead to dry skin. As pet parents know, dry skin can be quite itchy, and an itchy dog or cat is more prone to developing irritating skin infections. To combat pesky dry winter skin and provide relief to your itchy pet, consider doing some of the following: Place a humidifier in the room where you and your pet spend the most time. This is especially helpful in houses with forced air heat. Fatty acid supplements can be added to your pet’s food to help relieve itchy skin. Moisturizing shampoos or conditioners, especially ones that contain colloidal oatmeal, may help sooth your pet’s dry skin. Occasionally, prescription shampoos may be needed, so talk to your veterinarian if necessary. Be sure to avoid bathing too frequently, as this can exacerbate the problem. Leave-on conditioners or daily sprays can also be used to help moisturize dry skin. Oral medications, such as antihistamines or steroids, may help your pet, but also might come with some unwanted side effects. It’s important to talk to your veterinarian about these medications if needed. If your pet’s itching has gotten out of control, be sure to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian. An underlying infection could be contributing to the problem, and your pet may need topical or oral antibiotics to help cure that winter itch.

Pet Cancer Awareness Month: Petplan pet insurance looks at lymphoma in cats

Tue, 08 Nov 2011 14:52:39 GMT

In a previous blog for Pet Cancer Awareness Month, we discussed multicentric lymphoma in dogs. In dogs, lymphoma is widespread throughout the lymph nodes. Cats, however, tend to get lymphoma at a specific site, and today the most common site for lymphoma is in the intestines. This was not always the case. Before the widespread use of the feline leukemia vaccine, lymphoma was found in the mediastinal area of the chest. In those days, most lymphoma was caused by the feline leukemia virus. Today, it’s a different story. Most cats that are diagnosed with intestinal lymphoma are geriatric cats with a history of vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss and decreased appetite. Intestinal lymphoma can show up as a solitary mass, or may be generalized throughout the intestines. Solitary masses may grow so large that they cause bowel obstructions. In these cases, immediate surgery may be required to relieve the obstruction. Intestinal lymphoma is diagnosed by biopsy. Either the mass (in the case of solitary tumors) or a full thickness sample of the intestine (as in the case of generalized intestinal lymphoma) will be sent to a laboratory for microscopic analysis. In any case, removal of the mass is not curative. Cats with intestinal lymphoma will require chemotherapy to achieve remission, and approximately 75% of cats treated with chemotherapy will achieve remission. As with dogs, cats experience far fewer side effects from chemotherapy than humans. They do not lose their fur (but may lose their whiskers) and generally do not have severe gastrointestinal side effects as we do. There are several different types of chemotherapy protocols, which you can discuss with your vet in detail. If your veterinarian is not comfortable with this, he or she may refer you to a veterinary oncologist. Either way, it is never wrong to ask for a second opinion. As with any case regarding the use of chemotherapy, several factors should be considered. The disease-free interval and median survival time should be balanced with other external factors, such as cost and scheduling. Chemotherapy may not be readily available in your town, and may require extensive weekly travel during treatment. Chemotherapy is a viable option for many owners and their pets, but it is not for everyone. Some patients do not do well with hospitalization, and sadly, sometimes chemotherapy is too costly for owners, especially without pet insurance to provide reimbursement for treatments. If chemotherapy is not an option for your pet for whatever reason, don’t dwell on feeling bad about it. Your pet needs you to remain upbeat and enjoy her remaining days. Each day is a gift, especially in a terminally ill animal – celebrate your pet’s life with her while you can.

Hear Me Out: Petplan pet insurance on the pesky problem of ear infections

Mon, 07 Nov 2011 12:03:42 GMT

The eyes aren’t the only part of the body that commonly gives our best friends fits. Ear infections are also a relatively common occurrence in both dogs and cats, and may or may not have an underlying cause. Eary symptoms Ear infections in our pets differ from those in humans, although they are just as uncomfortable. Ear infections in humans are usually infections of the inner ear, whereas in pets, the outer ear is affected. Signs of an ear infection may be easy to miss, especially if your pet spends a lot of time outdoors (which, with much of the nation’s weather getting cooler, won’t be for long!). Itchiness and ear discharge are hallmark signs of ear infections in pets. Your pet may shake his head to help with the itch, and sometimes the discharge is malodorous enough to smell from across the room. Unfortunately, ear infections will not go away on their own and should always warrant a trip to the vet. If left untreated, ear infections can lead to hematomas, narrowed ear canals and deafness. To keep your pet’s ears healthy, be sure to check them from time to time to make sure they are looking their best, both inside and out. If you find anything funky, or your pet is displaying any of the above symptoms, a trip to the vet may be in order. At the clinic The first thing your veterinarian will do after examining your pet’s ear canal is take a sample of the discharge to view under the microscope. Looking at what kind of infection is present will help him or her prescribe the most effective treatment. Ear infections are generally directly caused by overgrowths of either yeast or bacteria (or both!), although often there are underlying causes, such as allergies or polyps, that contribute to their recurrence. Once your vet has determined whether yeast or bacteria is present, he or she will likely have a technician thoroughly clean your pet’s ear canals. Getting rid of all the discharge provides a clean slate so that treatment can start. Through the course of treatment, your veterinarian may need you to also clean your pet’s ears at home. Be sure to ask the best way to do this if you don’t know. Special ear cleaners may be indicated for stubborn infections. Most of the time, topical treatments will be sufficient. Drops placed into the ears once or twice a day can treat typical outer ear infections. More complicated infections, or those that involve the middle ear, will need to be treated with oral medications as well as topical. Your veterinarian will prescribe what is best for your pet depending on his particular infection. Ear infections are messy, stinky and downright uncomfortable for your dog or cat. The sooner you start treatment, the sooner your pet will be on the path to recovery.

Pet Cancer Awareness Month: Petplan pet insurance looks at lymphoma, a common cancer in canines

Fri, 04 Nov 2011 08:19:19 GMT

Cancer is an unfortunately common problem in pets. The most common type of cancer in pets is lymphoma, also known as lymphosarcoma. Lymphoma is cancer of the lymph system, which consists of lymph nodes and vessels. The lymph system is responsible for immune responses to foreign invaders, such as bacteria and viruses. Lymphoma in our pets is named after the organ targeted by the disease. In cats, the majority of lymphoma is intestinal, (a subject we’ll discuss in a future blog), but in dogs, more than 80% of lymphoma cases are multicentric, meaning affecting all of the lymph nodes. Multicentric lymphoma When the lymph cells become cancerous, they cause swelling of the lymph nodes. In affected dogs, the swelling is quite dramatic, and you will notice swellings at your dog’s neck, chest and behind the knees. These are the lymph nodes that are most easily felt on the outside of your dog, but all lymph nodes, including internal nodes, are enlarged. Multicentric lymphoma is devastating, as it seems to appear out of nowhere and carries discouraging statistics with it. Without treatment, affected dogs succumb to the disease within four to eight weeks. Once a preliminary diagnosis of multicentric lymphoma is made, your veterinarian will want to “stage” the disease, or see how far (if at all) it has spread. X-rays, ultrasounds, lymph node biopsies and bone marrow biopsies are all useful to determine the extent of the disease and the best way to tackle treatment. Thankfully, Petplan pet insurance can cover cancer treatments, letting you focus on getting your pet comprehensive tests and treatment, not the vet bills. Several chemotherapy protocols exist for multicentric lymphoma. Before we go any further, it’s important to address this scary word: chemotherapy. We are probably most familiar with chemotherapy’s effect on humans, where it can cause nearly unbearable side effects, including severe gastrointestinal repercussions and hair loss. In our pets, this does not happen. Well, it does not happen frequently, I should say. Gastrointestinal side effects are rare. In fact, less than 7% of patients need treatment or hospitalization for these types of side effects. And while your pet may lose his whiskers, substantial fur loss will not occur. Your veterinarian may be comfortable offering chemotherapy treatment at his or her clinic, or may refer you to a veterinary oncologist. The goal of lymphoma treatment is to achieve remission, meaning that the cancer is not detectable in your pet after treatment. Remission is highly possible in lymphoma – about 75% of our patients achieve remission. There are cases of multicentric lymphoma that have been cured, but they are rare. A more realistic goal for the treatment of multicentric lymphoma is to provide a comfortable life for your dog as long as possible. The median survival time for most dogs on chemotherapy is one year, with 25% of patients surviving two years. Multicentric lymphoma is not the only type of lymphoma that occurs in dogs, but it is the most common. Lymphoma of specific places, such as the gastrointestinal tract, mediastinal area of the chest and skin or eyes also occurs. Each of these specific types of lymphoma have their own treatment protocols that can be addressed by your veterinarian.

good enough to gobble: Pet-friendly Thanksgiving Recipes from Petplan Pet Insurance

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 12:14:49 GMT

This Thanksgiving, instead of piling your pet’s food bowl high with table scraps and bones, which can be hazardous to their health, try whipping up these smart, seasonal dishes, from the vet experts at Petplan. Remember, moderation is key. Treats should make up less than 5-10% of your pet’s caloric intake – talk to your vet about how many calories your pet should be consuming to stay trim given their breed, level of activity and life stage. Paws-atively Peanuty Crudité Baby Carrots Apple slices Celery sticks (no longer than 4 inches) Natural unsalted creamy peanut butter With a spoon or butter knife, spread a small amount of peanut butter onto each baby carrot, apple slice and along the inside surface of the celery and then arrange on a small plate. Give one carrot, one apple slice and one stick of celery to each pet. Turkey Pie 3.5 cups cooked (unseasoned) chopped white turkey meat 1 cup chopped raw broccoli ½ cup chopped apples 1 1/2 cups cooked millet 1 tbsp kelp powder Rinse the turkey break with cold water and pat dry. Wrap the breast with aluminum foil, folding the edges to seal in moisture. Place in a baking pan. Roast at 350 degrees for 20 minutes per pound. Open the aluminum foil, being careful not to burn yourself on the escaping steam. Chop once cooled. Combine broccoli and apples in blender or food processor and blend until minced. In bowl, combine vegetable mix with turkey, millet and kelp powder and mix thoroughly. Divide into portions appropriate for your pet’s caloric intake. Makes 6 ½ cups (163.5 calories per cup). Recipe from Dr. Ernie Ward’s Chow Hounds: Why Our Dogs are Getting Fatter - a Vet's Plan to Save Their Lives (2010 HCI). Sweet Potato Cookies 1 large cooked sweet potato 1 banana 1 T vegetable oil ½ cup quinoa flour Preheat oven to 350. In a medium bowl, mash together the banana and sweet potato until well blended. Add the vegetable oil, then add the flour to the wet mixture until well blended. Place one teaspoon of dough on a nonstick baking sheet and lightly flatten. Repeat for all dough. Bake 30 minutes. Makes 4 dozen cookies, each with 14-15 cal. Recipe from Dr. Ernie Ward’s Chow Hounds: Why Our Dogs are Getting Fatter - a Vet's Plan to Save Their Lives (2010 HCI).

Petplan pet insurance recognizes Pet Cancer Awareness Month with a series of blogs on understanding cancer in dogs and cats

Thu, 03 Nov 2011 12:12:52 GMT

November is Pet Cancer Awareness Month, a fitting time to bring up a scary topic. In a multi-post series dedicated to cancer, we’ll talk about what cancer is, how it is treated and the most common types of pet cancer. Getting a diagnosis of cancer in your dog or cat can be overwhelming. Once you’ve had time to process the diagnosis, you’ll probably have many questions, such as: What is cancer? How did my pet get cancer? Is my pet going to die? What kind of treatment will be needed? Is my pet in pain? What could I have done to prevent this? Taking the first step Once the initial diagnosis has been made, slow down, take a deep breath and schedule a follow-up consultation with your veterinarian. Having made the diagnosis, your veterinarian should be willing to sit down with you and answer every one of your questions, or refer you to a veterinary oncologist if needed. What is cancer? Strictly speaking, cancer is the uncontrolled growth of cells. These cells will invade surrounding tissues and spread to other areas of the body. Cancer can be localized, as is the case with a solitary tumor, or generalized, meaning that it is spread throughout the body. How did my pet get cancer? There is no easy answer to this. Cancer has many causes: some hereditary, some environmental and some that we just don’t know about. In fact, some dogs are prone to cancer just because of their breed. For instance, Boxers have a higher-than-average rate of mast cell tumors, while Greyhounds are more susceptible to bone cancer. Is my pet going to die? Unfortunately, some types of cancer are more life-threatening than others. While some cancers are curable, others are more likely to be terminal, meaning there is no current known way to cure them. Have a frank discussion with your vet regarding your pet’s long-term prognosis before making any decisions. What kind of treatment will be needed? Again, this is largely dependent on the type of cancer. Surgery, radiation and chemotherapy are all options for the treatment of cancer (and can all be covered by your Petplan pet insurance policy), though not all types of cancers will need all treatment modalities. Your veterinarian should thoroughly explain the treatment options for your pet. Keep in mind that every veterinarian is different and has different opinions about cancer treatments. If you feel that your goals and your vet’s goals are different, it’s a good idea to get a second opinion. You are your pet’s voice and advocate, an important role that you can learn more about in this interview with Dr. Nancy Kay from fetch! magazine. Is my pet in pain? Pain levels are sometimes difficult to determine in pets. Some cancers are known to be more painful than others, and your veterinarian should be able to help you assess your pet’s pain and treat it properly. Watch for signs of pain, including withdrawing from family activities, going off food, not being able to settle and increased panting. What could I have done to prevent this? Probably nothing. Cancer is multi-factorial in pets, meaning that there is not one specific cause. You love your pet, and might be looking for something or someone to blame, but the sad truth is that most of the time, cancer just happens. From here out, focus on the future – on helping your best friend battle the Big C (if it is a treatable cancer and you decide that is the road you want to take), on keeping your pet comfortable and on having great times with your pet every day, as long as you can!

Man's Best Friends: Petplan pet insurance takes a look at the Top 10 Most Popular Dog Breeds

Wed, 02 Nov 2011 10:55:14 GMT

Every dog has its day, and for the top 10 most popular dog breeds, those days are often! We already featured the most popular cat breeds, but when it comes to celebrating popular dog breeds, there’s no day bigger than Thanksgiving, when the National Dog Show gives purebred dogs the chance to bask in the glory of the show ring. The American Kennel Club sanctions the National Dog Show, and also puts out a list of the 10 most “popular” dogs in the U.S., which for 2011 is as follows: 1. Labrador Retriever (20 years in a row!) 2. German Shepherd 3. Yorkshire Terrier 4. Beagle 5. Golden Retriever 6. Bulldog 7. Boxer 8. Dachshund 9. Poodle 10. Shih Tzu The list contains a wide range of dogs, from small to large, and from fancy to not-so-fancy. Keep in mind that many purebred dogs are more prone to genetic diseases than mixed breed dogs, but choosing a breeder who practices responsible breeding will greatly decrease your chance of buying a problem-prone pooch (that is, if you must buy rather than adopt). Large breeds like the Labrador Retriever, Golden Retriever and German Shepherd are more frequently affected by hip dysplasia. In hip dysplasia, the ball and socket parts of the hip joint do not fit well, and this can cause pain and lead to osteoarthritis. Small breeds like the Yorkshire Terrier and Shih Tzu have patellar luxations on their list of potential orthopedic problems. Patellar luxations, or trick knees, occur when the knee cap slides out of place, causing intermittent lameness and pain. The Bulldog edged out the Boxer in popularity this year, but they both share a propensity towards atopy, or allergic skin disease. They can also come with genetic diseases ranging from elbow dysplasia and cherry eyes in the Bulldog to cardiomyopathy (heart disease) and mast cell tumors in the Boxer. Purebred dogs are great family pets, as are mixed-breed dogs. If you are set on getting a purebred dog, check your local shelter first. Purebred dogs are abandoned or lost every day. Also check with a rescue organization specific to your desired breed, such as the numerous ones set up to find homes for retired racing Greyhounds. These organizations work diligently to place unwanted or abandoned purebred dogs with loving, caring owners. If you’ve looked into rescue options and come up empty-handed, you can always seek out a reputable breeder. Ask your two-legged friends at the dog park who they recommend!

The Cat's Meow: Petplan pet insurance takes a look at the Top 10 Most Popular Cat Breeds

Tue, 01 Nov 2011 14:52:29 GMT

We’ve all probably seen at least a glimpse of a dog show, especially while waiting for Thanksgiving dinner. After all, the National Dog Show is televised every Thanksgiving, (right after the Macy’s Thanksgiving Day parade), and at least in our house, watching has become a yearly tradition. But did you know that cats have their own national show, too? It’s true! The Cat Fanciers’ Association (CFA) sponsors the National Cat Show, which is scheduled for the weekend of November 19 in Indianapolis. For those of us with feline family members, most of our catnip-loving kitties are true mixed breeds, or mutts. Domestic Shorthair is the official name of your average, run of the mill short-haired cat, and while we all cherish our unregistered cats, you can be sure you won’t find them strutting their stuff at the National Cat Show – it’s for pedigreed breeds only. The CFA recognizes 42 pedigreed breeds for showing, ranging from somewhat common breeds like the Siamese to rarer breeds, like the Singapura, Korat and LaPerm. The most popular breeds as determined by CFA registry are: 1. Persian 2. Maine Coon 3. Exotic 4. Ragdoll 5. Sphynx 6. Siamese 7. Abyssinian 8. American Shorthair 9. Cornish Rex 10. Birman Before you run out to get yourself one of the most popular cat breeds, do some research. Some breeds are inherently prone to genetic diseases, and irresponsible breeding may perpetuate these diseases. Research any breeder to make sure ethical breeding is a top priority. Read up on your potential pet’s health issues, as well as her personality. Just like dogs, some cat breeds do better with families, while some tend toward a more independent lifestyle. And for peace of mind, look into protecting your kitty with Petplan pet insurance. Of course, there are always non-pedigreed cats available for adoption at local shelters, but pedigreed cats turn up at shelters more often than you would think. Check your shelter first to see if you can rescue a cat. In addition, rescue organizations abound for purebred cats of every type. Consider rescuing a purebred cat that doesn’t have a home!

The Eyes Have It, Part Five: Petplan pet insurance on dry eye in pets

Mon, 31 Oct 2011 13:05:16 GMT

In previous blogs we discussed the most common eye health problems our pets face. Today, we'll wrap up our five part series on eye health with the discussion of keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS). KCS is a fancy way of saying dry eye, and the hallmark of the condition is--yep, you guessed it--dry eyes! Don’t shed a tear We associate tears with sadness and sometimes extreme joy, but tears actually serve many purposes in the eye. They provide lubrication and contain antibacterial proteins, salts and oxygen. They are also quite effective at flushing away irritants. Tears are made mostly of water. In fact, about 95% of the volume of tears is made of water. The rest is made up of oil and mucous. With KCS, there is a deficiency in the water portion of the tears. There are several causes for KCS: Infectious Exposure to sulfa-drugs (this can be temporary or permanent) Immune-mediated - This is the most common cause of KCS and occurs when the immune system attacks the tear producing glands. Removal of the tear producing gland - This used to be a common surgery to repair cherry eye, but has fallen out of favor due to the potential for inducing KCS. Symptoms As I mentioned above, tears are 95% water and the remaining 5% is made up of oil and mucous. If you remove the water portion, you are left with a thick mucousy mess. This is probably the first symptom of KCS that you will notice. Your pet’s eye will have an increased amount of thick yellow discharge coating the eye and the membranes around the eye. Dry eyes are itchy, so you may also see your pet pawing at his eyes. In cases of chronic KCS, you will notice that the cornea, or surface of the eye, becomes dark in an effort to protect itself. This corneal pigmentation can lead to blindness. Diagnosis It is usually relatively easy for your veterinarian to diagnose your pet with KCS. A test, called a Schirmer Tear Test, is perfomed to measure the amount of tears your pet produces. A thin strip of special paper will be placed in the corner of your pet’s eye for 60 seconds and allowed to absorb the tears your pet’s eye produces. After 60 seconds, the area of moisture is measured. If the length is less than 15mm, your pet has dry eye. Treatment Treating KCS requires significant diligence. Having Petplan pet insurance, which covers chronic conditions such as dry eye, can allow you to focus on your pet's treatments instead of the veterinary bills. Topical ointments are used to suppress the immune-mediated destruction of the tear glands. In addition, products like artificial tears are used to provide relief from the dryness. Topical medications will need to be applied often throughout the day for the life your pet to prevent further damage to the eye. While it may seem tedious, it is important--these things will save your pet’s vision! I hope you’ve enjoyed this journey down the road of common eye conditions. If you missed any of our previous blogs on common eye conditions, you can revisit them below: Conjunctivitis Corneal ulcers Cataracts Glaucoma If you think your pet has symptoms of any of these conditions, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian. Eye health is important and early intervention in all of these conditions will make all the difference.

The Eyes Have It, Part Four: Petplan pet insurance examines pets under pressure from glaucoma

Fri, 28 Oct 2011 10:25:17 GMT

In our first three blogs on pet eye health, we took a look at some of the most common conditions that affect the eye health of dogs and cats, such as conjunctivitis, corneal ulcers and cataracts. In this blog, we look at one of the few eye conditions that is a true veterinary emergency--glaucoma. Under Pressure Glaucoma is characterized by high pressure inside of the eye. The high pressure occurs when, for various reasons, the drainage of the fluid inside the eye is prevented. In some cases (and these are the emergency cases), the pressure is so high that it jeopardizes the health of the eye. Glaucoma can result in permanent loss of vision through the progressive death of cells in the retina and optic nerve. As is with cataracts, the cause of glaucoma can be primary or secondary. Primary causes of glaucoma are common in purebred dogs, because they tend to be breed related or hereditary. Primary glaucoma can occur in cats, but it is rare. Secondary glaucoma is caused by disease processes that lead to increased ocular pressure, such as lens luxation, uveitis, cancer and trauma. Secondary glaucoma often occurs in only one eye. Symptoms Symptoms of sudden onset (or acute) glaucoma are often easy to see. Because acute glaucoma is extremely painful, you may see signs of pain in your pet. Pawing at the eye, declining food and depression are common. You may notice that one of your pet’s eyes looks large, and it may have a blueish tint due to swelling of the cornea. The whites of the eye may be bloodshot and the affected eye may have a dilated pupil. Acute glaucoma is an emergency and should be treated as soon as possible. The sooner the high pressure inside the eye can be relieved, the lesser the chance for vision loss in the eye. Diagnosis Your veterinarian may be able to diagnose glaucoma if he or she has the right equipment. The pressure inside the eye can be measured easily and painlessly by using a special tool to tap on the cornea. If the pressure is consistently high over a number of readings, chances are good that glaucoma is the cause. Treatment The goal of treatment for glaucoma is the quick reduction of pressure inside the eye, in the hopes that vision can be protected. Topical eye drops as well as oral medication are used to bring pressure down to a normal range and keep it there. Severe cases, however, may require surgery or even removal of the effected eye. If the glaucoma is not controllable, removal of the eye (a surgical procedure that Petplan pet insurance has paid claims for) is the best way to alleviate pain. Although it sounds severe, pets feel so much better after this salvage procedure.

The Eyes Have It, Part Three: Petplan pet insurance clears up the confusion on cataracts

Thu, 27 Oct 2011 09:47:10 GMT

In our series on common eye conditions in dogs and cats, we've already covered two common eye conditions - conjunctivitis and corneal ulcers. Coming in at a close third are cataracts. While cataracts are extremely common (even more so than conjunctivitis and corneal ulcers), I’ve put them in third place because they rarely cause emergency visits to the vet. Cataracts Cataracts are opacities in the lens of the eye. Much like with a camera, the lens is the focusing tool of the eye. Opacities in both the lens of the eye and the lens of a camera will lead to a distorted picture. Another way to think about it is to imagine a pair of eye glasses with a blacked out lens. That would certainly make for impaired vision! Cataracts are classified by: Cause Age of onset Location within the lens Degree of severity Causes of cataracts In the medical and veterinary community, cataracts are classified as either primary or secondary. Primary cataracts have no underlying cause. These include cataracts that are congenital (that is to say that the pet is born with them), hereditary (in the family line) or age-related. In young or purebred dogs, most cataracts have a genetic basis - a great reason to protect your best friends from a young age with a pet insurance plan from Petplan, which can cover congenital and hereditary conditions such as cataracts. Secondary causes for cataracts are numerous. They are caused by disease processes which lead to cataracts, such as retinal diseases, chronic uveitis, trauma to the lens, dislocation of the lens and diabetes. Most diabetic dogs will eventually develop cataracts. Age of Onset This is an easy one. Are the cataracts congenital (meaning that the pet is born with them)? If not, is the patient young or old? If the patient is young, the cataract is described as juvenile. If the patient is old, the cataract is described as senile. Senile cataracts are fairly common, just as they are in older humans. Location within the lens Again, this is pretty self explanatory. We note where, within the lens, the opacity or opacities are located. Degree of severity Cataracts have several degrees of completeness: Incipient - These are tiny, multifocal opacities involving less than 15% of the lens. Immature - These are incomplete cataracts that cover more than 15% of the lens. The back of the eye can still be visualized through the lens. Mature - Mature cataracts are complete and the back of the eye cannot be visualized. Hypermature - These cataracts appear wrinkly and sparkly, and can go on to cause other ocular problems like uveitis. Cataracts are easy to diagnose, and your regular veterinarian can do that with a thorough eye exam. Your veterinarian will want to make note of the cataracts and follow their progression through your dog or cat’s life. Because cataracts cause blindness if both eyes are involved, or can induce other ocular problems, you may consider having them removed. Veterinary ophthalmologists can extract the affected lens and put an artificial lens in it’s place. Keep in mind that ophthalmologists prefer to perform cataract surgery on immature-to-mature cataracts, because the eye is still healthy and recovers better than cases where the cataract is hypermature. If you notice your pet’s vision declining, cataracts could be the cause. Ask your veterinarian to check your pet's eyes at your next wellness visit and be willing to discuss the options for keeping your best friend seeing clearly.

The Eyes Have It, Part Two: Petplan pet insurance scratches the surface on corneal ulcers

Wed, 26 Oct 2011 10:23:38 GMT

Your pet’s eyes are vital to her well-being. In my previous blog focused on pet eye health, I went over conjunctivitis, which is the most common ocular condition I see. I think the second most common problem I see in the exam room is corneal ulcers. Scratching the surface The cornea is the clear outer surface of the eyeball. Despite being protected by tears, upper and lower eyelids, and the third eyelid that our dogs and cats have (yes, really!), the cornea is still prone to scratches and trauma. The cornea can be injured by many things, including: Rough contact with plants, thorns and bushes Scratches from other animals (especially during fights) Self trauma - If your pet’s eyes are itchy or irritated from other reasons, such as conjunctivitis, he may paw at them and inadvertently scratch the cornea. Chemical irritation from things such as shampoos Foreign body injury, including anything from dirt and thorns to irritating eyelashes Looking for symptoms Symptoms of a corneal ulcer tend to have a sudden onset. Redness, pain, a blueish tint to the eye (caused by swelling in the cornea) and squinting are common signs of an injury to the cornea. If your pet shows up with a red, painful eye, it’s best to get to the vet as soon as possible. Corneal ulcers are very painful, and if left untreated, they can worsen significantly and may lead to rupture of the eye. Diagnosing an ulcer Your veterinarian should be able to easily diagnose a corneal ulcer. To do so, a complete eye exam will be performed. Sometimes, a corneal abrasion is apparent on a routine eye exam. But often, your veterinarian will need to perform a special test. A special stain, called fluorescein, will be applied to the affected eye. This stain will cling to the ulcer and cause the spot to glow bright yellowish-green under a black light. This will help your veterinarian see the distinct borders of the abnormal area, which will help determine how well it is healing at your pet’s follow-up appointment. Treating a corneal ulcer Most of the time, minor scratches and ulcers heal without complications. Your pet will go home with some medications, including eye drops or ointments that prevent infection and help with healing and pain. The eye drop for pain may cause the pupil of the eye to dilate, making that eye more sensitive to light. Sometimes clients fear that the eye is not getting better because their pet is still squinting, but this may simply be due to light sensitivity. Don’t forget to follow-up! Your veterinarian will want to see your pet back for a recheck to make sure the ulcer is healing properly. It is important to keep this appointment, even if you think the ulcer is resolved. It is equally important to call your veterinarian if you think the eye is not improving before the recheck. Occasionally, deep ulcers can be quite stubborn and the healing process more difficult. In these cases, extended treatment and rechecks (and possibly surgery) will be needed, and having pet insurance can be a real benefit when the vet bills start rolling in!

The Eyes Have It: Petplan pet insurance on common eye conditions in cats and dogs

Tue, 25 Oct 2011 09:42:36 GMT

Eyes may be the windows to the soul, but they are also as prone to injury or illness as any other part of your pet. Eye problems are quite common, and I see them in my exam room on a daily basis. Dogs and cats can both be affected, as can most other pets (like rabbits, hamsters, gerbils, ferrets, and on and on...). In a five part series dedicated to eye health, I’ll go over the most common conditions I see in cats and dogs, such as: Conjunctivitis Corneal ulcers Cataracts Glaucoma Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca (KCS), or dry eye Conjunctivitis Let’s start with the most common condition I see. Conjunctivitis (also known as “pink eye” in humans) is the inflammation of the membrane that lines the eye. It has many different causes in cats and dogs, such as: Allergic - Pets can be affected by pollen and dust just like us. Viral - Viral conjunctivitis is particularly common in cats. Bacterial - Bacterial conjunctivitis is more common in dogs than cats. Symptoms of conjunctivitis may come on gradually, or may show up suddenly. Swelling of the membranes around the eye, redness and increased discharge from the eye are all tell-tale signs. Conjunctivitis is itchy, so your pet may also paw at the affected eye. Your veterinarian can easily diagnose conjunctivitis. A thorough eye exam will be done, and he or she may take samples from the eye to examine under a microscope. Gently scraping cells from the eyelid can reveal the underlying cause, especially in the cases of bacterial and viral conjunctivitis. A bacterial culture may also be sent out. Treatment is usually simple. Topical medications (eye drops or ointments) will probably have your pooch or kitty on the road to recovery within three to five days. Sometimes, however, conjunctivitis recurs. If your pet has recurrent problems with eye infections, there may be an underlying cause, such as incorrect eyelid conformation, irritating eyelashes or dry eye (which I will address in a future blog). Because eye conditions can often be chronic, having a pet insurance plan in place that covers both chronic conditions as well as hereditary and congenital eye conditions that may develop can help provide peace of mind and clarity when it comes to caring for your best friend.

Petplan pet insurance presents the skinny on fatty acids

Mon, 24 Oct 2011 11:18:25 GMT

Fatty acid supplements are all the rage these days, and for good reason. Some fatty acids have shown health benefits in humans, ranging from battling depression to boosting cardiac health and alleviating joint pain. The good news is that many of these benefits also translate to our pets’ bodies, too! What's a fatty acid, anyway? Polyunsaturated fatty acids have more than one double bond in their carbon structures. Perhaps you’ve heard of omega-3 or omega-6 fatty acids? These are both polyunsaturated fatty acids and are considered “good fats.” Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are also known as “essential fatty acids,” because (with a couple of exceptions) dogs, cats and other mammals (including us two-leggers) cannot synthesize them on their own, so they must obtain them through diet or other supplementation. Omega-3 fatty acids have been shown to benefit our animal friends as much as they benefit our own health. Among other properties, they are anti-inflammatory in nature and are part of a multi-modal approach to alleviating pain from osteoarthritis. Fatty acids are key tools that help resolve chronic skin conditions and play a role in immune system function, battling cancer and kidney disease. Balancing the good fats Making sure your pet gets the right balance of essential fatty acids can be tricky. In general, it’s the ratio of omega-6s to omega-3s that’s important. The ratio range is wide, but an acceptable average to shoot for is 5:1. This may sound like a lot of omega-6 fatty acids, but because they are so readily available in our pets’ normal diets (and ours, too), they tend to get way more than they need. In fact, obtaining the 5:1 ratio usually includes not only supplementing omega-3s, but also limiting omega-6s. Too many omega-6 fatty acids could lead to inflammatory conditions. There are two omega-3 fatty acids that are particularly important nutritionally: DHA and EPA. These are most widely available in cold-water oily fish such as herring, sardines, salmon and halibut. Fish oil supplements are an excellent source of both DHA and EPA for your dog or cat, depending on the brand. There is a wide range of recommended doses for omega-3 fatty acids, but most experts agree that anywhere from 40 mg to 100 mg of DHA and EPA combined per kg per day will provide beneficial results. So for your 45-lb. dog (which equals 20.5 kg), that means anywhere from 820 mg to 2,050 mg per day. If skin disease or aching joints are plaguing your pooch or pussycat, talk to your veterinarian about the possibility of adding essential fatty acids to their diet. Even if your pet has no current complaints, he may still benefit from finding these “good fats” in his bowl each day.

Going for the gold: Petplan pet insurance on the important of the urinalysis test for pets

Fri, 21 Oct 2011 09:28:22 GMT

Blood work isn’t the only routine test your veterinarian may recommend at your pet’s next checkup. Analyzing your pet’s urine is also an important diagnostic tool in the prevention of many health problems. You may think that urinalysis is only needed in the case of a suspected urinary tract infection, but a urinalysis can reveal much more about your dog or cat's body chemistry. A urinalysis determines some chemical characteristics of the urine, such as pH and urine concentration, as well as physical characteristics, such as the presence of bacteria, blood or white blood cells. Your veterinarian may run a urinalysis in his or her office, or may send the urine to a laboratory for analysis. First, a dipstick will be used to analyze the chemical properties of your pet’s urine, including: Protein: Protein in your pet’s urine may indicate infection or kidney disease. Glucose: Finding glucose, or sugar, in your pet’s urine may indicate diabetes. pH: The pH of your pet’s urine is important, especially in the case of chronic urinary tract infections or bladder stones. Blood: Blood in the urine can indicate several abnormalities, especially infection or kidney disease. Your veterinarian will look at the urine under a microscope for the presence of white blood cells and bacteria, which can indicate infection. Other things that can be spotted on microscopic views are red blood cells, urine crystals and objects called casts, which can indicate kidney damage. Finally, your veterinarian will check the specific gravity of the urine. This is a measure of the concentration of your pet’s urine. Urine should be relatively concentrated, as the body conserves water to prevent dehydration. Animals that produce consistently diluted urine, especially in the face of dehydration, may have an underlying condition, such as diabetes or endocrine disorders. The results of a urinalysis will be used in conjunction with the results of blood work to assess your pet’s health. If your veterinarian requests a urine sample, try your best to comply. You’d be surprised how much information about the health of your pet can be gleaned from such a small sample!

Petplan pet insurance breaks down the basics of blood work for pets

Thu, 20 Oct 2011 17:29:57 GMT

From time to time, your veterinarian might recommend running blood tests on your pet, especially if your pet is a senior. It may seem strange to run blood work on an apparently healthy animal, but not only is it good to get baseline numbers for older pets, but occasionally health issues are discovered through routine tests such as blood work. If your veterinarian recommends blood work, he or she is likely talking about running a comprehensive panel, including a complete blood count (CBC), a full chemistry and, if your pet is older, a thyroid level. Complete blood count A complete blood count (or CBC) tells your veterinarian about your pet’s red blood cells, white blood cells and platelets levels. White blood cells fight infection. An increase in the number of white blood cells can indicate mild or severe infections. Sometimes, overwhelming infections can deplete white cell lines, leading to a decrease in their numbers. A CBC will easily show discrepancies in red blood cell levels. The body depends on red blood cells to carry blood to organs and muscles. Low numbers of red blood cells are called anemia, which can be life threatening. When a pet is anemic, his tissues stand the chance of being deprived of oxygen. Red blood cell levels can also be too high, as is often the case in extreme dehydration. Platelets are necessary for blood clotting. When platelet levels are low, your pet runs the risk of life-threatening clotting disorders. Blood chemistries The chemistry panel tells your veterinarian about kidney and liver health, electrolyte levels, blood glucose levels and protein levels. Elevations in blood urea nitrogen (BUN) and creatinine may indicate kidney disease or may also be elevated in dehydrated pets. One liver value (alkaline phosphatase) is commonly elevated in older pets as a normal result of the aging process. Elevations in alkaline phosphatase may also be seen in pets who have been taking oral steroids, pets with liver or bone disease and young, growing pets. Alanine transaminase (ALT) is a liver value that, when elevated, can indicate ongoing liver damage. Glucose levels are elevated in diabetic patients. Occasionally, glucose is mildly elevated due to stress. Total protein levels are decreased in animals with poor nutrition or diseases that lead to protein loss, such as kidney or intestinal disease. Protein levels are elevated in dehydrated pets, those with some chronic infections and in some cases of leukemia. Electrolyte imbalances can be life threatening and may be due to a variety of conditions, from vomiting to endocrine diseases to intestinal parasites. Thyroid levels Baseline thyroid levels will let your veterinarian know if your pet has an underlying thyroid condition. Older cats are prone to overactive thyroids (hyperthyroidism), while older dogs have the opposite problem -- sluggish thyroids, which lead to hypothyroidism. Senior pets should have blood work performed at least once a year and when they are battling systemic illness. Obtaining baseline levels will help your veterinarian stay on top of changes and prevent you both from being behind the eight ball should an illness arise.

Going Pains: Petplan pet insurance on Canine Prostatic Disease

Wed, 19 Oct 2011 15:03:21 GMT

You may have seen medical advertisements on television about men who have trouble “going.” Believe it or not, our canine friends have similar troubles as they age. The prostate gland serves the same function in dogs as it does in man, and just like humans, older dogs are prone to prostatic disease. The prostate is an accessory sex organ. It sits in the pelvis, surrounding the urethra behind the bladder and under the rectum. The prostate produces fluid that provides nutrients to sperm and aids in their movement. Prostatic disease results in enlargement of the prostate, which can cause problems for your pooch’s outdoor habits. Because of its location, an enlarged prostate can cause fecal obstruction, constipation and rarely, urinary blockage if its enlargement encroaches on the urethra. The three most common causes of prostatic disease are Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (enlargement of the prostate), Prostatitis (inflammation of the prostate) and Prostatic Neoplasia (cancer). Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia (BPH) is common in older dogs who have not been neutered. BPH is a result of normal aging changes and hormonal influences. Hormonal fluctuations in older age play a role in prostatic hypertrophy (or growth). Early signs may include intermittent bleeding from the urethra and progress to fecal blockage (constipation) or more rarely, urinary outflow obstruction. Your veterinarian will be able to feel your dog’s enlarged prostate on a routine physical exam – another reason not to skip those regular trips to the vet!. The treatment of choice for BPH in dogs is castration. Within seven to 10 days of neutering, an appreciable decrease in prostate size can be felt, and a 50% decrease is seen within three weeks. Prostatitis Prostatitis is inflammation of the prostate and is most often caused by bacterial infection. Prostatitis is more common in older dogs and often accompanies Benign Prostatic Hyperplasia. In acute prostatitis, your pet will likely feel sick. He will have a fever, may go off his food and may be in pain. Abscesses (or pockets of infection) are common in acute prostatitis and may lead to life-threatening complications if rupture occurs. Acute prostatitis can lead to chronic prostatitis. Chronic cases are usually subclinical with little to no symptoms other than an enlarged prostate and infertility. The treatment of prostatitis includes neutering, as well as long-term oral antibiotics. Prostatic neoplasia In some cases, an enlarged prostate may be caused by cancer. However, it is a much less common cause than benign hyperplasia or prostatitis. Prostatic cancer can spread to the lungs, local lymph nodes, liver and bones. There are some options for chemotherapy, and radiation therapy may be helpful as well. Of course, these can be expensive treatments, so protecting your pet with a Petplan pet insurance policy before health problems arise can help cover the costs of caring for your best friend. Prostate problems are more common in older dogs, though sometimes a prostate exam can get overlooked at your dog’s wellness exam. If your veterinarian is not checking your dog’s prostate, speak up. Getting a heads-up on prostatic enlargement can help your dog escape painful symptoms.

The Lumps of Life: Petplan pet insurance on mast cell tumors

Tue, 18 Oct 2011 15:37:26 GMT

As you may have read in our previous blog on lumps and bumps, not all skin masses need to cause a panic. Quite often, worrisome bumps turn out to be harmless. There are, of course, some lumps that should be addressed, and mast cell tumors are one of these. Mast cell tumors are one of the most common skin tumors in pets and are often called “the great pretender,” as they can look like just about anything. They have a wide range of sizes, shapes and locations, making them difficult to definitively diagnose without the help of fine needle aspirates or biopsies. What is a mast cell tumor? First, let’s start with a little bit of background information. Mast cells are a normal part of our body’s immune system, playing a key role in inflammatory responses. Mast cells contain granules that are full of heparin (an anticoagulant, or blood thinner) and histamine, and these granules release their contents in response to injury. Mast cells are important in keeping our body safe from invaders as well as during allergic reactions, thanks in part to the histamine granules. A great example of mast cells in action is the red swelling you get almost immediately after a mosquito bite. Mast cells tumors are a result of uncontrolled proliferation of mast cells. They are most common in the skin and underlying subcutaneous tissues in dogs and cats, though the spleen can also be a primary site for mast cell tumors in cats. As mentioned before, mast cell tumors can occur anywhere on the skin and can be small or large, haired or non-haired. A classic presentation is a mass that seems to vary in size, being small one day, large the next, and returning to its small size the following day. This swelling is due to the release of histamine from the mast cells. Mast cell tumors may be painless or may cause discomfort. What to do? If you find a lump on your pet, your veterinarian will want to take a sample of the mass. Often mast cells are easily detected on a non-invasive fine needle aspirate sample. Mast cell tumors should always be surgically removed and submitted to a laboratory where they can be further identified. Mast cell tumors are graded on a three point scale, though most tumors fall in to Grade II. Grade I tumors are very well defined and are the least aggressive. After surgical removal with clean margins, further treatment is not needed. Grade II tumors are intermediate in both definition and aggression. This grey area makes it hard to determine the course of treatment after surgical removal. Other prognostic factors must be considered. Grade III tumors are poorly differentiated and highly aggressive. Additional treatment will be necessary after removal. Treating the Tumor Unfortunately, surgical removal may not remove the tumor in its entirety. Other times, mast cell tumors are in a place that would make surgical removal difficult, like a lower limb or foot. For these cases, radiation therapy is indicated. Radiation can shrink or kill the remaining tumor cells. Chemotherapy can be used in cases of Grade II tumors with poor prognostic factors and is indicated in Grade III tumors as well. Whether or not you choose to pursue these additional treatments is highly personal. Many owners have reservations with regards to chemotherapy and radiation. Talk to your veterinarian or veterinary oncologists about your hesitations prior to making a decision regarding these treatments. If you made the decision to protect your pet with Petplan before he developed cancer, his cancer treatments can be covered for life, allowing you to focus not on the cost of treatment but on your pet’s care. Remember, if you notice a new lump on your dog or cat, especially if it is rapidly growing or seems to change size, have it checked out by your veterinarian.

Happy Howl-o'-Ween: Tips for a healthy holiday from Petplan pet insurance

Mon, 17 Oct 2011 09:02:51 GMT

Halloween is rapidly approaching. Yes, it’s time for ghosts and goblins of all sizes to dress up as their favorite character and play tricks for treats! Your canine child is probably already a pro at all sorts of tricks, but this is one season where you’ll want to keep a close eye on treats. Halloween candy is a tempting, but dangerous splurge for your dog, and the howliday brings other dangers as well. Sweet and Deadly Chocolate has always been one of my favorite Halloween scores, and it may be equally irresistible to your pets, as well. Of course, you know that chocolate can be bad (even deadly) for your pet, but do you know why? Chocolate contains chemicals called methylxanthines, and our canine friends are sensitive to their effects. Theobromine and caffeine are both methylxantines often found in chocolate. Depending on the amount of chocolate consumed, symptoms can range from vomiting and diarrhea to hyperactivity, high heart rate and even death. Wrapped in Danger Just because you’ve gotten rid of all the chocolate in your Halloween stash, doesn’t mean you should leave it unattended - and ripe for canine consumption. Foil and cellophane wrappers can cause intestinal blockage, resulting in severe illness. Severe intestinal obstructions require surgery to relieve, and often symptoms of this disease can be mistaken for a post-binge upset tummy, which delays diagnosis. Dress for Success Almost nothing cracks me up more than when one of my patients comes in sporting a Halloween costume. These days there are a variety of costumes for both dogs and cats, and while they might sulk or be embarrassed, it sure does provide for some often much-needed comic relief. Some dogs even seem to relish the opportunity to be the class clown, strutting around the clinic to cheers and applause. This Halloween, before your pooch dons his favorite Elvis or Yoda costume, check to make sure the fit is good. Costumes that are too restrictive, especially around the collar area, can become dangerous and potentially life-threatening. Also check for any loose beading, which could accidentally (or intentionally, in the case of some mischievous dogs) be ingested. Glow in the Dark If you have children, or if your dog is accompanying the neighborhood kids on their Halloween night escapades, beware of glow sticks, glow in the dark necklaces and other jewelry. As you know, some dogs will eat anything! While punctured glow sticks are unlikely to be lethal, they may cause irritation of the mouth and throat, as well as make an awful mess. Taking a couple of steps to ensure dangerous items are kept well out of your pet’s reach will guarantee a less scary (but hopefully still spooky) Howl-o’-Ween!

Breathing Easy: Petplan pet insurance clears the air on feline asthma

Fri, 14 Oct 2011 15:57:46 GMT

If your feline friend is huffing and puffing around the house, there’s a possibility she may be doing more than her best impression of the big bad wolf (unless you’re playing the role of Little Red Riding Hood for Halloween). Cats who exhibit difficulty breathing may be suffering from inflammatory airway disease, otherwise known as feline asthma. Feline asthma is due to chronic airway inflammation. Excess mucus production combined with airway constriction lead to compromised respiratory function. Often these cats cannot fully expand their lungs, leading to exercise intolerance, coughing and wheezing. Typically, cats with asthma have coughing spells that come and go from day to day. Pet parents often mistake their cat’s coughing spells for hacking up a hairball because the actions look similar, but if no hairball is produced, it’s time to schedule an appointment with the vet. Diagnosing feline asthma can prove challenging for your veterinarian. Because the symptoms (such as coughing and wheezing) can come and go, the diagnosis often has to be made based on response to therapy (meaning that if asthma treatment is started and the coughing improves, it was likely asthma). In addition to listening closely to your cat’s lungs, your veterinarian will likely want to radiograph (or X-ray) the chest to look for tell-tale signs of asthma. Unfortunately, some cats with airway disease will have normal radiographs. If this is the case with your pet, your veterinarian may want to sedate your kitty to perform further diagnostics. Sampling fluid directly from the airways helps provide your vet clues to whether inflammatory airway disease is present. While additional diagnostics are beneficial, they can become expense, so protecting your kitty with a cat insurance plan from Petplan can help make sure she gets the care she deserves. As I said before, your veterinarian may just treat your kitty’s symptoms to see how she responds. The mainstay of therapy for asthma is reducing the inflammation that causes airway constriction. Steroids are great at reducing inflammation, and they come in a variety of preparations (don’t worry – they won’t turn kitty into The Hulk). The long-term use of steroids can come with potential side effects, such as diabetes, but luckily cats are somewhat more resistant to these side effects than their canine cousins. Oftentimes, the lowest dose of steroid that can control symptoms is advised. Oral and injectable options exist, but perhaps the best (and safest) options are in the inhaled category. Just as humans use inhalers to control their symptoms, cats can use an inhaler mask to get the medication right to the source. Of course, this takes a little bit of training on the part of both kitty and parent, but it is well worth it. Feline asthma can manifest itself with intermittent, chronic coughing, but acute asthma attacks can occur and should be considered life threatening. If you suspect your coughing kitty may be at risk, don’t hesitate to visit the vet. Chronic airway disease is likely to worsen over time, making symptoms harder to control.

Grey is Great: Petplan pet insurance on the benefits of adopting a retired Greyhound

Thu, 19 Jan 2012 15:30:05 GMT

If you are considering adding a new four-legged family member to your household, you may want to start at your local rescue or humane society. There are plenty of wonderful best friends available at shelters and rescue organizations around the country, including an abundance of one of my favorite breeds of all time, the Greyhound. Unfortunately, most Greyhounds are bred specifically for the racetrack, and when their racing careers are over, they really have nowhere else to go. There are many retired Greyhound rescue organizations, but sadly over one million of these racers have been euthanized in dog racing’s century-long history. Although many rescued Greyhounds available for adoption are already adults, adopting a pet who is longer in the tooth (and quick to the couch, in the case of the Greyhound) can save you some of the frustration that comes with potty training and other puppyhood tribulations. The retired racer is a unique animal. Though they are at least two years old when they are retired (and likely three to four years old when they reach the shelter), they often have not been socialized to everyday sights and sounds. Patience is required when first introducing your new Greyhound to your family and household, as many of the things there are brand new to them! Climbing stairs may be terrifying, and sleeping on the couch is a luxury they may have never even considered (although it’s fair to say that once they find the couch, they’ll be reluctant to leave)! Greyhound puppies that are born into the racing lifestyle live with their moms for eight weeks before being housed with their litter mates. Here they practice running and chasing each other, building muscle and stamina while learning the “ropes” of leashes and muzzles. When they are 12 months old, they are moved closer to the track to begin their real race training. Greyhounds often lead very sheltered and regimented lives before they find their forever homes, and many times they need to be taught how to be a dog. Some of them have never seen a toy in their life! On a more positive note, most of these dogs come potty trained and are great with children and other dogs. They can live peacefully with cats, but caution should be exercised when taking them out for a walk. Greyhounds are trained to chase things, so anything on the run (like a squirrel or the neighbor’s cat) is fair game for chasing! You may think that this breed is high maintenance and needs a ton of exercise, but generally nothing is further than the truth. Moderate exercise such as a walk or two a day will suffice for these 40 mile per hour couch potatoes. I did mention that once they found the couch, they’d be unlikely to leave, right? Despite their athletic background, Greyhounds, like most dog breeds, are prone to hereditary and congenital conditions that can adversely affect their health – not to mention your family budget. Dental problems, blood clotting disorders such as hemophilia, eye conditions such as pannus and osteosarcoma (bone cancer) can all commonly occur with this breed. Thankfully, Petplan pet insurance covers all hereditary and congenital conditions for the life of your pet as standard. Which means if your speedy new friend runs head-first into any health issues, you’re protected.

Spin and Bear It? Petplan pet insurance on the dizzying effects of vestibular disease

Wed, 12 Oct 2011 11:48:22 GMT

When it comes to diagnosing doggy disorders or kitty conundrums, our pets' lack of language skills can makes things difficult. But some diseases are so distinctive that a diagnosis can be made almost the minute you lay eyes on the pet. Vestibular disease fits this description to a tee, er, wobble. Pets suffering from vestibular disease have a forlorn look in their spinning eyes, a tilt to their head and usually can’t walk in a straight line. And for good reason--they’re dizzy! Stretch your mind way back to elementary school, when you were learning about the five senses, including the anatomy of the skin, eyes, tongue, nose and ears. (I still remember coloring the layers of the skin and the bones of the ear to this day!). It’s the ear that is the culprit in vestibular disease, as the inner parts of the ear are responsible for knowing the body’s orientation in relationship to the ground. The auditory bones (remember the stirrup, anvil and hammer?) and the semicircular canals are located in the inner ear and tell the brain whether the body is upside down or right side up. Collectively, they are known as the vestibular apparatus. The semicircular canals are a series of three fluid-filled loops. Think of them like a level--the semicircular canals help keep that bubble in the middle of the fluid-filled part of the level. When there is trouble with the vestibular apparatus, the brain has trouble perceiving the body’s orientation in space. While we’re thinking back to elementary school, remember that game we played where we put our foreheads on the handle of a baseball bat, spun around it a certain number of times and then tried to run down the field? The dizziness that caused was due to the fluid in the semicircular canals sloshing all around! Dogs and cats with vestibular disease feel exactly the same way. They have trouble standing and feel like the entire room is spinning. This can cause motion sickness, and their eyes can flash back and forth as if they just came off of a sit-and-spin. Vestibular disease can be caused by an inner ear infection or a lesion in the brain, but the majority of cases we see are idiopathic, meaning we don’t really know what causes the episode. Senior pets are particularly prone to this dizzying disease. But just because your pet’s head may be spinning doesn’t mean that yours should, too. Idiopathic vestibular disease generally resolves on its own within a week, and during that time your pet will need an extra helping of TLC. Motion sickness may lead to vomiting or anorexia, but even if they do feel like eating, these pets will need help to the food bowl. Extreme cases will require hospitalization for fluid and nutritional support until the worst of the symptoms subside. Signs of vestibular disease are shocking to be sure. Many owners call in a tizzy, worried that their beloved pet has suffered a stroke. While strokes are common in humans, they are extremely rare in pets. If your pet is showing signs of vestibular disease, stay calm and try to comfort your dizzy dog or crazed cat. Give your veterinarian a call to schedule an exam to make sure there’s no underlying cause, and in no time hopefully your precious pet will be ready for a spin down the block.

The Gland Scheme of Things, Part 3: Petplan pet insurance on thyroid disease

Tue, 11 Oct 2011 12:47:14 GMT

In two earlier blogs, we talked about the adrenal gland, and the two diseases that arise from the overproduction or underproduction of cortisol, Addison’s disease and Cushing’s disease. Let’s bring the focus today to a different gland--the thyroid gland. As is the case with the adrenal gland, the thyroid can also produce too much or too little hormone, which has ramifications to the health of our beloved pets. Hypothyroidism Hypothyroidism is a condition which results from the under production of thyroid hormone. This is largely a disease of dogs, though rarely it can occur in our feline friends. You may know someone that has hypothyroidism, as it is a common condition in humans. It also happens to be the most common hormone imbalance in dogs, where most cases of hypothyroidism are due to immune-mediated destruction of the thyroid gland. Occasionally hypothyroidism occurs congenitally in very young dogs, but for the most part, it is a disease of middle-aged to older dogs. Classic signs of hypothyroidism are: patchy hair coat or hair loss skin infection lethargy heat seeking behavior, and weight gain Your veterinarian can find low thyroid levels on routine blood work, but will likely need to run an additional blood test to confirm the disease. Having pet insurance from Petplan, which not only covers treatment but also diagnostics and exam fees for ill or injured pets, can help pet parents deal with the costs that come with additional testing. Luckily, hypothyroidism is usually easily controlled by giving an oral thyroid supplement daily. Once your dog is diagnosed with hypothyroidism, he will need to be treated for life. Hyperthyroidism Hyperthyroidism is, as you probably guessed, the overproduction of thyroid hormone. This is almost exclusively a disease of cats, and the average age at diagnosis is about 13 years old. Hyperthyroidism in cats is usually caused by a benign (non-cancerous) thyroid tumor, though about three percent of cases are due to malignant tumors. The classic sign of hyperthyroidism is a cat with weight loss despite a normal to increased appetite. In fact, most owners tell me that their cat is ravenous and constantly bugging them for food! Hyperthyroidism can be easily detected with routine blood work, but treatment is a bit trickier. Currently, there are three treatment options: Surgery: In this case, the one of both of the affected thyroid glands are surgically removed. Treatment is generally permanent, but there are a few potential complications. Medication: Oral medication can block the production of thyroid hormone, but will need to be given daily for the life of the cat. Luckily, the medication is inexpensive. Periodic blood work will need to be performed to ensure proper thyroid levels are being maintained. Radiotherapy: In this treatment modality, an injection of a radioactive isotope of iodine 131 is injected into the bloodstream, where it travels to the thyroid to destroy the overactive tissue. Generally, this is a one-time treatment and achieves a cure. There are advantages and disadvantages associated with each treatment option. If your cat is diagnosed with hyperthyroidism, you and your veterinarian will discuss the best treatment option for your family.

Heart to Heart: Petplan pet insurance looks at the warning signs of congenital heart disease in pets

Mon, 10 Oct 2011 10:13:30 GMT

Our pets have a heart of gold (most of the time) and as their pet parents, we want to keep them in the best shape possible. Unfortunately, heart disease is common in our pets. That’s why it’s best to have a heart to heart about it now so that you can be aware of signs and symptoms. There are a few breeds that are predisposed to heart disease, including Doberman Pinschers, Boxers, Cavalier King Charles Spaniels and Maine Coon cats. If you have one of these breeds, pay especially close attention. It’s with a heavy heart that I tell you that some of our pets are born with heart conditions. These conditions are called congenital, because they are present at birth. These include: Patent Ductus Arteriosis Mitral Dysplasia Pulmonic Stenosis Aortic Stenosis Tetrology of Fallot, and Ventricular Septal Defects These congenital diseases affect the way blood flows into, out of, or through the heart, thereby having an impact how it can flow to the rest of the body’s tissues. For some of these conditions, treatment options exist to cure the condition, while for others symptomatic treatment is the only choice. Other conditions are acquired, meaning they develop over time. Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, dilated cardiomyopathy and valvular degeneration are good examples of these kinds of conditions. Some types of cancers also develop on or around the heart and can lead to heart disease as well. On to the heart of the matter: signs of disease. Our animal friends develop many of the same symptoms that we do. The first symptom you might notice is exercise intolerance. Unwillingness to exercise or weakness during exercises that used to be easy could signal heart disease. Fainting or collapsing are common signs of heart arrhythmias (abnormal heart beat rhythms). Coughing (especially at night) is a common sign of heart disease, as well, and is the result of the combination of an enlarged heart pressing on the trachea and fluid buildup in the chest. Your veterinarian may hear a heart murmur during your pet’s routine physical exam. Take heart--it doesn’t necessarily mean that something is wrong. It does, however, warrant additional testing. Your vet may want to take an X-ray to evaluate your pet’s heart size or run an EKG to make sure your pet’s heart is beating correctly. If doubt arises during these additional tests, you may be referred to a cardiologist. This specialist will have the facilities to further diagnose your pet and have you both back on track without skipping a beat. Because many heart conditions are congenital and the costs of care can become expensive, it may help to have a dog insurance or cat insurance plan in place that will protect your pet should any hereditary or congenital problems arise. Petplan pet insurance can protect your pet - and your family budget - from congenital or chronic conditions such as heart disease for life. If you’ve got your heart set on spending a quality life with your pets, you need to keep both of you healthy--eat the right foods (and feed the right foods), exercise together and don’t forget your yearly or twice-yearly checkups. Your hearts will thank you for it.

Lady and The Tramp: Petplan pet insurance shines the spotlight on hereditary problems faced by famous pet breeds

Fri, 07 Oct 2011 16:01:44 GMT

It’s time again to let our spotlight shine on some famous pets! I thought I’d mix it up this week and add in a famous cat (or in this case, cats), but I had a hard time coming up with very many. If you think of a famous pet you’d like profiled, especially if it is a cat, let us know. This is a recurring theme, and I’d be happy to oblige you! At any rate, this blog will be centered on the Disney classic “Lady and the Tramp.” I think we’ve all seen this movie, and who can forget the memorable “spaghetti scene” when Lady and The Tramp end up smooching over their pasta? While The Tramp is a mixed breed dog (likely with some Schnauzer or other large Terrier), Lady is a full bred Cocker Spaniel. And for our first ever famous cat, I’ve chosen the twin Siamese cats, Si and Am, who caused trouble every chance they had! Lady Cocker Spaniels were first used as hunting dogs, as they take easily to the water to hunt fowl. Lady was kept as a house pet, though she was seen trying to protect the baby from a prowling rat. Like Lady, Cocker Spaniels are gentle dogs with easy-going dispositions, making them great family companions. Cocker Spaniels, like most other breeds, are prone to a few hereditary conditions, some of which are detailed below: Seborrhea: Seborrhea results in excessive scaling of the skin and chronic skin disorders, such as chronic skin infections. Atopy: Atopy is an inhaled or contact allergy, which result in seasonal itchiness that can progress to a year-round problem. Affected dogs are prone to ear and skin infections. Cataracts: Cataracts are an opacity in the lens, which is the focusing device of the eye. Cataracts can progress to cause blindness. Entropion: Entropion is the inward rolling of the eyelid. The hairs on the eyelid irritate the surface of the eye, causing discomfort and corneal ulcers. Si and Am Si and Am make up the famous Siamese duo who do their best to ruin Lady’s life. They also provide one of the most memorable songs from the movie. They are willful without apology, much like actual Siamese cats. While there weren’t many (if any) positive character traits associated with Si and Am, real-life Siamese cats are the opposite. They are lovable and loving, though their above-average intelligence does tend to get them into trouble, much like the cartoon version featured in the movie. Siamese cats are generally a healthy breed, but are occasionally affected by hereditary conditions as well, such as: Amyloidosis: Amyloidosis is a group of diseases in which the protein amyloid is deposited in organs. In the Siamese cat, the liver is the target organ for deposition. Hyperlipidemia: Hyperlipidemia is a general term for disorders in which there are too many fat molecules in the blood. Gingivitis: Gingivitis is inflammation of the gums. In some cats, severe gingivitis occurs due to hypersensitivity to the plaque surrounding the tooth. Removal of the teeth (including roots) seems to be curative and is recommended due to the discomfort caused in severe cases. Glaucoma: Glaucoma is characterized by an elevation of pressure inside the eye. High pressure in the eye causes extreme discomfort and may lead to an enlarged, bulging eye and result in blindness. While it is interesting to speculate as to the health of these fictional characters, there's nothing fun about the health problems our real-life versions of these breeds may face. Thankfully, dog insurance and cat insurance from Petplan covers hereditary and congenital conditions such as those listed above for life, letting you concentrate on the care and TLC your four-legged stars deserve, not the vet bills.

The Bumpy Road: Petplan pet insurance on the lumps our pets develop in life

Thu, 06 Oct 2011 14:48:46 GMT

Dogs and cats can develop lumps and bumps throughout their lives. Perhaps you’ve noticed them as you’re petting or grooming your pet, or maybe your veterinarian has pointed one out during a routine physical exam. If you have found a new mass, try not to get a lump in your throat. We tend to assume the worse, worrying that the bump might be cancer, but before you turn into a worry wart, have your veterinarian check it out. Your veterinarian will assess the mass as best as he or she can, taking into account where the mass is located and its shape, size and color. This information can be a vital clue to determining the origin of the mass. During the exam, your veterinarian will likely try to answer the following questions: Is the mass on the skin (you can see it) or under the skin (you can feel it)? Where on the body is it located? Is it associated with the mammary glands, on the face, or on the toe? Location is important. If the mass is on the skin, what does it look like? Is it warty or ulcerated? If the mass is under the skin, what does it feel like? Is it hard or soft? Is it firmly attached to the underlying surface, or is it freely movable? Once your veterinarian has done a thorough exam of the mass, he or she will probably want to examine it further. Performing a test called a fine needle aspirate is an easy way to take diagnosis to the next step. Even if your vet feels confident that the mass is benign (meaning it is not cancerous), it’s best to make sure by obtaining cells from the mass to observe under the microscope. During a fine needle aspirate, a small needle is inserted into the mass to obtain its cells. These cells are then spread on a slide so that your veterinarian or a pathologist can look at them with a microscope. Some masses do not release their cells well, and in this case, your veterinarian may want to perform a biopsy. In most cases, general anesthesia will be required to obtain a proper sample, however there are occasions where local anesthesia will suffice. The sample will be sent to a laboratory where a diagnosis can be made. Many masses are of little concern. For example, fatty lipomas can develop in any pet, but are especially common in older dogs. These masses generally do not concern us unless they grow so large that they interfere with motion. However, there are also masses (both on the skin and under the skin) that do cause worry. Malignant tumors are not uncommon, in pets both young and old. Thankfully, veterinary medicine has come a long way in treating skin cancer in our best friends. By protecting your pets with Petplan pet insurance, you can help insure they get the best medical treatment possible to treat their lumps and bumps. At home, you can continue to monitor your pet’s lumps and bumps. If you’re like me and have an old pet full of them, monitor the lumps frequently to make sure they stay relatively stable. Changes in size or consistency warrant a recheck. The take home lesson here is to not be a bump on a log when it comes to your pet’s health. Have new lumps and bumps checked out, especially if they come up suddenly, grow quickly or seem to be causing your pet discomfort.