Petplan Pet Insurance - The Best Pet Health Insurance Plans for Unexpected Veterinary Bills - Get a Free Quote!http://www.gopetplan.com/ http://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/petplan-pet-insurance-tips-for-living-better-longer All of the recent advances in veterinary diagnostics and treatment technologies mean nothing unless a pet is enjoying a high quality of life. For years I’ve lectured to veterinarians on strategies to increase not only a pet’s life span, but it’s “health span.” What I’m interested in both for myself and my pet patients is a highly active lifestyle for the vast majority of my life followed by a very short period of morbidity and death. The trouble is that most pets and people don’t achieve this. Instead, their quality of life curve looks like a standard bell curve: they gradually rise to a peak in their 30’s to 40’s (five to seven in dogs, seven to nine in cats) and then begin a long and gradual decline toward the end. The result is about half their life is spent in great health with the reminder sick or moribund. But for the majority of us and our pets, it doesn’t have to be this way. How to help your pet live better, longer To live better as well as longer, let science, medicine and a heaping of common sense guide you. Here are some keys to keeping your health span in optimal condition. Keep your pet (and yourself) fit and lean; obesity shortens life expectancy and leads to many avoidable diseases. Feed your pet the best quality food you can afford. Garbage in equals garbage health. See your veterinarian regularly; yearly for dogs and cats up to age seven and twice a year after that. Always ask, “What can I do to keep Sandy as healthy as possible?” “Nothing” or “Keep doing what you’re doing” are unacceptable replies. Find a vet who’ll help you keep your pet in optimal shape, not merely alive. Have basic blood and urine tests performed each year to help uncover illnesses before it’s too late. If you have to ask for your pet to be tested, it may be time to seek another veterinarian. Finally, get out and exercise daily. Walking your dog each day for as little as 20 to 30 minutes will boost both your immune systems, strengthen the heart, lower blood pressure and calm frazzled nerves. These simple steps will not only help you and your pet live longer, they will improve the quality of your lives. After all, we should be less interested in surviving and more interested in thriving. Here’s wishing everyone enjoys a happy 25th birthday for their pets (and 115 for the rest of us)!                       Mon, 20 May 2013 13:53:36 GMT http://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/petplan-pet-insurance-tips-for-living-better-longerhttp://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/petplan-pet-insurance-on-cryptosporidiosis-in-dogs We’ve discussed intestinal parasites several times before, but we haven’t touched on one particularly hardy parasite called Cryptosporidium.  Cryptosporidium are single celled organisms that set up shop in the small intestine and can cause severe clinical signs, especially in young puppies and kittens or immunocompromised individuals. Cryptosporidium is hard to detect using the usual fecal examination processes because the eggs in stool samples are very small. To achieve a definitive diagnosis, your veterinarian will likely have to send a stool sample off to a laboratory for further testing. Factor in that Cryptosporidium is resistant to bleach and other usual cleaners, and it’s no wonder that it may be affecting more pets than we realize. How is Cryptosporidiosis spread?  Cryptosporidium is transmitted through feces of infected animals. Eggs can be ingested during normal grooming or perhaps by drinking infected water sources. Once ingested, Cryptosporidium undergoes a rather complex life cycle, but in the end, two types of eggs are produced in the small intestine. A thick-walled egg is created to be shed in the stool and therefore infect the surrounding environment. A thin-walled egg stays in the small intestine, where it ruptures and re-infects the host. This causes a self-perpetuating infection in the host animal. Luckily, most pets have only mild symptoms from infection with Cryptosporidium. Self-limited diarrhea is the most common symptom. However, other clinical signs, such as weight loss, appetite loss, or persistent diarrhea can also occur along with bloody diarrhea and abdominal pain. How is Cryptosporidiosis treated? Currently, there are no drugs available to effectively cure a pet of this parasite. Instead, medications to halt the reproductive cycle of Cryptosporidium are used to decrease the parasite load while the host immune system is able to finish off the rest. This is why the disease is more severe in immunocompromised animals, who will struggle to rid their body of the parasite. It is important to note that immunocompromised humans are also at risk of contracting Cryptosporidium, and clinical signs can be quite severe. If your pet suffers from persistent or cyclic diarrhea, Cryptosporidium may be to blame, and you and your family may be at risk. Visit your vet as soon as possible to rule out the presence of this parasite. Thu, 16 May 2013 10:18:17 GMT http://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/petplan-pet-insurance-on-cryptosporidiosis-in-dogshttp://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/petplan-pet-insurance-on-iris-melanoma Veterinarians get asked for random pet advice outside of the office daily, whether it be from friends, family members, or complete strangers on the street. It’s considered an occupational hazard, I guess, which is why some veterinarians might be reluctant to share their profession at parties. Recently, I was approached by a family member who had a question about her cat’s eye. It seems that her cat “Tiger” had an eye that was changing colors. I explained what it could be and realized that it would make a great blog topic, as dogs and cats can both be affected by melanoma of the iris. What is melanoma of the iris?  The iris is the colored part of the eye, and changes in the appearance of the iris should always be mentioned to your pet’s veterinarian. Melanoma is a type of cancer, and among other organs, it can affect your pet’s eye. Most commonly, melanoma arises from the iris, but it can also rarely arise from other parts of the eye. While melanomas are the most common ocular cancer in cats and dogs, thankfully they are still relatively uncommon. Melanomas usually occur in only one eye, and in cats they are typically seen in older animals (between ten and twelve years old) with no breed or sex predilection. In dogs, melanoma can occur at any age (though seeing it in a very young dog would be rare), and Golden Retrievers and Labrador Retrievers are at highest risk. In the early stages of iris melanoma, you will notice a color change in the iris. Generally, iris melanomas are darkly pigmented, so you’ll see a change to a brownish color. It can start out as a small freckle that grows over time, or you may notice that the entire iris looks darker than usual, especially when compared to the other eye. Diagnosing iris melanoma It is very difficult to diagnose iris melanoma as sampling the tissue for biopsy is generally not rewarding. Veterinarians generally use the animal’s history as a clue and couple it with exam findings. It is important to differentiate iris melanoma from iris cysts or iris melanosis, both of which can look similar to iris melanoma.  Iris melanomas can be slow growing and slow to spread, which is good news for concerned owners and veterinarians. This gives us time to watch the color changing eye over time to see how the eye behaves, thus hopefully differentiating it from a cyst or melanosis. The tumor can spread, and is more likely to do so in cats, where it can be found in local lymph nodes, the liver, and the lungs. Only 4% of canine cases metastasize. Once iris melanoma has advanced, blindness and glaucoma can occur. If a diagnosis of iris melanoma is probable, enucleation (or removal of the affected eye) is generally recommended in cats. The goal would be to remove the eye before the tumor spreads to other organs. Often, knowing when to remove the eye is a grey zone, as definitive diagnosis is difficult, but sparing your pet’s life over his eye will be your vet’s priority. Dogs come off a little luckier than cats when it comes to iris melanoma. As I mentioned, their tumors are less likely to metastasize, and specialists may be able to manage their tumors locally with laser ablation or surgical removal of the tumor rather than enucleation. Although iris melanomas are generally slow growing, iris color change should never be ignored. Mention it to your vet so that she can follow the eye’s progress over time. If you notice a painful or large eye, consider that an emergency and try to get to the vet as soon as possible. Wed, 15 May 2013 10:20:44 GMT http://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/petplan-pet-insurance-on-iris-melanomahttp://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/saddle-up-petplan-pet-insurance-examines-saddle-thrombus We’ve talked many times previously about heart disease in both cats and dogs. Dogs usually make it a little easier for us veterinarians to spot because they tend to follow the book in terms of heart disease. Canine heart disease is often indicated by a heart murmur, but in cats, this isn’t always the case. Cats have heart murmurs that are completely innocent, or they can have advanced heart disease without even the faintest of murmurs. This is concerning to me both as a veterinarian and as a cat owner because undetected heart disease can lead to a very serious emergency called feline aortic thromboembolism (FATE), or saddle thrombus. The aorta is a very large artery that carries blood from the heart. It travels down the back and then splits at the hind end of our pets to supply both hind legs with blood. The area where the aorta splits is known as the “saddle.” When heart disease is present, there is usually turbulent blood in the heart. Turbulent blood favors the formation of blood clots in the heart, off of which tiny clots can break and travel in the bloodstream. When a blood clot lodges in the saddle area, we call this a saddle thrombus. A clot in the saddle region cuts off blood supply to the hind legs of the affected cat. This condition is extremely painful for the cat. Affected cats are generally paralyzed in one or both hind legs and vocalize loudly in pain. This condition is an emergency – if your cat displays symptoms like these, get him to your regular veterinarian or emergency clinic as soon as safely possible. Sadly, 75% of cats that present with a saddle thrombus had previously undetected heart disease – that’s how good cats are at hiding their problem. The prognosis for saddle thrombus is variable and depends largely on the general health of the cat, and whether heart failure is present. Most cats are likely to have a repeat saddle thrombus at some point in their lives, so therapy will begin to try to combat that possibility. The first order of business in treating a saddle thrombus is to address the pain. Your veterinarian will want to give pain medications to help your kitty rest a little more comfortably before delving into other treatments. The next thing on the agenda is to try to dissolve the clot to restore normal blood supply to the hind legs. During this time, your cat will need to stay in the hospital, where he will receive anti-coagulants, pain medications and other supportive therapy. If the clot can be dissolved, management options will then be discussed. Your vet will likely recommend an echocardiogram to assess the heart. Medications to treat heart disease will be started to help the heart perform more efficiently, and anti-coagulant drugs such as aspirin or Plavix will help prevent future thromboembolic events. Sadly, depending on the severity of the case, successful treatment of this condition is not always possible. Your veterinarian will present all of the options and together you can decide on the best one for your family. Fri, 17 May 2013 09:27:52 GMT http://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/saddle-up-petplan-pet-insurance-examines-saddle-thrombushttp://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/age-or-arthritis-petplan-pet-insurance-on-spotting-osteoarthritis-in-feline-friends While working in the clinic last week, I had one of my favorite patients (and clients) come in to see me – let’s call them Perfect Kitty and Mrs. Observant. Perfect Kitty was in for a routine visit, and to discuss a couple of odd behaviors that Mrs. Observant had been noticing recently. Perfect Kitty is a 9-year-old cat who had been adopted by Mrs. Observant at the age of 10 weeks. Recently, Mrs. Observant had noticed that Perfect Kitty wasn’t jumping up on the counter anymore while she prepared Perfect Kitty’s breakfast and dinner. Instead, Perfect Kitty was at Mrs. Observant’s feet, waiting “patiently” to be served. Also, Perfect Kitty wasn’t sleeping in her cat tree anymore. And just this week, Perfect Kitty had urinated outside of her litter box. She was still eating and drinking well, she wasn’t vomiting or having diarrhea, and she was just as social as ever. Mrs. Observant wasn’t sure if these signs meant anything, or if it was just an aging cat’s normal change in behavior. After further discussion, a full physical exam, and a few tests, we determined that Perfect Kitty was suffering from osteoarthritis, a painful disease that can be difficult to diagnose in cats, since radiographs don’t always give us the full picture. It is most often discovered based on a pet parent’s observations, and by ruling out other underlying diseases. Sometimes cats will show overt signs of pain, such as limping, but oftentimes it is more a matter of changes in their normal behavior. And as every cat owner is aware, what is normal for one cat may not be normal for another. The most common signs of osteoarthritis that pet parents report include: Sleeping more Unwillingness to jump up or down when they normally would Hesitation to leap, play or run around Unkempt coat/disinterest in grooming Inappropriate urination or defecation As you can see, these signs are quite vague, which is why they are often attributed to becoming an “older cat.” If you notice any of these signs (or any changes in behavior from your cat’s “normal”), it is worth bringing it to your veterinarian’s attention. If your vet determines that your cat is likely suffering from osteoarthritis, there are a variety of different therapies that can be used to give your cat some comfort. While not a disease that we can cure, we can manage osteoarthritis for many years. Your vet may discuss any combination of the following therapies to help your feline friend feel more comfortable. Weight loss Moderate exercise routine Joint supplements Pain medications Anti-inflammatories (only a select few are safe for some cats) Acupuncture Physical therapy  Chiropractic adjustments Every cat requires a unique combination of therapies for maximum benefit; keeping your vet informed about what is working and what isn’t is essential for successful long term management. As for Perfect Kitty, Mrs. Observant reports that she is responding well to our initial therapy. Just yesterday, Perfect Kitty jumped up on the counter to “help” Mrs. Observant prepare dinner. A happy pair! To more waggin’ and purrin’. RWKJ Fri, 17 May 2013 09:27:19 GMT http://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/age-or-arthritis-petplan-pet-insurance-on-spotting-osteoarthritis-in-feline-friendshttp://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/petplan-presents-7-rules-for-the-over-7-set-rule-7 Pets don’t get old – at least they don’t know it. Yesterday, we talked about how to keep pets’ mental health sharp. For our final blog in this series, I suggest you help your pet get by with a little help from a friend. Rule 7: Buddy Up In almost 20 years of practicing veterinary medicine, I’ve witnessed one thing innumerable times – a new pet breathes new life into older pets. Not long ago I diagnosed a long-time patient, Prince, with a serious form of heart disease. After outlining a treatment plan, I told the owner that my next best advice was a bit unorthodox: get a new pet. I shared with her the fact that many times the older pet regains lost vigor and lives much longer than I’d ever dreamed possible whenever a new pet is introduced. Sure enough, two months later she appeared in my office with a brand new puppy and a brand new “old” dog. It had been years since I’d seen Prince prance like that! Prince lived another year and a half – at least six to 12 months longer than I originally estimated. The beautiful part of the story was that not only did Prince live a longer and better life than I’d expected, but when it was time to let him go, the owner had a new friend to console her. What I didn’t tell Prince’s pet parent when I suggested getting a new pet was that adding a furry friend before losing another one can help soften some of the loss. While no one can take the place of a beloved pet, having another there to comfort you can help tremendously. And continuing to care for the new pet after losing your older one can help you move forward and not get “stuck” in grief. I’ll keep recommending a new best buddy for every old friend I see. You don’t have to run out and get a puppy or kitten either; there are thousands of healthy, loving adult dogs and cats in animal shelters all over the country. Whether you adopt a one-year-old or another senior, you’ll be saving a life while helping your elderly pet live better. Our pets don’t read calendars or celebrate birthday milestones. Pets celebrate every morning when we wake up to greet them, when we return home from a long day’s work and when we take time to play and snuggle. Our pets don’t know how old they are, and I plan on keeping it that way. After all, as Oliver Wendell Holmes once said, “We do not quit playing because we grow old. We grow old because we quit playing.” Play on, dear friends. Play on. Fri, 10 May 2013 17:04:33 GMT http://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/petplan-presents-7-rules-for-the-over-7-set-rule-7http://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/petplan-presents-7-rules-for-the-over-7-set-rule-6 Pets don’t get old – at least they don’t know it. Yesterday, we talked about the importance of paying attention to subtle signs that can indicate sickness. Today we turn our attention to mental matters. Rule 6: Play mind games Older pets’ mental abilities may dull and their behavior may change. As pets age, plaques form in the brain, leading to the death of certain brain cells. This can result in increased forgetfulness and impaired ability to perform high-level mental tasks. To keep mental reflexes sharp, constantly provide your older pet with new experiences; a stimulating home and varied lifestyle can help avoid cognitive decline (not to mention prevent excess weight gain!). The goal is to provide activities and toys that are not just fun, but also can help your pet’s mind stay fresh and strong. Teach a new trick, take a trip to a different dog park or enroll in therapy pet classes. If you want to regularly challenge your pet with new activities, consider the following tips to help him live life to the fullest:  Make feeding time fun. Feeding your pet in a traditional food bowl is lazy — for your pet, that is. Dogs and cats are scavengers and hunters by nature, and they get satisfaction out of working for their food. Dump it into a bowl, and some of the thrill is lost. That’s why I feed all my pets with a food puzzle. It engages their brains, makes feeding a little more stimulating, prevents food gulping, and taps into their primal instincts. Cats love them as much as dogs. Plus, it’s fun to watch them flip, pull, push, paw and generally enjoy their meals. Provide tricks with treats. Food-dispensing toys have been the rage for the past few years. For older pets, gnawing on a toy-that-treats can keep them mentally engaged, strengthen jaw muscles and provide them with hours of satisfaction. I love any toy that allows you to stuff something yummy inside. I remember early in my career advising pet parents to fill rubber chew toys with peanut butter whenever they left their pooch home alone. Crude and messy, but highly effective! Cats and dogs alike seem to really enjoy the challenge of food-dispensing toys. Change it up. Too often we humans fall into habits that cease to stimulate our brains, and wind up living sedentary, lonely lives that can accelerate cognitive dysfunction syndrome (the formal name we give to the effects of age on the mind). To combat this, as often as possible, ask yourself, “How can I make this more fun or interesting?” Even a simple change like reversing your normal walking route can provide freshness to an otherwise stale routine. Old dogs and cats can learn new tricks, so start with something really simple that your older pet can feel proud accomplishing. Expose your pet to new stimuli whenever possible to help fire up stagnant synapses. As a veterinarian, I’m concerned with the majority of pets (and people) who experience cognitive decline as a result of a lifetime of unhealthy habits. If you can commit to making even one change in your pet’s lifestyle each year, there’s hope that he or she will live well into old age with a sharp mind. Fri, 10 May 2013 11:07:35 GMT http://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/petplan-presents-7-rules-for-the-over-7-set-rule-6http://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/petplan-presents-7-rules-for-the-over-7-set-rule-5 Pets don’t get old – at least they don’t know it. Yesterday, we talked about the importance of diet and exercise. Today we tackle intuition. Rule 5: Subtle Can Be Significant If you share your home with an older pet, never ignore that tiny voice telling you, “something’s not right.” Age can bring with it changes to sleep, behavior, bathroom, grooming and eating habits; it is just part of the natural process. If you have a pet approaching middle age, you have probably started to notice some of these signs, and that is normal. However, when your pet seems “off,” when a change just doesn’t sit right and you suspect something – anything – might be wrong with a pet over age seven, have it checked out as soon as possible. Recently, I saw a 12-year old dog that “hadn’t been feeling well for the past couple of weeks.” Sadly, by the time the owner finally listened to that inner voice saying something was wrong, it was too late. Their dog was now bleeding internally from a ruptured splenic cancer, and unfortunately, emergency blood transfusions and surgery failed to save this dog’s life. While I don’t fault the owner – there was nothing obviously wrong with their pet and they loved him dearly – I can’t help but be nagged by, “what if?” What if I’d been able to diagnose the tumor before it ruptured? What if I’d performed surgery before the dog had lost more than half of his blood volume? I’ll never know, but I can be more diligent in telling my clients (and readers!) not to ignore even the most seemingly insignificant signs when they sense something isn’t right. What are some subtle signs you should never ignore? If you observe any of the following symptoms or behaviors in your pet, make an appointment to get him checked. Loss or thinning of coat Lumps or bumps on or under the skin Falling on the last step in a flight of stairs Frequent head shaking Refusal to eat or drink, or difficulty eating or swallowing Uncharacteristic barking, whining, aggression or anxiety Unusual hunger or excessive drinking Bleeding gums, or changes in the color of the gums or tongue Weight gain or loss without a change in diet Diarrhea or vomiting for more than 24-hours Aimless wandering, getting stuck in corners or confusion/disorientation Diagnosing and treating a disease or illness early gives our pets the best chance of survival and recovery. Sure, there may be times when you rush to the vet over what turns out to be insignificant, but the best news you can ever hear is, “It’s nothing to worry about.” Thu, 09 May 2013 09:24:24 GMT http://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/petplan-presents-7-rules-for-the-over-7-set-rule-5http://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/petplan-presents-7-rules-for-the-over-7-set-rules-3-and-4 Pets don’t get old – at least they don’t know it. Yesterday, we talked about the importance of nutrition in senior pet health. Today we look at diet and exercise. Rule 3: Less Food Equals Longer Life Turns out you are how much – not just what – you eat. And for pets in the senior stage, less is more when it comes to a long, healthy life. In a benchmark study, researchers found that Labrador retrievers fed 25% less food than the normal guidelines lived about two years longer than those fed the “normal” amount. More surprisingly, they found that 77% of the “normal” Labs developed radiographic evidence of arthritis at age eight compared to only 10% of the calorie-restricted dogs. And 38% of the calorie-restricted dogs were still living after all the regular-diet dogs had passed. The study concluded that dogs fed fewer calories lived longer and had fewer health problems. Now, the best person to consult with concerning your pet’s diet and caloric needs is still your veterinarian, and this is not to say you should be putting your dog or cat on some kind of crash diet. The reason this is a rule for the over seven set is that many of us overfeed our pets, and as our furry friends experience the effects of aging, packing on pounds is the LAST thing we want them to do. When your pet approaches middle age, ditch high-calorie treats with unhealthy sugars and processed ingredients in favor of fruits and veggies that will pack a low-calorie punch of vitamins and minerals needed for optimal health. If you’re sharing table food with your four-legged friends, stop. Keeping obesity at bay is one of the best ways to make sure your senior pet stays on all four paws for years to come. Rule 4: Exercise More Nothing stalls the progression of time better than exercise. Regardless of your pet’s current physical status, daily walks or play can rewind years’ worth of damage and boost your pet’s mental and physical health. For dogs, a brisk 20- to 30-minute walk once or twice a day is just what this doctor orders. For cats, interactive toys such as feather dancers, laser lights or remote-controlled toys can get even the laziest cat on its feet. Whatever activities you choose, just do it. You know that saying, “Use it or lose it?” Well, that goes for our pets, too. Keeping consistent with cardio can help improve sleep, digestion and mobility – not to mention keep your pet happy! They may move a little slower than when they were younger, but there’s no question that regular exercise benefits older pets. Get out there and get moving. Fri, 17 May 2013 15:14:45 GMT http://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/petplan-presents-7-rules-for-the-over-7-set-rules-3-and-4http://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/petplan-pet-insurance-7-rules-for-the-over-7-set-rule-2 Pets don’t get old – at least they don’t know it. Yesterday, we talked about the importance of senior wellness testing. Today, we tackle nutrition. Rule 2: Consider Food and Supplements As dogs and cats age, both their nutritional requirements and their ability to digest certain foods can change. If your pet is older than 7, talk to your veterinarian about switching to a diet that is specially-formulated for older pets. For cats, I prefer low- or no-grain higher protein diets. For senior dogs, highly digestible, low-fat diets will do the trick. Because nutritional gaps and cellular damage can accelerate with age due to genetics, pollutants and illness, I highly recommend adding nutritional supplements to your dog or cat’s diet. Supplementing a healthy diet with essential vitamins and minerals can combat age changes and help our pets maintain optimal immune response. Here are a few favorites I suggest you start adding to the shopping list. Omega-3 Fatty Acids (fish oils) These healthy fats have been shown to do everything from keeping coats shiny to combating cancer. Most pet food and treats are heavy on omega-6s, which can contribute to inflammation when ingested at higher levels. I recommend adding omega-3 firepower for dogs and cats to help balance their diets. Ask your vet which form of omega-3s would be best for your pet, and for help calculating dosage. Glucosamine/Chondroitin Sulfate Glucosamine and chondroitin sulfate are naturally found in connective tissues in the human body, and adding a glucosamine supplement to your pet’s diet can help relieve symptoms of arthritis in the hips, knees and joints. While these supplements won’t actually stop the progression of the disease, or reverse its effects, they can help the body's production of joint lubricants and provide some of the shock absorption necessary to keep your pet more comfortable A Good Multi-Vitamin Look for B vitamins and vitamins A, D, E, and K, as well as biotin and beta-carotene. Probiotics We know that the bacteria contained in yogurt are important not only in digestion, but also in promoting the immune system, fighting infections and even preventing cancer. Whether you spoon some plain yogurt over your pet’s dinner, or dose him with a paste or powder, these “friendly bacteria” can do wonders for a pet’s health. Ask your vet which supplements might benefit your silver senior, and how you can add some into their diet using whole foods like fruits and veggies, as well as which your doc recommends in pill form. Food is fuel for our pets, and the old saying, “You are what you eat,” becomes more and more true as we age! What special foods or supplements do you feed your senior pets? Tell us in the comments. Wed, 08 May 2013 10:58:46 GMT http://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/petplan-pet-insurance-7-rules-for-the-over-7-set-rule-2http://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/petplan-pet-insurance-presents-7-Rules-for-the-Over-7-Set-Rule-1 May is Older Americans Month. But our pets don’t get old – at least they don’t know it. In this series, I’ll dispense some essential advice for senior pets. Their muzzles may be getting grey, but geriatric pets often have just as much pep in their step as their much younger counterparts. After all, age is just a number, and our pets only count when it comes to treats! Twenty years ago, a 12-year-old pet was considered old. Nowadays, I rarely meet a pet owner who thinks of a pet that age as being ancient. In fact, more and more veterinarians are reporting dogs 19 to 20 years old and cats older than 20. Why? More educated pet owners, better wellness care and access more advanced veterinary treatments all deserve credit for extending the lives of our furry friends. Once your dog or cat reaches age 7 (when they are generally considered “geriatric”), here are some things you can do to keep pets on their paws. By following a few simple rules, you can help your pet live to his or her fullest – and longest – potential. Rule 1: Start Testing Changes in kidney, liver and pancreatic function, arthritis, cataracts, heart disease and high blood pressure are more common in older pets. As a pet enters the golden years of senior citizenry, these physiological changes can offer clues about a pet’s overall health, and flag warning signs of trouble. The most important key in treating disease is early recognition. In medicine, we have a rule called “The 10/90 Rule.” This means that if we diagnose most diseases, especially cancers, during the first 10% of development, we have about a 90% chance of successfully treating or even curing it.  However, if we don’t diagnose it until it’s obvious, or 90% established, the odds of success plummet to about 10%. To diagnose a disease in the early stages requires consistent examinations and lab tests. As soon as your pet turns 7, you should ask for basic blood and urine tests, even if your pet appears to be perfectly healthy. The value of routine testing is that it establishes baselines for future reference. Case in point: I recently saw a 10-year-old cat for a routine exam. The owner reported her cat was in splendid condition. Our test results showed a big jump in two kidney enzymes from previous years. While the values were still within normal limits, the increase caught my attention and we performed additional tests that confirmed early kidney disease. If we did not have the previous test results, we never would have diagnosed kidney disease at this early stage. The bottom line: the money you spend on routine diagnostic tests may save you big bucks in the future – and add years to the life of your pet. Wed, 08 May 2013 10:52:39 GMT http://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/petplan-pet-insurance-presents-7-Rules-for-the-Over-7-Set-Rule-1http://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/petplan-pet-insurance-dislocated-hips Hips can be tricky. For pet parents, dealing with diseases of the hip can be even trickier (and without pet insurance – costly!). The hip joint is a “ball and socket” type joint. The ball is the rounded head of the leg bone (or femur), and the socket is located in the pelvis and cups around the ball. The round ligament of the femoral head holds the ball in the socket, and the surrounding hip muscles help support the joint. Though nearly perfect in design, the hip joint is not without its weaknesses – especially in dogs who are predisposed to hip dysplasia and have shallow sockets. With enough force, even the strongest ligaments and muscles can’t keep the hip joint in place, and the hip can become dislocated. A dislocated (or luxated) hip occurs when the ball part of the joint separates from the socket. Blunt trauma – like being hit by a car – can cause this type of injury. Affected dogs and cats will not be able to bear weight on their back leg, and the affected leg may appear shorter than the other three. Hip luxations are extremely painful. If your pet suffers trauma or begins limping, and you suspect he or she may have dislocated a hip, your veterinarian will want to take an X-ray to check the positioning of the hip. Most often, the leg bone slides up and forward, but in some cases the opposite can happen. Knowing where the ball of the joint is located will help your veterinarian correct the problem. Radiographs will reveal if there are fractures in the pelvis or leg which may interfere with correction. There are two approaches to trying to correct a dislocated hip. The first is through a closed reduction, where the veterinarian tries to manually re-place the hip in its proper location without surgery. Since this procedure is painful, and the vet needs the leg muscles relaxed, your pet will first be anesthetized. Once the joint is back in place, your vet will place the leg in a sling to prevent weight bearing and to encourage the joint to stay in place. Unfortunately, closed reduction can fail as often as it resolves the problem; there’s generally a 50% recurrence of dislocation (although that also means 50% of them stay put!). If closed reduction fails, open (or surgical) reduction should be considered. There are several options for open reduction, including suturing of the joint capsule and the use of small pins to hold the joint in place.  Smaller dogs and cats may also choose a procedure called a femoral head ostectomy (FHO), in which the ball part of the joint is simply cut off of the femur and removed. Over time, the muscles around the area will create a false joint. This procedure is not used for dogs over fifty pounds. Whatever the case, if your dog or cat experiences a hip luxation, he or she will be more likely to experience arthritis is that hip with age. Do your pet a favor and ensure that they stay at a proper weight, as any extra pounds will exacerbate the problem. Consider starting supplements, like glucosamine and fatty acids, for joint support. A pet that is non-weight bearing should always be seen by a veterinarian as quickly as possible. Whether a dislocated hip, fractured limb or ligament injury is to blame, pet health insurance will help take the worry out of the repair bill! Has your pet ever experienced a dislocated hip? Tell us about the experience in the comments below! Fri, 03 May 2013 15:40:00 GMT http://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/petplan-pet-insurance-dislocated-hipshttp://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/petplan-pet-insurance-hemorrhagic-gastroenteritis-in-pets It is not uncommon for dogs to have bloody stools when they have diarrhea. Generally, this is not a serious problem – dogs tend to recover on their own with little intervention. However, there is one exception – hemorrhagic gastroenteritis, or HGE.   Hemorrhagic gastroenteritis is a potentially life-threatening disease that causes profuse watery, bloody diarrhea. Typically, affected dogs seem perfectly healthy until they suddenly start having diarrhea. Nausea often accompanies the diarrhea, so vomiting and inappetence may also be present.   The exact cause of HGE is currently unknown. We do know that young, small breed dogs are the most commonly affected, but any dog can come down with HGE.  Hyperactive dogs and those that are easily stressed may be more commonly affected as well. Luckily, cats are not affected by HGE.   What makes HGE so dangerous is its potential to cause extreme dehydration. Affected dogs will have such watery diarrhea that they quickly become dehydrated. Add in the fact that they may also be vomiting and refusing water, and the situation gets worse. Without treatment, dogs can easily go into shock and succumb.   There are no specific tests for HGE, but your veterinarian can run a few tests to help guide him or her toward a diagnosis. A packed cell volume (PCV or hematocrit) can usually be run in your clinic, and shows the percentage of red blood cells in your pet’s blood. Dogs with HGE will have a very high PCV due to dehydration, and their blood protein levels will be low.   A high PCV and low protein level in a dog with sudden onset bloody diarrhea points to a diagnosis of HGE. Generally, dogs will be hospitalized for a few days for treatment, which centers on fluid replacement through the use of IV fluids. Anti-nausea medications and antibiotics are also often given, as is other supportive care as needed. Typically, dogs will be held off of food until they’re feeling better.    Dogs with HGE feel terrible, but luckily with treatment they usually are back to normal in no time. Without treatment, HGE can be deadly. Because conditions like HGE can pop up out of nowhere – and hospitalization for several days quickly becomes expensive – pet health insurance is a good idea for any pet. It can help take the worry out of finances so you can focus on your pet’s recovery. Has your furry family member experienced a bout of HGE? Share your experience in the comments below.  Fri, 03 May 2013 15:04:27 GMT http://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/petplan-pet-insurance-hemorrhagic-gastroenteritis-in-petshttp://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/petplan-pet-insurance-dental-exam-discoveries In my last blog, we looked at what happens during a routine dental cleaning. But what if your vet finds something fishy, and needs to do more than just scale and polish? This is why your vet will always ask for a good contact number for you to be reached during the day. We may need to call you while your pet is having their procedure to discuss what we are seeing and what we recommend. This is what makes dentals frustrating for pet parents and vets alike. We often don’t know what we are going to find until we get in there and take a look! Some of these “next steps” can be done prior to your pet’s dental, but many times abnormalities aren’t discovered until after we have your pet anesthetized. Some things your vet might recommend include: Dental Radiographs: Remember the last time you went to the dentist and they took those bite wing X-rays? Dental radiographs are essential to identifying certain diseases in your pet’s mouth. It is the only way we can see anything below the gum line (and that’s where half the tooth lives!). Some vets will only take radiographs of certain teeth, while others will routinely recommend full-mouth radiographs. Just remember, this is the only way your vet can fully assess your pet’s entire mouth. Extractions: One of the most frequent concerns I hear from pet parents when I recommend tooth extraction (or in some cases multiple extractions) is, “Will my pet still be able to eat?” The short answer is, yes, your pet will be able to eat just fine. The truth is that most pets don’t chew their food thoroughly; they just swallow it down whole. Furthermore, it’s okay to add water to your pet’s dry food for a few days after a dental to minimize discomfort (canned wet food is also an option). The most important thing to remember is that your vet is recommending the tooth (or teeth) be removed because it is diseased. It is better for your pet to be missing a few teeth than to live with disease in her mouth. Growth removal or biopsy: If your vet finds an abnormal growth in your pet’s mouth, they will likely recommend that the mass be removed (if possible) or biopsied (this is where we take a sample of the growth). Your vet will then recommend that the sample be sent off to the lab for histopathology, or testing done to determine what the growth is and whether further treatment will be necessary. This is a very important test when abnormal growths are involved. Root canals: Just like humans, sometimes pets will have disease within their tooth that necessitates a root canal. Not all vets are able to perform root canals, nor is every tooth a candidate for such.  If your vet is recommending a root canal, make sure you discuss the pros and cons of the procedure before you decide to proceed.  This can be a great solution if you are concerned about tooth extraction. Staying ahead of dental disease will protect not just your pet’s mouth, but his overall health. So talk to your vet about your pet’s needs.  You (and your four-legged friend) will be very happy that you did! Has a routine dental exam ever led to the discovery of a more serious health problem in your pet? Tell us in the comments!    To more waggin’ and purrin’. Rwkj Mon, 06 May 2013 10:38:26 GMT http://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/petplan-pet-insurance-dental-exam-discoverieshttp://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/petplan-pet-insurance-routine-dental-visits We talk a lot about dental health when we talk about how pet parents can take the best care of their four-legged friends. It might seem a little silly at first, but the tooth, I mean truth, of the matter is that dental health is extremely important to our pets – both dogs and cats.  Even if you are one of the lucky few who are able to stick to a routine of brushing your pet’s teeth twice daily (and let’s be honest, most of us are lucky if we remember to brush our pet’s teeth once a month), this blog is still for you. Just like you and me, even with routine at-home dental care, your pet will need regular oral check-ups with your veterinarian. And don’t be surprised if at one of these check-ups, your vet recommends a dental cleaning. This is your vet’s way of helping you keep your pet as healthy as possible! So, what exactly does a routine dental visit entail? It can vary depending on your vet’s preferences and protocols, but the basics are as follows: Pre-surgical bloodwork Deep sedation or general anesthesia A full oral exam with or without dental X-rays Scaling (this removes the plaque and tartar) Polishing (this fills in microscopic defects in the tooth to help prevent future build-up) These are the basic steps involved in an uncomplicated routine dental. But let’s be honest. Routine dentals are only a part of the battle.  Oftentimes, vets may notice an abnormality (such as a fracture, a cavity, a growth or discoloration) that will warrant further investigation. Sometimes the best option is to extract the tooth, perform a root canal, biopsy or remove the growth, take dental radiographs, etc. Once your vet has your pet under anesthesia, they will be able to fully evaluate your pet’s mouth and determine the best course of action.  You may be wondering, “Why is it necessary to worry so much about my pet’s oral health?”  The answer is threefold: Dental disease is painful – however, rarely will pets stop eating because of mouth pain, so don’t look for this to be a sign. Dental disease affects the overall health of your pet. Preventative dental care, like brushing, is relatively easy!   In the next blog we’ll take a look at what your vet might recommend if he finds something during your pet’s dental cleaning. To more waggin’ and purrin’. Rwkj Wed, 01 May 2013 10:47:46 GMT http://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/petplan-pet-insurance-routine-dental-visitshttp://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/petplan-pet-insurance-syringomyelia-in-dogs Syringomyelia is a neurologic condition that affects the brain and spinal cord. By far, the most common dog breed affected by syringomyelia is the Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, but other small dogs can also be affected. Weimaraners are also more prone to a type of syringomyelia, and though rare, cats can be affected, too.   So, what is syringomyelia? In short, it’s a neurologic condition that results in painful collections of cerebral spinal fluid (CSF). Cerebral spinal fluid is made in the ventricles of the brain. It bathes the structures of the central nervous system, providing nutrients, removing waste and providing cushion from jolting bumps. From its source in the brain, CSF flows through the middle of the spinal cord, then out and around the brain and spinal cord until it is eventually absorbed into the blood stream.   In the case of syringomyelia, there is a disturbance in the flow of CSF. Cavities of CSF form in the spinal cord, creating swelling. But because the spinal cord is surrounded by bony vertebrae, there is nowhere for the swelling to go, leading to pressure and pain.   Cavalier King Charles Spaniels in particular are prone to caudal fossa overcrowding, a deformity affecting an area of the skull that causes a disruption in the flow of CSF. You may also hear the term Chiari malformation (or Chiari-like malformation) to describe the condition of caudal fossa overcrowding, named for Austrian pathologist Dr. Hans Chiari, who categorized syringomyelia in human infants in the early 20th century. While similar, the condition in pets and humans is slightly different, so the term “Chiari-like malformation” is generally preferred for the description of the condition that leads to syringomyelia in Cavaliers and other small dog breeds. Symptoms of syringomyelia  Symptoms of syringomyelia vary greatly depending on their severity. Some dogs have no symptoms at all. Other mild cases cause pain, which may fluctuate with changes in posture or excitement level. A common presentation of syringomyelia is a dog who scratches at her neck, chest or shoulder on one side for no apparent reason (such as skin disease). Dogs paw at these areas because of pain, similar to the way human patients report headaches, back and facial pain.   Severe cases will have more serious symptoms, such as weakness in the legs, pain in the extremities and facial paralysis.    Your vet can diagnose through magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), which can “see” the fluid pockets and can usually determine the underlying cause of syringomyelia as well.  How is syringomyelia treated? Like the symptoms, treatment of syringomyelia will vary depending on the severity of the disease. Mild cases may not need treatment, but for more significant cases, both medical and surgical options are available.  Oral medications, such as corticosteroids, diuretics and narcotics are used to control swelling, CSF production and pain, respectively.  Surgery can sometimes be pursued to correct the underlying cause or to decompress the area of swelling. The earlier the condition is detected and surgically corrected, the better the pet’s prognosis.   If you suspect your pet might be dealing with syringomyelia, contact your vet immediately.  Have you ever had a pet with syringomyelia? Share your experience in the comments below to help other pet parents dealing with the diagnosis.  Tue, 30 Apr 2013 09:49:43 GMT http://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/petplan-pet-insurance-syringomyelia-in-dogshttp://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/petplan-pet-insurance-on-hidden-dangers-of-hyperthyroidism-in-cats As I have alluded to throughout the previous blogs on hyperthyroidism and treatments for hyperthyroidism in cats, there is more to talk about when we are discussing hyperthyroidism in feline friends. Let’s go ahead and face the elephant in the room… Hyperthyroidism itself is generally a straightforward disease to diagnose and treat. However, it can cause (and hide!) other diseases in your cat’s body. Namely, hyperthyroidism can cause hypertrophic cardiomyopathy and hypertension, and it can hide renal disease. Of course, there are other conditions that may afflict a hyperthyroid feline, but these three are the most common. Shall we dive into a few more specifics regarding these diseases? I think so! Hypertrophic cardiomyopathy The elevated thyroid hormones coursing through a hyperthyroid cat’s body stimulate the heart muscle to beat faster and harder. As a result, the heart itself (most notably the left ventricle) thickens in order to meet these new demands. If left untreated, this thickening can actually compromise the heart’s ability to function, which can lead to even more problems. The good news? Once the hyperthyroidism is controlled, these changes will often improve or completely resolve over time. Hypertension (high blood pressure) Elevated blood pressure can damage tissue throughout your cat’s body including their eyes, kidneys, heart and brain. Some hyperthyroid cats will need medications to help control their hypertension. Once the hyperthyroidism is controlled, the hypertension may improve or completely resolve. Some cats develop hypertension long after treatment has been initiated, so don’t be surprised if your vet is adamant about checking your cat’s blood pressure at regular intervals after being diagnosed with hyperthyroidism. The sooner hypertension is found, the better chance you have at keeping it controlled and preventing damage to other tissues. Renal (kidney) disease Hyperthyroidism can mask or hide renal disease in our feline friends. What exactly does this mean? This means that cats with hyperthyroidism may have kidney disease, but it isn’t evident until after the hyperthyroidism is controlled. This is why your veterinarian will want to run a chemistry profile (blood work) before AND after your cat is diagnosed and treated for hyperthyroidism (and then at regular intervals thereafter). This way, if there is kidney damage, your veterinarian can make recommendations to treat this disease as well.   Don’t let this discourage you from treating your cat’s hyperthyroidism: both diseases, if left uncontrolled, can be life threatening to your cat. The good news? We have an entire spectrum of therapeutic options (including supplements, diets, medications, etc.) to choose from to treat hyperthyroidism and renal disease, as well as cat insurance from Petplan to help cope with the vet bills. These cats can (and DO!) live long, happy healthy lives even after their diagnosis. The most important thing to remember is this: keep an open line of communication between yourself and your veterinarian so that you can determine the best course of action for your feline friend. As we all know, there isn’t a single cat in this world that is exactly like another; that’s why we love them so! So the more your vet knows, the better off you and your furry friend will be. To more waggin’ and purrin’. rwkj Tue, 30 Apr 2013 09:36:55 GMT http://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/petplan-pet-insurance-on-hidden-dangers-of-hyperthyroidism-in-catshttp://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/petplan-pet-insurance-spring-pet-health-hazards After a particularly cold winter, I am so very happy that Spring has sprung! People and pets alike are dusting off their winter cobwebs and getting ready for warmer weather. Spring brings its own particular hazards for our pets, though. Check out this list of the top 10 spring pet dangers!   1. Spring Cleaning: Many cleaners contain hazardous chemicals that are toxic to pets. Even “green” cleaners can be guilty of this. Check the labels carefully and keep them out of reach.   2. Pesky Parasites: Warmer weather means the return of parasites, like fleas and ticks.  Mosquito season is also rapidly approaching, meaning that dogs and cats will be at risk for contracting heartworms.  We recommend year round preventative, but if your pets have been off of their flea, tick, and heartworm preventatives for the winter, it’s time to get them back on schedule.   3. Garden with Care: If your green thumb has been aching to get back into the garden, now’s the time. Just remember that many fertilizers and pesticides are harmful to pets if ingested. Keep outdoor garden hazards well out of the reach of your pets.   4. Construction Cat-astrophes: Spring also gets some of us in the mood for catching up on home repairs. Paints and solvents are extremely dangerous if ingested. Don’t forget about other dangers of home repairs, like stray nails, staples and blades that can injure pets who are allowed in the danger zone.   5. Blossoms and Bushes: Many of our garden plants and flowers are starting to spring back to life, but remember that many are toxic if ingested. Azaleas, rhododendrons, foxglove, onions, lilies and daffodils are all members of a large list of potential trouble makers if ingested.    6. Itchy Paws: Dogs and cats can suffer from seasonal allergies just like us. Typically, allergic pets show their symptoms in their skin and ears, so if your dog or cat is licking or scratching more than usual, have your vet check them out. Allergies could be to blame.   7. Chips and Dip: Most of us spend more time outdoors in the spring – the weather is too good to resist! And what’s a day playing outdoors without our four-legged family members? Microchipping your pet is the best way to help bring them home if they get lost.   8. Window Tails: Open doors and windows let in wonderful breezes, but they also allow for the unintentional escape of your pets. Check to make sure that screens are secure. Cats are especially prone to falling out of windows when the screen gives way during a catnap in the spring sun.   9. Catch of the Day: If you’re itching to get out on the water for some springtime fishing, keep your tackle box closed, so your cat doesn’t get tangled up in it! Remember that fishing hooks and line are prime targets for curious cats.   10. Get Grooming: Warm weather will trigger shedding in your furry family members. Brush them daily to avoid a serious infestation of fur tumbleweeds and to keep hairballs at a minimum. Mon, 29 Apr 2013 13:04:10 GMT http://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/petplan-pet-insurance-spring-pet-health-hazardshttp://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/petplan-pet-insurance-gps-units-for-pets If you’re a regular reader of the Vets for Pets blog, you’ll know that I’m a huge fan of microchips for pets.   Microchips are a type of permanent identification for your pet, should they find themselves separated from you. About the size of a grain of rice, microchips are injected through a needle to the subcutaneous area under your pet’s skin. A unique number is associated with the chip, and this number is linked with your personal information in the microchip manufacturer’s database. If your pet is found without you, the shelter or veterinarian will scan her for a chip, find out that you’re the owner, and presto – you’re reunited with your best friend! Tools for tracking pets  A very common question I get regarding microchips is about their ability to track a missing animal. Unfortunately, implanted microchips cannot track a missing pet (yet). But there are a growing number of options for tracking missing pets through small GPS transmitters that are fitted on a collar.   Some units transmit your pet’s location to a handset receiver, while others send the information to your smart phone or browser. This is a relatively new technology, and while there certainly are kinks, I think this is a great idea for our pets – especially those that are known escape artists.   The glaring downside is that the unit is on their collar; if they slip out of their collar, the unit is useless. Of course, you’ll be able to find the collar, but your goal was to find your pet!   Another important factor to consider is the strangulation risk that exists for cats in collars. Cats are notorious for getting themselves into sticky situations, as sometimes their collars get hung up on tree branches or fences. Having a break-away collar can be a life saver, but it also defeats the purpose of having a tracking unit on your pet. As the technology advances, the units will likely become smaller, and a cat harness may be able to accommodate them.   Another thing to consider is the battery life of the unit. Most will need regular charging, with lifespans varying from about a week to as long as a month. Pricing also varies; in addition to the cost of the unit, some companies charge a monthly or annual subscription fee. The benefits of GPS units for pets  Limitations aside, GPS units have some pretty cool perks. With some units, you can set up geofences, or boundaries, for your pet. If your pet breeches one of the boundaries, you’ll get a text message to alert you to your escapee.    When your pet is lost, every minute can feel like hours until you know your pet is safe. Imagine how much peace of mind you will have if you can simply access your lost pet’s location through your smart phone! Of course, GPS collars are not a substitute for microchipping because of the potential for lost collars. Microchip technology may advance to include GPS tracking, but until that day, it’s best to cover your bases and have both – especially for those sneaky dogs and cats who love to roam. Would you consider a GPS unit for your pet? Tell us in the comments!  Thu, 25 Apr 2013 12:46:30 GMT http://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/petplan-pet-insurance-gps-units-for-petshttp://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/petplan-pet-insurance-flyball-and-agility-for-dogs Now that warmer weather is approaching, you may be looking for some new activities that you and your dog can enjoy together. If organized activities are right up your alley, you may want to consider training your dog for flyball or agility competitions. Not only will it provide mental and physical exercise for you both, but it will also strengthen your bond.   Flyball Flyball is relay race for dogs. Races occur between two teams, each with four dogs that race side by side over a 51 foot course. The race starts when the first dog runs down the course, jumping over four jumps that are 10 feet apart. When they reach the end, they activate a spring-loaded box which causes a tennis ball to be released. After catching the ball, they head back up the course, again jumping over each jump until they reach the starting line. At that point, the second racer starts, and so on.    Agility Dogs who participate in agility trials are trained to run through a timed obstacle course. The obstacle courses vary in each competition, but typically include obstacles such as jumps, tunnels, weave poles, and contact obstacles (like teeter-totters and A-frames to scale).   Both of these activities require more than just basic obedience, so if your dog has had no training, obedience classes are a perfect place to start. Once your pup can follow basic commands, you will have the tools with which to build him into an expert.    One note, though: Don’t start trying to train your dog for both flyball or agility when he’s too young. Puppies have growth plates in their bones that are particularly prone to injury from trauma or repeated activities, such as jumping. Start basic training with your puppy, but hold off on the more rigorous training required for flyball and agility until after his first birthday.   Dogs who participate in flyball and agility are very fit. Added pounds will be a burden on your dog’s joints, so if your pet is carrying around winter weight, get him to a lean weight before starting training. Also be sure to also keep your pet’s toenails very short – torn toenails can be a common athletic injury, particularly on agility contraptions.   Dogs who participate in rigorous sports like flyball and agility are more prone to injuries, such as cranial cruciate ligament rupture, medially luxating patellas and groin injuries. Injuries like these may require surgery with extensive rehabilitation. It is important to pay attention to your dog’s gait and look for signs of pain while training and competing.    Not all dogs are interested in or made for agility and flyball. Jack Russell Terriers seem born to excel, while dogs like Basset Hounds and Dachshunds might not make the best – or most willing – competitors. However, even if you have a breed that isn’t typically associated with these kinds of competitions, it doesn’t hurt to try – they may surprise you! If they just can’t be enticed up and down that A-frame, don’t fret. Maybe an activity like tracking or herding will spark their interest!    Wed, 24 Apr 2013 15:53:16 GMT http://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/petplan-pet-insurance-flyball-and-agility-for-dogshttp://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/petplan-pet-insurance-indoor-cats-and-parasites If you think your strictly indoor cat is safe from parasites, think again. Both external and internal parasites can affect your indoor cat, even if he never puts a paw outside!    Fleas Fleas love living indoors. It’s warm and there’s always food available. Fleas can spend the winter in your house and you may not even know! This is because cats are fastidious groomers, and if they come across a flea, they might kill it – or snack on it! – before you or your vet can find them. But that doesn’t mean the danger is over.   Fleas are bad news for cats for multiple reasons.  Fleas transmit diseases, such as Cat Scratch Fever and mycoplasmosis.  Fleas are the intermediate host for tapeworms, meaning if your cat eats an infected flea, she’ll end up with tapeworms, too. Fleas feed on your pet’s blood, possibly leading to life-threatening anemia, especially in small cats and kittens. Finally, some cats are allergic to flea saliva. Just one bite can send these cats into a scratching frenzy that often leads to superficial skin infections.   Internal parasites Aside from the tapeworms mentioned above, other internal parasites like roundworms and hookworms can affect your cat, living and breeding in her intestinal tract. Typical transmission is via a fecal-oral route – when cats come into contact with feces that has parasite eggs in it, they can pick it up on their paws, for instance. Then when they lick their paws, they end up ingesting the eggs. It doesn’t help that parasite eggs are hardy – they can come into your house on the bottom of your shoe, too, and still stick around to make pets ill.   Some parasites use paratenic or transport hosts. Parasites progress to a certain point in their development in a paratenic host, such as a cricket or other bug, and then become dormant. When your cat eats the host cricket, the parasite will then develop into a mature adult in your cat’s intestinal tract.    Heartworms If you have a dog, it’s likely that you have heard of heartworms and are giving a monthly preventive. But heartworm disease affects cats, too, even those who spend most of their time indoors. Heartworms are transmitted to pets by mosquitoes, but unlike dogs, there is no treatment for heartworm in cats. Because it only takes one mosquito bite to transmit heartworm disease, it’s important to protect your indoor feline family members, too – though we do our best to keep them out, stray mosquitoes do occasionally find their way indoors.   Take the following tips to heart to keep indoor cats healthy and parasite-free: Use a flea preventive year-round; topical and oral options are available. Use a monthly heartworm preventive year-round, too. Though mosquitoes rarely rear their ugly heads in the winter months, it takes only a few warm days in a row for hungry mosquitoes to emerge. Some products combine flea preventive with heartworm preventive, making your job a piece of cake. As an added bonus, some heartworm preventives also contain dewormers that will treat intestinal parasites. Bring a fresh stool sample with you when you take your cat for her annual (or semi-annual if she’s geriatric) veterinary exam so it can be checked for intestinal parasites.   Tue, 23 Apr 2013 10:55:04 GMT http://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/petplan-pet-insurance-indoor-cats-and-parasiteshttp://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/petplan-pet-insurance-hyperthyroidism-treatments-in-cats In a previous blog, we discussed the basics of hyperthyroidism in cats. Today, we are going to discuss some of the treatment options for hyperthyroidism.  First and foremost, how do pet parents and veterinarians treat this disease? Fortunately, treatment is relatively straightforward and most cats respond very well. The three most common options include: Medication, known by its generic name as methimazole Surgery Radioactive iodine (I-131) Let’s chat a little more about each of these options. Methimazole This is a daily medication that your cat will need to take for the rest of his life. Most likely, your veterinarian will start with this medication before discussing the other treatment options. If your feline friend is a Houdini with pills, making it virtually impossible to get even the smallest pill into them once a year let alone twice a day, you need have no fear. Methimazole comes in three very user-friendly forms: pills, liquid or as a transdermal, which is administered as a small amount of lotion that you rub into your cat’s ear. Easy enough, right?  After your vet starts your feline friend on methimazole, there will be follow-up blood tests to make sure that you are using the correct dose, and to ensure that your cat is responding appropriately. If all is going well, you can continue this treatment for the rest of your cat’s long and healthy life! If medicating your cat is really difficult, or you want a more permanent solution, your vet may talk to you about two other options.  Surgical options for treating hyperthyroidism in cats  This involves your vet or a veterinary surgeon surgically removing all or part of your cat’s thyroid gland. This is a more permanent solution to the hyperthyroidism afflicting your feline friend, but it doesn’t come without its own potential complications and after-care. Make sure you thoroughly understand the possible risks to this surgery (in other words, don’t hesitate to ask your vet lots of questions) before pursuing this option. Radioactive Iodine (I-131) This procedure involves your cat receiving an injection of radioactive iodine I-131 and staying in the hospital for a few days while the substance clears from your cat’s system. This treatment is only available in certain facilities (due to the use of a radioactive substance, its use and your cat’s aftercare are tightly regulated). Radioactive iodine is like a seek-and-destroy missile. It targets the diseased tissue in your cat’s thyroid gland and destroys it. This therapy (unlike surgery) only destroys the bad tissue, sparing the healthy thyroid tissue. Most cats respond very well to this therapy, and rarely need future treatment. This option is not for every feline with hyperthyroidism, nor every pet parent, so make sure you discuss this option with your veterinarian as well as the facility your cat is referred to receive the therapy before you sign up!  So, we have discussed the clinical signs your cat may exhibit if they are hyperthyroid, the diagnostics involved in determining if your cat is hyperthyroid, and we have discussed the therapy options that are available - all of which are able to be covered by your cat insurance policy from Petplan. In the next blog, we’ll address another aspect of hyperthyroidism – the conditions that can be associated with it. Stay tuned!    To more waggin’ and purrin’. rwkj Tue, 23 Apr 2013 10:55:31 GMT http://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/petplan-pet-insurance-hyperthyroidism-treatments-in-catshttp://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/petplan-pet-insurance-snake-bites-and-pets Spring has my mind wandering outdoors, thinking of the many wonderful hikes I used to share with my beloved dog, Katie, who sadly recently passed away. While I miss her terribly, I also look back fondly on the many, many great adventures we had over 15 years together. One that I vividly recall is a when we crossed paths with a snake. Luckily, all three of us escaped unharmed (though I think I gained a few grey hairs that day)!   Snakes generally do their best to avoid humans and our animal companions, and likewise, I do my best to avoid them! However, the same cannot be said for cats and dogs, who may find the temptation to antagonize snakes greater than they can resist. As a result, snake bites are not uncommon in both cats and dogs.    As you know, not all snakes are venomous. If your pet has been bitten by a snake and you are unsure of what kind of snake was the culprit, seek veterinary care immediately. In the United States, venomous snakes are either coral snakes or pit vipers, such as rattlesnakes, copperheads and water moccasins.  Most snake bites in this country are from copperheads, but the majority of fatalities are due to rattlesnake bites. What to do after your pet has been bitten by a snake  Signs of snakebites may not occur for several hours after they occur, but if you have witnessed your pet being bitten, get her to a veterinary facility right away. The sooner treatment can start, the better off your pet will be.    Snakebites cause a variety of clinical signs, most notably and obviously pain and swelling at the bite wound. Venom has many different types of toxins, each affecting pets in a different way. Neurotoxins will cause progressive paralysis of the respiratory muscles, while myotoxins directly affect the muscles, causing weakness and pain. In addition, venom contains potent anti-coagulants, which prevent the blood from clotting.   Other signs of a snakebite include: Respiratory distress Muscle tremors or severe muscle weakness Seizures Uncontrolled bleeding   The prognosis for a snake bite can vary widely. The size and age of the snake, its motivation for biting and amount of venom regeneration since the snake’s last bite are all factors. The location of the bite and the size of the victim count, too. It is important to remember that the severity of the local signs do not always correlate with the severity of the bite, so even if the bite looks “minor” on a large dog, it is important to seek veterinary help anyway. Alternatively, I remember one tiny Yorkie with a terrible-looking bite on his neck who pulled through like a champion!  Snake bite treatments for pets  Treatment centers on neutralizing the toxins in the snake’s venom as well general supportive care for the snakebite victim. Anti-venin is available to neutralize venom, but it is snake-specific, so the type of snake will need to be known. Anti-venin is also very expensive and can be difficult to locate, depending on your proximity to a human hospital or the frequency of snakebites in your area. When Petplan pet insurance family member Debra's one year old German Shepherd, Cory, was bitten by a water moccasin in Florida, the treatment cost her family over $8,500 ($7,600 of which was reimbursed by Cory's dog insurance policy from Petplan).   An average hospital stay to treat a snake bite is generally two days, during which time your pet will receive IV fluids to combat shock, and antibiotics, as well as other supportive treatments as needed.    As with most other things in veterinary medicine, prevention is key. This is a prime example of the importance of teaching “Leave it!” to your dog. In addition, when hiking with your pets, stay on the trail and avoid high grass. Don’t allow curious dogs to explore holes or dig under logs – they dig up more than they (or you) bargained for! Tue, 16 Apr 2013 10:01:51 GMT http://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/petplan-pet-insurance-snake-bites-and-petshttp://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/when-the-diagnosis-is-cancer While veterinary medicine has improved the quality of life for our best friends afflicted with cancer, for pet parents, dealing with the diagnosis can be a difficult hurdle to climb. No one knows this better than veterinarian Dr. Nancy Kay. After three months of conflicting opinions with her doctor about her own suspected cancer (which thankfully turned out to be just a scare), she learned valuable lessons about the process of being a medical advocate – whether for yourself or your loved ones. In this article reprinted from the "Survival" issue of fetch! magazine, Dr. Nancy Kay offers tips for helping pets survive even the toughest medical battles with an exclusive excerpt from her highly acclaimed book, Speaking for Spot: Be the Advocate Your Dog Needs to Live a Happy, Healthy, Longer Life: By now, I'll bet I've worked with a few thousand people as they've struggled with whether or not to treat their dog's cancer. They've taught me great deal that can help make this significant decision a bit easier for others. I'm passing along a few of the more important things I've learned with the hope that they will help get you on a path that's right for you and your dog. Remember, you can call it quits at any time! When you agree to start, remind yourself that you are not signing a contract stipulating that you will continue treatment, no matter what. When you say, "Yes," to chemotherapy or radiation therapy, all you are committing to is the very next treatment. If your dog is becoming an emotional wreck, getting worse rather than better, or experiencing negative side effects, simply speak up and say that it's time to consider a different strategy. Here's the bottom line: if ever you don't like what you see, you can call it a day. Sometimes, simply knowing that this "out clause" exists gives people the wherewithal to give cancer therapy a try. Keep things in perspective. Just because we can't cure a particular type of cancer doesn't mean it's not treatable. We treat lots of dogs with incurable, life-threatening diseases for the plain and simple reason that therapy often restores an excellent quality of life. Take for example a dog with congestive heart failure. He'll never be cured of his disease and achieve his normal life expectancy, but medication has great potential to restore the quality of his life for a month to years. Treating cancer isn't all that different. Yes, for most people "cancer" sounds scarier than "heart failure," but each has the potential for a successful outcome with treatment. When it comes to survival times, don't forget to think in terms of "dog years" rather than human years. When your vet tells you that treating the cancer might buy another year of good quality time, consider that a year represents 10 percent of a 10-year-old dog's life! With that perspective, an extra year might sound like a tremendous proposition. Focus on the quality rather than the quantity of life. When I counsel people about the potential pros and cons of treatment, I describe the three goals of cancer therapy as, "Quality of life, quality of life, and quality of life." There's no doubt in my mind that we have failed our patient enormously when we achieve "quantity" (longer life) only. Enjoy the "honeymoon." Speaking of quality of life, even if your dog is doing fabulously well, it may be tough for you to 'enjoy his company when your mind is preoccupied with sadness and worry about the fact that your dog has cancer. Your happy, playing, wagging pup doesn't vanish just because cancer cells live in his body. He doesn't know he has cancer; he gets off easy when it comes to enjoying life and staying "in the moment." Let him serve as your psychological role model. Get the emotional support you need to take pleasure in the extra quality time you have with your dog. By the way, if he is acting glum, he may be responding to the way his favorite human is feeling! Hope for the best, prepare for the worst. Veterinarians who have treated a good deal of cancer become relatively adept at predicting how their patients will fare. But, every one of us readily admits that we encounter some dogs that surprise the heck out of us. We've all had patients who crashed when we least expected it. Likewise, we've all witnessed recoveries that feel more like minor miracles than responses to our treatment. It just goes to show you that not every dog reads the cancer textbook! Truth be told, rarely can veterinarians look their clients in the eye and tell them that things are utterly hopeless. We simply don't know for sure how anyone of our patients is going to respond. So what's the take-home message here? I'm encouraging you to incorporate "hope" in all of your thoughts, feelings, and decisions about your dog's cancer. At the same time, avoid letting hope prevent you from recognizing when it is the end of the line. Your denial at this critical time might deprive your dog comfort and compassion at his time of greatest need. As always, do your best to satisfy your peace of mind. There's no doubt that you and your veterinarian want what's best for your dog. The problem is, when it comes to treating cancer, it may be impossible to know what that is. When faced with this situation, I recommend that you base your decision, at least in part, on what best contributes to your peace of mind. I'm not suggesting that you ignore your dog and think only of your own needs. Rather, I feel this is just one more approach for tackling your decision-making dilemma. Consider the following example: If your dog has been diagnosed with terminal cancer, the unfortunate certainty is that, barring any other catastrophic events or illnesses, his disease will ultimately be what ends his life. If treatment is successful, the length of remission time is anyone's guess. Should you treat his cancer aggressively, conservatively, or not at all? If you are unsure, I encourage you to try this mental exercise. Think about how the worst-case scenario for each of your options would play out in terms of your peace of mind. If you forego therapy and are at the brink of euthanasia in a month, will you be kicking yourself, wishing that you had pursued treatment? Likewise, if treatment was tried and failed a month later, would you have regret? When you consider all of these worst-case scenarios, which one would allow you the greatest peace of mind? Which will keep you awake at night? When I work through this exercise with my clients, I sometimes see an expression of relief wash over their face as they finally experience some clarity about how to proceed. Follow your own heart. By encouraging you to follow your own heart, I'm recommending you stay true to your own values and feelings about dealing with your dog's cancer. Do your best to avoid being influenced by those who express shock when they learn that you are contemplating treating your dog's cancer. They may tell you that the appropriate treatment for cancer is "putting the poor dog out of his misery." And, when they find out how much you might be paying to have your dog treated ... well, it's probably best to avoid telling them in the first place how much you might have to spend! Likewise, avoid those people who think that all dogs must be treated as aggressively as possible for anything and everything. I encourage you to wear a thick skin around such "influential" people (maybe take a sabbatical from socializing with them). Provide yourself with plenty of open-minded friends who are inter­ested in supporting you, rather than influencing you, as you wrestle with your decision. Remember, you know better than anyone else what is right for you and your best buddy. Cancer Lingo Here is a "starter list" of definitions for some common cancer lingo: Tumor, mass, neoplasm: all three terms are synonymous. They refer to an abnormal proliferation of cells that develops in spite of regulatory systems in the body designed to keep this cellular replication in check. Biopsy: the collection and microscopic examination of a solid tissue sample. Cytology: the examination of cells or fluid under the microscope. Benign versus malignant: Benign tumors are good guys because they don't invade the surrounding structures or spread to other sites in the body. A malignant tumor often invades into surrounding structures, interfere with normal organ function, and spread to other sites in the body via blood or lymphatic vessels. A benign tumor generally offers the better prognosis, but this isn't a guarantee. Cancer: a tumor that is malignant. Primary tumor: the original tumor as opposed to one that has spread from another site. Metastasis: the spread of cancer from the primary site to secondary sites elsewhere in the body. Sarcomas: malignant cancers arising from the supportive tissues within the body (bone, fat, cartilage, muscle fibrous tissue, blood, lymph). Carcinomas: malignant tumors that originate from epithelial cells (cells that provide the lining of various organs and glands and also comprise part of the skin). Leukemia: a cancer comprised of blood cells that originate within the bone marrow, then circulate within the bloodstream. Paraneoplastic syndrome: a disturbance caused by the cancer in parts of the body that are seemingly unrelated to the cancer site. Chemotherapy: the use of chemicals (drugs) to treat cancer. Radiation therapy (radiotherapy): the use of a focused beam of radiation to kill cancer cells. Remission: a decrease in cancer size in response to treatment. Staging: A thorough evaluation of the patient to determine the aggressiveness and extent of the cancer, both where the primary tumor was found as well as at other sites throughout the body. Oncology: the branch of medicine that deals with the study and treatment of cancer. Veterinary oncologist: a board certified veterinary specialist whose practice centers on the diagnosis and treatment of cancer. Questions to Ask Your Vet about Diagnosing Your Dog's Cancer 1. Is there a need for urgent decision-making? 2. What are all of the options for getting a diagnosis? 3. For each option, what is the likelihood that the test results will provide a diagnosis? 4. What are the potential risks and benefits of each of the options? 5. What is your level of experience with each of the diagnostic tests? 6. What is the cost of the diagnostic tests you are recommending? Questions to Ask Your Vet about Staging Your Dog's Cancer 1. Is there a need for urgent decision-making? 2. What staging tests/procedures do you recommend? 3. What are the potential risks and benefits of each staging procedure? 4. Which procedures will likely produce results that will determine the prognosis? 5. Which procedures will likely produce results that will affect your treatment recommendations? 6. What is your level of experience with the staging tests you described? 7. What is the cost of the staging tests/procedures you recommended? 8. What are the costs of the potential treatment options? Tests Commonly Used to Diagnose Cancer 1. Physical examination 2. Blood tests (complete blood cell count (CBC), chemistry profile) 3. Urinalysis 4. Imaging studies 5. X-rays 6. Ultrasound 7. CT scan 8. MRI scan 9. Fluoroscopy 10. Fine needle aspiration 11. Biopsy (tissue sample obtained with or without surgery) From Speaking for Spot: Be the Advocate Your Dog Needs to Live a Happy, Healthy, Longer Life by Dr. Nancy Kay. Reprinted with permission from Trafalgar Square Publishing. Copyright© 2008 by Nancy Kay. To read more from Speaking for Spot, visit www.speakingforspot.com. Nancy Kay, DVM Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine Recipient, Leo K. Bustad Companion Animal Veterinarian of the Year Award Recipient, American Animal Hospital Association Animal Welfare and Humane Ethics Award Recipient, Dog Writers Association of America Award for Best Blog Recipient, Eukanuba Canine Health Award Recipient, AKC Club Publication Excellence Award Author of Speaking for Spot: Be the Advocate Your Dog Needs to Live a Happy, Healthy, Longer Life Author of Your Dog's Best Health: A Dozen Reasonable Things to Expect From Your Vet Website: http://www.speakingforspot.com Spot’s Blog: http://www.speakingforspot.com/blog  Email: dr.kay@speakingforspot.com Facebook: http://www.facebook.com/speakingforspot Tue, 16 Apr 2013 10:04:53 GMT http://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/when-the-diagnosis-is-cancerhttp://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/petplan-pet-insurance-cystic-and-pigmentary-uveitis Ever wonder who your veterinarian turns to when they have a problem with their own pet, and they are unable to treat the situation? In all honesty, this is not a comfortable place for most vets, as we tend to want to take care of our pets ourselves (with periodic phone calls to colleagues as needed!). Recently, I found myself in the unfamiliar position of worried pet parent, when the care my own dog needed was not something I was able to provide. I quickly called on a specialist (an ophthalmologist, to be exact), who told me my 9-year-old Golden Retriever was dealing with a condition called cystic and pigmentary uveitis. In honor of my recent experience, I thought I would share what I have learned about this condition. What is cystic and pigmentary uveitis? As it turns out, this condition is so often seen in Golden Retrievers that it is sometimes referred to as Golden Retriever uveitis. It affects the uveal tract of the eye (the middle layer of the eye, which includes the iris) causing inflammation within these tissues. At this point in time, the underlying cause is unknown, but it is thought to be an inherited immune-mediated disorder, which means the body attacks its own tissues without just cause. It isn’t always an easy disease to recognize in the beginning, as the clinical signs can be vague and variable. Pet parents generally report signs of decreased vision, light sensitivity, excessive tear production, redness of the white portion of the eye, squinting and sometimes changes within the cornea. As you can imagine, these signs are fairly non-specific, and they can be indicative of a lot of different diseases.  Therefore, in order to diagnose cystic and pigmentary uveitis, a thorough ocular exam must be performed. This generally requires a veterinary ophthalmologist, although some abnormalities may be detectable with the standard instrumentation at your regular vet’s office. Oftentimes, secondary changes may also be noted as a result of the pigmentary uveitis, including glaucoma and cataracts. How are cystic and pigmentary uveitis managed? Although cystic and pigmentary uveitis is not curable, it can often be managed with lifelong medications, including topical anti-inflammatories, and monitoring the eyes closely to ensure medical therapy is instituted as soon as any changes occur. Dog insurance that covers chronic conditions can be very helpful in managing these costs throughout the years. Secondary problems can also be treated as needed. In most cases, the disease will progress, and blindness will ensue. Fortunately, just like people, pets do a great job at adapting to new situations, even blindness! At this point, my dog has one eye that is blind, but his other eye is doing well! It wasn’t easy having to play the role of the worried pet parent, but we are lucky to have amazing specialists in our area! And of course, ever thankful to have Petplan pet insurance by our side to help with the financial aspects of a worrisome time.  To more waggin’ and purrin’. rwkj Fri, 12 Apr 2013 14:46:49 GMT http://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/petplan-pet-insurance-cystic-and-pigmentary-uveitishttp://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/petplan-pet-insurance-on-pseudopregnancy-in-pets Our female four-legged friends are subject to an odd phenomenon called pseudopregnancy, or false pregnancy. Any dog or cat that has not been spayed can be affected, though dogs are affected much more often than cats. In cases of false pregnancy, hormonal fluctuations trick your pet’s body into thinking that it is pregnant when it actually isn’t.    False pregnancy can be very confusing for pets and parents alike. Symptoms of false pregnancy mimic symptoms of pregnancy, and can include mammary swelling – usually around five weeks after a heat cycle – and even lactation. Abdominal distention and appetite changes are also common.   Accompanying the physical changes are changes in behavior. “Expectant” mothers can be restless, be unusually aggressive, and may start nesting. Caring for inanimate objects is perhaps the most disconcerting symptom owners report--one of my clients reported that her dog was taking small bags of potato chips to her bed and mothering them! Other likely “babies” might be toys or stuffed animals.   If pseudopregnancy happens once, it’s likely to happen recurringly. This is not a huge problem, unless of course you find the clinical signs unbearable.  Some pets really do seem to have a hard time with false pregnancies.  And rarely, mastitis or uterine infection can occur during an episode of false pregnancy.  Studies have also shown that there is an increased risk of mammary tumors in dogs who have experienced more than three episodes of false pregnancy.   So, what’s an owner to do? The short-term answer is simply to sit on your hands. There is little to be done if your dog or cat is experiencing a false pregnancy – time is all that is generally needed. Avoid touching your pet’s mammaries or allowing your pet to self-nurse. This will only serve to prolong lactation. Thankfully, clinical signs will resolve on their own as your pet’s hormones level out. In the meantime, consider having her wear a t-shirt or an e-collar to prevent nursing.   For a more long-term solution – and one that is better for your pet’s overall health, particularly if you don’t intend to breed her – after the event is over, you could consider having your dog spayed. Spaying not only prevents unwanted litters, but it also helps prevent uterine infections and mammary cancer. Don’t expect your vet to offer to spay your pet while she’s experiencing a false pregnancy episode, though, as doing so can actually prolong the clinical signs. Just call to schedule the procedure when your pet is feeling more like herself.    Thu, 11 Apr 2013 13:44:00 GMT http://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/petplan-pet-insurance-on-pseudopregnancy-in-petshttp://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/petplan-pet-insurance-broken-tails-in-cats One of my favorite parts of spring is being able to open the windows and let in some fresh air, and both of my cats agree. In the spring, you’re very likely to find them abandoning their favorite sleeping place (my pillow!) in favor of a warm, sunny windowsill.   This leads me to today’s blog topic – cats with broken tails. What’s one got to do with another? Well, the answer harks back to my very first spring as a practicing veterinarian. It was my first one spent in Pennsylvania (particularly rough for this Southerner!) so I was very glad to finally see a warm day. The town cats must have been equally appreciative, because that day I saw the first broken tail of my career, followed almost immediately by my second! Both cats were the victims of their position when old windows slipped and fell onto their tails as they were soaking up the sun.    How dogs and cats use their tails   Cats and dogs use their tails for both balance and communication. Their tails are composed of segmented bones, muscles and ligaments. The tail is attached to the sacrum, which is connected to the vertebral bones of the lumbar spine. Nerves travel back down along the spine to control the muscles of the tail, hind legs, large intestine, bladder and anus.  Symptoms of a broken tail   The symptoms of a broken tail are usually obvious – you may notice a kinked, painful tail, sometimes with an open wound. Less obvious broken tails will still be painful, so you may notice your pet dragging his tail or holding it in an otherwise unusual way. An X-ray will usually be enough to confirm the break. How to treat a broken tail The prognosis for a simple broken tail is generally quite good – usually amputation above the break is recommended, and once the surgery site is healed, these cats lead a normal life with a bobbed tail.    Beyond a break, tails can be injured any number of ways, some of which may not be immediately obvious to even the most astute owner. As I’ve mentioned, windows and doors are common traps for kitty tails, as are cat fights and auto accidents. Less obvious injuries include tail pulling accidents, which can occur from an overly eager child, or a narrowly missed hit by car incident. When a cat is lucky enough to escape being hit by a car, sometimes his tail is collateral damage – his tail gets caught by the wheel but he keeps right on running, resulting in what we call a “tail pull” injury. Tail pull injuries in pets Tail pull injuries may be less obvious. When the tail is traumatically pulled, the nerves that travel down to the hind end can be stretched or even severed. This causes trouble for not only the tail, but for the other organs and muscles those nerves connect, including the bladder and intestines. Symptoms of tail pull injuries in pets  Signs of a tail pull injury include a dragging tail, dribbling of urine or urinary incontinence, and fecal incontinence. Similar to a broken tail, your vet will order an X-ray to be sure of the diagnosis. Treatment of tail pull injuries in pets Tail pull injuries vary in terms of prognosis, depending on the severity of nerve damage. Most cases recover, though it may take up to six months to do so. Even severely affected cats (those with fecal incontinence and no tail mobility at the time of the injury) have a 50% recovery rate, though a lot of nursing care will be needed until the condition is resolved. Having cat insurance or dog insurance from Petplan pet insurance in place, which can cover accidents and injuries such as these, can help with the costs of caring for your injured pet during this difficult recovery period.   We talked mostly about cats in this blog, as they are more prone to accidents that lead to broken tails. But dogs can also be the victims of both tail pull injuries and broken tails. Both are generally secondary to trauma, such as hit by car accidents or getting caught in doors. Has your pet ever injured their tail? Tell us in the comments!   Mon, 08 Apr 2013 16:02:46 GMT http://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/petplan-pet-insurance-broken-tails-in-catshttp://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/petplan-pet-insurance-bufo-toad-poisoning Toads – like other things that creep, crawl, fly, or jump – can be irresistible to dogs and cats, who just can’t fight the urge to pounce on them. While many toads are harmless, Bufo toads (or cane toads) can land your pet in the emergency room.   Bufo toads are a marine toad found in Florida, Texas and Hawaii. When pets mouth or bite them, they release potent venom. This gives the toads a bitter taste and causes local irritation that leads to salivation and frothing at the mouth. In some cases, vomiting will also occur initially. Similar signs of distress can be seen in animals who have come into contact with the Colorado River Toad, which is found in the southwestern United States.   As the toad’s toxins are absorbed, more severe signs of toad venom toxicosis can develop, including: Central nervous system signs: seizures, stiffness and uneven gait Cardiac signs: arrhythmias, increased heart rate and increased blood pressure   Depending on the size of the animal and the dose of venom, Bufo toad poisoning can cause death within fifteen minutes. Smaller pets are more prone to severe signs because they usually receive a higher dose of toxin per pound of body weight.   Many dogs will drool excessively or paw at their mouths after exposure. If you have seen your pet playing with a frog and then displaying the symptoms described above, seek emergency care immediately! Occasionally, the toxin can come into contact with the eyes, which will cause intense irritation. Pets may paw at their eyes, which causes further irritation. Conjunctivitis and/or uveitis can be quick to follow.   There is no antidote for Bufo toad poisoning. Flushing the mouth copiously to help rid it of remaining toxin is helpful, but this should never be attempted in an animal who is comatose or having active seizures. Dogs showing severe signs should be taken immediately to the closest emergency vet hospital. Treatment will center on stabilizing cardiac abnormalities and monitoring for hypertension (high blood pressure), electrolyte imbalances, and seizures. Emergency treatment can prove costly, but your best friend is worth it, and if you have pet insurance from Petplan, you can concentrate on your best friends care and not the veterinary bills.    Despite the dangers of Bufo toad poisoning, the prognosis is good in patients who receive prompt medical care and who make it through the first half hour.    Of course, prevention is key. Never let your pet play with or antagonize frogs and toads. This may require some practice of training commands like LEAVE IT, or DROP IT. It is also a good example of how using a “sit/stay” can keep your pet out of trouble. Kissing toads may make for happy endings in fairy tales, but it can have disastrous consequences for hairy tails! Has your pet ever tangled with a toad or other wildlife? Tell us in the comments! Fri, 05 Apr 2013 12:15:02 GMT http://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/petplan-pet-insurance-bufo-toad-poisoninghttp://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/petplan-pet-insurance-pets-in-the-bed You know that you should let sleeping dogs lie, but should you let them lie in your bed?  As a veterinarian, I know that the best sleeping place for a dog is on the floor, either in a crate or on a dog bed. In fact, behavior specialists and trainers almost universally recommend that dogs NOT sleep in bed with their owners.    But as a pet owner, I know that is just not always practical. I’ll readily admit that my dog slept in the bed with me every night until she couldn’t climb the stairs anymore. Before I got married, I explained to my husband-to-be that having her in the bed with me was a non-negotiable. Sure it was crowded, but what’s a dog lover to do?   The subject of dogs sleeping in the big bed with their owners is not black and white, of course. Each family is different, and there is a lot to be said for both sides of the argument, so let’s get started.   First and foremost, puppies should not be sharing a bed with their owners. This situation is particularly hard to resist if your new puppy whines through the night, but the best place for a puppy is in a crate. Crate training is very helpful for potty training, and it keeps your new family member out of trouble. Not only are puppies not housetrained, but their temperament is not established, making them potentially dangerous to sleep with. Granted, you are unlikely to be seriously injured by a 9-week-old puppy, but a large-breed 6-month-old does have the potential to cause some real damage.   Puppies are particularly receptive to training as their little brains soak up cues from you, both intentional and otherwise. Puppyhood is the perfect time to set boundaries for your pet and establish good behaviors. While you’re working on the rules, it’s best to get your pet used to a sleeping place of his own. If his temperament eventually turns out to be not conducive to sleeping in the bed with you, he’ll never know what he is missing!   If you choose to have your dog sleep in the bed with you, it is best to wait until he is an adult. This way, he’ll be properly potty trained and will have learned good manners. You’ll also have a good idea of his temperament. Make sure he doesn’t snap or startle if woken suddenly to avoid accidental bites. Also, teach the “off” command and make sure he obeys. Remember: it is YOUR bed and you are just allowing your dog to share it with you.    A final important matter to consider is the case of multiple dogs. If you have more than one dog, the bed can get crowded very quickly. Keep this in mind when you are thinking about adding canine companionship overnight.   While having a dog (or two) in bed with you is likely to cause some occasional sleep disturbances, the comfort it provides can be worth it. Canine and feline companionship eases emotional pain, and some people actually sleep better with the increased sense of security our furry friends bring. Sweet dreams! What is your view on pets sleeping in the bed? Tell us in the comments!   Thu, 04 Apr 2013 13:26:23 GMT http://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/petplan-pet-insurance-pets-in-the-bedhttp://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/petplan-pet-insurance-pet-first-aid In a perfect world, our four-legged family members would never experience pain, illness or injury. Unfortunately, our pets can be afflicted with illnesses and injuries that are all too real. A previous blog explains how to build your own pet first aid kit, which is important to have on-hand for unforeseen emergency situations. But even if you’ve built a kit – do you know how to use it? The most important thing to remember in a pet emergency situation is to stay as calm as possible (your pet will feed off of your emotions), and to keep yourself and your pet safe.  When injured or feeling really crummy, even the sweetest pet may bite and/or scratch. This is not a reflection on their personality. Just like you and I, when your pet is sick or injured, they are most likely scared and in pain; biting and/or scratching may be the only way they know to tell you how bad they are feeling. So, be careful! Protect yourself and your pet. We don’t need both of you heading to the emergency room. Okay, so remaining calm, take a moment to assess the situation: Seeing Red Is your pet bleeding? If so, use the clean cloths, towels and/or gauze (depending on the severity of the bleeding) in your emergency kit to apply direct pressure, and adhesive tape to hold the temporary bandage in place while you transport your pet to the vet. Just don’t tape too tightly! You don’t want to cut off circulation to the area; you just want to make sure the bandage stays in place as best as possible. I do not recommend trying to investigate the area too closely. Just try to control the bleeding in order to transport your pet to the vet. Your vet will be able to sedate/anesthetize your pet and explore the damage in a controlled and clean environment with the proper instruments to handle whatever situation they find. Poison Control Did your pet get into something they shouldn’t have, such as your medicine chest, cleaning cabinet or perhaps the candy dish? There are many common household toxins to pets. First, try to identify what exactly your pet ate. If possible, grab the packaging from the product and call your veterinarian or the Poison Control Hotline at 888-426-4435 (there may be a charge for this phone call, but it’s worth the information). They will be able to guide you on the best course of action. Make sure you have your first aid kit nearby: you may be directed to give your pet something to counteract the toxin.  Be warned: Do not assume that inducing vomiting is always the best course of action. Some toxins can do even more damage if vomited. If your vet is unavailable, the Poison Control Hotline is your best course of action. If you can quickly and safely get your pet to your vet or an emergency vet, that may be your best option. Don’t delay! In a toxin ingestion situation, time is your worst enemy! The sooner your pet is seen and treated, the better their chance of recovery. In times like these, knowing your best friend has dog insurance or cat insurance from Petplan that can cover these emergency situations can allow you to focus on getting them the best care as quickly as possible.  Seizures Is your pet having a seizure for the first time? Be careful! Seizing animals are unaware of what and/or who is around them, and they can accidentally hurt you if you try to hold them down while they are seizing. Try to make sure your pet is in a safe place by clearing anything that could injure him if he hits it, and try to track how long the seizure lasts. Call your vet or an emergency vet, and they will be able to guide you on the next steps. Is your pet just “off” and you aren’t exactly sure what is going on? You can always take their vitals (heart rate, respiratory rate and temperature) so that when you call your vet you can give them these important pieces of information. When it is all said and done, the most important things to remember are: Make sure you and your pet are safe from harm. Don’t try to do too much. Your goal is to make your pet safe to travel to your vet. Keep your first aid kit up to date. Make sure your pet’s vaccine and medication list is up to date AND make sure you take this information with you when you head to your vet and/or the emergency vet. Hopefully, all of your hard work will prevent you from ever having to use your first aid kit! To more waggin’ and purrin’. rwkj Tue, 23 Apr 2013 14:30:48 GMT http://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/petplan-pet-insurance-pet-first-aidhttp://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/wild-thing-petplan-pet-insurance-on-helping-overexcited-pets-calm-down What do you do with a dog who just won’t settle down? The dog who jumps all over when a friend arrives at the house, or the pup at the picnic who constantly pesters you to throw the Frisbee? I think that at some point in our lives, we have all dealt with dogs that get overexcited. For those persistently pesky dogs and their parents, I offer some advice on settling. Characteristics we look for in pets, like being playful or high energy, can turn downright annoying if they’re never turned off. They can ruin doggy play dates and have houseguests longing for the peace and quiet of their own homes. Of course, good manners should be taught from the day your adorable puppy enters your home. By teaching your puppy how you want him to behave, you’ll limit the trouble of having to teach him what NOT to do later in life. Sign up for a training class when your dog is still young. But it’s not too late if your dog is already an adult. Training classes are not only for teaching your dog – they’re for teaching you how to teach your dog. They also establish you as the leader, someone your dog needs to respect. Start by looking for basic training classes that teach obedience commands like “sit,” “stay,” “down,” “come,” and “settle.” Once these commands are mastered, you can move on to more advanced work, but these basic tools are the ones that will see you through the wild dog moments. Nothing is Free Many of the undesirable behaviors our dogs display are unknowingly encouraged by us, either as their owners or as their friends. That’s because many of these "wild dog" behaviors are done for attention. For dogs, any attention is good attention. When you try to correct your dog by pulling him down from jumping on your friend, he considers it attention. His attention-seeking behavior has succeeded, and now he knows he should try it again the next time a friend comes to visit. It turns out that much of managing a wild dog’s behaviors comes down to managing the humans in your dog’s life (including yourself). If there is a behavior that is undesired, it is best to ignore it and have your friends do the same. Dogs who jump on people, for instance, are seeking attention, so it’s important to not oblige them. Tell your friends to never pet your dog while he’s standing on his hind legs. While your dog is jumping, your friend should completely ignore him. No eye contact, no verbal correction, no nothing. Don’t punish or scold your dog. After all, he is being friendly. We want him to continue to be friendly to humans, albeit in a more appropriate way. The same thing applies to other wild behaviors. Only when the dog is settled quietly should he get what he wants. In our line of work, we call this “nothing in life is free.” If your dog wants to eat, he sits quietly first. If he wants to play, he sits quietly first. If he wants to go outside, he sits quietly first. You get the picture. In this way, he is rewarded for his good behavior. Walk With Me Here’s another example: the dog who gets all wound up when he sees that he’s about to be taken for a walk. These dogs can be so boisterous that it’s nearly impossible to get a leash attached to them. This is clearly an undesired behavior that should not be indulged. Instead, put your dog in a “sit.” Once he’s sitting quietly, try attaching the leash. If he gets wild again at the sight of the leash, start over again by having him sit. This, like retraining all undesired behaviors, will require lots of patience - but the reward of a calm dog is well worth it. Pulling on the lead, being pushy about play time or meal time, persistent barking, and being crazy in the car are all perfect examples of wild dog behavior. Remember- make your dog work for his rewards and you’ll find these behaviors starting to diminish. When all else fails, in the middle of a rambunctious outburst, try freezing in place. This action often makes your dog stop out of curiosity. Once you’ve got his attention, unfreeze and give him his command. Calm dogs live with calm owners; never make a big deal about coming or going. Greeting your pet with high pitched, excited tones when you get home will only serve to encourage his wild, wild ways. Keep everyone in the house calm, and your relaxed attitude will soon rub off on your four-legged friend! Wed, 27 Mar 2013 15:12:00 GMT http://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/wild-thing-petplan-pet-insurance-on-helping-overexcited-pets-calm-downhttp://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/nothing-to-cough-at-a-primer-on-pneumonia-from-petplan-pet-insurance Recently, my 2-year-old son had a runny nose, which turned into a cough, which quickly turned him into a feverish, lethargic child. A visit to the pediatrician revealed that what started out as a “minor” cold had morphed into pneumonia. While our pets aren’t prone to the colds that we occasionally suffer from, they do get pneumonia, and it turns out that the symptoms of pneumonia in dogs and cats are very similar to the ones that we experience, too. Cough, fever, decreased appetite and lethargy are pneumonia’s most common clinical signs in pets and humans alike. Pneumonia, like bronchitis, is a lung infection. But while bronchitis is the inflammation of the airways in the lungs, pneumonia should be thought of as an inflammation of the tissues surrounding those airways. Often, the two go hand in hand (or paw in paw, as the case may be), and when it does, we call it bronchopneumonia. Though a persistent cough is the hallmark of pneumonia, a coughing pet does not necessarily have pneumonia. Kennel cough causes a very distinct, very persistent cough, but very few cases actually progress to pneumonia. Pneumonia is more likely to be the culprit if a coughing patient has a history of megaesophagus, as well as kittens or adult cats with severe upper respiratory infection, or when coughing is accompanied by a fever. There are many types of pneumonia in dogs and cats. Here are some most commonly seen in our pets: Fungal: We’ve discussed examples of these kinds of pneumonias in the blog series on fungal pneumonias. Coccidioides and Cryptococcus are two common causes of fungal pneumonia. Viral: Canine distemper and canine influenza viruses can cause pneumonia, as can the viruses that cause feline upper respiratory infections. Parasitic: Lungworms are common culprits, as are other parasites that might migrate through the tissues of the lungs. Bacterial: Bacterial infections generally occur secondary to other causes, like the ones listed above or as in the case of pneumonia due to aspiration in patients with megaesophagus.  Treatment of pneumonia will depend on the underlying cause. Antibiotics are typically administered regardless, as bacterial infections are notorious for setting up shop while the immune system is busy fighting other viral or fungal invaders. Antibiotics can be given orally, though an IV catheter, or through a nebulizer. Nebulization of antibiotics allows them to be inhaled, where they do their work in the lungs themselves. Believe me when I tell you that I have now learned that I would choose to nebulize a wild cat over my 2-year-old son any day of the week! Pneumonia can run the gamut from mild to critical in terms of severity. Dogs and cats with mild cases will still eat and drink and can generally be managed at home. If you’re managing your pneumonia patient at home, you may find coupage to be helpful. Cupping your hand and gently patting your dog or cat’s chest will help dislodge respiratory secretions, making coughing more productive. Some patients with more severe cases will require hospitalization for IV fluids and antibiotics, while the most severe cases will need oxygen therapy and intensive care in the hospital. These medical therapies can add up over time, causing potential financial stress on top of the stress of worrying about your sick pet. Pet health insurance can ease those worries and take finances out of the equation. Mon, 25 Mar 2013 13:13:06 GMT http://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/nothing-to-cough-at-a-primer-on-pneumonia-from-petplan-pet-insurancehttp://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/petplan-pet-insurance-on-deafness-in-pets Having covered pet blindness in a previous blog, today I'm following up with a blog dedicated to deafness in our furry friends, as the two issues are somewhat linked as far as pet parent worries are concerned. Living with a deaf pet has its challenges (as does living with hearing ones!), but none are so great that they can’t be overcome.   Deafness is the inability of a dog or cat to perceive sound. There are a couple of ways to classify deafness in our pets:   Inherited Acquired Conductive Sensorineural   The first two classifications refer to HOW the deafness occurs, and the second two refer to WHY it occurs, physically. Some pets, like some pet parents, are deaf from birth, having inherited it through genetics (due to breed or lineage). Others are born able to hear and become deaf as a result of illness, toxins or age. Conductive hearing loss    Now on to the WHY: Conductive hearing loss means sound is not being “conducted” through the eardrum – it is a lack of transmission of sound through the eardrum or the tiny bones of the inner ear. It can occur secondary to ear infections (either of the middle or inner ear), which cause fluid buildup in the ear canal. Masses, such as tumors or polyps, can also prevent transmission of sound waves through the ear drum. Less commonly, conductive hearing loss can be a congenital problem, occurring due to the incomplete formation of the external ear or malformation of the bones in the ear. Sensorineural deafness   Sensorineural hearing loss occurs because of abnormalities with the nerves serving the ear or with the higher brain centers, and it can be acquired or inherited. Acquired sensorineural deafness can occur through the use of drugs that are ototoxic (or harmful to the ear), chronic exposure to loud noises, hypothyroidism, trauma and neoplasia. Age-related hearing loss is also considered sensorineural.   Cases of congenital (inherited) sensorineural deafness are often associated with merle, dapple or white coats in dogs. Cats with white coats and blue eyes are more often affected than their pigmented counterparts. Understanding deafness in pets   Recognizing deafness in our pets may prove difficult, because they often show no obvious signs. This is especially true in pets who have been deaf since birth. Puppies and kittens that are born deaf may be hard to rouse from sleeping, and may vocalize louder than their littermates. They may also play more aggressively, as they can’t hear their littermate’s cries if they play too rough. Pets that become deaf may have a history of ear infections or previous use of ototoxic drugs.   Any dog can have congenital deafness, but several breeds of are predisposed. As we already discussed, dogs with merle or dapple coats (like Collies, Dachshunds, Great Danes and Shetland Sheepdogs) are more often deaf. The long list of other breeds that are predisposed includes Bulldogs, Old English Sheepdogs, Bull Terriers, Cocker Spaniels, Border Collies, Beagles, Foxhounds and Fox Terriers.    Testing for deafness is often done in puppies of predisposed breeds. This is done using a BAER (brain stem auditory evoked response) test. Electrodes are placed on the pet’s head to record a response to an auditory stimulus. BAER testing is generally performed at a referral facility and is usually not pursued in cases of suspected deafness in older dogs.    Adjusting to life with a deaf pet There is no treatment for deafness, nor is treatment really necessary. Dogs and cats live perfectly happy lives without their hearing, though their environment should be modified accordingly. Leash walking and fenced-in yards should be favored over off-leash walks, since your dog will not hear your calls to “come.” Also make sure to note that your pet is deaf on his or her name tag, so that if she does get separated from you, those who find her will know she’s deaf.   Obedience training may be a little more difficult than in a hearing dog, but teaching hand signals over vocal commands and the use of vibrations will help tremendously. Working together with your deaf pet will only strengthen your bond.  Wed, 20 Mar 2013 15:02:40 GMT http://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/petplan-pet-insurance-on-deafness-in-petshttp://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/petplan-pet-insurance-kennel-cough It’s hard to think about spring break with winter weather still affecting most of us, but it is right around the corner. If you’re traveling during these approaching warmer months and you can’t bring your furry family members with you, you may need to board them. Before you do, you’ll want to check your dog’s vaccine records and get them caught up on any required vaccinations, especially if they are due for the vaccine that guards against today’s blog topic – kennel cough.   The medical term for kennel cough is infectious tracheobronchitis, which describes what it is: a highly contagious infection of the upper airways that causes a characteristic and persistent “goose honking” cough, which may be followed by gagging or wretching. Typically, your dog will start to cough about a week to 10 days after having been exposed. Because it is so highly contagious, dogs can be exposed in kennels while boarding (hence the name), at the groomers, or in any other area populated by lots of other dogs.   There are many causative agents in the kennel cough complex. Bacteria, like Bordetella bronchiseptica, and viruses, like parainfluenza and adenovirus, are most often to blame. Kennel cough is transmitted in respiratory excretions, so all of that coughing spreads the organisms quite well.   Usually, cases of kennel cough are mild. So mild, in fact, that many veterinarians don’t even prescribe antibiotics for it. Occasionally, when the cough is so bad that it interferes with your dog’s eating or sleeping (or your sleeping!), cough suppressants are recommended. The symptoms generally subside on their own in a week or two.   Sadly, however, sometimes kennel cough can be quite serious. In dogs with compromised immune systems and young puppies, kennel cough can turn into life-threatening pneumonia. These unfortunate animals will need to be hospitalized for treatment with antibiotics, nebulization and fluids. Despite veterinarians’ best efforts, we do sometimes lose severely affected patients.   Vaccines against kennel cough are available and are universally recommended for dogs who go to a groomer or kennel. Though no vaccine is 100% effective, the Bordetella, parainfluenza and infectious canine adenovirus vaccines go a long way in both minimizing the occurrence of disease and the severity of clinical signs if contracted. Most boarding facilities and groomers will require this vaccine before your pet can stay with them. An injectable vaccine and an intranasal vaccine are available, and your vet probably has a preference. Just be sure to get your pet vaccinated at least five days prior to his stay for maximum efficacy.  Tue, 19 Mar 2013 15:20:56 GMT http://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/petplan-pet-insurance-kennel-coughhttp://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/petplan-pet-insurance-canned-cat-food When it comes to feeding our feline friends, many veterinarians are now recommending a diet consisting wholly of canned food, as opposed to dry kibble. As carnivores, cats aren’t built to handle a carbohydrate-heavy diet; wild cats tend to eat eight to ten small, high protein/low carbohydrate meals a day, usually in the form of small prey like mice and birds.  The dry kibble we feed our cats seems to be in direct opposition to the food wild cats eat (and thrive on). For one, dry kibble is high in carbohydrates. While they help the food stay in pellet form, these excess carbohydrates contribute to feline obesity. A low-carbohydrate diet is ideal, particularly for diabetic patients, whose daily caloric intake should be only 7-10% carbohydrates. Another difference is that the water content of dry kibble is just too low for our cats.  Patients with kidney disease or those with chronic cystitis need as much water as they can get, and dry food just doesn’t cut it for these guys.  But even healthy cats could stand to be better hydrated. A canned food diet is appropriate for all cats, but it might take some getting used to at first. Cats develop strong food preferences as kittens, sometimes even rejecting food for being the “wrong” kibble shape. Cats who have been fed dry kibble their whole lives may balk at the notion of eating canned food, because they may not even perceive it as food at all.  If you’re one of the lucky ones with a cat who will eat anything, gradually phase in wet food over a week while decreasing the dry kibble concurrently.  If you are one of the unlucky people with a finicky cat, read on. Transitioning a picky eater to a canned food diet is a lesson in patience. The switch may take weeks, or even months, so buckle up. If you’re free feeding your cat (or leaving food down all day), pick it up; it’s best to establish meal times to make the switch to wet food.  Feeding two to three times a day is best, and many people feel that every 12 hours suits their schedules.  Offer your cat half of his daily ration of food every 12 hours.  If he’s been free fed, you might not know what his normal ration actually is.  In general, cats need 150-250 calories a day, so preparing a 100 calorie meal twice a day is probably sufficient.  However, if your cat is unusually large or unusually small, talk to your veterinarian about what his daily caloric intake should be.  Establishing meal times lets your cat develop hunger, which will work to our advantage.  Leave the food down for twenty to thirty minutes and then pick it up.  Meal time is now over.  If your cat pesters you for food in between meals, resist the temptation to feed him!  He can wait until the next meal is served.  Once meal times are established, try offering canned food instead of dry. By the time meal time comes, your cat may be hungry enough to try it. If not, try mixing kibble and wet food to see if he’ll bite. If not, pick up the food and offer it again in a couple of hours.  Maybe he’ll be hungry enough then.  It is important to note here that it is never appropriate to starve a cat or allow him to go without food for 24 hours.  We’ve talked about the condition called hepatic lipidosis before--starvation can quickly lead to this condition, which can be life threatening.  If your cat has refused canned food for 18 hours, feed him his dry ration and try again the next day with wet food. Some other tips of the trade: Try petting your cat prior to feeding him.  In some cats, petting will stimulate the appetite. Exercise your pet prior to feeding him to stimulate his appetite. Sprinkle canned tuna over the wet food to entice your cat to eat it initially. Slowly phase the tuna out once the wet food is accepted. Try feeding meat flavored baby foods initially. For some cats, it is the texture of canned food that throws them off.  The pureed form of baby food can help with this. Above all else, have patience.  Know that the transition to wet food will be worth it in the long run, paying off in your pet’s shrinking waistline and lengthening lifespan. Mon, 18 Mar 2013 13:06:59 GMT http://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/petplan-pet-insurance-canned-cat-foodhttp://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/petplan-pet-insurance-investigates-insulinoma We’ve talked about the important role that the pancreas plays in the body before, but it’s been a while, so here’s a little refresher before we get to the subject at hand. The pancreas is a delicate, pinkish organ that lives right next to the stomach. It is responsible for the production of insulin, which regulates blood sugar, as well as the production of the enzymes we use to digest our food. I’ve covered both of these roles in blogs that touched on diabetes and exocrine pancreatic insufficiency (EPI). Today we’re going to address another malady of the pancreas: the insulinoma. The cells that produce insulin are called beta cells, and just like any other cell in the body, they can become cancerous. Cancer of the beta cells is called an insulinoma, as it leads to the production of large amounts of insulin. Insulin controls the blood sugar and is normally closely regulated by the body. Insulinomas, however, are not under this regulation, and the overproduction of insulin can lead to life threatening hypoglycemia (low blood sugar). Signs of an insulinoma are mostly due to hypoglycemia, which will cause weakness, trembling, mental dullness, staggering (as if in a drunken state), and seizures. Usually these clinical signs lessen after ingestion of a meal. Diagnosis is a multi-step process. Routine blood work will show low glucose levels during a hypoglycemic event, but causes other than insulinomas will need to be ruled out first.  Hypoglycemia can occur in toy breeds, in cases of diabetics who have gotten an insulin overdose, in cases of starvation, and in pregnant females who are having trouble in labor. Hypoadrenocorticism (or Addison’s disease) can also cause hypoglycemia, so additional blood tests may be warranted to rule out this condition. The insulin level present in the blood will aid in the diagnosis of an insulinoma, but it must be measured during a hypoglycemic event. A high insulin level at the time of a low blood sugar event is highly suggestive of an insulinoma. An ultrasound of the pancreas will allow your veterinarian to visualize the tumor. Unfortunately, most insulinomas are malignant, but surgery is still helpful if the tumor has not spread, a cost that your Petplan pet insurance policy can help mitigate. Any surgery involving the pancreas is risky due to its delicate nature, but in these cases it is worth it – 50% of dogs have normal blood sugars for a year after surgery. If surgical treatment is not feasible, there are multiple medical options: Diet: feeding frequent small meals will combat low blood sugar episodes. Oral medications can suppress insulin secretion. Sugar supplements (Karo syrup or Nutrical) given during hypoglycemic episodes will help clinical signs. Once diagnosed, it is important to monitor your pet for the signs of hypoglycemia and respond appropriately, either by feeding a small meal, or by giving a sugar supplement.  Be sure to inform your pet’s other caregivers (pet sitter or grooming facility) of this condition as well.   Thu, 14 Mar 2013 16:23:04 GMT http://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/petplan-pet-insurance-investigates-insulinomahttp://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/petplan-pet-insurance-on-salmon-poisoning-in-dogs Let’s begin with a little story… While out on a hike along the Oregon coast, Bailey, the most lovable canine companion a person has ever met, bounded ahead of his parents and was playing in the surf.  By the time Bailey’s parents caught up to him, he had found some leftover goodies from a fisherman’s catch of the day.  Namely, Bailey was paw deep in leftover fish parts, and boy did they taste good to him!  Bailey’s parents discouraged him from taking another savory bite, and they all went along their merry way.  Bailey’s parents didn’t think twice about his mid-afternoon snack, until about a week later… Bailey woke his parents up in the middle of the night experiencing profuse diarrhea (his parents even saw some blood), vomiting and boy did he seem to be burning up!  Bailey had been a little off the last couple of days, but they hadn’t thought too much about it until this moment. They rushed him to the nearest emergency clinic, and that’s when everything became a little clearer. While the staff took Bailey in the back to draw his blood, start an IV catheter and fluids, Bailey’s parents tried to answer all the history questions the vet was asking.  When the vet asked, “Has Bailey gotten into anything unusual lately?”  his parents remembered their hike a week earlier and informed the vet that Bailey had indeed eaten an unknown quantity of raw fish parts.  At this point, the vet informed Bailey’s parents that he was concerned that Bailey might be suffering from salmon poisoning. Salmon poisoning is a bit of a misnomer.  It is actually an infection cause by a rickettsial organism by the name of Neorickettsia helminthoeca. Tongue twister, isn’t it? For ease of conversation, let’s just call him “Neo” from now on. The organism actually lives in a trematode (also known as a fluke) by the name of Nanophyetus salmincola. As far as we know, the fluke itself is not harmful to dogs, but if it is carrying Neo, it can be bad news for the unfortunate canine (Bailey in our story) that comes along and eats the fish (that ate the snail, containing the fluke, that harbored the rickettsia).  Salmon poisoning is a disease associated most commonly with the Pacific Northwest, as this is where the snail that carries Neo has set up residence.  Neo has a complicated life cycle, but once he is ingested by a dog, the subsequent disease process is a little more straightforward.  Usually within five to seven days (although it can sometimes be longer), clinical signs associated with the disease will start rearing their ugly heads.  These signs can include vomiting, diarrhea (sometimes with blood), lethargy, fever and almost always a pronounced lymphadenopathy (swollen lymph nodes).  As in most diseases, dogs can experience all or some of these signs, and as you can see, the signs themselves are not that specific. The most important piece of the puzzle is the history of ingesting raw fish (geographical location is also important).  If salmon poisoning is suspected, your vet will likely run bloodwork, run a fecal to check for fluke eggs, and possibly do an aspirate of one or more of the lymph nodes.  Your vet will also want to hospitalize your dog to provide fluid therapy, antibiotics, antiemetics, antidiarrheals, supportive care and in some cases blood transfusions.  This is a life-threatening disease if left untreated, but fortunately pets respond very well to therapy if instituted in a timely manner.  Now, back to our story… After spending a week in the hospital, Bailey recovered beautifully and was able to go home. It wasn’t long before he was back on the coast surfing the waves. But don’t worry – his parents had learned their lesson, and Bailey was no longer permitted any mid-afternoon raw fish snacks. Although this story sounds a little cheesy, over the past week there have been two cases just like this that have been brought to my attention.  Fortunately, both of the cases were covered by dog insurance policies from Petplan, which covered close to $4,000 for one case, and $3,000 for the other, to help pet parents with the costs of treatment.  Salmon poisoning is an unexpected illness, and as you can see, the cost of caring for these unexpected illnesses can be very high. But with a little knowledge and prevention – and some help from Petplan – you can help your pets steer clear of a fishy situation. To more waggin’ and purrin’, rwkj Mon, 11 Mar 2013 12:58:48 GMT http://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/petplan-pet-insurance-on-salmon-poisoning-in-dogshttp://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/petplan-pet-insurance-cherry-eye-in-pets Our furry family members differ anatomically from us in many, many ways. Some of these are super obvious (they are covered in fur with long, slobbery tongues, for one), while others are not so easy to spot. Take, for instance, our pet’s eyes. Like us, they have an upper and lower eyelid. However, if you look closely, you may be able to see a difference in our eyes, as our pets actually have a third eyelid. The third eyelid, also called a nictitating membrane, sweeps across the eye horizontally from its origin at the inside corner of the eye. In addition to protecting the eye, it also helps to keep it moist. In the healthy eye, the third eyelid is rarely noticeable.  What is Cherry Eye? The third eyelid makes its most obvious appearance in the condition commonly known as “cherry eye.” A cherry eye is a prolapse of the gland of the third eyelid, and it has earned its nickname by resembling a cherry pit. When the gland of the third eyelid prolapses, the result is a round pink protrusion at the inside corner of the eye. While cherry eyes can occur in cats, it is much more common in dogs. Any dog breed can get cherry eyes, including mixed breeds, but the most commonly affected breeds are Beagles, Cocker Spaniels, Pekingese, Lhasa Apsos, Boston Terriers, and English Bulldogs. The clinical signs of a cherry eye are obvious; you will easily see the protrusion of the gland of the third eyelid at the corner of your pet’s eye. In general, cherry eyes are painless, though they may lead to bacterial infections or ocular discharge. Cherry eyes can occur in one or both eyes, though they rarely affect both eyes at the same time.  They occur spontaneously and may start intermittently (or come and go) or they may prolapse and remain so indefinitely. Cherry Eye Treatment The treatment of cherry eyes has evolved over the years. Historically, the cherry eye was just cut out, but this technique has fallen heavily out of favor. Removal of the gland of the third eyelid may lead to reduced tear production, which may in turn lead to keratoconjunctivitis (KCS), or dry eye. KCS requires lifelong treatment and may lead to blindness. The current treatment options center on correcting the condition rather than removing it.  The gland of the third eyelid is surgically replaced in its correct position and either anchored down or secured in a “pocket” made from existing tissues. Both methods are relatively easy to perform with very few side effects and can be covered by a dog insurance or cat insurance policy from Petplan pet insurance. Prior to surgery, your veterinarian may prescribe topical anti-inflammatories in the form of eye drops to try to reduce the size of the cherry eye. Post-operatively, you can expect your pet to need to wear the dreaded “cone of shame” (or e-collar) until her eye is healed so that she cannot delay her healing by scratching at it. Luckily, your pet’s recovery time will be short in duration. During this time, you should be on the lookout for any abnormalities. Squinting, excess discharge, and apparent pain should all be brought to your veterinarian’s attention during the post-operative period. Fri, 08 Mar 2013 11:36:09 GMT http://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/petplan-pet-insurance-cherry-eye-in-petshttp://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/in-the-dark-petplan-pet-insurance-on-blindness-in-pets Blindness is not uncommon in the world of our companion animals. Dogs and cats both can be affected by blindness, and in turn, so too are we as their owners. In fact, I think sometimes it is the owners who have the hardest time with pet blindness! I have counseled many a pet owner through their pet’s transition to blindness, and am happy to report that after an initial “settling in,” everyone continues life in much the same way as they used to. Remember, though sight is important, the senses of hearing and smell are much more useful to our pets. Blindness occurs for many reasons in pets. Some pets are born blind, while others come to it later in life. Countless medical conditions cause or contribute to blindness, including: Glaucoma High blood pressure Sudden acquire retinal degeneration (SARDS) Retinal dysplasia Cataracts Keratoconjunctivitis sicca (KCS), or dry eye Each dog or cat will deal with blindness differently, just as their unique personalities lead them to deal with everything in life differently. Several factors play a role in how they react to their blindness: Age: Some pets are born blind and some acquire blindness later in life. A pet’s age at blindness shapes the way they react.  Health: General health at the time of blindness plays a role in a pet’s response to blindness. Older dogs may also suffer from cognitive dysfunction, making blindness all the more confusing. Onset of blindness: Certainly whether blindness was sudden or gradual changes our pet’s reaction to it.  Personality: Is your pet naturally bold or timid? Nervous or confident? These personality traits should be considered when helping him cope with blindness. Consider your pet as an individual as you guide each other through the tribulations that blindness may bring. The following tips may help: Make your home safe for your blind pet. Get down on your hands and knees to look for trouble spots. Getting a “pet’s eye view” of the home can alert you to potential hazards to blind animals. Gate off the stairs. It’s likely that your pet will avoid the stairs anyway, because he remembers where they are from his sighted days, but it’s best to avoid an accidental tumble when we can. Make a “home base” for your pet. Include a soft bed, food and water, and a crate. Also include a litter box if you’re dealing with a cat. Make sure your pet knows where this safe haven is. Keep your pet’s surroundings as constant as possible. Do your best to not rearrange the furniture--your pet relies a lot on memory to navigate through the house.  Resist the urge to carry cats and small dogs. They need to learn how to cope on their own. Similarly, try not to coddle your blind pets excessively. Some reassurance is fine, of course, but don’t allow them to become dependent on you for their every whim. I do not mean to minimize the impact that blindness may have on our pets. Some pets fare better than others initially. Depression, changes in eating or sleeping patterns, and personality changes are to be expected at first, but I think you’ll find that before you know it, life will be back to normal for you and your blind pet. Have you ever lived with a blind pet? Share your experience with us in the comments!  Thu, 07 Mar 2013 09:51:47 GMT http://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/in-the-dark-petplan-pet-insurance-on-blindness-in-petshttp://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/petplan-pet-insurance-lice-and-pets Nothing strikes more fear into the hearts of parents than a lice scare at their child’s school. I know this because I was recently one of those panic-stricken parents. Luckily, the outbreak was fairly contained and my son escaped unscathed, but it got me thinking about lice in cats and dogs. Though relatively uncommon in cats and dogs, our pets are not safe from external parasites like lice. Generally, it is a disease that affects animals who are housed in crowded, unkempt facilities or pets who are not closely monitored, like outdoor dogs who don’t get much human contact. However, lice can infest any dog or cat who comes into contact with it, so this blog is essential information for everyone to know. First, it is important to remember that lice are host-specific. This means that dog lice infest dogs, cat lice infest cats, and human lice infect humans. While a dog lice may find itself on a cat, it certainly won’t stay there for long. So, rest assured that if your child comes home from school with a few hitchhikers, your pets will be safe (although the same can’t be said for you!). Lice are flat, six legged insects with no wings. They can be seen with the naked eye, which makes diagnosis a snap. Infested pets will also have nits attached to their fur.  These nits are lice eggs, and a female can lay several eggs each day, so their numbers will be obvious. There is only one kind of louse that infects cats; a chewing louse that uses its claws or mandible to attach to the base of a hair. Dogs can get both a chewing louse and a sucking louse, which uses its needle like mouth parts to suck blood. Sucking lice are particularly dangerous to puppies, who may suffer from anemia when heavily infested. Lice are transmitted by direct contact with animals who are infested, or through contaminated bedding and grooming tools. Without a host, lice will die within 3 to 7 days.  As I mentioned, lice is easily diagnosed. You or your vet will notice both adult lice and nits upon examination of the skin and fur. Symptoms of lice include itching and a dry, patchy coat that may or may not have bald patches.  Luckily, there is very little insecticide resistance in lice. Upon diagnosis, your vet may give your pet an insecticide bath to kill adult lice and then apply a topical preparation, such as Frontline or Revolution. Generally, these treatments are recommended every two weeks for three or four treatments to cover the lice that will be hatching from their eggs. Your pet’s bedding should be disposed of or washed in very hot water. Lice tend to incite the heebie jeebies like no other parasite. In fact, in just writing this blog I’ve found myself scratching my head more than a few times! But, really, lice is not that big of a deal; it’s uncommon, easy to find, and easy to fix. I wish I could say the same for lots of other veterinary problems! Tue, 05 Mar 2013 15:20:12 GMT http://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/petplan-pet-insurance-lice-and-petshttp://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/petplan-pet-insurance-sago-palm-toxicity-in-dogs-and-cats Being a practicing veterinarian along the Northern East Coast states, I see a lot of certain diseases (like Lyme disease, for instance), but there’s one serious malady I am glad I don’t see very often: sago palm toxicity. Sago palms are popular landscape plants in regions that have sandy soils in tropical to subtropical climates (Florida, California, and Texas, I’m looking at you!). They can be houseplants, as well, and also come in a miniaturized bonsai form.  No matter the size or the location, make no mistake – these plants are deadly!  The toxin in sago palms is called cycasin, and it’s found in all parts of the plant, including the seeds, the fruit and the base. Its highest concentration is found in the seeds, which are easy to ingest. Dogs and cats (and horses) seem to find both the plant and seeds quite tasty and are not shy about chowing down. Once ingested, the seeds strike fast, and vomiting will begin quickly (usually within three hours of ingestion). This is followed by abdominal pain, diarrhea, depression, coma, and death over several hours to an agonizing few days. Sago palm quickly leads to protein loss through the gastrointestinal tract and acute liver failure. Disseminated intravascular coagulation (or DIC, for short) is a blood clotting disorder that can also occur, complicating treatment and contributing to the sago palm’s danger. Ingesting sago palm is life threatening. If you have reason to believe that your pet has eaten any part of the plant, seek veterinary help immediately! Once clinical signs are seen, a third of pets will die from the effects of sago palm’s toxins. If ingestion is recent, your veterinarian will likely try to induce vomiting to get rid of any sago palm material in the stomach before decontamination is attempted. Treatment should be aggressive whether ingestion was recent or not. Intravenous fluids, plasma transfusions, anti-nausea medications, and gastrointestinal protectants (like Pepcid) are all par for the course in treating sago palm toxicity, and can all be covered by your dog insurance or cat insurance from Petplan. Unfortunately, many pets will die despite aggressive treatments. Sago palms are just as toxic to humans, which is important to remember if you have little two legged creatures running amok in your home with your pets. If you have pets or children, just don’t take chances – make sago palms unwelcome houseplants and don’t include them in your landscaping! Mon, 04 Mar 2013 14:42:02 GMT http://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/petplan-pet-insurance-sago-palm-toxicity-in-dogs-and-catshttp://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/Petplan-pet-insurance-Tetralogy-of-Fallot Today we’re finishing up our February series on congenital heart conditions by taking a look at a rare complicated condition called Tetralogy of Fallot (TOF). The congenital condition can affect dogs or cats (or humans, for that matter – Olympic snowboarder Shaun White underwent two corrective surgeries before age 1 to correct the defect), but is more commonly seen in dogs.   The word “tetralogy” means “group of four,” so as its name implies, this condition consists of four separate anomalies that occur during fetal development.  They are:  1.  A large ventricular septal defect  2.  Pulmonic stenosis  3.  Overriding aorta 4.  Right ventricular hypertrophy  We’ve already covered what happens in the cases of large ventricular septal defects and pulmonic stenosis, so you’re an expert on these already. But let’s take a closer look at the other two elements of the tetralogy.  Overriding aorta Usually, the aorta is attached to the left side of the heart, where it receives and delivers oxygenated blood to the tissues of the body. When an overriding aorta is present, it is misaligned. Instead, some amount of the aorta is positioned over either the ventricular septal defect or over the right side of the heart.   Right ventricular hypertrophy The muscles of the right heart become enlarged (or hypertrophied), making it difficult for them to function properly. Right ventricular hypertrophy is now thought to be caused by the pulmonic stenosis that is present in cases of TOF.   The end result of all of defects that make up the TOF is that poorly oxygenated blood is circulated throughout the body. The following breeds have a predilection for the development of TOF:   Keeshonds Poodles German Shepherds Fox Terriers Boxers Schnauzers   Symptoms are due to the circulation of oxygen poor blood. Cyanosis (or a blueish tinge to the gums and other mucous membranes), weakness, decreased exercise intolerance and failure to thrive are the most noticeable symptoms.   Tetralogy of Fallot may be suspected when your veterinarian hears a heart murmur while examining your puppy or kitten. Many things can cause heart murmurs, so don’t fret if your pet has been diagnosed with one. When a heart murmur occurs with other clinical signs like blueish mucous membranes and weakness, however, suspicion for a serious condition rises. X-rays and an echocardiogram will help your veterinarian or veterinary cardiologist make a definitive diagnosis of TOF.   Unfortunately, there are few specific treatment options for patients with TOF. In human pediatric medicine, surgeries are performed to correct the cardiac anomalies, but in veterinary medicine these surgeries are simply not practical (with the exception of balloon valvuloplasty to address pulmonic stenosis). Instead, we rely on medical therapy, such as the beta blockers mentioned in previous blogs. Thankfully, TOF is relatively uncommon, even in the breeds mentioned above, but should your pet develop a congenital heart problem, Petplan pet insurance can help you manage the costs of caring. Thu, 28 Feb 2013 17:01:53 GMT http://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/Petplan-pet-insurance-Tetralogy-of-Fallothttp://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/petplan-pet-insurance-investigates-feline-hyperesthesia-syndrome When it comes to my two cats, Joe and Charlie, they are both crazy in their own ways, but Charlie takes the cake for being nearly certifiable. She spends most of the 24 hours of the day asleep, of course, but when she’s awake, watch out! She’s the kind of cat who is never satisfied with her position in the house. You can tell by the way she suddenly jumps up and high-tails it to the stairs, pulling the old Fred Flintstone move just trying to get traction on the hardwood floors. After she finally makes it up the stairs, you can hear her tearing through the house as if she’s seeing ghosts.    This kind of “I need to be in another room NOW!” activity is somewhat common in cats, so Charlie shouldn’t feel alone in her craziness. But some cats suffer from a condition called feline hyperesthesia syndrome that takes this odd behavior to new, uncomfortable levels.   Feline hyperesthesia syndrome goes by many names, including rolling skin disease and fittingly, twitchy cat disease.  It’s an uncommon compulsive disorder that tends to start in cats who are between the ages of one and four years old.  Oriental breeds, such as Siamese, Abyssinians, Persians, and Burmese cats are more often affected.    Cats with feline hyperesthesia syndrome have bouts of skin twitches, as if they are uncomfortable.  Often, this leads to vocalization and tail or flank biting. Excessive grooming goes hand in hand with feline hyperesthesia syndrome and is often so severe that skin sores develop. Barbering of the hair is quite common as well as these kitties try to quiet their discomfort.    During an episode, affected cats are in distress, with wide, wild pupils. They don’t want to be touched and may race around the room. Severe cases suffer from apparent hallucinations. Episodes may be as short as a few seconds or as long as a few excruciating minutes.   These cats present a challenge to veterinarians, as the underlying cause may be physical or behavioral.  Unfortunately, there is no one test for feline hyperesthesia syndrome.  It’s a diagnosis of exclusion, meaning that we have to rule out everything else before we can diagnose it.    Diagnosis, therefore, will start by ruling out skin disease. One really important thing that I have learned in my years of being a vet is that itchy cats are crazy cats. Cats just HATE being itchy! So, fleas, mites, atopy and food allergies all have to be ruled out. All of these things can make cats itchy, causing major discomfort and possibly bringing out the tendency to overgroom.    Neurologic disease and spinal pain must also be ruled out. Thorough veterinarians will want to perform a full exam, including a neurologic exam, as well as X-rays and blood work before diagnosing feline hyperesthesia syndrome.   Treatment depends on the underlying cause. Some cases seem to be tied to emotional stress (like that stemming from the addition of a new pet or human to the household). Environmental modification and enrichment can help these cats. Medical options include anti-anxiety medications like Prozac or Elavil, anticonvulsant drugs, or corticosteroids for itch. Unfortunately, in many cases, medication will be lifelong. Having cat insurance from Petplan pet insurance can help you cope with the costs of caring for your cat during these times.    If your cat has an occasional episode of twitching, or runs out of the room like her tail is on fire every once in a while, don’t worry. But if these episodes start occurring more frequently or if your cat seems like she’s in real distress, please bring it to your veterinarian’s attention, as she could be suffering from feline hyperesthesia syndrome. Fri, 22 Feb 2013 13:12:32 GMT http://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/petplan-pet-insurance-investigates-feline-hyperesthesia-syndromehttp://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/anemia-and-petplan-pet-insurance In describing the symptoms of various diseases in these blogs, I occasionally mention anemia. In fact, we have a whole blog dedicated to one specific kind of anemia (immune-mediated hemolytic anemia). But I recently came to the realization that I have neglected to adequately explain anemia, what causes it and what to do about it! That, friends, is about to change.   Anemia occurs when the number of red blood cells in the body fall below normal. Because red blood cells are made up of hemoglobin, which carries oxygen, when red blood cell numbers are low, so is our pet’s (or our own!) hemoglobin level. And when hemoglobin levels are low, the oxygen-carrying capacity of the blood is also low, resulting in poor oxygenation of the tissues of the body.   Anemia can be classified as regenerative or non-regenerative.  These names are fairly descriptive in that with regenerative anemia, the bone marrow is working hard to pump out new red blood cells in an attempt to replace the missing ones, and with non-regenerative anemia, it’s not.   Regenerative anemia occurs either due to blood loss or an abnormal breakdown of red blood cells, called hemolysis, which happen for many reasons.  The most common reason is the aforementioned immune-mediated hemolytic anemia, but other causes include blood parasites like Babesia and Mycoplasma.   Blood loss may seem obvious, but it’s not always apparent. Obviously, traumatic external injuries that cause blood loss will be easy to spot, but some conditions result in chronic, low-level internal bleeding that pet parents may not notice. Gastric ulcers that cause bleeding are a good example, as are intestinal parasites that feed on our pet’s blood. External parasites like fleas and ticks also feed on our pet’s blood and have the potential to cause anemia, especially in young pets. In many cases, the anemia only becomes apparent when it is severe enough to cause lethargy in our pets.    Non-regenerative anemia occurs when the bone marrow fails to respond to an anemic condition.  Sometimes the bone marrow simply does not make red blood cells, and sometimes the red blood cells it makes are abnormal and therefore not released into circulation.    Clinical signs of anemia include pale gums, lethargy, exercise intolerance and labored breathing.  The diagnosis of anemia is made by running blood tests to check the level of red blood cells, but these tests do little to determine the underlying cause of the anemia. A thorough exam coupled with other diagnostics like blood tests, X-rays and possibly bone marrow aspirates will start the ball rolling on discovering the underlying cause.   The treatment of anemia is as varied as its causes. Severe cases will require blood transfusions while other diagnostics are being performed. Once a cause is found, it may be several days to weeks before your pet is feeling back to her old self as her red blood cell levels rebound.    Anemia can be a costly condition. Even those cases with an obvious cause, like fleas, may need hospitalization for oxygen therapy or blood transfusions. The cost of possible further diagnostics only adds to the stress of an emergency visit with a sick pet. It’s at times like these that pet health insurance comes in the most handy. Without financial constraints, you can focus on the task at hand – getting your pet well. Thu, 21 Feb 2013 13:53:54 GMT http://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/anemia-and-petplan-pet-insurancehttp://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/petplan-pet-insurance-on-pets-and-grief Anyone who has ever looked into their pet’s eyes at a moment of sadness, worry or fear has no doubt that our pets are capable of experiencing empathy. You need only one quick glimpse of dog who has his owner’s sole attention while playing a game of fetch to know that dogs are capable of joy. It should be no surprise, then, that pets can feel grief at the loss of a loved one just as we do. Grief has been observed in many wild species following the death of a mate, offspring or pack-mate. Chimpanzees and gorillas (our fellow primates) have visibly grieved the loss of a companion or child by crying out, rejecting food and refusing to leave their dead companion’s side. Similar behaviors have been seen in elephants, who appear to shed tears as they caress the bones of lost friends in elephant graveyards. Whether primate or pachyderm, animal grief is real. If you need proof of companion animal grief, you need only look to Hawkeye, the faithful Labrador Retriever who lost his beloved owner, Navy SEAL Jon Tumilson. If you have seen the image of Hawkeye lying at his owner’s casket through the night, I’m sure that, like me, you shed a few tears in response to Hawkeye’s grief.  It is clear that pets grieve, whether they lose a human companion or a fellow pet companion. But just as with any other personality trait, different pets will grieve in different ways. The death of a family member – whether human or animal – causes stress to both you and your pet, and seeing your pet grieve can cause extra heartbreak on top of the grief you already feel having lost a companion yourself. Try to remember that the grief will eventually lessen for you both as you struggle to get through your days together. Your pet’s loss is stressful to him. Not only has his environment changed in the loss of a favorite companion, but the whole family dynamic has shifted. He may have lost a pack leader, and this will likely make him feel uneasy on top of his grief.  Here are a few tips to help your pet get through his mourning period: Keep the schedule as normal as possible. It will lessen stress if your pet knows what to expect for the day. This includes feeding times as well as the times when your pet will be alone. If the amount of time the pet spends alone will change drastically, consider doggy day care or some other form of companionship during the day to give your pet a sense of security during this difficult time. Emerge as a new pack leader. Dogs need rules and boundaries, and it is up to you to enforce these rules to allow your dog to feel confident. Now is the time to brush up on your simple commands and practice training with your pet each day. Allow for extra bonding time between you and your pet. Take your dog with you on errands, or make time for extra walks. Spend a few minutes at the end of each day with your cat (if he’ll allow it), grooming or petting him. These trips and petting sessions will take your pet’s mind off of his grief and will allow the bond between the two of you to strengthen. If your pet has lost an animal companion, resist the urge to go out and try to find a new dog or cat to replace the lost pet. Just like us, our pets need time to get over their grief.  Support your pet, both emotionally and physically. Address medical concerns like changes in appetite or sleep patterns with your veterinarian. While it is not uncommon for our pets to go off of food in response to their grief, it is not healthy for that to continue, especially in cats. If you become concerned about your pet’s physical health, bring it up with your veterinarian immediately. Nip behavior problems in the bud. Bad behaviors that go unchecked can easily become the new normal.  If your pet is grieving, it is likely that you are, too. Perhaps the two of you will end up helping each other find your way out of grief and into a new stage of your lives together.   Wed, 20 Feb 2013 09:54:46 GMT http://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/petplan-pet-insurance-on-pets-and-griefhttp://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/congenital-heart-conditions-part-3-petplan-pet-insurance For this next blog on congenital cardiac conditions, we’ll focus on mitral valve dysplasia and ventricular septal defects.  Mitral valve dysplasia is not common in cats or dogs, but when it is seen, it is more likely to be seen in large breed dogs. The mitral valve is located in the left side of the heart, where it separates the two chambers of the left heart. In mitral valve dysplasia, the mitral valve is malformed and is unable to form a sufficient seal when closed. This allows blood to flow (or regurgitate) from the left ventricle into the left atrium, also known as mitral regurgitation.   Mitral regurgitation causes the heart to have to work harder, and like any muscle, when it works hard, it gets bigger. Enlarged heart muscles pump inefficiently and lose flexibility, resulting in decreased filling ability and poor function. Over time, mitral valve dysplasia will lead to congestive heart failure.    Mitral valve dysplasia is managed medically. At this time, mitral valve replacement is simply not feasible in pets.    Fortunately, mitral valve dysplasia is rare. Breeds that are overrepresented are: Bull terriers Dalmatians German Shepherds Golden Retrievers Great Danes Mastiffs, and Newfoundlands   Ventricular septal defects occur when the heart is being formed and are a result of the failure to close of the wall between the ventricles of the left and right heart. Simply put, a ventricular septal defect is a hole in the heart, allowing communication between the left and right heart. Most of these defects cause left to right shunting, similar to that seen in patients with a patent ductus arteriosis. The left heart is stronger than the right heart, so blood naturally flows through the defect from left to right when the heart contracts. For this reason, blood meant for the tissues of the body gets redirected to the lungs.   As is the case in any heart condition, when blood flow is disrupted, the heart has to work harder and eventually will start to fail. In the case of ventricular septal defects that shunt from left to right, the left heart will start to fail, leading to congestive heart failure.   When ventricular septal defects are very large, the two ventricles start to function as one, mixing blood from both the right and the left sides. This leads to enlargement (and eventual failure) of both sides of the heart.   Luckily, most ventricular septal defects are small, and in these cases, there are generally no signs of disease. Your veterinarian may hear a murmur and refer your pet for an echocardiogram, but chances are that your pet will lead a full, healthy life.    For more severe cases, congestive heart failure is managed medically. Surgical repair of the defect is rarely performed.   Stay tuned for our final blog on congenital heart defects, where we will examine a condition called Tetralogy of Fallot. Fri, 15 Feb 2013 12:10:44 GMT http://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/congenital-heart-conditions-part-3-petplan-pet-insurancehttp://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/patent-ductus-arteriosis-in-pets-petplan-pet-insurance We’re continuing our series on congenital heart conditions in pets with the most common congenital heart defect in dogs – a condition called Patent Ductus Arteriosis (or PDA, for short). Again, to understand how PDA affects our pets, it is helpful to get a short primer (this time on fetal mammals).   One of the heart’s functions is to pump blood to the lungs so that it can become oxygenated, but before a mammal is born, its lungs aren’t yet functional. Instead, the fetus gets oxygenated blood though the umbilical cord. Blood still pumps out of the heart, but it bypasses the lungs by way of a channel called the ductus arteriosis. The ductus arteriosis connects the pulmonary artery (which will one day carry blood to the lungs) with the aorta, which carries oxygenated blood to the tissues of the body.   After birth, the lungs begin to function, as evidenced by a baby’s first scream and a puppy or kitten’s first cry.  Blood begins to flow to the lungs at this time, and the ductus arteriosis should start to close. Typically, it closes within three to seven days, but if it fails to close, the affected animal will have a patent (or open) ductus arteriosis.   A patent ductus arteriosis causes blood to shunt from the left heart to the right heart. Blood from the left heart, which is meant to go on to the tissues of the body, ends up heading to the lungs instead. The heart has to work harder to do its job, and eventually this can lead to failure.   Weakness, coughing and respiratory trouble are all signs of heart failure, and about a quarter of puppies with PDAs will have some degree of heart failure at the time of diagnosis.   Breeds that have an increased incidence of PDA are: German Shepherds Miniature Poodles Keeshonds Cocker Spaniels Pomeranians Collies Shetland Sheepdogs   A PDA is first detected when your veterinarian hears a heart murmur when he or she listens to your pet’s chest. A heart murmur simply means that somewhere in the heart, there is turbulent blood flow.  Heart murmurs occur for many reasons, some of which are completely benign. Heart murmurs due to PDAs have a distinctive sound, so your veterinarian may suspect a PDA simply by listening your pet’s heart.   From there, X-rays and a cardiac ultrasound (echocardiogram) will be performed to assess heart size and confirm the PDA. Your veterinarian may want to refer you to a veterinary cardiologist for these tests.   Once confirmed, a patent ductus arteriosis should be corrected. Without treatment, two-thirds of pets will die before their first birthday. Correction of a PDA can either be done by surgically ligating (or tying off) the ductus arteriosis, or by a procedure called a coil embolization, in which a tiny coil is placed in the ductus arteriosis to block it.   Though these surgeries sound frightening, when done by capable veterinary specialists, the prognosis is excellent. And if you have dog insurance from Petplan pet insurance, which can cover congenital heart conditions such as PDA, the costs of your pet's treatment can be reimbursed, allowing you to focus on your pet's recovery and aftercare instead of the costs.  Wed, 13 Feb 2013 12:17:42 GMT http://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/patent-ductus-arteriosis-in-pets-petplan-pet-insurancehttp://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/petplan-pet-insurance-on-congenital-heart-conditions-in-pets It’s February, and you know what that means – Valentine’s Day! Everywhere you go, you’ll likely be inundated with hearts, and the Petplan pet insurance Vets for Pets blog is no exception. For the next few blogs, we’ll focus on congenital heart conditions that can affect our furry friends, describing a few of the most common ones, along with their clinical signs and treatments.   But first, it’s helpful to know a little bit about the basic anatomy of the normal heart, which is the same for two- and four-legged family members.. You know it’s located almost in the center of the chest (slightly to the left) and you know that its function is to pump blood, but it’s the intricacies of the pumping that may leave you wondering. Well, wonder no more!   The heart is responsible for pumping oxygen-rich blood out to the tissues of the body, nourishing muscles and vital organs. It also has to pump blood that has already delivered oxygen back to the lungs to get re-oxygenated. To make this easier, the heart is basically divided into two parts – the left heart, and the right heart.   In the normal heart, the left side of the heart pumps fully oxygenated blood into the aorta, which delivers it to the body. The blood returns to the right side of the heart, which pumps it to the lungs to get oxygenated again. The blood then flows back into the left side, to be delivered to the body, and so on.   Once you understand how a normal heart works, it’s easier to see the problems that can occur when a heart has a congenital defect. Let’s start with two conditions involving stenosis (or narrowing) of the outflow tracts out of the heart.    Subaortic stenosis Subaortic stenosis is a narrowing around the aortic valve. As you may have guessed, this is the valve that lies between the left heart and the aorta. When the outlet is narrowed, it makes it difficult for blood to smoothly pass through it, which makes it a little more difficult for the heart to pump efficiently.  Overtime, as the left heart muscle has to work harder, it gets bigger and less flexible, causing a decrease in its pumping function as well as a decrease in its ability to properly fill with blood.   All of this can lead to fainting spells, arrhythmias and in some cases, sudden death, especially during exercise. As the left heart continues to grow, congestive heart failure can occur.   Breeds that are predisposed to subaortic stenosis include Golden Retrievers, Rottweilers, Newfoundlands, Great Danes, Boxers, German Shepherds and German Shorthair Pointers.   Pulmonic stenosis Pulmonic stenosis is a similar narrowing around the pulmonic valve, which is found in the right side of the heart. When it is narrowed, it restricts the blood that goes from the right heart to the lungs. Just like in subaortic stenosis, when the right heart has to work harder, the muscle gets thicker, making it more difficult to pump and fill efficiently.    Most cases of pulmonic stenosis are mild and are not concerning, however, in severe cases, affected pets will tire easily with exercise and may faint and have a bluish tinge to their gums due to poor oxygenation. About 30% of severe cases have sudden death.   Boxers and Bulldogs are prone to a particular type of pulmonic stenosis due to possible anomalies in the structures of their blood vessels. Other breeds that are prone to pulmonic stenosis are Beagles, Chihuahuas, Cocker Spaniels, West Highland White Terriers, Mastiffs, Miniature Schnauzers and Keeshonds.   Diagnosis & Treatment Pulmonic and aortic stenosis may first be suspected if your vet hears a murmur when he or she listens to your pet’s heart. X-rays may be taken to look for left- or right-sided heart enlargement or for other evidence of heart failure, such as fluid in the lungs. An ultrasound of the heart (echocardiogram) will measure the size of the heart chambers and the thickness of their walls and a definitive diagnosis of subaortic or pulmonic stenosis can be made from there.   Treatment of subaortic stenosis generally relies on medical therapy. Beta blockers keep the heart from racing, thereby avoiding some of the problems with abnormal heart rhythms and fainting. Surgical options exist, including trying to widen the stenosis with balloon valvuloplasty, but survival times are not drastically improved over just using beta blockers alone.    Unfortunately, there are no medications that specifically help pulmonic stenosis patients. However, most cases of pulmonic stenosis are mild and do not need to be treated. In severe cases, balloon valvuloplasty is preferred over other surgical options. In those more severe cases, treatment can become costly, so protecting your pet with Petplan pet insurance when she is healthy and free of heart trouble can give you the peace of mind that should trouble ever arise, you will be able to focus on her care, not the cost.    If you suspect your pet is having heart trouble, contact your vet immediately. In the next blog post, we’ll explore another congenital heart problem, Patent Ductus Arteriosis (PDA).  Mon, 11 Feb 2013 14:59:26 GMT http://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/petplan-pet-insurance-on-congenital-heart-conditions-in-petshttp://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/petplan-pet-insurance-presents-a-closer-look-at-hyperthyroidism-in-cats For our next discussion, let’s first paint a very brief picture: Imagine an older cat, a little cranky, thinner than he used to be, but with a great appetite. Perhaps he vomits or has diarrhea a little more frequently, and he isn’t grooming himself nearly as well as when he was younger. You notice that he is more likely to find that sunny spot in the window to warm himself, and maybe you are cleaning bigger or more numerous clumps out of his litter box…  Many of us would attribute these signs to old age, just being a cat, or perhaps we wouldn’t even notice these behaviors as being any different because they came on so gradually. Even more likely, your older cat may only be exhibiting one or two of these changes. What does it all mean? Well, as you can imagine, these are very non-specific signs (especially each on their own), but when we put them all together, with a thorough physical exam, we might find that we are dealing with hyperthyroidism.  What is hyperthyroidism? In short, it is the overproduction of thyroid hormones. It is a disease seen often in cats, particularly seniors over 10 years of age, but rarely in dogs (who are much more prone to the converse condition, hypothyroidism), so for today we’ll focus on our feline friends. Hyperthyroidism, in most cases, is relatively easy to diagnose and treat, and cats generally respond very well to treatment. (Here comes the however…) However, hyperthyroidism can lead to and hide a variety of other diseases, which can be more difficult to manage, and costly without the peace of mind of cat insurance from Petplan pet insurance. But let’s not get ahead of ourselves. Let’s first discuss hyperthyroidism itself, and then in the next blog we will discuss these associated diseases. As mentioned, hyperthyroidism is seen most commonly in older cats, and the clinical signs often include all or some of the following: Weight loss Ravenous appetite: These are the cats that suddenly start waking you up to feed them, or attack your ankles every time you walk by their food dish to “convince” you to give them another scoop-full. Unkempt hair coat: Remember when kitty had that beautiful, shiny, lustrous hair coat?  Now it’s greasy, clumpy, and brittle. Increased thirst (polydipsia)/increased urination (polyuria): Usually pet parents notice a water bowl that suddenly needs to be filled more often, or a litter box that has gotten heavier/needs to be scooped more frequently. GI upset: vomiting and/or diarrhea Heat intolerance:  These cats look for the warmest spot in the house Restlessness, aggression, nervousness Pet parents may not realize that there is anything out of the ordinary, because the signs can develop slowly over time. Oftentimes, these subtle changes are discovered at your cat’s annual wellness exam, and your veterinarian may notice one or more of the following during a physical examination (in addition to those changes noted above): Tachycardia (increased heart rate) Heart murmur that was never before appreciated Goiter (enlargement of the thyroid gland felt on palpation of your cat’s neck): This is oftentimes referred to as a “thyroid slip” Generalized muscle loss rthyroidism is with blood work. Your vet will likely recommend a chemistry panel, a complete blood count (CBC), and a T4 (thyroid hormone). Depending on these results, it may be necessary to add on another test, called a free T4, to more definitively diagnose hyperthyroidism. Don’t be surprised if your vet also recommends a urinalysis and takes blood pressure measurements (more on this next time). Fortunately, a diagnosis of hyperthyroidism is not, in itself, a cause for excessive worry. In an upcoming blog, we will discuss the treatment options your vet will likely discuss with you and the follow-up care you can expect. We will also discuss the aforementioned “other diseases” that hyperthyroidism can hide and/or cause. To more waggin’ and purrin’. rwkj Fri, 08 Feb 2013 10:30:27 GMT http://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/petplan-pet-insurance-presents-a-closer-look-at-hyperthyroidism-in-catshttp://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/petplan-pet-insurance-and-thyroid-carcinomas-in-pets Even though I’ve been out of veterinary school for (ahem) several years, there are a few patients from my clinical year that stand out, and whom I’ll never forget. One such patient was Clyde, a lovable brown mixed-breed dog, about the size and shape of a Beagle. Clyde came to the vet school for treatment because his regular veterinarian found a large lump in his neck, which ended up being a malignant tumor called a thyroid carcinoma.   We’ve talked about thyroid disease before, both in cats as hyperthyroidism, and in dogs as hypothyroidism. The thyroid glands are located in our pet’s neck, just below the larynx (or “voice box”). They produce the thyroid hormones that help regulate metabolism, which is why cats who are hyperthyroid are thin, and dogs with hypothyroidism tend to carry more than a few extra pounds.   Canine Carcinomas In dogs, thyroid carcinomas usually don’t cause any change in the amount of thyroid hormone produced by the thyroid gland, so it’s unlikely that these tumors will show up on blood work. In most cases, either the owner or the veterinarian feels a lump in the dog’s throat during a routine exam.    The average age of a dog when diagnosed with a malignant thyroid tumor is about 9 years old, and Boxers, Beagles and Golden Retrievers are more likely to be affected than other breeds.    Once a lump is found, a fine needle aspirate may be performed to obtain a small sample of the lump for analysis. In about 50% of cases, this will lead to an appropriate diagnosis of a malignant thyroid tumor. A more reliable way to diagnose thyroid carcinoma is to surgically remove the mass and submit it for biopsy. In dogs, however, these lumps tend to be very deeply attached to the surrounding tissue. Furthermore, thyroid carcinomas are highly vascular, meaning that they have a lot of blood vessels running in and out of them, and for that reason they can bleed quite readily during surgery. When a highly vascular structure is deeply attached to surrounding tissues, life-threatening blood loss is a concern during removal.    Another way to diagnose malignant thyroid tumors is by using nuclear medicine. A radioactive substance is introduced intravenously and attaches itself to the thyroid tumor. A scanning process called scintigraphy picks up on the areas of radiation, showing where the cancer resides. This is helpful in determining if the tumor has spread to the lungs or local lymph nodes.    For those tumors that cannot be surgically removed, other treatment options exist. Radiation, like that used for other cancers, can be pursued, though thyroid carcinomas are known to be slow to respond. Radiation is a huge time commitment, as it should be performed several times a week to be effective. In one study, radiation had a two-year survival time, compared to the 20-month survival time associated with surgery.   Finally, radioiodine treatment, like that used to treat hyperthyroid cats, has been shown to be effective in treating malignant thyroid tumors and stopping their spread. This is a non-invasive treatment, though your dog will need to stay at the facility for several days after therapy until their radiation emission is at a safe level. The average survival time for pets who undergo radioiodine treatment is around 30 months. While these treatments can be expensive for pet parents on a family budget, having dog insurance from Petplan pet insurance can help reimburse you for the costs and allow you to focus on the treatments and not the vet bills.   Feline Carcinomas In cats, thyroid tumors make the thyroid produce more thyroid hormone, mimicking hyperthyroidism. This can make malignant tumors more difficult to diagnose, because benign hyperthyroidism is relatively common in older cats. About 5% of hyperthyroid cats will have thyroid carcinoma. In cats, thyroid carcinomas tend less likely to be deeply attached to surrounding tissues, so surgical removal is a more reliable treatment choice. Of course, radioiodine treatment can also be performed in our feline friends to control the spread of the tumor. In this case also, having cat insurance can open the financial doors for your pet to receive the best treatment possible.   I still think of Clyde from time to time, and though he’s no longer around, I’ll never forget the important lessons he taught me, both through his disease and his wonderful disposition. Have you ever had a pet with a thyroid carcinoma? Share your experience with us in the comments.  Wed, 06 Feb 2013 13:16:14 GMT http://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/petplan-pet-insurance-and-thyroid-carcinomas-in-petshttp://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/petplan-pet-insurance-submissive-urination-in-dogs While it is generally a good thing when your pet views you as the leader of the pack, this can sometimes lead to undesirable behaviors, especially in timid dogs. Submissive urination is one of the unfortunate side-effects, but luckily, the behavior can be relatively easy to fix. Submissive urination often occurs in puppies, but can persist into adulthood. It happens when the pet is frightened or insecure, or when greeted or picked up. It’s not a housebreaking issue; submissive urination is your pup’s way of accepting you as the top dog. In packs of wild dogs, submission is shown by rolling over and urinating, and it is in this way that your dog is conceding that you are dominant.  Thankfully, most puppies will outgrow submissive urination. Keep in mind, though, that submissive urination is not the same thing as excitement urination, which can occur throughout your dog’s life if not addressed. The key to stopping submissive urination is to recognize that it’s the behavior of an insecure pup. Using might or force to try to correct the problem will frighten your pet and will only make it worse. Instead, training the timid dog needs to center on positive reinforcement - even when you are correcting unwanted behavior. Never punish your dog for submissive urination, because it is an uncontrollable instinct. When you first come home, greet your dog very calmly. Don’t use an excited tone, and don’t make eye contact or bend over your pet, which are activities that your dog will perceive as dominant. In fact, the best course of action is to just ignore your pet’s excited greeting and get him outside immediately (yet calmly). After he has done his business, you can then greet him, praising him for doing a good job. Young puppies may not fully understand what praise is, so it may be helpful to use small treats in conjunction with praise to get your point across. If submissive urination is occurring at other times, try stopping your pet in her tracks to curb the behavior. If you can predict what kind of events generally lead to submissive urination, you may be able to head it off. While it is best to avoid the kinds of situations that lead to submissive urination, this is not always practical. Just do your best to remain non-threatening to your pet. Avoid eye contact and crouch down next to your dog rather than bending over him when interacting or petting him. You’ll also find it helpful to work on boosting your timid dog’s confidence. Teach your dog basic obedience commands, such as “sit” and “stay”. Dogs love having jobs, and to them, simple things like being put in a “Sit-Stay” are considered jobs to them and bolster their confidence. Timid dogs can be a challenge to train because of their sensitivity. Remember to center your training on positive reinforcement. If your dog just seems too timid, talk to your veterinarian about the possibility of using behavior medications to facilitate early training. Submissive urination is a frustrating behavior, but it not impossible to correct. Luckily, most puppies outgrow it with a little time and encouragement. Your best bet for beating it is, in the words of the old British morale-boosting poster, “Keep calm and carry on!” Tue, 05 Feb 2013 13:17:59 GMT http://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/petplan-pet-insurance-submissive-urination-in-dogshttp://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/petplan-pet-insurance-dog-fence-line-wars Good fences make good neighbors, so says Robert Frost in his poem “Mending Wall,” but I doubt our canine friends would agree. If you and your dog have ever shared a fence line with another family with dogs, you’ve probably experienced more than a few fence line wars.   Take two dogs, put a fence between them, and voila! You’ve often got a recipe for disaster. Chain-link fences allow your dog to see, but not get to, the other dog, but wood fences are just as frustrating, as your dog can still hear and smell his neighbors. What at first might seem like harmless play at the fence can easily escalate into ceaseless barking that annoys other neighbors or worse.   Fence line wars occur because the fence acts as a barrier, which causes frustration to the dogs on either side of it. This frustration can lead to aggression toward the dog on the other side of the fence.  Unfortunately, it can also lead to aggression toward humans there, too. Fence line wars can get dog so riled up that even the sweetest family dog can display uncharacteristically unfriendly behaviors.   Dogs may try anything to get to the other side of the fence, including trying to go over, under or even through a fence.  Injuries are easily sustained in these maneuvers, not to mention those that come from interactions that may occur once the other side of the fence is reached. Having dog insurance from Petplan pet insurance can help your family deal with any unexpected injuries that may arise from having a less-than-fearful Fido.    Fence line wars tend to escalate with time, so it’s best to nip them in the bud as soon as you notice them. Teaching your dog good fence line behavior should start at puppyhood, but this advice doesn’t help the person who is dealing with wars in an adult dog. The most important part of retraining your dog around the fence is by making sure they come when you call them.    “Come” is an extremely important command to teach. It can be lifesaving in the case of a dog who is darting into a busy street, or sanity-saving, as in the case of fence line wars. The main objective in training a dog out of bad fence behaviors is to turn the attention from the other dog to you. Positive reinforcement is the best way to accomplish this, either in the form of a particularly tasty treat, or lots of pets and praise to reward him for listening.   Go outside with your dog and intercept bad fence line behavior.  It’s best to catch your dog before he even gets the slightest bit excited about the fence. Stand in the middle of the yard, and if your dog so much as looks at the fence, call him to you and treat him for coming to your call. In the beginning, you may find it helpful to have your dog on a safety line or leash to help him learn what you want, and to avoid access to the fence.  Any time your dog acts interested in the fence line, call him to you and reward him. If the neighbor’s dog is already in the back yard, don’t wait for him to lure your dog in.  Call your dog to you at the first sign of noise from the other dog. Soon, he will learn that you are FAR more interesting than the fence, or what’s behind it.   Unfortunately, until your dog can curb his enthusiastic fence activity, every visit to the backyard will need to be supervised. Allowing your dog unsupervised access to the fence allows him the chance to backslide, making all of your previous hard work null and void. Getting rid of bad behaviors requires time and patience, but it will all be worth it when the never ending nightly bark-a-thon at the fence finally quiets down. And your neighbors will thank you, too. What are your tips for dealing with fence line wars? Tell us in the comments! Mon, 04 Feb 2013 14:35:53 GMT http://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/petplan-pet-insurance-dog-fence-line-warshttp://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/petplan-pet-insurance-on-puppy-strangles I got a text message a couple of months ago from an old family friend who was in a panic about her soon-to-be adopted puppy. Her puppy still lived with his mom, and though he didn't even have a name yet, my friend was worried that he might not make it to her house.  She described his symptoms and I knew right away that it must be juvenile cellulitis, more commonly called puppy strangles. While there’s a lot we still don’t know about the condition, puppy strangles seems to be caused by an overactive immune system. It occurs in puppies between 3 weeks and 4 months old, and while it can happen in any puppy, Golden Retrievers, Dachshunds, Gordon Setters, and Huskies seem to be predisposed. The symptoms of strangles are pretty classic; it starts with sudden swelling of the muzzle and eyelids. The swelling gives way to pustules, which cover the affected areas, including the muzzle and area around the eyes as well as the ear flaps.  As the pustules grow, they rupture, bleed, and crust over. This all makes for a very unsightly puppy! In addition to the skin changes, the lymph nodes will enlarge and affected puppies may be feverish and lethargic. Some pups will also have swollen, painful joints. Severe cases can quickly become life threatening if untreated. Diagnosing puppy strangles can generally be done during a physical exam, and care must be taken to not confuse this condition with other fungal or parasitic diseases. Both a skin scrape and a fungal culture should be performed to rule out mange mites or ringworm. Some veterinarians will also choose to take a sample from the swollen lymph nodes to make sure there is no accompanying bacterial infection. It is important to rule out other underlying diseases before starting treatment, because treatment centers on suppressing the affected puppy’s overactive immune system. This is done using high-dose steroids like prednisone. Some puppies will also need antibiotics to treat secondary infections that develop. Having dog insurance from Petplan pet insurance can help you manage the costs of caring for your best friend during this time. If a puppy has lost fur on his face from the swelling and pustules, it can take a little time for the hair to re-grow, but generally, puppies respond well to treatment and recover in about two weeks.  Have you ever dealt with puppy strangles? Share your experience with us in the comments. Thu, 31 Jan 2013 12:01:25 GMT http://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/petplan-pet-insurance-on-puppy-strangleshttp://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/the-scoop-petplan-pet-insurance-on-the-importance-of-picking-up-pet-waste These days, it seems like you can hire people to do just about anything. All of those little jobs you don’t want to tackle, like cleaning the toilet or gutters, can be remedied with a quick call to someone who will gladly take your money to perform the service for you. Here’s one more dirty job that you can pawn off on someone else: scooping your dog’s poop! There is a growing trend, especially in bigger cities, to hire companies to come to your home to do a weekly yard cleaning. But just because the service is offered doesn't make it a good idea. First, consider why we should pick up our pet’s waste in the first place. The easy answer is, “Because it’s gross.” But WHY it’s gross is the bigger problem.  Fresh feces are absolutely teeming with bacteria. In addition to E. coli, it may harbor Salmonella and Campylobacter as well, all of which can make you or your kids really sick.   Maybe you never walk your dog, and your pup only “does his business” in your back yard. Are you off the hook for daily poop retrieval? No way! Once-a-week cleaning may seem like an enticing practice, as the older the feces is, the easier it is to pick up, but old feces can be just as dangerous as fresh feces. This is because the eggs of some intestinal parasites need time to “ripen” before they are infective, and this will happen in feces that is left out to dry. Several kinds of common intestinal parasites that thrive in our pets, like roundworms, hookworms, and toxoplasmosis, are zoonotic, meaning that they can infect you and your children. Children are more commonly affected because they play in the backyard and don’t always practice good hand washing.  In addition to potentially contaminating your backyard with hearty parasite eggs (which may persist for weeks to months), allowing feces to dry out and disintegrate contributes to local water pollution as it washes into storm drains. Sadly, weekly poop scooping is just not good enough--it needs to be done daily. Picking up after your pooch makes good sense, but it wasn’t until 1978 that the first legislation was enacted to mandate this behavior. It was New York City that started this trend, and for good reason--can you imagine the sheer amount of feces that is deposited on the streets of the Big Apple every day?  Even if your city or neighborhood doesn’t have laws regarding picking up after your pooch, the reasons for doing so are clear. But what about your neighbor, who doesn’t share your enthusiasm? Often, a little peer pressure is all it takes. I find that carrying extra bags is handy. That way, if you notice a neighbor not doing his neighborly duty, you can take him an extra bag and slyly say, “I noticed you forgot your bag--I do that sometimes, too. Here’s an extra one!”    Keep your own yard safe from errant piles, especially if you have children. Do a quick check daily if you have a neighbor who you know is not great about picking up after his or her dog. If your kids have a sandbox, keep it covered (especially if you have a cat, or if cats roam the neighborhood – a litter box and a sandbox don’t look that different to them!). Picking up after your dog may be your neighborly duty, but following the rules will also help keep you, your pets and your whole family healthier!   Tue, 29 Jan 2013 12:00:30 GMT http://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/the-scoop-petplan-pet-insurance-on-the-importance-of-picking-up-pet-wastehttp://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/on-thin-ice-petplan-pet-insurance-looks-at-the-dangers-for-pets-posed-by-ice Well, it happened again recently – a dog found himself in a very dicey situation when he fell through the ice into frigid waters. This time it was Lake Michigan. His owner had let him off of his leash so that he could get a little exercise, but when the owner couldn’t find him, he feared the worst. The lucky dog was found in time, though, and is once again patrolling the shores of Lake Michigan, safely attached to his leash. Winter poses a variety of threats to our beloved pets, but thin ice ranks near the top of the list of most dangerous winter perils. Dogs aren’t very good judges of ice thickness, and can easily find themselves in trouble if they venture onto iced-over bodies of water. Once a dog has fallen through the ice, it is very difficult for them to get out unaided. This leads to two potentially life-threatening situations: hypothermia and near drowning (or drowning).    Being submerged in freezing water can lower a dog’s body temperature rapidly, even if he’s swimming to stay afloat. When a dog’s body temperature drops below 100 degrees (it’s normally around 102), he can be considered hypothermic. Hypothermia causes lethargy, which will contribute to an inability to keep swimming.   Of course, drowning is also a serious concern for dogs who fall through the ice, but even if they are rescued in time, a near-drowning episode may also be cause for concern. That’s because near drowning can lead to an accumulation of fluid in the lungs (known as pulmonary edema) up to 12 hours after being deposited safely on dry land.   If you see a pet in peril in icy waters, call for help. Countless humans have attempted to save animals who have fallen through the ice only to fall through the ice themselves. Never attempt rescue alone.   A slippery slope So, you don’t live near a body of water? You should still be on the lookout for ice.  Just because our pets have four feet, that doesn’t mean that they are any more graceful than we are when it comes to walking on ice. Slippery sidewalks can turn into a runway for injury, especially in geriatric pets who have a hard time getting around. Try to avoid icy routes when on your daily walks.   Speaking of icy routes, don’t forget about the danger that de-icers and rock salt can cause. Though they are useful for turning slick surfaces back into firm ground, they can be an irritant to our pets’ foot pads and skin. Keep some unscented baby wipes by the door so that you can wipe your pet’s feet after an outdoor excursion. Or, better yet, fit them with some snazzy winter boots to protect their little feet.   While you’re down there wiping their feet (it’s amazing what we do for our pets, right?), be on the lookout for clumped snow, which can accumulate in the hair between the foot pads and cause discomfort.   As we head into some of the most severe winter weeks, keep these hazards in the back of your head. Keep your pets safe through this season and into the next and protect your family budget against costly veterinary bills with Petplan pet insurance, and before you know it, you’ll all be enjoying the dog days of summer. How do you protect your pets during the winter months? Tell us in the comments! Mon, 28 Jan 2013 16:14:53 GMT http://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/on-thin-ice-petplan-pet-insurance-looks-at-the-dangers-for-pets-posed-by-icehttp://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/petplan-pet-insurance-looks-at-excessive-grooming-in-cats Cats are fastidious groomers.  This is good, because if you’ve ever tried to give a cat a bath, you know that even with two extra arms, it would still be a difficult (and potentially dangerous) endeavor.  It’s best for them to just take care of their baths on their own.  But some cats go a little overboard in the grooming department.  Excessive grooming, also sometimes called barbering, can leave your kitty suffering from bald spots--but more importantly, it could indicate an underlying medical problem. Common places for barbering are along the back, on either or both sides of the spine, on the front limbs, and along the belly.  Of course, if hair loss is occurring in places that your kitty can’t reach, barbering is not likely to be the cause. Usually, there is a physical reason for excessive grooming.  Most commonly, this physical reason is fleas.  The diagnosis of fleas can get a little bit tricky.  Obviously, if fleas or flea dirt are seen on your pet, the diagnosis isn’t that hard.  But often, we just don’t see fleas.  And often, owners are adamant that fleas are not present.  In cases like this, we still have to rule out fleas, and we do this by treating all pets in the house.  Topical Revolution every two weeks or oral Capstar every day for thirty days tends to do the trick.  And you’d be surprised how often those owners who swore up and down that they didn’t have fleas in the house come back after 30 days and say their cats don’t barber anymore.  Like I said, fleas can be tricky. Mites are sometimes to blame for excessive grooming.  We’ve talked about demodectic mange in dogs, but haven’t really addressed it in cats because usually it’s not a problem.  But the mite Demodex gatoi can affect cats and cause itchiness that manifests in excessive grooming.  These mites aren’t easily found on skin scrapes, so just because a skin scrape is negative doesn’t mean that your cat is out of the woods.  Often, we treat even though we can’t get a definitive diagnosis.  Unfortunately, the common treatment is to have your cat dipped with a lime sulfur dip once a week for two months.  This is a stinky, but necessary, treatment.  Alternatively, some topical spot-on treatments, like Advantage Multi, given every two weeks have been shown to be effective (and much less stinky). If your cat’s excessive grooming responds to a round of steroids, it’s a really good bet that she’s itchy.  If she’s itchy and we’ve already ruled out parasites like fleas and mites, food allergies and atopy are next on the list of conditions to consider.  We test for food and inhaled allergies in cats the same way that we do for dogs.  Limited ingredient food trials and/or allergy testing can identify the offending antigens; once the source of the itch is determined, we can recommend a plan for avoiding it.  When we get the allergy under control, the bald spots should clear up. Occasionally, behavior problems can cause excessive grooming.  Psychogenic alopecia can occur from chronic stress or stressful changes in the environment, and manifests itself as repetitive, excessive licking or hair pulling, which can result in hair loss and skin ulcerations or wounds. It is important to note that stress can also bring out the mites we discussed above, so starting your cat on anti-anxiety drugs right away in response to a stressful environment is not always the appropriate treatment. Other medical problems can cause barbering, too. Cystitis, anal sac inflammation, and hyperthyroidism could all be causing your cat to over-groom.  Sometimes, blood work and urinalysis are done as part of the initial workup for barbering, but if all other treatments have been tried and the barbering persists, a more complete workup with blood work should be performed. Having cat insurance from Petplan pet insurance can be greatly beneficial in helping care for the pet health costs of figuring out your feline's problem.  Many owners accept barbering in their cat as a merely a character glitch, but it should always be mentioned in the veterinary office.  What your cat can’t tell you with words he may be expressing in another way that shouldn’t be ignored. Thu, 24 Jan 2013 10:20:42 GMT http://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/petplan-pet-insurance-looks-at-excessive-grooming-in-catshttp://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/family-matters-petplan-pet-insurance-offers-advice-on-talking-to-kids-about-pet-death Explaining pet death to a child can be heartbreaking work.  If you were lucky enough to share an incredible bond with your childhood pet, you know how much it hurts to lose that special friend.  Dealing with pet death and the resulting grief in children may be painful, but it’s necessary. The bond formed between pets and children is undeniable.  The grief of losing childhood pets very often carries over into adulthood, as one study shows.  A survey conducted by the American Humane Association Animal Welfare Research Institute found that 40% of adults surveyed said the loss of a childhood pet from injury, disease, or old age continued to affect them as adults.  What’s more important in the study is that more adults (45%) were still affected as adults when their pets were given away, ran away, or had an unknown end.  In another study, the same organization found that often the loss of a beloved pet proved to be an obstacle in the adoption of a new pet. One in five dog owners and one in six cat owners who lost pets said that they could not adopt another pet due to lasting grief. Childhood experiences of loss are shaped by how parents share pet loss with their children.  Shielding children doesn’t let them go through a natural, normal grieving process.  The study cites adult experiences as children and highlights the need for open, honest communication between parents and children during pet illness.  Many adults were still bitter because their pets were given away or euthanized without their knowledge, whereas children who were allowed to be a part of the decision making process felt better about their pet’s passing as adults. A complex mix of emotions will likely be present in your child in the face of a pet’s passing.  Anger, guilt, and of course sadness are all normal reactions.  Children often wonder if it they are to blame for their pet’s illness or death, and may ask what happens after their pet dies.  Children also quite naturally fear that you or another loved one may also die.  It is helpful to explain the difference in pet lifespans to assure your child that people usually die when they are old.  You can use a ruler to show a pet’s lifespan (one inch) versus a human’s (one foot). Be as honest as you can with your child when his or her pet dies.  It’s always best to tell the truth.  Avoid saying that their pet was “put to sleep” or “went away,” as these can just confuse your child.  Instead, say, “Max died.  This means that we won’t see him anymore.”  Explain that it’s natural for your child to miss his pet, and make sure to tell your child that you will miss his pet, too.  Other ways to help your child navigate grief include: Have a memorial service for your pet.  This can be a good forum for remembering the things you all loved most about your pet. Encourage your child to draw pictures of your pet or write a letter to express his feelings about what has happened. Gather pictures and help your child make a scrap book.  This can be especially comforting to look at during those times when your child is really missing your pet. There are never enough hugs at a time like this.  Be sure to console your child through the grieving process as long as it takes.  Make sure your child knows that everyone in the family is also grieving--knowing he has company in his sadness can be very comforting. How has the loss of a family pet shaped your life?  Wed, 23 Jan 2013 09:52:40 GMT http://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/family-matters-petplan-pet-insurance-offers-advice-on-talking-to-kids-about-pet-deathhttp://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/sugar-high-petplan-pet-insurance-on-diabetic-ketoacidosis-in-pets We’ve discussed diabetes before--it’s a condition in cats and dogs caused by either a relative or absolute lack of insulin, which leads to high blood sugar.  Blood sugar that is too high for too long results in a serious condition called diabetic ketoacidosis. We see diabetic ketoacidosis (or DKA, for short) in patients who are being under treated for diabetes and in patients whose diabetes was previously undiagnosed.  These patients often come into the office on an emergency basis because of severe illness--they are vomiting, lethargic, dehydrated, and sometimes semi-comatose.  High levels of glucose (or sugar) are found in both the blood and the urine due to insufficient insulin, and ketones are also present in the urine. In addition to high blood sugar levels, an insulin deficiency also affects the metabolism of fat, resulting in an increase in free fatty acids. These are converted to ketones. When insulin is low, ketones cannot be adequately utilized, so they build up in the body, causing ketosis.  Ketosis causes acidosis (or acidifying of the blood), vomiting, dehydration, and sometimes neurological problems.  In short, they make your diabetic pet feel pretty terrible. Not all animals with DKA show physical signs of illness.  If ketones are present in your diabetic pet’s urine, then she also has ketoacidosis, even if she doesn’t appear to be sick.  Non-sick ketoacidotic animals need to have their insulin doses re-evaluated to make sure the diabetes is adequately controlled. DKA can be life threatening, so treatment requires hospitalization. Fluid therapy is an important part of treatment to correct dehydration and addresses electrolyte imbalances.  Short-acting insulin is administered frequently to decrease blood sugar levels quickly.  Once blood glucose levels are at an acceptable level, longer duration insulins (like the ones used at home on diabetic pets) can be started.  During hospitalization, blood sugar levels are monitored every 1-3 hours.  Often, other supportive therapies like anti-nausea medicine and feeding tubes are also required to get your pet feeling better. Having a diabetic pet means that you must always keep an eye out for subtle signs of trouble.  Getting too much insulin can cause your pet to have dangerously low blood glucose, but getting too little insulin can lead to DKA.  Scheduling regular blood glucose curves in the veterinarian’s office, or learning how to take blood glucose readings on your own, can keep your pet’s insulin dose on target. Occasionally, concurrent illness will also change insulin requirements, leading to DKA.  As always, if you notice uncharacteristic behavior, like confusion or changes in appetite, contact your veterinarian immediately.  Uncomplicated diabetes is an expensive condition to treat; add in costs for potential complications like DKA and you’ve got a real wallet-buster. Having pet health insurance in cases like this can be a life saver -- literally.   Mon, 21 Jan 2013 14:26:42 GMT http://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/sugar-high-petplan-pet-insurance-on-diabetic-ketoacidosis-in-petshttp://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/petplan-pet-insurance-presents-how-veterinarians-listen-to-our-furry-friends-part-2 Let’s see, as described in my last blog, by now your vet has questioned you, done the exam, run tests and now has an idea of what’s afflicting your furry family member. The puzzle is starting to look like something we can identify. At this point, your vet may recommend more tests, or they might start talking about treatment options. This is a great opportunity to ASK questions. Make sure you understand what you are treating, what the goal of the therapy is, how quickly you should see a response, and what to do if things aren’t going the way you think they should. You are your pet’s advocate (along with being their personal chef and main source of entertainment). It’s okay to ask questions and seek clarification.  The most important thing comes next. Are you ready? The next step is to follow through with your vet’s recommendations. The medicine doesn’t do any good if it’s left in the bottle. “Strict exercise restriction” (usually recommended after surgery) includes preventing your pet from following you up and down the stairs while you change the laundry.  Food limitations include ALL treats, table scraps, licking the dishes in the dishwasher, peanut butter to get the pills down, etc. Rechecks are incredibly important for your vet to assess your pet’s progress. Make sure you understand what you need to do at home to help your pet get better.  You are an essential piece of the puzzle. We couldn’t do this without you, and your pet needs you more than ever. The best part? As you are going through all of this information overload and the stress of having a sick or injured pet, your Petplan pet insurance can be there to ease the financial burden. This allows you to focus on the most important thing: your furry family member. Although this is a very simplified version of the diagnostic process that we as pet parents and veterinarians go through, I think the main points are here.  They are as follows: 1)  Let us know when something isn’t right. When behaviors such as eating, bathroom habits or play and snuggle times change, let your veterinarian know. It’s better to hear, “That’s nothing to worry about,” instead of, “I wish we would have known…” 2)  Ask questions. We want you to understand what is going on and what we are hoping to do about it. 3)  Follow through with the at-home care and follow-ups with your vet.  We can’t make adjustments in our treatment plan if we don’t know how things are going along the way. 4)  Don’t stress about the finances. With dog insurance or cat insurance from Petplan, we are here to help. If you want to better understand whether or not something will be covered, you can always submit a pre-authorization for diagnostics and therapy, something we will discuss more in the future… To more waggin’ and purrin’, rwkj. Fri, 18 Jan 2013 11:42:28 GMT http://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/petplan-pet-insurance-presents-how-veterinarians-listen-to-our-furry-friends-part-2http://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/petplan-pet-insurance-presents-how-veterinarians-listen-to-our-furry-friends-part-1 As I was sitting down to write my very first blog (the last one doesn’t really count, as I was just talking about my career!), I was overcome with a sense of complete anxiety. What in the world am I going to write about? There are, oh I don’t know, an unlimited number of things that can go medically wrong in an animal’s body. Why should it be difficult to decide on just one topic to write about?! Then I realized, that is the exact problem. Medicine is not mutually exclusive. Attempting to choose one medical condition is nearly impossible, because one condition always leads to another. The body is this wonderfully interrelated and complex mechanism of checks and balances, and we only know a fraction of what there is to know about how it all works together.  To add to this complexity the fact that animals are unable to talk to us in order to tell us how they are feeling. Unfortunately, I have yet to have a cat walk into my office and say, “I’ve been feeling nauseous lately, and my heart seems to be racing at times.” Now, I do have some extremely observant pet parents that almost seem like they can communicate telepathically with their furry family members, but some things are still lost in translation. Veterinarians are in a profession of assumptions, and we have to rely on our pet parents to fill in as much of the information as possible. Although our furry family members don’t communicate with words, they do “talk” to us in other ways. As veterinarians, we depend on our clients to identify abnormalities in behaviors and habits so that we can piece together the puzzle that is our pets. So, next time you are at your vet’s office, don’t be annoyed by all of the questions. They really do help us understand what’s going on in your furry family member’s body; but this is only the first step in the process of putting the puzzle together … we still have a few more steps to go. So you brought your furry family member to your veterinarian because something is wrong, and you have been asked a million and one questions (I saw a sign at the Philly marathon a couple of weekends ago that said, “A marathon is 26.2 miles. Because 26.3 would just be too far.” That’s why I added in the “and one” to my questions; because a million just wasn’t enough), and you haven’t even seen the vet yet. Chances are, your vet is going to ask you an abbreviated version of the questionnaire the technician just asked you, but don’t fret.  This is all part of piecing the puzzle together.  Your vet will then do an exam of your pet (assuming your furry family member will allow this), and make recommendations based on what they are finding. (I know, we’ve all been there, but bear with me.  I’m hoping there will be a point by the end of this blog.) Depending on what your vet finds, they might recommend blood tests, radiographs, ultrasounds, urine tests, fecal tests, etc. Don’t be afraid to ask your vet what these tests are, what they will tell you and how much they cost. And don’t be surprised if one test leads us to another. Oftentimes, vets find information on the first test that helps us determine how to narrow down further tests. For instance, we often will run a general blood test to get an overall picture of the internal environment of your pet. This test (usually referred to as a chemistry panel or similar variation) oftentimes helps us narrow our search as to the offending organ or system. This means, we may recommend more tests based on what we find on the chemistry panel. Believe it or not, we aren’t trying to meet a quota for tests run. We just have to narrow the puzzle pieces down to the edges so that we have a starting point to put things into place. And remember, a “normal” test DOES give us a great deal of information. It tells us where to stop looking for problems, so we can focus elsewhere. The puzzle is starting to fill in. The next blog with address how else vets and pet parents can “listen” to our furry family members… To more waggin’ and purrin’, rwkj. Wed, 16 Jan 2013 15:28:48 GMT http://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/petplan-pet-insurance-presents-how-veterinarians-listen-to-our-furry-friends-part-1http://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/meet-petplan-pet-insurances-newest-vets-for-pets-blogger-dr-rebecca-jackson When people ask me what I do for a living, I am always pleasantly surprised by how excited they are to hear that I am a veterinarian. Usually, I hear them respond with some variation of, “I always wanted to be a vet,” or, “My son/daughter LOVES animals and wants to be a vet when they grow up!” I find it endearing and wonderful that so many people imagine a vet’s life to be one spent playing with animals all day. And to a certain extent, it is true. Veterinarians are a very lucky group of individuals, because we get to spend our days caring for the furry members of our clients families. We get to be a part of the joy that comes with acquiring a new pet, and we get to follow these pets through their lives. We get to “play” with puppies and kittens and love on our patients while we take care of them. It is a wonderful profession. But, as you can imagine, it isn’t all happy moments and healthy pets. A large portion of our time is spent working with worried, scared and concerned owners with sick or injured pets. We have to work within the constraints of time and money to provide the best quality care we can, without bankrupting our clients. It can be a roller coaster ride of emotions as we try to care for our patients, educate our clients and ensure that our veterinary team is working at top notch. As you can imagine, it isn’t always easy. Having grown up in a veterinary hospital (my dad is a vet too!), I have experienced many aspects of a small animal private practice. Add to that my own experiences as a veterinarian, and it seems there are few things that I haven’t come across at some level. But of course, there is ALWAYS more to learn. Fortunately, I am now in the perfect position to rely on my own personal experiences in small animal practice, while continuing to learn from those around me. Because my career path has led me here, to Petplan. As a Petplan staff veterinarian, I feel so fortunate to spend my days working to help pet parents provide their furry family members with the diagnostics and treatments they need to stay happy and healthy. It is a wonderful and unique aspect of the veterinary field that allows me to connect with practitioners and specialists across the United States as I try to understand and piece the illnesses and injuries affecting pets in the Petplan family. And this is just the beginning! As a fun sidebar to my daily agenda, I have been offered this opportunity as a contributor for the “Vets for Pets” blog, to take my experiences in the appeals department at Petplan and “speak” directly to the pet parents we help every day. I am hoping to use this opportunity to discuss conditions afflicting our pets, what you as a pet parent can do for your furry family members, and how Petplan pet insurance can be there for you along the way. This is my first time ever composing a blog, so forgive me as I muddle through. In the end, I hope that you will gather some useful information, and I hope we have a few laughs along the way! To more waggin’ and purrin’, rwkj. Mon, 28 Jan 2013 14:07:01 GMT http://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/meet-petplan-pet-insurances-newest-vets-for-pets-blogger-dr-rebecca-jacksonhttp://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/petplan-pet-insurance-hospice-care-for-pets It’s no big mystery why pets are so easily considered members of our families – they provide unconditional love and support, are always happy to see us, and don’t hold grudges. And as with our human family members, as these four-legged family members start to age, we find ourselves facing some difficult decisions. We may find ourselves dealing with chronic illnesses or quality of life issues in our pets. Luckily, veterinary medicine is changing in a very special way to address these concerns.   The idea of hospice in human medicine has been around for centuries, though the foundations of modern hospice services were developed in the 1950s. Hospice care is designed for those who are terminally ill, and focuses on pain control and the emotional support of loved ones. This field makes a seamless transition into veterinary medicine, as many owners look for opportunities to spend time at home with their pets in their final days.   Previous to the rise of veterinary hospice care, getting a diagnosis of a terminal disease in a pet often led to immediate euthanasia. Veterinary hospice focuses on palliative care during the time between diagnosis and euthanasia for those owners who choose not to pursue further diagnostics or aggressive treatments.   It is important to remember that palliative care is not “giving up” on your pet. Many owners simply cannot afford aggressive diagnostics and treatments, or they may feel that such measures would cause their pets too much stress. Other people choose hospice care to allow their pets to live their last days in the comfort of their own home. Hospice avoids both the isolation of the intensive care unit and the possibility of inadequate care if a pet is just taken home with no veterinary care. It allows pet parents to truly feel that they have done everything they could to keep their pet comfortable and happy in their final days.   The rise of veterinary hospice is due in part to veterinarians who are willing to provide these services. More and more vets are available to provide home hospice services, including fluid therapy, pain control and even at-home euthanasia when the time is right. Hospice vets can assess your pet at each visit, taking into consideration their general health and quality of life, to ensure that euthanasia is performed neither too early nor too late.   Hospice should be viewed as compassionate care to maintain our pet’s comfort and dignity. It gives owners an option that falls between aggressive treatment and immediate euthanasia, should a terminal illness be found. But more importantly, it gives us, as pet parents, the time we need to spoil our pets and say goodbye in our own time. If you are faced with end-of-life issues with your pet, ask your veterinarian if he/she can provide hospice care, or if they might recommend someone who could. It may make a difficult time just a little bit easier for the whole family.  Thu, 10 Jan 2013 14:01:47 GMT http://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/petplan-pet-insurance-hospice-care-for-petshttp://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/lets-get-physical-part-2-petplan-pet-insurance-goes-behind-the-scenes-of-a-pet-physical-exam In our previous blog on physical exams, I walked you through the first part of your pet’s exam. Today, we’ll address the rest of the exam.    Abdominal palpation I’ve already assessed the front end of your pet and listened to his chest. Moving on back from the chest, I focus my attention on the abdomen. So much information can be gained here. First and foremost, I want to see if your pet is painful when I palpate her abdomen. Is she tense or relaxed when I’m feeling around? A painful abdomen will warrant further investigation.    When palpating the abdomen, I’m also looking for any changes in the size of the major organs. I’ll be able to feel if the liver, kidneys or spleen are enlarged. I can feel loops of intestines and the bladder as well. Intact females may be harboring surprise puppies or kittens – depending on their size, they can be detected on abdominal palpation.    Peripheral Lymph Nodes Throughout the exam, I’ve been feeling your pet’s peripheral lymph nodes, or the nodes that can be felt from the outside. Specifically, she has some in her neck (just like us) and behind her knee that are particularly easy to feel. Enlarged lymph nodes can mean systemic infection, local inflammation or something more sinister, like cancer.    Genito-urinary and beyond This is likely your pet’s least favorite part of the exam, and for good reason, because we’re about to get pretty personal. Male dogs will get a quick check of their penis and if they’re intact, both testicles will be checked. On more than one occasion I have discovered a missing (or undescended) testicle in a dog and wondered how in the world they went so long with no one noticing! Undescended testicles are prone to developing cancer, so the sooner we know about them, the better. Older male dogs should also have their prostates checked.  Unfortunately, this will entail a rectal exam, but it is necessary to check for prostate enlargement, which may indicate benign hyperplasia or a more serious condition like prostate cancer.   Female dogs aren’t off the hook. Anal glands are present in both male and female dogs and should be palpated. Not only is this a good opportunity to express the anal glands if necessary, anal glad palpation checks for the presence of glands that may be enlarged due to cancer.   Cats, however, usually are off the hook. A quick glance of their parts is all that I generally do – it turns out that cats don’t really appreciate rectal exams, so unless it is absolutely necessary, I avoid that at all costs.   Female pets need to have their mammary glands checked, especially if they are not spayed. Any lumps should be biopsied, or at the least, aspirated with a needle.   Nervous system During your pet’s exam, I’ve been noting how your pet’s nervous system is working. I’ve looked at several reflexes so far, such as those that affect the eyes and face, and have noticed if your pet has had any slow postural responses in her limbs.   Musculoskeletal I usually finish up my physical exam by assessing your pet’s joints and musculature. I’ve already had my hands all over her body while assessing her skin and looking for lumps and bumps, so I’ve noticed if she’s evenly muscled. Muscle wasting occurs when a limb isn’t used equally with its counterpart, and is a good indication of arthritis or other musculoskeletal disease. I’ll also flex and extend the joints in each leg to look for signs of discomfort. I’ll check for signs of pain along the spine as well, by palpating the vertebrae and the surrounding muscles.   And with that, our exam is finished! Your pet can breathe a huge sigh of relief as he is let down off of the exam table or loaded back into the cat carrier. At this point, we can discuss anything that I found that concerns me during the exam, as well as address any of your concerns before we finish up. Don’t hesitate to mention things to your vet – even the smallest concern may be the start of something serious.   Now the visit is officially over, but I forgot the best part! No exam is complete without a treat – even the shyest dog or cat can’t resist a little post-exam goodie!  Tue, 08 Jan 2013 09:38:18 GMT http://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/lets-get-physical-part-2-petplan-pet-insurance-goes-behind-the-scenes-of-a-pet-physical-examhttp://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/lets-get-physical-part-1-petplan-pet-insurance-on-the-benefits-of-physical-exams-for-pets You’ve heard me talk about the importance of a yearly (or, for older pets, twice yearly) physical exam in all of our pets, but maybe you’ve wondered what exactly a physical exam entails? I consider the physical exam one of the most important tools of the trade. It’s relatively non-invasive, generally painless and incredibly important for vets to check what is normal – and might be abnormal – in your furry friends.   Usually the first step is your pet will step on the scale and have her temperature taken. Even healthy animals will have their weight and temperature checked, because it’s good to have a baseline reading. Sometimes your veterinarian will do this, and sometimes the veterinary technician will do it first, and then pass the information along when the vet comes into the exam room.   In general, I perform a physical exam the exact same way, every single time I do it. Doing so helps me stay consistent and thorough.   General Appearance First, your pet’s general appearance is assessed. I usually step back and take a look at your pet from afar, allowing your pet to check me out as well. Your pet’s body condition score is noted. This is a number that describes your pet’s weight – kind of like a BMI in human medicine. When assessing general appearance, I also will note your pet’s attitude – is she a happy dog or cat? Or quiet? Or does she feel too ill to even give me a little tail wag? If your pet is free to roam around the room, I note any changes to her gait that may indicate lameness.   Eyes, ears, nose and throat (EENT)/Mouth Next, I begin the hands-on portion of the exam. I always start at the top and assess your pet’s eyes, ears and mouth. Using a light and an ophthalmascope, I check your pet’s pupillary reflexes and examine the retinas at the back of your pet’s eyes. I’m also looking for cataracts and redness, swelling or eye discharge that may indicate ocular disease.    Your pet’s ears are checked for discharge, which may indicate an infection or ear mites. Often, I’ll use the scope to check down your pet’s canals all the way down to the ear drum just to make sure everything looks fine.   An oral exam is performed, provided your pet is willing. In this line of work, I’ve learned that often times, a pet’s bark is worse than his bite, and you’d be surprised at the number of times I’ve been able to sweet talk a shy or nervous dog or cat into letting me examine his teeth and gums. Still, though, it’s safety first – if I think there’s a chance your pet may bite myself or my staff, we’ll skip the oral exam and consider a soft muzzle.    I’ve written many times about the importance of oral health. Dental disease is not only painful for your pet, but can exacerbate certain cardiac and kidney issues and make your pet feel just plain bad. When performing an oral exam, I’m looking for signs of dental disease, such as gingivitis, tartar buildup and loose teeth. I am also looking for oral masses.    Cardiovascular and Respiratory From here, I usually move backward to the chest. With my stethoscope, I listen to your pet’s heart and lungs. I am listening for a nice, steady heart rate with no murmurs. In addition, quiet lung sounds on both sides indicate healthy lungs. While I am listening to your pet’s chest, I am also feeling an artery on the inside of her hind leg to make sure that her pulses are strong and coincide with her heart beat.   Skin Even pets who come in for a routine exam should have their skin examined. Dry skin is a common problem in the winter when forced air heat makes the house a little drier than normal. The presence of ectoparasites, like fleas and ticks, is noted, and the general condition of the skin is assessed. Conditions such as skin infections will be further investigated.   When examining the skin, I’m also looking for suspicious lumps or bumps. If you notice a new lump, bring it to the attention of your vet while she’s doing your pet’s exam so that she can assess it. I try to be thorough during a skin exam, but some lumps are easy to miss.   Did you ever think your vet was doing so many things in a simple physical exam? And we’re only half way through! Stay tuned for the next blog when I’ll finish up our exam.   Fri, 05 Apr 2013 17:05:12 GMT http://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/lets-get-physical-part-1-petplan-pet-insurance-on-the-benefits-of-physical-exams-for-petshttp://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/petplan-pet-insurance-blog-moving-with-pets As a veterinarian and the daughter of a military father, I know firsthand how stressful moving can be –not only on the human members of a family, but also on their pets. When I was a child, I think the constant moving only brought me closer to my pets, as I viewed them as best friends that I never had to leave because they moved with us.    Because your pets are such an important part of you and your children’s lives, it’s important to include them in your moving plans from the beginning. There are few things sadder than having to move without your pets, or arriving to your destination to find that your pets aren’t accepted. Planning out your move well in advance can avoid this heartbreak.   These tips will help ensure you have a smooth move:   Before you even start looking for new housing, check into local ordinances regarding pets. Some cities have enacted breed bans that may limit you and your pet from moving there. Be sure your new housing situation accepts pets.   Arrange for a final veterinary visit for your pets.  This way you can get a clean bill of health and obtain a copy of their veterinary records to pass on to their next vet. You should also get a health certificate for each pet. It will be required if you are traveling to your new home by air, and though it’s rare, you could be stopped when crossing state lines by car and asked for your pets’ health certificates.   If you’re moving overseas, be sure to thoroughly research the requirements for pet entry into a foreign country. Military veterinarians have lots of practice in this area. If your pets normally see a civilian veterinarian, make sure you bring all of your paperwork with you – you can’t rely on them to know all of the regulations your new country may have.    If you are traveling by air, visit the airline’s website for specific information on flying with pets, including where they can ride and what size crates they will need. You don’t want to have your pets get turned away from a flight on moving day.   If you’re traveling by car and you have anxious pets or pets who get carsick, make sure your vet has prescribed enough medication to get you and your pets to your final destination.   Before you move, notify the company that supplied your pets’ microchips.  Let them know you’ll be moving and give them your new contact information. Do the same with your dog insurance and cat insurance provider. Petplan pet insurance offers coverage in all 50 states and Washington D.C., so no matter where in the U.S. you travel, your best friends will be protected.    Pay special attention to your pets during the moving process. Pets pick up on the anxiety that the family may feel about the move, and seeing the house being slowly boxed up can cause them some anxiety, too. Make sure they have a safe place to retreat. This is especially important on moving day, when strangers are coming into the house and removing all of their worldly possessions. Keep your pets safely enclosed in a room with a “Do not disturb” sign, or board them for the day. The last thing you need is an escapee on moving day.   Similarly, when you get to your new home, make sure your pets are safe and secure as they acclimate to their new surroundings. Show them around their new digs, and forgive the occasional bad behavior as they are adjusting to the new layout. Consider using pheromone diffusers to ease their anxieties during their first few weeks in the new house. Don’t let your pets out of the house off-leash during the adjustment period – recently moved pets are notorious for getting lost and seeking out their old homes, even if they are hundreds of miles away.   Your pets are a part of your family, and you’d never willingly leave a family member behind.  Planning ahead and getting all of your ducks in a row before you even pack the first box will ensure that your whole family can have a smooth move together.   Fri, 04 Jan 2013 12:04:53 GMT http://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/petplan-pet-insurance-blog-moving-with-petshttp://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/petplan-pet-insurance-presents-a-primer-on-megaesophagus-in-pets If you think back to the blog where we covered the difference between vomiting and regurgitation, you may remember that we mentioned megaesophagus as one of the underlying causes for regurgitation.    The esophagus is the tube that runs from the mouth to the stomach, delivering food and liquids for digestion. It is made up of smooth muscles, which work together to move food reflexively towards the stomach. Another reflex keeps pets (and us humans, too) from breathing during this time so that food and liquids are not accidentally inhaled.    When the reflex that causes the smooth muscles in the esophagus to contract is disrupted, the esophagus loses its tone and becomes dilated and flaccid.  Similarly, when the reflex that keeps us and our pets from breathing while swallowing is disrupted, aspiration pneumonia can easily occur.  We’ll touch on that in a bit – first let’s talk more about megaesophagus.   When the esophagus is large and flaccid, food and liquid have the tendency to just sit there in the esophagus after being swallowed, never quite making it to the stomach. Because of this, food and liquid are easily regurgitated.   When swallowing, or upon regurgitation, animals with megaesophagus are prone to accidentally inhale their meal because the reflex that prevents this is disrupted. When pets inhale, or aspirate, food and liquid meals, pneumonia may occur. In pets with megaesophagus, aspiration pneumonia can prove fatal.   Megaesophagus can be a congenital problem, meaning that it is present at birth, or it can be acquired as an adult. Puppies and kittens with congenital megaesophagus have incomplete nerve development.  Often, the symptoms of megaesophagus are not seen until the affected pets are weaned and start eating dry food. Nerve development may improve as these pets age.   Acquired megaesophagus is very frustrating.  Sometimes there is an underlying cause, such as thyroid disease, esophageal scarring, or in cats, a condition called feline dysautonomia. But in most cases, there is no clear cause. Large breed dogs between the ages of 5 and 12 years are most commonly affected, as are certain breeds, such as Shiloh Shepherds and Bouvier des Flandres, to name a few.   Megaesophagus is diagnosed based on clinical and radiographic signs. X-rays will show a large esophagus and possibly accompanying aspiration pneumonia.    If an underlying cause is present, treatment of that condition may lead to resolution of megaesophagus.  But for those cases where an underlying cause is not found, management of megaesophagus can prove difficult. Feeding a soft or liquid diet, and feeding the affected pet from an elevated bowl can help the food reach the intended target (the stomach) easier. Placement of a feeding tube into the stomach will bypass the esophagus altogether and may be a surgical option.   Megaesophagus is a frustrating disease to deal with, both for owners and veterinarians. Having pet insurance that is able to cover this disease, like Petplan, can allow you to concentrate on your pet's treatment rather than the veterinary bills. If your pet has been diagnosed with megaesophagus, you and your veterinarian will work together to determine the best course of action to provide the best possible quality of life for your pet. Thu, 03 Jan 2013 13:32:44 GMT http://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/petplan-pet-insurance-presents-a-primer-on-megaesophagus-in-petshttp://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/dogs-and-pickup-trucks  Pet owners do some pretty crazy things from time to time, and as a veterinarian, I often have to take some of their habits with a grain of salt. But one particularly bad habit I see when I’m out of the office stands out: pickup truck owners who ride with their dogs in the back.   I cannot tell you how many times I’ve seen dogs injured jumping out or being thrown from the back of a pickup truck – even one is one dog too many. To reiterate the danger of this particular activity, I can also honestly say that I’ve never seen a dog who has presented for this problem who was not very seriously injured.    While it might seem like fun for four-legged friends to ride in the pickup bed, the dangers far outweigh the risk. If your dog jumps ship while moving, don’t forget that he’ll likely be jumping into a road with other cars on it, upping his chances of being hit by a car as well as sustaining injuries from the fall. In addition, consider the consequences if you’re involved in an accident. Even a minor fender bender can throw a dog from his riding spot.   Common injuries that can occur when dogs jump from or are thrown from the back of pickup trucks are: Head trauma Broken limbs Injuries to the large nerve bundle in the armpit, which can cause permanent loss of function to the affected limb. Road rash Gruesome “de-gloving” injuries, where the skin and fur are peeled away from the arms or legs.   If you need to transport your dog or dogs and there isn’t room to safely transport them in the truck’s cab, then a few safety precautions should be taken before you open the back of the truck. Buy a crate specifically made for the back of the truck (yes, they do make them!), and secure it with bolts right behind the cab, which is the safest place for your pooch to ride. This will prevent your dog from jumping or being thrown from the truck and will buffer him in the case of an accident.   This is not merely a safety measure – in many states, such as California, Minnesota, New Hampshire and Washington, it is illegal to transport unrestrained animals in the back of pickup trucks.   For those of you without pickup trucks, similar rules apply. If you live in one of a handful of states that enforce distracted driving laws, having pets unrestrained in the car will land you with a ticket and a hefty fine. New Jersey, Arizona, Connecticut and Maine drivers are among those who are not allowed to drive with pets on their laps or improperly restrained, and more states are considering similar legislation as well.   Make sure your furry family members are buckled up, just like you are. Restraining your pet keeps them safely inside the car – yes, I have seen dogs who have jumped from car windows – and it prevents them from becoming projectiles in the case of a motor vehicle accident.  I’ve encountered more than one unlucky dog who has broken a leg when their owner had to slam on the brakes.   Pet safety harnesses are like pet seat belts. They keep your pets (and you) safe and secure while riding in the car and can be purchased online or at any pet store. Be sure they fit securely – you may think you’re taking away from the “fun,” but your pet will thank you when he arrives at his destination safely.  Wed, 02 Jan 2013 12:50:30 GMT http://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/dogs-and-pickup-truckshttp://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/the-root-cause-petplan-pet-insurance-looks-at-tooth-root-abcesses Tooth root abscesses are nothing to shake a stick at. In fact, a stick might be what got your dog into this “sticky” situation in the first place! You see, the most common place for a tooth root abscess is in your dog’s upper carnassial tooth, toward the back of the upper jaw, which can be damaged by chewing on hard objects, like sticks, bones and rocks (yes, rocks!). Tooth root abscesses can also occur in cats, as a result of similar oral trauma.   A tooth root abscess is an infection that develops in the root of any tooth. When the tooth enamel is broken or cracked and underlying dentin is exposed, bacteria have direct access to the root.   We know from human medicine (and maybe you know from first-hand experience!) that a tooth root abscess is incredibly painful. However, your pet probably won’t show any obvious signs of pain. If anything, he may choose to avoid that side of his mouth when chewing, which is something even the most astute owner may miss. He may paw at his face or rub it along the ground, and you may notice particularly bad breath when receiving your kisses.   Because of the close proximity that the upper carnassial tooth has with the orbit of the eye, tooth root abscesses are often mistaken for eye infections. Tooth root abscesses can cause facial swelling under the eye as pus builds up. Occasionally, the abscess will break through the surface of the skin, causing a draining tract just under the eye. You may notice redness or swelling at the gum line of the affected tooth, or the tooth may look completely normal.   If you notice such signs, it is important to address them as soon as possible. If you’ve ever had a tooth root abscess, you know how exquisitely painful they are, and your pooch or kitty will thank you for your timeliness. Your veterinarian may be able to diagnose a tooth root abscess with just a thorough oral exam, or he may need to take a series of dental x-rays to confirm the diagnosis. If your pet is protected with a dog insurance plan from Petplan pet insurance, these diagnostics can be covered.    Once a diagnosis has been made, your pet will be started on oral antibiotics and pain medication until surgery can be scheduled. Your pet’s tooth may be able to be saved, and in some cases, a root canal can be performed. Few vets have the ability to perform a root canal, so your pet may be referred to a veterinary dentist. If this is not possible, or if the tooth is too damaged to be saved, your regular veterinarian should be able to extract the affected tooth.   Recovery time from tooth extraction is swift. You may need to give canned food or moistened dry food until your pet’s gum heals, but removal of the affected tooth will cause immediate pain relief for your pet. Many, many times I have been told by owners that though they didn’t know their pets were in pain before, they certainly noticed a difference in their pet’s attitude after surgery! If you suspect a tooth root abscess, call your vet immediately.   Fri, 28 Dec 2012 10:18:39 GMT http://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/the-root-cause-petplan-pet-insurance-looks-at-tooth-root-abcesseshttp://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/petplan-pet-insurance-presents-a-primer-on-immune-mediated-hemolytic-anemia Immune mediated hemolytic anemia (or IMHA, for short) is a life threatening blood disorder.  To understand this long-named disease, let’s break it down into parts:   Immune mediated = the immune system malfunctions, and begins destroying cells in the body Hemolytic = breakdown of red blood cells Anemia = low levels of hemoglobin and red blood cells   Put them all together, and you’ve got a condition in which an overactive immune system targets too many red blood cells for destruction, resulting in moderate to severe anemia.   Red blood cells serve a vital function, delivering oxygen from the lungs to all of the tissues of the body. They have a natural life span of about two months in cats and three months in dogs. In a normal animal, red blood cells are removed as they circulate through the spleen, liver and bone marrow about as fast as they are made, so the total number of red blood cells stays level.   When an animal has IMHA, the body’s immune system marks too many red blood cells for removal. Over time, so many red blood cells are destroyed that there aren’t enough in circulation to perform their job delivering oxygen to vital tissues.   IMHA may have an underlying cause, or it may not. In 60 percent to 75 percent of IMHA cases in dogs, an underlying cause is never found. In cats, IMHA is generally caused by feline leukemia or by a blood parasite called Mycoplasma hemofelis.   Symptoms of IMHA are due to the anemia. You’ll notice your pet becoming lethargic and weak, and the gums and lips may become pale. You may also notice jaundice, or a yellowing of the gums and whites of the eyes. Urine may contain the breakdown products from the red blood cells, so it may be orange or brown in color.   Your veterinarian will use a blood test to diagnose IMHA, and she will likely want to perform other tests as well. By looking at your pet’s blood sample microscopically, she may be able to find other clues, like misshapen red blood cells, cells that clump together, or the presence of immature red blood cells. Finally, she may send off a Coomb’s test, which looks for antibodies on the red blood cells.   Treatment of IMHA centers on suppressing the body’s inappropriate immune response. If the immune system can be quieted, red blood cells will stop being targeted for destruction. High-dose steroids are used to suppress the immune system. If ineffective, other more potent immunomodulators will be considered. In the meantime, other supportive treatment, like IV fluids and nutritional support, will be provided. Many patients with IMHA will find their anemia severe enough to require blood transfusions.  If you haven’t already guessed, IMHA is serious and often requires lengthy hospitalization. Having dog insurance or cat insurance with Petplan pet insurance can provide you with peace of mind that your pet's stay in the hospital, as well as any necessary treatments, can be covered.    Once your pet is feeling better, you’ll be sent home with orders to continue your pet’s steroids, which you’ll slowly taper off over weeks or months. During this time, you will likely have several rechecks to make sure your pet is on the right path. It’s important to be vigilant during this rocky time – be sure to report any setbacks your pet may have while her medication is being tapered.   Wed, 26 Dec 2012 14:30:48 GMT http://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/petplan-pet-insurance-presents-a-primer-on-immune-mediated-hemolytic-anemiahttp://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/petplan-pet-insurance-presents-the-dish-on-cats-eating-dog-food It’s a question I've been asked many times as a veterinarian: Can my cat eat dog food?   If your cats are anything like mine, they are perpetually hungry. They show up at the first sign of food, be it human, feline or canine. But snacking from your or your other pets’ bowls should be a firm no-no.   It’s not a good idea to feed cats too much of any food. Cats who nibble from the dog’s bowl are ingesting more calories than they should, and with feline obesity at an all-time high, any extra calories mean bad news for the health of our cats.   But more importantly, cats shouldn’t be fed dog food because they are obligate carnivores. This means that they must eat meat to survive. The reason is because of an amino acid called taurine. Cats can’t produce enough taurine naturally, so they must rely on their diets to provide it. Taurine can only be found in animal products like meat and eggs.   Dogs, on the other hand, are not obligate carnivores.  I’m sure you’ve noticed your dog chowing down on grass in your backyard. This is because dogs are omnivores – they consume both plants and animals. Dogs don’t need to consume taurine because they are able to synthesize it on their own. Therefore, their foods are not generally supplemented with this amino acid.   If your cat only east dog food, and doesn’t get enough taurine in her system, she can develop a heart condition called dilated cardiomyopathy, in which the muscles of the heart weaken and the heart enlarges. When this occurs, the heart is unable to pump blood effectively, and fluid builds up in the lungs, leading to congestive heart failure.   In 1980, it was discovered that a major cause for dilated cardiomyopathy in cats was a diet deficient of taurine. When this discovery was made, all commercial diets began being supplemented with taurine. For this reason, dilated cardiomyopathy is thankfully much less common in cats than it used to be.   Because taurine deficiency is a common resulting condition in cats who consume only dog food, I always recommend against this practice.    Wed, 19 Dec 2012 13:42:26 GMT http://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/petplan-pet-insurance-presents-the-dish-on-cats-eating-dog-foodhttp://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/rightie-or-leftie-petplan-pet-insurance-discusses-dominate-paws-in-pets Have you ever wondered “Is my pet right-pawed or left-pawed?” (Or did you even know your pets had a paw preference?). Ninety percent of humans are right handed, but our animal friends are much more likely to have their left paw be their dominant paw. A 2006 study suggests that for dogs, it’s an even split between lefties and righties. A different study revealed that 50 percent of cats are “right-pawed,” 40 percent are “left-pawed,” and the remaining 10 percent are ambidextrous! Furthermore, male cats tend to be lefties, and female cats tend to favor their right paws. While there certainly is no real advantage to figuring out which paw is dominant in your pet, it may satisfy your curiosity. However, in working dogs, like military and service dogs, knowing if they’re right- or left-pawed may help their trainers turn them in to better working dogs. There are also a couple of studies that suggest that dogs with certain paw preferences may be more reactive to loud sounds, such as gunfire or fireworks. Put a tasty morsel just out of reach (under the couch is a good place) and see which paw your pet uses to fetch it. Give your dog her favorite toy, and note which paw she uses to “hold it” while chewing it. Dangle an enticing toy just out of reach of your cat and see which paw he uses to reach for it.  Make it a good one, though, because research shows that cats are likely to use either paw if they’re just playing around, but when they’re serious about an item, they’ll reach for it with their dominant paw. If your dog or cat knows how to “shake,” take note of which paw they offer. Similarly, take note of which paw they use to scratch on the door when telling you that they need to go out. Finding out your pet’s paw preference takes time, though. In order to get a good sample size, you’ll need to do these tests 100 times! Still, though, it offers a good break from the hustle and bustle of the holiday season and provides some good one-on-one bonding time (even if your pet may look at you like you’re crazy when you hide a treat under the couch).  Still not convinced you want to put the time into figuring it out? Then might I suggest that you delegate – this makes a perfect first science project for budding child scientists! Tue, 18 Dec 2012 17:01:02 GMT http://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/rightie-or-leftie-petplan-pet-insurance-discusses-dominate-paws-in-petshttp://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/petplan-pet-insurance-presents-holiday-pet-health-tips It is officially the “most wonderful time of the year!” That’s right, the winter holidays are upon us, bringing food, family and festivities, but they also bring hidden dangers for our pets. Take a look at the list below to avoid a costly trip to the emergency room this month.   Cocktail Time The holidays are high season for indulging in a cocktail or two. Alcohol is toxic to pets, and because of their smaller size, petite pets are at a particularly high risk for alcohol poisoning. Unattended beverages may be seen as an open bar for pets who just can’t resist the temptation, so be sure to keep all alcohol well out of reach of our curious four-legged friends.  Signs of alcohol poisoning include stupor, staggering, incoordination and vomiting.   Dangerous plants When decking the halls, keep in mind that some of the traditionally festive foliage may be dangerous to our pets if ingested. I’m sure you’ve heard that poinsettias are deadly – the truth is that they are only mildly irritating to your pet. Nausea and vomiting may occur, but it is highly unlikely that death will follow ingestion. On the other hand, mistletoe and holly are moderately to severely toxic if ingested. I’m sure you won’t need mistletoe to garner kisses from your pets, but if you do choose to hang it, make sure it’s well out of reach of your pets.    Stocking stuffers Our pets deserve stockings on Christmas morning, too! Keep stocking stuffers on the safe side by avoiding toys with long strings, which could pose a problem to kitties if ingested. Toys that are easily destructible should be avoided for the same reason – tenacious pups may swallow pieces of toys, which can become lodged in their intestines. Choose your pet’s gifts wisely.   Holiday meals The same rules apply for Christmas and Hanukkah dinners as they do for the Thanksgiving feast. Traditionally, we put our diets on hold for the holidays, indulging in rich foods like onion-laden latkes or buttery veggies and meat. Chocolate gold coins are common this time of year, too. All of these treats can cause problems for our pets, leading to gastroenteritis or pancreatitis.   Holiday traditions Whether you have a Christmas tree or a menorah, you should be equally aware of the dangers to your pets. Cats are notoriously curious, and many a Christmas tree has been knocked over during their exploration. Ingestion of tree needles may cause vomiting, and ingestion of tree tinsel can lead to linear foreign bodies. And lighted candles – need we say more? Keep candelabras out-of-reach of prying paws, and keep a close eye on pets when you’re celebrating the season.   But the dangers don’t stop there: Christmas lights, train villages and electric menorahs mean extra wires and extension cords. Pay particular attention to keep these out of reach of your pets. I have seen electric cord burns in both cats and curious puppies who chew on wires, and in worst case scenarios, pets can die from respiratory issues secondary to chomping on these wires. Invest in a plastic wire cover to hide these temptations.   Ringing in the New Year New Year’s Eve brings its own set of problems. In addition to the aforementioned alcohol, noise makers and fireworks may be enough to cause your pet to hightail it to safer ground. Pets who bolt at the sound of fireworks are at risk of becoming lost, so keep pets safely indoors. Give them a safe place where they can retreat during parties or fireworks, and make sure they are microchipped in case the worst occurs.   While the list of cautions is lengthy, just staying smart about your celebrations will help keep the season merry and bright for the whole family. For added peace of mind, protect your pet this holiday season with a dog insurance or cat insurance policy from Petplan (And keep your veterinarian’s phone number close, just in case!)   Mon, 17 Dec 2012 11:21:04 GMT http://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/petplan-pet-insurance-presents-holiday-pet-health-tipshttp://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/spilling-the-fat-petplan-pet-insurance-on-fatty-liver-disease-in-cats As we discussed in our previous blog about feeding tubes, one of the most common conditions requiring the placement of a feeding tube is hepatic lipidosis, or fatty liver disease. Hepatic lipidosis causes liver failure when an overweight cat loses weight too quickly or goes several days without eating. Owners of overweight cats are often thrilled that their chubby kitties seem to be shedding weight, not realizing that potentially life-threatening changes to the liver could be occurring.   Dog parents, perk up your ears – hepatic lipidosis does occasionally occur in dogs, but it’s usually seen incidentally secondary to metabolic and endocrine diseases such as diabetes and hypothyroid disease. This one tends to occur mainly in feline friends.   Cats are built to eat multiple small meals throughout the day, and they work for their meals. Think of how a feral cat would eat – chasing a chipmunk here, trapping a mouse there, and so on. This keeps them slim and healthy. But house cats of today are often overweight or obese due to an overabundance of food and a lack of exercise.   When cats fall ill, many of them stop eating, causing their bodies go into starvation mode. In an effort to stay nourished, the body will mobilize stored fat and send it to the liver for processing. Unfortunately, the liver isn’t meant to handle large amounts of fat, so it builds up and leads to liver failure.   As we discussed in the feeding tubes blog, it doesn’t take long for a cat who stops eating to become ill.  Just 48 hours of anorexia can start the domino effect that leads to hospitalization and severe illness. Even if your cat is still eating half to three-quarters of his normal diet, he could be at risk.   The cardinal signs of hepatic lipidosis are poor appetite and weight loss, of course, but also include gastrointestinal signs like vomiting and diarrhea or constipation, as well as signs of liver disease, such as yellowing of the skin, gums and whites of the eyes.   The mainstay of treatment is aggressive nutritional support. This is where a feeding tube helps.  Placement of a feeding tube allows a cat who is refusing to eat to maintain his weight and nutritional status. Cats with hepatic lipidosis often require hospitalization for some period of time, and cats with severe signs may require quite a lengthy stay while they recover, so having cat insurance that helps with the hospital bills like Petplan can be a great benefit.    Treatment of hepatic lipidosis must also address the underlying cause that made the affected kitty stop eating in the first place. In addition to fluids and nutritional support, general liver support will be needed. One in four patients will also need a blood transfusion due to red blood cell rupture and vitamin K deficiencies that lead to clotting disorders.   Aggressive treatment is expensive, but the good news is, it’s effective.  A full 90% of patients with hepatic lipidosis survive with aggressive support. So if you notice your kitty leaving more food in her bowl than usual, get her to the vet!      Wed, 12 Dec 2012 09:54:25 GMT http://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/spilling-the-fat-petplan-pet-insurance-on-fatty-liver-disease-in-catshttp://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/down-the-tube-petplan-pet-insurance-clears-the-air-on-feeding-tube-use-in-pets I am hard-pressed to find words that strike as much panic into the hearts of pet parents as these two: “feeding tube.” I can understand the initial hesitation that owners may have regarding the placement of a feeding tube in one of their pets, which I think has a lot to do with the way they are used in human medicine.   When owners hear the words, they immediately think of hospice situations, where feeding tubes are placed as last-ditch efforts. They are sometimes thought of by owners as instruments of prolonged suffering. I also think pet parents may perceive a feeding tube as invasive or painful, or they fear that it will interfere with their pet’s normal social interactions, all of which are untrue.   Feeding tubes provide nutritional support for our pets when they are too ill to eat, or when they have lost their appetite for one reason or another. They are not usually placed in hospice-type situations.  Instead, they are placed to help our pets maintain their nutritional health while getting over an illness. Any pet with a disease process that causes anorexia (or severely decreased appetite) is a candidate for a feeding tube. While hepatic lipidosis in cats is probably the most common cause for feeding tube placement (more on that condition in our next blog!), other diseases may warrant it as well, including:   Oral pain from dental disease or oral surgery Side effects from chemotherapy Pancreatitis Kidney disease Gastrointestinal disease Megaesophagus   Though feeding tubes are also placed in dogs, they are most commonly placed in cats. Any cat who has not eaten for over 48 hours, or one who has eaten less than half of her normal diet for three days, should be considered a candidate for a feeding tube. If the affected cat is very young or very old, feeding tubes should be considered sooner.   Your veterinarian may try a day or two of medical therapy, such as appetite stimulants, to try to get your kitty to eat, but if these fail, the best thing for your cat is to get a little help nutritionally. There are several different types of feeding tubes, but the two most common are nasogastric tubes and esophagostomy tubes. Like everything else in life, each kind of tube has pros and cons.   Nasogastric tubes are narrow tubes that run through the nasal cavity. They are easily inserted and require no anesthesia. They are also somewhat well tolerated. Their biggest limitation, however, is also one of their benefits. Because the tube is so skinny, veterinarians are limited in the type of nourishment that can pass though it without causing it to clog. For the patient who needs nutritional support, this can be very frustrating.   On the other hand, esophagostomy tubes are wider and make feeding easier. Anesthesia is required for placement, and they run through the side of the neck into the esophagus. Not only food, but also oral medications can easily be given right through the tube.   Your veterinarian will go over feeding tube instructions in depth before your kitty is sent home with you. You’ll be responsible for feeding your pet several times a day, as well as keeping the feeding tube site clean. Owners often ask how long a tube will need to be used, and the answer, of course, varies. Your pet can eat normally with a feeding tube in place once she’s feeling better, so many veterinarians will wait until your pet is eating normally for several days on her own before pulling the tube. On average, you can expect your cat to have a feeding tube for two to three weeks. If your veterinarian has recommended a feeding tube and you still have hesitations, ask to speak to another pet parent who has been through it. They will certainly relieve your anxieties about the whole thing. In fact, most people tell me that they wish they had agreed to a feeding tube sooner! Mon, 10 Dec 2012 12:24:07 GMT http://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/down-the-tube-petplan-pet-insurance-clears-the-air-on-feeding-tube-use-in-petshttp://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/seeing-the-whole-picture-part-3-petplan-pet-insurance-looks-at-chiropractic-treatments-for-pets Today we conclude our week long look into alternative treatments for pets with a primer on chiropractic care for pets, which is based on spinal manipulation and has been performed on humans for centuries. Much like homeopathy, herbal medicines and acupuncture, veterinary chiropractic care offers veterinarians and pet parents another avenue of treatment to deal with health problems that affect our furry family members.   Injury to the vertebral column and associated muscles, tendons and ligaments can occur any time, in any animal. Specific trauma, such as what a dog or cat might encounter in a car accident or a fall, can certainly cause the alignment of the spine to be off, but so can landing wrong after an awkward jump. Chiropractic work aims to realign the spine using massage-like manipulation.   Spinal adjustments can correct pain in the back or neck, but the theory of chiropractic adjustments goes a little deeper. It focuses on the dysfunction of the spine and its effect on the entire nervous system throughout the body.   More specifically, chiropractors believe that dysfunction of the spine causes impairment of organs that rely on innervation from specific spinal vertebrae, with each section of the spine corresponding to different organs. The theory is that impaired energy (“chi” or “qi”) from a subluxated vertebrae will cause blockage and weakness in the associated organs and their functions.    Many conditions can be addressed by chiropractic work, including: Pain in the neck, back or tail Trouble chewing or jaw pain Muscle spasms Bowel or bladder disorders Chronic illnesses   Some animals will respond immediately following their first adjustment, while others may need multiple sessions. Carrying pet insurance that covers both chronic conditions as well as alternative therapy such as chiropractic care, like Petplan, can help make the cost of caring for your pet more manageable.    As with the other holistic modalities we have discussed, veterinary chiropractic is not meant to replace traditional veterinary care. It is important that your regular veterinarian examines your pet before seeking a veterinary chiropractor.   Though rare, chiropractic work can cause serious injury, even if performed by a trained chiropractor, so it is important to be sure the practitioner is a veterinarian who has had special training above their general veterinary training. Furthermore, animal chiropractic is controversial, with no published studies of its efficacy.   There is plenty of anecdotal evidence that suggests it can be effective, however, so if you feel like checking into it, consult with your regular veterinarian first. If he or she agrees, perhaps they could recommend a specialist in your town. If not, visit the website of the American Veterinary Chiropractic Association (http://www.animalchiropractic.org/) to search for a veterinary chiropractor in your state. Fri, 07 Dec 2012 12:50:24 GMT http://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/seeing-the-whole-picture-part-3-petplan-pet-insurance-looks-at-chiropractic-treatments-for-petshttp://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/making-pets-whole-part-2-petplan-pet-insurance-digs-into-acupuncture-for-pets In our previous post in this series on alternative veterinary treatments, we looked at homeopathy and herbal medicine. This blog will focus on something many pet parents are familiar with – acupuncture.   Acupuncture is an ancient technique that has been used as far back in history as 3000 BC in China, where needles made of stone and fish bones have been found. The theory of acupuncture is that pain and illness are caused by disruption of the flow of energy (“qi” or “chi”). Acupuncture aims to restore the flow to normalcy by stimulating specific points under the skin. Ancient Chinese practitioners identified 361 acupuncture points in humans, and 173 in animals – yes, there is evidence that acupuncture was used on horses and other animals thousands of years ago!   From a physical standpoint, acupuncture points correspond to places on the body where small bundles of nerves run close to the skin. The acupuncturist stimulates the point by inserting a small needle, which activates neurons within the nerves to stimulate the release of neurotransmitters in the spinal cord and brainstem. These neurotransmitters inhibit the transmission of pain.   Another effect of acupuncture is an initial local blood vessel constriction, which happens within the first few seconds of the needle being inserted. The blood vessels then dilate, and blood flow to the area increases for a period of up to two weeks!   Acupuncture also contributes to the health of the immune system by increasing infection-fighting white blood cells and antibodies. In addition, acupuncture stimulates the release of hormones, such as endorphins (to control pain) and cortisol.   Acupuncture is commonly used for many conditions, including: Musculoskeletal diseases such as arthritis and intervertebral disc disease (IVDD) Traumatic injuries Muscle soreness Skin diseases such as lick granulomas and allergic dermatitis Gastrointestinal diseases such as diarrhea, constipation and gastric ulcers Reproductive problems   Significant side effects of acupuncture are extremely rare, and the success rate of this type of treatment is very high. While having needles stuck into your pet’s (much less your own!) body may sound tortuous, inserting the tiny needles is virtually painless, and once they are in place, there should be no pain at all. In fact, most animals receiving acupuncture become very relaxed, and some even fall asleep!   Initially, acupuncture is given weekly or biweekly for about six treatments, after which time the therapy can be spread out if the patient is responding (and thankfully, it can be covered by your Petplan pet insurance policy). Patients with conditions known to respond to acupuncture can show minor to dramatic response to therapy. Patients who fail to respond within three to four treatments should be reevaluated.   As with other alternative therapies, the use of acupuncture should be in combination with other conventional therapies. Veterinary acupuncture should only be performed by a certified veterinary acupuncturist, and as always, make sure your regular vet knows about any treatment your pet is receiving.  Wed, 05 Dec 2012 10:18:02 GMT http://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/making-pets-whole-part-2-petplan-pet-insurance-digs-into-acupuncture-for-petshttp://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/making-pets-whole-part-1-petplan-pet-insurance-looks-at-holistic-and-alternative-treatments-for-furry-friends If you have ever considered alternative treatment for your four-legged family members, you may be surprised to learn that you’re part of a growing group of pet parents!   There are plenty of pet parents who use alternative treatments to find relief from pain and illness, and many are beginning to explore the same treatments for their furry friends. As the trend has grown, veterinarians who perform those alternative therapies have become higher in demand than ever.   To help you understand what alternative or holistic treatment entails, this 3-part series of blogs will focus on homeopathy and herbal treatments, chiropractic therapy and acupuncture.    The American Holistic Veterinary Medical Association (AHVMA) defines holistic medicine as “the examination and diagnosis of an animal considering all aspects of the animal’s life and employing all of the practitioner's senses, as well as the combination of conventional and alternative modalities of treatment.”    Now, most practitioners of traditional veterinary medicine – myself included – generally meet the first part of that definition, as we too consider all aspects of an animal’s life and use all of our senses during an exam. The distinction lies in the second half, the veterinarian’s additional use of alternative therapies, such as herbal remedies and acupuncture, in treatment. The practice of holistic medicine, both in human and veterinary medicine, centers on empathy, and is minimally invasive.   Homeopathy Homeopathic medicine is based on the idea that the same symptoms that are caused by a substance can be cured if the substance is administered in small amounts, or as the name implies, “like cures like.”  Holistic remedies can be made from plants and minerals, as well as derived from viruses and bacteria. Remedies are made by diluting the substance in alcohol or distilled water until very little of it actually remains, and sometimes until none remains. The theory is that during the mixing, the substance leaves an enduring effect on the water as vibrational energy essences.  Administering homeopathic remedies is meant to stimulate and encourage the body’s natural healing forces for recovery.   Herbal medicine Throughout history, herbs have been used to enhance health and treat disease.  Veterinary herbalists use Western herbs as well as Ayurvedic herbs from India and traditional Chinese herbs.  Different substances can be used to combat the effects of aging, enhance vitality and promote overall well-being.  They can also be used medicinally to heal illness and address pain.  Herbs can be used to treat almost any condition that is currently being treated with Western medicine, from arthritis to cardiac and kidney disease, as well as managing the side effects of chemotherapy and radiation.   Homeopathy and herbal medicines are usually prescribed in combination with lifestyle and food changes, and sometimes the vet may also prescribe acupuncture and/or chiropractic treatments.  If you decide to pursue alternative therapies, I encourage you to do so in conjunction with conventional medicine. To make sure everyone is on the same page, always make sure your regular vet is aware of any treatment your pet might be receiving from an alternative veterinarian, as well. In addition, if you've protected your pet with Petplan, you'll be happy to know that alternative therapies such as veterinary acupuncture, homeotherapy and chiropractic treatment can all be covered!    Tue, 04 Dec 2012 10:32:00 GMT http://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/making-pets-whole-part-1-petplan-pet-insurance-looks-at-holistic-and-alternative-treatments-for-furry-friendshttp://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/petplan-pet-insurance-celebrates-national-mutt-day-with-a-look-at-marvelous-mixed-breed-dogs What do Old Yeller, Benji and Lady’s beloved suitor the Tramp all have in common? They’re all mutts! December 2nd was National Mutt Day, and whether you call your canine companion a mongrel, a mutt or a plain ol’ mixed breed, every day with a furry best friend is a day to celebrate!   Mutts, or mixed breed dogs, are dogs who are of no one discernible breed. Technically speaking, even new “designer” breeds like Labradoodles and Cockapoos are mixed breed dogs, as they are the offspring of two different breeds. But more commonly, when we use the term mixed breed, we’re referring to a dog whose ancestors are extremely varied.   In general, mixed breed dogs are the result of unintentional breeding.  Need proof?  Just visit your local animal shelter to see mixed breed dogs of all shapes and sizes. That’s one of the great things about mixed breed dogs – you can find one to suit almost any need or desire. Large or small, long hair or short, curly tail, straight tail – there’s a mixed breed dog out there for everyone!   There are so many good things about mixed breed dogs that I decided to make a list:   You can get a great pet for a fantastic price. While you will likely have to pay a small fee to adopt a mixed breed dog or cat, it will be nowhere near the hundreds (and sometimes thousands) of dollars required to purchase a purebred dog. You will be saving a life. Adopting from a shelter saves lives. Even if you adopt from a “no-kill” shelter, by adopting your dog, you’ve made room for the next dog in line. You are helping to reduce pet overpopulation, even if it’s in a small way. Choosing a pet who needs a home rather than one purposely produced by a breeder reduces the number of homeless pets. As a bonus, your mixed breed shelter pet is likely already spayed and neutered at the time of adoption, further reducing pet overpopulation! Mixed breeds might be healthier. Data suggests that mixed breed dogs live longer than purebred dogs of the same size, and some studies show that veterinary costs for mixed breeds tend to be lower over the life of the pet because they have fewer inherited illnesses. This is due in part to hybrid vigor, which is the theory that mixed breeds are healthier because of their varied ancestry. Your standard purebred dog may be predisposed to inherited health issues because they run in the bloodlines, but mixed breed dogs don’t have this problem because they have no particular bloodline. Regardless of your pet's breed, remember that any best friend can suffer accidents, illnesses and injuries during their lifetime, so protecting them with dog insurance from Petplan can help provide true peace of mind. They can still compete. Though mixed breed dogs cannot show in conformation dog shows like Westminster, they can shine at other kinds of competition, like flyball, obedience and agility. Just because they aren’t purebred, doesn’t mean they can’t learn amazing tricks!   The appearance of a mixed breed dog may give some clue as to its immediate ancestry. For instance, if your dog has a fluffy red coat and black spots on her tongue, she might have Chow Chow in her. Or your small mixed breed dog with the giant ears may have a touch of Chihuahua in his bloodline.   Even if you can’t immediately tell who your mixed breed dog’s parents were, some laboratories will be willing to wager a guess based on your dog’s DNA. And, the results may surprise you.  Imagine my shock as the results came back on my 60 pound dog (who looks like a leaner black Lab) as German Shepherd/Dachshund mix! Now I call her “my little wiener dog,” even though she looks like nothing of the sort!   In any case, I doubt knowing your mixed breed dog’s ancestry will make you love her any more, because nothing beats a mutt!  Mon, 03 Dec 2012 11:13:42 GMT http://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/petplan-pet-insurance-celebrates-national-mutt-day-with-a-look-at-marvelous-mixed-breed-dogshttp://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/fungus-among-us-part-4-petplan-pet-insurances-spills-the-dirt-on-cryptococcosis Today, we conclude our week-long focus on fungal infections in pets. Of the blogs in this series focused on fungal infections, two focused on infections to which cats seem to be more resistant than dogs: blastomycosis and coccidiodomycosis. The third, histoplasmosis, affects cats just as easily as dogs. Today’s blog focuses on  the most common systemic fungal infection in cats (and which also affects cats more frequently than dogs): cryptococcosis.   Cryptococcosis, otherwise known as Cryptococcus neoformans, can infect indoor cats just as easily as outdoor cats, because the causative organism is carried indoors on shoes, on the wind or in soil used for indoor plants. Originally, the source of disease was thought to be pigeon feces, but more recently the culprit has been revealed to be vegetation, such as decomposing leaves and the grounds under tree habitats.   Because the fungus is inhaled, infection of the nasal cavity is common, and patients may be asymptomatic or enter a carrier state of disease. For other cases, colonization of the fungal organisms can occur and disease can then spread to the brain. Occasionally, other organs, such as the skin and internal organs are affected.  The incubation of cryptococcosis is still unknown, but it can range from one month to as long as 10 months.   Though cats are more commonly infected, young active dogs can also get the disease. Clinical signs in both include: Blindness Seizures Uncoordinated gait Nasal discharge Low grade and/or intermittent fever Inappetence Lethargy Skin lesions   Diagnosis can be made by finding the organism on microscopic examination, growing it in culture or finding it on a blood test.   Much like the other fungal disease that we’ve discussed, treatment will need to be continued over a long period of time - so again the benefits of having pet insurance coverage that covers chronic conditions can be very helpful. In the case of cryptococcosis, treatment with more than one kind of anti-fungal is often needed, and treatment may continue for one to two years. Luckily, clinical signs wane in the first month of treatment, so your four-legged friend will likely be much more comfortable early on in the treatment phase. The good news is that prognosis is excellent if patients survive the first two weeks of treatment.   As you can tell from this week’s blogs, systemic fungal infections can be very dangerous and detrimental to your pets. Though they are all slightly different, all four diseases can be life-threatening, and all four require serious time and financial commitments to treat. Thu, 29 Nov 2012 10:23:38 GMT http://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/fungus-among-us-part-4-petplan-pet-insurances-spills-the-dirt-on-cryptococcosishttp://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/fungus-among-us-part-3-petplan-pet-insurance-clears-the-air-on-coccidiodomycosis Our investigation into fungal disease continues today with Coccidiodomycosis. It’s a mouthful to pronounce and can wreak havoc on dogs and, occasionally, cats. Coccidiodomycosis is the systemic fungal disease caused by the organism Coccidiodes immitis or Coccidiodes posadasii. Unlike the other two fungal diseases we have already discussed, this organism is found primarily in the southwestern United States, as well as Mexico and Central America. Southern California, Arizona and southwest Texas are common states where these incidents occur, and they seem to increase in late fall and winter. This organism seems to favor dry conditions, and high winds help it to spread.   Like the previous two fungal infections we’ve discussed, Coccidiodomycosis occurs when spores are inhaled. Pulmonary disease occurs as the spores spread to local lymph nodes, then to the bones, eyes, skin, heart, testicles, central nervous system and major abdominal organs. The incubation period is typically one to three weeks, although the disease can remain dormant for up to three years before causing symptoms.    Sometimes, dogs and cats are exposed to the disease and develop mild respiratory signs that resolve without treatment. Other times, more serious symptoms develop, like: Fever Inappetence and weight loss Lethargy Lameness Enlarged lymph nodes Draining skin lesions Blindness Lameness Heart failure   Diagnosis can be made by a number of ways. X-rays of the chest may show specific signs, and evidence of the organism can show up on microscopic examination of the fluid from the lungs or draining tracts. Unlike histoplasmosis, blood tests for coccidiodomycosis are a good way to diagnosis disease.   Male young adult dogs are most commonly affected, and strictly outdoor dogs are five times more likely to be affected than their indoor cousins. Cats are more resistant to coccidiodomycosis than dogs. They tend to develop mild respiratory signs with spontaneous recovery, and disease that has spread through the body is rare in cats.   Treatment with anti-fungal medication must be sustained for a minimum of three months (two months past resolution of clinical signs). Prognosis is fairly good – 90% of cases with localized pulmonary disease respond to treatment, and about 60% of more severe cases respond, though response in these specific cases is unpredictable. In all cases, relapses can occur, so continued treatment is important, as it carrying pet insurance that can help cover repeat cases, like Petplan.    Coming up next, we’ll wrap up this series on systemic fungal diseases with a look at one that tends to affect cats more than dogs – cryptococcosis.  Wed, 28 Nov 2012 13:12:35 GMT http://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/fungus-among-us-part-3-petplan-pet-insurance-clears-the-air-on-coccidiodomycosishttp://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/fungus-among-us-part-2-petplan-pet-insurance-digs-into-histoplasmosis This week we’re taking a look at the most common systemic fungal infections that can affect dogs and cats. Part 1 of this series addressed blastomycosis, and today we’ll address histoplasmosis.   Histoplasmosis is the infection caused by the organism Histoplasma capsulatum, which is found in the United States as well as Central and South America. In the U.S., the soils of the Ohio, Missouri and the Mississippi river valleys are the most common places to find the Histoplasma capsulatum, as are soils that are rich in bat or bird feces.   Pets are infected by inhaling spores, so if your dog is sniffing alongside one of the above rivers, be careful! Once inhaled, the spores begin to reproduce, and then infection spreads to local lymph nodes and other organs, such as the liver, spleen, bone marrow, bones and eyes. Occasionally, the skin, gastrointestinal system, nasal cavity and central nervous systems can be affected.  The incubation period of histoplasmosis is generally 12 to 16 days.   Unlike blastomycosis, cats are fairly susceptible to histoplasmosis, and the disease can be slowly progressive and non-specific in cats, making it difficult to diagnose. In both cats and dogs, infection can be localized to one system or organ, or spread throughout the body. It is believed that while histoplasmosis can result in life-threatening disease, there are also many animals that are exposed to the organism and clear it without treatment.   Clinical signs of histoplasmosis vary depending on whether disease is diffuse  (spread throughout the body) or localized. Signs may include: Jaundice, or yellowing of the skin and eyes Coughing Blindness Enlarged lymph nodes Lameness Anorexia, or unwillingness to eat   Veterinarians can diagnose infection by taking a sample of bone marrow, lymph node or fluid collected from the lungs, and examining it under a microscope. Blood tests are another option, though they are unreliable in both cats and dogs.   The severity of the disease ranges from mild to life-threatening, and prognosis will vary accordingly. For pets with localized and mildly diffused disease, prognosis is good with long-term treatment, which involves systemic anti-fungals. It could still take a week or two to see clinical response. During this time, severely affected patients may need hospitalization for supportive care, like IV fluids and nutrition. Because medications do not treat the eyes well, ocular disease may not respond to therapy, so blindness could be permanent.   As with all of the fungal diseases we’re talking about this week, long-term therapy is key. Treatment will need to continue for at least one to two months after resolution of clinical signs, making for a significant financial and time commitment. But with persistence at home, your pet will have the best chance to get back on her paws.  Tue, 27 Nov 2012 11:04:04 GMT http://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/fungus-among-us-part-2-petplan-pet-insurance-digs-into-histoplasmosishttp://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/fungus-among-us-part-1-petplan-pet-insurance-on-blastomycosis In the veterinary world, there sure are a lot of cases of “fungus among us.” This series of blogs will discuss four of the most common systemic fungal infections. Though these four may appear similar in some ways, there are specific differences for pet parents to keep in mind.   The first one we’ll address is blastomycosis, an infection caused by the organism Blastomyces dermatitidis. This organism is found in specific geographic areas – the Mississippi, Tennessee, Ohio and Saint Lawrence river valleys, the middle Atlantic states and the southern Great Lakes. As you may have guessed, it is prevalent near water, as fungal growth is encouraged by wet, sandy soils.   Infection occurs when the spores are inhaled into the lungs. Dogs and humans are most commonly affected, but other animals (like cats and horses) can also contract the disease. However, infection cannot be transmitted from animals to humans, so your pet poses no threat to your family’s health.   After inhalation, the incubation period of blastomycosis is anywhere from five to 12 weeks. The infection progresses to lung disease, which can then spread through the body to other organs including the eyes, bones, skin, lymph nodes and the brain.   Initial, clinical signs of blastomycosis include: Decreased appetite, or not eating altogether Weight loss Coughing Eye inflammation Fever Enlarged lymph nodes   About half of canine cases also have eye abnormalities and in severe cases, secondary glaucoma and blindness can occur. About a quarter to a third of affected animals show lameness due to bony lesions, and some even suffer from pathologic fractures from severe lesions in their bones.   Diagnosis of blastomycosis is made by microscopic observation of the material from draining tracts or from samples taken from enlarged lymph nodes. Biopsy of skin lesions can be very telling, and X-rays of the lungs can show some characteristic findings. In addition, sometimes blood tests are in order to confirm the presence of antibodies against the fungal organism.   The good news about blastomycosis is that the prognosis is generally good. About 50% to 75% of mild to moderate cases recover, although for severe pulmonary cases or when disease has spread to the brain, the numbers are lower. Oral anti-fungal medications are used to treat blastomycosis, but it may take one to two weeks to see improvement in clinical signs. During that time, supportive treatment or hospitalization may be required. Having a dog insurance policy from Petplan can help alleviate the treatment costs.    The prescribed anti-fungals will need to be given for at least 60 to 90 days, and sometimes longer. If blastomycosis is the diagnosis, your veterinarian will likely recommend that you treat your pet for 30 to 60 days more, once the clinical signs of disease are gone.   Stay tuned this week as we discuss other systemic fungal infections. Mon, 26 Nov 2012 12:16:54 GMT http://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/fungus-among-us-part-1-petplan-pet-insurance-on-blastomycosishttp://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/thanks-fur-all-petplan-pet-insurance-takes-a-look-at-thanksgiving-from-a-pet-point-of-view If your pet could say thank you, what would they be grateful for this Thanksgiving? We’ve put together a list of reasons for your pet to high-five you this season. NOT feeding them a Thanksgiving feast: Dogs and cats are particularly prone to pancreatitis during the holidays, when they may be exposed to high-fat human comfort foods. Turkey with all the trimmings is tasty, but too much of a good thing will land your pet in the hospital. Instead, if you must indulge them, offer a few bites of white meat turkey (no skin) on top of their normal food. Be particularly mindful to avoid giving them onions and garlic, which can be toxic. Stuffings and turkey heavy on sage should be avoided, too, as the essential oils in the herb can cause gastrointestinal upset. Also, never feed your pet turkey or poultry bones. They are hollow and can easily splinter, causing oral and intestinal damage. The new toy you got them for Thanksgiving: Yes, we said presents for Thanksgiving. Take away the temptation to scrounge for food while you dine with family and friends by keeping your pet busy with an interactive toy. The special treats you made them: While you’re getting your holiday baking on, don’t forget to include treats for your pets. We’ve taken the guesswork out of recipe-searching by providing  a few vet-authored, holiday-flavored treats for pets right here!  Keeping up with regular vet visits: Doing this allows your pet’s veterinary team to keep him up to date on vaccines and parasite control. Regular veterinary exams also give you and your vet a heads up on potential illnesses.  Keeping them at a healthy weight: Though your pet may look from his food bowl to you with puppy dog (or kitty cat) eyes, he really does want to thank you for keeping him slim and trim. It will help him avoid certain illnesses and injuries, and if he should find himself in a medical pickle, he will recover faster if he’s in tip-top shape. To keep him there, limit the amount of food (and treats!) he eats, and be sure to exercise him daily. Getting them microchipped: If your dog or cat gets lost, nothing will bring them home to your loving arms faster.  And finally, your pets would definitely thank you for protecting them with pet insurance.  There’s no better way to keep your holiday season budget under control! Wed, 21 Nov 2012 15:05:43 GMT http://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/thanks-fur-all-petplan-pet-insurance-takes-a-look-at-thanksgiving-from-a-pet-point-of-viewhttp://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/petplan-pet-insurance-presents-five-pet-health-conditions-to-never-ignore Some illnesses are more urgent than others, and often the severity of these cases are obvious – uncontrolled vomiting or visibly broken bones. Still, other conditions may be seen as borderline, and pet owners can find themselves wondering whether they should hightail it to the emergency room or wait it out.   This, of course, is one reason dog insurance and cat insurance can be so important – when faced with a decision that could drastically impact your pet’s health, protecting your pet with Petplan pet insurance can help you feel secure that your wallet and your pet will come out alright.   Here are five conditions that should never be ignored:   1)  Broken bones: Pets who can’t bear weight on a limb or suddenly begin limping may have broken a bone, and should be seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible. Even minor fractures can become big problems if they’re allowed to worsen. Your pet’s limb will need to be stabilized, but more importantly, your veterinarian can provide much-needed pain medication for your pet immediately.   2)  Gastric Dilatation-Volvulus, or bloat: This veterinary emergency, which most often affects large or deep-chested dogs, can quickly escalate and turn fatal. If you notice painful abdominal distention along with retching and/or vomiting, bloat could be the cause. If you have the slightest suspicion, get to the vet immediately. Early diagnosis and treatment could mean the difference between life and death for your dog.   3)  Intervertebral disc disease: Common in long-bodied dogs like Dachshunds, hind limb paralysis can be caused by intervertebral disc disease. When bulging discs put pressure on the spinal column, hind limb weakness and paralysis ensue. Time is of the essence in these cases – dogs who have been “down in the rear” for over 24 hours have much lower chance of returning to normal function. In the best cases, corrective surgery is performed within the magic 24-hour window.   4)  Anorexia: In veterinary medicine, the term “anorexic” is used to describe any pet who won’t eat or has a significantly reduced appetite. Skipping a meal here or there isn’t generally a cause for concern, but if your pet has quit eating entirely for 48 hours or so, usually there is an underlying cause. This is especially concerning in overweight cats, who are prone to a condition called hepatic lipidosis.   5)  Eye injuries: Eye abnormalities need to be seen right away. Not only are some of them extremely painful, but early intervention can prevent blindness. Watch for any of the following and have your pet seen immediately if you notice them: Squinting; obvious trauma/bleeding; redness of the whites of the eyes; any abnormal appearance of the eye (cloudiness, swelling, etc); and sudden blindness. When it comes down to it, if you’re ever in doubt about whether your pet’s health is in danger, err on the side of caution and give your vet a call.  Mon, 19 Nov 2012 11:26:06 GMT http://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/petplan-pet-insurance-presents-five-pet-health-conditions-to-never-ignorehttp://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/good-enough-to-gobble-new-petfriendly-thanksgiving-recipes-from-petplan-pet-insurance 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. Quiche Bites ½ c. minced vegetables (celery, carrots, zucchini, spinach, broccoli) 2 medium eggs Pinch of kelp powder Preheat oven to 350. Coat a nonstick mini-muffin tin with non-stick cooking spray. Whisk eggs in a bowl. Add veggies and kelp, and stir until blended. Evenly distribute mixture into the mini-muffin tin. Bake 10 to 12 minutes. Calories per treat: 11 Turkey Meatballs 6 oz. lean ground turkey ½ c. chopped carrots ½ c. ground quinoa or oatmeal Pinch of kelp powder Preheat oven to 400. Place turkey and carrots in a food processor and blend until smooth. Add remaining ingredients and blend until mixed. Roll into 1-inch balls and place on a non-stick cooking sheet. Bake 15 minutes. Calories per meatball: 17 Pumpkin Smoothie ½ cup canned pumpkin puree ½ c. plain non-fat yogurt Place pumpkin and yogurt in a blender and blend on high until smooth. Evenly pour mixture into 8 small paper cups. Freeze the leftovers! Calories per smoothie: 13 Recipes from Dr. Ernie Ward’s Chow Hounds: Why Our Dogs are Getting Fatter - a Vet's Plan to Save Their Lives (2010 HCI). Thu, 15 Nov 2012 15:12:49 GMT http://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/good-enough-to-gobble-new-petfriendly-thanksgiving-recipes-from-petplan-pet-insurancehttp://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/take-a-deep-breath-petplan-pet-insurance-explains-anesthesia-use-in-surgical-procedures I have performed many surgeries and other procedures that require general anesthesia, and a common thread that ties them together is the concern pet parents feel about anesthesia– “What if my pet doesn’t wake up?”   Whether a procedure is elective – like a spay/neuter procedure – or life-saving surgery in an emergency, there are risks that anesthesia poses to our pets. But as it turns out, those risks are fairly low – studies have shown that only 0.1% of pets undergoing anesthesia don’t wake up. Rest assured that your veterinarian is as concerned about making sure your pet’s procedure goes well as you are. Because there is no “routine” surgery, your vet should conduct a thorough assessment to design a specific anesthetic protocol for your pet, thereby reducing risks.   Here’s a “behind the scenes” look at what happens when your pet needs to undergo general anesthesia.   First, your pet will have a pre-anesthetic exam. Even if he was just in the office last week, your veterinarian will exam him again to make sure that nothing has changed. During this time, your vet will probably also perform blood work to assess major organ function and may run an EKG to assess heart function, especially if your pet has a heart murmur.    After the results of the exam and additional diagnostics are compiled, your vet will plan your pet’s anesthetic protocol. Factors she will also consider include your pet’s age, general health and the length and type of procedure involved.      On the day of surgery, your pet will generally start out by getting an intravenous catheter. The placement of a catheter allows not only for the administration of anesthetic drugs, but also allows your veterinary team to provide intravenous fluids to support your pet’s cardiovascular system during surgery. In the rare instance that emergency drugs are needed, having an IV catheter in place saves valuable time.   Your pet’s anesthesia will start with pre-medication drugs, which will calm him and allow your veterinarian to actually use less of more potent induction drugs. Once your pet is relaxed and feeling the full effects of the pre-medication drugs, your veterinarian will administer the IV dose of your pet’s induction drugs, or the medications that will render your pet unconscious for his procedure.    After your pet has received his induction drug, an endotracheal (breathing) tube is inserted into your pet’s airway to allow for the delivery of gas anesthesia and oxygen. This is called the “maintenance” portion of the anesthetic event, and during this time, the surgery (or other procedure) is performed.   While under anesthesia, your pet’s veterinary team is very busy monitoring your pet. Body temperature is regulated using heated tables, warm water bottles and warming blankets. In addition to monitoring your pet’s temperature, his heart rate, respiratory rate, blood oxygen levels and blood pressure are regularly assessed during the procedure.   Even when the procedure is finished, these parameters continue to be measured well into the recovery period. Generally, a member of your pet’s veterinary team will sit with your pet through the recovery period until the breathing tube is removed. Even after this time, your pet will be monitored closely until he is ready to go home. At discharge time, your veterinarian (or a member of her team) will go over discharge instructions and answer any questions that you may have about the post-operative period.    Remember, though the thought of anesthesia may be scary to you, thorough examination and careful monitoring help ensure that your pet has a safe procedure.  Thu, 15 Nov 2012 11:13:55 GMT http://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/take-a-deep-breath-petplan-pet-insurance-explains-anesthesia-use-in-surgical-procedureshttp://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/the-eye-of-the-emergency-petplan-pet-insurance-looks-at-proptosed-eyeballs There may truly nothing more shocking for an owner to see than a proptosed eyeball. A proptosed eyeball is the medical term for an eyeball that has popped forward out of its socket, and it really is a disturbing sight.  This condition generally occurs secondarily to trauma, such as being hit by a car or being involved in a dog fight, so other injuries may also have been sustained. Short-faced, or brachycephalic, dogs are particularly prone to this condition. This includes Pekingese, Pugs, Shih Tzus, Lhasa Apsos, Bulldogs and any other short-faced pooch. For these dogs, the condition can occur not only secondarily to trauma, but also occasionally from excessive restraint or pressure on their necks.   Proptosed eyes are much less common in cats, even brachycephalic breeds like Himalayans and Persians.  Simply because of their conformation, cats who have proptosed eyes have generally sustained a great deal more trauma than their canine counterparts.    If you’re thinking that a proptosed eye is a veterinary emergency, you’re right. When the eye pops out of the socket, immediately the optic nerve is stretched. When the nerve fibers are stretched, they are damaged. Within 30 minutes, the nerve fibers begin to die, which inevitably results in blindness. In fact, only about 30% of patients with proptosed eyes retain vision in the affected eye.   If this unfortunate condition occurs in your pet, try to remain calm. Call your veterinarian to let them know that you are on your way, and keep the eyeball moist with saline or moist compresses – do not try to replace the eyeball yourself.   Once you’ve arrived, your veterinarian will assess your pet’s condition. She will discuss the options for your pet, which will depend on when the accident occurred and the prognosis for retained vision. If there is no hope of saving the vision of the eye, your veterinarian may recommend enucleation, or removal of the eye.   For some owners, the thought of their furry family member without an eye, even with a blind eye, is very difficult to bear. But most pets can live perfectly happily with just one eye, after a period of adjustment.   If you are concerned about how your pet will look, your veterinarian can try to salvage the eye for cosmetic purposes only, replacing it back into the socket under anesthesia. However, this should only be performed for the most dedicated of owners, as the eye will need post-operative management that may last for the pet’s lifetime.   Whether the replaced eye has vision or not, it is also more likely to develop other conditions over time. These conditions include keratitis (inflammation of the cornea), strabismus (crossed eyes) and glaucoma, all of which may require daily treatment. Having dog insurance from Petplan can help manage the costs of these conditions - as well as any pet health emergencies that may arise.    A proptosed eye is a true emergency. Not only is it a painful condition, but time is of the essence when attempting to retain vision. Though it can be shocking and scary to see your pet that way, your pet is counting on you to keep your cool – so they can keep their sight. Mon, 12 Nov 2012 16:57:23 GMT http://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/the-eye-of-the-emergency-petplan-pet-insurance-looks-at-proptosed-eyeballshttp://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/achoo-a-look-at-reverse-sneezing-with-petplan-pet-insurance It’s a common scenario in the veterinary clinic: an owner rushes their dog to the office for severe respiratory distress, and by the time they arrive, he is completely normal. “But Doc,” they say, “he was having a fit and couldn’t catch his breath! I thought he was going to pass right out!” When I get them to describe the sound their dog was making, more often than not, it turns out to be what we refer to as a reverse sneeze. While witnessing a pet in the midst of a bout of reverse sneezes is frightening at first, it is important to remember that he is not in any respiratory distress. Just as a regular sneeze is your dog’s way of clearing irritants from the front of his nasal cavity, a reverse sneeze is his attempt to clear irritants from the nasopharynx, or the back of the nasal cavity. What results is a series of rapid and repeated snorting sounds that can be quite alarming if you’ve never heard them before.    If your pet occasionally has a bout of reverse sneezes, it is nothing to worry about. In fact, most veterinarians agree that nothing needs to be done about it. You may feel the need to intervene, but the episode will pass just fine on its own. Feel free to go about your business and not make a big deal about it.   If you notice that pet’s reverse sneezing fits are increasing in frequency, she may have a contributing underlying condition. These include:   Nasal mites Nasal foreign bodies, such as grass or grass awns Rhinitis Nasal masses Allergies Lower airway disease Elongated soft palate   If this is the case, schedule an appointment with your veterinarian so that she can perform a thorough exam to determine if an underlying cause is at work. It may be helpful to try to catch some of the action on video to confirm that reverse sneezes are what is occurring.   The first time you hear a reverse sneeze, it is likely to cause quite a fright. Remember, your pet is not in respiratory distress – he’s just clearing the air! Mon, 12 Nov 2012 16:33:24 GMT http://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/achoo-a-look-at-reverse-sneezing-with-petplan-pet-insurancehttp://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/when-the-claws-come-out-petplan-pet-insurance-delves-into-catowner-aggressive-behavior When we think of pet behavior problems, often our first thoughts go to the dogs. Separation anxiety, house soiling, destructive behavior and aggression are all problems we tend to associate with dogs. But cats can also have their fair share of behavior problems, including aggression toward their pet parents.   There are many possible motives for why cats may bite or scratch their owners, and it’s important to figure out what might be bothering your furry friend – fast. An upset cat can do a lot of damage, not to mention that bites can easily become infected and can transmit zoonotic disease.   So consider these common causes to try and determine the reason for your cat’s fit of fury:   Play aggression: This kind of aggression is common and is most often displayed by kittens and young cats. Stalking and pouncing are featured with play aggression, and this kind of behavior can be seen in litter mates as they explore normal social interactions. Usually, bites are inhibited and the claws are retracted so as to not injure their housemates, but when play is uninhibited, serious injury can occur.    Redirected aggression: Sometimes your cat can become really worked up over something he sees outside, such as a bird or another cat. When a cat becomes agitated, yet unable to vent his frustrations appropriately, his owner may inadvertently be the subject of attack. This kind of aggression is the most dangerous, as the attacks tend to be both sudden and vicious.   Petting-induced aggression: I consider this to be the most frustrating type of aggression. Your cat jumps up into your lap, looking for love and attention, yet seems to fly off the handle mid-pet and attacks your hand. These cats seem to have a threshold for the amount of attention they can handle, but they are unable to express their feelings appropriately.   Pain-induced: Painful cats are more prone to lash out if provoked. Even an innocent petting session can accidentally set off a painful cat if a sore spot is approached.    If your cat is displaying aggression of any type towards you, there are a few things you can do to try to thwart it. Most importantly, pay attention to his cues. Watch for changes in his body language, such as dilated pupils, fluffy hair, ears pinned back and a lashing tail. These telltale signs let you know that he’s not happy.    Try engaging your cat in more play. Sometimes this form of environmental enrichment is all it takes to curb bad behavior. Choose toys that are fun for your cat that can be held away from your body and hands. Fishing pole-type toys or toys that you can throw are best, so your cat doesn’t mistake your hands for toys. Never engage your cat in rough play, as this only will encourage bad behaviors.   Keep a blanket handy, in case you need to throw it over your cat in the event of an unavoidable attack. Cat attacks can be dangerous, and you’ll need to protect yourself without injuring the attacker.    Keep a record of attacks to see if you can determine a pattern. This will help determine the nature of the aggression. Take this with you to your veterinarian or animal behaviorist when you’re discussing the problem with him or her. You’ll want to make sure that your cat gets a thorough exam – older cats with arthritis or hyperthyroidism may have a medical reason for their aggression, in which case your cat insurance from Petplan can help.   Cat attacks are no joke. If your kitty is getting wild-eyed, it’s time to back away from the situation and call your veterinarian.   Mon, 05 Nov 2012 14:25:23 GMT http://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/when-the-claws-come-out-petplan-pet-insurance-delves-into-catowner-aggressive-behaviorhttp://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/dont-wet-the-bed-exploring-common-causes-of-urinary-incontinence-with-petplan-pet-insurance Urinary accidents can occur from time to time, in even in the most well trained dog. But if you notice that your dog’s bed is damp more than it’s dry, urinary incontinence may be to blame. When considering canine urinary incontinence, it’s important to differentiate it from a break in house training. If your pet is posturing, or getting into the stance for urination, she is not exhibiting incontinence. Urinary incontinence generally occurs unbeknownst to your dog, usually while she is relaxing or sleeping.    If your young dog is waking up in a puddle, a condition called ectopic ureters may be to blame. Ureters are the structures that carry urine from the kidney to the bladder, and normal ureters enter the bladder well behind the sphincters that work to hold urine in the bladder. Ectopic ureters enter the bladder in front of the sphincters so that urine cannot be held in the bladder – it constantly flows instead. This is a congenital condition that will be noticeable in puppies, and may require surgical correction which can be greatly aided by a pet insurance policy that covers hereditary and congenital conditions, such as Petplan.   The most common form of urinary incontinence is called hormone responsive incontinence. Also known as “urethral sphincter mechanism incompetence,” this type of incontinence occurs in approximately 10% to 20% of spayed female dogs and the occasional male dog, as well as cats of both sexes. Decreased urethral tone, aging and abnormal positioning of the bladder or urethra can all contribute to hormone responsive incontinence.   Adult female, spayed dogs that present for incontinence are generally presumed to have hormone responsive incontinence. But it is important to rule out illness before a definitive diagnosis is made. A complete urinalysis and urine culture should be performed to make sure a urinary tract infection is not present. Pets that leak urine are prone to urinary tract infections. In addition, full blood work will rule out metabolic diseases that could contribute to incontinence.    Treating hormone responsive incontinence can be relatively easy. Many cases will resolve with oral medications. Phenylpropanolamine (PPA) increases urethral tone and comes in a palatable beefy tablet. The downside of this medication is that it needs to be given at least two (but preferably three) times a day. Another option for oral medication is estrogen tablets, which are given one to three times a week instead. Both medications have potential side effects, so talk to your veterinarian about which option is best for your pet. More severe cases may need to be addressed surgically if medical management is unsuccessful. If your female dog has sprung a leak, she may be one of the 10 to 20% percent to experience hormone responsive incontinence. Talk to your veterinarian about the options for your pet. Thu, 01 Nov 2012 14:44:55 GMT http://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/dont-wet-the-bed-exploring-common-causes-of-urinary-incontinence-with-petplan-pet-insurancehttp://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/play-it-safe-petplan-pet-insurance-on-play-dates-for-your-puppy It’s a conundrum for the ages: you want your puppy to be well socialized, but you also want to keep her safe from communicable diseases. Behavior experts recommend you begin socializing your puppy beginning when she is around 8 weeks old – but she won’t be fully vaccinated until they are 16 weeks old. So what’s a well-intentioned puppy parent to do?   The answer is to begin socialization in a controlled environment, like your home or another responsible pet parent’s home, before venturing out to public places or parks where your pup might come into contact with strange people and pets.   Most veterinarians recommend that puppy owners limit their pet’s exposure to other dogs and public places until your pup is 16 weeks old. Prior to this time, your puppy’s immune system is still immature, and she is vulnerable to infectious disease. As a very young puppy, she got important antibodies from her mom while nursing, but as she grows, the maternal antibodies will begin to wane. This is why your veterinarian will follow up initial vaccines with booster vaccines every three to four weeks. After 16 weeks of age, your puppy is considered to be protected against the most common communicable diseases.    Once your pup is old enough, it is important to socialize her to other dogs as well as other people and different surroundings to avoid behavior problems and anxieties as she ages. However, even a vaccinated puppy can still be prone to disease. For this reason, you and your young puppy should stay clear of areas frequented by dogs, including public parks for both dogs and people, and consider enrolling in a dog insurance plan with Petplan for peace of mind.   Instead, set up puppy play dates with people you know and trust. In a controlled environment, like your house, the puppies will be free to romp around and explore without exposure to disease. Before you host a puppy play date, be sure to gate off areas of the house that may be unsafe for puppies, and do a thorough check of the areas where puppies will be allowed to be sure it’s “puppy-proofed.”  That means no choking hazards on the floor, cords or wires within reach – and be sure never to leave puppy playtime unsupervised.   There’s almost nothing more smile-inducing than watching a pile of puppies wrestle (except maybe watching kittens do the same!), so your puppy play date will benefit both you and your puppy. Experts say that 8 weeks of age is a perfect time to introduce your puppy to new friends (provided that everyone has gotten their first puppy vaccines) because this is when she is most receptive to socialization and the least likely to be fearful of new situations.    If you don’t know anyone in your area that can participate in puppy play dates, talk to your veterinarian, veterinary technician or the receptionist at the clinic. They may already have a play date network set up or a standing weekly puppy play date group. If they don’t, they certainly will know others like you who will be looking to socialize their pups. Perhaps this is a good time to start up a group yourself – you and your puppy can both make new friends! Wed, 24 Oct 2012 11:34:27 GMT http://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/play-it-safe-petplan-pet-insurance-on-play-dates-for-your-puppyhttp://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/petplan-pet-insurance-presents-a-pet-parents-guide-to-making-the-most-of-vet-visits Visits to the vet can be stressful, whether your pet is healthy or ill. Maybe your pet hates riding in the car, so you both arrive feeling anxious before you even see the doctor. Maybe you’re worried because your pet is seriously ill. Or maybe you’ve simply got other things on your mind. Whatever your stresses are, try to make the most out of your pet’s veterinary visits by remembering the following tips.   Organize your records Keep a separate folder for each pet. Include vaccine records, microchip information and a list of current medications. This will also help if you need to leave your house in a hurry with your pets, such as during an evacuation. Before your visit, gather pertinent information from the folder to bring with you. If you are visiting a new vet for the first time, bring vaccine records so that they know what vaccines your pet is up to date on. In addition, bring any records of illness. Bring a list of the medications your pet receives, including nutraceuticals and supplements, even if you’ve been seeing your current veterinarian since kitten or puppyhood. This allows your veterinarian or technician to check your medication dosages against their records.   Bring a notepad Write down questions you have before you leave the house. Chances are, once you get to the office, you’ll forget many of the things you’ve been meaning to ask. It may be handy to keep this notebook handy the week before your visit so that you can jot down questions you may think of leading up to your pet’s visit. While in the office, write down any recommendations your veterinarian makes for your pet.  With so much going on, you may forget key points once you get home. Having a written record can help remind you. This includes weight control recommendations and food or medication changes.   Ask questions Don’t be embarrassed to ask questions regarding your pet’s health. Remember, you are their advocate! Even if it’s a touchy subject, chances are that your vet has heard worse. Your pet’s health is your veterinarian’s number one goal.    Schedule your visit appropriately Routine vaccine appointments take far less time than more complicated “sick” appointments, so less time is generally allotted. When you schedule your appointment, be clear about why you are visiting so that the receptionist can schedule enough time to allow the veterinarian to address all of your concerns.   Be honest about finances These are tough economic times for everyone, and good veterinary medicine costs money. Being honest with your veterinarian about your finances allows for the most cost effective plan of action. Veterinary pet insurance, such as a dog insurance or cat insurance plan from Petplan, can help you focus on getting your pet the best treatment available, not the final cost. Regardless of whether you have pet insurance, your veterinarian should always be willing to provide a cost estimate prior to treatment.   Schedule and keep follow-up exams If your veterinarian recommends a follow-up exam, be sure to heed this advice. Follow-ups are important to assess how your pet is responding to treatment.     Mon, 22 Oct 2012 14:09:37 GMT http://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/petplan-pet-insurance-presents-a-pet-parents-guide-to-making-the-most-of-vet-visitshttp://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/on-the-cat-walk-petplan-pet-insurance-offers-advice-on-training-your-cat-to-walk-on-a-leash In a previous blog, we discussed how nearly half of the adult dog and cat population struggles to stay at a healthy weight, and all the health concerns that come with those extra pounds. And one of the best ways to help shed those pounds is going for a walk!   You probably know that walking your dog is good for her health and yours. It burns calories that can contribute to weight gain and also burns energy, curbing unwanted behaviors that may stem from boredom.  But did you know those benefits can also be experienced by your feline friends as well? Many feline behavior problems stem from boredom, and supervised outdoor time can go a long way toward enriching your cat’s life.  Even more beneficial is the exercise your cat will get on a brisk walk around the neighborhood.    It is important to note, though, that leash walking is not for every cat. Laid-back cats tend to do best on walks, while timid or shy cats will probably prefer to stay indoors and watch from the window. Declawed, deaf and blind cats should also stay indoors – if they became lost, they would be significantly disadvantaged in the wild, so keep them safely indoors.   Walking on a leash is not a natural behavior for most cats, but it can be taught. While your dog likely jumps for joy when he sees the leash come out, your cat might balk at the idea. Make the transition a little easier by taking it one step at a time. Here’s a guideline of how you and your cat can make the leap to exercising in the great outdoors:   Because of cats’ amazing wriggling abilities, a harness, rather than a simple collar, is recommended for leash-walking. Buy an appropriately sized harness and leave it by your cat’s food bowl for a few days. Your cat will notice it and associate it with a positive thing (food!).   After your cat is used seeing the harness, it’s time to get her to wear it. Start by simply laying it on her while she’s resting. Pair this activity with a treat so that she again associates the harness with a positive outcome (food!). Once she is acclimated to this activity, you can put just one loop of the harness over her head and then remove it. Remember to give a treat each time. Eventually, you will be able to get her into the harness stress-free. The end result may be a week or more in coming, so have patience, go slow and follow your cat’s lead. Lengthen the amount of time your cat is in the harness each session.   Once your cat is used to the harness, it’s time to add the leash. At first, just allow your cat to drag the leash around behind her. Make sure she’s in a room where the leash will not snag on anything.  When she is used to the leash, you can pick it up and follow her around with it.   If your cat is now comfortable with both leash and harness, you can venture outside. Pick a quiet time of day and a quiet spot and simply sit with your cat. Allow her to dictate your walks in the beginning. If it’s her first time outdoors, she may become easily overwhelmed. Keep your sessions short, go slow and allow her to explore her surroundings on her own time.    While walking, be sure to keep your cat on a tight leash. You’ll want her to remain within reaching distance in case you need to pick her up quickly. Now that your previously indoor kitty is exploring the great outdoors with you, be sure to keep up-to-date on vaccines and parasite prevention. Don’t forget heartworm prevention – if you live in an area that has mosquitoes, ask your veterinarian which one she recommends. And for the best protection, protect your kitty with cat insurance from Petplan to help manage the costs of unexpected accidents and illnesses.   Shedding extra pounds will add to your cat’s lifespan. If leash walking isn’t her thing, look into interactive toys and food bowls to help her burn calories and work for her supper.   Thu, 18 Oct 2012 15:26:50 GMT http://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/on-the-cat-walk-petplan-pet-insurance-offers-advice-on-training-your-cat-to-walk-on-a-leashhttp://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/get-to-the-vet-petplan-pet-insurance-looks-at-why-cat-parents-shouldnt-neglect-wellness-visits I cannot count the number of times pet owners have told me, “My cat is indoors only – she doesn’t need to go to the vet.” While your indoor cat is certainly safer from infectious diseases than outdoor cats, it does not mean than she doesn't need to be seen regularly by her veterinarian. The first reason to keep up with annual vet visits is to keep your feline friend up-to-date on her vaccines. Vaccines are meant to protect our pets from viral and bacterial diseases. Although your cat may not be as easily exposed to these while lounging around the house, if she happens to escape to the outdoors, she’ll be at risk if she’s not vaccinated. Some diseases, like rabies, are fatal to both pets and humans, so there’s even more reason to protect her. In most areas, rabies vaccines are mandated by law.   But because many core vaccines are now given every three years instead of yearly, you may be tempted to skip yearly exams. Don’t be! Regular veterinary exams help detect brewing problems, which cats are particularly adept at hiding. Just because your cat is indoors doesn't mean that she is exempt from common kitty health conditions, including:   Obesity: Nearly half of all cats are overweight, yet many owners don’t even realize that their cat has a weight problem. Being chunky can actually put your cat at risk for many the other illnesses, including diabetes, so your veterinarian will guide if your cat needs to shed a few pounds. Dental disease: Cats are prone to a special kind of dental problem called feline odontoclastic resorptive lesions. These painful lesions occur at the gum line of about 50% of cats.  Your veterinarian will perform an oral exam and assess your cat’s dental health. Chronic kidney failure: Older cats are often affected by kidneys that can’t keep up. Regular blood work in older cats can catch this condition early and cat insurance from Petplan can help manage the costs of caring for your kitty's kidney problems.  Hyperthyroidism: Overactive thyroids are often to blame in older cats who are losing weight despite a ravenous appetite. This condition is easily detected through routine blood work. Diabetes: Sometimes, the only sign that a cat has developed diabetes mellitus is excessive water drinking and urination. Routine blood work can detect elevated blood sugar levels, which indicate diabetes is present.   Just because your feline friend spends her days indoors doesn’t mean that she can skip her annual doctor’s exam. And if she’s over seven years old, she’s considered a senior, and should be seen twice a year to stay ahead of any health concerns.  Tue, 16 Oct 2012 11:43:28 GMT http://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/get-to-the-vet-petplan-pet-insurance-looks-at-why-cat-parents-shouldnt-neglect-wellness-visitshttp://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/petplan-pet-insurance-presents-the-top-7-easiest-ways-to-prevent-illness   An ounce of prevention can be worth a pound of cure – and sometimes, the same amount of cash! I get asked all the time about the best ways to keep pets healthy, so without further ado, here are my top tips for preventing costly illnesses. 1. Be sure your pets are spayed or neutered. Of course, this prevents unwanted litters of puppies and kittens, but this easy fix also prevents testicular cancers and greatly reduces the risk of prostate and breast cancers. Spaying and neutering can also curb some behavior problems. 2. Vaccinate! Making sure your pets are up to date on their yearly vaccines can save your pet’s life.  Viruses like rabies and parvovirus are dangerous and deadly, but they are also easily prevented with regular vaccination. 3. Keep up with your pet’s dental hygiene. You and I brush our teeth twice a day, keeping our pearly whites at their best. You may think, what’s a little tartar? But periodontal disease can not only cause infection, bone loss and painful abscesses in the mouth, but a host of whole-body issues, including serious forms of kidney, heart and liver disease, that have been linked to bacteria entering the bloodstream from a dental infection. Brush your pet’s teeth at least three times a week to prevent periodontal disease.  4. Prevent obesity. Extra pounds contribute other diseases, such as osteoarthritis and diabetes. Not to mention it can make recovery from illness or surgical procedures longer, and put more strain on pets’ cardiovascular and respiratory systems. The good news is, obesity is 100% preventable! Just feed your pet the appropriate portions of a complete and balanced diet, and make sure they get plenty of exercise. While pet insurance can help manage the costs of obesity-related conditions, your pet's health - and your budget - are better off staying trim! 5. Keep up with your pet’s grooming. Matted hair not only cause your pet discomfort, it can contribute to skin infections. Long haired dogs and cats need brushing often (particularly cats, to avoid hairballs) and will benefit from an occasional clipping. Thorough grooming also includes ear cleaning and anal gland expression, to keep those kinds of infections at bay, as well. 6. Remember to keep up with monthly parasite control all year round, including cooler months. This includes external parasites, like fleas and ticks, which spread debilitating diseases, as well as internal parasites, like roundworms, hookworms and heartworms, which can be fatal. 7. Most importantly, schedule and keep annual exams (semi-annual exams if your pet is considered a senior pet). These appointments allow your veterinarian to assess your pet’s health and address concerns and potential problems before you get behind the eight ball.   Thu, 11 Oct 2012 10:02:06 GMT http://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/petplan-pet-insurance-presents-the-top-7-easiest-ways-to-prevent-illnesshttp://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/battle-of-the-bulge-petplan-pet-insurance-trims-the-fat-on-pet-obesity-awareness-day National Pet Obesity Awareness Day is October 10, and that makes it the perfect time to talk about this growing problem. Not only is nearly half of the adult dog and cat population overweight, but a full quarter of cats and a fifth of dogs are classified as obese. Sadly, these numbers are growing every year, along with our pets’ waistlines.  Obesity in our pets is a health problem in and of itself, but it also contributes to other costly health concerns such as: Arthritis Diabetes Respiratory disease Heat stroke High blood pressure Cardiac problems   Some weight problems stem from underlying metabolic conditions, but the unfortunate truth is that the majority of overweight pets are overweight because of us, their pet parents. Just as with our own bodies, weight gain in pets stems from chronically consuming more calories than we burn.    If too much food and too little exercising is to blame, how can we win the battle of our pets’ bulge? By targeting both issues.   Start by talking to your veterinarian about your pet’s diet. Be honest with yourself and your veterinarian about how much you actually feed your four-legged friends. Don’t forget treats – they contribute calories to your pet’s diet and, depending on how often you treat, could be the main culprit. You and your vet can work together to devise a diet plan that is in the best interest for your dog or cat.    Now, on to that part about burning calories. Our pets need to exercise.   Too often, our dogs’ daily walks and kitty playtime take a backseat in our busy lives. It is imperative to your pet’s health to make time for walks (preferable two or three a day) and playtime. Don’t forget – playing and exercising with your pet has benefits to your own health, too!   But what about those times when you simply cannot walk outside? Whether it’s too cold, too hot or too rainy, or whether you’re physically unable to walk your dog, perhaps a canine treadmill is the answer. More and more dog owners are taking the situation by the reins and teaching their dogs how to use a treadmill.   (Note: Notice I said “teaching dogs to use a treadmill.” While some people braver than myself may be able to train their cats to walk on a treadmill, I think it's safe to say that most cats would probably object! Stay tuned for a blog specially dedicated to ways to help your cat shed some extra pounds.)   In the past, treadmills have been used with great success for canine rehabilitation. Underwater treadmills provided low-impact exercise for dogs recovering from orthopedic surgery or those trying to increase muscle tone after injury (and as an added bonus, hydrotherapy is covered by Petplan pet insurance!). The treadmill industry has grown over time, and now there are several reputable companies that make canine treadmills for home use.   Canine treadmills are easy for your dog to use with a bit of practice and guidance. They are similar to human treadmills, though their belts are longer to account for large dogs’ longer gaits, and they usually have side enclosures to keep dogs focused and moving forward. Work with your veterinarian to come up with a “workout plan” for the duration and frequency of Fido’s indoor strolls.    Not only do treadmills help your dog burn calories, but they are a great tool for burning energy as well. Exercised dogs are less inclined to direct their energy toward naughty activities, like chewing your shoes! If you find yourself unable to venture outdoors with your dog, consider a canine treadmill. It might be an expense up-front, but in the long run, your slimmer, healthier pet will thank you for it! Wed, 10 Oct 2012 09:37:16 GMT http://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/battle-of-the-bulge-petplan-pet-insurance-trims-the-fat-on-pet-obesity-awareness-dayhttp://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/water-water-everywhere-petplan-pet-insurance-looks-at-polyuria-and-polydipsia-in-cats Whoever came up with the phrase, “It’s a dog’s life,” really should have considered a cat’s life first.  After all, my cats spend what seems like 23.5 hours a day curled up sleeping! How hard can that life be?  They get up for breakfast and dinner, and if I want to find them in between meals, I simply look on (or occasionally under) my bed.    One place I rarely see my lazy cats, however, is at their water bowl. Cats actually get most of the water they need in a day through their food. That doesn't mean that they never drink water – in fact, cats are notorious for drinking water from the kitchen or bathroom faucet because they seem to prefer running water. But if you notice your cat frequenting the water bowl or you’re finding larger clumps of urine in the litter box, an underlying illness may be the cause.   Drinking a lot of water and producing increased amounts of urine is actually a condition veterinarians call polyuria/polydipsia (or PU/PD for short). Polyuria is excessive urination. In the cat, this is considered to be more than 23 ml. of dilute urine per pound of cat per day. Of course, you can’t be expected to actually measure the amount of urine your cat produces, but you will notice a marked increase in the size of the urine clumps in your cat’s litter box.   Polydipsia is an increased amount of water intake. Cats with polydipsia will drink more than 45 ml per pound of cat per day. In single-cat households, this is easy to quantify if you measure the water you put in the bowl each day.    Polydipsia is generally a direct result of polyuria. When your cat is making more urine than normal, the drive to drink more water increases. There are a few reasons for primary polydipsia, such as increased salt intake, increased calcium levels and a condition called psychogenic polydipsia, however.  And don’t forget environmental factors! If it’s hot outside or your cat has just engaged in heavy exercise, expect her to drink a little more water than usual.   There are many, many causes of PU/PD in cats, but the top three causes are: Kidney disease Hyperthyroidism Diabetes   Age, breed and reproductive status should be considered when trying to determine the cause of PU/PD.  Young cats are more likely to have congenital disorders, such as kidney malformations or portosystemic shunts, while older cats are more likely to be affected by kidney insufficiency or hyperthyroidism. If a female cat is not spayed, your vet will also consider pyometra (or uterine infection) as a possible cause for PU/PD. Finally, Abyssinian, Siamese and Oriental Shorthair cats are prone to a kidney disease called amyloidosis, which leads to kidney disease, and Persian cats are more likely to have polycystic kidney disease as the underlying cause for PU/PD. Whatever your breed of feline friend, protecting your kitty with cat insurance from Petplan pet insurance can help manage the costs of treatment of PU/PD.   Noticing your cat at the water bowl for extended periods of time here and there is nothing to worry about. But if it becomes a pattern, call your veterinarian to get to the bottom of it. Fri, 05 Oct 2012 10:26:47 GMT http://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/water-water-everywhere-petplan-pet-insurance-looks-at-polyuria-and-polydipsia-in-catshttp://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/petplan-pet-insurance-presents-a-primer-on-world-rabies-day World Rabies Day is September 28 – and did you know why? It is the anniversary of the death of Louis Pasteur, the renowned scientist who helped develop the first rabies vaccine. This annual observance aims to raise awareness about the global impact of human and animal rabies.  Here in the United States, the majority of rabies cases occur in wild animals. In other parts of the world, particularly Africa, that isn’t the case. That’s why about 55,000 people die every year from rabies.   While most of the rabies cases here in the U.S. are seen in raccoons, skunks, bats and foxes, in other countries, dog bites are the most common mode of transmission of rabies to humans. Because generally children are more likely than adults to be the victims of dog bites, nearly half of the 55,000 annual deaths from rabies are children under the age of 15.    Just because we don’t see human or canine rabies cases as frequently as other countries do, that doesn’t mean that we shouldn’t be vigilant about it. In fact, it is all the more reason to keep those numbers low. The easiest way to avoid the problem is to make sure your pets are vaccinated against rabies. The rabies vaccine is highly effective, but unfortunately, not all pet parents are vigilant about keeping their pets up-to-date on their rabies vaccines.   For this reason, and because wild animals are not vaccinated, be sure to follow these guidelines, and teach them to children, as well: Never approach a dog or cat without its owner present. Never feed or handle a wild animal. If you see a loose dog in your neighborhood, teach kids to tell an adult, who can call animal control. It could just be that the dog is lost and needs some help to get home, but it’s better to be safe than sorry. Report all animals that are acting strangely. Drooling, excessive biting and very tame, fearless behavior are clear signs to watch for. Teach your kids that if they encounter a stray dog, don’t run – instead, act like a tree.  Teach them to stand still and hold their branches (arms and legs) close to their bodies. Running may invite an unwanted chase.   Around 40,000 people a year get post-exposure prophylactic shots due to potential rabies exposure. If you think there’s even a tiny chance that you or your children may have been exposed to rabies, contact your doctor or pediatrician. Early intervention is key in preventing death from rabies. If you think your pet has been exposed, even if he’s vaccinated, call your veterinarian for advice. To learn what happens when your pet contracts rabies, click here. Thu, 27 Sep 2012 09:54:22 GMT http://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/petplan-pet-insurance-presents-a-primer-on-world-rabies-dayhttp://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/kitchen-nightmare-petplan-pet-insurance-takes-a-look-at-dangerous-foods-for-pets When you think of common pet toxins, you may think of things like antifreeze, strychnine and other potentially lethal poisons that can be maliciously given to a pet. But some equally toxic things may be found right in your own kitchen.   Whether you intentionally give your pets “people food” as snacks or whether your counter-surfing dog or cat has the bad habit of secret snacking, knowing what ingredients can cause your pet trouble will help keep you out of the animal emergency room.   Grapes and raisins: These perfectly portable fruits are not decidedly pet-friendly – they can cause fatal kidney failure in dogs. Because they make a tasty treat for kids, be vigilant about your dog’s potential exposure at snack time. Onions/onion powder and garlic/garlic powder:  These allium vegetables add seasoning for people, but they can damage your pet’s red blood cells. If enough are affected, life-threatening anemia can occur.  Macadamia nuts: Macadamia nuts are toxic to dogs. Weakness, depression, vomiting and tremors are usually seen within 12 hours of ingestion, so keep these crunchy treats out of paw’s reach! Xylitol: This sugar substitute has gotten many a poor pooch into trouble. Xylitol is a popular ingredient in sugar-free snacks and gums, and ingestion leads to a dangerous drop in blood sugar and potential liver failure. Chocolate: Everyone’s got a story of a dog who ate chocolate and lived to tell – but it’s still a very risky move. Chocolate contains caffeine and theobromine, which can cause neurologic signs in high enough doses. The darker the chocolate, the more concern there is. Most of the time, chocolate ingestion merely causes a little bit of gastric upset, resulting in vomiting or diarrhea.  But depending on the dose, chocolate can pack quite a punch, especially in small dogs. Raw bread dough: Bread dough that is ingested while it is rising will continue to rise in the warm environment of your pet’s stomach, causing significant abdominal pain and bloating. In addition, rising bread dough produces ethanol, which may cause toxicosis. Alcohol: Just as with humans, some dogs have a penchant for beer, wine or liquor. While you may think it’s funny to give your dogs a nip, even occasional indulgences can cause fatal respiratory depression.   Some foods are dangerous not because of their toxic potential, but because of their size and digestibility (or lack thereof). Peach pits and corn cobs immediately come to mind. These are often found in the trash, and if your dog is anything like mine, trash cans are very hard to resist. These items might be tasty, but once eaten, they can become lodged in your pet’s intestines, causing life-threatening intestinal blockage (and a hefty hospital bill). Protecting your pet with dog insurance or cat insurance from Petplan pet insurance can help with the costs of the unexpected accidents, but the best course of action is to prevent them from happening in the first place!   I think I will always remember my very first foreign body removal surgery – it was on an English Bulldog who had eaten a wine cork from the trash. To be on the safe side, make sure your trash can is inaccessible to pets.   Personally, I advise against feeding pets human food. Not only can it contribute to obesity (all those frequent snacks add up!), but it instills bad habits like begging. But if you absolutely, positively cannot resist those puppy dog eyes, be sure the foods you are treating your dog or cat to are safe. Mon, 24 Sep 2012 11:28:59 GMT http://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/kitchen-nightmare-petplan-pet-insurance-takes-a-look-at-dangerous-foods-for-petshttp://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/petplan-pet-insurance-explains-fiv-in-cats Feline Immunodeficiency Virus, or FIV, is a virus that attacks a cat’s immune system, making them susceptible to secondary infections caused by common bacteria, viruses and other pathogens.  FIV is very similar to HIV in humans, in that it causes acquired immune deficiency syndrome (AIDS) over time, but healthy cats with FIV are largely asymptomatic and can lead normal, healthy lives for years before showing signs of disease. FIV is a feline-only disease--it cannot spread to humans or other species living in your home.   FIV is most commonly spread through bite wounds incurred during cat fights. For this reason, unneutered males who are allowed to roam outdoors are most commonly infected. Very rarely, a female cat can pass FIV to her kittens, but again, the most common way that FIV is spread is through bite wounds. Casual contact does not spread disease.   Once infected, the virus enters the lymph nodes, where it reproduces in T-lymphocytes and then spreads to other lymph nodes. During this time, you may notice enlarged lymph nodes or a fever in your cat. These signs are easy to miss, though, so it’s not unusual for phase of disease to go completely unnoticed.    From there, the health of a cat with FIV may be affected intermittently or may deteriorate progressively.  Poor fur coat, gingivitis, persistent fever, recurrent skin, urinary tract and upper respiratory infections, and slow but progressive weight loss can all be blamed on FIV. Certain kinds of cancers are also more common in cats with FIV.   But as I said earlier, most cats with FIV show no signs at all in the early stages of disease, so it is not uncommon for a cat to go undiagnosed for extended periods. These cats, though infected, may appear healthy for years before their immune system is suppressed enough to slow them down. This is why many households may be unknowingly harboring the disease.   Testing for FIV is relatively easy. Your veterinarian should have a simple blood test that he or she can perform in the office. If the test is positive, your veterinarian may want to send your cat’s blood out to an outside laboratory to confirm. It is important to remember that it takes 8 to 12 weeks after infection for antibody levels to increase to a level high enough to be detected – so if your cat has sustained bite wounds, testing for FIV right away will be fruitless.   There are no specific treatments that have been shown to affect the health or lifespan of healthy FIV-positive cats. Treatment of sick FIV cats centers on the secondary infections that may occur as a result of the weakened immune system (respiratory or skin infection, for example). Human antiviral drugs may help cats with seizures or gingivitis, but otherwise do not show the promise that they do for human AIDS patients.    Stay tuned for the next blog, where I discuss what to do if your cat has FIV, especially if you have a multi-cat household. Thu, 20 Sep 2012 12:49:55 GMT http://www.gopetplan.com/blogpost/petplan-pet-insurance-explains-fiv-in-cats