Shoal Creek News

A newsletter for clients and friends of Shoal Creek Animal Clinic, P.C.

Volume 2, Number 3
Fall 1996/Winter 1997

EXTRA: Kennel Cough catches canines

Kennel Cough is one of the most common infectious diseases seen by veterinarians. Despite our efforts to encourage vaccination, many pet owners do not protect their dogs against this common problem. There are two misconceptions which lead to this lack of protection. First, most pet owners mistakenly believe that their animals are not at risk from this disease as they do not board their companions. In our practice, 90% of kennel cough cases are in dogs who were not boarded. They were in their own back yards! The name “Kennel” Cough is really a misnomer. The true name for this highly contagious and debilitating disease is Canine Infectious Tracheobronchitis (ITBC). This disease is caused by several common infectious respiratory agents which may easily become airborne. It is true that isolated pets are at lower risk; however, they are not risk free. A second misconception by pet owners is that Kennel Cough is not a very serious problem. Although most young healthy dogs have an excellent prognosis for recovery, the potential for ITBC to induce serious, even fatal respiratory disease exists in certain cases. The normal, healthy lining of the respiratory tract in both dogs (and humans) resembles a gooey, moist shag carpet (Figure A).

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These ‘carpet fibers,' called cilia, move gently, bringing any debris which is caught in their moist coating up and out the airway. The organisms which cause Infectious Tracheobronchitis destroy this natural defense system, creating an area which resembles the dry, cracked surface of a desert floor (Figure B).

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Transient bacteria may take advantage of this loss in protection, and a mixed infection may culminate in serious complications. In the case of Infectious Tracheobronchitis, an ounce of prevention is worth a pound of cure. Please have your dog protected against this preventable disease.

Antifreeze Toxicity

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As winter approaches, many will be preparing for cold weather by changing the antifreeze in their automobiles. Animals are often attracted to antifreeze because of its sweet taste. However, a teaspoon of this liquid is almost always fatal. Ninety-five percent of antifreeze solution is made of ethylene glycol, a colorless, odorless liquid. After ingestion, this poison is rapidly absorbed from the digestive tract. Within 20 to 30 minutes, vomiting, depression, lack of coordination, and weakness can occur. The prognosis depends on how much poison was ingested, the size of the animal, and when treatment was started. Often the outcome is tragic because, if not treated immediately, the animal experiences severe kidney damage leading to death. Prevention is the key. How can you protect your animal against antifreeze poisoning? First, dispose of antifreeze properly. Drain antifreeze into a container that can be closed and taken to a local service station for disposal. Second, be sure to thoroughly clean antifreeze spills. When storing antifreeze, make sure there are no leaks and the lid is tight. Finally, do not allow your pet to wander around your neighborhood. Your neighbors may not be aware of the danger antifreeze presents to your animals. If you suspect that your animal has consumed antifreeze, seek medical attention immediately.

A new Triumvirate in flea control

The war on fleas is being won! Just as the triumvirate of Caesar, Pompey, and Crassus controlled ancient Rome, the modern triumvirate of Program, Advantage, and Frontline are bringing those armies of pesky parasites to their knees! Program is given to pets once monthly with a meal and comes in a tablet form for dogs and an oral liquid for cats. The active ingredient in Program prevents fleas from completing their life cycle. Grooming has no effect on Program's activity. Program can be given to pets as young as six weeks. Although Program does not kill adult fleas, in time it can eliminate the flea population. In severe infestations it may be necessary to use an adulticide, such as Advantage or Frontline, until the fleas are under control. Advantage is a once monthly topical spot-on application. Advantage begins working immediately, killing 98-100% of fleas within 24 hours. This product is recommended for pets 4 months of age or older. Frontline is available in both a spray and a spot application. Unlike Program, Frontline's focus is the adult flea. Frontline has the added advantage of killing ticks. Used once monthly, Frontline quickly kills most fleas before they bite, making it an excellent choice for pets allergic to fleas. It is reported to kill 100% of fleas within 24 hours and 100% of ticks within 48 hours. Additionally, Frontline is not affected by swimming or bathing. The spray form can be used on 8 week old animals and the spot-on form can be used on 10 week old puppies and 12 week old kittens. Although traditional forms of flea control (sprays, dips, powders, etc.) still have their place in the war against fleas, these newer products have simplified and improved our success in battle. For more information, call or come by our office and let us help you make the right choice of products for your pet.

Routine Maintenance

The joys of pet ownership are many. However, having a pet also brings responsibilities and duties. Beyond the well known need for annual checkups, vaccinations, and parasitic examinations are a number of things that our pets need on a more frequent basis. These “routine maintenance” items include ear cleaning, nail trimming, and teeth brushing. The ear of a dog or cat has significant anatomical differences from our own. A pet's ear canal travels vertically and then makes a right turn to travel horizontally towards the ear drum. Most pets have a large amount of hair deep in the canal. Folds of cartilage and a long ear flap complete the picture of an environment ideally suited for problems.

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Of all the varied medical conditions seen by veterinarians, ear infections rank high on the list. The likelihood of infection can be minimized by routine cleansing of the ear. Every pet is unique and the frequency of cleaning depends upon factors such as breed, ear conformation, and past medical problems. However, as a general rule, the use of a gentle cleansing solution, such as Oti-Calm from DVM, every four to six weeks is recommended. The solution is applied to the canal, the ear massaged gently, and the loosened wax and excess fluid gently wiped out with a tissue. Although a q-tip may be used, care should be exercised not to angle it toward the delicate ear drum. We will discuss nail trimming in our next edition of Shoal Creek News.

Staff News

New Faces...
Kathy Teel is our newest receptionist. Kathy is working part-time while she earns her degree in Interior Design at the University of Georgia. When not working or studying, Kathy enjoys hiking, playing guitar, making stained glass and being with her 3 dogs and 3 birds (Solomon, Page, Haley, Bella, Trout, and Icarus).
A 1996 graduate of UGA, Sara Armstrong brings to her veterinary technician position a degree in microbiology. Sara is originally from Norcross, but Athens will be her home for some time as she plans to attend the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine.

Some Changes...
We will all be seeing a bit less of Missy Jackson as she moves to part-time status while pursuing her nursing degree from the Medical College of Georgia. We feel very fortunate to have Missy with us on the weekends and wish her the best in nursing school.
Lance McLeroy has also begun his studies pursuing a master's degree in Veterinary Parasitology at the College of Veterinary Medicine. Lance will continue to work weekends at Shoal Creek Animal Clinic.