“Skanky” Sheep and Goats

            

                    I like sheep, and I like goats, and I’m not afraid to admit it.  One of my good neighbors calls my sheep “prairie maggots,” and that’s okay-he just hasn’t come to appreciate them like I have.  A lot of people do, though, and more and more sheep and goats are being raised in this area.  They make excellent 4-H and FFA projects, are easy to raise on small farms, and frankly, do not pose the same physical threat that larger cows and horses do.  Young and old alike can take part in caring for them on the homestead.

                        This time of year I see many cases of young lambs and kids that are not doing well.  They appear to stop growing compared to their contemporaries, are thin and often have wool or hair that is disproportionately long for their body size.  For lack of a better term, I refer to them as “skanky.”

                        Almost all of them are heavily parasitized, meaning their intestines are loaded with worms or another common parasite, coccidia.  These microscopic coccidia cause a condition called coccidiosis, which usually results in diarrhea- but not always.  I have seen many fecal samples from animals with stools that look normal, but microscopically are packed with coccidia and worm eggs. Young lambs and kids can be wasting away from such parasites and not have diarrhea.  If you have some animals that look like this, take their manure to your veterinarian to be examined-the sooner the better.  The earlier these animals are treated, the greater their chance of returning to normal growth and of not being stunted.

                        Some of these “skanky” lambs and kids are also suffering from chronic pneumonia.  Depending on the amount of damage to their lungs, these animals may or may not survive long enough to be productive.

                        One of the main causes of this “poor-doing” condition is the timing of birth.  Usually, they are among the youngest of the lambs and kids.  As the lambing or kidding season progresses and the weather warms up, the environment they are born into becomes more and more saturated with parasites and pneumonia-causing bacteria.  These young animals are then very susceptible to contracting these infections.

                        Another factor involved is the mother of these “skanky” animals.  Often, it is the younger ewes and does that are having these later offspring, and their colostrum, the antibody-rich first milk, is simply not as nutritious as the colostrum of older mothers. An older mother’s colostrum tends to have more antibodies which help prevent disease in the newborn, compared to a younger mother’s colostrum.                       

                        One way to deal with this colostrum problem is to save and freeze the colostrum from older mothers to supplement the offspring of the first-time ewes and does.  Prior to use, this frozen colostrum should be thawed at room temperature or in a warm water bath.  Do not microwave colostrum, as this will denature the antibody protein and render it useless.                        
                                                 
                         Of course, if there is concern about diseases such as OPP, CAE, and Johne’s in your flock, then using colostrum from other ewes or does should be avoided. In this case, commercially available colostrum could be used. I don’t know how well these products work, but I do know they can.

                        Also, talk to your veterinarian about implementing an effective parasite preventive program.  Intestinal worms can be treated with various anthelmintic drugs, while coccidia can be treated and prevented with various feed and water medications.  Work with your veterinarian to make these “skanky” lambs and kids a thing of the past.

 

Author:  Dr. John Jones
Image courtesy of Kantapat Putthiprasitkul at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Seven Subtle Signs of Sickness in Cats

           

                      “Masters of Disguise.”  This common phrase describes my feline patients to a “T” when it comes to illness.  I attribute this to the fact that cats living in the wild become “prey” if they demonstrate any sign of weakness.  While this description might be advantageous if you are a free roaming cat, the carry-over of this to domestic cats can be life-threatening when the early signs of illness go undetected by cat owners.

            The next phrase that comes to my mind then is “too little, too late” as sick cats are often taken to veterinarians when they are so desperately ill that they can no longer carry on their charade, nor be rescued from the devastation of their disease.

            With these thoughts in mind, I would like all cat owners to consider yet another phrase:  “Seven Subtle Signs of Sickness in Cats.”  Through awareness of these signs, you and your veterinarian can work together to detect and treat your cat’s illnesses sooner, leading to a more successful outcome for treatment.  The “Seven Subtle Signs of Sickness in Cats” are as follows.

             LETHARGY: This first sign is often the most difficult to detect because the majority of a cat’s day (16 to 18 hours on average) is spent sleeping.  Much of this napping is truly “catnapping” during which a cat will be quick to respond to stimuli.  The key to detecting unusual lethargy then is to first know your cat’s normal sleeping patterns. Snoozing more often or not responding to your entrance into a room or the rattle of the can opener should always get your attention.

                        VOMITING:  Who among cat owners has not had the experience of stepping out of bed or into a dark room, only to experience the unsettling sensation of your cat’s stomach contents squishing between your toes?  Occasional or persistent vomiting can be an early indicator of intestinal disease, kidney disease, diabetes, heartworms, and more. A visit to your veterinarian for a physical examination and wellness testing may help allay your concerns.

            CHANGE IN FOOD CONSUMPTION:  An increase or decrease in a cat’s food consumption should always send up a red flag. A diminished appetite can be a sign of many disorders while a voracious appetite can occur with thyroid disease, diabetes, intestinal parasites, and more. Also, watch for changes in water consumption, which can be more difficult to assess, especially for outdoor cats. Contact your veterinarian if your cat’s food or water intake suddenly changes.

            UNEXPLAINED WEIGHT LOSS: The simplest method to assess your cat’s body weight is to feel over its ribs while it is standing, facing away from you.  You should be able to just barely feel your cat’s ribs under a thin layer of flesh.  If your cat begins to lose weight in the absence of a diet, please consult your veterinarian, as weight loss may be a sign of diabetes, hyperthyroidism, organ failures or cancer. Once again, early detection is key to treating these ailments.

            DIFFICULTY URINATING: The nemesis of every veterinarian has to be the cat that can’t urinate due to a urinary obstruction. These blockages are treatable, but success in doing so is directly related to the duration of the blockage. Signs of difficult urination include frequent trips to the litter pan, straining to eliminate, spending a long time in the cat box, or crying during urination. Sometimes the only symptom noted is urinating in inappropriate places. If your cat urinates small amounts frequently or its urine is blood-tinged, you should contact your veterinarian immediately.

                        CHANGES IN GROOMING HABITS:  Being the proud animal that it is, no self-respecting cat likes to be caught with a hair out of place or “cooties” on its coat. Glamour is every cat’s goal so if your cat suddenly stops grooming or becomes an obsessive groomer, it is trying to tell you that it is having more than just a bad hair day.  A decrease in grooming behavior can be a sign of multiple illnesses while compulsive grooming can signify skin problems. If your cat’s coat lacks its usual luster, please talk with your veterinarian.

             BAD BREATH: Contrary to popular belief, “tuna breath” is NOT the rule for all cats. Studies show that 70% of cats exhibit signs of dental disease as early as three years of age. Careful observation of your cat’s oral health can be critical in early detection of dental disease as well as other illnesses such as kidney disease, diabetes or oral cancers.  Lift up your cat’s lips daily to look for reddened gums, tartar or any unusual lesions. And, if your cat’s breath smells, seek the advice of your veterinarian.

            As a fellow cat owner and as a veterinarian, I hope you will help me help you detect your cat’s illnesses sooner, rather than later. Observe your cat regularly for the “Seven Subtle Signs of Sickness in Cats,” and take your cat to visit your veterinarian “twice a year for life” (yes, yet another phrase to remember!). Your cat’s life may depend on it.

Author: Dr. Bonnie Jones

 

Understanding Cat Behavior May Be Easier Than You Think

              

                       When two veterinarians come together in marriage, there will never be a shortage of pets.  Such is the case at Welshire Farm, refuge for two working Border Collies, a spoiled Pembroke Welsh Corgi (my husband’s description), two “special needs” house cats, a slew of cherished barn cats, and now “Jobey,” a little male, tuxedo kitten with a big attitude.
 

                        Many are the times my husband has been sent on farm calls, only to return with a kitten in his coveralls.  I always know what has transpired when I hear the sound of his heavy feet thundering in the back door, followed by the slam of a cage gait as a tiny voice meows loudly in protest. With a roll of my eyes, I mutter to myself “say it isn’t so, Joe,” but I know it is.
 

                        I must say it has been a while since we have had a really young kitten in our household, but Jobey has reminded me of the importance of recognizing and acknowledging feline behaviors, good and bad.  Many negative cat behaviors are rooted in medical problems that only need identified and addressed to put an end to them.  More importantly, most bad feline behaviors are manifestations of undiagnosed pain or discomfort that the cat is experiencing.

 

                        The number one behavioral reason that cats lose their happy homes is inappropriate eliminations outside the litter pan. There’s no denying that this is an unacceptable behavior.  However, cats that urinate inappropriately are often feeling intense pain associated with inflammation, hemorrhage, crystals, or stones anywhere in their urinary tracts.

 

                       Geriatric cats are most likely to develop kidney stones or bacterial urinary tract infections secondary to kidney failure, while cats of any age living in crowded or perceived stressful conditions are likely to have FIC or Feline Interstitial Cystitis. FIC is defined as hemorrhage and inflammation of the urinary bladder with no known cause. Your veterinarian will conduct urine and blood tests, and use x-rays or ultrasound to diagnose the cause of and help you put a stop to your cat’s urinary mistakes.
 

                        Cats that defecate outside their litter pans may also be experiencing perceived environmental stress, but did you know that this behavior could also signify Inflammatory Bowel Disorder (IBD), food intolerance, or hyperthyroidism (excess thyroid hormone production)? Cats with IBD are no doubt uncomfortable and this may be the only way they can communicate just how lousy they feel, so please tell your veterinarian about this bad habit.

 

                        If your cat is normally a mellow fellow and suddenly becomes irritable and aggressive toward you or other pets in your home, you should consider this behavioral change a cry for help.  Cat aggression is often misunderstood, but it can actually be a manifestation of a painful disease like osteoarthritis, feline hyperesthesia, hyperthyroidism, or hypertension.  Even the intense hunger associate with diabetes can make your loving cat somewhat cranky.

 

                        Cats that have joint pain will be less likely to seek favorite high perches as they hover over heating vents or close to warm appliances.  Ask your veterinarian about a pain medication trial and glucosamine chondroitin supplementation, as they may make a significant improvement in your cat’s joint discomfort and behavior.

 

                        Feline hyperesthesia is defined as “sensitivity to touch” that provokes cats to sometimes hurt the ones they love most.  Cats with this syndrome will appear as though their skin is rolling as they twitch, then attack, when touched even very lightly during routine petting.  This syndrome is vaguely understood and the cause is unknown.  Some cats are so bothered by this disease that they will self-mutilate, spin or vocalize.  Your veterinarian may prescribe anti-anxiety or seizure medications after ruling out other causes for your cat’s “crawling skin.”

 

                        Like humans, cats can also suffer from hypertension (high blood pressure) associated with hyperthyroidism, diabetes, kidney, or heart disease. Left untreated, elevated blood pressure can cause damage to the retinas, brain, and blood vessels resulting in aggression, blindness, numbness, seizures, cognitive problems, and strokes. Cats can have their blood pressure measured and appropriate medications will be prescribed, but the true treatment may be as simple as identifying and treating an underlying metabolic disease such as hyperthyroidism or diabetes. Say “yes” to your veterinarian’s recommendation to do routine blood pressure screening for your pet to avoid this silent killer.

 

                        When your cat cries out to you for help through changes in behavior, please don’t ignore the call to action. See your veterinarian to unveil the source of your cat’s discomfort.

 

            Author:  Dr. Bonnie Jones 

Peanut and Me

                        Saturday was a memorable day for Peanut and me.  She died, and I came to know what an important life she was.

                        Whether you believe in Adam and Eve, or the Cro-Magnon, animals have played an integral role in all of our lives since they were first domesticated thousands of years ago.  They have provided us with food, clothing and shelter, and most importantly, companionship and love.  Peanut was one of those animals.

                        We had only known Peanut for a few months. She was a very old Chihuahua who came to us exhibiting symptoms of advanced congestive heart failure.  At times she would become so congested with fluid in her airways, she would collapse from lack of oxygen.  This obviously created a great deal of anxiety for her family, but they loved her dearly and would do anything to make her more comfortable.

                        With medication and her family’s devoted care, Peanut won many battles against this disease, but it ultimately was a war that could not be won, and she surrendered her life on that Saturday afternoon, surrounded by her loved ones.

                        For those who have never known a Chihuahua, they are great dogs.  Chihuahuas are fiercely loyal and protective of their family and property.  Believe me, if Chihuahuas weighed eighty pounds, you never would have heard of Pitbulls.  Despite their small size, they give a lot of love.  And Peanut did.

                        Euthanasia has always been hard for me.  Not the act itself, or the reason for doing it, but the fact that I can’t help but think about all of the great dogs from my past whenever we perform one.  It makes me think about the Border Collies-the three Chrissies, and Jake, Jack and Bandi, and Minnie, the Chihuahua.  It gets really rough sometimes; it’s hard not to get emotionally sucked in. Impossible in some cases.  And so it was with Peanut.

                        As we prepared Peanut for the injection, her owner, Mrs. C., told us there was something we didn’t know about Peanut and her family.  Her husband died years ago when her two children were very young.  The kids had actually known Peanut longer than they did their dad.  Peanut had always been there for them, through good times and bad.  Now, they were all here for her, supporting Peanut in the final moments of her life.

                        Of course it is always sad when pets die, but that sadness is tempered somewhat when they die loved.  And Peanut was loved.

                        As Peanut’s life was leaving her, Mrs. C. said that she was now going to heaven to be with her dad.  With a lot of hard swallows and lip-biting, we helped her on her journey.

                        A few weeks ago, a wise and very religious lady asked me if I thought dogs went to heaven.  I remember how easy it was to confidently state, “I don’t think it would be much of a heaven without them.”  She seemed pleased by my answer and I think agreed.  I didn’t have a problem with

Peanut being in heaven with her dad. I didn’t know where else she would be.

                        We wrapped Peanut’s body in her blanket, and as the family started to leave the room, Mrs. C. paused and said, “You won’t be seeing me anymore.  I don’t ever want to go through this again.”

                        This is a common response we hear at this very difficult time, and I don’t blame people a bit for feeling this way.  It hurts to lose a pet, and the stronger the love for the pet, the more intense the pain.  But time does heal all wounds, even the really deep ones.

                        As her family walked down the hall, I slunk back into the room for a few minutes, alone with my old friends.

                        I got my first Border Collie, Chrissy, when I was six years old, and her great-granddaughter, Chrissy III, died when I was forty.  Chrissy I had a good life and died an old dog.  Sadly, her granddaughter, Chrissy II, and her puppies, Jake and Chrissy III, did not.  Their deaths were hard.  Chrissy II was a link to my parents.  Chrissy III was a link to virtually my entire life.

                        I really did feel like a part of my life was taken with each passing.  Our Welsh Corgi, Bunny, and Bandi, an old Border Collie we adopted, helped bring back some of that life, but there was still a definite void.

                        Then I met Robbie.  She was four weeks old and had come to our office with the rest of her family to be dewormed.  My wife actually went to her house two weeks earlier to deworm the litter for the first time.  She told me about the puppies, and how pretty some of them were marked.  But she also said there was a funny-looking puppy with freckles all over her face and legs.  I kind of hoped we wouldn’t get that one.

                        I wanted a female and had a choice of two.  I picked up the “pretty” puppy first, but she tried to pull away from me.  I set her down and grabbed the freckled pup.  I held her up to my face and she planted a big lick on my nose.  It was “love at first lick.”  

                        Although nearly three years had gone by since the death of Chrissy III, suddenly everything seemed right in the world.  I know eventually the day will come when I will be devastated once again.  But I would trade a few bad days for a few good years anytime.  The heart is a tough organ.  It can heal.  Sometimes all it takes is one lick.

                        The human-animal bond is a powerful force.  These are not just dumb animals.  They are our companions, our friends, our lives.  They deserve the best we can give them-the best nutrition, the best and most humane treatment, and the best veterinary care.  Make your veterinarian part of this bond.  Your veterinarian can be there through every stage of your pet’s life, even the final one.

                        Sure, there are some bad dogs, but most dogs are pretty good “people,” maybe even the best of us.  It’s okay to be sad and cry when you lose them, and its okay to cry when you remember them.  It means that you’ve had a great bond.

                        Oh, you’ll see us again, Mrs. C.  You’ll have to.  You have too much love left to give…and receive.  We’ll be waiting for you.

Author:  Dr. John Jones
Image courtesy of pandpstock001 at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Does Your Pet Have Any Lumps or Bumps?

                        Over time with more research and education, veterinarians and pet owners have become better at caring for pets. As a result, our four–legged family members are living longer.  However, as pet longevity increases, so does a pet’s risk for cancer.       With this in mind, I thought I would review the tumors veterinarians diagnose most frequently in pets of any age, and on a daily basis.

            

                       Let’s begin with skin cancers since skin is the largest organ of the body and easy to investigate.  The most common skin tumor has to be the sebaceous adenoma, a benign (good) growth originating from the skin’s oil or “sebaceous glands.”  These tumors typically are small (1/4 to ½ inch), raised, pink, and bumpy.  Many pet owners refer to them as “warts” although they are not warts at all.   

                        Sebaceous adenomas, more likely to occur on small dogs, will grow anywhere on the body.  Because they are raised and irregular, they occasionally get abraded during scratching or grooming, then begin to ulcerate and bleed.  I usually recommend surgical removal, which is curative, if these tumors are bothersome to the patient, unsightly, or in bad locations (e.g. on the feet where the pet may lick constantly, or on eyelids and earflaps). 

                        Similar to sebaceous adenomas, sebaceous “cysts” are the result of plugged oil glands that allow sebum, the skin’s oil, to accumulate in a pocket in the skin. Since these cysts are within the skin, they will be only slightly raised and feel smooth and firm. Sebaceous cysts may get over-filled and inflamed, and sometimes even infected and painful. At this point, the cyst may rupture and drain, and antibiotics may be necessary.  Surgical removal is also curative for sebaceous cysts.

                        Lipomas, or benign fatty tumors under the superficial skin layer, are extremely common. These growths are abnormal, well-defined, round, clumps of fat that may be singular or multiple.  They occur anywhere on the body with the majority growing on the chest or abdominal areas in dogs.  Lipomas are readily diagnosed with a simple needle aspirate (biopsy) by your veterinarian.  This tumor is benign, but it may also get very large in its location.  I do not recommend “watching” lipomas grow, because grow they will…the largest lipoma I have seen was the size of a volley ball.

                        Histiocytoma (HCT) is the name given to a benign skin tumor most commonly diagnosed in young dogs, even and including puppies.  HCT’s tend to appear as flat, raised, round, plaque-like, ulcerated growths on the skin.   This is one tumor type that may actually regress and disappear without treatment.  Because of this phenomenon, your veterinarian may give this tumor an observation period before recommending surgical removal.

                         In humans, melanoma is considered a dreaded malignancy, but for pets, this skin tumor is usually benign.  Because melanomas in pets are typically pigmented black, they may be readily diagnosed with a needle aspirate. Once again, surgical removal of skin melanomas is curative.  However, melanomas occurring in and around pets’ mouths are usually malignant and require aggressive surgery and additional therapies.

                        Veterinarians dread diagnosing yet another class of tumors called mast cell tumors (MCT).  This tumor class is graded 1 to 3 on microscopic examination based on its malignancy potential.  Surgical removal with wide and deep margins is recommended for MCT’s.  Depending on biopsy description and the grade given to each MCT, further surgery and/or chemotherapy may be recommended.  MCT’s are “great foolers” and can have a variety of appearances varying from very small, smooth and innocent to large, ulcerated and angry.

                        Another kind of tumor diagnosed frequently by veterinarians is the soft tissue sarcoma (STS) group.  There are several tumors, including hemangiopericytomas and fibrosarcomas, that make up this group of malignant tumors originating from cells under the skin.  STS cancers are malignant as they are extremely difficult to completely remove with surgery, in spite of what appear to be well-defined tumor margins. As a result, additional therapy beyond surgical removal is often recommended for this tumor class. 

                        A pet that presents with enlargement of multiple, external lymph nodes will likely be diagnosed with lymphosarcoma (LSA).  This cancer often involves enlargement of internal lymph nodes, and sometimes the liver and spleen.  LSA is a commonly diagnosed cancer that is treatable.  Multiple chemotherapy protocols for LSA exist that pets seem to tolerate quite well.  Frequent monitoring of blood work will be recommended for LSA patients treated with chemotherapeutics.

                        Cancers in pets can be numerous and varied.  These are just some of the frequently diagnosed tumors visible on a pet’s exterior body.  Several other cancers can occur inside the body cavities and on pets’ bones (osteosarcoma) as well.  If you notice a growth on your pet’s body, or if your pet isn’t acting quite right, don’t procrastinate in seeking your veterinarian’s advice. Peace of mind could be just a needle aspirate away.

Author:  Dr. Bonnie Jones
Image courtesy of jscreationzs at FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Does Your Pet Do the “Boot-Scootin’ Boogie?”

    

                The start of every veterinary examination should include a commitment to conduct a thorough “nose to tail” inspection of the patient.  This comprehensive approach prevents overlooking subtle problems besides the obvious current complaint.  The end point of every one of my examinations is literally the pet’s “endpoint,” the tail and butt area. (Yes, I really am going to teach you about your pet’s anal area!)
 

                        What prompts me to broach this subject is an up-tick in malignant tumors associated with the anal glands diagnosed by veterinarians today.   The greatest concern with these tumors is they are commonly overlooked by pet owners because they begin as inwardly growing tumors that are not apparent unless you know where to look for them.  Veterinarians are trained to visualize and palpate the area around the anus called the “perineum,” to identify multiple abnormalities, including, but not limited to tumors.

                        Veterinary medicine requires an understanding of normal anatomy before “abnormals” or disease may be diagnosed.  Pet owners, too, can become skilled at recognizing their pet’s “normals” by conducting a brief daily exam of their pets.  Once you are familiar with your pet’s body, recognizing a problem early, when it is more treatable, becomes an easier task.

 
                        Simply lift your pet’s tail daily and look for the following around the anus that may indicate a problem:  raised, fleshy or black skin growths; grey discoloration of the anus; red or blister-like lesions next to the bottom of the anus, inflamed cracks or “tracts” extending from the anus; fecal soiling; matted hair; and tapeworm segments (egg packets that look like rice or sesame seeds). See your veterinarian immediately if you note any of the above.
                                                                              
                        Next, use your fingers to press on your pet’s perianal skin to feel for soft or hard bumps representing tumors lurking under the skin.  While the majority of obvious perianal skin tumors diagnosed by sight are benign, malignant tumors usually require greater “hands-on” attention to detect them.  Ask your veterinarian to show you how to examine this area at your pet’s next visit.

                        By far, the most common perianal problem addressed by veterinarians is “full” anal glands that cause cats and dogs to do what I call “the boot-scootin’ boogie.”  You’ve seen it before…your pet sits his bottom squarely on your most valued flooring, then proceeds to drag or scoot it in a linear fashion.  Some pets will do a twirling routine followed by a quick lick or sniff of their butt afterward…YUCK!

                        Essentially, what your pet is doing is expressing anal gland secretions, a musky, foul-smelling liquid or paste that accumulates in the small glands inside the rectum at 5 o’clock and 7 o’clock positions.  Dogs and cats should “pump” their tails after bowel movements to express this material on to their stool.  It’s a personal “signature,” if you will, and their way of telling other pets that “Buffy” or “Tiger” was here.
 
                        When pets do not efficiently empty these glands, often because they are over-weight, small in stature, or have short or no tails, this substance accumulates in the glands.  Over time the build-up becomes irritating, prompting the “boot-scootin’ boogie.”  Heed your pet’s signal and see your veterinarian as soon at this butt dance begins to prevent the formation of a painful, anal gland abscess.

                        Another increasingly common anal problem is infection of the anal skin secondary to allergies, usually to the pet’s own food.  One might assume that the pet needs frequent anal gland expression associated with a persistent “butt itch,” when in reality Fido has a yeast skin infection of the anus that is really uncomfortable.  Your veterinarian will recommend a food trial, along with treatment of the infection, to eliminate repeat episodes.

                        The importance of regular examinations of your pet’s bottom cannot be over-emphasized.  Besides identifying tumors, full anal glands, and allergic disease, you could identify an intestinal parasite or diarrhea problem for your pet just by looking at the area daily.  Matted rectal hair and fecal soiling is not only unhygienic and unsightly, but also very uncomfortable for your pet.  By finding your pet’s perianal problem, especially tapeworms and infectious diarrheas promptly, you will protect your family members’ health as well.

                        You will never be the “butt” of any joke if you conduct a daily “nose to tail” examination of your pet.  Your health and that of your pet depend on it.

 

Author:  Dr. Bonnie Jones
Image courtesy of Gualberto107 at FreeDigitalPhotos.net