Internal Parasites of Dogs and Cats

February 2012, Dr. Bridget Overbey, DVM

Internal parasites as opposed to external parasites, such as fleas and ticks, can often go unrecognized by pet owners. While it can be difficult to identify if your pet has internal parasites, it is very important to treat infected animals as this can lead to health problems for them and your family. In this article we will have a brief discussion on the major internal parasites of dogs and cats, signs your pet could be infected, and the available treatments.

Roundworms
Roundworm is a generic term for several species of worms that can affect dogs and cats. Roundworms are very common, especially in puppies and kittens. Most puppies are born with roundworms since they can be passed from their mother. Kittens while not born with roundworms like puppies but can be infected by their mothers during nursing. Signs of roundworm infection include a potbelly, rough hair coat, diarrhea, vomiting up of worms, anemia, and any indication that your puppy or kitten is not thriving. It is very important to treat your dogs and cats for roundworms, as some species of worm can also infect humans. Children are the most prone to infection as they can inadvertently consume worms eggs while playing outside (via eating dirt). Since humans are not the correct host for these worms they get lost and migrate through the body, which can lead to blindness.

Hookworms
Hookworms are similar to roundworms in many respects. There are multiple species of hookworms, they can infect dogs and cats, and some species can be passed down through birth and nursing. Signs of hookworm infection are also similar to roundworm infection but can be more severe in some cases leading to a fatal anemia.

Whipworms
Whipworms are more common in older dogs and only rarely infect cats. Like the previously discussed parasites, they can cause diarrhea, constipation, unkempt appearance, and weight loss.

Tapeworms
Tapeworms can occur in both dogs and cats and are commonly acquired after they have been infected with fleas. If a pet eats a flea infected with a tapeworm they can develop an adult worm. Pets can also get tapeworms if they are outdoor hunters, i.e. eating mice or rabbits. Owners may be able to identify infected pets by finding tapeworm segments (which look similar to rice grains) in the pets’ feces or attached to the hair around the anus.

Giardia
Unlike the parasites discussed above giardia is not a worm but a protozoal organism (a single celled organism) that can cause similar symptoms. It can infect both dogs and cats, and is transmitted through contaminated water. Signs of Giardia include diarrhea and weight loss with a normal appetite.

All of these parasites can be diagnosed by testing a fecal sample from your pet. If an infection is diagnosed or suspected they are typically treated with a combination of oral medications. Yearly fecal tests and deworming is recommended for all dogs and cats. Please speak to your veterinarian about the many options for keeping your pet parasite free.

Dr. Bridget Overbey, DVM

At home dental care & why its so important

February 2012, Dr. Bridget Overbey, DVM

Home Dental Care

For this week we are going to continue our columns for Dental Heath Month by discussing how you, the owner, can provide dental care for your pets at home. The importance of dental care cannot be stressed enough 85% of pets suffer from periodontal disease by the time they are 3 years old. Periodontal disease can lead to other more severe infections in various other parts of the body, including the heart and liver.

Dental care does not have to be painful for you or your pets. There are many options available to you, including teeth brushing, dental chews, dental food, and water additives. However, no matter what method works best for you, the key to effective home dental care is consistency.

Toothpaste and Brushing

Many owners assume that their pet will not tolerate having their teeth brushed. However, just like with any other form of behavioral training, patience and consistency pay off. Begin by getting your pet used to having its face and lips handled. Once they’ve become accustomed, introduce the toothbrush (available in sizes to match any pet) by slowly and gently brushing the outer surfaces of the teeth. After your pet is comfortable with this handling, you can add toothpaste. It’s important to note that you should always use toothpaste that has been specifically formulated for pets. Human toothpaste contains a chemical (xylitol) that is toxic to your pet. In addition, pet toothpastes are offered in a variety of flavors (beef, chicken, etc) that are designed to be swallowed. If brushing is not an option for your pet there are many other products on the market.

Dental Treats

There are a wide variety of dental treats and chews available. These treats use the pets’ chewing action which creates abrasion against the tooth to remove plaque and tarter, in addition some treats also contain ingredients that prevent the mineralization of plaque into tarter.

Dental Diets

Dental diets are prescription diets available from your veterinarian that are more effective then the typical dry food diets found at grocery stores. Dental diets on the market today use several techniques to help reduce plaque. The first is that they use very large kibble, which means the pet must chew them before swallowing.

Because the diets are also high in fiber, the kibble does not shatter when being chewed - forcing the teeth to sink into the kibble and thus scrubbing plaque away as your pet eats.

Water Additives

Lastly, for owners that cannot brush their pets’ teeth or for pets that do not like chewing on treats, there are several products that can be added to your pets’ drinking water that will help reduce plaque build-up. While water additives aren’t as effective as teeth brushing or dental treats, they are good alternative to improving your pets’ dental health.

For more information about at home dental care please click through the link, provided below, to watch a video featuring many of the products mentioned above. And remember to please talk with your veterinarian about finding the right dental care options for you and your pet.

http://www.helpinghandsvet.com/do-it-yourself-videos-5470

Dr. Bridget Overbey, DVM

How do we grade pet's teeth and what it means

February 2012, Dr. Nicole Velotta, DVM

We categorize pets dental heath into grades, which help us make decisions about what care, is needed.

Grade 1: Healthy – The gums are light pink or pigmented. There is no bleeding on exam with a periodontal probe and there is no calculus. The pet’s breath is not offensive.

Grade 2: Mild Disease – There is gingivitis, meaning the gums are red and inflamed. A minor amount of plaque and tarter has formed on the tooth surface. The pet has minor halitosis (bad breath).

Grade 3: Moderate Disease – Gingivitis and moderate tarter and plaque are present. There may be gingival recession. The gums bleed easily upon probing. Bone loss and some slightly mobile teeth. The pet has marked halitosis.

Grade 4: Advanced Disease – Heavy plaque and calculus. Gingival recession and bone loss are present. The pet has severe halitosis. There are multiple loose teeth.

Pets that are categorized as grade one have good dental health. In these pets we recommend dental prophylaxis, such as brushing teeth and dental chews, to maintain good health. Pets that fall into grade two need to have a dental cleaning within a year. Grade three is more serious and requires immediate dental cleaning with possible extractions. Grade four has severe disease that is overdue for a dental cleaning and will have the need for extractions.

Dr. Nicole Velotta, DVM

Dental cleanings are so important

February 2012, Aubrey, LVT

By the time a cat or dog is 4 years old, 85% show signs of periodontal disease. Keeping your pets oral hygiene up to par with regular exams by your veterinarian can greatly reduce their risk factors for dental disease. Oral health is so important because chronic infection in the mouth can lead to serious problems. Pain, bad breath, excessive drooling and potentially tooth loss can all be consequences of untreated dental disease. Chronic oral infections can also lead to damage to vital organs such as the liver, kidneys, heart and other serious health problems. Avoidable disease and pain for your pet is easy! Just schedule yearly exams with your veterinarian and we’ll keep your beloved pets teeth healthy! Keep an eye out for Dr. Overbey’s blog coming up on at home dental care, she’ll have great tips on some do it yourself options to help prevent periodontal disease.

Aubrey, LVT