Heartworm Disease July 2012

Heartworm disease is a serious condition caused by parasitic worms living in the arteries of the lungs, and sometimes in the right side of the animal's heart. Heartworms can affect any breed or age of cat or dog. Heartworms rely on different insect species to be transported from animal to animal. Once the cat or dog becomes infected with heartworms, they can then spread it once a mosquito bites them and then the mosquito becomes an intermediate host. Now that the mosquito is an intermediate hose, all it takes is one bite for it to then pass it on to another cat or dog. As of right now, there are no approved treatments for heartworm disease in cats, and for dogs, the treatment can have a high risk associated with it, as well as being a long process, and very financially straining. You may be saying to yourself, not in Washington though...WRONG! Heartworm positive cases are popping up here in Washington yearly. With the seriousness of the disease, and the treatment of the disease being difficult or nonexistent, it seems better and easier all around to PREVENT! When dealing with heartworms, prevention is key! There are some easy hassle-free options to try. Revolution is not only a topical monthly flea, parasite, and ear mite prevention, it also can be used as a monthly heartworm prevention for cats and dogs! If topical medications are not for you and your pet, there is a chewable flea and heartworm preventative called Trifexis for dogs. A treat form of heartworm prevention is also available for your pets. It is called Heartguard, and it is recommended as a monthly treat for prevention. Before preventing heartworms, it is best to establish a negative heartworm test to ensure that there is no infection. A test can be done with a simple blood draw and we can get results in as soon as 10 minutes. In the month of July, we are offering 10% off heartworm testing to our new and existing clients. To find out more, please don't hesitate to give us a call!

Who Chooses Whom?

May 2013, Lynnie Ford, Massage Therapist

Who Chooses Whom? As I look back on the dogs in my life, I realize most of them picked me rather than I chose them. Murphy was one of 11 Flat Coat Retriever/English Springer Spaniel puppies – brown and white spotted, black and white spotted, brown, black. I wanted a black and white spotted little girl, so I picked one up and plopped her on my lap. She sat there for maybe five seconds then, with barely a “glad to meet ya”, she jumped off and strolled away Out of the corner of my eye I saw a black boy puppy heading toward me. He hopped into my lap and nestled in. (Fifteen years later, my new puppy Grover would do the same.) I whispered in this little intruder’s ear, “I don’t want a boy dog, I don’t want a black dog…”, over and over again. Practicing male selective hearing, he ignored me and fell asleep. That little black dog, Mr. Murphy, lived with me for almost 16 years. Then there was Zadie, the Golden Retriever/German Shepherd puppy I got after my beloved Zeke, a ball-crazy mellow, spaniel-mix, suddenly died. As a test, I brought a ball along when I went to meet the puppies. As a test, I threw the ball and little Zadie was the one who eagerly chased it and brought it back. I was sure, she had to be the one. So, I packed her up and took her home. I soon discovered the meet-and- greet ball throw would be the first and last time Zadie ever retrieved a ball. There have been other dogs too, but the point is I think that each dog that comes into our life has a purpose. They come with unconditional love, an unquenchable and contagious enthusiasm for life, and lessons we would never learn anywhere else…which brings me to Jake, my massage “tester dog.” I met Jake Peterson and his parents, Patti and John at the clinic where I work. They had just found out that their lively, happy older but not ancient yellow lab had osteosarcoma…bone cancer of his rear leg. I was in the midst of my massage courses – which at the time I was thinking might still be a bunch of woo-woo – but I offered to massage Jake at their home on my lunch. Not thinking they would actually accept my offer, I was surprised when almost immediately they called and asked if I could come see Jake. Now, years later, I realize that although it was something I could do for Jake, it was more about what Jake was to do for me. I knew massage was a technique/practice which stimulates all the body’s systems to create homeostasis – a balancing of the body. Using my hands, the pressure and heat – which reach the brain before pain does, plus the consequential release of endorphins, could stop the pain cycle, if only for a brief time. The problem was, at that time I knew the facts about massage, but hadn’t really seen it work…yet. At my first visit, Jake had lost weight, but came bouncing to the door to greet me. Setting the mood with music and Jake’s favorite blankets, Patti joined me on the floor, and I began what would be the first of many massage sessions with Jake. Within weeks, Jake regained the weight he lost, and was his goofy, happy self, eagerly greeting each day with enthusiasm and filled with joy for life. The tumor on his leg continued to grow larger, but his spirit never shrunk and, Jake never stopped greeting me at the door, enthusiastic for our time together. Jake, with the help of his parents, chose me. Jake lived an unbelievable 6 months longer before the tumor was just too big for even brave Jake. I ended up spending my lunch with Jake and Patti twice a week, massaging his hard-working front legs, working his back and feeding my soul.. I saw that I made a difference in Jake’s life, but even greater was the difference he made in my life. Jake believed in me so I began to believe in myself and the love, connection and the gentle healing touch of massage. He showed me unconditional love, despite his pain, and his heart was bigger than the sky. He gave me way more than I could ever give him, all because I had a feeling that his parents, who were so sad, and this goofy yellow lab, needed a kind word – “Would you like me to do some massages?” Which brings me back to my first thought – we don’t choose the dogs that come into our lives. They choose us. So, you never know where or when a furry angel will come into your life. Just be ready. Also, as I discovered and now believe and know to be true, know that there magic in massaging your dog – it builds connections that can never be broken. Lynnie Ford, Massage Therapist

Revolution. Trifexis. Frontline.

April 2013, Helping Hands Veterinary Clinic

In the month of April, Helping Hands Veterinary Clinic monthly promo is 10% off Revolution, Trifexis, and or Frontline. What is Revolution? Revolution is a safe and simple monthly topical medication used to protect your pet from heartworms, fleas, and ear mites. It also protects dogs from ticks and sarcoptic mange and cats from roundworms and hookworms. Revolution for Dogs and Cats requires a prescription from your veterinarian. (3 Pack = 3 doses which lasts 3 months.) Benefits: Protects your pet from heartworms and fleas Fights both internal and surface parasitic infections Treats Sarcoptic mange in dogs Treats and controls ear mites Controls American Dog Tick infestation Treats and controls roundworms and hookworms in cats Only administered once a month What is Trifexis? Trifexis is a chewable tablet for dogs and cats that kills fleas and prevents infestations, protects against heartworms, and treats and controls adult hookworm, roundworm, and whipworm infections. Trifexis requires a prescription from your veterinarian. Benefits: Begins killing biting fleas within 30 minutes Kills fleas before they can lay eggs Prevents heartworm disease Treats and controls roundworms, hookworms, and whipworms Artificial beef flavor made from pork liver and hydrolyzed soy What is Frontline Plus? Frontline Plus is a monthly topical flea and tick preventative for dogs and cats. Frontline Plus kills 100% of adult fleas on your pet within 12 hours and 100% of all ticks and chewing lice within 48 hours. Frontline Plus contains an insect growth regulator, S-methoprene, which kills flea eggs and larvae. It’s effective against all stages of the brown dog tick, the American dog tick, the lone star tick and the deer tick (the major carrier of Lyme disease). (3 Pack = 3 doses which lasts 3 months.) Benefits: Kills all existing fleas on your pet within 12 hours Each application provides a full month of protection Also aids in the control of sarcoptic mange infections Great for pets that swim since it's waterproof Kills ticks and chewing lice Helping Hands Veterinary Clinic

Feline Oral Resorptive Lesions – FORL

March 2013, Angela, LVT

Feline Oral Resorptive Lesions – FORL “Umm… What?” Those were my exact words when I first read of this condition during my technician studies. Though this may be the first time you have heard of it, FORL is a very common conditions in cats. More then one-half of the feline population is affected with this FORL along with basic dental disease. FORL appear as erosions of the surface of the tooth at the gingival border. They are often covered with calculus or gingival tissue. It is a progressive disease, usually starting with loss of cementum and dentin and leading to penetration of the pulp cavity. The signs of FORL include pain caused by exposure of dentine. Dentine is material harder and denser than bone that comprises the bulk of a tooth. Because all patients react to pain differently, symptoms may vary. Common behavior changes include, lack of appetite, increase of salivation, aggression towards humans, other animals, and food. Other clinical signs include gingivitis, lesions, and hyperplastic gingiva. Dental radiographs are necessary to accurately diagnose and treat FORL. There have been theories proposed regarding the cause of FORL since lesions have first been reported. Some suggest that acid regurgitation with hairballs and or acid produced by bacteria associated with periodontal disease are responsible. Most recent studies show that FORL may be caused by nutritional problems involving unknown genetic factors. Patients may have teeth at various stages of resporption. Treatment will likely involve a significant amount of dental care with a few different options. Any significant dental work like fillings or crowns, will save the tooth and are generally with a Veterinary Dental Specialist. In most cases extraction is the best choice of treatment. Angela, LVT

Why are extractions necessary?

February 2013, Angela, LVT

When taking care of your cat or dog, what comes to mind when thinking of your pet's overall wellness? More often then not, the answers we receive are maintaining a healthy diet and weight, keeping vaccinations current, and making sure your pet is bright, alert, and full of energy. While these responses are a portion of an animal's overall wellness, we are missing a surprisingly large component; Dental Health. Periodontal disease is defined as a disease that attacks the gum and bone around the teeth in cats and dogs. There are 4 stages of periodontal disease. Stages 1 and 2 involve mild to moderate gingivitis (swelling of the gums) and plaque build up. These stages are reversible with a dental cleaning/polish. Stages 3 and 4 are much more involved. They include a significant amount gingivitis, plaque, and potential bone loss. These stages are not reversible and more often than not, require extracting teeth. During your pre-dental exam, your veterinary doctor will be able to tell you which stage of dental disease your pet is in. During this exam, however, it will be difficult to give you an estimate as to the exact number of teeth we presume need to be extracted. In most circumstances, cats and dogs find it uncomfortable while we attempt a general dental exam. In the event an animal allows us to have a complete and thorough look at their mouth, plaque may be hiding very severe tooth decay not visible before a complete cleaning. Once the cleaning is complete and the doctor has done a full probing exam of each tooth, we can then decide what teeth are healthy and what teeth need to be extracted. If any teeth need to be extracted above what we had originally anticipated, the surgical technician will be calling the owner at this time. This is to receive permission for extraction and approval of cost. The most common questions I receive when making these calls are, how necessary are the extractions, and how will my pet be able to eat? The second answer is very simple. Animals do extremely well handling multiple extractions. We often recommend feeding wet food or adding water to dry food for 3-5 days after the dental cleaning only to prevent discomfort during healing. The answer to the first question is equally as simple but deserves a more in-depth explanation. The extractions are incredibly important and very necessary. We would not be recommending any extractions if the teeth did not have to go. Bone loss cannot be reversed and the pocketing around the tooth poses a problem for future dental health. We can clean in and around the pocket but this area is a breeding ground for bacteria which will lead to further bone loss and infection. The plaque will form much faster in this pocketing then it would in a normal healthy gingival sulcus (pocketing depth around a healthy tooth). If we leave an unhealthy tooth in the mouth, the tooth may dissolve or eventually fall out. Unfortunately, this should never be an alternative solution. This process will cause discomfort and pain for the animal. Often times you will see blood on chew toys and pets will eat less or stop eating entirely due to the amount of pain their mouth is in. All the more reason to complete extractions at the time of a dental. The animal is asleep during the entire process and we send each patient home with pain medication. The healing time is roughly 3-5 days and generally we see smooth and quick recoveries. So what if a tooth obviously needs to be extracted? Can we extract the tooth without doing a dental? The answer is, no. there is good reason behind this answer! When a tooth is extracted, it leaves a considerably large gap where the tooth used to be. We use suture to close this gap that dissolves once healed. If we were to create this hole without cleaning the teeth first, we are exposing your pet to a significant amount of bacteria that will enter into the blood stream. Once we complete the sutures we are also closing the opening that would trap the bacteria and possibly cause further harm such as an abscess. This is why is extremely important to first clean the teeth before any extractions are made. If you are considering scheduling your pet's dental cleaning, now is the time! February we are celebrating dental health by awarding 25% off of each dental polish. You will also receive a variety of samples for you to use at home to make dental maintenance easy and effective. This is over an $80 value you receive at no cost! Call the clinic now to schedule your pre-dental exam and dental cleaning. Feel free to also call or email the clinic if you have any questions or concerns about your pet's dental health. Angela, LVT

Top 3 New Year's Resolutions for Your Pet

January 2013, HHVC

1) Weight Loss: Over 50% of American pets are either overweight or obese. That's 93 million dogs & cats! This is the single most important thing the owner of an overweight pet can do for their friend. Recent studies have shown that we can increase a dog's lifespan by two years or more by keeping that extra weight off! In addition to improving the pet's quality of life and lengthening their lifespan, weight loss can reduce the risk of Diabetes, high blood pressure and arthritis. Reduction of calories and increasing exercise are the keys to weight loss. Talk to our weight coaches about how they can help your pet! 2) Dental Care: This is not a cosmetic issue for our pets; it is a serious health issue. Often people are not aware of the potential consequences of dental disease. Although dogs don't typically get cavities like we do, they certainly do get periodontal disease and that's where the biggest risks lie. Periodontal disease (inflammation & infection of the gum tissue around the teeth) can lead to kidney failure, heart disease, liver infection, and many other problems. The more bacteria present deep in the periodontal pockets, the higher the risk. But pet owners can't see those nasty pockets & often don't realize the dangers. A simple adage: Bad breath is NOT normal! Eighty percent of pets over the age of three have dental disease. After all, imagine if you didn't brush or floss your teeth for 4 to 5 years and never had them cleaned by the dental hygienist it's a miracle dogs don't have more problems with their mouths than they do. And remember, dogs use their mouths like we use our hands... a painful mouth is tremendously detrimental for them. They just don't have the means (or the inclination) to complain! Talk to us today about your pet’s teeth! 3) Monitor Labwork for all Pets ages three and up. Labwork is a unclear term at best, but typically includes basic blood chemistries to look at the kidneys, liver, electrolytes, blood sugar and pancreas. The CBC or complete blood count gives us a view of the white and red blood cell numbers and ratios of different types. These things all give the veterinarian a pretty impressive view of what's happening inside the patient. After all, animals can't tell us what they're feeling, so the vet has to be part detective to get a good picture a pet's health. For seniors, this is best done every 6 months since dogs and cats age so much more quickly than we do. Detecting an illness early on typically improves the prognosis for the patient and makes treatment more straight-forward (and often less costly). Many diseases common to middle-aged and senior pets can be easily managed if detected early on. HHVC

Celebrating Christmas with Your Pet

December 2012, HHVC

It's easy to forget about the little things that can harm your pets during the holidays. Make sure you are careful with the following five Christmas traditions around your pets. Chocolate Chocolate is very harmful for pets and in some cases can cause major illness or even death. Make sure any chocolate is kept up high enough that pets cannot get to it. As well, educate your family on the dangers of chocolate. This way your children will not feed your pets chocolate as a Christmas treat. Christmas Tree Having a real Christmas tree is great. However, if that tree falls on your pet, it could be deadly. Make sure your tree is properly secured so it cannot be pulled down or tipped over by your pets. String and Tinsel String, tinsel, ribbon and other Christmas decorations are wonderful additions to the holidays. However, your pet may view them as beautiful, sparkling toys to eat and play with. Make sure any Christmas decorations you use are properly secured or placed so your pets cannot ingest them. Christmas Lights Nothing is more beautiful than a home with Christmas lights. However, when your pet is indoors or outdoors they could potentially chew the lights and electrocute themselves. Make sure you are watching your pets whenever they are around any Christmas lights. This way you know your pet is not chewing any cords. Plants Many holiday plants can be deadly for your pets. Make sure you research each plant you want to get before purchasing it for your home. Christmas would not be as wonderful if your pet eats a plant and needs an emergency trip to the veterinary clinic. Have a happy holiday season with your family and pets. HHVC