palmer

‘PET DENTAL HEALTH  MONTH’

 

February is National Pet Dental Health Month!  It is estimated that 75% of cats and dogs already have periodontal disease by the age of 4.  Dental care is something that is often overlooked by pet owners.  Halitosis, or bad breath, is usually the first sign of a problem.  The cause of dental disease in pets is similar to that in people.  Bacteria in the mouth combine with food debris and saliva to form plaque.  Over time, plaque build up results in calculus and tartar.  Although plaque is soft and can be removed with a toothbrush, calculus and tartar are hard and need to be scaled off the teeth.  Tartar can accumulate under and around the gum line, which results in gingivitis.

Excessive salivation, refusal to eat, dropping food, rubbing or pawing at the face, inflamed gums, and loose or broken teeth are signs of dental disease in pets.  Without routine wellness exams, a pet’s dental disease is not detected until it becomes more severe.  Try lifting your pet’s lip and gently pull back towards their cheek to examine their teeth.  If you see any red, swollen gums or yellowish brown debris accumulating on the teeth then you have enough evidence to warrant an evaluation at the vet.  Periodontal  disease can also lead to serious problems like bacterial infection of the kidneys, liver, and heart valves.

In order to prevent dental disease in your pets, it is crucial to frequently brush their teeth.  Given the proper patience and persistence, many cats and dogs will accept having their teeth brushed.   Dental rinses, treats and diets are also available to  help prevent dental disease.  However, a professional dental cleaning is the best way to keep your pet’s mouth healthy.  Contact us if you have any questions on dental health or would like to schedule an appointment to have your pet’s mouth evaluated.  Pets need dental care too!

 

We are happy to report that our power has been restored and phone are back in service!!!   Please feel free to call us to reschedule any appointment you may have missed today.

 

 

We want to issue an apology to any clients that have been trying to contact us today.   Our phone service has been down since approximately lunchtime unbenounced to us.   This was caused by an improper upgrade to our phone service.  As of 5:15PM tonight, the phones are back up and ringing, but there could be a glitch or two over the next 24 hours (e.g. our fax line is still not behaving as it should).    If you have been trying to reach us, please feel free to call, or if the matter is non-urgent you can always email as well ( info@palmeranimalhospital.net )

‘RAW DIETS’

Recently we have been getting more and more questions about “Raw Diets” (Raw Meat-Based Diets–RMBDs) in our patients.  RMBDs are controversial, but the popularity of the diet such as raw meat, bones, fruit and vegetables, are rising. We do not recommend raw diets; in fact most veterinarians do not recommend them.  The AVMA, AAHA and Canadian VMA also discourage the use of undercooked or raw diets.  The Delta Society Pet Partners Program precludes animals that eat RMBDs from participating in their therapy animal programs.  The key motivation for pet owners wanting to feed these diets is that they are thought to be nutritionally superior compared to more conventional diets. Most of the information is from anecdotal or non-scientific studies.  It is important to understand that there are many risks associated with feeding these diets:

— Bacterial contamination especially Salmonella.  The occurrence rates of Salmonella in commercial RMBDs range from 20-48%. This not only puts your pet at risk for becoming ill, but any other animal or person in the household as well.  This by far is our major concern in regards to safety of these diets.

—Nutritional concerns—many of these diets are unbalanced.  A 2001 study found that all of commercial RMBDs and 95% of home-prepared RMBDs  had at least one major nutritional deficiency, so long-term feeding may lead to health problems with your pet.   Keep in mind that many of these diets are labeled for intermittent or supplemental feeding and are not intended as a long-term diet. 

—Other safety issues such as bones and high-fat levels in many of these diets can put pets at risk for stomach and intestinal injuries, and pancreatitis.

—Cases of Hyperthyroidism have been reported in dogs fed a RMBD (which resolved upon discontinuation of that diet).

For more information, there is an article in the Dec 1st issue of the AVMA Journal that discusses the current knowledge of the risks and benefits RMBDs.

‘HOLIDAY DANGERS TO YOUR PETS’

  Christmas time, as we all know, is rapidly approaching.  Which means the decorating and other festivities are begining to take place as well.  The holiday times are a special time for us and our pets. With that said, all the ongoing activities and constant distractions, we seem to over look some possible dangers to your pets.  Knowing what could be dangerous to your pet’s and taking preventive measures to insure your pet is protected and safe from any harm, will help save you a trip to the vets office over the holidays!

• Tinsel-  The shiny, dangling decoration that can be easily move in the slightest draft and reflects in light, can cause serious injury to your pets.  If not caught in time, it could easily become fatal as it bunches and twists inside your pet’s intestines. 
• Ornaments-  Bright and colorful tree ornaments can attract the curiousity of your pets.  Place these ornaments, glass, aluminum and paper, all at the top of the tree or anywhere out of reach of the pet.  If the objects are swallowed by the pet, it can easily become a cocking hazard and an emergancy situation.
• Electric Cords-  Electrical shock may occur when a pet chews down on an electric cord, causing irrtation to the tongue and possibly fatal.  Using a grounded three-pring extension cord is a safe move.
• Candles-  Candles that are out on display should be placed in a hard-to-reach spot so that your pets can’t get to it.  Meanwhile, not only can this burn your pet but dripping wax can burn the pads of paws causing severe pain.
• Ribbon-  Discard any ribbons and bows that are wrapped around holiday gifts, so that your pets won’t be tempted to chew or even swallow them.  If the ribbon where to be ingested, it causes a choking hazard and it twists throughtout the intestines, leading to an emergancy surgery.

 Taking precautions with pets during the holidays can help ensure that you, your friends and family will have a happy and healthy holiday season.