The Most Effective Way to Help Arthritis in Dogs: An Article by Dr. Bob

Arthritis in Dogs by Dr. Robert Henrickson

Zeus, a 12-year-old lab, loved by Ms. “W,” has had arthritis for the last three years.  In the early stages of his arthritis, simple NSAIDs (non-steroidal anti-inflammatories) helped Zeus to go up and down the three flights of stairs to his apartment.  However, after a year and a half, it again became difficult for Zeus to climb the stairs.  So, what should be done to do to help him?

The subtle, early signs of arthritis are often perceived as normal aging. These signs include lagging behind on walks, reluctance to climb stairs, difficulty rising from a resting position and, of course, limping. The signs of canine arthritis tend to be worse first thing in the morning or after heavy exercise.  These signs may not be present all the time. Arthritis affects one in five dogs, or over nine million dogs in the United States.  Surprisingly, nearly 50% of these dogs remain untreated.

Nowadays, no dogs should be in pain because of arthritis.  Everyone knows about the nutraceutical glucosamine to help alleviate arthritis pain without drugs for themselves and their pets. However, what most people don’t know is that the body only absorbs 1% of the glucosamine in almost all of these products. And, glucosamine is the ingredient that is a natural building block for joint cartilage, and can alleviate arthritis Only one company has a patent on the glucosamine that allows the body to absorb up to 99.9% of the glutamine.  Look for the brand name Cosequin for you and your dog.  Note: if you are not taking this glucosamine product for yourself, your body is only getting 1% of that important ingredient.  

          

The latest therapy besides anti-inflammatories and nutraceuticals like glucosamine is cold therapy laser treatment. This works by the low level laser light stimulating damaged cells and boosting blood circulation and lymphatic drainage.  The cold therapy laser poses no risk of burns. At other times, this laser therapy is used for soft tissue injury, disk disease and to help heal wounds.  People often ask why they can’t get this treatment for themselves.  The reason is that it is not covered by insurance.

    

Another useful treatment for arthritis and one of our first choices is Adequan. It contains polysulfated glycosaminoglycans used by the body to make cartilage.  It is given as an intramuscular injection twice a week for four weeks with a booster as needed.

Stem cells have now been used to treat arthritis in dogs that are unresponsive to conventional therapies. Stem cells in adult dogs are most concentrated in fat cells. A simple ten-minute procedure can be done to remove a teaspoon of fat from between the shoulder blades of the arthritic dog. The fat sample is then sent to a special lab where the stem cells are activated. A syringe with 20 to 30-million stem cells is sent back to the arthritic dog’s veterinarian in 24 hours. The vet can then give the contents of that syringe intravenously to the pet and what happens next is truly remarkable. The stem cells know where to go. When infused into the vein, the stem cells hone in on the damaged cartilage in arthritic joints, following chemotactic factors released by the injured cells. At the arthritic/injured joint, the stem cells differentiate into new repaired versions of the damaged cells.

Hurray for Zeus!  After a few months of cold therapy laser treatments and Adequan along with the standard anti-inflammatories and Cosequin, Zeus is climbing the stairs to his apartment and doing really well.  Please remember, though, DO NOT give Advil or Tylenol to your dog. Even aspirin will cause gastric ulcers after three days of use.

 As always, if you have a question, call my cell at (516) 729-1130.

 

The Heartbreaking Costs of Having a Fat Pet... One Employees' Journey

I have been working at Manhasset Animal Hospital for about a year and a half now.  I see all sorts of animals in all shapes and sizes walk through the door needing all levels of care. I revolve my life around animals at work, and also at home, having 3 dogs and 4 cats.

For all the years I have owned these animals, their weight has never really been an issue.  I fed them 2 meals a day, whatever latest and greatest wholistic dog food or cat food was out on the market, and gave them treats whenever I felt like it.  Table scraps were frequent. How could they not be? How could I enjoy the  experience of pet ownership without watching those delicious faces stare at me as I ate? and then watch  them with joy and satisfaction as they devoured morsel after morsel of left over veal chop, chicken, meatballs, spaghetti....??  It was true love...true giving... So I thought.

Boy was I wrong!!  I couldn't have been doing my animals a bigger disservice.   My Bulldog and Shih Poo were clearly overweight.  A few years ago they began to suffer from health conditions secondary to being overweight.  They were having trouble getting up, running, even walking.  Eventually both their Cruciate ligaments tore and they  needed surgery. The Shih Poo needed it done twice!  The Bulldog's hips were x-rayed and found to have mild hip displasia.  My Vet bills were soaring, and my dogs were suffering.  I still kept on feeding them haphazardly.  I admit it, the Bulldogs rolls "looked cute"  I was in somewhat of denial. A year after the cruciate surgeries the Shih Poo had surgery for a "floating" knee cap.  One day I noticed he was "skipping" when he walked, would lick his knees constantly, and would sometimes just give up, sit down, and wait for me to pick him up and carry him.  What I didn't realize was that his joints were weakening from all the added weight.


It came to a point where I coudn't even take these dogs on a walk.  The bulldog's breathing became so labored and his gait became awkward and lethargic.  I didn't think he would make it home.  It was clear his quality of life was suffering.

It's not only at home that I noticed these overweight animals and their health problems.  It was (and is)  also at work.  I began to read and research.  Here are some interesting facts that I found about overweight animals and health:

• About half of all dogs and cats in American homes are overweight or obese, up slightly from 2010, according to a recent study by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention. In a nation of 170 million pets, many of them as beloved as children, roughly 85 million are carrying too much weight. And many pet owners are finding that the extra pounds on a pudgy cat or dog can lead to severe – and costly – health problems.

• Being overweight shortens a dog’s life expectancy, according to new research by the WALTHAM® Centre for Pet Nutrition.  Overweight dogs were found to suffer a reduction in life expectancy of up to ten months compared to ideal weight dogs. Being overweight in middle age can have potentially far-reaching consequences for a dog’s life span, highlighting the importance of maintaining dogs at a healthy body weight throughout life. This was particularly pronounced in five breeds – Labrador, Shih Tzu, American Cocker Spaniel, Golden Retriever and Beagle,”  

• Overweight pet health problems mirror human ones.  For example, Just as diabetes and heart disease are more common in people who are obese, these diseases also are more common in overweight animals. The average cost of veterinary care for a diabetic dog or cat in 2011 was more than $900, according to Petplan USA, a pet insurance company.

• Some of the most popular breeds – Golden Retrievers, German Shepherds, Yorkshire terriers – are susceptible to orthopedic problems for genetic reasons, but these problems occur earlier and more severely with pets that are overweight.

 I immediately put my Bulldog on a weight loss management plan through Hills Metabolic Diet Dog Food that we use for our patients at the hospital.  I was told to stick to the program completely and there would be definite success.  No cheating!  I've dieted for myself so many times, it would be a  piece of cake! (no pun intended) to do it for my dog.

Maybe not!  The minute he began to look at me with those pleading eyes saying "a little hamburger please???"  I began to melt.  But as time went on I realized he wasn't suffering at all. "IT WAS ALL IN MY HEAD!"  If I kept on the path of obesity he would really be suffering, and I would lose my beloved companion.


I am thrilled to report that after 3 months on the Metabolic Diet he has lost 7 lbs! and  My Shih Poo is next!


          BEFORE                                                           AFTER (and still going!)

  He is down from 3 back rolls to 2!  Better yet he is spunkier, can walk a nice long distance, move more fluidly and has had improved breathing and allergies.


**Call Manhasset Animal Hospital Today to learn more about Hills Metabolic Weight Loss Plan**

516-627-0057

We examined a broad range of popular breeds of all shapes and sizes and found that overweight dogs tend to have a shorter life expectancy. This was particularly pronounced in five breeds – Labrador, Shih Tzu, American Cocker Spaniel, Golden Retriever and Beagle,” said lead scientist at the Waltham Centre, Carina Salt. “In order to ensure the findings were representative of dogs in the family home, we used data from a large number of pet dogs collected during visits to their veterinarian. The research highlights the very real consequences of being overweight for dogs in the family home. Key tips for combating excess weight and keeping your dog fit and healthy include carefully controlling food portions in line with the pack feeding guidelines, regular exercise appropriate for your dog’s needs and regular weighing sessions. Owners concerned about their dog’s weight should speak to a veterinarian.” - See more at: http://k9fitclub.com/blog/new-pet-nutrition-research-shows-overweight-dogs-shorter-lives/#sthash.9G5k00TR.dpuf

We examined a broad range of popular breeds of all shapes and sizes and found that overweight dogs tend to have a shorter life expectancy. This was particularly pronounced in five breeds – Labrador, Shih Tzu, American Cocker Spaniel, Golden Retriever and Beagle,” said lead scientist at the Waltham Centre, Carina Salt. “In order to ensure the findings were representative of dogs in the family home, we used data from a large number of pet dogs collected during visits to their veterinarian. The research highlights the very real consequences of being overweight for dogs in the family home. Key tips for combating excess weight and keeping your dog fit and healthy include carefully controlling food portions in line with the pack feeding guidelines, regular exercise appropriate for your dog’s needs and regular weighing sessions. Owners concerned about their dog’s weight should speak to a veterinarian.” - See more at: http://k9fitclub.com/blog/new-pet-nutrition-research-shows-overweight-dogs-shorter-lives/#sthash.9G5k00TR.dpuf

Tips to Keep Your Pets Safe in Severe Weather

With  hurricane season upon us, I thought it would be important to share some simple tips to keep your pets safe. 

The most important thing to remember is to BE PREPARED and include your pets in an emergency safety plan.

Always keep your pets with you if you need to evacuate. It will create more stress for the animal to have them separated.  Remember, if it’s not safe for you, it’s not safe for them!

An International poll taken after Hurricane Katrina found that 61% of pet owners will not evacuate if they cannot bring their pets with them. In 2006, Congress addressed this issue by passing the Pets Evacuation and Transportation Standards (PETS) Act, which requires state and local emergency management agencies to make plans that take into account the needs of individuals with pets and service animals in the event of a major disaster or emergency. It is crucial that all pet owners research their community’s existing human and pet evacuation plans and contact local government agencies if plans aren’t publicly available.

Before an emergency:

• Put a collar with visible identification on your pets, or microchip them for life-long identification.  This will help ensure that your pets will be returned to you if lost.
• Make sure your pets are up to date on vaccinations, and flea and tick medications.
• Keep pictures of your pets on hand for identification purposes. Ideally, you should also be in the photo, so you can show proof of ownership.
• Make a list of boarding facilities and know their vaccinations requirements.  
• Create a list of pet friendly hotels, or find homes where you and your  pets can stay in the event of an emergency.
• Get a window decal for the front, back, and/or side doors so that rescue workers know how many pets are inside, and what type of pets they are.  Decals can be obtained by contacting the ASPCA, local fire department, or select pet retailers. 

Pet emergency kits should include: 

• 3- 7 day supply of food in airtight, waterproof containers and drinking water.
• Can opener, and Bowls for food and water.
• Current photos and physical description of your pets, including details and markings.
• Current Medications and Vaccination records. Name and number for your veterinarian.
• Comfort items such as a toy and blanket.
• Small garbage bags.
• For small dogs include: a sturdy carrier large enough to use as a sleeping area and a leash and collar.
• For large dogs include: a collar and leash. 
• For cats include: litter and litter box and a sturdy carrier large enough for transport and for your cat to use as a temporary “apartment” for several days.
• All kits should be reviewed every couple of months for expired food and medicines

As always, you can contact us at Manhasset Animal Hospital with any questions.  516-627-0057

Dr. Robert Henrickson, DVM

Check Out Dr. Bob's New Article!!!

We are proud to announce that Dr. Henrickson will be contributing his expertise in the Local Manhasset  Press.  Check out his new article here:

MAH Q&A: Know the Truth about your Cat- Myths Uncovered

MAH Q&A:  Know the Truth about your Cat: Myths Uncovered

Q:  Are table scraps Ok for my cat?

A:  No.  A piece of cheese for a 10lb. cat is like eating almost 3 full chocolate bars!  They are empty calories and often hard to digest for cats.  They can not only contribute to weight and nutrition problems, but cause serious health risks as well.

Additional Foods harmful to Cats:

Onions, garlic, and chives- in any form can be toxic to cats and lead to severe anemia. 

Grapes and raisins- have been know to cause kidney failure if ingested.

Chocolate- has been found to be potentially lethal in cats.

Xylitol in candy and gum- has been found to effect insulin levels and can cause a blood sugar drop if ingested.  It can also lead to liver failure.

Dog food- A steady diet of dog food can cause your cat to be undernourished.  Cat food is especially formulated with extra protein, vitamins and fatty acids that are essential to its well-being.

Raw meats- As in humans, they contain bacteria that can cause food poisoning.  In addition an enzyme in raw fish destroys thiamine, which is an essential B vitamin.   A lack of it can cause serious neurological problems including seizures and coma.

Q: Can you give cats milk?  I have heard conflicting stories.

A: Despite the pictures of a typical adorable cat lapping at a bowl of milk, milk is not recommended.  It is very hard for them to digest and may cause bouts of vomiting and/or diarrhea. Its high calorie content is also a major contributor to feline obesity.  Your cat can get all the nutrients and protein it needs from a reputable cat food.

Q: Why does my Cat’s tail have so many  “quirky” movements? Is she mad?

A:  Your Cat’s tail can often be good indicators of mood.  Take a little time out and observe your cat's behavior along with her tail movements.  You will see a consistent pattern.

High position:  often said they are expressing confidence and contentment.  A Tail sticking straight up signals happiness and friendliness.

Curved like a question mark:  Often signals a playful mood. Get ready to have some play time!

Low Position:  Watch out! This may be a sign of aggression or a very serious mood. (except  Persians, who tend to keep their tails low for no reason)

Tucked Away: May be a sign of fear or submission.  Something is making the cat nervous.

Puffed up:  Is often the sign of an agitated or frightened cat.  Making the tail bigger is  an attempt to ward off danger.

Whipping Tail:  a tail that snaps back and forth quickly is a cat that is both fearful and aggressive.  It is a sign to “back off”

Swishing tail:  Slow side to side movement is often the sign that your cat is focused on an object and is about to pounce.

Q: My cat often leaves dead mice and birds by the front door. Is this normal?  I feel so bad.

A:  Hunting for cats is an entirely natural and strong instinct.  Even when the cat is

well fed at home they will often leave you “presents”.  If the cat leaves you her kill you might want to congratulate her on her hunting prowess!  Punishing your cat so it will not “kill" is often fruitless, since it is such a deep seeded instinct, and will only cause her lots of confusion. 

A couple of suggestions to thwart hunting:

1.Playing catch with some toys may relieve some of the urge to hunt.

2. Placing a bell on her collar will alert potential victims that the cat is coming

Q: Are pregnant Women allowed to be around cats?  I heard that they can get Toxoplasmosis.

A: Pregnant women can interact with cats.  It is their litter box that is the problem.  Toxoplasmosis is a disease that can be carried by Cats most often transmitted by killing and eating infected prey.  The disease is spread through contaminated feces in the litter box.

Q: Cats Have 9 Lives, but are they immune to Rabies?

A: Cats can definitely carry rabies and should be vaccinated according to NY state Law ( annually or every 3 years depending on the type of vaccine).

It is important to immunize your pets for their protection as well as for the safety of your family and loved ones. The law requires that dogs, cats and ferrets be immunized against rabies.

Rabies is a deadly disease caused by a virus that attacks the central nervous system (brain and spinal cord). Infected mammals can transmit rabies virus to humans and other mammals. It is almost always fatal once symptoms appear. It is transmitted by the bite of a rabid animal. However, the virus may also be transmitted when the saliva of a rabid animal comes into contact with cut, open, or scratched skin lesions.

If an unvaccinated pet or one that's overdue on its vaccination comes in contact with a rabid or suspected rabid animal, the pet must either be destroyed or strictly quarantined for six months. However, if a vaccinated animal comes into contact with a wild animal, it needs only a booster vaccination, but this immunization must be administered within five days of exposure.

To protect your family and pets, it is absolutely essential that your animals have up-to-date rabies vaccinations!

Give Us a Call at 516-627-0057 to make sure your cat is up to date on his/her vaccinations!

Dr. Robert Henrickson, D.V.M.

Q & A with MAH:  Incessant Paw Licking, What Does it Mean?

                            

Q:  Why does my Dog keep licking its' paws?? is he bored? in pain?  I've tried everything to get him to stop!

A:  Chances are that nonstop (front paw) licking is almost definitely a sign of a skin allergy.  There is not a day that goes by in the Animal Hospital that I don't hear those words being uttered to one of our clients. If a dog comes into the office with extensive hair loss, or small red sores on the skin, then those can be obvious signs. But more often than not,  skin allergies in pets can be quite elusive.  If the dog is just licking their feet, and no other symptoms are overt, the subtle signs of a skin allergy can be ignored.

Q: Is paw licking the only sign?


A:  It can be, but it is quite unusual. Most often there is also biting, chewing,  and face rubbing.  You will see  redness and chafing inter-digitally.  With time, the dogs whole body can become itchy, and other issues, such as hair loss, musty odor and ear infections are present.


 

Q:  What could my dog be allergic to?

A: A big issue that appears to be on the rise at the Animal Hospital are food allergies.  Quite often there will be gastrointestinal signs such as diarrhea, vomiting, or colic with a concurrent dermatitis. Dogs are usually allergic to the main protein source in the food, such as chicken.  Food allergies are rarely seen with paw licking alone.



Also quite common are inhaled allergens (Atopy). The same ones that humans inhale such as grass pollen, mold spores, weed and tree pollen.  Other culprits could be fleas, dust mites, cockroaches and even cat dander!


Q:  How is a food allergy treated?


A:  We will likely recommend that you try an elimination diet— feeding a food that has a different protein (meat) source and a different carbohydrate (grain) source than what your dog has had before.  Most common food allergies are beef, dairy and wheat. Common anti-allergy foods (novel protein sources) include fish and rabbit.  These foods prevent the immune response from continuing to be triggered.

In addition, it's also  important that she doesn’t get any other food such as cookies, treats, raw hides, people foods, etc. Since you don’t know yet exactly what she is allergic to, you don’t want to give her something other than her food and trigger the allergic reaction. Once  you’ve got her on a food that she is not reacting to, you can start to reintroduce other foods. If your dog reacts, you’ll know exactly which food (or foods) causes the problem.

We may also suggest a hypo-allergenic diet dog food and a course of medicines until your dog is in tip top shape again!



Q: Can Medications help relieve her symptoms too?

A: Anti-inflammatory drugs including corticosteroids and antihistamines will often bring relief from itching. An oral form of the drug Cyclosporine, has recently been approved for use in Atopy, and may prove beneficial in some cases of allergic dermatitis. Certain omega fatty acids (omega 3) provide some relief for many pets with allergic skin disease. Antibiotics may be required if there is a secondary bacterial skin infection (Pyoderma). However, these products treat only the clinical signs, not the underlying allergy.


Dealing with a dog with  allergies can be challenging. Dr. Henrickson  will work with you and your dog to ensure that a proper diagnosis will be made and an appropriate treatment  will be given to make her happier and healthier!


If   you suspect your dog has allergies, Please give us a call today! at 516-627-0057

Dr. Robert Henrickson, DVM