Companion Animals
Cats
Adult cats need to see their veterinarian annually for a wellness examination and vaccinations. Kittens require more frequent care and clinic visits. This is also a time for owners to ask any questions or voice any concerns they have regarding their cat's health, behavior, or care. Cats are considered senior at 8 years of age; onset of some serious illnesses increase at this age, so regular blood-work is recommended. Click the link above for a more complete list of possible medical issues of your adult cat.
For information about KITTENS, click here:
Dogs
Adult dogs need to see their veterinarian annually for a wellness examination and vaccinations. Puppies require more frequent care and clinic visits. This is also a time for owners to ask any questions or voice any concerns they have regarding their dog's health, behavior, or care. Dogs are considered senior at 8 years of age; onset of some serious illnesses increase at this age, so regular blood-work is recommended. Click on the link above for a more complete list of possible medical issues of your adult dog
For information about PUPPIES, click here:
Exotics - Companion Birds
Birds can make very nice pets, but please consider carefully whether you have the time, money, and appropriate environment to care for these special animals. It is important to spend some time researching different kinds of birds to determine what size, food, temperament and lifespan you are prepared to take responsibility for. The health of indoor birds is largely affected by their quality of care: nutrition, cleanliness of the living environment, exposure to sick birds, stress, and level of protection. Click here for more information on common dangers to and illnesses of birds.
Exotics - Ferrets
Do not be fooled by the quiet sleeping animal in the pet store or the myth that ferrets sleep "all the time". It is true that they sleep deeply and a lot - about 15-18 hours a day, but when they are awake they are high-energy, non-stop, fearless, and inquisitive. They do best with several hours per day of direct interaction with their people and other ferrets. Like young children, they do not always know how to use their energy productively and need guided, creative, interactive playtime. They are also expensive, requiring high-quality food, and over their lifetime almost inevitably some expensive medical care. If you do have one, or many, you know what amazing pets they are. Click on the title above for ferret-specific medical information.
Exotics - Rabbits
Rabbits can be excellent pets, but require a commitment of time, and education about its special nutritional and housing needs. Many medical problems with pet rabbits can be avoided through appropriate feeding, environmental conditions, and handling. It is important to schedule an appointment with your veterinarian as soon as possible after adopting a rabbit to have it examined as well as to receive proper instructions on its care. An annual exam is also highly recommended. Click here for some other medical concerns to be aware of.
Exotics - Reptiles
Reptiles can be intriguing and beautiful pets, but they are not the best pet for everyone. They have very specific housing, food, and temperature needs. Some grow to be very large. Please thoroughly research the kind of reptile you are interested in before adopting: make an appointment to speak with a veterinarian, call someone who has owned them for many years, or join a reptile group. Click on the link above to read more about their medical care needs.
Exotics- Rodents
Good rodent health is based largely on good care, including: clean living conditions, appropriate materials for gnawing, the right food and clean water, and moderate temperatures (about 70F). If you are new to rodent care, please make an appointment to speak with a veterinarian before, or immediately upon acquiring a new pet. It is also advisable to have at home one or more excellent books on the care and medical issues of your particular kind of rodent. For more information on general medical concerns in rodents, click on the above link.
Exotic Pets
Ball Pythons
Ball Pythons, Python regius (also know as Royal Python) are a relatively small and docile specie of snake, which are native to Western and West-Central Africa. If you have purchased a Ball Python from a pet store, chances are it was born in either Togo, Benin, or Ghana. They are called 'Ball Pythons' because, when frightened, they coil around their head and into a ball.
Cameleons
Chameleons (family Chamaeleonidae) are squamates that belong to one of the best-known lizard families. The word is the Latinized form of the Ancient Greek (khamaileon), from (khamai) "on the earth, on the ground"(leon) "lion", translating the Akkadian qaqqari, "ground lion".
Geckos
Geckos are small to average sized lizards that need to live in a warm climate and usually are sandly enviroments.
Hampsters
Hamsters are rodents belonging to the subfamily Cricetinae. The subfamily contains about 18 species, classified in six or seven genera.
Iguanas
The Iguana is an animal that is indegenous to tropical warm climates.
Turtles
Turtles are reptiles that are cold blooded, about 300 species are alive today.
Farm Animals
We provide a wide range of services from vaccinations, emergency services, and herd health checks, to floating teeth and pregnancy checks. 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, one of the large animal veterinarians is on call. The farm truck is fully equipped with all large animal medical needs. There is also a portable radiograph. We also have a large animal stall at the clinic where we can treat severe or ongoing cases requiring frequent monitoring, or for routine care for owners who can transport their animals for castration, dehorning or floating teeth, for example.
We are able to offer clients a variety of testing options to help determine the cause of symptoms and assist in diagnosing an illness. Here are some of the services we offer, and how they can benefit your animals.
Certificate of Veterinary Inspection (CVI)
A CVI is required for your cattle, sheep, goats, camelids and swine in order to attend a Vermont event. Our veterinarians can issue a CVI which must be obtained within six months of the event.
Equine animals need an official negative EIA (Coggins) test record with a complete identification of the horse and a record of a current rabies vaccination instead of a CVI
For more information on Vermont regulations, go to:
Laboratory Tests
We offer both in-house and out-of-house laboratory testing. There are extensive tests available that we can send to other testing facilities that range from vaccine titers to biopsies. The turnaround time for results can be overnight to a couple weeks, depending on the test. For acute symptoms and illnesses, we offer a range of in-house tests that provide results the same day. These are some of the tests and why you might consider them for your animals. For specific medical issues by species, click here hyperlink to FA by species.
In the clinic we have three options for bloodwork on large animals: 1. a large animal panel which includes indicators of kidney, liver and other functions; 2. a blood chemistry which gives information on red and white blood cells; and 3 a test of the levels of major electrolytes. Additional more specific tests can be sent to other testing facilities with results usually back within the week.
Urine or feces analysis are done in house. They can also be sent out of house as with milk or biopsy samples. A fecal sample provides an easy way to test for internal parasites and takes only about an hour to get results. A very small amount of fecal material is required - about one tablespoon! It is easy for animals to contract an internal parasite; fortunately they are very treatable once diagnosed.
Mobile Radiographs
Our veterinarians have a mobile radiograph that can take pictures of your animals on site at your farm, and be developed back at the clinic.
Alternatively, if your animal is able to travel and is small enough it can come into the clinic for a digital radiograph hyperlink here to digital radiograph text for small animals.
Surgery
We are able to provide a wide variety of surgical intervention at your farm or in the farm stall at the clinic, from round the clock emergencies like caesarian section or laceration repair to procedures that are scheduled.
On-site and clinic advanced medical care for equids.
On-site and clinic medical care for dairy cattle.
On-site and clinic medical care for llamas and alpacas.
On-site and clinic medical care for beef cattle.
Bovine testimonials.
On-site and clinic vaccinations and disease management
On-site and clinic medical care for pigs.
On-site and clinic medical care for poultry.
On-site and clinic medical care for small ruminants.
Small ruminant testimonials.
Keep a fast, rectal thermometer and some Vaseline lubricant at home so you can check your cats temperature. Normal is 100-102F. 103 or greater is cause for veterinary attention. 99 or less is also cause for concern.
Rabies: NH and VT law require that all cats - whether they are indoor-only or not - be vaccinated for rabies. They can receive the same three-year vaccine that is used on dogs, or there is a one-year vaccination made just for cats. The veterinarians at River Road Veterinary Clinic highly recommend the one-year rabies for cats in order to greatly reduce their chances of getting a fibrosarcoma at the injection site. However, if your outdoor cat is wild or nearly wild, it is better to get it in every 3 years for a rabies vaccine than not at all.
FVRCP = feline distemper, pneumonitis, feline calicivirus, rhinotracheitis is given every three years to adult cats.
FeLV: Cats and kittens are also at risk for some serious but easily tested diseases: FeLV, which is feline leukemia, and FIV (similar to HIV in humans). Both are contagious and fatal. Kittens should be tested right away upon adoption. It is best not to introduce any kittens or cats with an unknown medical history into your home before having them tested. Outdoor cats are at high risk of catching these diseases from other cats. If your cat goes outside, please discuss the FeLV vaccine that is available for cats. River Road Veterinary Clinic is now using a new transdermal vaccination that is given without using needles. It is supposed to greatly reduce or remove the risk of the fibrosarcomas (cancerous tumors) at the injection site, found with the old vaccine. We are always looking for ways to increase the safety and effectiveness of the vaccination protocol for your pets.
Nail trimming / declawing
A veterinarian or veterinary technician would be happy to trim your cats nails anytime you are in the clinic. We can also teach you how to safely trim your cats nails at home. It is important to trim the nails regularly. An overgrown nail can curl around until it is growing into the paw pad. This is painful for the cat and makes it susceptible to infection. Preventative trimming is the best option.
We at River Road Veterinary clinic are committed to the health and well being of all animals. Therefore, we no longer perform declawing (the surgical removal of a cats claw and the first joint of each toe). We are happy to discuss with you other ways of dealing with destruction of furniture or aggressive behavior. We also carry a product called Soft Paws: plastic tips that can be painlessly glued on to a cats existing nails that cover the points and prevent damage to furniture or skin. The frequency of replacement depends on how fast your cats nails grow, but they generally last 3-6 months.
Urinary problems / inappropriate urination
Urination outside the litter box, blood in the urine, straining to urinate, crying while urinating, or an increase in the frequency of urination are all indicators that your cat should be seen by a veterinarian. The inability of a male cat to urinate is a potentially fatal problem; the cat should be immediately taken to see a veterinarian, even if it is during emergency hours.
Regular testing of your cats urine is important for diagnosing or ruling out such problems as: urinary tract infection, crystals, stones, kidney disease, or diabetes. It is possible for an owner to collect urine from a cat using aluminum foil or plastic in the litter box. For most cats, a veterinarian will be required to extract the urine directly from the bladder. This is a surprisingly painless procedure, usually only takes a few minutes, and the pet does not require anesthesia. Bladder stones may require a radiograph to confirm diagnosis.
Inappropriate urination is the number one reason why otherwise healthy cats are euthanized or abandoned. After medical causes are ruled out (see above), consult a veterinarian for a behavioral consult, or a referral to an animal behavioralist who sees cats. There are myriad reasons for this problem: as simple as a change in the kind or scent of litter or they type of litter box. Emotional or stress-based causes are more difficult to solve but should be identified: change in the number of pets or people in the household; a recent move; some other physical or emotional disruption in the household. Please make every effort to find a solution with a medical or behavioral professional before deciding not to keep your pet.
Common illness in aging cats
From a medical standpoint, cats are considered geriatric at 8 years of age. It is around this time, and later that many serious and chronic illnesses begin. Annual bloodwork is recommended for these cats, for early diagnosis. However, owners can pay attention to some common signs of onset: increase in water consumption and urination; weight loss; decreased appetite; or increased appetite with weight loss. A cat with any of these symptoms needs to see a veterinarian. Hyperthryoidism, diabetes, and kidney failure can be managed with changes in diet and/or medication. Early diagnosis and regular monitoring thereafter are important for a good prognosis.
Hyperthyroidism
Cats can develop a tumor of the thyroid gland that causes the gland to produce too much thyroid hormone. It is diagnosed by bloodwork and can be treated with medication or with radiation. We offer the medicine in a chewable treat that many cats will eat on their own, or a tablet, which can be given the cat or crushed up in food. This is a medication that your cat will be on for the rest of its life. Regular bloodwork rechecks are required to monitory thyroid hormone levels at which time the veterinarian may change the dose of medication.
The alternative is to kill the thyroid tumor using radiation. We can refer you to the center in Massachusetts called RadioCat www.radiocat.com. There your cat will receive one injection and remain in their clinic for less than one week, until radiation levels return to normal. The cat will have post-treatment care guidelines for two weeks after it returns home. After a month your cat will return to River Road Veterinary Clinic to have its thyroid level checked, and it should be normal by that time.
Hepatic lipidosis from not eating
Cats will stop eating or not eat enough due to stress, illness, a change in their food, or for many other reasons. Be extremely careful of reducing food intake in order to help a cat lose weight, except under the guidance of a veterinarian. In some cases, cats can develop hepatic lipidosis in response to the lack of food. A cat that has a yellowish tint to its skin, inside its ears, or gums, is in a serious condition and needs to see a veterinarian immediately.
Diabetes
As with humans, diabetes in cats is diagnosed through bloodwork and may be managed with a change in diet, insulin shots, or both.
Kidney failure
As cats age, their kidneys sometimes lose their ability to concentrate urine. Signs of this problem in your aging cat may include: increased water consumption, increased urination, inappropriate urination, loss of appetite, and or weight loss. Kidney problems can be diagnosed via bloodwork, urinalysis and or radiographs. Depending on the severity of the problem, your cat may manage for a long time on just a change of diet. In the later stages, toxicity occurs which can be managed with fluid treatments, either in the clinic or at home, with or without supportive medications.
Arthritis
Domestic indoor cats are living much longer than they ever have before, and consequently are affected by problems similar to aging humans. Cats are masters at hiding their pain, so it requires an observant owner to notice if their pet is suffering from physical pain in their joints. Some signs to watch for are: limping, a refusal to jump up or down from places it used to regularly go to, or increased stiffness or tenderness after sleeping. There are pain medications available for cats; please discuss any pain with your veterinarian.
Click here to read more about cat health:
Lumps
Please bring in your cat to see a veterinarian as soon as possible after discovering a new lump on its body. It may be a benign fatty tumor; it may be a malignant tumor; or it may be an abscess. The veterinarian can examine the lump and take a sample from the interior to help determine what it is. Abscesses are the result of a cat scratch or other untreated injury that has become infected; the lump is filled with pus and the cat often has a high fever. It is simple but serious to drain the lump and start the cat on antibiotics. We now can offer you the choice of an antibiotic shot, Convenia, that prevents you from having to pill your cat every day.
Dental care - click here for more information on dental care
Flea and tick medications
Advantix and some other over the counter flea and tick medications for use on dogs only are deadly to cats. One of our clients lost both of her young kittens after applying the wrong flea and tick preventative. For effectiveness, it is also important to apply the correct dose and in the correct place. Anyone at River Road Veterinary Clinic would be happy to help you to sort out the difference between the products offered, and show you how to apply it correctly. Click here for more information on flea and tick medications that we carry at River Road Veterinary Clinic.
Spaying and neutering
A female cat comes into heat about every 2-3 weeks and can produce 2-8 kittens two months after getting pregnant. She can therefore potentially produce almost 40 kittens per year. All of whom will either need homes who can afford their supplies and medical care, or stay outdoor cats, unvaccinated, and with the ability to continue to reproduce. One female cat could produce 20 females per year, each of who can produce their own 40 cats per year. You see how it can quickly become a serious problem, which it has in the United States.
Females come into heat about every 2 or 3 weeks when they are not pregnant. Most will yowl loudly and continually. It can drive an owner to want to let the cat out of the house to stop the noise. But you are more than likely going to end up with a pregnant cat. Cats will mate with any intact male around, which includes their son, brother, father, etc. This is not a genetically desirable situation and should be avoided.
Spaying a cat is a routine procedure and complications are extremely rare. RRVC recommends that kittens be spayed at the age of six months. Your kitten would be in the clinic for just over 24 hours during which time she undergo full anesthesia for the surgical removal of her ovaries and uterus, and then post-operative care including pain medications.
Some owners have expressed a desire for their cat to have one litter of kittens for the following reasons (1) so that she would be able to experience the natural cycle of motherhood at least once or (2) so that the owner can expose her children to the cycle of life. The reality is that we are unable to communicate with cats in such a way to know what they want. We do our best to assess which food and litter and toys and playmates they like based on their reactions and behaviors. But cats and other animals get pregnant for one known reason: nature has designed them to perpetuate their species. We have already interfered in natural processes when we domesticate cats, kill their internal and external parasites, extend their lifespan with medical treatment of their illnesses, and more.
As for the second reason, there are plenty of other ways to give your children living examples of the cycle of life. In a rural area, call a local farmer and follow the cycle of a pregnant cow, goat or sheep to the arrival of her offspring. In urban areas, try calling the local zoo, or even no-kill animal shelter where pregnant cats and dogs arrive regularly.
In addition to all these good reasons, spaying is also best for the long-term health of your cat who may be spared uterine infections, birthing difficulties, or certain kinds of cancer.
Good reasons apply to neutering your male cat as well. At six months of age - sometimes younger- he may begin spraying his urine around his territory, which can include your house and furniture, and yowling to go out. Some cats if not neutered before, or soon enough after spraying begins, will develop a habit of it that will continue after they are neutered. We recommend neutering at six months of age, or at the first sign of spraying. The procedure is simpler and less expensive than for females: the testicles are removed while the cat is anesthetized, and the male cats get to return home the same afternoon of the procedure.
C-section
If your cat takes longer than 30 minutes between deliveries, and is still acting uncomfortable or straining without result, call the veterinarian immediately. Some animals will continue delivering on their own after an injection by the veterinarian; others may have to have the kittens surgically removed.
Scootching
A cat who is periodically dragging its butt around on the floor is likely to have one of two problems: its anal glands are full or infected and need to be expressed or it has internal parasites.
Grooming/mats
All cats shed their fur and will either groom themselves or will need you to groom them. Most healthy cats are able to maintain their own coat. It may lead to the vomiting of hairballs. To reduce this problem, use a cat laxative or a hairball formulated cat food.
Longhaired, overweight, ill, or geriatric cats may not be able to keep up with their own grooming. There are a variety of brushes and combs on the market. Try them until you find the one that gets the most hair off your cat, in the gentlest way possible. Most cats, when introduced gradually to grooming will tolerate it well, and some will even start to enjoy it or look forward to it.
If you brush your cats regularly you can avoid the buildup of most mats. However, if the hair around the anus is getting stuck with fecal material, the mats are numerous, or the mats are in difficult to reach areas like the armpits or belly, call RRVC to set up an appointment to have your cat clipped. Many cats will tolerate being awake for this procedure, or the veterinarian may suggest a sedative.
Eye problems
Even minor injuries or scratches to the eye can be very serious and left untreated can lead to blindness. Discharge from the eyes, squinting, redness, or refusal to open the eye can be indicative of conjunctivitis, herpes, or injury. This animal should be seen as soon as possible for diagnosis by a veterinarian.
Itchy or smelly ears
Ear mites are somewhat uncommon in healthy indoor cats, but should be ruled out if your cat is scratching repeatedly at its ears, shaking its head a lot, or if one ear is folded down a lot. Cats can also just have dirty ears, or an infection caused by the ear mites, scratching, or other illness. A veterinarian can diagnose and treat the cause of irritation.
Pancreatitis
Digestive enzymes produced by the pancreas are activated in the pancreas (instead of the small intestine) and begin to digest the pancreas. Symptoms may include vomiting, refusal to eat, and diarrhea. A dog with these symptoms needs to see a veterinarian as soon as possible, before the condition worsens. Your dog will most likely need to stay in the clinic for several days where it will receive IV fluids, supportive medications, and gradually be reintroduced to water and food.
To continue reading about cat health, please click here:
Safety issues
Indoor-only cats are safer, can be just as happy, and are statistically likely to have a much longer lifespan than cats who live or are allowed outdoors off a leash. Outside, cats are in danger of being hit by a car, preyed upon by wild animals including coyote, fisher and raptors; injury and infections from fights; or, one of the hardest things for owners: disappearance of the cat without knowing the cause or whether the cat is coming back. Note: indoor cats are also better for birds - for their safety - and for your viewing enjoyment.
Dogs in the household
Many dogs and cats do very well together in the same household, and may even become friendly with each other. In other cases, the cat may teach the dog its boundaries through swatting the dog, growling, or hissing. Some cats are terrified of dogs and will hide from dogs. It is important to be observant of their relationship, especially at introduction, but also to watch for changes. Please know that a cat can be seriously injured or die even if a big dog thinks it is just playing.
Other cats in the household
Cats can cause serious injury to each other. As with dogs, remain observant to the relationship between the cats in your house. Examine your cats often for cuts, swelling or lumps that could indicate injury.
Toys
Toys are a great way to interact with your cat, bond, and provide it some much needed exercise and stimulation. Not all toys should be left out with cats unattended. Any toy with real feathers, string, or pieces that can come off and be ingested should be put away unless you are supervising.
Toxicity
Below are extremely toxic dangers to your cat. Call your veterinarian immediately if your cat is affected. Click here for a longer list of toxins.
Lilies
All of the parts of any lily hyperlink plant are extremely toxic to cats. Ingesting even a small amount of pollen, or biting into a leaf can cause kidney failure and lead to fatality within 24 hours. Symptoms include: excessive salivation, difficulty breathing, coughing, blue appearance of the gums. If you catch your cat eating any portion of a lily, take it to the veterinarian even before symptoms appear. Early intervention is its best chance for survival.
Phenol poisoning
Phenol is an ingredient in Lysol brand and other household cleaners. Cats can be poisoned by drinking out of the cleaned toilet bowl, or walking on a wet, just-cleaned floor our counter, and then licking their paws. Cats are not always externally symptomatic. If you suspect phenol poisoning, take your cat to the veterinarian right away.
Keep a fast, rectal thermometer and some Vaseline lubricant at home so you can check your dogs temperature. Normal is 100-102F. 103 or greater is cause for veterinary attention. 99 or less is also cause for concern.
Vaccinations
See puppy section for dogs less than one year of age, or dogs with an unknown vaccination history.
Rabies
NH and VT law require that all dogs be vaccinated for rabies. This vaccination is good for three years. At the time of vaccination you will receive a rabies tag that should be attached to your dogs collar, and a vaccination certificate which you should keep in a safe place at home. You will also need to bring a copy with you to register your dog in your town.
Distemper = canine distemper, adenovirus type 2, parainfluenza, parvovirus
This combination vaccination is good for two years
Bordatella
Kennel cough is easily transmissible between dogs, so if your dog is regularly around new dogs, such as in a puppy or obedience class, or a boarding facility, this vaccine is highly recommended. It is available in nasal or injectable forms and lasts for six months.
It is okay to lapse if not needed. Please give the vaccine time to work - do not bring your dog in for a new vaccine on your way to drop it off at the kennel.
Lyme disease and Heartworm
With the increase of Lyme disease, and the risk of heartworm, it is important to have an annual blood test done on your dog. We have a simple, effective test that only requires eight minutes and three drops of blood, and also tests for anaplasmosis and ehrlicia. It is a very important test for your dog, as prompt treatment is essential with these diseases.
There are several options for preventing Lyme disease, which is transmitted by ticks: you can apply a monthly topical tick preventative to your dog, your dog can be vaccinated against Lyme disease, or you can do both. Please discuss the level of exposure your dog has with your veterinarian who can help you determine the best treatment protocol
Heartworm is preventable with a monthly chewable treat. We recommend year-round heartworm prevention even if you live in VT or NH, but especially if you take your dog to southern areas in the winter. Please consult your veterinarian if you have any questions regarding heartworm or flea and tick preventatives.
Flea and tick control
Grooming
Dogs have a wide range of grooming needs, based on their breed, but all dogs shed and will benefit from some amount of regular brushing. Certain breeds may require regular appointments with a professional groomer in order to avoid mats.
Nail trimming
Most dogs do not naturally wear down their toenails, so is important to trim the nails regularly. An overgrown nail can curl around until it is growing into the paw pad. This is painful for the dog and makes it susceptible to infection. Preventative trimming is the best option. A veterinarian or veterinary technician would be happy to trim your dogs nails anytime you are in the clinic. We can also teach you how to safely trim your dogs nails at home, but we encourage you to purchase a jar of styptic powder to have at home in case of bleeding.
Ear cropping
We at River Road Veterinary Clinic no longer perform ear cropping. For tail docking, please call a veterinarian to discuss before the puppies are born.
A female dog comes into heat at about 6-8 months of age and again about every 6 months for about three week. While she is in heat, she may spot blood on furniture, rugs, and floors, and will attract any male dog in the area. If you are not planning to breed your dog, we recommend spaying before the first heat, at 6 months of age. Spaying is important in reducing the likelihood of very serious problems such as uterine infections or mammary tumors. Spaying a dog is a routine procedure and complications are extremely rare. Your dog would be in the clinic for just over 24 hours during which time she undergo full anesthesia for the surgical removal of her ovaries and uterus, and then post-operative care including pain medications.
Good reasons apply to neutering your male dog as well. At six months of age - sometimes younger- he will be more insistent about going out, and off-leash he may roam very far in search of a mate. We recommend neutering at six months of age. Neutering a dog is a routine procedure and complications are extremely rare. Your dog would be in the clinic for just over 24 hours during which time he undergo full anesthesia for the surgical removal of his testicles, and then post-operative care including pain medications.
If your dog takes longer than 30 minutes between deliveries, and is still acting uncomfortable or straining without result, call the veterinarian immediately. Some animals will continue delivering on their own after an injection by the veterinarian; others may have to have the puppies surgically removed.
Butt-dragging
A dog who is periodically dragging its butt around on the floor is likely to have one of two problems: its anal glands are full or infected and need to be expressed or it has internal parasites.
Itchy, smelly, or red skin
If your dog becomes very itchy, develops red spots under the fur, or the coat starts to develop a yeasty odor, it needs to be examined by a veterinarian. Hot spots can increase very quickly and cause a fever in your dog. Many skin problems will not go away without treatment. In the clinic, the veterinarian may be able to tell by looking at the skin, or may scrape a small sample of the skin to identify the underlying cause. It may be mange, yeast, a bacterial or fungal infection, or a flea allergy. If these are ruled out, we can also do food allergy testing. Some of these dogs require a medicated shampoo for treatment. You can bathe your dog at home or you can make an appointment for a bath at River Road Veterinary Clinic, which includes a complimentary nail trim and ear cleaning.
Please click here to continue reading about dog health:
Most dogs will require regular cleaning of their ears. Ear mites are somewhat uncommon in healthy adult dogs, but should be ruled out if your dog is scratching repeatedly at its ears or shaking its head a lot. Dogs can also just have dirty ears, yeast, or a bacterial infection. A veterinarian can diagnose and treat the cause of irritation. You may also need to get a product with which to regularly clean your dogs ears, such as oticalm.
Ear hematomas
Dogs are most prone to developing a hematomas (a blood filled sac under the skin) in their ears. They usually result from a dog with itchy or dirty ears vigorously shaking its head. They are easily palpable by the owner and the dog should come in to see a veterinarian. A brief surgery can repair the ear. Untreated they may cause a thickening and deformation of the skin in the ear.
Porcupine quills
Skunk spray
Blood in the urine, straining to urinate, crying while urinating, or an increase in the frequency of urination are all indicators that your dog should be seen by a veterinarian. Regular testing of your dogs urine is important for diagnosing or ruling out such problems as: urinary tract infection, crystals, stones, kidney disease, or diabetes. It is possible for an owner to collect urine from a dog in a glass jar with a lid, or a Tupperware container with a lid. Only a few teaspoons of liquid are necessary for a urinalysis. If you are unable to get a sample from your dog, a veterinarian can extract the urine directly from the bladder. This is a surprisingly painless procedure, usually only takes a few minutes, and the pet does not require anesthesia. Bladder stones may require a radiograph to confirm diagnosis.
Common illness in aging dogs
From a medical standpoint, dogs are considered geriatric at 8 years of age. It is around this time, and later that many serious and chronic illnesses begin. Annual bloodwork is recommended for dogs, for early diagnosis. However, owners can pay attention to some common signs of onset: increase in water consumption and urination; weight loss; decreased appetite; or decreased appetite with weight gain. A dog with any of these symptoms needs to see a veterinarian. Hypothryoidism, diabetes, and kidney failure can be managed with changes in diet and/or medication. Early diagnosis and regular monitoring thereafter are important for a good prognosis.
Hypothyroidism in dogs
Dogs can develop a tumor of the thyroid gland that causes the gland to produce too little thyroid hormone. It is diagnosed by bloodwork and can be treated with medication. This is a medication that your dog will be on for the rest of its life. Regular bloodwork rechecks are required to monitory thyroid hormone levels at which time the veterinarian may change the dose of medication.
As with humans, diabetes in dogs is diagnosed through bloodwork and may be managed with a change in diet, insulin shots, or both.
As dogs age, their kidneys sometimes lose their ability to concentrate urine. Signs of this problem in your aging dog may include: increased water consumption, increased urination, inappropriate urination, loss of appetite, and or weight loss. Kidney problems can be diagnosed via bloodwork, urinalysis and or radiographs. Depending on the severity of the problem, your dog may manage for a long time on just a change of diet. In the later stages, toxicity occurs which can be managed with fluid treatments, either in the clinic or at home, with or without supportive medications.
Urinary incontinence
As dogs age, they sometimes lose the ability to completely control their urination an may leak out urine, especially when asleep. Please discuss this problem with your veterinarian, so that other problems can be ruled out, and a medication for leaking can be prescribed. Do not deal with the problem by restricting access to water which can damage the kidneys.
Domestic dogs are living much longer than they ever have before, and consequently are affected by problems similar to aging humans. Dogs will try to hide their pain, so it requires an observant owner to notice if their pet is suffering from physical pain in their joints. Some signs to watch for are: limping, refusal or difficulty getting in and out of the car or up and down from the bed, or increased stiffness or tenderness after sleeping. There are pain medications available for dogs; please discuss any pain with your veterinarian. Pain in the joints is exacerbated by extra weight, so you may also want to discuss a weight-reduction program for your dog.
Please bring in your dog to see a veterinarian as soon as possible after discovering a new lump on its body, or observing a change in size or shape of an existing lump. The veterinarian can examine the lump and take a sample from the interior to help determine what it is, and to assess the need for surgical removal and biopsy.
Dental care
Heart problems
Coughing and enlargement of the abdomen (from fluid) are usually the first signs of heart trouble in a dog, and older dogs are more prone to it. A veterinarian will probably want to radiograph the dog and take a sample from its abdomen. Dietary changes and medical treatment can help to manage the condition.
Gastric torsion (Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus (GDV))
This is a life-threatening problem with a very rapid worsening at the onset of symptoms (collapse and a bloated stomach). It results from a gas-filled stomach (bloat) twisting on itself, and most commonly occurs within 2-3 hours of eating a large meal. The dog requires immediate veterinary attention, most often involving surgery.
Hip displaysia
This is a hereditary condition of dogs that is more common in breeds such as Labrador retrievers, German Shepherds, and St. Bernards. It is diagnosed via a radiograph of the hips which sometimes requires that the dog be sedated. Breeders should have radiographs of prospective parents sent to the Orthopedic Foundation for Animals (OFA). If you are looking to adopt a large sized purebred dog, please check to see if the parents are OFA registered.
Dogs who suffer from this problem can be helped by medication and by losing weight to take the pressure off the hip joint. There is also surgery available for removing the femoral head.
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Aggression / behavioral issues
Number one reason dogs are given up, abandoned or healthy dogs are euthanized. Please discuss behavior problems early on with your veterinarian. You may also benefit from working directly with a behavioral consultant.
Walking your dog on a leash, or keeping it confined within a physical or invisible fence are the best options for keeping your dog safe from cars, dog fights, or ingesting compost, poisons, or something that will cause an obstruction.
Bones
Be careful in your choice of bones and chew toys. Monitor your dog carefully for signs of bones splintering or breaking, or parts of toys that can be ingested. Avoid feeding your dog poultry bones which splinter easily after consumption.
Foreign bodies
Retrievers, especially, like to put things in their mouths. But any dog can decide to eat something it shouldnt. As an owner you may identify this directly - seeing the dog eat something it shouldnt; or indirectly - the dog may be hunched in its mid/abdominal area, stop eating, or stop defecating. These are serious symptoms and the dog should be immediately seen by a veterinarian who may palpate, try to induce vomiting, take radiographs, or refer or recommend exploratory surgery, depending on the history and diagnostics. We have had to remove from dogs: gloves, dishrags, string, and other things you wouldn't necessarily think would be of interest to a dog.
Many things are toxic to a dog if consumed, including: grapes/raisins, ibuprofin, onions, rat poison, and chocolate.
It is important for owners to pay close attention to their birds in order to identify early signs of illness. This information will also aid the veterinarian in diagnosis and follow-up care instructions.
Some things to watch for in your bird include:
changes in food or water intake;
changes in weight or appetite: a bird that eats but is losing weight; a bird that refuses to eat;
changes in the quantity, size, color, or texture of droppings;
regurgitation: evidence may be stuck to the birds beak or feathers, or on the cage floor;
changes in activity: refusal to get on a perch; falling off the perch; decreased movement, talking or singing; droopy look; fluffed up feathers;
respiration: heavy breathing, wheezing, sneezing, open-mouth breathing, discharge around the eyes;
feathers: prolonged molt, feather pulling, broken or chewed feathers;
injuries: lameness in the legs and feet, drooping wing;
head tilt.
New bird
Schedule an examination with a veterinarian as soon as you adopt a new bird. Bring along a fecal sample and any questions you have about bird care. Schedule an annual exam for checkup. In order to prevent the spread of illness, keep your new bird isolated from other birds in your household until the new bird is examined by a veterinarian. Psittacosis is a disease carried by some young birds that is transmissible to other birds as well as humans and causes flulike symptoms.
Temperature
Birds generally need a warm environment but should be kept away from direct blowing from a heating vent. Drafts or too much cold can cause illness or death. Birds should also be kept out of direct sun on hot days to avoid illness or death from overheating.
Molting
Birds lose their feathers and grown new ones approximately once a year. It may happen suddenly or gradually over a longer period of time, depending on the birds environmental temperature and exposure to light. Keep the temperature warm during molting.
