Check back here frequently as we strive to keep you updated on important news about your pets.
Canine Influenza vaccine - now available!
Learn more here about Canine Influenza Virus(CIV) and the new vaccine.
Case of the Month - Foreign Body
See what happens if your cat swallows something as seemingly harmless as a piece of string.
Case of the Month - Gunshot Wound
What does a gunshot wound look like, and how is it treated?
Confirmed Rabies Cases
Your pets and animals should be vaccinated annually against Rabies. So far in 2009, 45 animals have tested positive for rabies in 36 towns in Vermont.
H1N1 confirmed in a cat
For the first time, H1N1 virus has been confirmed in a cat.
Let the Dr. do the driving!
We offer house calls! Small animal medical care is now available in the comfort of your own home. Read more about what services are offered.
Hunting Season safety for your pets
Read here for tips on keeping your pet safe, and links to hunting season dates in VT and NH.
Pet Products Recalls
Several pet food products that contain peanut products have been recalled due to potential salmonella contamination.
Rabies Clinics
Bring your cats and dogs to the RRVC Rabies Clinic on Saturday, March 13th from noon to 3pm.
10% Discount on Heartworm/Tick panel
In April, 2010, get 10% off the in-clinic test for Heartworm, Lyme, and 2 other tick-borne diseases for dogs. Early diagnosis is essential for treatment. Read more here.
Anal glands
Dogs and cats have anal glands which often require medical attention. Read here for more information about what they are and how to care for them.
Boarding
River Road Veterinary clinic is not a licensed boarding facility. We are able to board animals only with these special medical needs: a kitten or puppy less than six months of age; geriatric animals; animals with a serious illness such as diabetes, seizures, kidney failure, etc.; or any animal that receives regular medications.
Chocolate
Many pet owners have heard that chocolate is toxic to their dogs, and the holidays are a time to be particularly careful about keeping chocolate away from dogs. A wrapped package is not likely to stop a dog who smells the chocolates inside. However, the severity of the effect of the chocolate is dependent upon factors such as the kind and quantity of chocolates and the size of the dog. Click on the link above for more information about chocolate toxicity and your dog.
Common household toxins
This section of our site has been established to share some important information on common household toxins.
Dental health for pets
As dogs and cats are living much longer, good dental care is becoming essential. At River Road Veterinary Clinic we offer a complete dental scale and polish, and tooth removal as necessary, under anesthesia. You can also prevent or slow some dental problems by brushing your pets teeth and/or using a special dental diet dry food. A dental examination will be a part of your annual visit to the veterinarian.
Easter Bunnies
Around this time every year many bunnies are purchased for Easter with little thought or preparation for their care and well-being. Before bringing home a bunny it is wise to do a little research into what owning a bunny really involves. Bunnies should not be given to children under 8yrs old as they will not be able to properly handle and care for them. Here are a few things you should know...
Euthanasia and Cremation Options
Sometimes, despite our best efforts, we are unable to provide a suitable level of comfort for our companions. At these times we find it necessary to make the difficult choice of euthanasia. It may be a fast decision, like an animal irreparably injured by a car accident, or it may be a long time in preparation, like an animal with terminal cancer. Euthanasia is always an option in the clinic during appointment hours or emergency hours. Our veterinarians are also happy to make house calls for planned euthanasia in the privacy and comfort of your home or farm.
Fleas and Your Pet
How do fleas affect your pet, what are the warning signs, and how do you do treat? The following information will help to notice the signs and what to do if your pet has fleas.
Hepatic Lipidosis in Cats
This is a serious illness that can occur in cats that have stopped eating.
Internal Parasites - Testing and Treating
Cats and dogs are subject to a variety of internal parasites. They can be identified in a fecal sample and treated with oral medications. Click on the above link to read about the most common internal parasites of companion animals.
Is your pet overweight?
Excess weight on pets can contribute to health problems such as early onset of joint pain and diabetes. It can shorten the life span and comfort level of your pet. Read here for more information and ways you can help your overweight pet.
Porcupine Quills
If your animal comes home with a lot of quills, it requires immediate veterinary care - even if it is during emergency on-call times. Please do not cut off the quills yourself. Cutting the porcupine quills is not effective because the rest of the quills would be left in your pet. Click here to read more.
Red Maple poison alert!
All red maples are believed to be toxic to horses and ponies. Read more here.
Skunk Spray
Spraying is a skunk's only line of defense when threatened. If your dog or cat has been sprayed by a skunk, it can be very uncomfortable for you and your household, but it is not a medical problem for your pet. This is not a cause for an emergency call to a veterinarian. Click here for advice on dealing with your stinky pet.
Fleas, Ticks and Lyme Disease
Learn more about fleas and ticks, warning signs and how to treat.
Top 10 Pet Poisons of 2008
Please call the poison center at 800-222-1222 or the clinic at 802-649-3877 immediately after discovering that your pet has ingested a possible toxin. Read here about the top 10 poisons of 2008 for pets - some of them may surprise you!
Wildlife - Rehabilitators
Wild animals, even babies, are best left alone by humans. If you find a hurt or injured animal, contact a licensed wildlife rehabilitator. Follow this link for a list of rehabilitators in NH and VT
Client Education - Zoonosis
Zoonosis, also called zoonotic disease refers to diseases that can be passed from animals, whether wild or domesticated, to humans.
These two sites have excellent information about the Canine Influenza Virus:
http://www.avma.org/public_health/influenza/canine_Bgnd.asp
http://www.cdc.gov/flu/canine/
Please call the office for more information or to make an appointment.
When a cat swallows something it's not supposed to, it's rarely a minor problem. Cats can be very playful; it's one of the reasons we love them as pets. But when a cat goes too far with the string it's playing with and swallows it, serious trouble can arise. Cats can rarely pass a large coil of string (and whatever it may be attached to) on their own. String can coil in the intestines and stomach, obstructing normal digestive flow and causing the cat pain, nausea, weight loss, fever, and eventually death.
What the conscientious cat owner needs to be aware of are the warning signs that a cat will exhibit when it's eaten something it's not supposed to. These signs include lethargy, decreased appetite, vomiting, and abdominal pain. If you suspect that your cat may have swallowed something, call your veterinarian right away.
As you can see below, cats will eat the strangest things.
Charlie is a sweet, orange cat who was found by the owners after they came back from a short vacation. They found Charlie lying around the house, not eating, and acting very unlike his usual friendly self. He had also been vomiting. Worried, they called Dr. Pinello, who then took a radiograph of Charlie. This is what it showed:
Apparently, Charlie had decided to do a little fishing while his folks were gone and got a little carried away. How the fishhook had made it all the way into his stomach before becoming lodged there was a mystery. The only way to remove it was through surgery. The surgery was successful and Charlie recovered fully.
Charlie pictured with family.
Fortunately, surgery isn't always required to rid your cat of a foreign body. If the object was swallowed recently, often the best course is to make you cat vomit, before the item has had time to enter the intestines. That is exactly what happed to this orange cat after his owners caught him swallowing a long green ribbon. Though they were able to pull around six inches of green ribbon out of the cats' mouth, they had no real idea of how long the ribbon was before it was chewed in two. Since little time had elapsed, they called Dr. Pinello and brought the cat to the clinic. After trying for almost two hours to get the cat to vomit, he finally threw up a long (around ten inches) piece of wide, green ribbon. Given the size of the ribbon, it was almost a certainty that the cat would have needed surgery to remove it, had the owners waited until the cat was symptomatic.
This pitbull was found by its owner late one night after it had escaped the property. The dog had been shot, but had made it back safely home. The wound looked grievous; though it appeared to have gone straight through, it was very close to the spine. The dog did walk into the clinic on its own, which was a good sign that the spinal cord had not been seriously damaged.
Radiographs were taken to verify that the bullet had indeed gone all of the way through and that the spine was intact. They showed that the bullet had clipped the very top of the spine and shattered. Some of the fragments had gone straight out the opposite side of the dog, while others had lodged near the dogs' shoulder. None of the fragments were located near any vital organs, so rather than subject the dog to the long surgery that would be necessary to remove them, they were left in place.
The hair around the wound was clipped short, and the wound was then flushed and cleaned. Rather than suture it closed, the veterinarian chose to tie a loose bandage around it. This allows bacteria to drain out of the wound rather than fester within. The dog was then sent home on antibiotics and pain medication.
Health alert! Rabies update
ANIMALS TESTING POSITIVE FOR RABIES
SO FAR IN 2009 IN VERMONT
(According to the Vermont Department of Health,
Agency of Human Services)
1. Gray Fox in Putney
2. Raccoon in Ferrisburgh
3. Raccoon in Townshend
4/5. Cows in Charlotte
6. Raccoon in Ferrisburgh
7. Raccoon in Grand Isle
8. Raccoon in Bennington
9. Raccoon in Charlotte
10. Big Brown Bat in Middlebury
11. Raccoon in Hartford
12. Calf in Westmore
13. Raccoon in Stowe
14. Raccoon in Dover
15. Raccoon in Baltimore
16. Raccoon in Cornwall
17. Cow in Addison
18. Calf in Greensboro
19. Raccoon in Dorset
20. Raccoon in Greensboro
21. Skunk in Elmore
22. Raccoon in Franklin
23. Raccoon in Ferrisburgh
24. Cow in Hyde Park
25. Skunk in Milton
26. Raccoon in Royalton
27. Skunk in Charlotte
28. Raccoon in Manchester
29. Raccoon in Stamford
30. Raccoon in Dummerston
31. Skunk in Rockingham
32. Skunk in Royalton
33. Skunk in Fairfax
34. Raccoon in South Hero
35. Big Brown Bat in Newfane
36. Raccoon in Bridport
37. Raccoon in Ferrisburgh
38. Raccoon in South Hero
39. Skunk in Craftsbury
40. Raccoon in Woodstock
41. Raccoon in Northfield
42. Raccoon in Brattleboro
43. Skunk in Pawlet
44. Skunk in Brattleboro
45. Skunk in Williston
46. Skunk in Sheffield
Please make sure your animals are vaccinated.
November 4, 2009
A 13-year old cat in Iowa developed signs of a respiratory infection after several people in the household were ill. Preliminary testing was positive for 2009 H1N1 on October 29 and the results were confirmed on November 2. This is the first report of a cat infected with the 2009 H1N1 influenza virus. The cat is recovering from its illness. To date, there is no evidence that the cat passed the virus to any people. Read more about this at: Cat gets H1N1
The following information is excerpted from the American Veterinary Medical Association website, "Frequently Asked Questions About 2009 H1N1 Flu Virus" (updated October 21, 2009)
Q:What is swine flu?
A:Swine flu is a respiratory disease caused by type A influenza virus that regularly causes outbreaks of influenza in pigs. The "classical" swine flu virus (an influenza type A H1N1 virus) was first isolated from a pig in 1930. Swine flu viruses cause illness in pigs, but the death rates are low. This new virus, although it is being called "swine flu," is not the same virus.
Q:How does this virus differ from bird flu?
A:The 2009 H1N1 flu virus is an entirely different virus than the bird flu (H5N1) you've been hearing about in the news. Among these differences is that humans infected with bird flu were infected by direct contact with sick birds, and this new virus is not spread by contact with animals. In addition, the highly pathogenic H5N1 influenza virus that causes the bird flu in the news has not been reported in North America.
Q: Can I catch H1N1 from pigs?
A: Although this new influenza is being called "swine flu," it is being spread mainly from person to person. None of the U.S. cases had contact with pigs.
There have been two confirmed cases of swine-to-human transmission of the 2009 H1N1 virus. Two Canadian Food Inspection Agency inspectors became ill with the 2009 H1N1 virus while investigating an outbreak of the virus on a swine farm in Alberta in late April 2009.
Q: Can this flu infect birds? Can I get it from birds?
A:Yes, it apparently can infect birds. In August 2009, authorities in Chile reported 2009 H1N1 influenza in two turkey farms near Valparaiso. In October 2009, the Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Rural Affairs confirmed 2009 H1N1 in a turkey flock in Ontario, Canada. It is not yet known if infected birds can pass the 2009 H1N1 virus to humans.
Q:Can my pet get the 2009 H1N1 virus?
A:To date, there is no evidence that cats or dogs are susceptible to this new strain of influenza; it appears to be transmitted only from person to person or from human to swine. On October 9, 2009, a USDA laboratory confirmed 2009/H1N1 infection in a ferret. The ferret's owner had previously been ill. At this time, there are no reports of 2009/H1N1 flu being transmitted from a ferret to a person.
The best advice is to always follow common sense guidelines when dealing with animals (eg, washing your hands). In addition, it's more important than ever that pet owners keep a good eye on their pet's health and consult a veterinarian if their pet is showing any signs of illness. Keeping your pets healthy reduces their risk of becoming ill.
Q:Can my pot-bellied pig get the 2009 H1N1 virus and give it to me?
A:To date, the 2009 H1N1 virus has not been reported in pot-bellied pigs. However, the possibility of human-to-pig transmission of the virus warrants extra caution by pig owners. After all, pot-bellied pigs are considered swine, and therefore may be susceptible to the virus. For the time being, a cautious approach would include all contact between your pig and anyone who is ill or has recently been exposed to an ill person. Remember that pot-bellied pigs can become ill from a number of causes, and keeping your pig healthy and free of disease helps protect your pig as well as you. If you have a pet pig and it appears ill, consult a veterinarian immediately.
Q:What if my pet needs an antiviral drug? Will my veterinarian be able to get the drugs?
A:This new H1N1 virus is spreading mainly by human-to-human contact. Keep in mind that pandemic planning, by necessity, must place a priority on treating infection in people"for that reason, antiviral medication supplies will be closely guarded and there may be strict guidelines in place that will determine how they are dispensed. Availability of antivirals may be low for non-pandemic response use. We encourage veterinarians to use their clinical judgment and weigh these factors when considering the necessity of an antiviral drug for a client's pet. The use of antiviral medications in food animals is strictly regulated"and is prohibited in some species"and food supply veterinarians are already aware of these regulations.
Q:I show pigs, and I'm worried about the H1N1 influenza virus. Should I stop showing my pigs?
A:The choice is really up to you. You don't have to stop showing, but you should take proper precautions to protect your pigs. The National Pork Board has released some guidelines for managing risk at swine exhibitions, and these are recommended reading for you.
Is it difficult for you or your pets to make the trip into the clinic? This may be the perfect solution for your geriatric dog or terrified cat. It can also simplify the lives of multi-pet owners - get everyone's vaccinations done without loading the car!
Dr. Berger will treat small animals with the following medical procedures in your own home: exam, vaccinations, minor surgery and euthanasias. He can also take urine, fecal, and blood samples back to our labs for analysis.
Call us to find available times and set up an appointment.
Fall is an especially beautiful time to be outside in Vermont and New Hampshire. Your dogs will be grateful for the opportunity to go on a long hike; or take your horses into the country for a ride.
But fall is also hunting season, which means extra precautions are needed to ensure your pet's safety. First, check the 2009-2010 schedule to find the dates for hunting in your state:
Vermont
New Hampshire
For your dogs:
Go to your local feed store or pet store for blaze-orange coverage for your dog in many available items: bandanas, vests, leashes, etc. An inexpesnive alternative is to fit a blaze orange t-shirt on your dog. Be sure it fits snugly and the dog is not tripping on it. Do not use white bandanas or any other white items on your dog, because the white is easily mistaken for the tail of a deer. Keep your dog on a leash while walking or hiking.
For your horses:
Keep your horses as close to your house and stables as possible. When riding, avoid know hunting areas, ride in open fields, and avoid riding during peak hunting times, such as early morning. If you do come across a hunter, inform them of your planned route. It is best to ride with a buddy. Wear a hunter orange vest and a brightly colored helmet cover. You should also get a brightly colored rump sheet for your horse.
October 8, 2010 - Blue Buffalo Company, Ltd., recalls certain dry dog food because of possible excess Vitamin D that can affect the health of some dogs. The Blue Buffalo Company, Ltd., is recalling certain packages of its Wilderness Chicken, Basics Salmon and Large Breed Adult Chicken dry dog foods sold under thc "BLUE" brand which have the potential to contain excessive levels of Vitamin D.
Salmonella scare causes recall
P&G Recalls Two Lots of Prescription Renal Diet Cat Food due to a Possible Health Risk: important information for pet owners- please follow this link to find out more: http://www.fda.gov/Safety/Recalls/ucm220204.htm
PetSmart is voluntarily recalling seven of its Grreat Choice Dog Biscuit products that contain peanut paste made by the Peanut Corporation of America (PCA). PCA is the focus of the U.S. Food and Drug Administration's investigation into potential salmonella contamination of peanut butter and paste made at its Blakely, Georgia facility.
Click here to search a current list (Feb 20, 2009) of the pet food product recalls from the United States Food and Drug Administration.
You can also read about it on the American Veterinary Medical Association website, as well as find other links there.
MEDICAL NOTE:
Pets with Salmonella infections may be lethargic and have diarrhea or bloody diarrhea, fever, and vomiting. Some pets will have only decreased appetite, fever and abdominal pain. Animals can be carriers with no visible symptoms and can potentially infect other animals or humans. If your pet has consumed the recalled product and has these symptoms, please contact your veterinarian
RIVER ROAD VETERINARY CLINIC
Is hosting a 2011 RABIES CLINIC For Cats and Dogs
445 US Route 5 North, Norwich, VT
(802) 649-3877
DATE:Saturday, March 26th, 2011
TIME:12 p.m.-3 p.m.
COSTS:
Rabies:$13.00
Distemper:$12.00
Lyme: $19.00
Leukemia:$18.00
The Norwich town clerk will be here from noon until 3:00 p.m. to register
Norwich dogs. We would appreciate prior notification if you plan to attend,
however, all are welcome. Patients are seen on a first come, first served basis.
Please plan accordingly.
We hope to see you!
Springtime is here and so are the ticks that spread Lyme disease. River Road Veterinary Clinic is offering a 10% discount on a Heartworm/Tick Panel for your dog during the month of April. This panel requires a small blood sample that we will draw from your dog.
Lyme disease is caused by the bite of an infected tick. Lyme disease is regarded as the most common tick-borne illness in the United States. The disease is spread primarily during tick season (May through August) but ticks can be active any time the temperature is above 32 degrees F.
This disease in dogs is most commonly characterized by the sudden onset of lameness. One or more joints may become swollen and painful to the touch. The lameness may last only a few days, but in some cases it becomes chronic and persists or recurs for months. Some dogs may run a fever and experience weakness, lethargy, loss of appetite and weight loss. Kidney problems or acute cardiac syndrome can be fatal.
In the past year we have had 100 dogs that tested positive for Lyme disease with one fatality. River Road Veterinary Clinic recommends testing your dog(s) with a Heartworm/Tick Panel then taking preventative measures by having your dog(s) have a Lyme vaccination and using a monthly preventative such as Frontline to decrease tick infection to your dog.
Call us with any questions or concerns, or to make an appointment, or go to your new Pet Portal and long on today to discover the benefits of managing your pets healthcare online with a private, personalized, secure-and free website of your own.
We look forward to hearing from you,
Sincerely,
The Doctors and Staff at River Road Veterinary Clinic
Dogs and cats have a scent gland on either side of the anus that gives their feces a smell that is unique to the animal and in the wild was for the purpose of marking their territory. Dogs and cats may also express the glands themselves when frightened or startled. You will know it has happened by a very strong, distinct smell and some fluid discharge. Dogs should have these glands checked by a veterinarian at least annually. Many dogs need to have them regularly manually expressed or they can become infected. If you are interested, a veterinarian can teach you how to do this at home. An infected anal gland will become red and swollen and smell bad. On a long-haired dog, you may first notice a large mat forming where the hair has become dirty and sticky from the discharge. This dog needs to be seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible. For chronic problems with anal glands, especially in dogs, your veterinarian may recommend surgery; we perform this surgery at River Road Veterinary Clinic.
Please excuse us while we create and update our content related to boarding services.
Theobromine and caffeine are the ingredients in chocolate that cause problems for dogs. Theobromine is found in varying amounts depending on the kind of chocolate: White chocolate has negligible amounts; sweetened milk chocolate has approximately 45-60mg/oz; semisweet or dark chocolate has about 130-185mg/oz; unsweetened baking chocolate has 450mg/oz; and cocoa powder can have from 150 to 600mg/oz. So you can see a very dark chocolate ingested by a chihahua would be much more toxic than the same quantity of milk chocolate ingested by a St. Bernard. Other sources include baked goods with chocolate, chocolate candy, and even mulch (made from cacao shells). The other harmful ingredient in chocolate is also found in non-chocolate drinks such as coffee, tea, and some soft drinks. Call your veterinarian immediately if you know your dog has ingested any of these products. She can help you determine the severity of the problem, and the level of emergency. A high level of exposure to theobromine per body weight can cause death within 6 to 24 hours
Please excuse us while we update our site with accurate and important information about common household products that are toxic to pets.
Article written by: M.J. Lommer and F.J.M Verstraete
Periodontal disease (problems in the area around the teeth) is one of the most common health problems in companion animals. It is estimated that 80 per cent of dogs and 70 per cent of cats older than 3 years of age suffer from some level of periodontal disease. Just as in human mouths, the process begins with plaque, which is made of salivary proteins and bacteria. The bacteria irritate the gum, causing an inflammatory reaction, which is known as gingivitis. If the plaque is removed by tooth brushing, the gingivitis resolves and the gums return to normal. If the plaque is not removed, it hardens into tartar or calculus. The calculus provides a rough surface for even more tartar to accumulate. Bad breath may be noted. Inflammation continues in the gums and can also affect any bone in the area, resulting in destruction of the bone around the tooth roots. Eventually, the teeth become loose and may fall out.
In addition to tooth loss, periodontal disease had other, more serious, consequences. The millions of bacteria present in an unhealthy mouth can spread to other parts of the body, such as the heart, lungs, kidneys and liver causing disease in these vital organs. In small breed dogs with tiny jawbones, the bone destruction caused by periodontal disease can weaken the jawbone enough to cause a fracture.
The good news is that periodontal disease is completely preventable! Removing the plaque reverses the inflammatory process in the gingival and restores the gums to health. As we know from our own experience, plaque removal is best achieved by brushing the teeth. Dog and cat teeth are not as close together as ours are, so flossing is not necessary. However, to be effective, brushing must be done every day. A soft-bristled toothbrush with a small head is the best tool for removing plaque from your dogs or cats teeth. Special pet toothpaste is available in flavors such as malt, poultry, and seafood to help your pet enjoy the experience. Human toothpaste should not be used, because pets do not like the mint flavor and because the foaming agents in human toothpaste can cause stomach upset if pets swallow the toothpaste. Because dogs and cats rarely get caries (cavities), fluoride is not necessary. Feeding special diets such as Hills T/D and encouraging chewing activity with toys such as the Dental Kong also help reduce plaque accumulation.
Daily tooth brushing, special diets, and chewing activity help prevent plaque from hardening into calculus. Once calculus is present, however, a professional cleaning is required. Although the bone destruction caused by periodontal disease can not be reversed, the inflammatory process can be stopped or slowed with proper treatment. Routine periodontal treatment involves sonic or ultrasonic scaling above and below the gum line. Because your veterinarian can not simply tell your pet to hold still, these procedures require that your pet be placed under anesthesia. Anesthesia always has inherent risks. However, your veterinarian is experienced and the risk related to anesthesia is minimal. To further minimize this risk to your pet, your veterinarian may recommend blood and other tests prior to sedation. These are done before anesthesia to reveal any problems that may not be obvious from a physical examination. Dental x-rays are important to determine the amount of bone destruction present. Teeth with significant bone loss may benefit from periodontal surgery. Extraction is usually recommended for teeth with little bone support remaining.
In addition to periodontal disease, cats can develop resorptive lesions, which can lead to pain and difficulty eating. These lesions are sometimes called cavities, but they do not result from bacteria and sugars as peoples cavities do. Cells such as the one responsible for removing deciduous (baby) tooth roots become activated and start to attack permanent teeth. The result is destruction of large amounts of the tooth and exposure of the nerve, or pulp, inside the tooth. Pain may be evident in behavior such as pawing at the face, dropping food, drooling, or reluctance to eat. These areas of destruction can be seen on careful examination of the teeth. Resorptive lesions cannot be filled like human cavities, as the cells continue to work under the filling to destroy the remaining tooth. The current recommendation for affected teeth is extraction. At this time, because we do not know why the cells become activated, there is no known way to prevent resorptive lesions. Regular examinations by your veterinarian will help to detect these lesions early, before they cause significant pain to your pet.
By brushing your pets teeth every day and scheduling regular examinations with your veterinarian, you can provide your companion with a lifetime of fresh breath, clean teeth, healthy gums, and strong jawbones. In addition, you will be helping to keep your pet pain free and in overall good health.
Bunnies need exercise
Many bunnies spend their lives in small cages with very little to do. This is not a good environment for an animal evolved for a life of foraging for food in a complex world. Bunnies can be litter trained, and with proper rabbit-proofing of the house, be given some supervised free-roaming time in the house. A large, solid-floored pen with toys can keep bunny active and entertained when he has to be confined. Rabbits can also learn to take walks outside on a harness.
Bunnies need good nutrition
The most common health problems of house rabbits are nutrition related. Not surprisingly, obesity is the number one problem. Other diet-related problems include kidney and bladder stones, diarrhea, and trichobezoars (very firm hairballs in the stomach). The proper diet for bunnies is unlimited access to fresh grass hay, and 1 cup of mixed fresh vegetables per day. Vegetables should include dark green leafy veggies, root vegetables, and cruciferous vegetables. Very high water content vegetables such as lettuce should be avoided or given in very small quantities. Commercial pelleted rabbit food should be limited to 1/8 of a cup per day at most for a 4lb rabbit. Water should be in a water bottle, checked daily to make sure it is dispensing water properly and not clogged.
Bunnies should be spayed or neutered
Before you purchase a bunny check in your area for a veterinarian who sees rabbits. Neutering helps prevent aggressive tendencies in male rabbits, and spaying (removal of uterus and ovaries) prevents serious health problems in female rabbits. Uterine cancer is very common in unspayed rabbits over 4 years old. If you have more than one rabbit, spaying and neutering will prevent you from being quickly overrun with rabbits. It can be difficult to tell male from female when they are young, and many people who thought they had two females have been surprised to find babies in the pen before too long.
Safe Handling
Bunnies have very long backs that can break if they kick or struggle when picked up. One good way to carry a bunny is the football hold- with the entire rabbit supported by your left forearm, head toward your elbow and left hand under his rump, with your right hand on top of the bunny to keep him from jumping. It is important to handle bunnies daily from the time they are small so they become accustomed to it.
Safe Housing
Pens or hutches should have solid bottoms, not wire. Wire can cause injury and infections in rabbits feet. Bedding should consist of quantities of fresh grass hay sufficient for nesting in. Wood shavings are not recommended, because they can be physically irritating, and some contain natural chemicals that are toxic to rabbits. If housed outdoors hutches need to be predator-proof and sheltered from the weather. Bunnies are especially prone to heatstroke and should not be outside if it is hotter than 75-78F. Access to shade and water should always be available. Rabbits are much safer and live longer if housed indoors. A well-cared for indoor rabbit lives between 7-10 years. When allowing your rabbit to roam freely in the house make sure to bunny proof the area. Rabbits love to chew! And can fit in very small holes!
Health care
Although bunnies do not need yearly vaccinations, there are some occasions when you may need to take them to see a veterinarian. Before purchasing your bunny, it is a good idea to locate a veterinarian in your area who treats rabbits. Schedule an initial visit when you first get your rabbit to determine if it is male or female, and to check for any potential problems such as misaligned teeth, nasal discharge, or ear infections. During the appointment you can discuss spaying or neutering, and proper care and handling. It is an emergency when rabbits wont eat or have watery diarrhea and you should contact your veterinarian immediately.
Further information
There are some good books on rabbits available, including: The House Rabbit Handbook by Marinell Harriman; Rabbits for Dummies, by Audrey Pavia, and Rabbit Health in the 21st Century, by Kathryn R. Smith. Information is also available from the House Rabbit Society, PO Box 1201, Alameda, CA 94501 or www.rabbit.org.
Here at the River Road Veterinary Clinic we offer several different options following euthanasia:
1) You may take your companion home to bury. Especially if you have children, burying your pet at home allows them (and you) a physical place to grieve and a sense of closure.
2) You may have your companion cremated in a group cremation. This means that they are cremated with other animals and you do not receive ashes back (unless you prefer to have some ashes back. Please keep in mind that this is a mixture of other animals ashes too.)
3) You may have your companion cremated in a private cremation. This means that the ashes will be returned to you, to keep, scatter, or bury, as you wish. If you are interested, we do carry urns, and can order by request, for the remains of your companion. Please let us know if you have any questions
Tiny, almost invisible pests, fleas can make life miserable and disrupt your household with a continuing cycle of biting and scratching of your pets.
Black specks on your pet or their bed may be "flea dirt" - the fecal matter from adult fleas. Check for black specks: use a flea comb on your pet, making sure the comb reaches the skin through the coat. If black specks are on the comb, they might be fleas. Drown them in a bowl of soapy water before they can get away or jump back on your pet.
Adult fleas are only part of the problem. Immature stages, such as eggs and larvae, contribute to flea infestation, too. Your pet does not have to go outside to be in danger from fleas.
Fleas can be hard to find and can be a serious problem for your pet. Consult your veterinarian if you think your pet may have a flea problem. Some pets are allergic to fleas and experience server itching, but other pets may have only mild itching or none at all.
The veterinary staff is a reliable source of information on effective flea control products for your pet and home.
There are many informational web-sites on fleas and flea control.
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Hepatic lipidosis, or fatty liver, is a common syndrome characterized by excess fat accumulation in the liver of cats. It can occur in cats of any age or breed and may affect more females than males. Hepatic lipidosis classically occurs after a period of anorexia (loss of appetite) of at least 2 weeks duration. When an additional disease state is found to be the cause of the anorexia, the hepatic lipidosis is defined as secondary. The term primary or idiopathic hepatic lipidosis is used when an additional disease state cannot be identified. This is the case in approximately 50% of cats diagnosed with the disorder. Obesity before the period of anorexia increases the chances of a cat developing clinical hepatic lipidosis. The decrease in appetite causing secondary hepatic lipidosis can occur for a variety of reasons. The more common of the predisposing disease states are diabetes mellitus, pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), cancer, and other liver diseases. Behavioral or stress-related causes of anorexia are also common; they include the owners being away on vacation, family member leaving or new people or pets being introduced into the household, boarding, and dietary changes. Unfortunately, once this disease develops, cats feel ill and may not begin to eat again even if the initial cause of their loss of appetite has been eliminated. Without aggressive medical intervention, this vicious circle can lead to death in over 90% of the cats.
Cats are unique in their tendency to develop this disorder. Excessive amounts of fat are broken down from the cats peripheral fat storage tissue during fasting. This fat is then transported to the liver. The liver should then process this fat and export it to the rest of the body in a new form. In cats that develop hepatic lipidosis this process is impaired and the rate of fat export from the liver is much slower than the rate of fat intake, resulting in liver fat accumulation. Damage to the liver is caused by swelling of liver cells filled with fatty deposits as well as additional processes.
Symptoms commonly seen with this syndrome are anorexia, weight loss, lethargy, vomiting, jaundice (yellow tinge to the skin, inside of the ears, and gums), and occasionally behavioral or neurologic signs such as excessive drooling, blindness, semi coma or coma, and seizures. The suspicion that a cat is suffering from liver disease is confirmed by physical examination and appropriate abnormalities in blood work. Imaging techniques such as x-rays or ultrasound examination of the abdomen are helpful in demonstrating the size and appearance of the liver, as well as ruling out other disease states. The definitive diagnosis of hepatic lipidosis requires visualization of fat globules in liver cells obtained via liver biopsy or needle aspiration.
The treatment of hepatic lipidosis varies depending on its severity and the existence of other diseases. Prevention is extremely important. Any anorexic cat, especially if obese, should be seen by a veterinarian. Thus, the development of hepatic lipidosis can be caught in its early stages or prevented entirely with appropriate therapy. Hospitalization, fluid therapy, and supportive care may be required initially when the disease develops. Additional therapy such as antibiotics, vitamin K, and the treatment of other disease may also be necessary.
The cornerstone of therapy, the only way to reverse the process of fat accumulation in the liver, is aggressive feeding to supply your cat with his or her full caloric requirements. Offering different diets and appetite-stimulating medications may induce a cat to eat in the initial phases of anorexia but will most likely not be of benefit once clinical signs of hepatic lipidosis develop. Force feeding is usually not a good idea. Even with the most cooperative cat, it is virtually impossible to feed adequate amounts in this fashion. Cats also seem to develop food aversions rapidly, and the association between food and the unpleasant experience of forcing may delay the cats return to eating. Therefore, in the clinical phase of the disease the only reliable treatment option is tube feeding.
The use of long-term tube feeding has changed the outcome in this disease from over 90% mortality to less than 30%. There are three types of feeding tubes commonly used for this disease. A tube placed through the nose into the stomach or esophagus can be used temporarily. Long-term feeding is achieved with a tube surgically placed in the esophagus or, more commonly, a tube surgically or endoscopically placed through the body wall directly into the stomach. A commercially available maintenance diet is used for most cats. Your veterinarian will supply you with a feeding plan aimed at meeting your cats nutritional requirements. Additional medications to control vomiting are sometimes necessary. Frequent rechecks with your veterinarian will be required to assess the tube location, possible infection, your cats clinical state, and blood work. Liver parameters usually improve within 2 to 8 weeks after initiating feeding. Oral food should not be offered until that time. Once your cat begins to eat, tube feedings can be gradually reduced over a few weeks and eventually discontinued. Most cats tubes can be removed 3 to 4 months after placement. In cats with idiopathic hepatic lipidosis recurrence is rare, and the cats that recover go on to live normal lives.
from Textbook of Veterinary Internal Medicine
by Richard E. Goldstein
Hookworm
cause anemia, blood in feces, diarrhea, and lethargy in cats
Roundworm
