West Boca Veterinary Center

Flea Anemia

2012-02-06T09:53:00.000-05:00

With all the advances veterinary medicine has made in the last decade, you would think that flea borne disease would be eradicated. However, we still see cases where our patients are getting sick from fleas.

Fleas can transmit infectious diseases to our dogs and cats, cause mild to life threatening anemia's, transmit tapeworms, and cause significant skin irritation to our pets and humans.

Fleas are parasites that suck blood from their host of choice; in this case my feline patient Katie.

Katie presented to my office with extreme lethargy and just not acting herself. Upon her physical exam I found fleas and flea dirt in her coat.

As I checked her mouth, I noticed that her gums were pale. This is a sign we see when our patients are anemic. Anemia is defined as a reduced number of red blood cells in a pets circulation. Your red blood cells are responsible for carrying oxygen to your tissues. If there are inadequate numbers of these red blood cells you will feel tired and when severe enough will have difficulty breathing from a lack of oxygen carrying red blood cells.

A complete blood count (CBC) and chemistry blood panel were done on Lola. Her CBC supported our clinical findings and demonstrated a pronounced anemia. Katie's PCV was 10%. (normal is about 35%)

Some anemia's can be so severe that a blood transfusion is needed.

Fortunately, Katie did not require a blood transfusion. I treated aggressively with flea control. In this case I used Revolution which is a heartworm preventative, flea and intestinal parasite treatment. This preventative therefore can treat any hookworms that Katie may have had which also contributes to anemia as they are blood sucking parasites as well. In addition, I prescribed a liquid multivitamin to help rebuild red blood cells faster and doxycycline in case Katie also became infected with a flea transmitted infection called hemobartonella. This parasite is a common cause of anemia as well. After only a couple of days, Katie was feeling much better and is more active. She is very lucky. She came very close to needing a transfusion and hospitalization but her owners keen eye prevented that!

Glad you are feeling better Katie!!

KEEP THESE UGLY PARASITES AWAY WITH A GOOD FLEA CONTROL PRODUCT!!

Dr. Kim Simons

West Boca Veterinary Center

www.westbocavet.com

Vomiting or Regurgitation-That is the Question.....

2012-02-01T17:59:00.004-05:00

"Ralphy" in his feeding chair

Regurgitation is the passive process of bringing up contents from the mouth, pharynx, or esophagus. It will often occur just like a simple burp or urp with no forewarning. In contrast, Vomiting is the forceful and active process of bringing up contents from the stomach and upper intestine. The most notable signs of vomiting are drooling and heaving.

It is of utmost importance that the veterinarian distinguishes between the two as the differential diagnoses are vastly different. This blog will focus on regurgitation.
The most common cause of regurgitation is Megaesophagus. Esophageal Strictures, sliding Hiatal Hernias, and Esophageal Tumors may also cause regurgitation. Megaesophagus can be congenital or it can be as a result of Myasthenia Gravis, Addison's disease and possibly even Hypothyroidism.

Ralphy presented to our hospital with a complaint of regurgitation. He was tested for megaesophagus by X-ray and barium swallow and the results were inconclusive. However, we treated him as such and he responded. (Below is an image of a dogs chest with a megaesophagus.)

Part of the therapy for megaesophagus is to feed your pet upright so gravity helps keep the food down. His owner was dedicated enough to have a feeding chair built for him. As you can see he tolerated it very well!!! (Watch the video above)
Ultimately it turns out that Ralphy most likely had an esophageal stricture secondary to esophagitis that caused his regurgitation. He no longer needs his feeding chair and is a happy boy!!

Dr. Kim Simons
West Boca Veterinary Center
www.westbocavet.com

Vestibular Disease in Dogs

2012-01-31T15:00:00.000-05:00

"Ralphy" with old dog vestibular disease

The Vestibular System is part of the neurological system that is responsible for perceiving your body's orientation relative to the earth. Basically the vestibular system determines if you are upside down, standing up, falling etc. When this system is disrupted you won't know which way is up, whether or not you are standing up straight or slanted, and you'll feel dizzy. Its like being on a constant roller coaster.
People often confuse/mistake vestibular disease with seizures or strokes.

The symptoms of vestibular disease are:
1. Motion sickness
2. Nystagmus-rapid eye movement---- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YeXT0Sss0Hg
3. Circling
4. Head tilt (like Ralphy in the picture above) http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=eqwW81CpUwE&feature=related
5. Falling to one side
6. Stumbling/staggering- http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=T1YNspRvdPE

The causes of vestibular disease are:
1. Middle ear infection
2. Brain lesion
3. Unknown/idiopathic-Old Dog Vestibular Disease (what Ralphy in picture above suffered from)

In Ralphy's case he presented to our hospital with a sudden onset of staggering and falling onto his left side. Within hours he was unable to walk and had rapid eye movement. We diagnosed him with Old Dog Vestibular Disease and treated him for motion sickness. Each day he progressively got better. He is now walking but still has his head tilt (head tilts can persist up to 6 months and sometimes can even be permanent). Below is Ralphy resting comfortably. :)

Dr. Kim Simons
West Boca Veterinary Center
www.westbocavet.com

First FDA approved oral NSAID for cats

2012-01-29T20:14:00.000-05:00

I am happy to announce that the FDA has finally licensed/labelled an oral NSAID (non-steroidal anti-inflammatory) for the use in CATS!!!
This is exciting news and the first of its kind in feline medicine. For far too long, cats haven't had all the medicinal options as we have had for dogs.
This new drug is called Onsior (robenacoxib). This drug is the equivalent to Rimadyl, Deramaxx, Previcox, or Meloxicam in dogs. I am hoping this opens the door for more options for our feline friends when it comes to improving their quality of life and quality of medical care.

Dr. Kim Simons
West Boca Veterinary Center
www.westbocavet.com

Dog Ate What Foreign Object????

2012-01-18T13:46:00.001-05:00

Dogs are notoriously known to eat just about anything. In the past ten years of practice our hospital has removed corn cobs, underwear, Christmas ornaments...you name it.
It is very important that owners "puppy proof" their homes in order to protect your pets from this dangerous problem.

Below is a story about "Lena", a 6 year old mixed breed dog who we discovered ate a "linear foreign body".

"Lena" presented to our hospital with a history of lack of appetite and vomiting of 3 days duration. In addition, when she drank water, she would vomit it right back up. This are typical symptoms of a pet that has an obstruction or blockage from a foreign object.
To help prove an obstruction x-rays were taken after a number of small x-ray visible beads were given to her to eat. As you see below none of the beads move out of the stomach supporting the diagnosis of an obstruction. (The dark areas behind the beads are intestines that are dilated and full of gas further supporting the diagnosis of obstruction.)

It was time for an exploratory surgery to find and remove the foreign object(s) from Lena's gastrointestinal tract. Once in surgery we found a linear foreign object that was stuck and tangled in her stomach and went all the way down into her small intestines. An incision into her stomach and two incisions into her intestines made it possible for us to remove the foreign object!!!

To this day, we do not know exactly what the object is, it appears to be a linear fabric like entity......
Lena is recovering nicely and feeling much better!!!

Kim Simons DVM

If you have any questions about this information or your pet, please give our office a call.
561-451-8838

West Boca Veterinary Center
www.westbocavet.com

Canine Influenza - Dog Flu

2011-10-29T19:08:00.029-04:00

Canine influenza is a virus that poses a threat to the respiratory health of dogs in the U.S.

The virus is transmitted via direct contact, aerosol (via coughing/sneezing), and contaminated surfaces.

Symptoms include a persistent cough, runny nose, watery eyes, lack of appetite and lethargy. The disease is usually mild however can progress to pneumonia in up to 20% of the cases. The virus is fatal in up to 8% of infected dogs.

Those at risk are dogs that come from a shelter, rescue center, breeder or pet store. Dogs that are boarded, attend daycare, training, dog parks or grooming facilities are at increased risk.

The flu vaccine has shown to be effective in decreasing the severity of clinical signs and the spread of the infection. It reduces the duration of clinical signs, viral shedding, and protects against the formation/severity of lung lesions. The vaccine is given twice, 2-4 weeks apart and then yearly as needed.

Should your pet become infected with the flu, there is no specific treatment/cure. Those that are severely affected may require hospitalization and supportive care such as intravenous fluid therapy and antibiotics.

To date, there is no evidence that the dog flu can be transmitted to humans.

Kim Simons DVM
West Boca Veterinary Center
www.westbocavet.com

Heartworm Treatment Shortage

2011-10-24T11:57:00.003-04:00

There is currently a shortage on heartworm treatment medication. It is currently unavailable for purchase by hospitals until a dog is diagnosed with heartworm disease. Once diagnosed it may take weeks to months to acquire the product as Merial, the company that produces Immiticide, is having to borrow the European equivalent product. This ultimately leads to our patients being sick for extended periods of time potentially leading to disease complications. Therefore, it is imperative that as dog owners we give our pets MONTHLY heartworm prevention.

Our practice continues to diagnose dogs with deadly heartworm infection each year. Heartworm disease is transmitted by mosquitos and as Florida has a high prevalence of these insects our pets are at increased risk. The cost of treatment for for a 50- pound dog can be $1,000 compared to 12 months of prevention for $95.

To protect your pet from heartworms, click here for coupon/rebate for Trifexis or click here for coupon/rebate for Heartgard Plus.

Dr Kim Simons
West Boca Veterinary Center
www.westbocavet.com

Intestinal Parasites

2011-10-14T13:17:00.000-04:00

Intestinal parasites are a common infection of dogs and cats.Roundworms are a type of parasite that can infect our dogs and cats and also pose a threat to humans.
Roundworms are contracted a number of ways:

1. Contaminated soil that harbors the parasite
2. Via embryonic development while in utero (puppy contracts roundworms during pregnancy)
3. Puppies ingest the parasite via the mothers milk

Roundworm infection can lead to vomiting, diarrhea, pot belly appearance, unthriftiness and pneumonia.

Treatment with a number of available products is very effective in resolving the infection.

Human exposure is also a possibility. The infection is more likely in children and pregnant mothers. Roundworm infection in humans can cause " visceral larval migrans". This often leads to migration of the worm into the eyes causing blindness.

Prevention of parasitism is key for your pets health as well as your own. Your pet should be on a monthly heart worm preventative which also contains a intestinal parasiticide. In addition your pets stool should be picked up and disposed of to keep the environment clean.

West Boca Veterinary Center
Kim Simons, DVM

New Website Launch Today!

2011-03-22T15:18:00.000-04:00

Well, we finally moved servers and relaunched the westbocavet.com website. It is now much more interactive for clients. There is a member's only section with videos, articles and more. You are able to schedule online appointments, register new patients and clients, check your pet's vaccine status, access your pet's medical records, and soooooo much more. We have a huge database of educational topics from flea allergy to skin diseases. There is also a virtual hospital tour! Check out the new format today!

Open House!

2010-09-27T13:02:00.000-04:00

I am excited to announce that we will be hosting an Open House on Sunday, November 14th. The times have yet to be finalized, but likely mid-day. We have done an Open House in the past and love to open the hospital for current clients and newcomers alike. You can bring your animals as well. We are working on some sort of animal contest - I'll keep you posted on that one. We will be providing hospital tours, demonstrations, exhibits, food, games, kids activities, face painting, an ice cream truck, tons of free goodies, raffles, and more! If you've ever been interested in what an animal hospital looks like behind the scenes, or curious about companion animal medicine, looking at x-rays, surgical demonstrations, dental cleaning demonstrations or anything to do with veterinary medicine, then you'll enjoy what we have in store for you! Our hospital is founded on a family-oriented philosophy, and being able to share with you our day-to-day operations as well as provide you with information on what our hospital can do for your pets is awesome! It is definitely a fun few hours. Try to stop by - even if just for a few minutes! See you there!

Gregg Kuehnel DVM

West Boca Veterinary Center

"Keola" in need of Total Hip Replacement

2010-09-07T09:35:00.001-04:00

Sometimes we may get more than we anticipate...and it can be heartbreaking. Such is the case with Keola, a young Golden Doodle recently adopted by one of our clients. Keola is a young one and a half year old doodle that has been previously diagnosed with crippling advanced stage hip dysplasia. This has led her to be in constant discomfort beyond what can be helped with joint supplements and pain medications. Her adpoted parents are looking into surgical options for her including a total hip replacement to be done at the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine. Surgery is planned for this December, but will be a huge financial burden for her new parents. Through the Doodle Rescue Service where Keola was adopted, her new parents are raising funds to help defray some of the surgical costs. To learn more about Keola's condition, please follow the link: http://doodlemessenger.webs.com/doodleinneedkeola.htm . If you would graciously like to donate to helping Keola, please contact our office at 561.451.8838. Keola is far too young to have to suffer from such a debilitating and correctable condition. We hope she can get her surgery soon and be on her way to recovery! Best wishes Keola!

Gregg Kuehnel DVM
West Boca Veterinary Center

The World Of Blogging

2010-09-03T11:04:00.000-04:00

It was suggested by a few right-minded clients that our hospital should enter the world of blogging. So, here we are, jumping feet first into a new world of hospital communication. The intended purpose of this blog is to share stories of animals that have become part of our family as well as provide some medical advice for those of you out there that happen to be reading the various posts. I hope this becomes a frequently updated blog and provides interest to you. If you have any suggestions about content please let me know.

Gregg Kuehnel DVM
West Boca Veterinary Center