Leptospirosis

We have seen a few cases of leptospirosis (lepto) in the last few weeks. It is something we usually only recommend vaccinating for in dogs that spend a lot of time outside, hunting dogs, etc. The dogs that we recently diagnosed with it were dogs that lived in town and we considered to be more inside dogs. This has been a bit concerning for us, so we have started to talk about lepto and the vaccine more with every annual examination and new puppy visit. We also want everyone to be aware that it is out there and to protect your dog as best as possible.

Leptospirosis Bacteria

The CDC has a great website with information about lepto and its concerns for pets and people. We encourage you to check it out at http://www.cdc.gov/leptospirosis/pets/index.html. Our webite's "petlibrary" also has information about it. Just type leptospirosis into the web browser to get a list of articles.

Dry Eyes - KCS

We have been seeing a few dogs with KCS (Keratoconjunctivitis Sicca) or dry eye. 

KCS is diagnosed by a test called a Schirmer Tear Test which measures the amount of tears produced in a set time frame.  This condition occurs when there is a deficiency in the water portion of the tears which accounts for 95% of the tear volume. Without tears, the eyes become irritated, the conjunctival tissues become red and inflammed, and in time the cornea itself wilt turn brown and gooey with eventual blindness. 

Schirmer Tear Test

Usually what you will notice first at home is green/yellow discharge that you have to clean out of the eye several times daily. 

Untreated KCS

Tears are essential to the comfort of your pet's  eyes but they do more than just provide lubrication. Tears contain anti-bacterial proteins, salts, sugars and even oxygen to nourish the eye.  The flush away irritants and infectious agents that are constantly getting into your pet's eyes.  

Treatment is available in the form of eye medications which your veterinarian will discuss with you.

Polar Vortex Temperatures:

We have had a lot of people concerned about this cold weather and their four legged friends. Sometimes we forget that our pets are just as accustomed to the warm shelter of the indoors as we are. We are recommending that all outdoor animals be brought inside or given appropriate heated shelter during these extreme temperatures.  

Some animals can remain outside safely longer in the winter than others. In some cases, it's just common sense: long-haired breeds like Huskies will do better in cold weather than short-haired breeds like Dachshunds. Cats and small dogs that have to wade shoulder-deep in the snow will feel the cold sooner than larger animals. Your pet's health will also affect how long she can stay out. Conditions like diabetes, heart disease, kidney disease, and hormonal imbalances can compromise a pet's ability to regulate her own body heat. Animals that are not generally in good health shouldn't be exposed to winter weather for a long period of time. Very young and very old animals are vulnerable to the cold as well. Regardless of their health, though, no pets should stay outside for unlimited amounts of time in freezing cold weather. 

Also remember that if you park outside cats will curl up against almost anything to stay warm--including car engines. Cats caught in moving engine parts can be seriously hurt or killed. Before you turn your engine on, check beneath the car or make a lot of noise by honking the horn or rapping on the hood. 

We hope this information helps a little. Most of it is common sense in regards to pet care. Remember that if it’s cold for you, then it’s also cold for your pets.

We hope everyone stays warm & safe during this polar vortex.