A DOG’S PLEA

Treat me kindly, my beloved friend, for no heart in all the world is more grateful for kindness than the loving heart of me.
Do not break my spirit with a stick, for though I should lick your hand between blows, your patience and understanding will more quickly teach me the things you would have me learn.
Speak to me often, for your voice is the world’s sweetest music, as you must know by the fierce wagging of my tail when your footstep falls upon my waiting ears.
Please take me inside when it is cold and wet, for I am a domesticated animal, no longer accustomed to bitter elements. I ask no greater glory than the privilege of sitting at your feet beside the hearth.
Keep my pan filled with fresh water, for I cannot tell you when I suffer thirst. Feed me clean food that I may stay well, to romp and play and do your bidding, to walk by your side and stand ready, willing and able to protect you with my life, should your life be in danger.
And, my friend, when I am old, and I no longer enjoy good health, hearing and sight, do not make heroic efforts to keep me going. I am not having any fun. Please see that my trusting life is taken gently. I shall leave this earth knowing with the last breath I draw that my fate was always safest in your hands.

Author Unknown

The Chihuahua

The smallest of all dog breeds, the tiny Chihuahua is sensitive and playful. While they are usually not the best choice for homes with small children, Chihuahuas are the perfect size for apartment lifestyles and make excellent companions for seniors, especially when trained and socialized early.

Breed-related concerns
Every dog breed carries a distinct set of genetic advantages and health risk factors. The following are the most common diseases found in the Chihuahua breed. Hopefully, your Chihuahua will not face these problems. However, early detection and preventive healthcare can make all the difference in helping your dog live a longer, happier life (see breed-related disease descriptions below).

Puppy (birth to 1 year)

• Retained deciduous teeth
  
• Juvenile hypoglycemia
• Hydrocephalus
• Cryptorchidism

Adult (1 to 6 years)

• Tracheal collapse
• Patella luxation
• Bladder stones
• Pancreatitis

Senior (7 years and older)

• Tracheal collapse
• Patella luxation

Breed-related disease descriptions

 May be due to bladder infection or abnormal excretion of minerals by the kidneys. Signs may include increased frequency of urination, straining or inability to urinate, and blood in the urine.

Cryptorchidism;

 One or both testicles fail to descend and are not present in the scrotum. Signs are often first detected during a routine physical exam. If not removed, undescended testicles are more likely to become cancerous or develop torsion.

Hydrocephalus. A build-up of fluid in the brain due to abnormal brain development or disease. Signs include changes in behavior, blindness, deafness, convulsions (seizures) and sometimes an enlarged or domed skull.

Juvenile hypoglycemia. Low blood sugar seen in young, small breeds of dogs. Symptoms include weakness, seizures, blindness and occasionally death.

THE MOLERA The Chihuahua as developed in Mexico and the United States has displayed a "soft spot" on the top of the head. In the Chihuahua this spot, or fontanel, is known as a MOLERA; and is the same as that found in human babies. In the past, this molera was accepted as a mark of purity in the breed, and it is still mentioned in most Chihuahua breed standards the world over. It is important to note that while many Chihuahua puppies are born without the molera, there are probably just as many with one and its presence is nothing to become alarmed over. The molera in a Chihuahua will occur on the top of the head and may vary in shape and size when present. Unfortunately, many lay people and some Veterinarians not familiar with the Chihuahua, have tried to link the mere presence of a molera with the condition known as hydrocephalus. This has caused many newcomers to the breed serious concern and undue worry. The truth is that a domed head with a molera present does not predispose the Chihuahua to this condition. Along with the observations of devoted breeders over the years, there is adequate medical evidence to support this statement. * In "Diseases of the Brain" 1989, Green and Braund stated that many clinically normal toy breeds may have open fontanelles without associated hydrocephalus. * Drs. Walters and Rivers, Veterinarians at the University of Minnesota concluded that there did not appear to be any relationship between the presence or size of a fontanelle and the condition of hydrocephalus. * Dr. Alexander do Lahunta of Cornell University in New York, one of the top neurologists in this country, stated that it would be wrong to conclude that any opening is abnormal. While it would be impossible to list all of the medical documentation in this paper, these few included here are perfectly clear; the presence of a molera does not mean the dog has a medical problem. The Chihuahua is a little dog! They belong in the house, at their owner's side, returning all the love they deserve to receive. With or without a molera, the healthy Chihuahua that is loved and given proper Veterinary care will live well into its teens as an irresistible member of the family. Pancreatitis. Inflammation of the pancreas. Often occurs secondary to dietary indiscretion (eating garbage) or ingestion of a fatty meal. Signs include lethargy, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea and a painful tummy. Patella luxation. Misalignment of the kneecaps resulting in intermittent dislocation, pain and lameness. Symptoms include reluctance to exercise and lameness of hind legs. Retained deciduous teeth. Delayed shedding of deciduous ("baby") teeth can obstruct and displace permanent teeth. This can cause food to become entrapped and, left untreated, can lead to periodontal disease. Tracheal collapse. Recurrent narrowing or collapse of the windpipe. Signs may include cough (especially when excited or during exercise), difficulty breathing and wheezing. Cough often sounds harsh or like honking.

Collapsed Trachea:

The Health Problem Every Owner of Small Dog Should Understand.
Have you ever heard a dog cough, take shallow, quick breaths, and honk like a goose? Those are symptoms of a collapsed trachea, a health problem found almost exclusively in Toy and other miniature dog breeds. Not every Toy breed will develop this but enough do (estimates range from 20% to 40%) that owners should learn more about this condition.

Highest risk breeds are CHIHUAHUAS, Italian Greyhounds, Maltese, Pomeranians, Toy Poodles and Yorkshire Terriers. The trachea or windpipe is held open by rings of cartilage. When the cartilage weakens, the trachea begins to collapse and the amount of air that can get throughis severely restricted. This condition usually appears between the ages of 4 to 14 years. The restricted airflow puts excess stress on the heart and lungs.Heat, humidity and excitement exacerbate the problem.
A dog will have trouble breathing and may try to vomit to clear his airway. A dog with a collapsed trachea usually can't exercise without having problems and in some severe cases, may even pass out from lack of air. Any exercise is likely to fatigue him. If your dog does develop symptoms, the condition usually can be managed with medication and restricted activity. Sometimes children's flavored cough suppressants can help or your veterinarian may want you to use a prescription brand to treat coughs. In more severe cases, steroids may be used for a time to reduce inflammation in the trachea. Because of their side effects, including weight gain, they are seldom used for long. In worst cases, the dog's tongue and gums turn blue and acute attacks require hospitalization. About 1% of dogs with this condition do die from complications. A surgical procedure that uses stents to widen the trachea is available, but this is a risky and expensive surgery that would only be done as a last resort and only bya veterinary specialist. Although the condition is congenital or inherited, there are things that an owner can do to lessen the onset or severity of the condition:
1. Feed your dog a high quality dog food. Proper nutrition helps formation of cartilage especially in the puppy years.
2. Don't overfeed, however, as overweight dogs are affected more than others.
3. Use a harness rather than a collar when walking your dog. He can wear a collar with his tags but don't attach a leash that adds pressure and pulling around his neck.
4. Don't smoke around your dog. You wouldn't smoke around a human baby, would you? Remember that it doesn't take much smoke to damage the airway of a 5-pound dog.
5. Keep vaccinations up to date. This helps prevent respiratory infections.
Watch your dog for symptoms and ensure that he gets treatment if any symptoms do develop. Most affected dogs can lead normal, although somewhat restricted, lives.

Note: This article may be reprinted and used by other publishers and webmasters provided creditis given to Louise Louis and www.toybreeds.com.

For more up to date info on Chihuahua Health, go to Chihuahua Club of America

 

BUG OFF,  ALREADY !

By Julia Szabo

 

There is clinical evidence to suggest that some topical insecticides can lead to liver problems and seizures.  “Innocently, we try to help our pets remain free of parasites and inadvertently end up putting multiple toxins in their body,” says the noted veterinarian and author Dr. Allen M. Schoen.

 

Conventional insect control does nothing to repel parasites such as fleas: To be exterminated, blood suckers must take a bite out of your best friend, turning pets into pest bait.  What’s more, once bitten, many animals experience an allergic reaction to flea saliva, suffering painful itching.  Happily, there are nontoxic repellent options, including brewer’s yeast and garlic mixed into food to make pets’ blood unpalatable; but the most potent natural flea and mosquito repellent is oil extract from the neem tree (Azadirachta indica), used for centuries in India as a medicinal salve.  “Absorbed by the dermis, neem oil discourages insects by making the blood unattractive to them,” explains Dr. John Fudens, DVM, H.M.C., of affinity Holistic Clinic in Clearwater, Fla.  Using poison to kill insects in a pets’ home environment is risky; according to the ASPCA, thousands of pets needlessly suffer and many die each year by accidental ingestion household poisons, especially pesticides.  Instead, try organic diatomaceous earth; it’s nontoxic to mammals, causes no harm to pet if licked or ingested, and effectively kills insects by desiccation (available at, http://arbico-organic.com).   “It works like a charm,” Dr. Fudens says, and may be sprinkled on an animals bedding, in rugs, and along baseboards.  The downside; It produces a fine dust.  For use whenever dust is undesirable, Bug ‘R’ (http://bugstdone.com) is a spray made of orange-peel oil (d-limonene) that kills fleas, mosquitoes, roaches, ants, and flies by dissolving the lining of insects’ breathing passages; it’s key ingredients are labeled Generally Regarded as Safe (GRAS) by the US Food & Drug Administration.  Still, use caution when spraying—ventilate the area—and never apply it directly to pets or their bedding.

 

The nontoxic flea dip

It’s as simple as bathing your companion animal with Thera-Neem Pet Shampoo.  In addition to organic, emollient Neem oil, a natural flea repellent, this pleasant-smelling shampoo contains other botanical ingredients, including chamomile and arnica, to soothe skin inflamed by fleabites and other irritants, $11.99; (888-989-NEEM; http://organixsouth.com).    

 

Chocolate and Pets

 

Drug class: Methylxanthines

It often surprises pet owners to discover that for animals, chocolate is poisonous in sufficient dosages. Specifically it is the drugs in chocolate, theobromine and caffeine (of the drug class methylxanthines) that are toxic to pets. Only a moderate amount needs to be eaten by an animal, typically a dog, in order to be poisonous (approx. 1/2 oz. of baking chocolate per pound of body weight and less in some animals). With the poison in this case being so appealing, overdose is not a rare occurrence. Poisonings of this type typically occur during the holiday seasons of Easter, Christmas and Halloween. Depending on their appetite and the specific ingredients contained in the recipe, some dogs have ingested a toxic dose of chocolate by eating an entire pan of brownies or another chocolate dessert, particularly one containing baking chocolate. Fortunately, the animal frequently vomits soon after, which reduces the amount of poison in the stomach available to act on the body and decreases the toxicity somewhat. If clinical signs are seen, these can include vomiting, excessive urination, hyperactivity, fast breathing, weakness and seizures. While rare, death can occur, usually due to the adverse action of methylxanthines on the heart.

Many people unknowingly feed their dogs chocolate treats (candy bars, cookies, etc.) without obvious illness resulting; the lack of clinical signs is due only to the relatively low dose of methylxanthines in small amounts of milk chocolate. It is certainly better for your pet to stick to treats he or she will like just as much and avoid chocolate-containing treats where the dog is concerned. Also be aware that an accidental overdose of cake, bars, etc. containing chocolate can pose a significant risk to a dog. If this should happen to your pet, make note of the amount of chocolate used in the recipe, the approximate amount eaten by your pet and give your veterinarian a call to determine if the dose was sufficient to cause any problems.

WHAT ON EARTH ARE ANAL SACS?

Anal sacs (also called "anal glands") are two small glands just inside your pet's anus. The material secreted into these glands is thick and foul smelling. Most animals can empty these glands voluntarily for scent marking or in self defense (like a skunk might do).

 Domestic animals have largely lost their ability to empty these sacs voluntarily. Walking around and normal defecation serves to empty the glands but some animals become unable to empty their glands on their own at all. The sacs become impacted and uncomfortable. Dogs with impacted anal sacs usually scoot their rear on the ground in an attempt to empty the glands. Some dogs will lick their anal area and other dogs will chase their tails. Cats often lick the fur off just under their tails.

WHAT TO DO ABOUT SCOOTING?

The first step is to check the anal sacs when any pet has a history of scooting. The anal sacs can be emptied in one of two ways:

 

A rag or tissue is held up to the anus and both sides of the anal area are squeezed.  Gently squeeze while pushing upward toward anus.  If the secretion is very pasty, this method may be inadequate to empty the sacs.	A lubricated gloved finger is inserted in the anus and the sac is squeezed between thumb & forefinger into a tissue held externally. The procedure is repeated on the opposite side.

 If the sacs have been emptied adequately, the scooting should resolve in a couple of days.

 

WHAT IF SCOOTING CONTINUES?

If scooting continues for more than a few days after sac emptying, the sacs should be re-checked. For some individuals, it takes several emptying in a row before the sacs stay emptied. If the sacs are empty and scooting is persisting, another cause (such as itchy skin, tapeworms, or even lower back pain) should be pursued.

WHAT HAPPENS IF AN IMPACTED SAC DOES NOT GET EMPTIED?

An abscess can form and rupture out through the skin. This is a painful, messy and pretty smelly condition often mistaken for rectal bleeding. If an anal sac abscess forms, it must be properly treated by your veterinarian. Antibiotics will be needed.

HOW OFTEN SHOULD ANAL SACS BE EMPTIED?

This is a highly individual situation. The best recommendation is to let the pet tell you when the sacs are full. If the pet starts scooting again, it is time to bring him in.

WHAT IF MY PET'S SACS SEEM TO REQUIRE EMPTYING ALL THE TIME?

To avoid the expense of having the sacs emptied, you can learn to empty them yourself at home but most people feel it is well worth having someone else perform this service. A non-invasive technique that helps some patients is a change to a high fiber diet. This will produce a bulkier stool that may be more effective in emptying the sac as it passes by.

ANAL SACCULECTOMY

If the sacs need to be emptied every few weeks or more, you may opt to have the sacs permanently removed. This procedure is complicated by many local nerves controlling fecal continence, the fact that any change in the local musculature of the anal sphincter area can affect fecal continence, and the fact that with chronic anal sac problems anatomy is distorted. Draining tracts can develop after surgery if the gland is not completely removed. Still, despite these pitfalls anal sac removal is considered a relatively simple surgery by most board certified surgery specialists. If this procedure is to be done we generally recommend that a specialist (or a veterinarian with extensive experience with anal sacculectomy) perform it.

Many people own pets for years without ever learning that anal sacs exist at all and the “wife’s tale” that worms cause scooting erroneously continues. If you have further questions about Anal Gland disease, ask your veterinarian or click on E-mail link.

 

This is JuliAnna and I lost her to this disease.

Hypoadrenocorticism (Addison's Disease) By: James C. Prueter, DVM, ACVIM Beardie Bulletin, February 1993 (The following information on Addison's Disease is the most current available. This information was written for our club by James C. Prueter, DVM, ACVIM, who has been taking care of one of our local Beardies who has this disease. Please take the time to read this article. This disease is now affecting more and more dogs of all breeds. Dr. Prueter told me that he has treated hundreds of dogs of all different breeds, including mixed breeds. The sad thing is he said the number of new dogs diagnosed each year increases. Hopefully this article will help us understand this disease better. Addison's disease can affect any one offer dogs, at any time, and should not be passed offers a hereditary disease, because it is not. [Submitted by Sherry Meininghaus.]) Introduction. Addison's Disease in dogs was initially reported as a clinical entity in 1953. Since then, numerous brief accounts have appeared in the veterinary literature and several small series have also been published. Definition 1. Hypoadrenocorticism is a syndrome that results from deficiency of glucocorticoid and/or mineralocorticoid secretion from the adrenal cortex. 2. Primary adrenocortical insufficiency (Addison's Disease) results from a disease process of the adrenal gland itself; this usually causes the deficiency of both classes of corticosteroids (glucocorticoid, mineralocorticoid). 3. Secondary adrenocortical insufficiency refers to insufficient pituitary adrenocorticotropic hormone (ACTH) secretion with resultant glucocorticoid deficiency. Mineralocorticoid concentrations usually remain normal in secondary hypoadrenocorticism. Causes 1. Primary adrenocortical insufficiency (Addison's) is the result of atrophy or destruction of all the layers of the adrenal cortex. - Idiopathic (most probably immune mediated). When immune-mediated disease is present, it affects the adrenal glands, it also may affect the thyroid gland (hypothyroidism), the pancreas (diabetes mellitus), parathyroid gland (hypoparathyroidism), reproductive disorders (primary gonadal failure), pernicious anemia, vitiligo. Obviously, the common link is the presence of circulating antibodies directed against the various tissues. Addison's Disease does not, in fact, cause any of the other disorders, it is just the fact the immune disorder may affect more than one (1) tissue. Therefore, treating any of the other endocrine imbalances (i.e., hypothyroidism.) does not affect the management of Addison's Disease in any manner. - Lysodren therapy for hyperadrenocorticism. - Granulomatous (primary fungal) infections, neoplasia, or hemorrhage from any cause. 2. Secondary hypoadrenocorticism can be caused by the following - Abrupt withdrawal of long-term and/or high dose exogenous steroid therapy (cortisone, prednisone). - Lesions of the hypothalamus or pituitary gland, i.e., tumors. - Idiopathic ACTH deficiency (rare). History. The following are common abnormalities in the history of dog's with Addison's disease: Anorexia 77% Vomiting 68% Lethargy and Depression 64% Weakness 38% Weight Loss 22% Diarrhea 22% Shaking and Shivering 21% Polyuria (with or without polydypsia) 15% Waxing and Waning Course of Illness 10% Sensitive Abdomen 9% Physical Findings. Depression 97% Weakness 53% Dehydration 38% Bradycardia 38% Weak pulse 30% Pathophysiology 1. Glucocorticoid deficiency primarily causes symptomatology due to the decreased gluconeogenesis and glycogenolysis (processes involved in production of glucose) and the mineralocorticoid deficiency primarily causes symptomatology associated with sodium (lower than normal) and potassium (higher than normal) imbalance. 2. These abnormalities create the following metabolic disorders: - Hypotension and reduced cardiac output. - Poor tissue profusion causing weakness, depression, kidney dysfunction, and eventually shock. - Muscle weakness, central nervous system depression, and abnormal cardiac function (arrhythmias). Clinical Signs Hypoadrenocorticism or Addison's Disease can create clinical signs resembling those of many other disorders. Hypoadrenocorticism is an uncommon disorder in the dog and extremely rare in the cat. 1. Signalment Predisposed breed-black standard poodles. Most literature relays that there is no breed predilection; however, there is one (1) source that suggests increased incidence in black standard poodles. Age: usually less than seven (7) years of age, but can range from six (6) months to ten (10) years of age. Female predilection (as high as 70% has been reported). Body size has absolutely nothing to do with predisposition. This disease has been noted in all size dogs. 2. Acute or endstage adrenocortical insufficiency Weakness and depression progression to collapse, bradycardia (slow heart rate) or other hyperkalemia (high potassium), associated arrhythmias (abnormal heart beats). Hypovolemia and shock 3. Subacute and chronic adrenocortical insufficiency Intermittent anorexia, vomiting, and/or diarrhea. Muscle weakness, lethargy and depression are common. Clinical signs may transiently respond to fluid and /or steroid administration. Exacerbations of clinical signs are most often in association with stress. This stress will vary among patients including minor stress such as stress involved in a family packing up for a vacation to elective surgery to traumatic injuries. Diagnosis History and clinical signs as indicated above should create a high index of suspicion. High potassium and low sodium demonstrated on serum chemistries should be of even greater suspicion. Early primary hypoadrenocorticism may have normal serum electrolyte concentrations. Certainly, hypoadrenocorticism secondary to lysodren will usually demonstrate normal serum electrolyte concentrations. Lastly, those secondary hypoadrenocorticism patients also generally demonstrate normal serum electrolyte concentrations. Renal dysfunction that is demonstrated as renal or prerenal in origin. Elevated calcium as seen in 24% of the affected patients. Hypoglycemia is also commonly reported. Sodium potassium ratios have frequently been used as a diagnostic tool to identify adrenal insufficiency. Normal ratio varies between 27:1 and 40:1. Values are often below 27 and may even be below 20 in primary hypoadrenocorticism. There are classic EKG abnormalities associated with high potassium and low sodium. Disappearance of P-waves Increased T-wave amplitude. Propagation of QRS complexes Bradycardia Many variations of sinoventricular arrhythmias to atrial standstill (cardiac arrest). Radiographic abnormalities most commonly demonstrated are microcardia (a very small heart) and megaesophagus (dilated esophagus) ACTH stimulation testing is required for definitive diagnosis. There are certainly many other metabolic abnormalities that can cause elevated potassium and/or low sodium; therefore, the definitive diagnosis is absolutely necessary. Primary hypoadrenocorticism both pre- and post-ACTH serum cortisol levels are less than 1 ug/dl. Secondary hypoadrenocorticism reveals serum cortisol responses to exogenous ACTH usually greater than 2.5 ug/ dl. Keep in mind that there may be false elevations of cortisol concentrations if the patient is presently receiving prednisone, prednisolone, cortisone, or fludrocortisone. Certainly these drugs should be discontinued at least 48 hours prior to testing. Endogenous plasma ACTH levels can be submitted in order to differentiate primary (will be elevated) and secondary (will be very low or undetectable)hypoadrenocorticism. Treatment 1. Very aggressive therapy should be utilized because of the immediate inability to differentiate acute or endstage or subacute or chronic adrenocortical insufficiency. Certainly the risk for shock, fatal arrhythmias,or renal failure cannot be afforded. 2. Intravenous fluid therapy is most important. Rapid infusion of normal saline (in order to replace the low sodium levels) 60 to 80 ml/# for 24 hours for the first one (1) to two (2) hours and then followed by 40 to 50 ml/# per hour thereafter. 3. Dexamethasone 0.5 to 2 mg/kg intravenously can be utilized (this glucocorticoid replacement does not influence the cortisol levels). 4. Insulin dextrose therapy may be utilized in those cases of severely elevated potassium levels that are causing some of the above described potentially fatal abnormalities. 5. Mineralocorticoid supplementation is the primary means of therapy for those diagnosed cases. 6. Florinef 0.02 mg/kg per day orally indefinitely. There is significant variation in individual needs and therefore this dose is often times adjusted on the basis of repeated electrolyte determination. 7. DOCP with 1.0 to 2.0 mg/kg intramuscularly every 25 to 30 days indefinitely. This drug is the most recent and typically the most effective drug for the treatment of Addison's disease. This is typically also less expensive, particularly in the large breed dogs. 8. There is the occasional individual requiring glucocorticoid supplementation; however, this is usually only necessary at low alternate day doses (prednisone 00.2 to 0.4 mg/kg QOD). 9. There are also individuals that require a salt supplementation to their diet - sodium chloride tablets 0.5 to 2.0 gm daily. Patient Monitoring. Initially, the individual serum electrolytes and renal function tests should be evaluated every two (2) weeks for the first two (2) weeks and then when stabilized reevaluate every three (3) to four (4) months for six (6) months and then annual thereafter. These results will be utilized in adjusting either Florinef or DOCP dosages.