WRVC NEWSLETTER
Summer 2004

The spring rains we have had this year will guarantee us a banner year for mosquitoes. This means that mosquito transmitted diseases could be much higher than normal. Many people wonder if their dogs are potentially susceptible to acquiring the West Nile Virus. While there have been a few documented cases of this disease in dogs, it has been rare, and it appears that healthy dogs are at a very low risk for the disease. At the same time, any unexplained neurological symptoms, especially seizures, should be considered a possible symptom of West Nile Virus, if all other causes are ruled out.

I find it interesting that many mosquito repellants, which are simply insecticides, now carry labels touting their role in the prevention of West Nile viral infections. We will jump on anything to market a product!

Wellness testing or screening is performing routine blood tests, urinalysis, electrocardiograms, x-rays, etc. to screen for any possible underlying illness that may not be clinically apparent. Animals will often times “mask” their diseases, meaning that they can act healthy, even if something is wrong. In many situations, by the time a pet becomes sick, and abnormalities are found on a lab test, it can be too late to intervene. The time to take action when an illness is present is early on, when organ function is just starting to change, and this can only be detected through lab tests.

This is particularly important for any pet from “mid-life” (in general, 6-7 years of age) and on, and extremely important in older cats and dogs, who frequently have subclinical diseases. What tests are run depend on the pets age, species, breed, etc. In general a fairly complete screen would involve a PCV to check for anemia, a chem panel to check the internal organ function and a urinalysis.

If you have any questions about wellness screening do not hesitate to ask our staff.

*Throughout the summer, we will be offering routine blood screening at a discounted price in an effort to promote your pets health!!

My surgery professor in veterinary school would frequently stand in front of the class and exclaim, “Every cat and dog in the United States should be spayed or neutered!” Of course this was not a practical statement, but it served the purpose of reinforcing surgical sterilization as the best form of population control.

I think about this often, and while the overpopulation of pets is a very real and serious problem, is there an aspect of it that serves a purpose? All of my dogs are mutts, and were adopted as strays. My cats were also strays at one point in time. These animals are a very important part of my life, and bring me a lot of joy. Many of my clients also have “mutts” as their furry companions, and their lives too are enriched by the fact that their pet is an important family member.

The fact is that there have been many unwanted animals who have ultimately performed incredible good by being part of our lives. I think of the stray cats who we adopted out to nursing homes, and the pleasure they give the residents. I think of the dogs we have adopted out who have played critical roles in the family structure (a number of people have referred to their adopted pet as “heaven-sent”). There are quite simply endless cases and stories like these.

The question is, does this justify the suffering and death that millions of animals face because they are unwanted? It is hard to believe it does. So where is the happy medium? I, unfortunately do not have the answer. There are many of us searching for the solution, and we may never find it. Hopefully, though, in our quest for the answer, we can do as much good as possible by spaying or neutering those that we can, and finding good homes for those that have none. It may well be a journey with no destination.

What do we need?

In general, we are a very materialistic society. But do we really have what we need? I found the following, which puts our “needs” in perspective.

I was made weak, that I might learn to obey.

I was given infirmity that I might do better things.

I was given poverty that I might be wise.

I was given weakness, that I might feel the need of God.

I was given life that I might enjoy all things.

—author unknown

Heat Stroke
 

Every year we deal with a number of cases of heat stroke, mainly in dogs. The cases we see are primarily dogs left in vehicles, those left in the sun without access to shade, and dogs who are exercised excessively in the heat. Most cases we see occur under conditions the owner did not consider to be excessive. Since heat stroke is always serious, and can easily be fatal, take no chances during the warmer months. Use caution and keep your pet safe.

Grapes and Raisin Toxicity

I have previously written about grapes and raisins being potentially toxic to dogs, but with grapes being a summer fruit, and with many people asking questions, it is a good time to review this problem.

There have been sporadic incidents of some dogs eating grapes, and then suffering from an acute, severe, life-threatening kidney failure. Currently, the cause of this condition is not known, other than it is linked to the ingestion of grapes or raisins. Even though the cases are isolated, the general recommendation is to not risk having a problem by not feeding grapes or raisins to your dog. While the cases are rare, statistics will not mean much if your pet is involved.
 

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