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Streptococcus Zooepidemicus Found as Cause in Dog Shelter Outbreak

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Infection with the bacteria Streptococcus zooepidemicus, has been found to be the cause of pneumonia and rapid death of intensely-housed (shelter) or race track environments in Nevada, Florida, and now, Wisconsin. Dr. Patty Pesavento, one of the researchers from the University of California-Davis, Department of Veterinary Anatomical Pathology, spearheaded the identification of the streptococcal organism as the causative agent. "There have been very few outbreaks," comments Dr. Pesavento, with the only outbreaks occurring in intensely-housed kennel situations. She emphasizes, "This disease has not been reported to occur in happy, healthy dogs living in household environments, or in veterinary practices."

The onset of clinical signs of Strep. zooepidemicus is very acute. Dogs may be seen as healthy the night before and found dead the next morning with blood from their nose. "The target organ in these dogs is the respiratory system, with the only manifestation pneumonia," Pesavento explains. "The lung damage is so acute and severe that the affected dogs often are not observed coughing, but among those dogs known to have been affected a soft, moist cough has been reported." Blood found in the respiratory tract is present secondary to lung vascular damage. Clinical signs range from sudden death to severe fever (> 105 F) and labored breathing. Antibiotic (e.g. penicillin, cephalosporins) and fluid therapy is very effective when treating dogs with this bacteria once the pathogen is identified. Affected kennel dogs that have survived the streptococcal infection have been successfully adopted, with no ill effects on any other pets in the new household.

It is unknown how this bacteria is spread, however since it is found in the environment (on surfaces, floors, cages) and in the oropharynx of neighboring (unaffected) dogs, the spread is likely to be contact, fomites or from dog to dog.. "To date, the association with a shelter or track environment is essential; but what, exactly, in the shelter environment is important is unclear. It could be stress, dose, or co-pathogens" comments Dr. Pesavento. What does this means for the average pet owner? Be aware that this pathogen exists, of the clinical signs, and of the association with intensive housing, but we believe that dog parks, dog walks, and dog shows can still be enjoyed by you and your dog without fear of your pet contracting a potentially fatal Streptococcus zooepidemicus infection.

Easter Hazards

 

Easter chocolates pose a potential source of toxin for your pet. Chocolate contains a chemical that may cause vomiting and diarrhea, hyperexcitability, abnormal heart rhythms, tremors, seizures, and when ingested in high concentration, death. Keep all candy away from your pet. If you believe that your pet has ingested chocolate, call your veterinarian as soon as possible. Be sure to tell your doctor what kind of chocolate (sweet, semisweet, dark, light) and about how much was ingested.

Easter grass, when ingested, can become stuck in the stomach or intestines, preventing food from passing. The long pieces of plastic type grass can act as a linear foreign body (similar to ribbon and thread), causing the intestines to fold upon themselves, and potentially cause an intestinal perforation. Signs that your pet may show include vomiting and abdominal pain. Surgery can be required to remove the grass and repair any internal damage. So be cautious and keep this decorative material away from your pet.

Easter lilies provide beauty and a hope for new life in your home. The leaves and flowers are toxic and cause signs ranging from vomiting and diarrhea to loss of appetite and lethargy. Acute kidney failure can occur, which in severe cases can cause death. There is a good chance for recovery if the animals are treated early after ingestion. Keep these plants away from your pets. Contact a veterinarian immediately If you believe your pet may have chewed on or eaten lily.

Easter bunnies and chicks are cute and fuzzy, but might not be the ideal pet for your family. These animals require special food and housing and can be quite delicate. Cute, fluffy yellow chicks rapidly grow up to be full-sized chickens and roosters – which cluck, crow, poop, eat, and act like adult chickens and roosters. Chickens rarely make good in-home pets.

A rabbit can make an excellent family pet. However, there are a few important things to consider before bringing home a pet rabbit:

  • Rabbits require daily attention and exercise.
  • Rabbits are herbivores that require daily helpings of fresh green vegetables and hay.
  • Rabbits are natural chewers and require a variety of chew toys to keep them happy and to help prevent them from destroying your home.
  • Rabbits need their litter boxes changed several times each week.
  • Nail trims are required regularly for rabbits and daily grooming is required for those with long hair.
  • The life expectancy for an indoor rabbit with proper care is 9 to 12 years.
  • Rabbits should have an annual veterinary health exam.
  • Rabbits should be spayed or neutered between 4 and 6 months of age.
  • Every animal is an individual. It is worth taking your time to get to know its personality before bringing it home.
  • Learn as much as you can about rabbits before deciding that adding a pet rabbit to your family is right for you.

Learn about rabbits at the House Rabbit Society Website www.rabbit.org.

February - Dental Health Month for Pets

 

What is periodontal disease?
Did you know that periodontal disease (PD) is the most common of all diseases in companion animals?? Over 85% of pets over 3 years of age have PD. Plaque bacteria cause PD, resulting in inflammation (redness and swelling) and pain of the gum tissues. Because it is so common, many pet owners believe that the odor and appearance of the diseased teeth and gums is acceptable. However, when left untreated, it is a progressive disease that damages the oral tissues (periodontium) that support teeth. Tooth abscess and loss of teeth often result.

Periodontal disease is not normal, it causes serious problems !!

If your pet has PD, he or she may be experiencing oral discomfort and pain. Have you ever experienced a toothache??? You may notice:
• decrease in appetite,
• offensive mouth odor
• reluctance to chew
• swelling of the face or gums
• clicking when chewing
• food falling from the mouth.

And there are systemic consequences as well. It has been proven in animals that PD can contribute to disease of the heart, kidney, and/or liver. The first step is to initiate a dental care plan for your pet as soon as possible.

Working as a Team

Pet owners and their veterinarians, working as a team, can make a difference by deciding to fight PD! Dental diets help control PD because they work a lot like dental floss and dental treats are available to help control plaque bacteria and tartar.

Your veterinarian is part of the team. Periodic professional comprehensive approach (COHAT) including teeth cleaning with dental x rays are important to diagnosing and treating PD. Dental specialists can work with your veterinarian to fight PD with new and advanced services.

Your part begins with Daily Home Care. Teeth brushing is the most important of all efforts in the fight. Make teeth brushing a habit! Learn how below.

www.mypetsdentist.com.

Teeth Brushing Technique*

  1. Start slowly perhaps touching your pets teeth and gums for a week and give them LOVE and PRAISE!
  2. Introduce a toothbrush and brush initially for 10 second in each of 4 quadrants (upper right & left, lower right & left).
  3. Orient the toothbrush at a 45 degree angle to the gum line.
  4. Brush in a circular motion very gently as you do for your teeth.
  5. Brush only the outside of the teeth, the tongue does a surprisingly good job in cleaning the inside of the teeth.
  6. Many types of toothbrushes are available for the variety of animal sizes and head shapes. Pick a brush that fits your hand and the pet's mouth.
  7. The battery operated Oral B type brushes work amazing well for some pets and some people with arthritis. Don't start with a rotary brush.
  8. Be consistent, brush daily (three times a week has been proven to be the minimum for effective control of PD). Once weekly has no benefit at all.
  9. Be persistent & caring ...have patience.

Make it fun with rewards and treats!!

Teeth brushing technique images at www.mypetsdentist.com
*by Dr. Dale Kressin, Veterinary Dentist

Keeping Your Pets Safe in Subzero Temperatures on the Pet Alert Page

Cold Weather Can Cause Frostbite And Hypothermia
Hypothermia and frost bite can occur in a small animal within minutes in subzero temperatures. Frostbite in dogs and cats occurs most frequently on the ears, tail, scrotum, and feet. Signs of frostbite include flushed or reddened skin or foot pads initially, then white or grayish color changes, evidence of shock, scaliness of skin, and eventual sloughing of skin or foot pad surfaces. Frozen surfaces should not be rubbed or massaged. Warm the affected areas by using warm moist towels. Discontinue warming as soon as the affected areas become flushed. When warming is complete, gently dry the affected areas. Wrap the pet in a blanket to conserve its body heat and transport immediately to a veterinarian.

Mental dullness, severe mental depression, and loss of consciousness in a pet exposed to cold temperatures may be signs of hypothermia. The skin is typically very cold to the touch. Wrap the pet in a blanket to conserve body heat and transport immediately to a veterinarian. The veterinarian will provide intravenous therapy with warm fluids, begin slow rewarming from the core first. Careful monitoring of the heart is critical.

Prevention is the BEST Medicine!

The best approach to winter hazards is prevention.

  • Keep your pets indoors during the subzero temperatures.
  • When outside, allow short hair pets to wear warm sweaters. Place booties on their feet and wipe their feet off to remove cold water and road salt that can cause irritation.
  • If your pet must stay outside in the cold weather, make sure they have a clean, dry and well insulated shelter and fresh water.

Mouse and Rat Bait Ingestion on the Rise!

The incidence of dogs being brought to the Animal Emergency Center for rat and mouse bait poisoning is increasing now.

The cooler weather often brings rodents into the home. Home owners and exterminators will place rodenticides in small nooks and crannies that they believe are not accessible to pets. However, this is seldom the case. These products are made to attract rodents by their smell and taste and will also attract our pets.

Most rodenticides work by causing the blood not to clot within the rodent, leading to fatal hemorrhage. Unfortunately, this will also occur in pets that ingest the poisons or ingest a rodent that has eaten the rodenticide. Clinical signs that your pet may show result from internal bleeding and include: labored breathing, bloody vomit, bloody stool, and bruising of the skin.

If you suspect that your pet has ingested a rodenticide (a chewed up package or brown grains or blue-green pellets are on the floor), you must bring your pet and the container to your veterinarian immediately. If the ingestion was within the last 2-3 hours, your veterinarian will most likely induce vomiting and administer activated charcoal to prevent further absorption of the poison. The antidote is vitamin K1 and is administered at home.

When the pet is presented with evidence of internal bleeding, whole blood or plasma transfusions may be required with the vitamin K1 . Other supportive care may be required.

Practice Safe Hunting With Your Dog!

Hunting season is upon us and many dogs are active and eager participants. However, these pets can easily be mistaken for small deer. Make sure your hunting dogs are well trained to respond to your commands. Be sure they are wearing a bright orange collar or coat for easy identification in the brush. Bring along a first aid kit specifically made for your pet .

Keep Antifreeze out of reach!

Many car owners will refill or replace the antifreeze in their radiators at home. The active ingredient, ethylene glycol, is a sweet tasting and smelling substance that can be fatal to your pet. It is so attractive to pets that they have been known to chew open sealed containers and ingest the contents. As little as 2 tablespoons of the substance can be fatal to a small dog or cat.

The initial problem is due to the ethylene glycol which causes changes in the pet's brain. The substances made as this chemical is broken down in the body are toxic to the kidneys and can lead to deadly kidney failure. Signs that your pet may show after ingestion include: staggering and "drunk" behavior (within 1-10 hours of ingestion), "spacey" abnormal mentation, loss of consciousness, seizures, vomiting (green fluorescent liquid), excessive urination, no urination, and eventually death.

If you suspect that your pet may have ingested antifreeze, TIME is of the essence. You must take your pet to a veterinarian IMMEDIATELY. If ingestion occurred within the last 1-10 hours, a blood test can be done to confirm that ethylene glycol has been ingested. If positive, ethanol (vodka or wood grain alcohol) or a newer antidote, will be administered intravenously and continued for at least 24 hours. Peritoneal dialysis can be used to remove the ethylene glycol and its toxic metabolites from the blood stream, often preventing any kidney damage. When ingestion has occurred over 12 hours previously, there may be no antifreeze still detectable in the blood and supportive care for kidney failure may be the only treatment available.

The best treatment is PREVENTION:

  • keep pets out of the garage
  • remove all antifreeze from surfaces
  • never drain into open container
  • keep antifreeze in enclosed cabinets with a latch or lock
  • have antifreeze work done by professionals at a garage

Chocolate Toxicity.

UMMMM! Chocolate! A favorite Halloween treat. While safe for humans, chocolate contains a stimulant that can be toxic to pets when eaten in sufficient quantities. Our pets seldom stop with just one piece. Dark baker's chocolate has the highest concentration of stimulants per ounce and light milk chocolate the least. Clinical signs that your pet may show include: vomiting, diarrhea, hyper-excitability, trembling, tremors, seizures, and eventually death.

If you suspect that your pet has ingested chocolate, contact your veterinarian and inform them of the type and quantity eaten. If the ingestion has been recent and of a quantity to cause toxicity, the pet should be brought to a veterinarian immediately. The pet may be forced to vomit and activated charcoal may be given. Often, intravenous fluids are given to promote urination of the toxic by-products of chocolate metabolism. The pet will be encourage to empty his urinary bladder frequently since toxic by-products are excreted in the urine and could be re absorbed into the blood stream if held too long.

Virulent Strain of Calicivirus Found in Cats in Wisconsin Humane Shelter

Channel 4 News (TMJ4) has recently reported an outbreak of a virulent strain of the feline calicivirus (VS-FCV) in the Washington County Humane Society. Clinical signs reported in cats infected with this VS-FCV include:

ulceration and hair loss on the face, muzzle, feet and ears; high fever (up to 105 F); swelling of the face and limbs; nasal and ocular discharge; oral ulceration; anorexia and depression. Some infected cats will develop fluid in or around their lungs. This viral infection is highly contagious, surviving and being spread by contact with surfaces such as tables, doorknobs, clothing, shoes, and hands of employees exposed to the excretions or secretions of an infected cat. It can fatally infect healthy, well-vaccinated cats within 24-48 hours of exposure. Cats that do not die may take several weeks to return to normal.

In the late 1990’s, a more virulent strain of FCV (VS-FCV) was identified as the cause of death in several cats in west Los Angeles, California, and was traced to a single shelter cat. Owned by the rescue group, the cats were reported to appear healthy when they returned to their foster homes, and were brought to adoption centers 6 days later. The next day, all four affected cats had difficulty walking, were feverish, and suffered loss of appetite and oral ulcerations. These cats made a full recovery, but the infection spread widely. The contamination involved several veterinary clinics that treated these cats or performed a spay or neuter on them. People contacting the infected cats acted as an unknowing vector – carrying the virus from the infected cat home to their previously healthy, unexposed cats. Many additional cats died that were exposed to the VS-FCV through the veterinary clinics or people around the VS-FCV infected cats.

The feline calicivirus (FCV) has been a problem for cats for over 40 years. Typical signs reflect infection of the upper respiratory system: sneezing, coughing, fever, and oral ulcerations. The FCV is highly contagious and is common in shelters and rescue sites. A vaccine has been available for the older strain of FCV for over 40 years. Cats owners should contact their primary care veterinarians to discuss vaccination against this newer VS-FCV.

Recommendations have been made to prevent the spread of this VS-FCV:

  • Any cat exposed to VS-FCV should be considered contagious, with or without clinical signs of the disease.
  • Potentially exposed cats should be isolated form unexposed cats.
  • Testing for the virus can be done by submitting oral swabs. Two negative swabs are necessary to consider the cat negative for infection.
  • Contaminated areas should be thoroughly cleaned and then disinfected with bleach (5% sodium hypochlorite) in a 1:32 dilution. Studies have shown that bleach is more effective than quarternary ammonium in disabling the virus.
  • Careful and thorough handwashing after handling potentially infected cats is vital. The use of hand sanitizers is not effective at preventing spread of disease.
  • Assume that any clothing worn by personnel is contaminated and should be changed before the handling other animals. Personnel handling infected cats should wear protective clothing such as gowns, gloves, booties, and caps.
  • Work with your veterinarian to vaccinate healthy cats against the VS-FCV as the vaccine becomes available
 

Spider/Insect Bites:

Bees, yellow jackets, wasps, hornets, spiders, and fire ants are common problems for pets during the warmer days. Most bites occur on the face and paws as the pet investigates and plays with the insect. Most reactions manifest as itching with swelling of the face, eyes and ears. Often there are raised circular areas (urticaria) in the skin. However, life-threatening reactions can result in difficulty breathing, white mucous membranes, and throat swelling. The pet requires immediate treatment. To minimize the chance of insect bites or stings, survey your yard for any nests or hives and don't allow your pet access to these areas. If your pet is prone to allergic reactions, discuss medications to keep at home to give when the first signs of itching or swelling are noted.

Car/Truck Rides:

Your pet is placed in harm's way when allowed to ride in the back of a pickup truck or to hang its head out of car windows. Any sudden stop, swerve, bump, or acceleration could result in your pet flying out of the open truck or window, suffering serious injury e that the fence is tall and sturdy enough to withstand the pet jumping against it or over it. Also check for digging under the fence.

 

Fertilizers:

If your pet ingests fertilizer, it may cause vomiting, diarrhea, rigid or weak muscles, kidney and liver damage, seizures, and if severe, death. The signs will depend on how much is ingested and which fertilizer it is.

Weed killers/insecticides:

Most of these substances are organophosphates. When ingested or sprayed topically in toxic amounts, these substances will cause salivation, urination, tearing, diarrhea, tremors, seizures, difficulty breathing, and eventually death if untreated. There is an antidote for these organophosphate compounds.

The Cicadas are Coming! Should you worry about Fido eating them!

http://www.avma.org/press/releases/070524_periodical_cicadas.asp

NATIONAL | May 3rd, 2007

 

Excerpts from NEWStat from the American Animal Hospital Association:

Pet Food Recall Continues to Expand, FDA Adds Ingredients to Its Import Surveillance List

On April 24 and 27, 2007, Chenango Valley Pet Foods, a company that manufacturers product for SmartPak and Doctors Foster & Smith and SmartPak brands recalled products after melamine or melamine metabolites (including cyanuric acid hydrolase) were found in rice gluten, an ingredient used in some pet foods. The Food and Drug Administration (FDA) is investigating three chemical compounds associated with melamine production, including cyanuric acid hydrolase, said David Elder, director of the FDA's office of enforcement and regulatory affairs.

Over the last month, several types of vegetable gluten (rice, wheat, and corn) imported from China have tested positive for melamine and melamine byproducts after pet owners reported illness and death in pets that consumed the food. Melamine, a chemical used in fertilizers and plastics, may have been added to the gluten by Chinese companies to boost protein levels, according to FDA officials. The compound is known to be moderately toxic, which is why veterinary toxicologists question whether melamine metabolites, which are created during melamine production and include cyanuric acid hydrolase, may be causing pet deaths.

In addition to affecting pet foods, tainted glutens have been identified in animal feed in eight states and could affect 6,000 hogs that have been quarantined or put "on hold," said Kenneth Peterson, assistant administrator for field operations for the Food Safety and Inspection Service of the United States Department of Agriculture (USDA).

Expansion of the Recall

The issue began in March 2007, when Menu Foods recalled products from the market that had melamine or melamine metabolites. It was expanded April 18, 2007, to include rice protein concentrate (a type of gluten) imported from China. FDA officials said U.S. companies may have started receiving contaminated rice gluten shipments from China in July 2006, but they did not provide more details. 

Rice gluten distributed by Wilbur-Ellis tested positive for melamine, a chemical used in fertilizer and plastic, which prompted Natural Balance Pet Food, Blue Buffalo, Royal Canin, SmartPak, and Doctors Foster & Smith to recall products within the last two weeks.

In South Africa, many pets died after eating pet foods containing melamine-laced corn gluten, but FDA officials say United States companies did not receive those shipments. Several companies have announced the fact that they source corn gluten from the United States. However, surveillance of imports now includes wheat, corn, and rice gluten, soy protein, rice bran, and corn meal, said Stephen Sundloff, DVM, PhD, director of the FDA's Center for Veterinary Medicine.

Statistics from the FDA show that at least 16 pets died after eating tainted food, however, veterinary sources believe food contaminants could have caused hundreds of fatalities.

For regular updates, visit the Food and Drug Administration FDA and AAHA web sites.

Following a Rice Gluten Trail

During a press conference on April 24, 2007, FDA officials said the United States may have received shipments of contaminated rice gluten since July 2006. They added that tainted wheat gluten was sent to at least 10 hog farms and perhaps one poultry farm in Missouri; they did not rule out that it may have affected chicken feed. Officials, however, do not believe that the contaminants have entered the commercial human food stream.

Acheson introduced a new "food surveillance assignment" that will monitor a variety of imported ingredients for pet and human food, which he described as proactive. He said the FDA is only aware of two suppliers - Wilbur-Ellis and ChemNutra Inc. - that imported ingredients with melamine, but the government is casting a wide net to protect consumers and prevent future problems. 

In addition to hundreds of pets that have reportedly gotten sick and died from eating contaminated foods, melamine has been detected in the urine of hogs at farms in North Carolina, California, and South Carolina. All of the hogs affected had ingested food that contained the gluten from China. Farms in New York, Utah, and perhaps Ohio have also been identified as possible recipients of contaminated feed, and animals have been quarantined in most of those locations, said FDA officials.

Veterinary professionals and pet owners can find a complete list of recalled products online. Although the number of companies affected continues to increase, the recall has only affected one percent of the available foods, according to the Pet Food Institute. And while safe options for commercial pet foods exist, some people may decide to steer clear of vegetable glutens until all contaminated products have been identified, Kirk said.

Why is Melamine in Pet Food?
Despite the confusion surrounding the pet food recall, FDA officials were clear on one message: Melamine should not be in the food supply. It is not approved for use in fertilizers in the United States and it should never be in pet foods. "The headline is that [melamine] shouldn't be there," said Michael Rogers, director of the FDA's field investigation.

Several pet food manufacturers use plant glutens to bind ingredients. Kirk likened the use of gluten in pet food to the addition of eggs in meatloaf. "You need a protein structure to bind the meat and bread crumbs together," she explained. Gluten performs the same function in pet foods and is commonly found in wet foods to thicken gravies. Rice gluten is oftentimes used with low-carbohydrate foods or in specialty diets for pets that have known allergies to meat proteins. It is also used as a thickening and binding agent, but Kirk said that it is not a common ingredient. In comparison, corn gluten is a very common ingredient in pet foods, she added.

The massive pet food recall has many pet owners wanting to prepare the diet for their pets in their kitches. If you want to make homemade foods for your pet, you should consult with these websites to learn the nutritional needs specific to dogs and cats:
www.petdiets.com and www.balanceit.com

It is best to consult a veterinary nutritionist and a listing is available at www.aavn.com.

After Recall, Dog and Cat Owners Seek Out Organic Food

By KATIE ZEZIMA - New York Times

Stores that sell pet food made from free-range meat, organic vegetables and brown rice say business has increased since a recall of contaminated food.


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