Pet Health

Cooler weather, the fall harvest and seasonal baking lead to maximum enjoyment of this wonderful season. However, knowledge of the specific hazards of this season is necessary to keep your pets healthy and safe.

Help keep your pets protected in the fall:

• Be careful when planting bulbs. Ingestion of ornamental bulbs planted in the fall can cause heart, kidney, and liver failure. Signs after ingestion may include vomiting, diarrhea and lethargy. Bulbs may also cause an obstruction in the digestive system if consumed whole or in larger pieces. Consider planting bulbs behind fences, inside cages, or in other areas inaccessible to your pet.
• Dispose of corn cobs properly. Dogs can chew and eat corncobs but cannot digest them which could be fatal. Dogs can choke on corncobs if they become stuck in the throat or esophagus. Corncobs are also a common cause of intestinal obstruction which may require surgery.
• Check fertilizers and mulches for mold. Any type of solid fertilizer or mulch can become toxic to your dog if it is moldy. Common signs of mold toxicity include hyperactivity, tremors, vomiting, high body temperature, and seizures in severe cases. Packages kept open can harbor mold even if it is invisible to the naked eye. To prevent mold, keep fertilizer containers closed and store them in a dry space.
• Keep pets away from mushrooms. Fall is one of the prime seasons for mushroom growth. Signs of mushroom toxicity may include vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, weakness, tremors, vocalization, and seizures. Pets may exhibit symptoms within 15 minutes, or they may be delayed for up to 12 hours. If you suspect toxic mushroom ingestion, immediate veterinary care is recommended. Be specific when describing symptoms and their time of onset to your veterinarian; this information is vital for accurate diagnosis and prompt treatment. For additional information, including photos of some of the more common toxic mushrooms, please go to: https://www.petmd.com/dog/slideshows/6-poisonous-mushrooms-are-toxic-dogs .
• Be cautious when using rodent poison. All rat and mouse poisons are toxic to pets if ingested. These poisons cause bleeding both inside and outside the body. Your pet may have pale gums, difficulty breathing, coughing, bloody urine or feces, vomiting or seizures. Immediate veterinary care is necessary if you suspect your pet has ingested any type of rodenticide.

Enjoy the crisp air and beautiful foliage, be aware of hazards, and both you and your pet will make the most of fall.

Limping (or lameness) is one of the most common reasons the CVSG Emergency Team see dogs at our hospital.  Dogs, like people, can suffer from numerous issues leading to lameness.  Your dog’s lameness  could be cause by something minor, such as a small stone caught between their paws or lameness could be an indication of a serious health concern. Lameness frequently indicates pain but can also indicate a neurologic abnormality.

Lameness is divided in two basic categories, sudden onset or gradual onset.  Sudden onset lameness may be caused by a cut on the paw pad, an insect bite or sting, or a traumatic injury.  Gradual onset lameness may be caused by conditions such as strains or tears (ligaments, tendons, muscles), immune mediated disease or osteoarthritis.

If any of the following apply to your dog, an immediate visit to your primary veterinarian or nearest emergency veterinary hospital is recommended:

• Inability to bear weight on the limb
• Moderate to severe swelling
• Limbs which feel hot to the touch
• Limping in combination with other symptoms such as a fever or vomiting
• A limp accompanied by whining or yelping
• Uncontrolled bleeding

Gradual limping should lead to a veterinary visit but, unless the conditions above occur simultaneously or your pet appears to be in severe pain, may wait until a scheduled appointment time is available.  Your veterinarian may recommend blood work, testing for tick bourne disease, and/or x-rays to assist with the diagnosis.  He or she may refer you and your dog to a veterinary specialist for a surgical consult or for sports medicine/rehabilitation treatments and physical therapy.

Early evaluation by a veterinarian is a good idea to ensure your dog has an early diagnosis, receives rapid treatment and pain can be managed quickly.  If you have questions, CVSG’s team is here to help and may be reached by calling 303-794-1188.