First, remove the pet from the hot environment. If possible, take a rectal temperature to confirm hyperthermia (elevated body temperature). Begin to cool the pet by wetting with cool (not cold) water on the trunk and legs. If available, rubbing alcohol can be applied to the footpads and the skin of the stomach to speed evaporation. Transport your pet to the veterinarian immediately. Do not attempt to place your pet in an ice bath or force water orally, as these steps may cause more harm than good.

There are several steps that can be taken to prevent your pet from suffering heatstroke. Never keep your pet in a car with the windows closed, even for a short period of time. Always keep fresh cool water available for your pet to drink on hot days. Do not exercise your pet too vigorously on hot summer days; plan daily walks in early morning or late evening hours. Avoid placing your pet in a small, poorly ventilated crate or enclosure unless the room can be cooled with air conditioning. Pay particular attention to pets at greater risk of heatstroke. This includes arctic breeds (or other
breeds with heavy coats), obese animals, dogs with respiratory compromise, and older pets.

Heartworm Disease Prevention:

It’s not just for the dogs!

Heartworm disease is a serious but easily prevented infection in both dogs and cats. Heartworm larvae are carried by mosquitoes. A single mosquito bite can transmit as many as 10-12 larvae into your pet’s bloodstream. These larvae migrate through the blood vessels into the pulmonary arteries, where they can grow to adulthood. These infected animals can then act as a reservoir for infecting new mosquitoes, furthering the cycle.

Clinical signs of heartworm disease can vary from weight loss, fever, and exercise intolerance to difficulty breathing and right-sided heart failure. Prevention is simple and is recommended for all pets, even those spending their time indoors. All dogs are tested on an annual basis or when a single dose of heartworm preventative has been missed for more than 6 weeks. Dogs receive oral monthly heartworm preventative, either Interceptor® or Sentinel®. Both products have the additional benefit of clearing a variety of common intestinal parasites each month. Sentinel® has the added advantage of preventing flea infestation as well.

New data suggests that feline heartworm prevention is more important than ever. Studies show that low worm burdens in cats can cause damage to lung tissue, leading to clinical signs which mimic feline asthma. Revolution® is an easy, once-a-month topical heartworm preventative recommended for all cats. It also protects cats from fleas, intestinal parasites, and ear mites.

Finally, ferrets too can be infected with heartworms. Use of monthly Revolution® has been employed in the prevention of ferret heartworm disease.

Timely Toxicity Topic:

Xylitol Poisoning

Xylitol is a sugar substitute found in a variety of sugar-free foods, such as candy, gum, pudding, baked goods, and even human toothpaste. It is a naturally-occurring sugar alcohol which has little to no effect on human insulin or glucose levels. However, dogs are very sensitive to the effects of xylitol. Small doses can lead to profound hypoglycemia and even liver failure. In a 15 pound dog, toxicity can be seen from as little as one or two pieces of sugar-free chewing gum. If your pet has ingested any products containing xylitol, please seek veterinary attention immediately.

Ferrets are naturally active and inquisitive, requiring a minimum or 2 hours of supervised activity outside of the cage per day. Care must be taken that there are no open areas for ferrets to burrow, such as under the couch, bed, or in a wall, as ferrets tend to sneak into small openings and can be difficult to retrieve. Never give ferrets dog, cat, or baby toys, foam, plastic or other foreign substances. Curious ferrets may ingest pieces of the foreign material, causing an obstruction which requires surgery.

Ferrets should be annually vaccinated for distemper virus and rabies. Should your unvaccinated ferret bite another person, strict penalties and quarantines may be enforced due to local rabies laws. Ferrets older than 2 years of age should receive a routine physical exam two times per year to screen for early signs of disease. Ferrets are prone to a number of problems, such as insulinommas, adrenal tumors, lymphoma, and heart disease. Early detection is important in management of these diseases.

What’s New this Summer at Raritan Animal Hospital?

The Raritan Animal Hospital is excited to welcome our two newest associates, Dr. Andrea Freeman and Dr. Jamie Torres. Dr. Freeman joins us after graduating from the University of Pennsylvania. Dr. Torres is a recent graduate of the University of Minnesota. We are also happy to announce the addition of two new technicians to our staff, Victoria Arbona and Christina Gray.

This summer, the Raritan Animal Hospital is purchasing a new, state-of-the-art, radiosurgical unit. This technology gives us many of the same advantages of laser surgery, but with reduced swelling and bleeding at surgical sites. Patients experience less post-operative pain and faster recovery. It is available on all procedures, ranging from spays, neuters, and declaws to tumor removals and other more advanced surgery. Please speak to one of our doctors for more information.

The Raritan Animal Hospital E-pharmacy is accepting orders! Medications such as heartworm preventative, flea and tick preventative, arthritis medications, antihistamines, and many more can be ordered online. Orders can be placed 7 days a week, 24 hours a day, and may be picked up at the hospital or sent to your home.

Visit the site today at www.epharmacyrah.com!