Degenerative joint disease (DJD) is one of the most prevalent and overlooked disease conditions of middle-aged and older pets.  DJD refers to degeneration of cartilage within the joints and osteoarthritis occurs when there is bony remodeling of the joint surfaces.  Both conditions cause chronic pain in our patients and often the early signs of this pain can be difficult to detect.  Signs of arthritis in dogs can include subtle changes, such as reluctance to jump, difficulty rising from a resting position, and unwillingness to walk up stairs.  Over time, these signs can progress to a short-strided gait, inability to run and jump (especially on furniture), and even overt lameness.  In cats, arthritis can be very difficult to notice.  Symptoms include difficulty jumping or walking up stairs, reluctance to be petted or brushed in particular areas, and unwillingness to groom themselves.  Contrary to popular belief, dogs and cats often become quiet when experiencing chronic pain.  They do not vocalize or whine, as people might when they experience the same condition.

       The most important aspect of managing arthritis in our pets is early treatment.  In both dogs and cats, chondroitin and glucosamine supplements can be used in the early stages of arthritis.  We recommend Dasuquin®, which contains easy to digest nutraceuticals that may increase joint mobility and decrease pain.  These supplements are safe, with little to no side effects, and may be given in conjunction with a wide variety of medications.             

       In dogs, non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) are commonly used to help early to mid-stage arthritis.  Also, they can often be beneficial as the disease progresses when used in conjunction with other medications.  Products such as Rimadyl®, Deramaxx®, and Metacam® have all been approved for long term use in dogs.  Pets receiving these medications for life must have bloodwork checked on a regular basis to monitor kidney and liver function.  We do not recommend aspirin for dogs with osteoarthritis, as a single tablet often causes ulceration of the stomach lining.  Aspirin is NEVER to be given with any of the above NSAIDs.             

       In dogs, diet changes may help with arthritic joints.  Diets such as Hill’s Prescription J/D contains anti-inflammatory omega fatty acids and glucosamine which can reduce the pain associated with arthritis.  In addition, it helps maintain a lean body weight, which reduces the amount of pressure on sore joints.             

       An injectible medication called Adequan® can also be given to dogs in the early stages of arthritis. It contains particles called PSGAGs, which can be found within the joint capsule. Supplementing the joint with these particles has shown to help keep cartilage intact and maintain a healthy bed of joint fluid.  Adequan® can be administered at home by the owner or if preferred, in the veterinary clinic.   

       Finally, in end-stage arthritis, pain medications such as Tramadol, a synthetic opioid, may help in dogs and cats whose quality of life is truly decreased.

       It is important to remember that there are a variety of treatment options for arthritic pets and that often multiple treatments may be needed to achieve the best pain relief.  Speak to your veterinarian today if you feel your pet is showing signs of joint disease and give your pet the gift of relief from chronic pain this holiday season!

       The holiday season is a popular time for families to welcome a new pet into their home.  This article will prepare our clients to bring a new addition into their home, as well as provide valuable insight to first time pet owners.

        When bringing a new puppy or kitten into the home it is important to make sure that the environment is safe. Some tips that apply for making a home kitten-proof or puppy-proof are as follows:

        It is essential that your new pet arrive home healthy. In homes with multiple pets, make sure your new puppy or kitten is up to date on vaccinations and deworming as  you do not want to expose your current pets to illness or parasites.  It is also a good idea to ensure that your existing pets are current on their vaccinations against anything the new family member may inadvertently introduce to the household, so that they are fully protected.  Inquire about parasite and flea control and how and when to start your new pet on year-round protection.

        A new home can seem immense in size to a new puppy or kitten so it is best to keep them confined to a smaller area in the beginning and gradually widen their boundaries. Be sure water and food are always nearby. This is most necessary for small breed puppies as they are prone to episodes of hypoglycemia (low blood sugar) if not fed frequently enough.  For kittens this also means keeping a litter box nearby until they learn the layout of their new home. Make sure your pet has a quiet and safe place to rest as sleep is an essential part of growth and development in puppies and kittens.

       The first vet visit for a new puppy or kitten can be as stressful for the owner as it is for the patient.  This is mainly due to the amount of topics that must be discussed during this initial visit. Many veterinarians will offer new puppy or kitten packs which are a compilation of this information as well as the tips on how to raise a healthy puppy or kitten. Take the time to read through this information and prepare yourself to ask the necessary questions concerning your pet's health and development at follow-up visits.

The following chart outlines the vaccinations and tests that are essential for a new puppy or kitten’s health:

      At the Raritan Animal Hospital we feel spaying and neutering is essential to your puppy or kittens health. Early spaying and neutering has shown to greatly reduce the risk of some medical conditions experienced by adult pets. Such examples include pyometra (infection of the uterus), testicular cancer, mammary gland tumors, as well as prostate disease. If breeding is not in your pet’s future; schedule their spay or neuter procedure by 6 months of age. For females the goal is to have them spayed before they enter their first heat cycle which usually occurs sometime after 6 months of age.

      Protect your new family member by making sure they wear an ID tag and collar.  For kittens be sure the collar is expandable or breakaway as cats can be prone to catching collars in tight areas.  A great option for any pet is to have them microchipped.  Microchipping ensures that your new pet will always have a source of identification linking them to you. The ideal time to implant your pet with a microchip is during their spay or neuter procedure. If your pet is already chipped they must be registered with a pet database to enable quick recovery should they become lost.  One such popular database is the AKC-Companion Animal Rescue database.  Another way to protect your new family member is to be proactive about their health. Consider enrolling your pet for veterinary pet insurance to help provide them with the best care possible for a long and healthy life.

       Enjoy your new puppy or kitten’s first year as it is a special time. We look forward to helping them stay happy and healthy as they grow!

   Chinchillas are just one of the many small mammals regularly treated at the Raritan Animal Hospital.  Chinchillas are native to the mountainous regions of South America and have numerous adaptations to the cold dry weather that can make them challenging house pets.

       Chinchillas are very temperature sensitive and will not do well in temperatures above 75 degrees Fahrenheit.   Multi-level cages are a must to encourage your pet to use its powerful hind legs for jumping.  When you select a cage for your chinchilla, pick one with small close mesh so that the delicate legs on your pet don’t get caught or trapped.  Chinchillas’ legs are very fragile and can fracture easily.  A chinchilla’s diet should consist of commercially prepared Timothy Hay based pellets produced specifically for chinchillas.  Rabbit pellets are not a suitable substitute for chinchillas, as they have a slightly higher protein requirement than rabbits.  In addition to pellets, make sure that there is plenty of fresh hay available at all time for your pet to graze.  Chinchillas can live well as solitary animals or can live in pairs.  Be very cautious when housing females together, as aggression is always a risk. Therefore, male/female pairings or male/male pairings are more ideal.

       One feature that makes chinchillas unique is their soft fur coats.  The fur is extremely dense and impermeable to water.   To keep your pet’s coat in good condition you should give your chinchilla a dust bath at least twice per week.  Most chinchillas love their dust bath, making it extremely amusing to watch.  Be sure to handle your chinchilla with lots of care as their fur can also be very fragile.  Rough handling can cause them to slough their fur in places requiring medical treatment. 

       Chinchillas should visit the veterinarian once per year.  Their wellness exam will include a weight check, oral and dental exam, as well as a general physical.  While there are not any vaccines necessary for chinchillas, if your pet is going to be traveling or coming in contact with a large number of people, you may want to consider vaccinating them for rabies. The most common ailments seen in chinchillas include dental disease, anorexia, and skin problems.  If your chinchilla has not been eating for more than 24 hours, please consider this a medical emergency and bring them in immediately.

       Chinchillas, though at times a challenging pet, are lively and entertaining.  Providing a good diet and clean home is the best thing you can do to keep them healthy.

       This Fall we hosted a Halloween Pet Costume Photo Contest. We had so much fun with this event, as did many of our clients and their pets. Entries were divided into three categories: Dogs, Cats, and Exotics. Each winner was presented with a gift basket of items for their pet. Prizes were awarded as follows:

Best Dog Costume:                                   Best Cat Costume:

Cailin Wenzel                                            Indy Franklin

Best Exotic Costume:

Kali Dabrio

We look forward to hosting this contest again next fall!

      Raritan Animal Hospital would like to welcome the newest additions to our staff! Dr. Michelle Mason has joined our team of veterinarians.  We would also like to welcome Julie Lee, the newest addition to our veterinary assistants.

     We would also like to welcome our newest clinic staff members. Kathy Gorman joins our Hopelawn Animal Clinic staff and Jillian Pepe joins our Piscataway Animal Clinic staff.

If you are interested in becoming a member of our team click below!

       On December 13th some of our staff hosted an afternoon of fun at our Piscataway Animal Clinic. Clients were invited to bring their pets in to have photos taken with Santa Claus. For a small donation clients were provided with a keepsake picture of their pet with Santa presented in a decorative greeting card. Donations of food and care items were presented to the Edison Animal Shelter. Thank you to all the families who participated and joined in the spirit of giving this holiday season.

       As 2008 comes to a close Raritan Animal Hospital celebrates over 80 years of service to the pet community. With each new year, the staff of our hospital and clinics look forward to providing pets with the best veterinary care possible. This February we will once again be highlighting the importance of dental care for cats and dogs. We now offer Greenies Pill Pockets for our patients who are challenging for their owners to medicate with pills. We will also continue to offer the service of our online pharmacy through which pet medications can be conveniently delivered right to your home. We hope this January will mark the start of a great new year for the hospital as well as a happy and healthy year for our patients and their families!