What is Bordetella in dogs? 

Bordetella bronchiseptica is a gram-negative bacteria and the primary pathogen that causes kennel cough (i.e., infectious tracheobronchitis) in dogs. These extremely contagious bacteria attach to the protective respiratory cilia and prevent specialized immune cells from destroying them. Dogs with bordetella shed these infectious bacteria in their respiratory secretions. Any breed, age, or sex is at risk for kennel cough although unvaccinated pets, puppies, and senior dogs are at increased risk of severe infection. Transmission occurs when secretions from an infected dog travel through the air and are inhaled by a healthy dog. The bacteria can also be passed through dog bowls, toys, or other objects that an infected dog has contacted. Transmission commonly occurs in places such as:

• Crowded kennels or animal shelters
• Boarding facilities
• Areas with poor ventilation
• Dog parks 
• Pet stores
• Obedience classes
• Grooming salons

What are signs of Bordetella infection in your dog?

Dogs who are infected with Bordetella will show symptoms 2 to 14 days after the initial infection. They will experience a harsh, hacking cough as if something is stuck in their throat. Some dogs will have only a mild cough and will recover in two weeks without any treatment or further concerns. However, in more severe cases, dogs may experience a persistent and severe cough and pneumonia. Other clinical signs may include:

• Fever
• Lethargy
• Decreased appetite
• Sneezing
• Nasal discharge
• Eye discharge
• Retching

Pets with a more complicated form of bordetella will likely have secondary infections from other bacteria or viruses. This complex infection is referred to as canine infectious respiratory disease (CRD) and usually occurs in dogs older than 6 months. Ensure you keep your dog away from other pets to avoid spreading this contagious disease. These bacteria remain in their system for up to three months after infection and can easily spread to other dogs. 

What is Bordetella treatment in your dog?

Dogs with an uncomplicated Bordetella infection will recover quickly without any treatment. Animals with a chronic cough or more severe signs associated with pneumonia may require more involved treatments and possible hospitalization. Bring your dog to your family veterinarian if they have any Bordetella signs. Dogs with Bordetella will usually cough when their neck is gently massaged over their trachea. Other diagnostic tests may be recommended including X-rays to check for bronchitis and pneumonia, blood work for infection evaluation, and a respiratory disease screening test. Dogs with mild signs may be prescribed a course of antibiotics and a cough suppressant while dogs with severe infection may require hospitalization and the following treatments:

• Intravenous (IV) fluids  
• IV antibiotics 
• Oxygen therapy
• Cough suppressants

Financial options for your dog’s Bordetella treatment

Treatment for kennel cough or more severe CRD infection can lead to a high veterinary bill, especially for pets who require hospitalization for pneumonia. Pet insurance plans like Trupanion Express offer policies that can help cover the costs associated with unexpected veterinary treatment. Many financial institutions offer pet health savings accounts that can help ensure money is available to cover high veterinary expenses. Pet parents can also take advantage of other payment methods such as Care Credit and Scratch Pay and spread out veterinary bill payments over an extended period. 

How to prevent Bordetella in your dog

Regular vaccination is vital to protect your dog against Bordetella infection. Several vaccination types are available, and some also protect against other common respiratory bacteria and viruses that can occur with bordetella. Your family veterinarian will recommend a vaccination based on your pet’s lifestyle and behavior. Bordetella vaccine types include:

• Intranasal  — This vaccine also protects against other respiratory agents that can cause CRD. Some dogs may experience sneezing or nasal discharge for a few days after vaccination.
• Oral —The oral vaccine protects against Bordetella bacteria only but may be more easily administered to some dogs, especially those with small or narrow nasal passages. 
• Injectable — Aggressive dogs or dogs with behavior problems will most likely receive the injectable bordetella vaccine for protection against Bordetella bacteria. 

Ensure your dog is vaccinated well in advance of possible exposure such as boarding or grooming facilities and avoid bringing them to crowded or poorly ventilated areas where infections can easily be spread. 

Call our office if your dog has any Bordetella infection symptoms and your family veterinarian is unavailable. We recommend regular check-ups with your family veterinarian and keeping your dog’s vaccinations current to protect them from this potentially serious respiratory infection. #AECprevents

Sources: 

https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951478

https://www.merckvetmanual.com/respiratory-system/respiratory-diseases-of-small-animals/tracheobronchitis-in-small-animals

The post Bordetella Basics: Keeping Your Dog Infection-Free  appeared first on Animal Emergency Care (AEC) Bellingham, WA.

What is leptospirosis in dogs? 

Leptospirosis is a serious life-threatening blood infection caused by spiral-shaped bacteria referred to as spirochetes. This infectious bacteria has many species, although fewer than ten species or serovars threaten animal health. The bacteria live in slow-moving or standing water such as a puddle after a rainstorm but can survive for months in the soil after the water has cleared. Dogs serve as the primary host for this bacteria although many other mammalian species, including humans, can be infected. Dogs of any age, breed, or sex are at risk of becoming infected. Wildlife such as raccoons or rats often spread this bacteria through their bodily fluids, especially their urine. Dogs commonly become infected from:

• Drinking contaminated water
• Swimming or stepping in contaminated water with cut paws or irritated skin
• Bite wounds
• Eating infected tissue

Leptospirosis signs in dogs

Leptospirosis spreads quickly through the bloodstream of infected dogs but can take up to a week before any disease signs are present. The bacteria initially inflames the blood vessels as they travel through the body but can affect any organ system. Some form of kidney damage occurs in more than 87% of infected dogs. Clinical signs can vary from mild to severe and include:

• Fever
• Muscle stiffness and pain 
• Bruising
• Bleeding
• Poor appetite
• Weight loss
• Yellowing skin (i.e., jaundice)
• Tissue edema
• Abdominal pain
• Cloudy eyes
• Vomiting
• Lethargy
• Increased, decreased, or absent urination
• Dehydration

Dogs whose lungs become infected with these spirochetes are at risk of developing leptospiral pulmonary hemorrhagic syndrome which is a fatal condition in more than 70% of cases. Some animals who become infected with leptospirosis will also have irreversible immune problems and chronic kidney or liver disease regardless of treatment. 

Leptospirosis diagnosis and treatment in dogs 

Bring your dog for immediate veterinary care if they show leptospirosis signs after exposure to wildlife or standing water. Your family veterinarian will discuss your dog’s history and perform a thorough physical examination, and may recommend several blood and urine tests including:

• Complete blood count (CBC)  — This test will help evaluate whether your dog has an infection or any internal bleeding.
• Serum chemistry —This test is important to evaluate the health of the kidneys, liver, and other organs. 
• Electrolytes —Many dogs with this infection become dehydrated and have imbalanced electrolyte levels.  
• Serologic tests — These blood or urine tests will aid in determining if signs are consistent with leptospirosis. 

Your dog will likely need to stay in a veterinary hospital for several days depending on the severity of illness related to leptospirosis. Fortunately, this infection is extremely responsive to antibiotic therapy, but your dog will need additional care to treat the bacteria-associated illnesses. Leptospirosis treatment may include:

• Intravenous (IV) fluid therapy
• Pain medication
• Anti-nausea medication
• Gastrointestinal protectants
• Liver support medication

Dogs diagnosed with leptospirosis will need antibiotics for at least two weeks and will likely need follow-up appointments to monitor for any long-term organ damage. You must always wear gloves when handling your infected dog until your family veterinarian confirms the infection has been cleared from their system.

Financial planning for dogs undergoing treatment for leptospirosis

Treatment and post-recovery monitoring of dogs infected with leptospirosis can be expensive. Pet insurance plans like Trupanion Express have policies available to alleviate the financial stress of an unexpected illness and hospitalization. However, you must research and choose a plan before your dog needs urgent care and treatment. Many financial institutions also offer pet health savings accounts which also are a great way to plan ahead for unexpected and costly veterinary treatment. Alternate payment methods such as Care Credit, Scratch Pay, and short-term bank loans can also alleviate your concerns about paying a large unexpected veterinary bill by allowing you to spread out the payments. 

Preventing leptospirosis in your dog

Vaccination against the most common leptospirosis serovars is the most effective way to prevent any associated clinical illness in your dog. Other prevention methods include:

• Avoiding areas of standing water
• Controlling rodents and other wildlife around your home and immediate environment
• Avoiding letting your dog swim in lakes around heavily wooded areas
• Designating a specific location for your dog to eliminate while undergoing treatment
• Ensuring your dog does not eat wildlife 

Call our office if your dog has signs consistent with leptospirosis or you are worried they may have contacted contaminated water. We recommend having your dog vaccinated with your family veterinarian to prevent this potentially deadly infection. #AECprevents

Sources:

https://veterinarypartner.vin.com/default.aspx?pid=19239&id=4951453

https://www.merckvetmanual.com/generalized-conditions/leptospirosis/leptospirosis-in-dogs?query=leptospirosis%20dogs

https://www.aaha.org/publications/newstat/articles/2017-09/leptospirosis-the-vaccine-preventable-great-pretender

The post Does Your Dog Need A Leptospirosis Vaccine? appeared first on Animal Emergency Care (AEC) Bellingham, WA.

What is canine parvovirus?

Canine parvovirus causes a highly infectious viral disease typically referred to as parvo. Infected dogs shed the parvovirus in their feces, and the virus remains in the environment for months or even years since it is highly resistant to disinfectants and temperature changes. Dogs typically become infected when they ingest the virus, such as by eating grass or licking their feet after being outside. The virus can also contaminate inanimate objects such as food bowls, shoes, and clothing which infects other dogs. Puppies are highly susceptible to infection and suffer the most severe signs since their immunity has not yet fully developed. 

Canine parvovirus attacks a dog’s intestinal lining which sloughs and sheds in the feces. Intestinal bacteria and toxins then enter exposed blood vessels and cause septicemia, a body-wide blood infection. Severe septicemia and dehydration cause serious illness and can be deadly, despite treatment. 

In rare cases, canine parvovirus can attack the heart muscle of young puppies (i.e., younger than 8 weeks) causing heart failure and sudden death. 

What are canine parvovirus signs?

Parvo signs develop secondary to severe intestinal damage and may include:

• Lethargy 
• Decreased appetite
• Vomiting
• Severe, hemorrhagic diarrhea
• Severe dehydration

Many illnesses and infections, including intestinal parasites and gastritis, can cause vomiting and diarrhea in puppies which can quickly lead to life-threatening dehydration. Any puppy with these signs should be evaluated immediately by a veterinarian for a diagnosis and treatment as soon as possible.

How is canine parvovirus treated?

Canine parvovirus infections typically require hospitalization and intensive treatment. This may include:

• Intravenous fluids to correct dehydration and electrolyte imbalances
• Injectable medications to control nausea and vomiting
• Antibiotics to treat or prevent septicemia
• Invasive nutritional support
• Plasma transfusions

Infected dogs are treated in an isolation ward since parvo is highly contagious. Contamination is contained and they cannot pass the infection to other hospital patients. They are cared for by hospital team members wearing disposable gowns, gloves, and shoe coverings to prevent spread. 

Affected dogs typically are hospitalized for several days to a week. With aggressive treatment, 70% to 90% of dogs with parvo will survive, but survival rates are significantly lower without treatment. 

How can I plan ahead for an unexpected veterinary emergency?

No pet owner wants to be caught unprepared for a veterinary emergency and be forced to make life-or-death decisions based on finances. Long-term hospitalization and intensive treatment, whether for an infectious disease, a traumatic injury, or a sudden illness, can quickly become costly, so plan ahead for a potential emergency. Pet health insurance, purchased through trusted companies such as Trupanion, allows you to focus on your pet’s care and recovery instead of scraping together funds to cover treatment—or worse, not being able to proceed with treatment due to finances. 

Alternative methods that can help pay for your pet’s treatment include:

• CareCredit — A credit card solely for medical expenses, Care Credit allows facilities to delay interest. Most veterinary hospitals will delay interest payments for six months on expenses more than $200.
• Scratch Pay — Scratch Pay offers a line of credit that is limited to one facility only, although you can apply for credit at multiple facilities. You can choose the repayment term, and interest rates vary according to the timeline and your credit history. 
• Bank loans — Although private bank loans typically have higher interest rates, they may be your only choice in an emergency situation.

These options can help cover your pet’s medical costs in a pinch, but you will have less stress if you plan ahead and purchase pet medical insurance when you first adopt your pet because you will know they are covered.

How can I prevent canine parvovirus in my dog? 

Fortunately, canine parvovirus is preventable with routine vaccination. Puppies should receive their first parvovirus vaccination at 6 to 8 weeks of age, as well as boosters every three to four weeks until they are at least 16 weeks old. Every puppy must receive the full vaccination series as partial vaccination may not produce adequate virus immunity and leave your pup vulnerable to infection. Some dog breeds such as rottweilers, Doberman pinschers, American pit bull terriers, German shepherd dogs, and English springer spaniels have a higher incidence of parvo, and may require additional vaccines. Your puppy should not leave your yard until their vaccinations are complete as parvovirus is ubiquitous in the environment, and exposure is highly likely.  

Adult dogs should receive a vaccine booster at 1 year of age, and then once every three years.

Do not delay if your puppy develops vomiting and diarrhea. Contact your family veterinarian, or call us for help if needed. #AECprevents

The post Canine Parvovirus: A Deadly Threat appeared first on Animal Emergency Care (AEC) Bellingham, WA.

#1: Recognize if your dog is sensitive to the cold

Some dogs are more prone to cold sensitivity than others. Small and toy breed dogs, short-haired dogs, and breeds who don’t have an undercoat are more likely to get cold than breeds such as Saint Bernards, Alaskan malamutes, and Siberian huskies. In addition, puppies and older dogs are more sensitive to the cold. 

#2: Dress your dog for the elements

Many dog sweaters and coats are available to help keep your dog warm. Consider a few factors when purchasing your dog’s winter wardrobe.

• Your dog’s willingness — If your dog is not used to wearing clothes, they may find being dressed in winter apparel stressful and upsetting. Introduce the new clothing slowly so your dog can get used to it. Some dogs may prefer items they can step into to avoid having clothing articles pulled over their head. Give them time to adjust to wearing their new duds before taking them on outings to ensure they do not get anxious.
• The clothing’s fit — The apparel should fit comfortably without being too tight. Check the clothing at the neck, armpits, and groin, ensuring you can comfortably fit two fingers between the fabric and your dog. You also want to ensure the clothing is not too loose so they don’t become entangled in the fabric. 
• The clothing’s comfort — Check to see that the material is not irritating to your dog’s skin and that any seams or zippers do not bother them when they walk or lie down. 
• Other dogs —Ensure other pets do not pull or bite on your dog’s clothing during playtime Their teeth can easily get caught in the material.

Wash your dog’s winter apparel regularly using detergent that is dye and fragrance free to prevent your dog’s skin from becoming irritated.

#3: Check your dog’s paws

Ice, deicer, and salt can build up on your dog’s paws during your daily walk. Your pet can ingest harmful chemicals if they lick their paws which can lead to serious health problems. The cold temperatures can also cause tissue damage to their sensitive paws. Booties are a great way to protect your dog’s feet and they are available in every paw size. If your dog rejects the booties, wax products are available that will form a semi-permeable barrier over their paws to provide some protection.

#4: Limit your dog’s outdoor time on cold days

Do not leave your dog outside for long periods of time on extremely cold days. Limit their time to bathroom breaks and brief walks, especially if they are sensitive to the cold. Never leave your dog unattended in a car on cold days (or ever). 

#5: Ensure your dog has places to warm up inside

Provide comfortable, cozy beds for your dog to warm up on when they come in from the cold. Placing a blanket on their bed can help provide additional insulation if needed. Heated dog beds and pads are available for dogs particularly sensitive to the cold, but ensure the product is safe and appropriate for your pet. These products should never be used if your dog has difficulty getting up since they could be burned if they cannot move away when the bed or the pad gets too hot. Also avoid using space heaters which can be knocked over easily and potentially injure your dog.

#6: Know how to recognize hypothermia in dogs

The normal body temperature for dogs is 101 to 102.5 degrees, and hypothermia can set in if their temperature drops to around 99 degrees. When this occurs, blood vessels near the surface constrict to send blood away from the skin, legs, ears, feet, and nose and toward essential organs such as the brain and heart. Hypothermia can vary in severity.

• Mild hypothermia — Your dog’s ears, limbs, and paws will be cool to the touch and may appear pale. 
• Moderate hypothermia — Your dog will start to shiver and their muscles will become tense. While the muscular activity produces heat, it also can make your dog’s movements stiff and clumsy. Other signs include sluggishness, confusion, and pale gums.
• Severe hypothermia — Your dog will stop shivering and their body temperature will drop rapidly. Their heart rate will slow and become erratic. Their breathing will slow down and they will become increasingly lethargic and unresponsive as their oxygen levels drop. 

If your dog becomes hypothermic, get them to a warm area as soon as possible, and warm them using blankets and warm water bottles. They will need prompt emergency veterinary attention to get back to their normal body temperature. 

Keeping your dog warm this winter will protect them from many issues the cold can cause. If your dog is experiencing a veterinary emergency caused by the cold, contact our team at Animal Emergency Care so we can get them on the warm road to recovery. #AECprevents

The post 6 Tips to Keep Your Dog Toasty During Winter Activities appeared first on Animal Emergency Care (AEC) Bellingham, WA.