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Health care for our pets from theVet’s Corner
Anti Freeze:
As Spring & Summer approach, many of us begin to once again
work on our cars and change fluids for warmer weather. We
must remember to NEVER leave antifreeze lying around, even
for a few minutes. Antifreeze has a sweet taste that is
attractive to animals; however it is very deadly to them.
This is so even if small amounts are heavily diluted, such
as residue in a draining pan or on a rag.
If you see your pet ingest antifreeze, call your veterinary
hospital immediately or seek veterinary care at an Emergency
Hospital that carries the antidote. They will attempt to
induce your pet to vomit and if that fails, administer an
antidote. Unfortunately, the antidote only works if
administered within the first 4-8 hours after ingestion.
Often times, owners are unaware that their pet has ingested
antifreeze until the pet begins to show symptoms the next
day.
Initial symptoms include trouble breathing and coughing.
This is often followed by nervous system signs such as
twitching, trembling and seizures. Finally the pet will
start to drink and urinate excessively as the kidneys begin
to fail.
There are several brands of antifreeze available today that
are non-toxic to children and pets. Check the labels at the
store; if the product is toxic, it will be clearly
marked.
Please remember to be careful with the products you use in
and on your vehicle. Use and dispose of properly to avoid
potential disasters.
Dr. John Charos
LYME DISEASE:
Lyme disease is a debilitating tick-borne disease in which
dogs are 50% more susceptible than humans, with new
infections doubling over the last decade. Our first line of
defense is to test and vaccinate. Ticks can transmit to
humans and animals through a bite and initiate a
multi-system inflammatory disease.
The most common carriers of the deer tick are birds and
mice. Long Island and parts of Queens are now considered the
#1 area for Lyme. Dz and the Vx is highly recommended.
Common signs of Lyme disease include swollen joints,
stiffness, lameness, fever, lethargy, dermatitis, loss of
appetite, depression and vomiting. If left untreated,
degenerative joint disease, cardiac disease, kidney disease
and even death can follow.
Vaccine is not the best prevention, prevention is the best
prevention. Treat and check your pet and treat your yard.
The vaccine is not that effective. While nothing is 100%
most studies show treatment is greater than 80% effective.We
recommend monthly tick preventative products be used all
year round if we don’t have a prolonged freeze. It is up to
pet owners to notice early signs and do routine tick checks
after outings. Tick removal should be done by your
veterinarian or properly pulled with gentle traction by
grasping the head of the tick with tweezers. Never twist or
jerk when removing, or this could lead to injecting more of
the tick’s saliva into the pet, thus causing infection. You
must be diligent and check your pet and yourselves after
walks. Use a layered approach to protecting yourself and
your pet.
Dr. John Charos
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