Top 10 Reasons Pets Visit the Veterinarian

	CANINE		FELINE
1.	Ear infections	1.	Urinary tract infections
2.	Skin allergies	2.	Upset stomach
3.	Hot spots	3.	Chronic kidney failure
4.	Upset Stomach	4.	Inflamed intestine
5.	Inflamed intestine	5.	Diabetes mellitus
6.	Urinary tract infections	6.	Skin allergies
7.	Non-cancerous skin tumors	7.	Inflamed colon
8.	Eye infection	8.	Ear infections
9.	Osteoarthritis	9.	Respiratory infections
10.	Hypothyroidism	10.	Hyperthyroidism

Skin and ear problems
These are commonly bacterial and/or yeast (Malessezia) infections secondary to allergy. Most allergies are related to flea bites, atopy (allergy to environmental pollens/molds/dust mites), or food allergy. The doctor will typically do a “cytology” of the skin or ear to determine the components of the infection and appropriate medications will be dispensed. Topical treatments such as medicated shampoos, ear ointment, leave-on lotions may also be prescribed. At All Paws Animal Clinic it is very important that we know that your pet is improving on the treatment plan we have given for your pet, therefore we will do a complimentary recheck examination in 10-14 days.

Digestive Disorders
Gastrointestinal problems (vomiting and diarrhea) are a common reason that we may see your pet. Even humans experience these problems from time to time, but when your pet has had vomiting or diarrhea or more than 24-48 hours, especially if the pet is lethargic or not eating, it is time to call your veterinarian and have your pet examined. Common causes of vomiting and diarrhea are: dietary indiscretions (sudden diet change, ingestion of a foreign material), toxins, drug intolerance, intestinal obstruction, food allergy, metabolic disorders (kidney failure, diabetes, Addison’s disease), pancreatitis, disorders of the small and large intestine, and neurologic disorders to name a few. Some of these can be serious illnesses.

The doctor will take a thorough history about duration and frequency of vomiting, contents of vomitus, diet and recent changes in diet, water and food intake and environmental considerations.

Diagnostically, an intestinal parasite screen (stool sample), bloodwork and abdominal radiographs may be recommended. Depending upon the results of these tests, a barium series may be recommended to rule out an intestinal obstruction.

Treatment may include fluid therapy (intravenous or subcutaneous, depending on severity of dehydration), anti-emetics (anti-vomiting injection), antacid injection (such as Pepcid), anti-diarrheals, probiotics to enhance good bacteria in the intestine, and a bland diet. The doctor will instruct the patient to have nothing fed orally for an appropriate period of time to allow the stomach and intestines to rest. If the patient is not hospitalized and sent home with symptomatic therapy, we will call you the next day to get an update on the pet’s status.

Urinary Tract Infections
The most common symptoms of a lower urinary tract infection (bladder) frequency, urgency and straining to urinate, accidental urination in the house and blood may be seen in the urine. Most cases of cystitis are caused by infecting bacteria that work their way up to the bladder through the urethra. Disruptions in certain defense mechanisms (voiding action of urine, urine ph and immunologic host defenses), may predispose to infection.

Other causes of cystitis include bladder crystals and stones and bladder tumors. A condition known as Idiopathic/Interstital Cystitis (IC) in Cats is the most common underlying diagnosis in cats less than 10 years of age with clinical signs of irritative voidings. It is classified as a noninfectious inflammatory lower urinary tract disease and is multifactorial. Stress seems to be very important in the development of IC. Treatment recommendations are aimed at pain relief, changes in diet, feeding practices, increasing water consumption, reducing stress factors, litter box management and possible drug therapy. This syndrome has proven to be very frustrating to treat and may take time to treat.

Eye Infections
Ocular injuries and irritation are very common in both cats and dogs. Normal tear production keeps the cornea moist (clear part of the eye) and any change in tear production or trauma to the cornea can result in great discomfort. Signs of abnormal discharge from the eye, increased tearing, squinting of the eye or rubbing excessively are reasons that you should have your pet examined. Ulcerations of the cornea are considered an emergency as the cornea can easily perforated and blindness can result. SQUINTING OF THE EYE SHOULD PROMPT YOU TO CALL YOUR VETERINARIAN IMMEDIATELY! The doctor may perform several ocular tests including a fluorescein stain to check for scratches or ulcers in the cornea, a Schirmer Tear Test to check for proper tear production and a pressure check to test for glaucoma. Appropriate medications (drops or ointment) will be prescribed, however, if the doctor feels the ocular damage is severe enough, they will refer you to a board certified veterinary opthamologist (see Specialist list).

Thyroid Disease
Hypothyroidism is seen in canines and is a syndrome that occurs from the result of decreased levels of thyroid hormones (T3 and T4) in the blood. Onset can occur between the age of 2-9 years of age and it can occur in any breed (prevalence n Boxers, Dachshunds, Dobermans, Golden retrievers, Labrador retrievers, Great Danes, Irish setters, Miniature schnauzers, and poodles). Signs are usually non-specific and gradual in onset and may include, weight gain, lethargy, mental dullness, exercise intolerance/inactivity, fur loss or thinning of the coat, flaky or greasy coat, increase in skin pigmentation and chronic skin and ear infections. Reproductive problems are not uncommon. The doctor will run some blood tests in order to diagnose the hypothyroid condition. Treatment is initiated with levothyroxine sodium (synthetic T4) and blood levels will be taken at certain intervals to adjust the dose as needed. Clinical improvement is usually seen within 3 months.

Hyperthyroidism is seen in felines and results from the continued excessive secretion of thyroid hormones. The condition is usually seen in older cats usually greater than 8 years of age. Typical symptoms may include drinking and urinating more than usually, weight loss despite normal or increase in appetite, hyperactivity or nervousness, vomiting and/or diarrhea, increased respiratory rate/panting, weakness/lethargy and decreased grooming activity. Diagnosis is simply blood test checking serum total T4 level. There are three general treatment options: Medical (daily antithyroid medication), Surgical thyroidectomy or Radioactive iodine treatment.

Osteoarthritis
Just like human beings, dogs and cats can develop osteoarthritis or degenerative joint disease (DJD). Joints can become inflamed, swollen and painful. Signs of DJD may be trouble getting up from a lying position, slower to move around or go up and down the stairs, reluctance to play, whimpering and soreness when touched. Radiographs of the joint can diagnose the condition.

There is no cure for DJD, however, nutritional supplements (chondroitin, glucosamine and MSM) and pain medications (such as Metacam, Previcox, and Rimadyl) can greatly alleviate the discomfort. Injections of a polysulfated glycosaminoglycan compound called Adequan can be tried in addition to other treatments. Obesity is a common problem in pets with arthritis, so weight loss can improve DJD greatly.

OTHER MEDICAL CONDITIONS

Heart problems – Congenital (born with) defects

Cardiomyopathy (Muscle disease of the heart)

Mitral Valve Insufficiency
Disease affecting the heart can lead to Congestive Heart Failure which can cause signs of breathing difficulty, lack of exercise tolerance and coughing. There are many medications which can help to stabilize what can be a very serious condition.

CANCER
Unfortunately, cancer cells can arise from anywhere in the body as it can in human beings. There are no specific blood tests, so the doctor may have to do other diagnostic tests to determine the presence of cancer. There is a board certified veterinary oncologist, Dr. Stephanie Correa, in West Palm Beach who can treat different types of caner.