Spay/Neuter Debate & Dental Health
I have previously covered reasons to spay & neuter your dog, but since this is such an important topic to cover, it definitely deserves to be covered again. I will also be covering the dental health. My goal covering dental health is to impress the importance of yearly maintenance along with the possible side effects or results of poor dental care of your pet.
The media, vet clinic, TV commercials (thank you ASPCA) stress the fact that too many kittens and puppies are produced every year, and that there just are not enough potential owners to keep up with the demand. The obvious conclusion is that we should breed fewer cats and dogs, produce fewer litters, and educate the public on the importance of spay/neuter procedures. The easiest way to ensure that less litters occur is through sterilization procedures, so a larger percentage of cats and dogs are incapable of breeding.
Having a litter of puppies may seem like a fun thing to do. Some even believe that it helps their female dog, in some way, to develop more completely or become a better pet.
Neither is true
Becoming pregnant and having a litter of dogs in no way alters the maturity level of the dog, either physically or mentally. In most cases, people find out that it is hard to find good homes for all of the puppies, even if they are advertised "Free to a Good Home." In addition, not all pregnancies go smoothly. Difficult labor, puppy mortality, and potential health problems in the mother, such as uterine and mammary gland infections, can take all the fun out of the experience. I have included below several of the risk of keeping your female dog intact.
Risks of Not Spaying
1. Pregnancy: Dogs can have large litters, sometimes 8+ puppies.
2. Mammary Cancer: This is one of the most common cancers in dogs. Spaying your female dog reduces her risk of mammary cancer by 40-60%.
3. Tumors in the reproductive tract: Cancer/tumors can occur in both the ovaries & uterus
4. Infection in the reproductive tract: Also known as a pyometra, this life threatening infection causes the uterus to fill with pus which is often fatal.
1. Pregnancy: Dogs can have large litters, sometimes 8+ puppies.
2. Mammary Cancer: This is one of the most common cancers in dogs. Spaying your female dog reduces her risk of mammary cancer by 40-60%.
3. Tumors in the reproductive tract: Cancer/tumors can occur in both the ovaries & uterus
4. Infection in the reproductive tract: Also known as a pyometra, this life threatening infection causes the uterus to fill with pus which is often fatal.
The average age that dogs are spayed is between 5-8 months old, but can be done earlier. Some animal shelters spay & neuter as early as 2 months old. Early neutering does not affect the growth rate, and currently there are no appreciable differences in skeletal, physical, or behavioral development between those animals neutered early than those neutered at a more traditional age.
Most dogs at our clinic are spayed & neutered are done
with final vaccine boosters at 16 weeks old.
with final vaccine boosters at 16 weeks old.
For male dogs, there are different benefits other than pregnancy prevention when owners choose to neuter.
1. Prevent injury: Intact males are significantly more territorial than neutered males which causes a dramatic increase in the number of fights between intact males which leads to bite wounds, abscesses, and other injuries.
2. Reduces Roaming: Intact males are always looking for a mate which can cause them to frequently wonder away from home. This can lead to hit by car accidents, fights, or wildlife encounters.
3. Keeps your house cleaner: Intact males spray urine to mark their territory. If your dog starts marking your house & you neuter him that does not mean neutering will eliminate that behavior once it starts.
4. Eliminates the risk of testicular cancer: One of the more common cancers in dogs, we take away the testicles during surgery, this eliminates the the risk of that particular type of cancer.
1. Prevent injury: Intact males are significantly more territorial than neutered males which causes a dramatic increase in the number of fights between intact males which leads to bite wounds, abscesses, and other injuries.
2. Reduces Roaming: Intact males are always looking for a mate which can cause them to frequently wonder away from home. This can lead to hit by car accidents, fights, or wildlife encounters.
3. Keeps your house cleaner: Intact males spray urine to mark their territory. If your dog starts marking your house & you neuter him that does not mean neutering will eliminate that behavior once it starts.
4. Eliminates the risk of testicular cancer: One of the more common cancers in dogs, we take away the testicles during surgery, this eliminates the the risk of that particular type of cancer.
Please contact our clinic directly to schedule
an spay or neuter for your dog
an spay or neuter for your dog
If you still decide that you are going to keep your dog intact (male or female), I strongly encourage you to read our handouts on breeding, pregnancy, & partition.
Please click on the picture above for direct link to our resource page.
Please click on the picture above for direct link to our resource page.
Dental disease, including teeth and gums is one of the most common problems faced by all pet owners. Many dog owners may think that dental health is primarily an older dog issue, but studies show that over 80% of dogs over the age of three suffer from some form of dental disease, but fortunately the most common forms of these diseases are largely preventable or treatable with appropriate preventive dental care and monitoring.
The three most common dental diseases in dogs are gingivitis*, periodonitis*, and tooth resorption*. Dental disease in dogs can cause serious pain and discomfort, which can impact a dog’s quality of life. In many cases, dental disease causes a dog to stop eating, which leads to a variety of health problems. Below are some signs to look for in concerns to dental health
1. Red gum line near tooth
2. Swollen gums
3. Painful gums
4. Bleeding gums
5. Tartar on teeth
6. Broken teeth
7. Difficulty chewing/eating
8. Decreased appetite
9. Chewing on one side of mouth
10. Significant drooling
11. Bad breath
1. Red gum line near tooth
2. Swollen gums
3. Painful gums
4. Bleeding gums
5. Tartar on teeth
6. Broken teeth
7. Difficulty chewing/eating
8. Decreased appetite
9. Chewing on one side of mouth
10. Significant drooling
11. Bad breath
As mentioned above, the easiest way to prevent disease, infection, pain is good dental care, health, and prevention. Brushing your dog's teeth at home, using a good dental treat (such as Oravet), and regular dental cleaning by your veterinarian are all things that can help prevent dental disease.
If you are concerned about your dog's dental health, please contact our clinic to schedule an appointment to get your dog's teeth checked & a dental cleaning scheduled.
**Any word marked with a * can be found in our glossary for it's definition**
Glossary
Gingivitis: Inflammation/infection of the gums
Periodonitis: Inflammation/infection of the bone and tissue around the teeth causing tooth loss or loose teeth
Tooth Resorption: Condition where the internal structure of the tooth begins to break down causing instability.
Gingivitis: Inflammation/infection of the gums
Periodonitis: Inflammation/infection of the bone and tissue around the teeth causing tooth loss or loose teeth
Tooth Resorption: Condition where the internal structure of the tooth begins to break down causing instability.
Rabies & DAPP
December is National Dog Health month. Our Blog posts this month will be covering common dog diseases, issues, and also give you a in-depth look at the vaccines that we offer, what is in each vaccine, and what each vaccine prevents. In this post, we will be covering Canine Rabies & DAPP (Canine Distemper combo)
The vaccine Rabies comes in a feline and canine version, but both versions treat the same disease. Michigan requires rabies as a vaccine for dogs, & also is required to become licensed in your county. It is STRONGLY recommended by veterinarians due to the zoonotic* nature and fatal prognosis*. Below, I have expanded on the Rabies disease, so as an owner you can be more educated on the disease that this vaccine prevents.
Rabies
Common Name: Rabies
Breed,Age,Sex: All breeds, all ages, male & female affected, outdoor dogs are more common due to increased contact with wildlife
Risk Factors: Contact with wildlife, especially raccoons, bats, skunks, and foxes, inadequate vaccination, live virus* vaccination of immunocompromised* animals
Zoonotic*: YES
Presenting signs: Anxiety, fever, difficulty swallowing, dropped jaw, aggression, altered voice, paralysis, seizures, ataxia*
Treatment: There is no treatment, once contracted, Rabies is fatal within a 1-2 weeks.
PREVENTION IS KEY: VACCINATE
Common Name: Rabies
Breed,Age,Sex: All breeds, all ages, male & female affected, outdoor dogs are more common due to increased contact with wildlife
Risk Factors: Contact with wildlife, especially raccoons, bats, skunks, and foxes, inadequate vaccination, live virus* vaccination of immunocompromised* animals
Zoonotic*: YES
Presenting signs: Anxiety, fever, difficulty swallowing, dropped jaw, aggression, altered voice, paralysis, seizures, ataxia*
Treatment: There is no treatment, once contracted, Rabies is fatal within a 1-2 weeks.
PREVENTION IS KEY: VACCINATE
The vaccine DAPP is our canine combo vaccine that is used to prevent the following diseases: canine distemper virus, adenovirus type 2, parainfluenza virus and canine parvo virus. Below, I have expanded on each of the diseases that DAPP prevents so as an owner, you can be more educated on what your vaccines prevent.
Canine Distemper Virus
Common Name: Canine Distemper
Breed, Age, Sex: All breeds, all ages, male & female affected. Dogs between 3-6 months old more at risk
Risk Factors: Inadequate vaccination, exposure to infected animals
Zoonotic*: No
Presenting signs: Fever, lethargy, ocular & nasal discharge, cough, inappetence, vomiting, diarrhea, & neurological signs like seizures.
Treatment: Mainly supportive care, antibiotics, & anit-convulsants. Vaccinate!
Adenovirus Type 2
Common Name: One cause of upper respiratory tract infections in dogs
Breed, Age, Sex: All breeds, all ages (kittens most likely), male & female affected
Risk Factors: Unvaccinated status, crowded conditions, exposure to infected dogs
Zoonotic: Immunocompromised humans at risk
Presenting Signs: Recent exposure to crowded conditions (boarding/daycare), coughing, sneezing, signs similar to pneumonia
Treatment: Supportive care, cough suppression, & prevention of secondary infection with antibiotics.
Parainfluenza Virus
Common Name: One cause of canine kennel cough
Breed, Age, Sex: All breeds, all ages (mostly puppies), male & female affected
Risk Factors: Unvaccinated status, exposure to infected dogs, boarding or kennels
Zoonotic*: No
Presenting Signs: Coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, recent boarding or daycare visit
Treatment: Supportive care, cough suppression, & prevention of secondary infection with antibiotics.
Canine Parvo Virus
Common Name: Canine Parvovirus
Breed, Age, Sex: All breeds, usually puppies under 8 months, male & female affected
Risk Factors: Unvaccinated status, exposure to infected dogs, immunosuppressed puppies
Zoonotic*: No
Presenting Signs: Acute lethargy*, vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia* (all signs can be severe)
Treatment: Supportive care, fluids, antibiotics, anti-emetics*, appetite stimulants, syringe feeding. Vaccinate!
Common Name: Canine Distemper
Breed, Age, Sex: All breeds, all ages, male & female affected. Dogs between 3-6 months old more at risk
Risk Factors: Inadequate vaccination, exposure to infected animals
Zoonotic*: No
Presenting signs: Fever, lethargy, ocular & nasal discharge, cough, inappetence, vomiting, diarrhea, & neurological signs like seizures.
Treatment: Mainly supportive care, antibiotics, & anit-convulsants. Vaccinate!
Adenovirus Type 2
Common Name: One cause of upper respiratory tract infections in dogs
Breed, Age, Sex: All breeds, all ages (kittens most likely), male & female affected
Risk Factors: Unvaccinated status, crowded conditions, exposure to infected dogs
Zoonotic: Immunocompromised humans at risk
Presenting Signs: Recent exposure to crowded conditions (boarding/daycare), coughing, sneezing, signs similar to pneumonia
Treatment: Supportive care, cough suppression, & prevention of secondary infection with antibiotics.
Parainfluenza Virus
Common Name: One cause of canine kennel cough
Breed, Age, Sex: All breeds, all ages (mostly puppies), male & female affected
Risk Factors: Unvaccinated status, exposure to infected dogs, boarding or kennels
Zoonotic*: No
Presenting Signs: Coughing, sneezing, nasal discharge, recent boarding or daycare visit
Treatment: Supportive care, cough suppression, & prevention of secondary infection with antibiotics.
Canine Parvo Virus
Common Name: Canine Parvovirus
Breed, Age, Sex: All breeds, usually puppies under 8 months, male & female affected
Risk Factors: Unvaccinated status, exposure to infected dogs, immunosuppressed puppies
Zoonotic*: No
Presenting Signs: Acute lethargy*, vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia* (all signs can be severe)
Treatment: Supportive care, fluids, antibiotics, anti-emetics*, appetite stimulants, syringe feeding. Vaccinate!
Leptospirosa, Bordatella, Lyme, Influenza Vaccines
We are continuing our National Dog Health month with the remaining vaccines our clinic offers. As I said in the last blog post, our Blog posts this month will be covering common dog diseases, issues, and also give you a in-depth look at the vaccines that we offer, what is in each vaccine, and what each vaccine prevents. In this post, we will be covering Leptospirosa, Bordatella, Lyme & Influenza (Canine Distemper combo)
Leptospirosis
Common Name: Lepto
Breed, Age, Sex: All breeds, all ages (mostly puppies), male & female affected, intact males have higher risk
Risk Factors: Unvaccinated status, exposure to infected dogs, intact male status, rural environment, contact with rodents or their urine, outdoor dogs
Zoonotic*: YES
Presenting Signs: Lethargy, anorexia, vomiting, polyuria, history consistant with risk factors
Treatment: Doxycycline, antibiotics, IV fluid therapy (may need dialysis), hospitalization, bloodwork monitoring (liver & kidneys)
Bordetella
Common Name: Kennel Cough
Breed, Age, Sex: All breeds, all ages, male & female affected
Risk Factors: Unvaccinated status, exposure to infected dogs, kennel or daycare visits, crowded environments
Zoonotic*: No
Presenting Signs: Cough, nasal or eye discharge, fever, increased lung sound, history of risk factor elements.
Treatment: Supportive care, cough suppression, & prevention of secondary infection with antibiotics. Vaccinate!
Lyme (Borreliosis)
Common Name: Lyme Disease
Breed, Age, Sex: All breeds, all ages (younger animals more high risk), male & female affected.
Risk Factors: Inadequate vaccination, tick exposure, no use of flea/tick prevention
Zoonotic*: No
Presenting signs: Warm, swollen, painful joints, fever, dehydration.
Treatment: Long term antibiotics, supportive care, fluid therapy, pain meds. Vaccinate!
Canine Influenza
Common Name: Dog Flu
Breed, Age, Sex: All breeds, all ages, male & female affected
Risk Factors: Unvaccinated status, crowded conditions, exposure to infected dogs
Zoonotic: No
Presenting Signs: Cough, nasal discharge, lethargy, fever, harsh lung sounds
Treatment: Supportive care, cough suppression, & prevention of secondary infection with antibiotics, fluid therapy.
Common Name: Lepto
Breed, Age, Sex: All breeds, all ages (mostly puppies), male & female affected, intact males have higher risk
Risk Factors: Unvaccinated status, exposure to infected dogs, intact male status, rural environment, contact with rodents or their urine, outdoor dogs
Zoonotic*: YES
Presenting Signs: Lethargy, anorexia, vomiting, polyuria, history consistant with risk factors
Treatment: Doxycycline, antibiotics, IV fluid therapy (may need dialysis), hospitalization, bloodwork monitoring (liver & kidneys)
Bordetella
Common Name: Kennel Cough
Breed, Age, Sex: All breeds, all ages, male & female affected
Risk Factors: Unvaccinated status, exposure to infected dogs, kennel or daycare visits, crowded environments
Zoonotic*: No
Presenting Signs: Cough, nasal or eye discharge, fever, increased lung sound, history of risk factor elements.
Treatment: Supportive care, cough suppression, & prevention of secondary infection with antibiotics. Vaccinate!
Lyme (Borreliosis)
Common Name: Lyme Disease
Breed, Age, Sex: All breeds, all ages (younger animals more high risk), male & female affected.
Risk Factors: Inadequate vaccination, tick exposure, no use of flea/tick prevention
Zoonotic*: No
Presenting signs: Warm, swollen, painful joints, fever, dehydration.
Treatment: Long term antibiotics, supportive care, fluid therapy, pain meds. Vaccinate!
Canine Influenza
Common Name: Dog Flu
Breed, Age, Sex: All breeds, all ages, male & female affected
Risk Factors: Unvaccinated status, crowded conditions, exposure to infected dogs
Zoonotic: No
Presenting Signs: Cough, nasal discharge, lethargy, fever, harsh lung sounds
Treatment: Supportive care, cough suppression, & prevention of secondary infection with antibiotics, fluid therapy.
Thank You
To My Readers,
I am not sure how many of you are out there or how often you read my Monday articles or if you learned anything. It is my hope that you did, & you did enjoy atleast part of the pieces that I put out each Monday this year. It's been such a pleasure learning more about my career field & finding my more creative side with this Blog. It has pushed me, made me a stronger person, & I have learned a lot.
I will be continuing my articles next year....I am still not sure in what capacity yet, but I will continue to write. I know that I want to take a month off or so (after 52 articles I figured I could take a break). So thank you again for your continued support! I will keep updating the Facebook page so stay tuned there for more promotions & fun post.
Best Regards,
Kasey Kent
LVT, CVT, B.S. Zoology
I am not sure how many of you are out there or how often you read my Monday articles or if you learned anything. It is my hope that you did, & you did enjoy atleast part of the pieces that I put out each Monday this year. It's been such a pleasure learning more about my career field & finding my more creative side with this Blog. It has pushed me, made me a stronger person, & I have learned a lot.
I will be continuing my articles next year....I am still not sure in what capacity yet, but I will continue to write. I know that I want to take a month off or so (after 52 articles I figured I could take a break). So thank you again for your continued support! I will keep updating the Facebook page so stay tuned there for more promotions & fun post.
Best Regards,
Kasey Kent
LVT, CVT, B.S. Zoology
