Newsletter: Summer 2010
Heat Stroke
As the hot summer months approaches it is important to keep our furry friends in mind, as the heat and humidity can be just as dangerous as the extreme cold for our pets.
Heat stroke is a condition in which the core temperature of the body rises to above normal (usually greater than 105-106°F). The more common secondary effects of heat stroke include dehydration and shock. Other serious complications include blood clotting abnormalities, organ failure and even death.
The normal temperature for dogs and cats is 99.5°-102.5°F; any temperature above 104°F warrants immediate attention. Heatstroke is more likely to occur in the summer as dogs are exercised in hot and humid weather, left outdoors without adequate shade, or are left inside cars, even with the windows rolled down. A 2005 study from Pediatrics journal showed that at temperatures between 72°F and 96°F cars can heat up an average of 40 degrees within one hour, with 80% of the temperature increase within the first 15-30 minutes. The study found that leaving the windows opened slightly did not affect results significantly.
Although dogs can dissipate a small amount of heat through their foot pads, their primary mechanism of cooling is via panting. Thus, medical conditions affecting panting may also predispose to heat stroke. Examples are obesity and laryngeal paralysis. Elderly dogs may also be more predisposed to overheating. Some breeds are also predisposed due to their pug-type (brachycephalic) noses, which can cause them to pant less effectively. Examples of these breeds are Pekingese, Pugs, Lhaso Apsos, Boston Terriers Bulldogs, and Shih Tzus.
Potential signs of heat stroke include heavy panting, restlessness, visual distress, increased heart rate, vomiting, and even collapse. The gums may appear discolored, either blueish/purple, or bright red, because of poor oxygenation and circulation.
If you suspect heat stroke, your pet should be examined by a veterinarian as soon as possible.
- In the meantime, remove your pet from the hot/humid environment to a shaded and cool environment, and place a fan on him/her.
- You may place a wet towel over the back of the neck, armpits, and groin region. Using a fan on ear flaps and pads wetted with water may help with evaporative cooling.
- If you have a rectal thermometer available, you can use this to obtain a temperature.
- Offer fresh water to your pet, but do not force it.
- Although it may seem logical to spray your pet with cold or ice water, this is not advisable as it may cause superficial blood vessels to shrink, thereby making cooling measures less effective.
AAHA ACCREDITATION
West Frederick Veterinary Hospital is proud to be a member of the American Animal Hospital Association, a prestigious group of veterinary hospitals that subscribe to the highest standards in veterinary medicine and quality pet care. We must go through a rigorous accreditation process every three years in order to maintain our good standing. This process ensures that we are providing the most complete and up-to-date care for your pets.
TOPICAL FLEA AND TICK PREVENTATIVES
There has been quite a bit of coverage in the media recently on topical flea and tick preventatives. In 2009 the Environmental Protection Agency (EPA) released a statement in response to an increased number of adverse incident reports related to topical or spot-on flea and tick preventatives. They planned to evaluate labeling requirements and testing protocols for these products in an effort to decrease the number of adverse incidents associated with use of such products. This past March, the EPA released a report summarizing their findings, as indicated below:
- Misuse of dog products on cats is a major problem, most often because the label warning against use of dog products on cats was ineffective.
- Smaller breed dogs had more adverse events than large dogs, perhaps because weight/dose ranges may be inaccurate or too wide for some products (i.e. a smaller animal gets too much product/active ingredient per pound)
- Most incidents were minor, but occasional products had deaths or major incidents reported. The most common organ systems involved were the skin, gastrointestinal tract, and nervous system.
The EPA makes the following recommendations for dealing with fleas and ticks on your pet*:
- Consult your veterinarian about the best way to protect your pets from fleas and ticks and whether pesticides are even needed.
- Use extra care before use on weak, aged, medicated, sick, pregnant, or nursing pets, or on pets that have previously shown signs of sensitivity to pesticide products.
- If you use a spot-on product or any other pesticide on your pet, carefully read and follow the product label.
- Use flea and tick control products only on the animal specified by the product label - for example, dog products for dogs only and cat products for cats only.
- Follow any label prohibitions against use on weak, aged, medicated, sick, pregnant, or nursing pets, or on pets that have previously shown sensitivity to pesticide products. Apply only the amount indicated for the size of the animal being treated.
- Do not apply to kittens or puppies unless the product label specifically allows this treatment. Pay attention to the age restrictions for puppies and kittens on the label.
- Monitor your pet for side effects or signs of sensitivity after applying the product, particularly when using the product on your pet for the first time. Do not apply spot-ons to pets known to be sensitive to pesticide products.
- If your pet experiences an adverse reaction, immediately bathe the pet with mild soap and rinse with large amounts of water.
- Keep the package with the product container (such as individual applicator tubes). Also keep the package after treatment in case adverse effects occur. You will want to have the instructions at hand, as well as contact information for the manufacturer.
West Frederick Veterinary Hospital still whole-heartedly recommends the use of topical flea and tick preventatives when purchased from your veterinarian. For dogs or cats that have had an adverse reaction we recommend consulting with your veterinarian to determine an alternative product or approach for flea and tick control.
Revolution for Cats
WFVH is now recommending Revolution for flea and heartworm prevention in cats.
Why switch from Frontline to Revolution?
In addition to killing adult fleas and preventing flea eggs from hatching (which Frontline also does), Revolution is an FDA-approved, topically-applied medication that prevents heartworm disease, treats and controls ear mites, and controls roundworms and hookworms.
