Newsletter: Spring and Summer 2011

FACEBOOK

WFVH is now on Facebook - search for us by typing West Frederick Veterinary Hospital. We will be posting pictures of our patients, our Pet of the Month, interesting articles, and any pertinent or timely information.


APRIL IS NATIONAL PET MONTH

The goals of National Pet Month are to promote responsible pet ownership, raise awareness of the benefits of pets to people, and vice versa, and to increase awareness of the services animal may provide to professional who work with animals, as well as the contribution of service animals to society.


SPOTLIGHT ON... HYPOTHYROIDISM

The thyroid gland is a bi-lobed organ that sits on either side of the trachea (windpipe). The thyroid gland is responsible for regulating the rate of metabolism. When it is not functioning well metabolism slows down, causing a variety of symptoms. These may include weight gain without change in appetite, lethargy or decreased energy, dry coat or excessive shedding, thin hair coat, increased susceptibility to skin and ear infections, and increased cholesterol levels. Hypothyroidism can sometimes be challenging to diagnose, as the most common screening test, a T4 level, can be affected by non-thyroid illness and some medications. However, this is still the screening test of choice and if it is found to be low in conjunction with supportive clinical signs additional blood tests are done to confirm the diagnosis of hypothyroidism. Hypothyroidism is very treatable, but not curable. It requires life-long supplementation with thyroid hormone. Fortunately, this medication is well-tolerated and has very few side effects. Patients are monitored at regular intervals to ensure that they are being adequately supplemented.


IT IS FLEA AND TICK SEASON AGAIN

While we recommend year-round flea and tick preventative, many of us may have slacked during the cooler winter months. Now that the weather is warming up it is imperative to protect your pet against fleas and ticks. Ask your veterinarian about what product(s) would be best for your individual pet.


TOXIC PLANTS!

Did you ever wonder if your floral bouquets, houseplants, ornamentals, or garden plants are toxic to your pets? We have complied a list from the ASPCA Poison Control Center of 17 common plant toxicities to be aware of. (Beware, there are many more!)

  • Lilies~ Lilium spp. ~ severe kidney disease (in cats)
  • Marijuana~ Cannabis sativa ~ gastrointestinal and neurologic symptoms
  • Sago Palm~ Cycas Revoluta ~ gastrointestinal and neurologic symptoms; liver failure
  • Tulip/Narcissus bulbs~ Tulipa/Narcissus spp. ~ gastrointestinal, neurologic and cardiac symptoms
  • Azalea/Rhododendron~ Rhododenron spp. ~ gastrointestinal, cardiac, and nervous system symptoms
  • Oleander~ Nerium oleander ~ gastrointestinal and cardiac symptoms
  • Castor Bean~ Ricinus communis ~ gastrointestinal and neurologic symptoms
  • Cyclamen~ Cylamen spp. ~ gastrointestinal symptoms
  • Kalanchoe~ gastrointestinal and cardiac symptoms
  • Yew ~ Taxus spp. ~ gastrointestinal, neurologic and cardiac symptoms
  • Amaryllis ~ Amaryllis spp. ~ gastrointestinal symptoms
  • Autumn Crocus ~ Colchicum autumnale ~ gastrointestinal symptoms; multi-organ damage and bone marrow suppression
  • Chrysanthemum ~ part of the Compositae family ~ gastrointestinal upset, including drooling, vomiting and diarrhea
  • English Ivy (AKA branching ivy, glacier ivy, needlepoint ivy, sweetheart ivy, California ivy) ~ Hedera helix ~ vomiting, abdominal pain, hypersalivation and diarrhea
  • Peace Lily (AKA Mauna Loa Peace Lily) ~ Spathiphyllum ~ oral irritation, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty in swallowing and intense burning of oral cavity
  • Pothos ~ Pothos (both Scindapsus and Epipremnum) ~ mechanical irritation and swelling of the oral tissues and other parts of the gastrointestinal tract
  • Schefflera ~ Schefflera and Brassaia actinophylla ~ oral irritation, excessive drooling, vomiting, difficulty in swallowing and intense burning of oral cavity

If you are concerned that your pet has ingested any potentially toxic or poisonous substances please contact the National Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435.