Labahn Veterinary Hospital

 Heartworms can be transmitted to pets by more than seventy species of mosquitoes. The heartworm larvae develop within the mosquito. When the mosquito bites the dog, it transfuses the larvae into the dog’s body tissue. From there, the larvae travel to the bloodstream and continue to develop into adult worms in the heart. Since mosquitoes can get indoors, all dogs are vulnerable.

Adult heartworms live in the right side of the heart and pulmonary arteries where they restrict blood flow and cause organ damage. Blockage and injury caused by heartworms may lead to heart failure, liver damage, and kidney damage. Symptoms include: cough, difficulty breathing, vomiting, weight loss, exercise intolerance, enlarged liver, and abnormal lung or heart sounds.

Treating dogs for heartworm disease can be lengthy, expensive, and life-threatening. Therefore, PREVENTION IS THE KEY! A tablet administered once a month prevents your pet from contracting heartworm disease.

We offer a quick, easy, and inexpensive blood test for heartworm disease here in the hospital. If you aren’t already using a monthly heartworm preventitive, ask us about testing your dog the next time you are in. It could save his life!

Did you Know?

- The cat flea is the most common flea on pets, including dogs.

- Fleas ingest 15 times their body weight in blood each day.

- In just 30 days in ideal conditions, 10 female fleas can multipy to over 250,000 life stages.

- Adult fleas may live and breed for well over 100 days on the pet if not disturbed.

- Saliva in the flea bites cause severe allergic reactions called flea allergy dermatitis in some pets.

- Fleas can cause medical problems, such as:

* Anemia

* Secondary Skin Infection

* Tapeworm Infection

* Cat Scratch Fever

Don’t let your furry family members suffer! We have products available today that will keep your pet flea and tick free within 12 hours of initial application and keeps working all month long. Stop by and we will help you put an end to your flea and tick problems quickly and easily.

Dogs and cats are wonderful companions. It’s no wonder we consider them our best friends. Their love for us is unconditional, and we regard them as true-blue members of our families. The least we can do is give them the care they need and deserve.

Our veterinarians will recommend a vaccine program suitable for your pet. The type and frequency of vaccinations will be based on your pet’s age, lifestyle (for example: indoor versus outdoor, frequency of contact with other pets, etc.) and risk of exposure to infectious diseases.

Puppies and kittens need to receive a series of vaccinations at six weeks, nine weeks, and twelve weeks. Nursing puppies and kittens ingest antibodies from their mothers. These maternal antibodies provide early protection against infectious disease. However, they also neutralize the immunizing agents in vaccines. Maternal antibodies naturally decline during the first three to four months of life and eventually disappear. For this reason, puppies and kittens should receive a series of vaccinations beginning at about six weeks of age.

Rabies virus is a serious and deadly disease, so pet owners should be aware of the dangers and laws concerning rabies.

Rabies is a virus that is passed between mammals, including humans. The main reservoir hosts of rabies virus include: bats, raccoons, skunks, foxes, and coyotes. (Although not impossible, opossums and rodents rarely carry the rabies virus). The virus is usually transmitted by bite wounds, or sometimes by contact with the saliva of an infected animal. It is not transmitted through the blood. The virus enters the tissues, and uses the peripheral nervous system to move toward the central nervous system. Eventually, the virus reaches the brain, where it leads to encephalitis causing death.

The timeline of progression from bite to death can vary greatly. Usually, incubation from the time of the bite to onset of symptoms is about 3-12 weeks, but can be as long as a two years. Once the virus has reached the brain and neurological symptoms are present, death will result in 7-10 days. It is only during this 7-10 day period of time that the virus can be transmitted to other mammals.

Worldwide, approximately 55,000 people die each year of rabies. Most of these deaths are in Asia and Africa, but a few humans die each year in the United States from rabies virus. There have only been 6 humans known to survive after having been infected with rabies, and 5 of those were left with severe brain damage. In 2006, a study by the CDC (Center for Disease Control) indicated that 113,000 animals were submitted that year for rabies testing, and 6,940 of those were positive for rabies. Wild animals accounted for 92% of the positive cases, and domestic pets accounted for 8%.

Since the virus is a public health concern, there are many regulations concerning the vaccination of domestic pets, testing and treatment for bite victims, and special circumstances involving strays or unclaimed animals.

In the state of Arkansas, all dogs, cats, and ferrets should be vaccinated at 12-16 weeks old, and then receive a booster after one year.  After this booster, adult pets will require additional boosters every third year. (Domestic caged pets such as guinea pigs, hamsters, gerbils, and rabbits do not require vaccination, and bites from these pets are not considered a rabies risk). Wild kept mammals may be vaccinated, but their rabies certificate must state that the efficacy of the vaccine is unknown. (Skunks and bats from the wild are prohibited to keep as pets). To be legally recognized, a licensed veterinarian should administer the rabies vaccination. This will provide you with a tag and certificate proving vaccination status. Some individual local governments may then require your pet to be registered with the city as well.

If a pet bites someone, certain state laws apply. The pet may be placed in quarantine or euthanized and rabies tested when the bite occurs on the head/face, or involves very deep/multiple wounds. During these circumstances, the physician and state health officials have the authority to determine the safest plan of action for the victim, and to choose between quarantine or testing. If the pet is current on its rabies vaccination, this weighs heavily in the final disposition of your pet.

The quarantine period consists of a ten-day period of strict isolation from humans and other animals. The facility must be approved by animal control, and must include before and after examinations by a veterinarian. After the ten-day period, if the dog has shown no neurological symptoms of rabies, the dog will be vaccinated, if needed, and released. The quarantine, and subsequent vaccination will be at the owner’s expense. Additional penalties and fees may apply depending on local laws.

If the owner chooses not to quarantine, the dog will be humanely euthanized, and the brain tissue will be sent to the state lab for evaluation. There is no cost for the rabies testing, but the euthanasia and other applicable fees by the veterinarian will be at the owner’s expense.

All wild animals, or unclaimed strays that bite a human will be euthanized and tested immediately. In this scenario, the victim will be responsible for all applicable charges.

In any scenario, any person receiving a bite wound from any domestic or wild animal should seek medical attention. They may need to receive rabies post-exposure treatments. If the bite is from a wild animal, trapping or killing it to send for rabies testing is very helpful in determining a prognosis. The head/brain should not be damaged, and should be kept refrigerated (not frozen). Persons should not risk additional bites trying to capture the animal.

*Information from the Arkansas Department of Health* (Positives are skunks/bats unless
otherwise stated.)
Numbers indicate positive rabies cases reported to State Health Department
Year        Sebastian Co.       Crawford Co.         State Totals
2003               8                            0                              55
2004               5 (1 horse)           0                              55
2005               0                            0                              36
2006               3                            0                              34
2007               0                            1                               33
2008 to Aug   2 (1 dog)              3                               41

Intestinal parasites are something that most every pet and owner has to deal with at some point.

There are many different types of intestinal parasites. Some of the most common of these are the parasitic worms (Roundworms, Hookworms, Whipworms, and Tapeworms). Lesser known, are the protozoa parasites (Coccidia and Giardia).

ROUNDWORMS: Roundworms are the large intestinal worm infecting both dogs and cats. Animals are usually infected by ingesting fecal matter containing eggs. They can also be transmitted from the mother during pregnancy. This parasite is long, white, and round in appearance. Roundworms may cause diarrhea, vomiting, a pot-bellied appearance, and a generalized failure to thrive. Good hygiene practices, and regular deworming medication control these parasites.
*Roundworms are zoonotic parasites, meaning they can be passed to humans. Roundworms are especially problematic to children, who often acquire the larvae from putting their hands in their mouths without washing properly first. In some instances, the larvae can migrate to the eyes, causing blindness.

HOOKWORMS: Another fairly common intestinal parasite is the Hookworm. Hookworms are microscopic in size, so you won’t be able to identify them without taking a stool sample to the veterinarian. Infection is caused by ingesting the larvae from the stool, or by larval migration through the skin. The mother can also pass these during pregnancy. Hookworms suck blood from the intestinal tract, and can cause severe diarrhea and anemia if left untreated. They also cause weight loss, poor hair coat, and in extreme circumstances, death. Good hygiene practices, and regular deworming of pets control hookworms.
*Hookworms are zoonotic parasites, meaning they can be passed to humans. Hookworms are especially problematic to children, who often acquire the larvae from putting their hands in their mouths without washing properly first. Hookworms can also migrate through the skin, usually by humans going barefoot in the soil.

WHIPWORMS: Whipworms are another microscopic intestinal parasite that causes diarrhea and anemia and possibly death in dogs. Any age dog is susceptible. Infection is by ingestion, usually from the stool of an infected dog, or the soil. Management of whipworms is to practice good hygiene, and regular deworming of pets.
*Whipworms are not zoonotic parasites.

TAPEWORMS: Tapeworms are a large (visible) intestinal worm of dogs and cats. Tapeworms are passed animal to animal by the flea. A pet while grooming itself ingests a flea carrying tapeworm eggs. After a few weeks, those eggs hatch, and begin releasing the egg packets that we see. These packets have the appearance of a flat, white or light brown piece of rice. They move, and are usually visible in the bowel movement, or dried and stuck to the hair around the rectum of the pet. Other fleas on the pet feed on this egg packet, and when a pet swallows them, the cycle continues. Management of these intestinal parasites is by practicing regular flea control, and deworming medication.

COCCIDIA: Coccidia are not a worm, but a microscopic protozoan parasite of dogs and cats. Infection is by ingestion of eggs in stool, or by eating small rodents that have been infected. Signs of coccidial infection are diarrhea, vomiting, poor weight gain, and possibly some central nervous system signs. As many pets (especially puppies) re-infect themselves by eating or playing in their own stool, good hygiene practices are paramount at eliminating this parasite. Anticoddidial drugs are available.

GIARDIA: Giardia is a microscopic intestinal protozoan. This parasite is found in contaminated water sources. Wild animals carrying the protozoan will drink, and then urinate, near the water sources. Pets that then drink out of the water are at risk of picking up this parasite. Any age of animal is susceptible, and the main symptoms are bloody or watery diarrhea, and weight loss. Elimination requires good hygiene practices, and antibiotic therapy.
*Giardia affects many mammals, including humans. It is the reason we should not drink from untreated water sources.

In conclusion, there are many intestinal parasites that can affect the health and well being of our pets. Some of them can affect us as owners as well. Regular sanitation, deworming, and veterinary checkups are the best way to avoid parasitic problems. Many of the monthly heartworm preventive products also deworm against some of the common parasites. If your pet has experienced any of the above listed symptoms, please don’t hesitate to bring in a stool sample, or your pet for us to examine.

Euthanasia is an action that we take very seriously here at Labahn Veterinary Hospital. Merriam-Webster Dictionary defines euthanasia as: “the act or practice of killing or permitting death of the hopelessly sick or injured individuals (as persons or domestic animals) in a relatively painless way for reasons of mercy.” That pretty much sums it up. Euthanasia is performed for patients who would otherwise endure a lengthy or painful illness leading to death.

The drug used is a barbiturate. We administer it as an IV injection, usually in the cephalic vein in a front leg. The drug causes a sedative effect very quickly, and the pet is usually unconscious by the time the injection is complete. While sedated, the heart rate and breathing slowly stop. Many times, owners are concerned about the pain of the procedure. This injection is like many others, in that the only discomfort will be the needle stick. This is the same stick that would be felt if we were drawing blood, or administering a different medication. The drug works very quickly, and it is usually only a matter of seconds before the pet has passed away.

This procedure can be done however the owner feels most comfortable. We have many clients that choose to be present for the entire procedure. Others have already said goodbye at home, and wish for us to proceed after they have gone. Euthanasia is most easily performed on a pet that is calm. Our pets sense, but do not understand, our grief at the thought of saying goodbye. If you feel that your pet may become distressed at your emotional state, the best option may be for you to step out of the room during the injection.

Afterward, some elect to take the body home for burial, and other owners would rather let us make arrangements for a group burial regulated by the city. Individual cremation options and burial at the Humane Society cemetery are also available.

We understand that saying goodbye to a true friend is a very difficult decision to make. This decision is made in the best interest of the pet, and is a selfless act by the owner. When we have done all that medicine allows us to do, this is the last act of help that we can offer. Here at Labahn, even though it is a sad occasion, we look at euthanasia as a way of helping and comforting a struggling companion. Please let us know ahead of time if you have any special needs or requests, and we will do our best to make this time a little easier on you.

Dani Bagby, Veterinary Assistant
Labahn Veterinary Hospital

*Note – for pricing, please see Microchip Pricing, in the canine and feline health sections.

Microchipping is one of the few permanent methods of accurately identifying a pet. In recent years, the technology of the microchip has evolved to include many aspects of information and identification. Here at Labahn Veterinary Hospital, we use the Home Again Microchip system.

The microchip is small – about the size of a grain of rice. The only information that this chip possesses is an identification number that is associated only with your pet, and the phone number of the AKC Microchip Identification System. Most veterinary hospitals and shelters/humane societies have scanners that enable them to access the identification number, and the kind of chip implanted. When a pet is found, one phone call to the registry system gets them in touch with the emergency contact information provided by the owner. The owner can then be contacted and reunited with their pet.

The process of implanting a chip is fairly easy, although slightly time-consuming. If the pet is going to be under anesthetic for any other reasons, that is a good time to implant the chip. If not, we just take extra precautions to eliminate the pain of the injection. We will start by shaving a small square in-between the shoulder blades. This area will then be prepped with a surgical scrub. The needle used is fairly large, and would be painful, therefore a small injection of Lidocaine will be administered to numb the area. When numb, the chip is inserted under the skin, similar to administering a vaccine. After the chip is in place, we will check to ensure that our scanner can locate it.

Once the chip has been implanted, the final step is also the most important! The paperwork, containing all of your emergency contact information, must be filled out completely. This paperwork, along with your registration fee must be sent to the registry. Implanting the chip without sending this vital information is useless. I once rescued a stray that had a microchip implanted, but when I called in the ID number, the information had never been registered. Someone had paid for a chip, but had failed to complete the registration process. If you fill out the paperwork here, we will be happy to take your registration fee and mail everything for you.

Home Again is not the only manufacturer of microchips made for companion animals. Some scanners will not read all of the different types of chips. Humane Societies/Animal Shelters should all be provided with universal scanners. All of the universal scanners will pick up the Home Again chip. This chip is recognized for foreign travel arrangements, OFA/Penn-Hipp organizations, and breeding registries. Pets that have a permanent form of ID are also protected from certain situations. Having a microchip, even if you cannot be reached, eliminates the possibility that your pet could be sold to companies for research or animal testing.

Here at Labahn Veterinary Hospital we encourage you to do everything possible to safeguard your pets from harm. We would be happy to discuss any questions you may have pertaining to the Home Again Microchip.