Pawspaper - Montreal Road Animal Hospital

B u s i n es s N am e
Pawspaper
Volume
4 4
Volume4,4,Issue
Issue
April 2012
2012
April
In this issue:
Pet of the Month:
Pookie Dubois
 Pet of the Month
 Enter for your Pet’s
Chance to Win!
February 2012
Here is the light of my life
 Good luck Melanie
 Heartworm Season is
Back!
Pookie is now 3 years old
and when I got him last
summer, he was the product of neglect and abuse.
With tender loving care and
a lot of patience, Pookie is
now the happiest, friendliest dog I know.
 Novartis Products on
Backorder!
 Parasites
 Lyme Disease
 Recipe of the Month
 Welcome to our New
Clients
Ginette Dubois
Enter Your Pet to Win
613-698-8033
Rufflections Dog Grooming
www.MontrealRoadAnimalHospital.ca
Please visit our website @
 In Loving Memory
Think your pet has what it takes to be highlighted in our publication?

Submit a photo and a little blurb saying why your furry friend should be
published in our next month’s Pawspaper, home page, and Facebook page.

You don’t have to be a professional photographer, but you do have to have
a camera and a clear picture.
Why not try and see if your pet has what it takes! You get bragging rights,
and a chance to show your family and friends how your pet got to be featured in our publication.
How: Email: [email protected]
Snail Mail: Be sure to enter it a week before the end of the month for


a chance to participate. Address to: Pet of the Month, 1700 Montreal Rd, Ottawa, On K1J 6N5
PAGE 2
PAWSPAPER
VOLUME 4, ISSUE 4
Good Luck Melanie!
Most of our clients may already know, but
we would like to make an official bittersweet announcement. Our beloved staff member,
Melanie, will be leaving this week for maternity leave! She has been with Montreal Road
Animal Hospital for 5 years, almost as long as
the hospital has been open. All our clients have
come to love and trust Melanie’s kind and caring
nature. She has a knack for remembering almost
all patients and clients who come here, and treat
them with great respect. We are extremely grateful and thankful for everything that she has put
into this hospital. Not to worry though, she will be returning to us, by next year.
Let’s all wish Melanie and her young budding family the best. We
will try to keep everyone posted.
A Word from Melanie:
To the staff and clients of the Montreal Road Animal Hospital, I would like to
say a big Thank You to everyone of you for the past amazing and memorable 5
years. To Doctor Briones and Ivonne, for taking me in pretty much fresh out of college and showing me the ropes. You have taken me in as a member of the family
and I have appreciated everything you have done for me and my now growing little
family. To Jessie, my amazing co-worker, for helping me through the past 2 years
of working together. For showing me new strategies and approaches in the technical field. Not to mention the wonderful friendship we have developed. To Ann, our
wonderful new grad RVT that will be helping everyone out while I am on maternity
leave. She makes a wonderful addition to the family and is very knowledgeable
and eager to help out. Last but not least, our wonderful clients that I have gotten to
meet throughout these years. It was a pleasure helping you out with all your needs
and greeting you and your furry four legged friends when coming into the clinic. I
appreciate all the lovely gestures given to me before going on leave and will see you
all back in January 2013.
1700 Montreal Road, Ottawa, ON
[email protected]
PAGE 3
PAWSPAPER
VOLUME 4, ISSUE 4
Heartworm Season is Back!
This year, spring has started surprisingly early here and we think it important to get every pet on
heartworm and parasite medication as soon as possible. Why? The mosquitoes of course. The mosquitoes
come out when the warm weather returns, and they can carry a dangerous parasite called Heartworm. We
have recently sent out reminders to everyone advising them that it’s time for heartworm testing.
What is Heartworm?

Heartworm is known as a blood parasite that is transmitted by mosquitoes to your pet. Once a mosquito bites an infected dog or wild animal,
the immature worms (microfilaria) found in that dog will then be carried by that mosquito to its next potential meal- your pet. Once that
mosquito bites into your pet, the microfilaria then enter your pets system and infest it. They travel to the bloodstream and from there they
migrate to the lungs. Once they reach the heart, they then start repopulating within 5 months and can reach between 15-30 centimeters in
length. They survive on the nutrients from the dog’s bloodstream. At one
time, they heartworm was confined to the southern United States, but
has now spread to nearly all locations where the mosquito, is found.
They are becoming more and more common in Canada now, as they
travel along with animals, wild and domesticated. Some cases have even
been reported in Alaska.
What Symptoms should I look out for?
 There is a reason why it can also be called “The Silent Killer”. Signs of a heartworm infestation usually go undetected until the disease has progressed to a point where internal organs are severely infected, which is known to be irreversible. This is why every veterinarian encourages everyone to get
their dogs tested to detect heartworms in your pet’s system before they progress too far. In advance
stages, we generally see lethargy, weight loss, chronic coughing and laboured breathing from fluid accumulation in the lungs. Some may tire easily during exercise.
Is there any Treatment for Heartworm?
Thankfully, there is. It is quite costly, dangerous and recovery takes many months.
It normally involves a series of injections to kill the adult worms. Your pet has to remain
extremely quiet for months throughout this treatment since the smallest amount of exercise or excitement can cause serious problems from the dead worms. Once the all the
adults are killed, the treatment for the immature worms must commence. If a dog receives monthly preventative medication, these will usually eliminate them after several
treatments.

How can you Prevent Heartworm from infecting my dog

This disease can easily be prevented with your co-operation. A simple test where a small blood sample
is taken and sent out to a laboratory will be checked for microfilaria. The appropriate testing frequency is every other year, given with your compliance with continuous medication for 6 months
(Spring until Fall). The preventative measure includes giving your dog a pill or applying a topical substance on your pet`s skin once a month during mosquito season. These preventative medications destroy the immature worms that will be transmitted mosquitoes and stops their reproduction cycle. It
is important to remember that in order to start preventative medication, your pet must first have a
heartworm test if they have been exposed to mosquitoes the previous summer. Otherwise, what is the
point of getting preventative medication, if there is a chance they may already have heartworm?
1700 Montreal Road, Ottawa, ON
[email protected]
PAGE 4
PAWSPAPER
VOLUME 4, ISSUE 4
Heartworm Season is Back! (Continued)
Common Comments we receive from Clients
1. My dog never goes outside. I don’t need to test for heartworm or get preventative medication.
2. We don’t live in the country or by the woods.
Actually, wherever mosquitoes are found, the risk is there. If you can guarantee that a mosquito will never get
near your pet or never enters your house or backyard, your pet can still become infected with a mosquito carrying microfilaria.
3.
We never travel with our dog to the United States.
As mentioned earlier in this article, heartworm travels with the mosquitoes and animals that are already infested with the microfilaria. That means, wild animals such as herds to travel north for food, and the predators
that follow them for food.
4. Heartworm preventative medication only covers heartworms. That’s a lot of money for just one
parasite.
When we mention heartworm preventative medication, the medication actually covers more than just heartworm. Depending on the brand, the coverage can also cover: fleas, ticks, ear mites, mange mites, and a variety
of intestinal parasites; as well as heartworm. The medication has 6 dosages, either in tablet form or topical
(applied directly onto the skin); and lasts up to 6 months. These are the 6 months when mosquitoes are out.
Here are a few of the preventatives that we offer:
For some people, they give their pets the preventative medication every month, protecting and preventing their
pets from parasites. Please see pages 5 for a quick review on parasites, and how they can affect your pet.
Heartworm is spreading, like rabies has, as does any virus, bacteria, or parasite has. We need to control it
before it spreads farther. If everyone vaccinates and prevents their pets from getting heartworm, we can hope-
Novartis Products on Backorder!
Novartis, who are the makers of Interceptor and Sentinel (popular heartworm preventatives), Deramaxx (an anti-inflammatory), and Clomicalm (an anti-anxiety) have temporarily shut
down one of their manufacturing facilities. We have pre-emptively ordered as much as we were allotted so that we can try to get everyone on their regular medication. Though, once our stock is depleted, we will be unable to provide these medications until further notice.
The factory shutdown involved a problem with human medications produced in the facility
(Sandoz). No animal medications were affected, but the plant can only be re-opened with FDA approval. This process can take many months. We would like to encourage our pet owners to switch to either Revolution (produced by
Pfizer) or Trifexis (produced by Elanco/Lilly) to ensure that your pets stay protected from heartworm disease.
Please don't hesitate to call us if you have any questions regarding this unfortunate situation.
1700 Montreal Road, Ottawa, ON
[email protected]
PAGE 4
PAWSPAPER
VOLUME 4, ISSUE 4
Parasites
We have heard about them, but what exactly are them and how do they affect my pet? There are many
different types of parasites which your pet can contract. Here is some key information regarding the
most commonly seen ones:
Roundworm: The most common parasite in pets found in the intestines. Typical white worms approximately the diameter of a spaghetti-strand about 4 inches in length. A large number of puppies/kittens
are born with them, especially when the mother is not treated for them. They are passed through ingestion or larvae and cause a potential health risk to humans especially children, which can cause serious
disease. Pets can typically show no symptoms although when they do, we can see diarrhea, vomiting and
pets can have a pot-bellied appearance and decreased appetite. This is extremely dangerous for puppies/
kittens since the diagnosis of worms often goes un-noticed and they can get very dehydrated and in very
severe cases die from infestation.
Hookworm (dogs): These worms are most prevalent in areas when humidity is high. They are thin
worms about 0.6 – 1.3cm long and they cause problems by hooking onto the mucosa of the intestines and
sucking the blood and tissues from the pet. They can be contracted through nursing (placenta – mother's
milk), ingestion of larvae through the soil or even skin penetration. You can see pets with diarrhea,
weight loss and weakness. With puppies, the signs of illness from hookworm infestation include bloody,
wine-dark or tar-black diarrhea. In very severe cases intensive veterinary care is required. Hookworms
also affect humans by penetrating the skin and causing lumps ans streaks beneath the skin. The itchy
disease called (cutaneous larvae migrans) usually clears up on its own.
1700 Montreal Road, Ottawa, ON
[email protected]
PAGE 4
PAWSPAPER
VOLUME 4, ISSUE 4
(continued)
Tapeworm: Tapeworms appear when an animal that has fleas or has been in contact with fleas actually ingests one while grooming itself. They hook onto the lining of the intestines and when the larvae is
mature, it sheds its capsule which is what we see as off-white grain of rice or seasame seed sized granules that surround the pet's anus or even in the stools. Pet's rarely become ill from tapeworms and no
severe symptoms are seen. Humans are most commonly infected by beef or fish tapeworm larvae from
undercooked foods.
Ear mites: Ear mites also known as Otodectic Mange are tiny insects that live in pets ear canals and
feed on them by piercing the skin. Most commonly seen in younger pets. Symptoms are seen with intense itching with scratching and violent head shaking. The ear flaps become red, crusted and scabbed.
The ear canals contain dry, crumbly dark brown waxy discharge that look like coffee grounds. They can
be identified under a microscope with the help of a wax specimen taken from the ear with a cotton-tipped
applicator. They can also be identified with a magnifying glass looking onto a black background. You can
see white specks, about the size of a pin head moving around.
Sarcoptic Mange: Ectoparasite also known as canine scabies, is a highly contagious infestation of a
burrowing mite. Not only infects dogs but also cts, pigs, horses, sheeps and other species. These mites
dig into the skin and cause an intense itching from an allergic reaction and crustingthat can quickly become infected. The hair loss and crusting normally appears on elbows and ears first. Affected dogs need
to be isolated from other dogs and their bedding and places they have occupied must be thoroughly
cleaned.
1700 Montreal Road, Ottawa, ON
[email protected]
PAGE 5
PAWSPAPER
VOLUME 4, ISSUE 4
(continued)
Demodex: An ectoparasite only seen in dogs, known as Demodectic Mange, demodicosis or Red Mange.
Dogs affected do not need to be isolated from others. It is generally contagious from mother to pup during nursing, although no more after weaning. Cause by a sensitivity to and overpopulation of mites if the
animal's immune system is unable to keep them under control. Normally due to a compromised immune
system from treatment or from illness. Scratching of skin and lesions appearing on face and head area.
Dog demodex is not contagious to humans. Diagnosis is obtain by skin scrapings observed under microscopic evaluations.
Ticks: An ectoparasite of the skin that live off the blood of your pets. They can be found in most wooden
or forested areas and especially common in areas where deer trails and human tracks are found. Abundant in meadows, shrubs and bushes which provide woody surfaces and cover. They attach to your pets
and can live for sometime on them before becoming full and dropping off. Weak, elderly dogs, puppies
and cats are the most endangered since they are more susceptible to become anaemic from their sudden
attack.
The problem with ticks is that they can carry many diseases such as Lyme disease, Q fever, Rocky
Mountain Spotted Fever, Tularemia and many more. Symptoms for these different diseases appear in
many different ways. These disease, if ever transmitted to your pet can also affect you. Vaccination (dog)
is available to prevent your pet from ever contracting some of these diseases. Good to think about when
it comes time for his or her annual check, especially if brought to cottages, woods and bushes during
summer months.
Luckily, most parasites are easy to treat. It is imperative to deworm your puppy or kitten even if you
don't notice any symptoms. We have seen our fair share of parasites over the years and can confirm with
you that it is always recommended to give your pet a deworming every time they are in for vaccines or
health checks to make sure they can expel them if need be. Dewormers do not hurt your pet if they are
parasite-free, it just helps to maintain it that way.
1700 Montreal Road, Ottawa, ON
[email protected]
PAGE 5
PAWSPAPER
VOLUME 4, ISSUE 4
Lyme Disease
Lyme disease: It is one of the most common disease transmitted by ticks. Cause by a bacteria by the
name of Borrelia Burgdorferi which is transmitted by slow-feeding, hard-shelled deer ticks. The infection
typically occurs after the tick has been attached to the animal for at least 18 hours.
The most common symptom seen with this disease is recurrent lameness of the limbs due to inflammation of the joints. Commonly known as “shifting-leg lameness”, since lameness occurs in one leg and lasts
for a short period of time (3-4days) but then comes back days to weeks later either on the same leg or a
different one. Pain is elicited when feeling the joints although responds well to an antibiotic treatment.
They also might have a decrease in appetite and have signs of depression. Some dogs develop kidney
problems which is one of the more serious complications and is mostly seen in Labrador Retrievers,
Golden Retrievers and Bernese Mountain dogs. If left untreated, total kidney failure can be seen and the
dog will exhibit vomiting, diarrhea, weight loss, increased urination and thirst, fluid buildup in abdomen
and tissues especially seen in the legs and under the skin.
If a tick is found on your pet, it is always a good idea if worried to bring it to the vet to have removed and
potentially test for the disease. We will ask for a history of your pet's health including possible symptoms
you might have noticed up to this point, if any. If susceptible, a complete blood profile will be granted to
look for the presence of the bacteria, parasites and fungi in the bloodstream. If your dog has any swelling
in the joints, an analysis may be done on the fluid found. The skin where the tick-bite occurred will also
be examined to see if it has closed or whether it is still open and if or not there are any fragments of the
tick's body left.
Usually treatment is chosen with an antibiotic unless the condition is severe. Normally dogs are treated
for 4 weeks, then re-accession is needed if symptoms or pain continues. Keeping your pet warm and dry
with a decrease in activity level is needed until clinical signs improve. Sometimes symptoms do not completely go away, long-term joint pain may continue even when the bacteria is removed from its system.
It is always a good idea to get you pet checked out in any circumstances to make sure no problem arises
without you knowing and in that state, if there is a problem then we cn catch it earlier than later.
1700 Montreal Road, Ottawa, ON
[email protected]
PAGE 5
PAWSPAPER
VOLUME 4, ISSUE 4
Recipe of the Month
Peanut Butter Oatmeal Orbs
Ingredients:
2 cups (500ml) oats
1-1/2 cups (375ml) whole wheat flour
2 tbsp (30ml) flax seed (optional)
1 tsp (5ml) baking powder
Pinch of salt
1 large egg
2 tbsp (30ml) canola oil
2 tbsp (30ml) honey
3/4 cup (175ml) water
3/4 cup (175ml) natural peanut butter
Instructions:
1. Preheat oven to 350F
2. In the bowl of a food processor, combine the oats, flour, flax seed, baking powder and salt;
pulse until well blended and coarsely ground.
3. Add the egg, oil, honey, water and peanut butter and pulse until the dough comes together. If
it’s too stiff, transfer to a large bowl and stir it by hand. Turn out onto a lightly floured countertop and knead a few times to make sure everything is well incorporated.
4. Roll the dough into ball the size of a large marble, or roll it into ropes and cut into on inch
sticks (you can make either shape smaller or larger according to the size of your dog) and
place them about half an inch apart on an ungreased baking sheet.
5. Bake for 20 minutes, until firm, golden on the bottom and cracked on top. Turn the oven off
and leave the treats inside as the oven cools to allow them to harden further.
1700 Montreal Road, Ottawa, ON
[email protected]
PAWSPAPER
PAGE 6
VOLUME 4, ISSUE 4
Welcome!
We would like to send out a warm welcome to our new clients and patients for
March.
“Gabby” Porritt
“Kobby” Vincent
“Mika” Lavoie
“Elyxir” Wright
“Marla” Menzies
“Bowser” Behan
“ Amanda”
Cousineau
“skitzy” Derrah
“Aki” Cote-Kirijian
“Riley” Hobart
“Nikita & Doris”
Faria
“Moofassa” Denis
“Harley” Sood
“Claire” Hall
“Evan & Talulah”
Mosielski
“Einstein, Kali &
“Kona” De la Salle
Titan” James
“Pogo” Soucy
“Odin” Brown
“Snoopy” Woover
“Max” Kamienski
“Ceasar” Carvery
“Scooter” Hardy
“Bugsy” Conway
“Vader” Edwards
“Sneeker”
Ushliyanage
“Tara” Bottoms
“Zeus” Beckstead
“Arthur & Freida”
Lopez
“Mozart” Dionne
“Nellie” Currie
We are always happy to welcome new furry additions to our hospital and to your family.
In Loving Memory
We would like to extend our deepest
sympathies to all our clients who have
lost a beloved friend last month.
“Mitzy” Brunet
On special note: Please vaccinate your
pets Every Year.
“Rocky” McGregor
“Yogi” Ethier
1700 Montreal Road, Ottawa, ON
[email protected]