HOLIDAY SEASON IS HERE!

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1 WELCOME to the 3rd edition of Parkside Animal Hospital s monthly newsletter: November 2008, Vol. 1, No. 3. Look forward to health care tips and information, including services available for your pet; product rebates/promotions and much more, coordinating with the Parkside Animal Hospital website: Please feel free to make suggestions on what YOU would find helpful or enjoyable! Some of the many pets seen this month at Parkside! Violet Snoopy Denali Scout Rowdi Kid Rock Cheyenne Cosmo Cleo Bandit Smitty Daisy Katie Smokey Lucy HOLIDAY SEASON IS HERE! Family and friends gather.. special treats are prepared.. holiday decorations grace home and hearth. DANGER is everywhere! Keep your pet safe! Please read Tis the Season and Pancreatitis in this newsletter.

2 ..TIS THE SEASON! For your pet, it may be the most dangerous time of year. Holiday parties, visiting family and friends; yummy, rich foods; decorations galore what a wonderful time of year! As you make your plans, make plans to keep your pets safe! Dogs and cats can become over excited, over-stimulated or outright fearful when strangers invade their home. Some may bolt out open doors or run under foot and be injured or killed. Unfortunately, we see the pain, tears and heartbreak too often. While many children have been taught how to behave with and around animals; some have not, or in the excitement of the moment.. forget lessons learned. Running, squealing children can trigger fear reactions in pets or prey drive in some dogs. Many times children are told to kiss or hug the nice doggie. NOT A GOOD IDEA! Many children are bitten every year, doing exactly this. Always watch children around animals, that neither pet nor child has a bad experience. Wonderful foods and holiday treats are everywhere. Chocolate fills bowls on coffee tables; sits on counter tops, in pantries and may be wrapped as gifts under the tree. CHOCOLATE CAN KILL YOUR PET. The darker the chocolate.. the more dangerous. Many treats are coated in chocolate. If your pet ingests chocolate (or coffee beans or cocoa).. CALL IMMEDIATELY.. either Parkside Animal Hospital or the emergency hospital (phone number and directions can be found on our website!) Minutes in treatment CAN make a difference do not wait to see how your pet reacts. House or dinner guests may want to share dinner or other food treats with your pet. A bit of ham, turkey skin, pumpkin pie, whip cream, mashed potatoes and gravy what s the harm? All are a huge dose of fat for your pet. Pancreatitis is a definite possible result. This is compounded if several people generously share with your pet. (please read the article on PANCREATITIS elsewhere in this newsletter.) November and December are the top months for episodes of pancreatitis. It is intensely painful, requires vigorous (often costly) treatment and support; and PANCREATITIS CAN KILL YOUR PET. It is best NOT to share holiday food with your pet; and warn your guests not to share. A suggestion is to tell your guests that your pets are highly allergic to people food and will likely vomit if fed anything other than pet food. (while this may be a slight over-exaggeration.. it works for us.) Holiday decorations will soon fill our homes. How does your pet explore new things? Oftentimes they chew.. testing this new thing in their environment. Sometimes they don t even chew.. they just gulp it right on down. Plants, ribbons, strings, electrical cords; glass bulbs & balls look like such wonderful fun for your pet, and just might be delicious, too (from your pet s perspective). All CAN KILL YOUR PET. Know there are many dire warnings here. While we see the sad results all the through the year; November and December are peak months. What can you do and still enjoy the holiday season? Look at the constantly changing situation from your pet s perspective. Crate your pet in a quiet room when guests arrive and depart or when pets are home alone. Whatever your pet s previous behaviors, do not trust for a moment. Advise and monitor guests, that they do not feed inappropriate foods. You love your pets; keep them safe. HAPPY HOLIDAYS! PLEASE SEE OUR WEBSITE FOR ADDITIONAL SUGGESTIONS AND TIPS:

3 A true story. THE SAVING OF ARIEL Ariel was found abandoned and tethered in her back yard, mid August Her family s home was foreclosed on; and they left her.. no food, no water. It was 103 degrees. A neighbor heard her pitiful cries and brought her water, shocked to see her suffering. He brought her food and water for several days, hoping they would come back for her.. but they never did.

4 Ariel came in to Parkside, matted to the skin. Her tether had been so short, she was forced to lie in filth, so brick sized matts held feces, stones, sticks and dirt against her skin. Gentle hands reached out to her in comfort. The weight of the filth, and her weakened condition made it difficult for her to stand and hard for her to lift her head.

5 Parkside staff immediately began shaving and bathing her it took 1 ½ hours. We couldn t count the tears cried over this gentle creature. After she was clean, we began examinations including bloodwork and a fecal; and administering vaccinations. Ariel showed positive for round worms, hook worms and was heartworm positive. Ariel s situation was dire.. who would help past this point? She needed weeks of treatment; most of all..she needed a home and lots of tender love. She needed a life-time commitment. Calls were made; photos were hung.. and people stepped forward to help.

6 Community donations have nearly paid for Ariel s treatment, and she was adopted by a wonderful, caring household. The adoptive family has had to keep Ariel quiet and in a confined area for the several weeks as she goes through her heart worm treatment process. If only we could encourage people to provide their pets with heartworm preventative. It is far less costly to prevent heartworm disease then to treat it and is so much easier on the animals. Heart worm preventative for this size dog would cost $60.00 for 12 months and is not painful.. actually, dogs think they are getting a treat. Heart worm treatment for Ariel cost nearly $ It is painful (several injections), time consuming (treatment requires weeks of strict confinement as the heartworms die and are absorbed by the body); and is dangerous, sometimes fatal (if dead heartworms break apart before they are absorbed, the dog may have a heart attack or stroke and die). Prevention is the BEST, most cost-effective path to take. In addition to the heart worms, Ariel was treated for intestinal parasites. Again, prevention would have been far better. Intestinal parasites can be spread from pet to pet, but people can be infected with certain parasites, too. Owning a pet is a large responsibility: vaccinations, annual examinations, heartworm preventatives, food, time and attention. We are so happy that a wonderful family has made the commitment to provide Ariel with all these things. She is a very happy little dog now; who loves attention, and receives it. Her tail wags a lot these days! Ariel is loved.. and she knows it.

7 Ariel today Ariel was saved through the efforts of many rescue angels, who donated money, heart and home. Others donated a gentle hand and tender care. Parkside Animal Hospital can accept donations to provide medical needs to abandoned, stray and injured or ill animals till they can be placed with rescue organizations. We are not a 501(c)(3) public charity and not a rescue organization; so your donation would not be tax deductible; but would be used to help animals like Ariel. Sometimes your heart just won t let you look the other way. If you would like to donate, please contact Parkside Animal Hospital,

8 PANCREATITIS By published in the Northeast Times.. and may be accessed on the Information & Education tab of the Parkside Animal Hospital website: What is the pancreas and what does it do? The pancreas is an organ that produces digestive enzymes used to break down food so it can be absorbed by the intestines and it is also the source of insulin for the body. It is located just beneath the stomach and the first part of the small intestine. What is pancreatitis? Pancreatitis is inflammation of the pancreas. This happens when digestive enzymes are activated within the pancreas before they are released into the intestines. This will cause the pancreas to begin digesting itself. There are two types of pancreatitis: acute (occurs suddenly) or chronic (an ongoing condition). What causes pancreatitis? Well, that is the difficult question. The exact cause in dogs and cats is not well understood. We know that there are several contributing factors. Fatty diets, hyperlipemia (high blood fat content), obesity, infectious disease (bacterial or viral), trauma or injury that involves the abdomen (like being hit by a vehicle), and genetics can all play a part in pancreatitis. What are the signs of pancreatitis? In dogs, the most common clinical signs will be depression, loss of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, and abdominal pain. A painful abdomen may be exhibited as restlessness, reluctance to lie down, or panting. Cats typically have the chronic type and their clinical signs can be a little more vague. We suspect that the number of cats who have pancreatitis far outnumber the cats who are suspected of having it. They are less likely to have vomiting or abdominal pain. Decrease in appetite, weight loss, lethargy, and diarrhea are more common signs for cats with pancreatitis. In cats, pancreatitis tends to occur in combination with other conditions, especially cholangiohepatitis (liver disease) and inflammatory bowel disease (IBD). If all three of these conditions occur at the same time it is known as the triad syndrome. Triad syndrome occurs in a fair number of cats, especially older ones and it is a very serious combination of diseases. It is important to remember that your pet (dog or cat) could have one, all, or any combination of these signs listed. How is pancreatitis diagnosed? Since the signs of pancreatitis can vary and because many diseases and conditions can have the same signs, it will be necessary to use many diagnostic tools to definitively diagnose it. First, your veterinarian will take a complete history of what you have noticed about your pet, then he or she will perform a full physical exam on your pet. Generally a complete blood count (CBC)

9 1780 Rufe Snow Drive Keller, Texas FAX: Rita Ruple, D.V..M. and chemistry panel is done. Also, for dogs a specific pancreatitis test called a speccpl can be done if pancreatitis is suspected based on the exam and history. Radiographs (X-rays) and/or ultrasound may be needed as well to actual visualize the pancreas for diagnosis. For cats, along with the CBC and chemistry panel, there is a test, recently developed by Texas A&M, called feline pancreatic lipase immunoreactivity (fpli). This is currently the best specific test available for cats. How is pancreatitis treated? The treatment of pancreatitis willl depend on whether the patient is a dog or cat, how severely ill the pet is and the type (acute or chronic) of pancreatitis the pet has. The goal of treatment is to rest the pancreas and the gastrointestinal system by withholding food, water, and everything else that is given orally including all medications. Supportive care consists of intravenous fluids, antibiotics, anti-nausea drugs, and because this is a very painful disease, pain medication is mandatory to keep your pet comfortable. Some patients may require plasma transfusions. Generally in cats, corticosteroids are essential in treating pancreatitis caused by inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) or cholangiohepatitis (liver disease). Generally in cats, feeding them sooner than later is best; therefore, many cats will require a feeding tube for either short term or long term feeding. The feeding tube is removed once the cat is eating and drinking on his or her own. Dogs can go longer without eating if all the supportive care is continued and if their electrolytes and protein values are monitored. If your pet is diagnosed with pancreatitis, your veterinarian will discuss with you the best treatment plan for recovery, ways to help prevent it from recurring and how you will manage your pet at home. This most likely will involve dietary changes and the treatment of any underlying causes. Pancreatitis can be very unpredictable. It is a serious and life threatening disease. Even with early diagnosis and intensive treatment, your pet may not survive; however, there are just as many success stories. Chronic or severe acute pancreatitis could lead to secondary complications such as diabetes, peritonitis, and pancreatic insufficiency. The key is knowing that anytime your pet is ill, be sure to see your veterinarian as soon as you can. Remember, the holidays are coming and the cases of pancreatitis that we see increase because of the table food that pets receive in celebration of this special time. Be sure to keep you pet on his or her regular pet food diet during the holidays and all year long. Happy Thanksgiving from all of us at Parkside Animal Hospital... just remember to keep your pets safe!

10 Please meet.. Dr. Boeving opened Parkside Animal Hospital on February 21, 2000 in partnership with Kay Wigginton, D.V.M. Parkside Animal Hospital was built from the ground up and was the realization of her life-long dream. Dr. Boeving is a 1993 graduate of Texas A&M School of Veterinary Medicine and enjoys working with companion animals but her love of horses nearly lured her toward equine veterinary medicine. She rode competitively for many years and still enjoys horseback riding today. At Parkside Animal Hospital, she is often found in surgery, performing examinations and developing treatment plans. Dr. Boeving and her family have 5 pets: Bucky and Murray, Cavalier King Charles spaniels; Dirker, a tabby; Rocket a Chihuahua, and Cheeto, a Chihuahua puppy. Placing sutures. Abdominal surgery. Advising course of treatment.

11 Please meet our groomer.. BRITTANY! Parkside Animal Hospital is extremely pleased to welcome Brittany to our staff. GROOMING APPOINTMENTS with Brittany currently being booked. MONDAYs -- TUESDAYs WEDNESDAYs THURSDAYs FRIDAYs Brittany has been grooming for 5 years and is extremely attentive to providing a positive, happy grooming experience for your pet. Bookings are currently 10 days out; but occasionally cancellations occur. Dogs must be current on RABIES and BORDATELLA vaccinations and cats must be current on RABIES vaccinations to be eligible for grooming services. Book NOW for THANKSGIVING and CHRISTMAS GROOMING! Call

12 PET PHOTOS to be taken at Parkside! LOVED PETS SUPPORT THOSE NEEDING LOVE (and a home!) During November and December 2008, we will photograph pets to appear on the LOVED PETS SUPPORT RESCUE page of the Parkside Animal Hospital website. ALL PROCEEDS WILL SUPPORT RESCUE! Bring your pet in costume or not. Cost will be $10.00 per pet* (cash donation; no checks or credit card; no people in photos). 100% of all proceeds will be split between LITTLE ORPHAN ANGELS RESCUE CAMP LONE STAR RESCUE Photos taken: Wednesday, Nov. 12 th 2:00pm-4:00pm ** December dates + other possible Wednesday, Nov.19 th 2:00pm-4:00pm November dates to be announced.. Saturday, Nov. 22 nd 10:00am-noon Photographs will be posted on the Parkside Animal Hospital website (no hard copy photographs) and you may download your pet s photo for your use.. either as a screen saver, to frame or for your holiday cards whatever is your choice. Just know all proceeds will support rescue.. 100%. Parkside Animal Hospital is donating webspace and Parkside Animal Hospital personnel are donating time, effort and equipment afterall, we support rescue, too! Questions? See website: or call:

13 Hypoadrenocorticism (Addison s Disease) By Kaye A. Wigginton, D.V.M. To be published in the Northeast Times November 2008 What is Addison s Disease? Hypoadrenocorticism (also known as Addison s Disease) is a condition that, fortunately, infrequently occurs in dogs and it is even more rare in cats. It is characterized by a severe deficiency of the adrenocortical hormones. These hormones are made in the outer portion of the adrenal glands. There are two adrenal glands and they are located above both kidneys. These hormones are essential for life. They are necessary for the body to adapt to stressful situations and without them, even small stresses can be a disaster. The glucocorticoids (such as cortisol) are important in the preparation of burning fuel so the body is ready for a fight or flight situation. The mineralocorticoids affect the electrolytes sodium and potassium. Addison s disease is fatal if it is not diagnosed or treated. There are three forms of Addison s disease: primary, secondary and atypical. Primary Addison s can be caused by an autoimmune response (the body attacks its own tissue), by a tumor of the adrenal gland, or infection. Secondary Addison s can occur when the pituitary gland in the brain fails to produce ACTH (this is what stimulates the adrenal gland to work). I will mention more about this in the diagnosis section. The most common type of secondary

14 Addison s occurs when a synthetic glucocorticoid such as prednisone is being given to a pet and then abruptly discontinued instead of following the reducing dosage (weaning off) schedule that is required. Atypical Addison s is similar to primary Addison s, but where only the glucocorticoids are deficient while the mineralocorticoids are normal. Who gets Addison s Disease? Typically, the patient is a young to middle aged female dog. Certain breeds seem to be most affected: Standard Poodle, Portuguese Water Dog, and Bearded Collie. However, any breed, sex, or age dog can develop Addison s disease. Why this disease is nicknamed the great pretender - What are the clinical signs? Since the clinical signs of this disease can mimic lots of other diseases and conditions, it can be very difficult to diagnose or recognize right away. The most common clinical signs are: lethargy, weakness, depression, anorexia (loss of appetite), vomiting, diarrhea, dehydration, abdominal pain, sudden collapse, shock, slow heart rate and/or irregular heart rhythm. These clinical signs mimic lots of kidney, gastrointestinal and neurologic diseases. Addison s is not as common as these other diseases so they must be ruled out as a cause of your dog s illness. It can be common for affected dogs to have vague clinical signs that come and go with periods of normalcy in between. It is also common for them to collapse in shock (Addisonian crisis) or suddenly die without warning. How is it diagnosed? Diagnosis of this disease involves your veterinarian assessing a complete history, physical exam, blood work (including complete blood count, chemistry panel and electrolytes), urinalysis, and possibly radiographs and/or ultrasound depending on the clinical signs to rule out other conditions- remember, it is the great pretender. If Addison s disease is suspected, then an ACTH stimulation test must be done to confirm the diagnosis. It is the one and only specific test for this disease.

15 What is involved in the ACTH stimulation test? A blood sample will be drawn to get a baseline cortisol level (pre-sample), then your dog will be given an injection of ACTH (this is what stimulates the adrenal gland to release the hormones). Then a timed second sample of blood will be drawn (post-sample) to measure the cortisol levels. This test will determine how your dog s adrenal glands respond to the ACTH to release the cortisol. Based on the pre and post cortisol levels, Addison s disease will be ruled in or ruled out as a diagnosis. How is Addison s disease treated? There can be two stages of treatment depending on the patient and their clinical signs: inhospital treatment and life long treatment. Very sick patients will need to begin their treatment with hospitalization to correct any fluid, electrolyte and acid-base in balances and to provide a quick acting source of glucocorticoid. Other patients, who are not as ill at the time of diagnosis, may be able to begin oral or injectable therapy without having to be hospitalized. The oral drug, fludrocortisone, is usually given twice a day based on the patient s sodium and potassium blood tests. In the beginning, the sodium and potassium levels are measured very frequently to determine the correct dosage. When the electrolyte levels appear stable, then the blood tests are done less frequently. Often, over time the amount of fludrocortisone needed to stabilize the patient will increase. This is a relatively expensive drug, but because it has both glucocorticoid and mineralocorticoid activity, it may be the only medication needed to treat the patient as long as the correct dose is used and the patient is monitored diligently. The other choice for treatment is the drug DOCP (Percorten-V is the brand name for this long acting injectable drug). The injection is given approximately every 25 days. In the beginning, electrolytes are measured before each injection and then over time the testing can be done every few months if the patient is stable. Some experts believe that the Percorten-V provides better regulation versus the oral fludrocortisone. Some patients may require additional glucocorticoid supplements- such as a low dose prednisone in addition to the injections.

16 Capri receiving Percorten injection Capri Comments While Addison s disease is a life threatening and sometimes very difficult disease to diagnose (the great pretender ), we have had many successes in treating our patients who have gone on to have normal lives. The important point to remember is that if your pet shows any signs, no matter how subtle they may seem, of illness be sure to call your veterinarian right away. With any disease, the sooner your pet is diagnosed, the sooner your veterinarian and you can work together to make a plan for the best and longest life possible.

17 1780 Rufe Snow Drive Keller, Texas FAX: Rita Ruple, D.V..M...A time to rememb ber what is important and to give thanks. Please know that YOU and YOUR PETS are included in our Thanksgiving. We are blessed with your trust, and we hold that dear. HAPPY THANKSGIVING! Check the Parkside Animal Hospital website: for information on promotions/rebates, alerts, recalls as well as educational articles, hours and the phone number & location of Animal Emergency Hospital of North Texas. You may also book appointments and contact us by via the website. WE WANT YOUR FEEDBACK.. praise n pans.. your input is WELCOME! Please go to our website and click on the tab: CONTACT US Just a few of to th leave CLIENT FEEDBACK he FRIENDLY FACES OF PARKSIDE Check back often!

18 Dr. Herndon & Lulu Joanna, Receptionist Ashley & Dusty Dr. Wigginton & puppy Ludy, Practice Manager Claudia, Reception & website Jessica & Tex Rhonda & Misty Friendly faces, caring hearts PARKSIDE ANIMAL HOSPITAL 1780 Rufe Snow Drive Keller, Texas