Preferred Veterinarians Resources

Paul W. Skellenger D.V.M.

Canine Parvovirus (CPV)

In dogs, Parvovirus should be suspected whenever puppies are presented with lethargy, vomiting, &/or loose stools especially if there is blood in the stool (a hemorrhagic enteritis). Puppies 6 to 16 weeks of age are the most susceptible. This is due to the fact that puppies younger than this are usually protected by maternal antibodies they received in the mother’s milk (colostrum). Older dogs have acquired immunity from vaccination or previous exposure and may not show significant clinical illness if they do become infected. Rottweilers, Doberman Pinschers, and English Springer Spaniels seem to be at greater risk for severe disease, but we see this devastating disease an all species of dogs.

CPV infects rapidly dividing cells of the intestine, bone marrow, and lymphatic tissues. The rapidly dividing cells of the intestine reside in valleys of the intestinal mucosal lining known as crypts. These cells then migrate to cover the hills of the mucosa known as villi. The virus is capable of severe enough damage to result in necrosis (cell death) of the intestinal crypt cells and this leaves no cells to cover the villi. The villi essentially are ulcerated, collapse, and digestive function is lost. Tremendous amounts of blood components and fluids are lost across this ulcerated mucosa and toxins and bacteria may be free to pass from the intestinal lumen to the bloodstream.

Rapidly dividing cells are also found in the bone marrow and the virus attacks these resulting in a drop in the dog’s white blood cell count. Both lymphocytes and neutrophils are affected (these are types of white blood cells). Neutrophils are the predominant white blood cell found in circulation and function as part of the rapid first line of defense against infection. CPV infection causes low neutrophil counts by cell injury in the bone marrow and due to depletion of circulating cells responding to the tremendous amount of damage to the intestinal wall. The lower the white blood cell count, the worse the illness and counts less than 3000 mean the dog is not able to defend against bacteria found in the digestive tract and the environment. Continue ...

Oral and Dental Health are Keys to Your Pets Quality of Life - What Do We Do About Tartar and Gingivitis

Paul W. Skellenger D.V.M. Treatment: Dental prophy. This procedure is performed under general anesthesia. After a thorough examination, the teeth are scaled using specialized hand instruments and an ultrasonic scaler. All plaque and tartar is removed and every tooth in the mouth is carefully cleaned. The teeth, gums, and the periodontal tissues are then examined by the doctor to be sure they are healthy, with special attention paid to areas below the gum line. Then the teeth are polished with a high speed polisher to smooth and restore the enamel. This is followed by a fluoride treatment. Immediate post operative care: The dental technician is responsible for all nursing care associated with the prophy itself. Once this procedure is finished, one of the treatment area technicians (who are also our ICU nurses) sees to it that the patient’s recovery is smooth and uneventful. What to expect the day of discharge: In most cases, normal activity is permitted right away. When you get home, offer a small meal and a small amount of water at first. Some pets may feel a little nausea associate with anesthesia, and it is best to offer small portions at first. Normal food and water can be offered after a couple of hours. Don’t expect them to be excessively tired, but some do take longer than others to come around. The next day they should be back to normal. What to do if you notice a problem: If you feel there is a problem for any reason, call our office or the local animal emergency clinic. Follow up: Daily tooth brushing is the best way to prevent future tartar and gum disease. Keep it simple. Brush the outside of the teeth and you can be finished in 10 to 15 seconds. We have chicken flavored toothpaste to make it easier. CET chews help when brushing cannot be done regularly. Most important, regular cleaning every 6 to 12 months is the ideal way to prevent health problems related to dental plaque and tartar. It makes their breath smell better too. Continue ...   Boarding your Dog   Ernest Ward, DVM Many owners say that they will never leave their dog in boarding kennels. However, situations may occur in which you are unable to take your dog with you. During these times, you have the following options: The dog stays at home and you arrange for a friend or relative to “dog sit” in your home while you are away. You arrange for a friend or neighbor to care for your pet in their home. This works well when the dog knows the home and the people. However, there is always a risk that your dog may escape and get lost in an unfamiliar neighborhood. You arrange for your dog to go to a boarding kennel. This is probably the safest option since well-designed kennels are safe and secure. Many boarding facilities are associated with veterinary hospitals and are staffed with trained professionals to care for your pet. Continue ...   Why Obesity Matters Debra L. Zoran, DVM, PhD, Diplomate ACVIM-SAIM What Are the Health Risks? If your veterinarian has determined that your dog is carrying a few too many extra pounds, you’re not alone! It’s estimated that about 17 million dogs in the United States are overweight or obese, and those numbers are increasing. Obesity is more than just a problem with your dog’s appearance. Obesity is a medical problem that can have serious health consequences. The good news is that weight loss - even in small amounts - can result in a significant improvement in your dog’s health and quality of life. What are the some of the health risks of obesity in dogs? Arthritis – Joint disease is one of the most common health effects of obesity. The excess weight adds extra strain to joints and ligaments, worsening pain and making it harder to move around. Obese dogs often have trouble going up stairs, getting into cars, or simply going for a walk. Breathing Problems – Does your dog huff and puff on walks or during playtime? Excess body fat can increase pressure on your dog’s lungs and interfere with normal function. When expansion of the lungs is restricted by fat in the chest cavity, the lungs have to work harder to provide oxygen, which can result in shortness of breath. Heart Disease – Does your dog seem to have less energy? Those extra pounds may be putting a strain on your dog’s heart. Obesity can be associated with high blood pressure, or hypertension, in dogs, which, just as in people, can lead to a variety of complications. Continue ... Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease (PBFD or PsCV) By: Paul Skellenger, D.V.M Psittacine Beak and Feather Disease is caused by a virus (Psittacine Circovirus) and in many ways is the avian equivalent of the human AIDS virus. Birds suffering from this disease can show abnormal feather growth (known as feather dystrophy) and have necrosis of the beak - hence the name. The virus is capable of suppressing the bird’s immune system to the point that they become debilitated and susceptible to secondary infections that ultimately kill the bird. This is truly a devastating disease and is highly contagious. Many birds infected with PsCV develop a transient infection that the bird’s immune response effectively clears. In birds that do not mount an effective immune response, disease can be sudden and devastating or more chronic and insidious. Old World parrots that become infected usually die, although some New World parrots that become infected will eventually recover. Infected Lories are usually less severely affected and can have feather abnormalities, but recover. Continue ...