Dangerous algae has been found at an abandoned rock quarry at the Eno River State Park. These algae can be dangerous to both humans and pets who swim in or ingest contaminated water.
Park rangers have always discouraged using the quarry for recreation, but it should now be considered strictly off-limits for pets.
Here's the news release
Here's a website with information on algae. And another one here.
Disease in dogs
Wednesday, March 18, 2009
Wednesday, March 11, 2009
Fire!
Everyone's worst nightmare: the vet clinic catches on fire. You've probably heard the news reports by now, but if not, here's a link. The short story is that a veterinary hospital exploded. All of the people escaped, but the animals were trapped inside. One of the vets was able to break down a door to get back in to the burning building and let the animals out. No humans were harmed, 4 pets (3 cats and 1 dog) eventually died, many were saved, and one dog is still missing.
(Update 3/16/09: The missing dog has been found and the cause of the fire was an 'electrical malfunction.')
Most of the news reports spin this as 'the heroic veterinarian saves the animals.' OSHA rules are to get the people out first, do NOT take time to save the animals, on the philosophy that no risk to human life is worth the gain to animal life. Fire experts say to never go back into a burning building, NEVER.
The thing that is interesting is what this incident shows about people and their relationship to animals. Clearly, this vet (and a good samaritan) ignored these rules and saved animal lives. This is just one more example of how people truly believe that animals DO have value, and people are willing to risk much in order to save them.
You may have also heard that recently Martha Stewart lost a puppy at a fire at a boarding kennel. Also at this fire, a person saved a dog in spite of being badly burned in the process. Again, the rules say save yourself, ignore the animals; this isn't what people actually do. Look at Hurricane Katrina. Many people refused to leave, even in dire situations, because they would have to leave behind their animals. Granted, many animals were left behind, but the point remains: animals are perceived by many to have value approaching that of another human being. One could argue whether this is valid, or good, or worthwhile, but it doesn't change the fact that the phenomenon is here to stay.
Veterinarians see this everyday as owners agonize over their sick pets. Perhaps the greatest feeling in the world is sending a healthy pet back to it's loving family.
(Update 3/16/09: The missing dog has been found and the cause of the fire was an 'electrical malfunction.')
Most of the news reports spin this as 'the heroic veterinarian saves the animals.' OSHA rules are to get the people out first, do NOT take time to save the animals, on the philosophy that no risk to human life is worth the gain to animal life. Fire experts say to never go back into a burning building, NEVER.
The thing that is interesting is what this incident shows about people and their relationship to animals. Clearly, this vet (and a good samaritan) ignored these rules and saved animal lives. This is just one more example of how people truly believe that animals DO have value, and people are willing to risk much in order to save them.
You may have also heard that recently Martha Stewart lost a puppy at a fire at a boarding kennel. Also at this fire, a person saved a dog in spite of being badly burned in the process. Again, the rules say save yourself, ignore the animals; this isn't what people actually do. Look at Hurricane Katrina. Many people refused to leave, even in dire situations, because they would have to leave behind their animals. Granted, many animals were left behind, but the point remains: animals are perceived by many to have value approaching that of another human being. One could argue whether this is valid, or good, or worthwhile, but it doesn't change the fact that the phenomenon is here to stay.
Veterinarians see this everyday as owners agonize over their sick pets. Perhaps the greatest feeling in the world is sending a healthy pet back to it's loving family.
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Easter Lilies
As the Easter holiday approaches, many people are likely to have lilies in their household. But beware, these flowers do not come with the warning that they are toxic to cats! Many members of the lily family are in fact highly toxic to our feline friends, and if you've ever owned a cat you know how inquisitive they are to new things in their environment. A new plant in the house could mean a new chew toy for your cat!
Lily toxicity causes renal (kidney) failure in felines and can be fatal. According to the National Animal Poison Control Center, even very small amounts of the lily (a few bites on a leaf or ingestion of pollen) can be highly toxic.
The Easter, Tiger, Stargazer, Japanese show, Asian, and some species of the Day lily are toxic and can be fatal if ingested. While toxic to cats, lilies are not known to cause problems with dogs.
Signs and symptoms of lily ingestion:
The National Animal Poison Control Center is available 24 hours by phone (888) 426-4435.
Lily toxicity causes renal (kidney) failure in felines and can be fatal. According to the National Animal Poison Control Center, even very small amounts of the lily (a few bites on a leaf or ingestion of pollen) can be highly toxic.
The Easter, Tiger, Stargazer, Japanese show, Asian, and some species of the Day lily are toxic and can be fatal if ingested. While toxic to cats, lilies are not known to cause problems with dogs.
Signs and symptoms of lily ingestion:
- Vomiting
- Mild depression or lethargy
- Anorexia (no interest in food)
- Often cats can appear normal with no symptoms
The National Animal Poison Control Center is available 24 hours by phone (888) 426-4435.
Snakebites
Believe it or not, we have already started to see snakebites this year here at TVEC. Although it's cold today, when the sun finally comes out and spring rolls around, the snakes will come out of the woodwork!
The most common venomous snake in the Triangle area is the Copperhead snake. The copperhead’s bite is rarely fatal, but can cause serious reactions to humans and pets alike. Other venomous snakes which are sometimes seen in the area include the rattlesnake (pigmy, canebreak) and water mocassin (cottonmouth). Down towards the coast, you might encounter a coral snake or a diamondback rattlesnake. Typically cats and dogs are bitten on the face, in the mouth, or on the feet.
Scarlet king snakes are more common, but they aren't venomous. They look like coral snakes, but with a slightly different color pattern. "Red and yellow, kill a fellow; red and black, friend of Jack." This means if the red and yellow stripes are touching, it's a venomous coral snake. If the red and black stripes are touching, it's the non-venomous species.
Frequently, we get reports from clients that their dog was bitten while killing the snake to protect their owners! Other times the bite is not witnessed, but the animal returns from outside with a swollen face or foot.
Signs of a snake bite usually appear within 30 minutes of the bite and include:
If you suspect your animal has been bitten by a snake, seek a veterinarian’s care! While the copperhead’s bite is typically not fatal to a healthy animal, the consequences of a bite are painful and can be treated by your veterinarian. If your animal is geriatric (older than 8years) or has a medical condition, the copperhead’s bite can be life threatening. Regardless of the specifics of the pet or the snake, seek veterinary care if you suspect a snakebite. Prompt treatment for any animal suspected to be a snake bite victim is essential. Don't try to catch or kill the snake; you don't want to be a victim too!
Most people think that anti-venom is essential or else the pet will die. Not true. Most animals recover well with treatment that does not include anti-venom. Anti-venom is also very expensive and not always available. The tricky part is you have to decide on whether or not to use it early on, before you know how bad the patient is going to be. Again, ask your vet.
Raley got bit on the face by a copperhead (her muzzle is usually about 1/2 this size)! She did well with a combination of steroids and antihistamines.
The most common venomous snake in the Triangle area is the Copperhead snake. The copperhead’s bite is rarely fatal, but can cause serious reactions to humans and pets alike. Other venomous snakes which are sometimes seen in the area include the rattlesnake (pigmy, canebreak) and water mocassin (cottonmouth). Down towards the coast, you might encounter a coral snake or a diamondback rattlesnake. Typically cats and dogs are bitten on the face, in the mouth, or on the feet.
Scarlet king snakes are more common, but they aren't venomous. They look like coral snakes, but with a slightly different color pattern. "Red and yellow, kill a fellow; red and black, friend of Jack." This means if the red and yellow stripes are touching, it's a venomous coral snake. If the red and black stripes are touching, it's the non-venomous species.
Frequently, we get reports from clients that their dog was bitten while killing the snake to protect their owners! Other times the bite is not witnessed, but the animal returns from outside with a swollen face or foot.
Signs of a snake bite usually appear within 30 minutes of the bite and include:
- Intense pain/swelling of affected area
- Panting and discomfort
- Bleeding from puncture site
- Lameness, if bitten on a leg or foot
- Drooling, if bitten around the mouth
- Bruising
If you suspect your animal has been bitten by a snake, seek a veterinarian’s care! While the copperhead’s bite is typically not fatal to a healthy animal, the consequences of a bite are painful and can be treated by your veterinarian. If your animal is geriatric (older than 8years) or has a medical condition, the copperhead’s bite can be life threatening. Regardless of the specifics of the pet or the snake, seek veterinary care if you suspect a snakebite. Prompt treatment for any animal suspected to be a snake bite victim is essential. Don't try to catch or kill the snake; you don't want to be a victim too!
Most people think that anti-venom is essential or else the pet will die. Not true. Most animals recover well with treatment that does not include anti-venom. Anti-venom is also very expensive and not always available. The tricky part is you have to decide on whether or not to use it early on, before you know how bad the patient is going to be. Again, ask your vet.
- Here is a good website on the snakes of North Carolina
- Here's a good website for information on snake bites in pets
Raley got bit on the face by a copperhead (her muzzle is usually about 1/2 this size)! She did well with a combination of steroids and antihistamines.
Dog Saves Dog
This happened in December in Santiago, Chile. Even though it's old, it's good enough to share.
A traffic camera captures a canine drama. One dog wanders into a busy highway and gets hit by several cars. As he sits in the highway, unable to walk, another dog comes in and drags the first dog to safety. Some sources say the first dog lives, but other sources say that no one knows.
Warning: The first part of this video is harsh as the first dog gets hit.
Objectively, we shouldn't ascribe emotions to animals. But it's hard to watch this without your heart in your throat, amazed at the bravery and compassion of the second dog. Whether the second dog knew how much danger they were in is irrelevant. This is still a brave little friend.
A traffic camera captures a canine drama. One dog wanders into a busy highway and gets hit by several cars. As he sits in the highway, unable to walk, another dog comes in and drags the first dog to safety. Some sources say the first dog lives, but other sources say that no one knows.
Warning: The first part of this video is harsh as the first dog gets hit.
Objectively, we shouldn't ascribe emotions to animals. But it's hard to watch this without your heart in your throat, amazed at the bravery and compassion of the second dog. Whether the second dog knew how much danger they were in is irrelevant. This is still a brave little friend.
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