Did you know that heart disease isn’t just a human problem?

Did you know that heart disease isn’t just a human problem? 

 

 

Unfortunately, dogs get heart disease too, and about 10% of all dogs have some type of heart disease.  The most common type of heart disease in dogs is called chronic mitral valve degeneration, which causes a major heart valve not to close properly.  This condition is common in small and medium sized middle aged to older dogs.  Breeds known to be at a higher risk for valve disease include Cavalier King Charles Spaniels, Dachshunds, Chihuahuas and Poodles, but any dog can be affected. 

 The most common sign of valve disease is a heart murmur heard with a stethoscope.  Symptoms of valve disease you might notice at home include cough, rapid or labored breathing, fainting, or decreased exercise tolerance.  If you notice these signs you should have your pet evaluated by your veterinarian as soon as possible. Annual examinations with your veterinarian can help detect a heart problem before your pet is having symptoms at home, so make sure to have your pet evaluated regularly.

 

There is no cure for heart valve disease, but there are medications that can lengthen your pet’s life and improve their quality of life.  Veterinary cardiologists specialize in treating heart disease in pets and can work with your primary veterinarian if a heart problem is suspected.  If you have a middle aged small or medium sized dog, talk to your veterinarian about heart disease at your next visit.

 

 

What do you think this is?

What do you think this is?

 

Urinary Stones

These stones or calculi are caused by a buildup of crystals than can result from different types of minerals in a pet’s urine.  The crystals can bind together and form bigger, denser stones.  These stones can cause irritation and infection in the bladder, or a life threatening blockage of the urethra.  Some stones can be dissolved with food, but others must be removed surgically in a procedure called a cystotomy. 

 

 

 

 

Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus or Bloat

In this condition, the stomach fills with gas and twists, trapping the air inside.  It is often characterized by non productive retching and a distended abdomen.  It is more common in large deep-chested breed like, Standard Poodles and Great Danes.  This is a serious and life threatening condition that requires immediate surgery to repair.

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Foreign Body

This image is of a metallic foreign body in the stomach, possibly a penny.  Most foreign bodies are things that pets eat that will make them ill.  The most common problem is obstruction.  This is when a foreign body is unable to pass and causes a blockage in the digestive system.  This is a life threatening situation, often characterized by frequent vomiting, lethargy or not wanting to eat.  Foreign body obstructions often require surgical intervention to be resolved.  Linear foreign bodies, like string or dental floss, can cause a bunching of the intestines, which can be fatal.  Some foreign bodies like pennies, also have the ability to be toxic and cause things like metal poisoning.

 

 

Urinary Obstruction

This is a condition in which, debris or crystals from the bladder cause a blockage in the urethra.  This blockage causes the pet’s body to be unable to urinate or remove waste products.  The buildup of waste products can cause severe symptoms including death in just a few days.  Signs of a urinary block can include: non-productive straining to urinate, vomiting, lethargy or pain when trying to urinate.  This condition is most common in male cats due to the narrow width of their urethra, but in the right circumstance can happen to any pet.  In order to relieve this obstruction, a urinary catheter can be inserted, as seen in the image above.

 

 

 





Bone Fracture

This is a traumatic injury, usually caused by large amounts of force being applied to a limb, like in a car accident or a fall.  The most common treatment for fractures is a surgical repair, which can involve pins and plates just like in people.  With an extensive injury like this, it can be a long and difficult road to recovery.

 

 

 



 

Oxygen Masks for Pets

It's one of our worst nightmares - a house fire.  In addition to losing a home and all of our belongings, the risk of losing family members is terrifying.  And for many of us, "family" includes our pets.

Our emergency service has seen it over and over;  brave first responders rushing through our doors with unconscious animals that are suffering from smoke inhalation.  The vital treatment for those animals is oxygen supplementation, and many of these trucks don't have the right equipment.  Human oxygen masks help, but they just don't fit right.



Pet masks are not standard equipment, and we'd like to change that.  So we're challenging the entire Durham County veterinary community to get involved; with their help and the help of the pet-owning public, we believe we can supply every emergency truck in the county with a set of pet-specific oxygen masks.  These masks will fit everything from kittens to Great Danes, sealing around the "snout" to provide supplementary oxygen to animals struggling to breathe.

We've partnered with Bayou rescue for this project, and as a 501(c)3, donations are tax deductible.  When you visit your primary care veterinarian, look for our display and donation jar.  If they don't have information on the program, be sure to mention it to them!  Donations  (checks should be made out to Bayou Rescue) can be mailed to 608 Morreene Rd, Durham NC 27705. (We are unable to accept credit card donations due to bank fees.  We apologize for any inconvenience.)

Thank you so much for your help!