Veterinary X-Ray

Monday, May 2, 2016

So Your Vet Suggests X-Rays...

When your vet suggests an x-ray examination for your dog, you will probably have some questions and concerns. Your vet is the best person to answer your questions; however it is a good idea for dog owners to get a basic understanding of this very important diagnostic procedure.

What can x-rays do?

X-rays are one of the most basic diagnostic tools at your vet’s disposal and even the very smallest of practices will have their own x-ray machine and staff qualified to use it. It is often veterinary technicians rather than vets that perform and develop the x-rays. However, the images are always examined by the vet for diagnosis.

X-rays are a fast way to see internal problems, and can be used in a variety of circumstances. In some cases, other examination tools can be more valuable, such as in cases where soft tissue needs to be examined, as this does not always show up well on x-rays.

As a rule, x-rays can provide shots of bone, foreign bodies, internal organs and tissue. In some cases they may be used to detect tumors or other abnormal growths, and the spread of cancers. X-rays are not fool-proof, and some tumors may be virtually invisible to x-ray if they blend in with the tissue of the body. Plastic will not show up well on x-rays, meaning that foreign bodies of this type may go unnoticed.

In order to examine the internal structure of organs such as the heart or lungs, MRI scanning or computer tomography are a better choice, and in some cases, a barium test may be needed alongside of an x-ray.

Are x-rays safe?

X-rays, of course, generate radiation, which is something that can concern people. Too much exposure to x-ray radiation can be harmful, which is why veterinary staff need to limit their exposure to x-rays by means of lead tunics and masks. But what about your furry friend?

The key to x-ray safety is limiting exposure. One x-ray, or a carefully controlled series of repeated x-rays are safe for your dog, and even used sometimes to scan pregnant bitches. Your vet should keep a record of your dog’s x-ray history to ensure that their exposure remains within safe levels. Used in moderation and only when needed, x-rays are not a health risk for your dog.

Does the dog need to be unconscious for an x-ray?

Whether or not your dog needs to be sedated for their x-ray depends on a number of things. The size and shape of your dog, the area that needs to be examined and how cooperative your dog is will all contribute! For some dogs that will keep still in one position for their x-ray, sedation may not be needed. But for dogs that squirm a lot, won’t stay in one place, or that need to be placed in an odd position for their x-ray, sedation may be required.

What determines the cost of canine x-rays?

There is no simple formula to determine the cost of an x-ray exam; every examination is different, and prices can vary between different practices, locations, etc.

Some of the factors that determine price include how many images need to be taken to get the right shot, and how easy or difficult it is to arrange. It may mean that just one vet tech is needed to complete the procedure and attain one image, or several staff may be needed to help with positioning, angling and keeping your dog still.

Sedation is an added cost. Something overlooked by pet owners--the fee does not just cover the process of getting the image itself, but the assessment of the image and what it shows. Second opinions, the opinions of a specialist and other considerations are also factored into the cost if needed.

Your vet should be able to explain to you in advance their pricing structure for x-rays, and how their ultimate fee is reached.

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This blog is brought to you by Diagnostic Imaging Systems. Diagnostic Imaging Systems, Inc. (DIS) has been providing Quality Imaging products since 1983. The company combines industry knowledge with an understanding of the veterinary practice. For more information, go to Diagnostic Imaging Systems, Inc. website at: www.vetxray.com

All content provided on this blog is for informational purposes only. The owner of this blog makes no representations as to the accuracy or completeness of any information on this site or found by following any link on this site. The owner will not be liable for any errors or omissions in this information nor for the availability of this information. The owner will not be liable for any losses, injuries, or damages from the display or use of this information. These terms and conditions of use are subject to change at any time and without notice.

Tuesday, April 26, 2016

Uh-Oh...Otitis!

Are your pet's ears smelling kind of off? Full of "stuff" that just shouldn't be there? Lots of ear scratching going on? Any of the above, combined with head shaking, red and swollen ears, and a "don't touch me" attitude may mean an ear infection. What causes ear infections and what can you do about them? Read on…

Inflammation of the ears occurs in cats and dogs when the ear canal glands in the lining of the ear enlarge and produce lots of wax. This usually occurs due to

• allergies to pet food, fleas and/or dust mites

• infection caused by mites or trauma to the ear

• hormonal imbalances

• tumors

• immune system issues

• or an accumulation of hair or dead skin in the ear canal.

A chronic inflammation of the external ear canal is called otitis externa. This causes itchiness, redness, and pain. When it's chronic, or untreated, it can lead to otitis media.

Otitis media is inflammation of the middle ear, and is usually the next step after untreated or chronic otitis externa. Fluid buildup from inflammation can cause a rupture in the membrane between the external ear and middle ear (the eardrum).

Dogs and cats of all ages and breeds can be affected by otitis externa—however, dog breeds with small ear canals, hairy ear canals or long ears tend to be more susceptible.

Breeds most prone to otitis externa include:

Basset Hounds, Cocker Spaniels, Poodles, German Shepherds, Hounds, Terriers, and Shar Pei

Your vet will treat with antibacterial, corticosteroid, anti-yeast, or antiseptic drops. If an infectious organism is found in the ear, an oral antibiotic or antifungal may be prescribed. A corticosteroid may also be used to reduce inflammation and pain.

Some products for canine otitis externa combine an anti-inflammatory, antibacterial, and an antifungal to help ensure your pet's otitis externa does not progress to the middle ear.

Regular cleaning of your dog’s ears at home can prevent a lot of future problems. Put some ear cleaning solution into your dog’s ears, rub the base of the ear to dislodge the debris, and then wipe it out with cotton balls. Your dog will do some head shaking, which you can follow up with a towel drying. Cotton swabs can be used on the exterior folds of the ears, but never inside the ear, of course.

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This blog is brought to you by Diagnostic Imaging Systems. Diagnostic Imaging Systems, Inc. (DIS) has been providing Quality Imaging products since 1983. The company combines industry knowledge with an understanding of the veterinary practice. For more information, go to Diagnostic Imaging Systems, Inc. website at: www.vetxray.com

Saturday, April 16, 2016

Behavioral Problems in Horses--Part II

This is the second of a multi-part series outlining common equine behavior problems

Stereotypic Behavior

Stereotypic is a term used to define behaviors that are repetitive, control a large part of the day and serve no purpose. Compulsive behaviors in horses can be divided into movement-related behaviors and oral behaviors. Control and poor management practices are the primary contributing factors. Horses that have more social interaction, consume a variety of roughage and feed two or more times daily are less likely to demonstrate these behaviors. Cribbing is an example of oral behavior, whereas pawing is an example of movement-related problems. If your horse demonstrates one behaviors, they are likely to exhibit another. Research shows that these types of behaviors are commonly seen in mares and 2-yr-old foals.

Cribbing (Aerophagia, Wind sucking)

Symptoms: grasping objects (i.e. water bucket) in stall with incisors, neck flexing, air sucking. May result in damaged incisors.

Possible Causes: Highly palatable foods (grains, molasses), lack of exercise, excessive confinement, GI discomfort

Treatment: turning confined horses to pasture, providing toys and stimulation, strapping around the horse's neck behind the poll or open-end muzzle, keeping stalls free of horizontal surfaces and objects that the horse can grasp

Wood Chewing (Lignophagia)

Symptoms: wood-chewing horse grabs and swallows pieces of wood. Wood chewing increases in cold, wet weather.

Possible Causes: the definitive cause of wood chewing is lack of roughage in the diet. Additionally, confinement, high-concentrate diets, and lack of exercise and stimulation increase incidence of wood chewing.

Treatment: provide more roughage, exercise, stimulation, toys, and social contact. Eliminate exposed wood and cover fence edges with wires and. Taste repellents can also help minimize wood chewing.

Geophagia (Pica)

Symptoms: Ingestion of dirt and sand; however soil may include stones that create intestinal obstruction.

Possible Causes: Soil may be iron and copper rich, attracting ingestion.

Treatment: management should include increasing roughage and exercise and providing salt blocks and toys.

Stall Walking and Weaving

Symptoms: walking in circles in the stall, and when released continue to circle in a small area. Tying the horse to prevent walking will only transform the behavior into weaving, i.e., lifting the legs and shifting weight and head position from side to side in the same spot.

Possible Causes: lack of exercise, lack of social contact and claustrophobia. Stress and anxiety appear to aggravate the problem.

Treatment: increase exercise and stimulation, provide social contact, and turn the horse to pasture.

Stall Kicking Or Pawing

Symptoms: Self-Explanatory

Possible Causes: boredom, aggression, frustration or anticipation (i.e. during food preparation). The horse may kick in anticipation when food is being prepared but is out of reach. Frustration may be a result of lack of exercise, need to mate or lack of social contact. Many horses that make holes also eat wood from these holes.

Treatment: should be directed toward eliminating the underlying cause; providing more social contact, exercise, and stimulation

Head Shaking

Symptoms: shaking or jerking (usually up and down) head uncontrollably, without any apparent stimulus. May include snorting, rubbing their head on objects, and anxious expression. Note: exclude that the symptoms are not a result of seizures, GI disorders, pain, trauma, ear/eye disease, etc.

Possible Causes: improper bit, an incompetent rider, fear and anxiety, dressage leading to extreme cervical flexion, and compulsive disorders.

Treatment: Management of any underlying medical problem, desensitization and counter-conditioning .

As we've said before, horses need companionship and management; they need the company of other horses and assistance from you. Keeping your horse from daily social interaction may result in developmental issues. Identify the problem and make the necessary adjustments. Your horse will thank you

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Friday, March 18, 2016

DR WIZARD’S WELLNES CARE ASPECT OF THE HUMAN ANIMAL BOND

The vast majority of veterinarians count heavily upon the human-animal bond for their practice livelihood. (HAB = human animal bond = the interaction of people and animals in our society = practice profit center of the future.) But most Veterinarians do not realize the full potential of this bond. They could set themselves up to take full advantage of all the benefits this bond can provide the client and their practice by combining the use of the DR wizard in the animals wellness care program.

By implementing a new wellness care program and integrating the use of the new DR wizard’ to enhance HAB, regular scheduled wellness care visits (every 6 months, based on Human aging of 3 years) will bring in new clients and the return of existing clients plus enhance animal wellness and give a boost to your practice bottom line.

The use of the DR Wizard in an active wellness care program could prevent any potential emergency situations long before any life threading situation exist via DR wizard’s lightning fast high diagnostic quality image allowing early diagnosis and faster treatment.

By Exploring every client contact for moments when the use of the DR wizard in a wellness care program could enhance animal health and contribute to the well being of the pet owner as follows:

1). Wellness dentistry a good human-animal bond

2). Euthanasia bioethics alternative planning

3) Identifying animal abuse and neglect

4). Reduction of phone call “emergency case”

5). Increase the number of phone shoppers excepting your quality-based animal care practice with wellness care program

Don’t forget to allow your practice staff members the opportunity to select wellness care HAB aspects of your practice. Help them develop a working knowledge of the subject material and the many aspects of the DR wizards preventive healthcare delivery options. Get them started with practice business cards with their new title (e.g., Diagnostic imaging specialists, wellness care planner, pain management advisor, veterinary dental hygienist, nutritional advisor, etc.), and promote their interest and new knowledge as a real client benefit.

Celebrate the HUMAN ANIMAL BOND now through a WELLNESS CARE PROGRAM utilizing the low dose, high diagnostic capabilities the new DR wizard provides, EVERY DAY AND IN EVERY WAY!

Tuesday, February 16, 2016

Behavioral Problems in Horses--Part I

Behavioral Problems in Horses--Part I

This is the first of a multi-part series outlining common equine behavior problems

Horses are highly social animals that require contact with others for normal daily care and well-being. Many behavioral problems are associated with confinement and/or isolation. The main goal of managing these problems is identification followed by correction.

Aggression

Aggression is a common problem in horses and includes kicking and biting, chasing, neck wrestling, etc. Signs of aggression include ears flattened backward, retracted lips, rapid tail movements, pawing, head bowing, snorting, squealing, levade (rearing with deeply flexed hindquarters), and threats to kick. Submissive horses respond with avoidance, lowering the neck and head, clamping the tail, and turning away from the aggressor.

Aggression Toward People

Generally, this behavior is seen in stalls or small spaces that the horse feels can be easily defended. The varieties of aggression toward people include fear, pain-induced, sexual (hormonal), learned, and dominance related. Some horses, especially young ones, play with each other while showing signs of aggression such as kicking and biting. Although harmless to other horses, this "play" can prove dangerous to people.

As stated earlier, the first step in managing equine aggression is to identify the cause and, if possible, to remove it. Training and positive reinforcement, combined with desensitization and counter-conditioning are an excellent means to a positive end for a large number of horses. Environmental management is important as well; good management should include sufficient resources such as space, food, and water.

Aggression Toward Other Horses

Aggression toward other horses is often associated with sexual competition, fear, dominance, or territory (protecting the group and resources). There are some horses that are pathologically aggressive; these should be separated completely from other horses (and humans). First separation, followed by keeping less dominant or subordinate equines away from dominant horses. Horses should have sufficient resources, and desensitization and counter-conditioning is the best treatment approach. In cases of sexually related aggression, castration and progestins can help. Adverse effects of such treatment should be weighed carefully, and the horse should be monitored closely. Punishment should be avoided.

Maternal Aggression

Aggression by mares toward people is normal during the first few days after giving birth (parturition). This behavior is hormonally driven and usually lessens with time. Mares should be familiarized with their caregivers before delivery and have minimal contact with other people after delivery. No treatment is required in most cases.

Aggression While Breeding

Stallions that are aggressive when used for breeding are often overused or used out of season. Stallions can develop preferences and a simple change of the mare may help. If stallions were stabled with mares when they were colts, they may have some social inhibitions, and forced mating can result in aggression. The goal of treatment is to treat the main cause of aggression; changing the mare (because of preferences) or artificial breeding can also be attempted. Physical restraint and desensitization can help as well. Clicker training has been used successfully to desensitize stallions with this problem.

Look for Part II: Abnormal Behaviors coming soon

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Equine Leptospirorosis Vaccine Now Available

Equine Leptospirorosis Vaccine Now Available

Leptospirosis. Veterinarians face it; horse owners dread it.

Though well-handled in many species, this bacteria has remained mysterious and problematic in the equine world. Cattle, dogs and cats have benefited from leptospirosis vaccines for years. At last, there may be one for horses.

The Food and Drug Administration recently approved an intramuscular vaccine developed by a group of veterinarians and researchers in conjunction with pharmaceutical company Zoetis, the world's largest producer of medicine and vaccinations for pets and livestock. There is optimism that the medication will reduce the equine infection, which can effect a variety of organs.

Thehorse.com defines Leptospirosis as a zoonotic (transmitted between animals and man) bacterial disease found worldwide that can affect any mammalian species, including humans, wildlife, rodents, livestock, and, yes, horses. The disease is caused by leptospires, which are motile (capable of moving) bacteria called spirochetes. Leptospires are subdivided into serovars and serogroups (subgroups). Those of importance to the horse include pomona, grippotyphosa, hardjo, bratislava, canicola, and icterohaemorrhagiae. The incubation period for leptospirosis in horses is one to three weeks.

Craig Carter, DVM, PhD, director of the University of Kentucky's Livestock Disease Diagnostic Center and professor of epidemiology, tells us horses become infected through mucous membranes of the eyes or mouth and sometimes through broken skin by contact with infected urine, blood, or tissues. Horses can become infected by eating hay or grain that has been contaminated by infected urine, or they can contract it by drinking from standing water that has been similarly affected. Cattle could introduce infected urine into ponds or other standing water.

Leptospirosis presents differently in different animals. In dogs, it presents as flu-like symptoms; in cattle as reduced milk production and abortion. In horses however, the bacteria appear to collect in different parts of the body, with the most common being the eyes, kidneys, or reproductive organs, sometimes leading to very different symptoms between patients. Recurring “moon blindness” or uveitis, is one of the most common indicators of a leptospirosis infection. Uveitis leads to eye swelling, cloudiness, discharge, and sensitivity towards light. Less commonly, kidney inflammation and failure can be blamed on the bacteria.

Abortion is also a common symptom of leptospirosis, with most occurring late in pregnancy and rare instances of foals being born alive with an active infection. In a study that included 3527 cases of abortion, still birth and perinatal death, fetoplacental infection caused by bacteria represented 628 cases, of which leptospirosis was identified in 78 (12.5%)

Some veterinarians had been using the cattle leptospirosis vaccine in horses as a makeshift in the hope of equine developments; others believed that the bovine formula could prove detrimental to equines. “My contention has always been that I could never take the risk of vaccinating the horses under my care with the cattle vaccine, because the value of the mares would be such that if I predisposed one of them to laminitis (inflammation of the sensitive structures in the hoof called the lamellae), it wouldn’t be justified based on the risk,” stated Dr. Stuart Brown of Hagyard Equine Medical Institute.

The new vaccine is now available to practitioners for use in equine herds.

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This blog is brought to you by Diagnostic Imaging Systems. Diagnostic Imaging Systems, Inc. (DIS) provides Quality Imaging products since 1983. The company combines industry knowledge with an understanding of the veterinary practice. For more information, go to Diagnostic Imaging Systems, Inc. website at: www.vetxray.com

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Monday, February 15, 2016

How to Care for Horses in Winter

Winter is on the way...

do's and don'ts of cold-weather horse care

Cold weather is on the way and while you may enjoy the snow; if you have a horse you need to prepare.

Here are just a few ways to "winterize" your equine friends...

Shelter:
It is very important that a horse has shelter, natural or man made, against snow, frost and cold. If you are building a shelter shed, one that is open-fronted will lessen the possibility of one horse being cornered and injured by another. Don't remove the cobwebs -- they act as a free fly trap!

Blankets:
Most horses don't need them. If the horse is fit and healthy, its own coat will keep him comfortable and warm. If he has been clipped or his coat is very fine, you will need a blanket for protection from the cold. Before using your blanket, make sure it is clean, in good repair and waterproof. It's better to leave a horse bare then in a wet blanket. Make sure the blanket is the right size for your horse or pony. Remove and re position daily to ensure that it's not rubbing and that it's dry against the horse's skin.

Don't over groom, do check for cuts, bumps or bruises. Clean the feet and remember to remove mud and sweat. This light grooming will allow the horse to maintain a natural oil balance and reduce the need for a blanket.

Exercise:
If you are able to exercise your horse in the winter weather remember to warm him up and cool him down properly. After exercise don’t let your horse drink water straight from the trough – it could be too cold and will shock his hot system. Instead, mix warm water with cold water so that it is tepid.

If you plan to take your horse out for exercise and the area is covered in snow, put Vaseline or vegetable oil inside the hoof and around the outside -- this will stop the snow from balling underfoot. Once finished exercising, make sure to remove the oil and dry his feet, otherwise you are leaving a good breeding ground for bacteria. Remove all sweat marks and give a good brush; if you have to wash, dry under lamps or with a towel.

Food / Water:
If a stream runs through the pasture, make sure that the approach to the water is not steep or likely to cause injury to the horse if covered in ice or snow. Also, the water should be free flowing and not stagnant. If there is no stream in the field then you need to supply water and check and clean regularly (don't forget to take any ice out!). If piping water, insulate to avoid frozen water lines.

Your outdoor horse will not have access to much grass when there is heavy snow and ice on the ground so it is important to keep a regular supply of hay in the field for them. The average horse, with a lower activity level, should eat between 1.5 and 2% of its body weight in feed per day to maintain weight. A drop in temperature to minus 5 degrees will require an additional 15% more forage to provide the needed calories, meaning the horse needs to eat 2-3 more pounds of hay each day. Give more hay at night then during the day; the temperature drop will have them eating the hay to keep warm. If you are keeping your horses stabled and are not able to exercise them regularly, you may need to cut back on the hard feed. Too much hard feed and not enough exercise can lead to many problems – your horse can get restless and difficult to handle. Overfeeding can also cause illnesses such as colic and laminitis. So reduce the hard feed and increase the hay.

Health:
In wintertime, it is very important to treat any injuries or illness as soon as possible. Avoid excess washing, this can lead to your horse getting cold and burning more energy and body fat trying to get warm.
If your horse's legs are covered in mud, let it dry and then brush off or wash his legs and thoroughly dry before letting him back out into the muddy ground – this will help reduce mud fever (pastern dermatitis).
Don’t forget to worm your horse – the ground may be hard and the worm population low but routine worming year round will help your horse stay healthy.
Microchip your horse--it may stray if looking for food.
Ponies and horses may not look great during winter time. Their coat can look wet and disheveled. If you are worried about a horse's condition, check with the owner. If you can't make contact, call your local ASPCA or veterinarian.

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