Veterinary X-Ray

Tuesday, September 13, 2016

Why do cats eat grass?

The reason why cats sometimes eat grass (and other plants) is not completely understood. There are several probable theories as to why they do:

For the nutrients

Cats are carnivorous, they need to consume meat to live. When cats hunt, they consume almost all parts of their prey including the stomach and its contents. This may include small amounts of plant matter and their nutrients. Your pet cat probably doesn't hunt and therefore won't get to ingest those small amounts of plant material obtained from prey. They may try to obtain these vitamins/minerals by eating grass if there is a nutritional imbalance in the diet.

To help them vomit

We all know what happens after our cats consume grass, they come back inside and vomit all over our favorite bed or rug. Spiteful? Maybe. It is believed that grass acts as an irritant to the stomach, and cats don't have the ability to digest grass in the way herbivores do. This makes sense from an evolutionary point of view because when hunting, cats eat their entire prey. Vomiting helps rid the digestive tract of unwanted feathers, bones, etc.

To bring up hairballs

Adding to the vomiting theory, it is speculated that another reason cats consume grass is to assist with the passage of hairballs. When cats groom themselves, they inevitably ingest fur which can build up in the stomach. Eating grass can help with the passage of hairballs either from regurgitating or as a laxative.

Because they can

They may simply enjoy the taste of grass. Cat-loving friends tell us that their own feline friends enjoy a variety of greenery--cucumber and broccoli are just two. Now if we could just get them to eat their spinach!

What kind of grass

If you want to grow a tub of grass inside for your cat to nibble on, common types include:

· Wheatgrass

· Barley

· Common oat

Is there a difference between cat grass and catnip?

Yes, catnip is a member of the mint family. They are completely unrelated. Catnip can also induce a "buzz" in some cats; cat grass doesn't have this effect on cats.

Cat grass and catnip are perfectly safe for your cat to eat. However, mind there are a large number of plants that are toxic to cats. It is recommended you don't have indoor house plants that are poisonous as they can in some cases lead to death. The ASPCA includes the following plants on their toxicity list:

· Aloe Vera

· Asian Lily

· Asparagus Fern

· Begonia

· Baby's Breath

· Calla Lily

· Corn Plant

· Cycads (Sago Palm, Fern Palm

· Daffodil

· Geranium

· Jade Plant

· Pencil Cactus

· Ribbon Plant (Corn Plant, Cornstalk Plant, Dracaena, Dragon Tree)

· Tulip

Safety precautions

Note that grass grown outdoors may have been sprayed with chemicals such as weed killers or fertilizers that can be toxic to cats. If you have an outdoor cat, take care if your cat has a tendency to nibble on the greenery.

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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

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Friday, September 9, 2016

Zoo Vets: Doing It All

Today, you might treat a tiny frog. Tomorrow it might be a herd of rhinoceros. Zoo veterinarians are the epitome of medical jacks-of-all-trades. Mammal, fish, reptile or bird, they do it all.

These providers of comprehensive animal care must know how to recognize different digestive, vascular, and reproductive systems; infectious and chronic illnesses; pharmacological needs; and animal behaviors in order to develop courses of care.

MEDICATIONS: Administering drugs isn’t simple as picking up a prescription at the local drugstore. Zoo vets have to cobble together drug dosages, because pharmaceutical companies don’t publish formulations for every species. A published dosage for a dog would probably work for a wolf; or that antibiotics effective on lizards might work for snakes. But what about a d Gila monster?

SPECIALTY EQUIPMENT: Zoo veterinarians excel in creativity, accommodate everything from pygmy marmosets to California condors. They’ve turned urinary catheters into endotracheal tubes. Anesthesia masks have been made from pop bottles and construction cones.

ANESTHESIA: As with humans, sedating animals and performing surgery are last resorts. That’s why zookeepers train animals to demonstrate behaviors that make it easier to draw blood, administer shots, and conduct exams.

BIRTH DAYS: It’s exciting when babies are born – or hatched. Newborn antelopes and other herd animals are often checked and tagged 48 hours after birth. Although recognizing newborns may seem simple, herd animals often deliver at the same time of year, and the babies look strikingly similar. Vets check the mother’s lactation and the baby’s suckle response and hydration. During difficult labors, vets may manually assist with breech births or perform C-sections.

Vets monitor hormone levels or perform ultrasounds for some expectant mothers. Often, animals are trained to allow vets or a veterinary ultrasonographer to apply a jelly-like substance to their bellies for the test to check the fetus’s health and estimate due dates

Using methods similar to humans, Zoo populations often are managed to limit or facilitate pregnancies. Many animals are on birth control so the population doesn’t get out of control or inbreeding doesn’t occur. In cases where there is a need to increase the population or genetic diversity of a species vets may use assisted reproduction.

ADVANCED DIAGNOSTICS: Zoo vet teams routinely test blood or tissue samples, taking advantage of more than a dozen pathology labs, each one specializing in a certain species or test. When an animal passes away; vets perform necropsies to determine the cause of death so that information can contribute to the body of knowledge among scientists and zoo professionals. When possible, tissue and bones are donated for educational purposes.

In the wild, many animals don’t exhibit obvious signs of illness because other members of its group may perceive it as weakness or because the animal may become easy prey. Diagnosing challenging cases may require the services of onsite or offsite computed-tomography (CT) or magnetic-resonance imaging (MRI) facilities.

Outside medical specialists allow the hospital team to extend their resources. Many zoos routinely works with specialists on cases requiring ophthalmic or dental surgery, CT or MRI scans, pathology results, and hoof trims. The depth of knowledge of a zoo's veterinary team, combined with the expertise of several specialists, will help provide even better care.

So the next time you visit your local zoo and the giraffe sneezes, you can trust that the zoo veterinarian team knows what to do!

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Wednesday, September 7, 2016

September 23: National Dogs in Politics Day

Think about it…what qualities would you like to see in your politicians? Honesty? Plays well with others? Dedication? Lots of energy? Don’t we wish that our politicians displayed the best traits of our dogs? Dog don’t lie (well, maybe about that accident on the rug). You know right away if they like you. They generally are polite to other dogs and people (Congress would do well to mimic); and when they work, they work hard.

Perhaps the two things dogs have in common with politicians are greed and a tendency to sit and yip about nothing. Dogs are ethical–you don’t bite the person who feeds you, you don’t tear up the house (puppies aside), you don’t let the “bad guys” in; not even for a treat. They do make positive contributions to political situations, however. President Truman once said that if you wanted a friend in Washington you should get a dog.

So what do you think? Let’s allow politics to “go to the dogs” on September 23. We might be surprised at how well they do!!

Fun Facts About First Dogs

Presidential dogs have often endeared themselves to the electorate. In honor of Dogs in Politics Day, here are a few facts about first dogs:

George Washington’s Foxhounds

The first President had 36 dogs. George Washington’s favorite breeds were hounds used extensively for fox hunting. The Father of Our Country is also considered the Father of the American Foxhound. Washington bred his hounds with the French variety, creating a new breed that survives into today.

James Buchanan’s Newfoundland

Ever wonder why our 15th president remained a bachelor? Perhaps it was because of Lara the Newfy, who weighed in at close to 170 pounds. Lara is reported to be the heaviest dog to occupy the White House.

FDR’s Scotty

Who hasn’t heard about the Scottish Terrier who set the standard for First Dog? A famously funny story: Franklin Roosevelt’s presidency was being criticized heavily; and the criticism spread to the family. No response from FDR until Fala was attacked. To quote The Fala Speech…

“I am accustomed to hearing malicious falsehoods about myself – such as that old, worm-eaten chestnut that I have represented myself as indispensable. But I think I have a right to resent, to object to libelous statements about my dog.”

The only dog to have a statue in a national monument is Fala, FDR’s Scottish Terrier. The statue of Fala is a fixture in the Franklin Delano Roosevelt Memorial.

George W. Bush & the Internet Stars

Barney and Miss Beazley, First dogs of George W. Bush, were the first presidential dogs to have their own website.

The First Fido–Thank You Mr. Lincoln

We all know at least one dog named Fido. Why is it so common? Fido has a Latin base meaning “I trust” or faithful one. The president who came up with that name for his dog was none other than Abraham Lincoln. If it was good enough for Lincoln, it’s good enough for us.

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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

Monday, August 22, 2016

Vitamin E and Your Horse

Veterinarians will often suggest vitamin E supplements for horses with no access to pasture. There are many forms on the market; we'd like to provide some guidance to choosing the right one.

Like A, D and K, vitamin E falls into the category of fat-soluble vitamins. These four vitamins require fat for them to be absorbed from the digestive tract, and are stored in the liver and fatty tissues.

Similar to vitamin A, the body does not make any vitamin E; all of it has to come from the diet. Vitamin E is expressed in terms of "activity,” and the NRC or National Research Council recommends 1 International Unit (IU) of vitamin E per kilogram of horse bodyweight. So a 450 kg horse (1000 pounds) would need at least 450 IUs/day of vitamin E. The upper safe diet is considered to be 1,000 IU/kg dry matter (that’s 9100 IU/day for a 1000 lb horse). Thankfully, vitamin E does not appear to be toxic to horses even at relatively high consumption.

How Much Vitamin E Does a Horse Need?

Every horse needs vitamin E. It works closely with selenium to protect cells from excess free radicals or oxidative stress. According to holistichorse.com:

The amount depends on several factors. The more the horse is exercised, the more vitamin E is needed due to more free radicals being produced; hence more vitamin E is used up to protect cell membranes.

 To survive: 1000-2000 units (IU) a day

 Engaging in regular exercise: 5000 units a day

 Neurological problems like EPM, EDM, and EMND, PSSM: 10,000 units a day

 Broodmares: 5000 units a day

 Older (20+) or Cushing’s horses: 5000 units a day

Found in high amounts in fresh pasture, levels of vitamin E begin to deteriorate the moment forage is cut for hay. Therefore, horses that do not have access to grass or a full serving of fortified grain should receive vitamin E supplementation.

Beyond the Basics

Natural or Synthetic? Which is best? When purchasing,

 natural vitamin E appears as d-alpha tocopherol,

 synthetic vitamin E appears as dl-alpha tocopherol.

Although synthetic vitamin E is absorbed by the horse, natural vitamin E has been shown to be more biologically active. It takes a smaller amount of d-alpha tocopherol (natural) to achieve the same activity in the body as dl-alpha tocopherol (synthetic). It's your choice: smaller amounts of the more expensive natural version or larger amounts of the less expensive synthetic version.

You might want to ask your veterinarian to draw a baseline blood sample before you start your horse on a vitamin E supplement and then measure serum alpha tocopherol again about two weeks later, Alpha tocopherol is a fairly fragile compound; your vet will take special care to protect the samples for the lab's analysis. Things like the wrong type of tube, exposing the sample to light, letting it get too warm, or repeated freeze/thaw cycles can all damage vitamin E in blood samples.

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Wednesday, August 17, 2016

Alternative Therapies for Horses

This is the first of a multi-part series discussing management plans for your horse

Acupuncture, chiropractic, and equine massage therapy can be valuable parts of your horse's management plan when used appropriately and performed by a qualified practitioner. The key is knowing when to use these modalities, and who to call for help.

Part I of this series outline key steps that'll help you make the most of alternative therapies in your horse's care plan. Future installments will include basic information on acupuncture, chiropractic, and massage; what they are, when to use them, and how to choose a qualified practitioner.

Diagnosis

More often than not, if your horse has a musculoskeletal problem, you should begin with your veterinarian, who can do a lameness work-up to determine a specific diagnosis.

Why? Because many injuries are best identified and managed using conventional medical treatments. Should alternative therapy be avoided in these cases? The simple answer is no; ATs can be extremely helpful not only in pain management but in the healing process. Just be sure to begin with an accurate diagnosis.

Do the Research

Choose your practitioner carefully. A properly trained acupuncturist, chiropractor, or body worker should always refer you to your veterinarian when appropriate, and never perform services until an underlying problem is diagnosed and treated. Opt for a certified practitioner.

Ask the chosen therapist about his or her education and training. Be especially cautious of someone who suggests prescription meds without first consulting your vet. This can often be a red flag that the therapist is unclear about (1) the boundaries between him/her and the vet, (2) the exact nature of the injury, and (3) involvement in the horse's ongoing care.

Connect Your Vet

Your veterinarian should remain an important part of your horse's management plan in addition to alternative therapies that are outside his or her direct expertise. Bonus: Your vet can probably direct you to the most competent and likely candidates to help your horse.

Identical to human care management, working as a team is likely to produce the best results.

Medical History

With the correct therapy and practitioner selected, it's important that you be prepared for your appointment. The therapist is likely to request a medical history that includes any chronic ailments or recent injuries, any currently prescribed meds, as well as unlimited contact with your vet. Plan for an extensive exam and to decide on a treatment plan appropriate to the horse's condition.

Be Honest and Open

If your acupuncturist, chiropractor, or massage therapist asks you about the type of work your horse does, or about any known medical problems, it's important to be accurate with your answers. Not only will it help your therapist devise the best treatment plan, it'll also let him or her know whether current treatments are being effective.

Be Realistic

If you're looking for a miracle cure, you'll need to look elsewhere. Medications can't completely cure every disease, and alternative therapy can't fix every problem.

But if you follow all the steps outlined above, are open-minded and have realistic expectations, alternative therapies can make a valuable contribution to your horse's general well-being.

Next Month: Acupuncture

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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

Thursday, August 11, 2016

How To Start A Goat Farm

Be sure to check with your local authorities to make sure goats are legally acceptable in your community. Goats don’t like wet and damp; they prefer a dry pasture with a good barn or shelter. Remember that goats are extremely social; so plan for at least two. A goat left on its own may noisily call for a friend and become a four-legged vehicle of destruction.

Check and double-check your budget. Goats eat lots and continuously throughout the day. Plan to invest a significant portion of your budget into feeding and veterinary care. Every bit of food eaten affects the flavor of the milk you harvest and the cheese you make. Opt for clean foods and healthy pasture vegetation.

Goats have a somewhat delicate constitution that requires regular veterinary care and monitoring. Goats can get sick easily and die quickly. Their curiosity makes them susceptible to accidents; they need to be closely monitored. Milk dairy goats on, at least, a daily basis to prevent painful infections. If you plan to leave the farm for any amount of time, hire a knowledgeable farm sitter to take care of the animals.

What is a goat’s environment?

Goats graze grass, just like cattle and sheep. The difference is that they can live off of thinner grass cover than other animals of similar size. Ever seen wild goats on your favorite animal show? They live in hilly terrain, similar to the craggy highlands their ancestors once roamed. Feral goats also occupy pine meadows and tropical and temperate forests.

Domestic goats may also be kept in areas without any vegetation, as long as they are cared for daily by humans. They can survive on dry roughage, such as hay, for long periods of time.

What are the top-selling farm goats?

Some good examples of top-selling farm milk goats are Alpine, Nubian, Kinder and Toggenberg to name just a few. Breeds such as Angora, Nigora and Pygora are popular for their fleece and used for producing cashmere and mohair.

Goats are kept by farmers, both commercial and hobbyist, for milk, fleece and meat. Many cultures around the world include goat meat as a staple of their diets; but, as of 2016, there is little demand in the US. Nigerian Dwarf goats are one popular breed that have traditionally been bred for both meat and dairy, but they have also become popular as pets due to their small size and simple maintenance.

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Monday, August 1, 2016

Is a Raw Food Diet Right For Your Dog?

This is the second and final installment of a two-part series outlining the pros and cons of feeding your dog a raw diet.

Tips For Feeding Your Dog A Raw Diet
Meat should make up between 50 and 70% of a raw food diet for dogs, within that figure it's recommended that you should have a 1:1 ratio of bone to meat. That means that the smaller bones which have almost an equal amount of meat to bone, are better than a huge bone that only has a little bit of meat on it. The remainder of the nutrition comes from fresh, raw fruits and vegetables.

Aim to feed somewhere between 2 and 3% of his body weight in raw food per day.
For example, a 50lb dog will eat approx. 1lb - 1.5lbs of raw food per day. Divide that amount between two meals, whenever possible.
When it comes to the type of fruit and vegetables to use in a raw food diet for dogs, do the research!

Some fruits/veggies can cause upset tummies, or worse - could cause canine bloat in large, deep-chested breeds. Some are actually toxic Here's our short list of what we like and what we avoid:
Good:
Carrots, Parsley, Celery, Zucchini, Potatoes (WITHOUT skins), Cauliflower, Leafy Green Vegetables (Mustard Greens, Brussel Sprouts, Romaine Lettuce), Peas, Parsnips, Peanuts, Walnuts, Almonds, Strawberries, Blueberries, Apples, Bananas, Pears, Melons.

Bad (Some Potentially Toxic):
Onions, Garlic, Broccoli, Beans, Turnips, Cabbage, Grapes, Raisins, Macadamia Nuts, Tomatoes, Peppers, Cucumbers

Here are a few more tips and tricks...

You need to supervise mealtimes when offering a raw food diet for dogs, at least during the early days. Raw dog food requires more effort (i.e. chewing and tearing) to eat, and an over-excited dog could gag or choke if not supervised at first
NEVER FEED COOKED BONES as these can splinter and cause damage to your dogs' digestive system
If you want to feed a raw diet to your dogs, but are looking for a little less work--try prepared foods. There are dehydrated and/or frozen options available
Grind up raw fruit and vegetables to help him get maximum benefits. Use a blender, food processor or juicer, and simply add the pulp or juice to food
Worried that Rover isn't getting all he needs? Add a daily vitamin/mineral supplement to his diet. Adding some dietary supplements such as Omega-3 Fatty Acids , Vitamin E, Vitamin C or probiotics ensures your dog gets all the essential nutrients he needs
Mix up the menu by alternating the major meat ingredient every 3 - 4 days (i.e. feed lamb, then chicken, beef etc.) to prevent sensitivities. Organ meat (offal) is extremely rich; offer no more than once each week.

A Few Final Words.....
There are advocates on both sides of the raw/commercial debate. Whichever food plan you decide on (raw, commercial or home-made), the result should be a healthy and happy dog.
If Fido is ready for anything, has no digestive, immune or skin problems, keep doing what you are doing. You've found the best choice for you and your dog.

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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