Tanker (left) and Jewell (right)

Mary Ross has been a client of ours for over twenty years. She first started coming here with her dog Sunshine whom Dr. Barboni treated for many years. She currently has two Labrador Retrievers, Jewell and Tanker, both of whom she got from Guide Dogs for the Blind. Mary raised Jewell from puppyhood until it was time for her to go to training with Guide Dogs. Jewell was a guide dog for many years, but when it was time for a career change, Mary was first in line to adopt her. Now Jewell lives happily at home as a family pet. Jewell is without question, one of the sweetest dogs that we see. Her tail is always wagging as she enters our building and she greatly enjoys the numerous cookies that we feed her while she is here. Tanker came to Mary at about a year old. He was a career change from Guide Dogs for the Blind because he was a bit shy and fearful. With Mary’s love and hard work, Tanker is now a happy-go-lucky goofball! Mary loves her dogs and treats them as family. Jewell is 14 years old and with old age comes some senior issues like arthritis. Jewell’s arthritis has been well controlled with minimal pain management, of which Mary has always been incredibly diligent. Mary is a loving, kind client and when Doctor Harris had her baby, Mary was the first to present her with a homemade blanket for her new addition (Dr. Harris says it’s her baby’s favorite blanket!) This is just one example of how caring Mary is and how much we appreciate her as a client and as a friend. We love you Mary!

The post Mary Ross March 2013 appeared first on Pet Health Library - Marin Pet Hospital, San Rafael, CA.

Cancer. About the only nice thing one can say about cancer is that some forms are benign. Dogs can get all the forms of cancer as people; skin cancer, liver cancer, splenic tumors, mammary cancer, etc. There is not a definitive way to prevent most kinds of cancer; therefore, receiving good treatment once diagnosed is really important.

Cancer in the most basic sense is an overproduction of cells. This rapid production is due to a loss of the rest phase in the cell division process. The kind of cells being overproduced determines the type of cancer.

Cancer in its various forms can spring up anywhere and at any time. Neutering can prevent testicular cancer, and spaying can prevent uterine cancer for the obvious reason that one cannot get cancer in an organ that is no longer in the body. Limiting a light colored dog’s exposure to the sun can limit the risk of skin cancer. However, there is still little information on how to prevent most types of cancer.

If a tumor is noted on your dog, the veterinarian will ask for an aspirate (a small sampling of cells obtained via needle) or a biopsy (a larger section of tissue) to be performed to determine the type of cancer. Obtaining a biopsy may require anesthesia. If the type of cancer found lends itself to a surgical cure, then your dog will typically be put under anesthesia and the tumor removed. The tumor will then be sent to a histopathologist to ensure that there are clean margins, i.e., that the entire tumor was completely excised.

In addition, prior to any surgery, your veterinarian will want to take a set of abdominal and chest films to see if a mass can be seen, and also to ensure that a tumor has not metastasized to the lungs or another organ. An ultrasound is also a good idea to have done prior to surgery so that your veterinarian can be sure that the initial tumor seen is the only tumor in question, or that the cancer has not invaded other organ systems.

Many times surgical removal of a tumor is curative. But in cases where it is not you may then decide to proceed with chemotherapy and /or radiation therapy. Many times a client will tell us that they do not want to put their dog through chemotherapy. But do not make the decision of whether or not to do chemotherapy based on what you might know about human chemotherapy. In general, chemotherapy is tolerated much better by your dog than it would be by you. The side effects are generally much less severe in dogs. Radiation, however, has the same inherent risks of tissue damage in dogs as it does in people. There are veterinary oncologists to help guide you through the decision making process so you can make the best decision for your dog.

Some forms of cancer do seem to be more prevalent in certain breeds. For instance, if a Golden Retriever over the age of eight shows up at our hospital to be seen for lethargy and anemia, most of the time it is caused by a splenic tumor while Greyhounds have a predisposition to osteosarcoma (a tumor of the bone). It is a good idea to study the breeding lines prior to buying a dog when possible so one can see if a cancer trait is prevalent.

Early diagnosis and treatment are key to improving the outcome for your dog. If you note a mass that changes in color, texture or size, you should have a veterinarian take a look at it. Other symptoms of a tumor in your dog can be as ambiguous as lethargy or a decrease in appetite. Keeping up on your dog’s yearly physical, and considering a twice a year check up for older dogs, can help keep your pet ahead of this disease because masses will be scrutinized on a regular basis for changes, and a veterinarian can palpate your dog’s abdomen for telltale signs of swelling. Furthermore, a set of survey films and bloodwork between the ages of eight and ten is a good preventative idea; even if no abnormalities are seen at the time, they can serve as a great comparison tool should a question regarding your dog’s health arise in the future.

Cancer treatment will vary depending on the type and staging of the cancer. Your dog’s ability to survive his cancer will depend on what type of cancer he has, where it is located, and if the cancer has spread to other parts of the body (metastasis). Vigilance is the key to a better outcome. Should you need them, your veterinarian has specialists that can be called in to help you through the decision making process. There are types of cancer that are benign and others that are malignant. Your veterinarian will determine which kind you are dealing with so you can make the best decisions for your dog.

cancer, dog Sign up for your free weekly newsletter

Please support our sponsors

Site Search

Kayla’s Korner
Check out some top picks from our “research lab” Kayla — her favorite places, eats, treats, etc.

The post Cancer and Your Dog appeared first on Pet Health Library - Marin Pet Hospital, San Rafael, CA.

Does your dog need a new year’s resolution? If you can’t make out a discernable waistline on your dog, a little weight loss might be just the ticket. A chubby dog is at higher risk for orthopedic problems (such as torn anterior cruciate ligaments), diabetes and breathing problems. Losing a few pounds can help reduce the need for surgery, medication and visits to the veterinarian.

Veterinarians use a scale called the Body Condition Score to determine how thin or chubby your dog may be. A Body Condition Score of 6 is a grossly obese dog, while a Body Condition Score of 1 is an emaciated dog. The ideal Body Condition Score is 3. This means that you should still be able to see your dog’s waistline without feeling his individual ribs. Your veterinarian will be happy to give you your dog’s Body Condition Score.

Just like with humans, if your dog takes in more calories than he can burn, he will gain weight. Weight loss can be as easy as putting fewer kibbles in the bowl each day. One or two fewer treats a day can also add up to weight loss. Very rarely do drastic measures need to be taken where a dog’s food intake needs to be cut in half, but it does happen.

In addition, you can also increase your dog’s exercise time incrementally. For instance, if you take your dog for a 20-minute walk every evening, try tacking on an extra five minutes a week until you have reached the increased duration you want, say 45 minutes. Increasing exercise gradually will strengthen tendons and muscles, thereby preventing orthopedic injuries.

The most common medical condition where weight gain, or difficulty with weight loss, is a symptom is a low thyroid level. Typically, a dog with a low thyroid level will be over-weight, lethargic, have a poor hair coat, and may have skin issues. Your veterinarian can run a blood test to determine if your dog’s thyroid levels are low. There are medications that can be given to supplement your dog’s thyroid hormone, and overall improvements are typically seen within six weeks.

Any thyroid issues aside, if your dog is looking thick around the middle, weigh your dog. Then, try a moderate reduction in the food supply for 10 days, and take your dog to be weighed again to see if there has been a change. (Most veterinarians will allow you to weigh your pet for free). Talk to your veterinarian about a target of pounds to lose. Just as with people, the slow approach is better than a starvation diet or trying to blast off the pounds with a bout of vigorous exercise.

And don’t forget that your four-legged friend would love to help you with your own weight loss resolution if extra walks are involved.

Good luck with your New Year’s Resolutions!

The post New Year’s Resolution and Your Dog appeared first on Pet Health Library - Marin Pet Hospital, San Rafael, CA.

Does your dog need a new year’s resolution? If you can’t make out a discernable waistline on your dog, a little weight loss might be just the ticket. A chubby dog is at higher risk for orthopedic problems (such as torn anterior cruciate ligaments), diabetes and breathing problems. Losing a few pounds can help reduce the need for surgery, medication and visits to the veterinarian.

Veterinarians use a scale called the Body Condition Score to determine how thin or chubby your dog may be. A Body Condition Score of 6 is a grossly obese dog, while a Body Condition Score of 1 is an emaciated dog. The ideal Body Condition Score is 3. This means that you should still be able to see your dog’s waistline without feeling his individual ribs. Your veterinarian will be happy to give you your dog’s Body Condition Score.

Just like with humans, if your dog takes in more calories than he can burn, he will gain weight. Weight loss can be as easy as putting fewer kibbles in the bowl each day. One or two fewer treats a day can also add up to weight loss. Very rarely do drastic measures need to be taken where a dog’s food intake needs to be cut in half, but it does happen.

In addition, you can also increase your dog’s exercise time incrementally. For instance, if you take your dog for a 20-minute walk every evening, try tacking on an extra five minutes a week until you have reached the increased duration you want, say 45 minutes. Increasing exercise gradually will strengthen tendons and muscles, thereby preventing orthopedic injuries.

The most common medical condition where weight gain, or difficulty with weight loss, is a symptom is a low thyroid level. Typically, a dog with a low thyroid level will be over-weight, lethargic, have a poor hair coat, and may have skin issues. Your veterinarian can run a blood test to determine if your dog’s thyroid levels are low. There are medications that can be given to supplement your dog’s thyroid hormone, and overall improvements are typically seen within six weeks.

Any thyroid issues aside, if your dog is looking thick around the middle, weigh your dog. Then, try a moderate reduction in the food supply for 10 days, and take your dog to be weighed again to see if there has been a change. (Most veterinarians will allow you to weigh your pet for free). Talk to your veterinarian about a target of pounds to lose. Just as with people, the slow approach is better than a starvation diet or trying to blast off the pounds with a bout of vigorous exercise.

And don’t forget that your four-legged friend would love to help you with your own weight loss resolution if extra walks are involved.

Good luck with your New Year’s Resolutions!

The post New Year’s Weight Loss Ressolution for Your Dog appeared first on Pet Health Library - Marin Pet Hospital, San Rafael, CA.

Funny as it sounds, a broken nail really can ruin your dog’s day. A break or tear in the nail can occur with normal play and exercise. The nail can get caught and twisted, or strike a hard surface and break.

A broken nail can be very painful and cause your dog to limp. In addition, the nail could bleed a lot, depending on where it broke. If your dog will let you touch his paw, the easiest way to contain the blood on your way to the veterinary office is to apply a clean sock; just put it on your dog’s foot the same way you would put it on yours.

At the veterinarian’s office, the affected nail is trimmed back to the point just past the break. Your dog may or may not need sedation to have his nail trimmed back; it will depend on where the break in the nail occurred. Generally speaking, the closer to the nail bed the break, the more likely the need for sedation. The caveat is that if the nail is just hanging on by a thread, the veterinarian may be able to trim the nail without causing further pain to your dog.

In most cases, a small bandage will be applied for several days to keep the nail bed clean and dry, and to prevent scuffing the damaged nail and making it bleed again. If your dog’s bandage gets wet, call your veterinarian ASAP. Usually, no bandage is better than a wet bandage. In addition, antibiotics might be prescribed.

The easiest way to prevent a broken nail is to keep your dog’s nails clipped short. How your dog wears his nails as he walks or runs will determine how often you will need to have his nails clipped. We have patients who need trimming every four weeks, while others can go as long as four months before they need a trim.

If you want to learn how to trim your dog’s nails, ask your veterinarian or groomer if they will give you a lesson. It can be a little nerve-wracking at first because no one wants to over-trim, or “quick,” their dog’s nails. But with a little practice, nail trimming can be a fairly straightforward procedure. To help yourself, your vet and your groomer, handle your dog’s feet often. Handling the feet can come in the form of teaching you pet to shake with you, or just giving your dog a little paw massage. The more comfortable your dog is with having his feet handled, the easier trimming nails will be for all concerned, especially if he will require medical attention.

If a break occurs, keep calm and realize it is usually not as bad as it looks, but medical attention may be needed. In some cases antibiotics may be necessary to keep an infection at bay. Once a broken nail is trimmed back, your dog can be back at regular play within a few days. Keeping your dog’s nails trimmed on a regular basis can help prevent breaks from occurring in the first place. If you’re lucky, when you take your dog in for a mani-pedi there will be a place nearby where you can get one, too.

The post Torn Nails and Your Dog appeared first on Pet Health Library - Marin Pet Hospital, San Rafael, CA.

When one of our neighbors told of plans to have the cat captured and brought to the Marin Humane Society we could not bear the thought of not having our nightly visit.  I put a picture of the cat on our neighborhood website hoping someone would identify it as theirs or know where it lived.  The number of people who saw the cat on a regular basis was amazing.  This cat was working the neighborhood!  Our goal was to capture the cat, take it to a vet to see if it was micro-chipped and give it a medical once-over.

On October 11^th, we got the cat into a carrier (not fun for any of us) and brought it to Marin Pet Hospital.  We explained the situation to Dr.  Harris and off they went into the examining room.  After a few minutes, Dr. Harris came back with information.  First, Charlie was a boy.  Second, Charlie’s name was Mac.  He was micro-chipped but was not registered.  Coincidentally, Charlie aka Mac, was micro-chipped in their office so they knew the original owner.  Dr. Harris called her and we could hear bits and pieces of the conversation through the door. 

They talked for awhile and we were preparing ourselves to say goodbye to Charlie.  We were not ready to do so and Dr. Harris could see our disappointment when she told his the original owner, Denise,  had been located.  Dr. Harris let us know that Denise moved into the City and left Mac with her sister.  For reasons we will never know, Mac ran away.  He ended up in our neighborhood about 2 miles from his new home.  He had been on his own for several weeks. 

We left Charlie aka Mac at Marin Pet Hospital, not knowing if we would see him again.  We gave them our contact information in case Denise wanted to call us.  About 10 minutes after we arrived home, we got a call from Dr. Harris.  Her words were “the world has gotten smaller.”  Apparently, when Denise saw my name and address, she realized that we knew each other.  She worked at a local bead store where I was a frequent customer.  We always talked when I came in and enjoyed our conversations.  She told me that she had Mac since he was a kitten and was so glad he was found safe and sound.  Knowing she could not have a cat in her current situation, she was thrilled when I said we would like to adopt him.

In a borrowed carrier Charlie aka Mac appeared at our front door with Denise.   She and I hugged and could not believe the turn of events.  Since that day, Charlie Mac has lived with us and has not begged to be let outside.  He seems to be very happy not  having to hunt for food, watch out for trouble,  or figure out who was home to play with him.  We are learning what we have always heard people say they love about cats and after a few adjustment days, we are all happy to have each other.  We have since gotten together with Denise and feel like we got two new friends at the same time.

The post The Adventures of Charlie Mac (written by our client, Vivian Malcy) appeared first on Pet Health Library - Marin Pet Hospital, San Rafael, CA.

Huh? Acupuncture is good for me? Great!

Veterinary acupuncture can be an adjunct to conventional Western medical treatment. Many people who have health conditions that include arthritis, back pain, neck pain, muscle pain, and strains, receive tremendous benefit and pain relief by choosing acupuncture treatments either instead of, or in conjunction with, traditional Western medical treatments.

Not surprisingly, when pets suffer from these same conditions, owners rightly wonder if their animals could also benefit from acupuncture treatment. The short answer is YES!

Acupuncture is the insertion of small needles at precise sites (called acupoints) on the body. These points are based on physiology and the needles cause a local reaction that stimulates blood flow and eventually results in the release of neurotransmitters that help to alleviate pain.

The conditions that veterinary acupuncture is most beneficial in treating, are largely the same ones that afflict people; musculoskeletal pain, arthritis, back pain, and for our four footed friends, hind end weakness. Veterinary acupuncture can also help with appetite stimulation and may be helpful for nausea and vomiting too.

Before receiving acupuncture for your pets, it is important that they have a thorough physical examination by your veterinarian to ensure they are not suffering from a serious underlying condition such as cancer or infections that require antibiotics. Painful conditions in our pets, just as in people, need pain medications until healing can occur.

A common question about Veterinary acupuncture is if a pet will tolerate being “poked” with needles. Most pets tolerate the insertion of these especially small and thin needles quite well. It may be easier to insert the needles with the benefit of a pleasant distraction, like getting a treat of some sort, for example. Most pets become very relaxed after the needles are inserted and often fall asleep during the procedure.

Most sessions last approximately an hour and many owners report that they notice positive changes in their pets not long after the initial treatment. However, it is important to note that these improvements are not permanent after a single treatment rather they build over time with successive and regular treatments, which work to help the muscles maintain a state of relaxation and blood flow in effected areas. For that reason, it is recommended that a course of four to six acupuncture sessions be completed before assessing whether significant improvements are resulting.

Acupuncture melds well with Western medicine. The additional modality of veterinary acupuncture can speed healing, increase mobility, and may significantly reduce the need for your pet to remain on pain medication. Some pets cannot tolerate pain medication due to their side effects, and acupuncture may allow them enough relief to maintain a good quality of life without enduring these unpleasant side effects.

The post Integrating Acupuncture Into Your Pet’s Medical Treatment appeared first on Pet Health Library - Marin Pet Hospital, San Rafael, CA.

Elsa’s glamour shot!

Anne Barker is one of our busiest clients. With four cats, she certainly has her hands full, which, in turn, has also made her one of our most recognizable clients. Even with the number of times she has had to visit our hospital, she has never lost her sense of humor, and takes everything in stride. She has been an MPH client for close to 14 years.  Cassady, her oldest critter is in renal failure and needs consistent treatment with subcutaneous fluids and a special diet. Her kitty Elsa has respiratory issues and is currently being treated by us, an internal medicine specialist and she is heading to UC Davis soon to see a respiratory specialist. Ezra, her oldest boy has had a few urinary problems in the past but is currently maintained on a special diet. Last, but certainly not least, is her cat H.B, who (dare we say it) is presently healthy. Through all of her troubles with each cat, Anne has remained calm and completely organized. We have repeatedly referred to her as one of the most organized and prepared people any of us know.  She manages to find time to update us weekly on the status of each cat. Anne’s diligence and hard work help make our jobs easier and provide us with essential information to treat her cats properly. Her kitties are incredibly lucky to have her for their mom and we are certainly lucky to have her as a client.

Ezra proving that he can still look handsome with a cone on his head

Elsa, Ezra, Cassady and H.B

The post Anne Barker October 2012 appeared first on Pet Health Library - Marin Pet Hospital, San Rafael, CA.

There are eight different kinds of rattlesnakes in California. They are the only venomous snakes native to the state. The Pacific rattlesnake makes its home in Northern California, while the remaining seven species are Southern California natives. They really do have a rattle on the end of their tails, and they really do shake the rattle to ward off danger. Therefore, if you see a snake with a rattle on the tail, or you hear the telltale ‘rattle’ sound, back away slowly and take your dog with you.

The nice thing about rattlesnakes is that they typically do not go out of their way to bite people or pets. Rather, if a bite occurs it is because a rattler has been startled or provoked. For instance, your dog sees a snake and thinks it is really interesting and sticks his nose in the snake’s face. In this case your dog might come back to you with puncture marks in his muzzle. (People are most commonly bitten on the hands, feet and ankles. Dogs are most often bitten on the muzzle or shoulder). Usually rattlesnakes prefer to remain somewhat hidden in grass, under rocks, or in wood-piles. And rattlesnakes are typically nocturnal; however, in the spring and summer the chances of seeing a rattlesnake in the middle of the day increase, as do the incidence of bites.

The initial symptoms of a rattlesnake bite include, but are not limited to: two small puncture wounds, swelling, and pain. It may take several hours for the more severe signs to appear: shock, weakness, muscle tremors, depressed respiration, and necrosis (dying off) of the tissue surrounding the bite.

If you think your dog has received a snakebite, you should take him to a veterinarian ASAP. We really do mean ASAP. Don’t stop for lunch after your long hike. Get to the vet. Keep your dog calm. Do not run him to the car, as the increase in his heart rate will speed up the circulation of the venom through his body. Walking him to the car is good, carrying him is better if he will stay calm while you carry him. Drive safely. Do not attempt to capture the snake. If someone you are with does a good Crocodile Hunter impersonation and kills the snake, do not handle it; a dead snake can actually still bite you. Do not try to draw the venom out by sucking the bite. Get your dog to a veterinarian and hope he has a dose of antivenin waiting for you.

The outcome of a rattlesnake bite is extremely variable. The severity of the bite depends on how much venom was injected, how long it took to seek treatment, and where your dog was bitten. Depending on where your dog was bitten, or if necrosis occurs, your dog may need a surgery to remove the dead tissue. In some cases this means the amputation of a limb. The dog will most likely need supportive care; IV fluids, pain relievers, and monitoring for twenty-four hours. The worst case outcome is death.

There is a rattlesnake vaccine available, but it is currently not on the “recommended list of vaccinations” by University of California, Davis, as it is not entirely effective. Therefore, even if your dog is vaccinated, you still need to seek medical attention right away for your dog if he is bitten.

The easiest way to lessen the chance of running into a rattlesnake is to stick to cleared trails (such as fire roads) and to keep your dog on leash. The extra visibility of a well-maintained trail will better allow you to see a rattlesnake before you are right on top of it. If your dog is on leash, then he is less likely to go scouting out snakes from under rocks, or to find ones hidden in the grass. Lest you think, however, that rattlesnakes are only found hiking the trails, think again. Rattlesnakes are also found on golf courses and in firewood piles on a regular basis. In addition, rattlesnakes can swim. So, if you see a “stick” that seems to be moving around a lot in the water, don’t send your dog after it.

The post Rattlesnake Bites and Your Dog appeared first on Pet Health Library - Marin Pet Hospital, San Rafael, CA.

The post At home blood sugar testing appeared first on Pet Health Library - Marin Pet Hospital, San Rafael, CA.