Pain is universal and one of the most common feelings animals can convey. Most owners can detect a limp or a painful cry, but pain that’s chronic or moderate enough to withstand takes more scrutiny to recognize.
When it comes to detecting pain, you should look for a change or abnormality in your pet’s behavior. You know them better than anyone else and if you suspect something is wrong, take them to your veterinarian.
Everyone has experienced pain and knows how debilitating it can be. Your pet’s no different, but they have a limited language to convey their discomfort. Take the time to “listen” and watch for the signs.
What are some of the signs that a dog or cat is in pain?
Dogs and cats generally show a change in behavior or temperament when they’re uncomfortable. A normally happy and affectionate pet may become irritable and refuse to be held or petted. A rambunctious dog may prefer to sit or lie quietly and be left alone.
If a dog or cat can reach the painful area, such as a paw, they may lick, scratch, or bite it in an attempt to make it feel better. Unfortunately, they may inadvertently inflict self-injury by repeatedly rubbing or scratching the area. This is seen frequently in animals with ear infections that dig at the skin behind the sore ear with their rear claws.
What are some of the signs that a horse is in pain?
Horses in pain become restless and paw at the ground. They may look at the painful area and try to kick at it or roll around in the dirt. If the pain is very severe, they may refuse to move and prefer to stand with their head drooping. These are all common signs of abdominal pain, or colic, in horses.
What signs do cattle exhibit when they are in pain?
Cattle frequently grind their teeth when they are in pain. They may groan when they get up or take only shallow breaths. In dairy cows, a drop in milk production is often a reaction to a painful hoof or udder.
What are some of the signs that a bird is in pain?
Birds will frequently pluck their feathers from a painful area. It should be noted, however, that feather plucking, also called feather picking, can be a behavioral problem seen in otherwise healthy birds.
Can I give my pet pain human pain medications?
Don’t ever give human pain medication to your pet unless your veterinarian has specifically recommended it. Common over-the-counter painkillers, such as acetaminophen, are very poisonous to certain pets.
What should I do if my pet is in pain?
If your pet is showing symptoms of pain, contact your veterinarian or the WSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital at 509-335-0711.
This information is not meant to be a substitute for veterinary care. Always follow the instructions provided by your veterinarian. Washington State University assumes no liability for injury to you or your pet incurred by following these descriptions or procedures.
As you begin to pull down the holiday decorations from the attic and stock up on holiday treats, keep in mind some of those items may be dangerous for your pets.
Below are some common health hazards for pets during the holidays:
Tinsel, ribbon, and other pretty things
Ribbons, wrapping paper, ornaments, tinsel, extension cords, and gifts can add to the holiday spirit in your home, but they can also be appealing “chew toys” that may make your pet sick.
Cats, in particular, can’t help themselves when it comes to shiny strands of Christmas tree decor. Although the sight of your cat pawing at the tree may be cute, the ingestion of tinsel can be deadly.
Eating tinsel or other string-like items can cause serious damage to the intestine. One end can get stuck while the rest is pulled into the intestine as it contracts. The contractions may cause the ribbon or tinsel to saw through the intestine. If not caught in time, infection of the belly cavity develops and the prognosis for recovery becomes poor. Pets can become quickly ill, with signs including vomiting, diarrhea, depression, belly pain, and fever.
Holiday lights
Decorative lights are another attraction for pets to chew on. Both indoor and outdoor lights should be carefully examined to ensure safety for your household pets. Electrical shock may occur from defective cords or from pets chewing on them. Check cords for any signs of bite marks, loose or frayed wires, and evidence of a short circuit. Use grounded three-prong extension cords and strictly follow manufacturer guidelines.
Electrical shock can cause burns, difficulty breathing, abnormal heart rhythm, loss of consciousness, and death. Call a veterinarian immediately if your pet has been injured by an electrical shock.
Water
Even though they have their own water bowl, there is something enticing about a novel source of water; whether it’s the toilet bowl or the Christmas tree stand. If you add chemicals to the water meant to keep your tree fresh longer, be sure to read the label to make sure it is safe for pets.
Overindulgence
Well-intentioned family and friends may share holiday foods with pets, causing the animal to develop an upset stomach or something worse, like pancreatitis (inflammation of the pancreas), which can be caused by eating fatty foods. To control excessive food intake by your pets and meet your guests’ desires to feed the pets, dole out the treats your pets would normally receive and let your guests “treat” the pets.
Chocolate
What would the holidays be without boxes of chocolate and warm cocoa in front of the fire? Unfortunately, chocolate can be toxic to dogs and cats. Chocolate poisoning occurs most frequently in dogs, but other species are also susceptible.
The toxicity of chocolate depends on the amount and type of chocolate ingested. Signs that may appear within 1 to 4 hours of eating chocolate include:
- Vomiting
- Increased thirst
- Diarrhea
- Weakness
- Difficulty keeping balance
- Hyperexcitability
- Muscle spasms, seizures, coma
- Death from abnormal heart rhythm
Call your veterinarian or an emergency veterinary hospital or the WSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital at 509-335-0711 immediately if you suspect your pet has ingested chocolate. Have the product label information available when you call your veterinarian. In general, the treatment of poisonings is most effective if started soon after eating the poison and before large amounts are absorbed into the blood.
Poinsettias and mistletoe
Poinsettias have received bad publicity in the past, but they are not very toxic to pets. They do contain a milky sap that can irritate the mouth, but symptoms are usually mild if they develop.
Mistletoe can be very toxic to animals, and you should seek veterinary consultation immediately if your pet has potentially ingested any part of the plant. Mistletoe can cause vomiting, severe diarrhea, difficulty breathing, shock, and death within hours of ingestion.
There are many species of holly (genus Ilex) berries and leaves that can be a problem, although signs of poisonings are generally mild (vomiting, belly pain, and diarrhea).
This information is not meant to be a substitute for veterinary care. Always follow the instructions provided by your veterinarian. Washington State University assumes no liability for injury to you or your pet incurred by following these descriptions or procedures.
You just brought home a kitten that you intend to name Sam but your roommate tells you that you had better consider the name Samantha instead.
Determining the sex (gender) of a kitten is easy when you know what to look for.
Lift the kitten’s tail. The opening just under the tail is the anus. Below the anus is the genital opening which is round in males and is a vertical slit in females. In kittens of similar size, the distance between the anus and the genital opening is greater in the male than the female.
As the male kitten grows, the testicles become more apparent.
The color of the kitten may suggest its gender. Almost all (but not ALL) kittens of calico (black, white and orange) or tortishell (black and orange) color are females. More orange kittens are male than female although the association between color and sex is not as strong as in the calico/tortishell colored kitten.
This information is not meant to be a substitute for veterinary care. Always follow the instructions provided by your veterinarian.
While some dogs don’t enjoy bath time, they all need regular bathing and the occasional emergency soak after a roll in something smelly. Regularly bathing your pet is essential for maintaining the health of their skin and fur – and it can help keep odors down.
How often should I bathe my dog?
How often you bathe your dog depends on many factors, including your dog’s breed, the length of its fur, its activities, and if it has any health conditions. In general, it is safe to bathe your dog with veterinary shampoo once a week, but bathing your dog too frequently can strip its coat of protective oils.
If the veterinary shampoo you are using contains any medication or insecticide, follow the instructions provided by your veterinarian. Prescription shampoos treat specific problems and may necessitate bathing more or less frequently than once a week.
If your dog has longer fur, comb its coat prior to bathing. Wet fur mats more than dry fur and can be difficult to untangle. This small detail can save you time and prevent an uncomfortable brushing for your pet.
What soaps or shampoos can I use to bathe my dog?
There are many shampoo options for bathing your dog, but you should stick with products formulated for veterinary use. These products are designed to work with a dog’s body.
While dish soap or your favorite shampoo might strip away the dirt, and more importantly the odor, from your pet’s coat, it will also strip natural oils from their fur and may irritate their skin. All grooming products (human and animal) are designed to maximize cleaning and minimize irritation, but human products work best on human skin and veterinary products are designed to work best on dog skin.
This information is not meant to be a substitute for veterinary care. Always follow the instructions provided by your veterinarian. Washington State University assumes no liability for injury to you or your pet incurred by following these descriptions or procedures.
The Pharmacokinetic of Capecitabine in Cancer-Bearing Dogs, Part 2
Purpose of Study
Canine malignant cancers are a devastating reality to many dog owners. Treatment options are often limited by pet behavior, owner finances and time commitments, and availability of veterinarians who can safely administer chemotherapy. Oral chemotherapy has become increasingly popular because it often costs less than injectable chemotherapy and can be given in the comfort of the patient’s home.
Capecitabine is a well-tolerated, oral chemotherapy drug used in humans for a wide variety of carcinomas including breast cancer, colorectal cancer and head and neck carcinomas. This chemotherapy drug has a short half-life in humans, allowing for quick dose adjustments if side effects are noted. During the first part of this study, we measured the levels of capecitabine in the blood after a single dose was given and looked at how well dogs tolerated the drug. All five enrolled dogs with advanced tumors tolerated capecitabine well and two had stable disease while on this chemotherapy drug.
The purpose of this second part of the study is to learn more about tumor response to capecitabine in a larger number of dogs. We hope that this study may provide support for the use of oral capecitabine chemotherapy in dogs with carcinomas.
Benefits
Once your dog is enrolled, this study covers the cost for 28 days of capecitabine, study-related oncology recheck examinations, and study-related lab work and imaging (if imaging is deemed necessary for tumor measurement). If your dog tolerates capecitabine well, you have the option of continuing this drug outside of the study, at your own expense, and under the supervision of your WSU Veterinary Oncologist.
It is possible that your dog’s carcinoma will not respond to treatment with capecitabine, however your dog’s participation in this study will help us explore which types of carcinomas are most responsive to this oral chemotherapy drug.
Enrollment Requirements
This study is being conducted dogs that have been diagnosed with a carcinoma. Dogs may be of any age, breed and gender. To be eligible for this study, dogs must have an appointment with the Oncology Service at the WSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital (WSU VTH) for confirmation/diagnosis of their disease and possible treatment. Dogs enrolled in this study must have a CBC and Serum Chemistry within 2 weeks of enrollment, more than 2,800 neutrophils, and no evidence of any other major disease that would result in a life expectancy of one week or less.
Treatment Methods
This study involves giving oral chemotherapy, on a set schedule, to your dog at home and 2-3 visits to the WSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital: the baseline day, rest-period blood work, and the final study day.
Baseline Day: Once enrolled in the study, if your dog does not have current blood work, blood will be drawn for a complete blood count (CBC) and serum chemistry. We will record measurements of your dog’s tumor, which may require imaging (X-ray, ultrasound, CT) and do a quick test to look at your dog’s eyes. Your dog will be sent home with 28 days of capecitabine, instructions, and a daily health log.
Capecitabine Administration Period: At home, you will give your dog capecitabine for 14 consecutive days. Days 15-21 you will NOT give capecitabine to your dog. During this period, we highly recommend that your dog has a CBC and examination. This can be done with your regular veterinarian or at the WSU VTH (if done at the VTH, the study will pay for associated charges). After the 7-day rest period, you will give your dog capecitabine for another 14 consecutive days.
Final Study Day: Within 3 days of the last dose of capecitabine, your dog will return to the WSU VTH for a physical exam, eye exam, recheck blood work and tumor measurement. After this appointment, your dog’s study enrollment will be completed.
Owner Responsibilities
Owners are responsible for bringing their dog to the WSU VTH for the oncology appointment. They are responsible for the costs associated with the diagnosis of their dog’s carcinoma. To be enrolled in this study, owners must be willing to follow instructions/safety protocols to give their dogs an oral chemotherapy drug at home, complete a daily log of their dog’s health while on the drug, and return to the WSU VTH for the final study day.
Contact Information
Valorie Wiss
Clinical Studies Coordinator
509-335-0798
v.wiss@wsu.edu
Giving a cat oral medication isn’t always the easiest task, but by remaining calm and following the guidance below, you can make sure your pet gets the medications it needs.
Your veterinarian will tell you if your cat’s medication should be given with food or on an empty stomach. If the tablet or capsule can be given with food, you may make a “meatball” by placing the medication in the center of a small ball of canned cat food or cheese.
Cats are more likely than dogs to chew their food, so felines often eat the “meatball” and spit out the tablet or capsule. This causes the tablet or capsule to partially dissolve and become difficult to handle. If the cat bites into the tablet or capsule, it will leave a bad taste in its mouth and likely make a second attempt more difficult.
The following instructions will help you give medications if a “meatball” doesn’t work for your cat. Use caution to avoid being bitten. A cat’s mouth contains many bacteria and bites can result in deep punctures. If bitten, clean the wound thoroughly and seek medical attention.
Medications for oral administration may be in pill, capsule, or liquid form.
Giving a cat pills or capsules
Hold the cat’s head from the top using your left hand if you are right-handed. The cat’s cheekbones provide a convenient handle to hold the head firmly without causing discomfort.
Tilt the head back and the cat will often drop its lower jaw open.
Hold the pill or capsule with your right hand between your thumb and index finger. You can use a remaining finger on your right hand on the lower incisors to keep the lower jaw open. Keep your finger over the small incisor teeth and not over the sharp fangs (canine teeth). Drop the pill or capsule as far back over the tongue as possible, then immediately close the mouth and blow on the cat’s nose to encourage it to swallow.
If the cat does not open its mouth when you tilt back the head, hold the pill as before and place your middle finger of the same hand over the small incisor teeth – not over the sharp fangs (canine teeth) – to open the lower jaw.
Pull open the lower jaw. Keep your middle finger in place to hold the lower jaw open (3), then either drop the pill or capsule as far back on the tongue as possible or use your index finger (1) and thumb (2) to push the pill over the back of the tongue.
If you use your thumb and index finger to push the pill over the base of the tongue, your fingers will be inside the cat’s mouth, and you must work rapidly to avoid getting bit.
Close the mouth and stroke the cat’s neck or blow sharply on its nose to encourage swallowing.
Pilling devices can be used to place a pill or capsule over the base of the tongue, so you do not have to place your fingers in the cat’s mouth. There are several ways to hold the pilling device.
You can hold the device between your thumb and middle finger and position your index finger to “push” the trigger. To prevent premature release of the pill, you can move your index finger to push the trigger just before dislodging the pill in the back of the throat.
You can also curl your fingers around the device with your thumb positioned to “push” the trigger. To prevent premature release of the pill, you may move the thumb to push the trigger just before dislodging the pill in the back of the throat.
You can also hold the device between your index and middle fingers with your thumb positioned to “push” the trigger.
After finding a comfortable grip, tilt the cat’s head back. It will often drop its lower jaw open. Insert the pill at the end of the pilling device over the base of the tongue.
If the cat doesn’t open its mouth, use the middle finger of the hand holding the pilling device to open the lower jaw. Insert the pill at the end of the pilling device over the base of the tongue. Push the plunger on the pilling device with your thumb or index finger to deposit the pill far back in the cat’s mouth.
Giving a cat liquid medications
Liquid medications are given in a pouch between the teeth and cheek. Quickly squirt the medication into the pouch, hold the cat’s mouth closed, and stroke its neck or sharply blow on its nose to encourage swallowing.
Liquids are more likely to accidentally enter the windpipe compared to pills or capsules. To avoid the cat inhaling liquid into the windpipe, do not tilt the cat’s head backward.
If you find it difficult to give your cat a pill or capsule, speak to your veterinarian about suspending the pill or capsule into a liquid. Some medications can be suspended in liquid while others lose their effectiveness. Always talk to your veterinarian before altering medication.
This information is not meant to be a substitute for veterinary care. Always follow the instructions provided by your veterinarian.
What is Lyme disease?
Lyme disease, the most common vector-borne disease (transmitted by insects or arthropods) in people, is caused by corkscrew-shaped bacteria, Borrelia burgdorferi, carried by ticks that transmit the infection when they feed on animals and humans.
In the United States, Lyme disease occurs predominantly on the Pacific Coast, the Midwest, and Atlantic Coast states. About 75% of dogs living in endemic regions are exposed to infected ticks, but only a small percentage develop signs of disease.
Infected ticks must feed for about 24 hours to transmit the bacteria to a susceptible animal, so quick removal of ticks from your pet reduces the chance of infection.
Can I get Lyme disease from my pet?
If your pet has been diagnosed with Lyme disease you are not at risk of becoming infected directly from your animal. The bacteria increase to high levels in the blood of wildlife, but humans and domestic animals develop only low levels of the bacteria in their blood and at not high enough to infect a feeding tick.
What are the symptoms of Lyme disease in dogs?
The most common sign of Lyme disease in dogs is arthritis, which causes sudden lameness, pain, and sometimes swelling in one or more joints. Other signs may include fever, lack of appetite, dehydration, inactivity, and swollen lymph nodes.
In severe cases, the infection can cause kidney failure and death, although this does not occur commonly in dogs.
Humans often show a skin rash that looks like a target, but this is rarely seen in infected dogs.
How is Lyme disease diagnosed in dogs?
A diagnosis of Lyme disease is usually made based upon a history of being in an endemic area, signs of arthritis, and favorable response to treatment.
A blood test can measure antibodies to the bacteria, but many dogs that live in endemic regions will have a positive result. A positive only confirms the dog was exposed to Borrelia burgdorferi, but not all exposed dogs show signs of disease.
How are dogs infected with Lyme disease treated?
Lyme disease is easily treated with antibiotics, and symptoms usually regress rapidly in response to treatment. Untreated, the disease becomes chronic and can cause kidney damage.
How can you prevent a dog from becoming infected with Lyme disease?
The best method of preventing Lyme disease is to avoid tick-infested areas, especially in the spring when the young ticks are most active.
When returning from a tick-infested area, do a thorough search for ticks on yourself and your animals. Ticks should be removed carefully with tweezers, pinching the tick near the point they enter the skin.
There are also many highly effective veterinary products that will kill ticks on your dog before they can transmit the bacteria. Early removal of ticks reduces the chance of transmission.
A vaccine has been approved for use in dogs for Lyme disease prevention, but most authors of veterinary articles on Lyme disease do not recommend vaccinating dogs in non-endemic areas. Not all authors agree on how effective the vaccine is in preventing Lyme disease or whether it should be given in endemic regions. For more information about tick control products or Lyme disease, consult your veterinarian.
What should I do if I suspect my dog may have Lyme disease?
What should I do if I suspect my dog may have Lyme disease?
If your dog is showing symptoms of Lyme disease, contact your veterinarian or the WSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital at 509-335-0711.
This information is not meant to be a substitute for veterinary care. Always follow the instructions provided by your veterinarian. Washington State University assumes no liability for injury to you or your pet incurred by following these descriptions or procedures.
What is integrative veterinary medicine?
Integrative veterinary medicine is a comprehensive approach to animal health, guided by the best available evidence, that combines complementary therapies with conventional care.
What therapies are used for pets in integrative medicine?
Hydrotherapy, acupuncture, and laser therapy are three of the more common therapeutic services offered for your pet. All three treatments have been shown to be beneficial in treating a variety of chronic conditions, including osteoarthritis.
What is hydrotherapy and how does it benefit my pet?
Hydrotherapy uses an underwater treadmill to ease pain, increase range of motion, and improve blood flow.
Being in water takes weight off joints and helps the patient move easier. This puts less stress on the joints of a pet that has suffered an injury or is recovering from an operation. For older, arthritic patients, the underwater treadmill can help ease those painful stiff joints and increase mobility.
Hydrotherapy can also be used for weight loss, conditioning, and mental stimulation. Most pets, even those scared of the water, can become comfortable on the underwater treadmill. Animals that are weak from a nerve problem, spinal cord injury, or degenerative condition can often gain or maintain strength using the underwater treadmill.
What is acupuncture and how can it benefit my pet?
Acupuncture can benefit a variety of conditions in pets, including functional problems such as those that involve paralysis, pain, and inflammation.
Acupuncture, a technique practiced in China for thousands of years, involves inserting needles at points where nerves and blood vessels come together to produce a healing response in humans and animals. Each acupuncture point has specific actions when stimulated.
The technique has also proven beneficial for animals with arthritis, degenerative joint disease, cancer, metabolic disease, and chronic and neurologic conditions. In Chinese medicine, acupuncture is one way of aiding in the flow of Qi (chi). Thought of as vital energy or life force, Qi flows through the body along channels called meridians that run up and down the body.
What is laser therapy and how can it benefit my pet?
Laser therapy is a non-invasive procedure beneficial for osteoarthritic pets. Laser therapy can increase blood flow, limit pain, decrease inflammation, and stimulate and improve healing. Therapy lasers use light energy (photons) to cause beneficial changes within unhealthy cells through a process called photobiomodulation. Without damaging tissues, the laser sends photons into the tissues. This stimulates the cells and repairs damaged cells and tissues. The procedure may take anywhere from 1-10 minutes. Most conditions take four to eight sessions for the best effects, and chronic conditions may require periodic maintenance sessions.
What should I do if my dog is showing signs of osteoarthritis?
If your dog is experiencing osteoarthritis or a similar painful condition call your veterinary clinic or schedule an appointment with one of the integrative medicine veterinarians at the WSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital by calling 509-335-0711.
This information is not meant to be a substitute for veterinary care. Always follow the instructions provided by your veterinarian. Washington State University assumes no liability for injury to you or your pet incurred by following these descriptions or procedures.
What is feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy?
Feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, the most common type of heart disease in cats, causes the heart muscle to thicken and decreases the heart’s efficiency. Some cats show no sign of illness, especially early in the disease, which can lead to congestive heart failure.
What causes feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy?
The cause of feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy is unknown, although certain breeds of cats appear to be predisposed. Middle-aged male cats may be more commonly affected.
What are the signs of feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy?
Signs of feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy can vary from no symptoms to lethargy and rapid or labored breathing. Other signs can include sudden weakness, collapsing episodes, and sudden death due to disturbances in heart rhythm.
In some cases, signs of left-sided congestive heart failure, including fluid accumulation in the lung, may occur. These signs include lethargy, decreased activity level, rapid and/or labored breathing, and possibly open mouth breathing with excitement or exercise. Sometimes left and right-sided congestive heart failure develops with fluid accumulation inside the chest or abdominal cavity, causing greater respiratory effort and abdominal distention.
Once fluid accumulations have occurred, clinical heart failure is present, and aggressive medical therapy should be sought.
In some cats with a very large heart chamber, a blood clot may form and if it enters the circulation may cause weakness or paralysis (usually of the rear legs).
How is feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy diagnosed?
A physical examination by a veterinarian may reveal a heart murmur, abnormal heart and lung sounds, or irregularities in heart rhythm that can lead to a suspected diagnosis of the disease. Chest X-rays, electrocardiograms, and echocardiograms are often used to confirm a diagnosis and determine severity.
A routine physical exam and one or more of these tests may be recommended every six months to one year to look for any progression of disease in cats without clinical signs.
How is feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy treated?
Treatments for feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy vary depending on the severity of the disease in the patient.
Asymptomatic cats may not need medical therapy, but routine reevaluations will often be recommended. Other cats will need medications to slow the heart rate and promote relaxation of the pumping chambers (ventricles). If arrhythmias or congestive heart failure signs are present, additional medications may be required.
Since this disease can be progressive, medications and dosage may change with time. Therapy is always tailored to the needs of the individual patient.
What should I do if my cat has or is showing symptoms of feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy?
If your animal is showing symptoms of feline hypertrophic cardiomyopathy, contact your veterinarian or the WSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital at 509-335-0711. If your cat has already been diagnosed with the disease, our cardiology team can help to create the best treatment plan for your pet.
This information is not meant to be a substitute for veterinary care. Always follow the instructions provided by your veterinarian. Washington State University assumes no liability for injury to you or your pet incurred by following these descriptions or procedures.