Paralysis: It doesn’t have to be permanent

Paralysis: It doesn't have to be permanent

by Kate Fitzwater, DVM, DACVS

Dachshunds are the number one breed to suffer from intervertebral disc problems. The intervertebral discs are located beneath the spinal cord, in between each vertebra, and are like jelly doughnuts. Each has an outer fibrous layer, like the crust portion of the doughnut, and an inner nucleus pulposus, like the jelly portion. Dachshunds and other breeds like Beagles, Pekingese, Cocker Spaniels can develop mineralization of their discs, which causes the nucleus pulpous (jelly portion of the doughnut, remember) to become like bone, which makes it more predisposed to rupturing.

When the disc ruptures, the nucleus portion of the disc causes compression on the spinal cord. The most common place for rupture is at the thoracolumbar junction or mid-back. It can also occur in the neck, but this article will not address this location. Depending on how compressed the spinal cord is directly correlates to the severity of the clinical signs. Pain is the first sign, which can progress to complete paralysis (loss of all movement in limbs) and loss of deep pain (unable to feel and recognize a painful stimulus to the limb). Prognosis for recovery depends on how severe the clinical signs are and what treatment option is pursued; each case is different. Surgery is most commonly recommended to remove the disc from around the spinal cord if the signs are worse than just walking wobbly, which is called ataxia.

Prognosis for complete recovery with surgery is 85-90% as long as the dog still has deep pain sensation. It is best to not wait until the dog is completely paralyzed, but as long as deep pain is still intact, the prognosis is good with surgical intervention. Once deep pain is lost, there is a 50:50 chance of walking again if surgery is pursued soon after injury.

Rehabilitation with underwater treadmill therapy is the mainstay of recovery after back surgery. Here at Circle City Veterinary Specialty Hospital, we have a CT scanner available for imaging the exact location of the ruptured disc prior to surgery. In some cases myelogram may also need to be done, which injects contrast material around the spinal cord to highlight the ruptured disc. Our two boarded surgeons, myself (Dr. Kate Fitzwater) and Dr. Rebecca Ball that can perform the surgery, even on emergency basis if needed and work closely with our in-house rehabilitation team of two certified rehabilitation practitioners, Dr. Kelly Fisher and Dr. Karen Hull for continued therapy after surgery.

Diagram of a ruptured disc compressing the spinal cord, which is the dark gray structure

What To Do When You're Pet Doesn't Travel With You

The Fourth of July is just in the rearview mirror, high temperatures are here to stay and it's smack-dab in the middle of baseball season. That can mean only one thing - summer is in full swing! It's the time to be thinking about an upcoming trip to the beach or lake, or making final preparations before attending that friend's or relative's wedding that you've been looking forward to. But what is a pet owner to do with all of that travel ahead?

As you may know, there are many hotels, restaurants, parks, etc. that are attuned to the needs of a family traveling with pets (and if that's you please don't forget about our guide for making an emergency kit). Still, though, travelers often elect to hit the road without the company of their four-legged friends. Those folks then have to decide how their pet will be cared for while they are away. Whether you favor having a friend, family member or professional pet sitter come to your home to provide care or taking your pet to a boarding facility, there are important things to consider before making a final decision.

When hiring a pet sitter you should:

• Ensure that the sitter has proper insurance in case of an accident. A pet sitter who owns an insured and bonded business is your safest bet.
• Lay out a specific schedule for when your sitter will provide services. You will want to make sure that your pet's daily routine stays as close to normal as possible while you are away.
• Have the sitter produce a written service contract for you both to sign.
• Get a list of references that you can contact.
• Discuss a back-up plan in case your sitter becomes ill, has car troubles, is drawn away by a family emergency or any other situation that might arise.
• Inquire about any job-specific training the sitter has received.

When looking into a boarding facility you should:

• Confirm that the kennel has a policy that all pets must be up-to-date on vaccinations with documented proof.
• Personally check out the indoor and outdoor facilities so that you know they are clean, well maintained and kept at the proper temperature.
• Ask how often the facilities are cleaned.
• If the kennel has outdoor runs or an outdoor play area, ask about what steps are taken to make sure that no animals escape the facility.
• Trust your senses. If you have a bad feeling about a certain kennel then your dog or cat will likely feel the same way.
• Make sure that the kennel allows you to bring your pet's favorite blanket, toy or other comfort from home that will make their stay better.

Once you've found the perfect person to sit for your pet, or the perfect place to board them, there's one last item that has to be covered before you hit the road; what will happen in the event of an emergency? Circle City Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Hospital's own Dr. Amy Rader says that communication is key.

"What I tell my clients is that any time they are going out of town and their pets are either being boarded or cared for by a pet sitter they need to leave clear (written) instructions as to their wishes for 'Fluffy's' care. That includes, in the event of an emergency, whether the owner would prefer their pet be transported to their primary veterinarian for treatment or if they would prefer to have their pet taken to a 24 hour facility like

Circle City Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Hospital."

Pet emergencies are always a stressful situation and the stress only grows if something happens to our pets while we are traveling. The cost of care in an emergency is a big part of that equation and Dr. Rader has important advice for how to ease that burden.

"Contact the clinic prior to your trip and advise them who can authorize treatment for the pet until the owner can be reached, and possibly leave a credit card number on file with the clinic. Also, you can make an agreement with the pet sitter for the initial cost to be paid by them and then the owner reimburse them as soon as they can."

To help guarantee that all the right people have the proper contact information while you travel simply fill out and distribute this Emergency Contact Card.

With all of that information you are ready to make the best arrangements for your pet's care while you are traveling. So get out there and enjoy all that summer has to offer!

Happy Travels with the Family Pet

Summer also means vacation time for many.  Kids are out of school, family reunions are planned, and we even have some built in long holiday weekends that lend themselves to travel.

For those of us with pets at home, additional consideration must be made when planning road trips and many modern families are now opting to take their pets along.  As a result, hotels, parks, and restaurants are increasing their services to meet the demand of those families who don’t want to leave “Fluffy” behind.   An Internet search can give you a head start on locating pet friendly facilities, but not all are created equal.  Some may have limitations on species and size so doing your homework ahead of time can prevent disappointment. 

Leashes, harnesses, and crates should be standard supplies when you travel with your pet and a collar or harness should include a tag with your contact information.  Unfamiliar sights, sounds, and smells can be stressful for some animals and trigger a flight response.  In the blink of an eye, a fun adventure can turn to tragedy so make sure you have the means to control your pet at all times.  Speaking of tragedy, leaving your pet in a vehicle (even for a short time) creates a deadly risk for heat stroke and should never be an option whether in town or across country!

Along with your pet’s food, you may want to bring along some water from home.  A slow transition to a new water source can help avoid tummy troubles.  You will also want to bring along a record of your pet’s health conditions, vaccinations, medications, and a current photograph.  Making and carrying an emergency kit is also recommended.  Click here for an emergency travel card and recommended emergency kit items.  If you have a final destination planned, it won’t hurt to know where the nearest 24 hour veterinary emergency center is located either. 

Traveling with your pet can be a lot of fun!  With a little extra preparation ahead of time you will help ensure a safe and rewarding experience for the entire family.  Happy travels!

 

Slowing the Progression of Osteoarthritis

By:  Kelly Fisher, DVM, CCRP

Osteoarthritis is a common condition in both humans and dogs alike. As we age, we experience osteoarthritis in weight bearing joints such as knees, hips and elbows.  The spine can also experience some arthritic change leading to discomfort and decreased mobility.  Osteoarthritis, also known as degenerative joint disease, is a progressive deterioration of the cartilage that surrounds, cushions and protects the joints. Common signs of arthritis include: decreased level of activity, difficulty getting up, and stiffness while walking. These symptoms of arthritis are worse in the early mornings, after lying down for a prolonged period of time, and during bouts of cold weather.

Osteoarthritis can be seen in a dog of any age, but is most commonly seen in older dogs, those who have a pre-existing condition such as hip dysplasia, or injuries such as fractures or ligament tears. Another primary cause of arthritis in dogs is obesity. With additional body weight, there is an increased stress on the joints, which leads to deterioration of the cartilage.

There is no cure for osteoarthritis in dogs, and the goal of treatment is to slow the process down and alleviate the patient's pain. Fortunately, there are several beneficial treatments to help your dog maintain an active, healthy and comfortable lifestyle, even with osteoarthritis. Traditionally, treatment for arthritis has been focused on medication to relieve joint pain and inflammation.  Some veterinarians also incorporate joint supplements, weight control, specially formulated diets and/or holistic herbs to give arthritic dogs more help; but medications alone cannot improve a dog's strength or fitness level which directly affects mobility.  Some consider rehabilitation a tool that is reserved for dogs recovering from orthopedic surgery or injury, but the principles of rehabilitation medicine are fairly universal.  The overall goal is to improve comfort, joint motion, strength and endurance so you and your pet can enjoy more active years together. 

Physical rehabilitation is a specialty with both veterinary professionals and human physical therapists working toward the overall improved care of pets.

Some of the different modalities for treatment include therapeutic ultrasound, cold or low-level laser therapy, electrical stimulation, therapeutic exercises, massage, and the underwater treadmill. Not every rehabilitation facility or veterinary hospital is going to offer all of the different modalities and equipment on the market. The most important piece of equipment is a pair of experienced hands.

A Tender Tiger's Tale

Tiger Cubs at EFRC

The Exotic Feline Rescue Center (EFRC) is a living saga of abandoned big cats and the heroics of those dedicated people who nurture them.  Tora, a beautiful 15 year old tiger, is part of this rich and inspiring story.  Tora’s mother was one of ten doomed circus cats rescued by the Center late in 1997.  In early 1998, Tora was born at the Center and grew into a happy, gentle resident.  His caretakers describe him as “Sweet”, “Gentle”, and “Liking attention”.  The dedication to these big cats is very real and every consideration is made for their care, so it was no surprise when Dr. Fred Froderman called in help to remove a large tumor from Tora’s intestines.   

Appropriately described as a "Gentle Giant", Tora is being prepped for surgery.  Dr. Forderman is on the left. 

Dr. Froderman is the Rescue Center’s lead veterinarian.  He is also one of Circle City Veterinary Specialty & Emergency Hospital's ER Clinicians.  When Tora became lethargic, Dr. Froderman performed tests that would reveal Tora was anemic and had a large mass in his intestines.  Knowing this could be a tricky procedure for a tiger Tora’s age, he called in another of Circle City’s talented team, Dr. Stephen Birchard, MS, DACVS, who specializes in these types of surgeries.  Together, the two of them removed a basketball sized tumor, a bone fragment that could not pass because of the tumor, and the damaged parts of Tora’s intestines.  We are happy to report that Tora is recovering well.  His caretakers are singing his praises and as each day passes his chance for a full recovery grows.    

Tora in his hospital cage. 

Tora is one of more than 200, and counting, exotic cats that currently live at EFRC.  They each have a unique and touching story to tell and we are all quite lucky to be graced by such a facility so close to home.  Do yourself a favor and visit their website, then visit them in person!  If you like to jog, check out their 5Kfundraising event coming next month.  This is a great time of year to take a walk on the wild side and visit some of the most regal animals on earth! 

Fund Finding Facts

A common fear among households with furry family members is facing an unexpected, and often expensive, health problem with their pet.  More and more families are planning ahead with the purchase of pet insurance, but what about those who haven’t?  It is not uncommon for families to face a devastating decision between financial hardship or the health of their beloved pet.  Lack of funding for life saving care also affects those who provide the care.  Nothing weighs more heavily on veterinarians than when a family's financial situation prevents them from doing what they know and love best...saving lives...

Some of that is changing, however, and people are finding help, if they know where to look.  As pets become more and more a part of the family dynamic, more and more organizations that offer assistance are being created to help when disaster strikes.   Some pet owners have even taken up their own successful awareness and fundraising campaigns. 

Most of these organizations provide monetary help through donations so, as you might imagine, the demand for financial assistance may exceed the available funds on a regular basis.  Also, these groups try to assist as many as possible and families with more meager incomes are usually addressed first.   Even so, if you are in need of help, a little persistence and savvy may pay off.  We have witnessed miracles on more than one occasion when motivated families sought assistance to help pay for their pet's medical care.

The VeterinaryPartners.com has provided a comprehensive list of these philanthropic organizations.  Because we see only sick and injured patients here, we highly recommend pet health insurance, but when that is lacking, don’t give up hope.  Compassionate assistance may still be possible.  Click on the links in this article; knowledge brings choice and choice can bring peace of mind.

Corn Cob Casualties - Summer PSA

By: Kate Fitzwater, DVM, MS, DACVS

Spring is finally here and summer is just around the corner – hallelujah! With that comes the mid-western food delight of sweet corn. My family loves corn on the cob and my toddler daughter can eat two ears herself, but as a surgeon I have trepidation every time I fix it for the foreign body risk it is for my golden retriever. 

Let alone the risk of direct ingestion, as my daughter accidentally drops it from having buttery fingers, to him possibly finding the cobs in the trash; either one is an intestinal obstruction waiting to happen. When dogs swallow corn on the cob they typically chew it to an extent, but usually swallow chunks of the cob that are not digestible, because they are in a hurry to eat it and not get caught! These cob chunks can hang out in the stomach for some time before moving into the small intestines where they usually get stuck!
Clinical signs of intestinal obstruction include: vomiting, inappetence or anorexia, and in some cases diarrhea. A corn cob intestinal obstruction is diagnosed most commonly on abdominal radiographs/x-rays because the cob can be seen.   In the radiograph below, the cob is in the lower left section. 

 Photograph courtesy of S. Birchard, DVM, DACVS

Some dogs can pass the cob completely without having a surgical obstruction, but I wouldn’t take those odds!  Intestinal surgery to remove the corn cob can be a simple enterotomy, which is an incision made into the bowel, then the cob is removed and bowel wall sutured closed.  Sometimes it is necessary to remove an entire portion of the bowel due to pressure necrosis from being stuck in the same place for too long. Either surgery comes with the potential complication of breakdown of the suture line in the bowel, typically 3-5 days after surgery. If this occurs, then the intestinal contents leak into the abdomen and cause a severe abdominal infection called a septic abdomen.  


Photograph courtesy of  S. Birchard, DVM, DACVS

The picture above shows an intraoperative view of the small intestines with a corn cob obstruction prior to surgical removal.  This cob was removed by one incision and did not require resection of a portion of the small intestines.  The bruised intestine to the right of the cob shows the damage it inflicts as it moves through the bowel.  Below is the indigestible cob after it was removed from the small intestine.  

Photograph courtesy of S. Birchared, DVM, DACVS


My warning to you this summer during your backyard barbecues is to make sure people don’t leave their plates lying around with kernel empty cobs.  Quickly dispose of them in a dog-proof trash can so you and your furry friend can enjoy a summer that does not include this preventable mishap.