Monday, September 17, 2012

Flea ,Tick and Heartworm products...some can kill if used incorrectly!

It is 8 PM on a lovely summer evening and a neighbour knocks on the door with a sick kitty in their arms. They thought their kitty had had a seizure in the afternoon. She continues to twitch and walks like she is intoxicated. On initial inspection it is noticed that she has a "greasy" area on the back of her neck. We ask the neighbour if she has applied a flea or tick product to this area. The answer is yes ...in the morning just before the kitty had the seizure!! When asked what product she used she was uncertain, however she knew she had used it before on her dogs and they were all fine.

This kitty was suffering from permethrin toxicity.

Permethrin is in many flea and tick products and it is highly toxic to cats. Without medical intervention they can die.

Permethrin products are labelled for use in dogs not cats. However people all to frequently do not read product labels.

At WBVC we try to avoid permethrin based products. Tick products with permethrins are sold only to households that do not have cats. Clients are warned that permethrins can kill cats.



Below is information about many parasite prevention products. Not all are approved for use in Canada.

FLEA PRODUCT CHARTS:

Confused about flea protection? The best advice is to consult with your veterinarian!


Table 1:Flea killing ingredient;
Flea sterilizing or additional ingredients;
For dogs or cats;
Youngest age or size approved for use;
Waterproof or water resistant

Table 2:Approved for pregnancy or lactation (nursing);
How long until maximum effect against  fleas is reached;
Other parasites killed, controlled or repelled;
How often applied or administered
Table 3:Oral or Topical, Prescription drug, non-prescription drug or insecticide;
LD50 (lethal dose to 50% of the population)
Table 4:Year first available in U.S.; Manufacturer,
Manufacturer’s website;
Additional cautions




TABLE 1
Flea Killing Ingredient
Flea Sterilizing or
Additional Ingredients
For Dogs
or Cats
Youngest Age or Size
Approved For Use
Waterproof or
Water Resistant?
Comfortis,
AcuGuard*
Spinosad
none
Dog
14 weeks; at least 5 lbs
Waterproof
Trifexis
Spinosad
Milbemycin (for add’l parasites)
Dogs
8 weeks; at least 5 lbs
Waterproof
Assurity
Spinetoram
none
Cats
8 weeks
Water Resistant

Vectra 3D,

SimpleGuard 3*,

FirstShield Trio*
Dinotefuran &
Permethrin
Pyriproxifen (flea sterilizer)
Dog
7 weeks;
at least 2.5 lbs
Water Resistant

Vectra for Cats,

SimpleGuard for Cats*, FirstShield for Cats*
Dinotefuran
Pyriproxifen (flea sterilizer)
Cats
8 weeks
Water Resistant
Revolution
Selamectin
none
Dog or Cat
6 weeks puppies
8 weeks kittens
Waterproof
Advantage II
Imidacloprid
Pyriproxifen (flea sterilizer)
Dog or Cat
7 weeks puppies
8 weeks kittens
Waterproof
K9Advantix II
Imidacloprid &
Permethrin
Pyriproxifen (flea sterilizer)
Dog
7 weeks
Waterproof

Advantage Multi

also called Advocate
Imidacloprid
Moxidectin
(for additional parasites)
Dog or Cat
7 weeks puppies
9 weeks kittens
Waterproof

Frontline

Fiproguard, PetArmor, EasySpot (cats)

Parastar (dogs)
Fipronil
none
Dog or Cat
8 weeks
Waterproof

Frontline Plus,

Fiproguard Plus, PetArmor Plus
Fipronil
Methoprene (flea sterilizer)
Dog or Cat
8 weeks
Waterproof
Program
none
Lufenuron(flea sterilizer)
Dog or Cat
4 weeks
Waterproof
Sentinel
none
Lufenuron (flea sterilizer) &
Milbemycin (for add’l parasites)
Dog
4 weeks; at least 2 lbs
Waterproof
Capstar
Nitenpyram
none
Dog or Cat
4 weeks; at least 2 lbs
Waterproof




TABLE 2
Approved for Pregnancy and Lactation (nursing)
How Long Until Maximum Effect Against Fleas Is Reached?
Other Parasites Killed, Controlled or Repelled
How Often Applied or Administered?
Comfortis,
AcuGuard*
Manufacturer recommends against use but not specifically labeled against
100% Fleas Dead
in 4 Hours
none
Monthly
Trifexis
Manufacturer recommends against use but not specifically labeled against
100% Fleas Dead in 4 Hours
Hookworms, Roundworms, Whipworms, Heartworm
Monthly
Assurity
Manufacturer recommends consulting with veterinarian first
98 - 100% Fleas Dead in
12 Hours
none
Monthly

Vectra 3D,

SimpleGuard 3*,

FirstShield Trio*
No
96% of Fleas Dead
in 6 Hours
Kills Ticks; Repels Flies
and Mosquitos
Monthly

Vectra for Cats,

SimpleGuard for Cats*, FirstShield for Cats*
No
98% of Fleas Dead
in 6 Hours
none
Monthly
Revolution
Yes
42 Hours to Zero Fleas
Dogs: Ticks (but is slow kill and disease transmission can still occur), Ear mites,
Sarcoptic mange mites & Heartworm Larvae
Cats: Round worms, Ear mites, Hookworm &Heartworm Larvae
Monthly
Advantage II
Manufacturer recommends consulting with veterinarian first
98% of Pre-Existing Fleas Dead in 12 Hours; Then New Fleas in 2 Hours
none
Monthly
K9Advantix II
No
98% of Fleas Dead
in 12 Hours
Kills Ticks; Repels Flies
and Mosquitos
Monthly

Advantage Multi

also called Advocate
No
98% of Fleas Dead
in 12 Hours
Dogs: Whipworms, Hookworms, Roundworms & Heartworm
Cats: Roundworms,Ear mites, Hookworms & Heartworm
Monthly

Frontline,

Fiproguard, PetArmor

EasySpot (cats)
Parastar (dogs)
Topspot Yes;
Spray No
24 Hrs to Translocate, then
4-18 Hours to Kill Fleas
Kills Ticks & Lice
Monthly

Frontline Plus,

Fiproguard Plus, PetArmor Plus
Yes
24 Hrs to Translocate, then
4-18 Hrs to Kill Fleas and
24-48 Hours to Kill Ticks
Kills Ticks & Lice
Monthly
Program
Yes
Peak activity at 6 Hours
none
Monthly for oral; Every 6 Months for Injectable
Sentinel
Individual ingredients Yes, but combination not approved
Peak activity at 6 Hours
Monthly
Capstar
Yes
Maximum Effect in 4 Hours
none
As Needed or Daily (no lasting activity)




TABLE 3
Oral or Topical?
Prescription Drug,
Non-Prescription Drug
or Insectcide
Lethal Dose to 50% of the Population
(the higher the number, the safer the product)
[What is LD50?]
Comfortis,
AcuGuard*
Oral (Chewable)
Prescription Drug
>3,000 mg/kg in rats; >2.000 mg/kg in rabbits
(translates to over 30 times recommended dose)
Trifexis
Oral (Chewable)
Prescription Drug
Spinosad: >3,000 mg/kg in rats; >2.000 mg/kg in rabbits
Milbemycin LD50 information unavailable
Symptoms of tremors and incoordination result at 19 times recommended dose
Assurity
Topical
Insecticide
Dermal and Oral LD50 in rats > 5,000 mg/kg
Vectra 3D,
SimpleGuard 3*,
FirstShield Trio*
Topical
Insecticide
>2,400 mg/kg in rats for Dinotefuran,
>4,000 mg/kg in rats for topical Permethrin
Vectra for Cats,
SimpleGuard for Cats*, FirstShield for Cats*
Topical
Insecticide
>2,400 mg/kg in rats for Dinotefuran
Revolution
Applied Topically, but rapidly absorbed through skin
Prescription Drug
>1,600 mg/kg in rats
Advantage II
Topical
Insecticide
Dermal Dose: >5,000 mg/kg in rats
Orally: 450 mg/kg in rats
K9Advantix II
Topical
Insecticide
Imidacloprid Dermal Dose: >5,000 mg/kg in rats
Imidacloprid Orally: 450 mg/kg in rats
>4,000 mg/kg in rats for Permethrin
Advantage Multialso called Advocate
Topical
Prescription Drug
Imidacloprid Dermal Dose: >5,000 mg/kg in rats
Imidacloprid Orally: 450 mg/kg in rats
>2,000 mg/kg in rabbits for Moxidectin
Frontline,
Fiproguard, PetArmor
EasySpot (cats)
Parastar (dogs)
Topical Topspot or Spray
Insecticide
Fipronil Dermal Dose: >5,000 mg/kg in rats
Fipronil Orally: 750 mg/kg in rats
Frontline Plus,
Fiproguard Plus, PetArmor Plus
Topical
Insecticide
Fipronil Dermal Dose: >5,000 mg/kg in rats
Fipronil Orally: 750 mg/kg in rats
Methoprene Orally: >34,600 in rats (virtually non-toxic)
Program
Oral; or
Injectable for Cats only
Over the Counter Drug
Orally: > 2,000 mg/kg in rats
Sentinel
Oral
Prescription Drug
Lufenuron Orally: > 2,000 mg/kg in rats
Milbemycin LD50 information unavailable
Symptoms of tremors and incoordination result at 19 times recommended dose
Capstar
Oral
Over the Counter Drug
Orally: 1,575 mg/kg in rats




TABLE 4
Year First Made Available in U.S.
Manufacturer
Manufacturer Website
Additional Cautions
Comfortis,
AcuGuard*
2007
Elanco
Should not be used in dogs with known seizure disorders
Trifexis
2011
Elanco
Puppies less than 14 weeks of age may experience a higher rate of vomiting
Assurity
2011
Elanco
none
Vectra 3D,
SimpleGuard 3*,
FirstShield Trio*
2007
Summit
none
Vectra for Cats,
SimpleGuard for Cats*, FirstShield for Cats*
2008
Summit
none
Revolution
2000
Pfizer
Pets should test negative for Heartworm before use
Advantage II
1996
Bayer
none
K9Advantix II
2003
Bayer
Do not use in cats
(cats are sensitive to Permethrin)
Advantage Multialso called Advocate
2007
Bayer
Pets should test negative for Heartworm before use
Frontline,
Fiproguard, PetArmor
EasySpot (cats)
Parastar (dogs)
1996 (Frontline)
2011 (all others)
Merial
Sentry
FidoPharm
none
Frontline Plus,
Fiproguard Plus, PetArmor Plus
2000
Merial
Sentry
FidoPharm
none
Program
1994
Novartis
Give with food
Sentinel
1997
Novartis
Give with food; Pets should test negative for Heartworm before use
Capstar
2000
Novartis
none






  • As of spring 2011, Pfzir has discontinued the manufacture of Promeris (active ingredients: mitraz and metaflumizone)




  • * VCA Animal Hospitals and Banfield Pet Hospitals market some products under their own hospital private label

    This chart compares many flea control products to assist you in determining which is right for your situation. These products are available at licensed veterinary hospitals. Over the counter products are not included in these charts. As there are 14 different products compared in 16 different categories, the information is divided between  4 separate tables.


    TICK PRODUCT CHARTS:


    American Dog Tick 2Brown Dog Tick singleAdult Female Lone Star Tickblackleggd tick
    American Dog Tick,
    Vector of: Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
    Brown Dog Tick,
    Vector of: Ehrlichiosis
    Lone Star Tick (note the "star" on the belly),
    Vector of: Rocky Mountain Spotted Fever
    Deer Tick or Black-legged tick,
    Vector of: Lyme Disease, and Anaplasmosis 

    Confused about tick protection? The best advice is to consult your veterinarian!
    This chart compares the currently available tick control products to assist you in determining which is right for your situation. These are products made by reputable major pharmaceutical companies and most are available only through licensed veterinarians. Because there are 13 different products compared in 14 different categories, we have split up the information into 3 separate tables

    Table 1:Tick killing ingredient;
     Format (topical, collar or spray);
    For dogs or cats;
    Approved against which ticks
    Youngest age or size approved for use;
    How long one application lasts
    Table 2:Waterproof or water resistant;
    Approved for pregnancy or lactation (nursing);
    How long until maximum effect against ticks is reached;
    Other parasites killed, controlled or repelled;
    Other active ingredients
    Table 3:Prescription drug or insecticide;
    LD50 (lethal dose to 50% of the population);
    Manufacturer and product website;
    Additional cautions


    TABLE 1
    Tick Killing Ingredient
    Format
    For dogs
    or cats?
    Approved against which ticks
    Youngest Age Approved
    How long One Application Lasts
    K9Advantix
    Permethrin
    Topical
    Dogs only
    all shown above
    7 weeks
    1 month
    Revolution
    Selamectin
    Topical
    Feline product available but not labeled against ticks
    American Dog Tick only
    6 weeks
    1 month
    Scalibor Collar
    Deltamethrin
    Collar
    Dogs only
    Brown Dog Tick, American Dog Tick, and Deer Ticks
    12 weeks
    6 months
    Preventic Collar
    Amitraz
    Collar
    Dogs only
    all shown above
    12 weeks
    up to 90 days
    Frontline,
    Fiproguard, PetArmor, EasySpot (cats),
    Parastar (dogs)
    Fipronil
    Topical or spray
    Dogs and Cats
    all shown above
    8 weeks
    1 month
    Vectra 3D,
    SimpleGuard 3*,
    FirstShield Trio*
    Permethrin
    Topical
    Dogs only (feline product does not include a tick ingredient)
    all shown above
    7 weeks
    and 2.5 lbs
    1 month
    Certifect
    Fipronil and Amitraz
    Topical
    Dogs only
    all shown above
    8 weeks
    and 5 lbs
    1 month















    TABLE 2
    Waterproof or
    water resistant?
    Approved for Pregnancy and Lactation?
    Time to Reach Maximum Effect
    Other parasites controlled or repelled:
    Other active ingredients:
    K9Advantix
    water resistant
    No
    98% dead within 48 hours
    fleas, flies, mosquitoes
    imidocloprid
    Revolution
    water proof
    Yes
    48 hours
    ear mites, fleas, sarcoptic mange mites, heartworm
    none
    Scalibor Collar
    water resistant (remove collar for bathing)
    Not specifically labeled against, veterinary consultation recommended
    2 - 3 weeks
    fleas killed, flies and mosquitoes repelled
    none
    Preventic Collar
    water resistant (remove collar for bathing)
    Not specifically labeled against, veterinary consultation recommended
    100% dead in less than 24 hours
    none
    none
    Frontline,
    Fiproguard, PetArmor, EasySpot(cats),
    Parastar(dogs)
    water proof
    Yes for topspot, no for spray
    24 - 48 hours
    fleas
    methoprene
    in Frontline Plus,
    Fiproguard Plus
    and PetArmor Plus
    Vectra 3DSimpleGuard 3*,
    FirstShield Trio*
    water resistant
    No
    98% dead within 48 hours
    fleas, flies, mosquitoes
    dinotefuran, pyriproxifen (former kills fleas, latter sterilizes them until former product kills them)
    Certifect
    water resistant
    Yes
    18 hours
    fleas
    methoprene


















    TABLE 3
    Prescription Drug or Insecticide?
    Toxicity/LD 50
    (what is LD 50?)
    Manufacturer & product web site
    Additional Cautions
    K9Advantix
    insecticide
    Imidacloprid Dermal Dose:
    >5,000 mg/kg in rats
    Imidacloprid Orally: 450 mg/kg in rats
    >4,000 mg/kg in rats for Permethrin
    Bayer
    Permethrin is toxic to cats, use feline product only for cats. Avoid cat/dog snuggling.
    Revolution
    prescription drug
    >1,600 mg/kg in rats
    Pfizer
    Dog should test negative for heartworm before using
    Scalibor Collar
    insecticide
    oral LD 50 for dogs is 300 mg/kg,
    the dermal LD 50 in the rat is
    greater than 2,940 mg/kg
    Merck
    Deltamethrin is toxic to cats. Avoid cat/dog snuggling.
    Preventic Collar
    insecticide
    > 2,000 mg/kg in rats for Amitraz
    Virbac
    Amitraz is associated with an assortment of drug interactions, check with your vet. Also, collar is toxic if swallowed.
    Frontline,
    Fiproguard,PetArmor, EasySpot(cats),
    Parastar (dogs)
    insecticide
    Fipronil Dermal Dose:
    >5,000 mg/kg in rats
    Fipronil Orally: 750 mg/kg in rats
    Methoprene Orally: >34,600 in rats (virtually non-toxic)
    none
    Vectra 3DSimpleGuard 3*,
    FirstShield Trio*
    insecticide
    >2,400 mg/kg in rats for Dinotefuran,
    >4,000 mg/kg in rats for topical Permethrin
    Summit
    Permethrin is toxic to cats, use feline product only for cats. Avoid cat/dog snuggling.
    Certifect
    insecticide
    > 2,000 mg/kg in rats for Amitraz
    Fipronil Dermal Dose:
    >5,000 mg/kg in rats
    Fipronil Orally: 750 mg/kg in rats
    Merial
    Amitraz is associated with an assortment of drug interactions


















    As of spring 2011, Pfizer has discontinued the manufacture of Promeris (active ingredients: amitraz and metaflumizone)
    * VCA Animal Hospitals and Banfield Pet Hospitals market some products under their own hospital private label


    HEARTWORM PREVENTION CHARTS:

    Confused about Heartworm prevention options? The best advice is to consult your veterinarian!
    These two charts compare current heartworm preventive products side by side to assist you in determining which is right for your situation.


    For
    Dogs or Cats
    Heartworm Preventing Ingredient
    Other Ingredients for Control of Other Parasites
    Other Parasites Controlled
    Mode of Application
    Youngest Age to Start Using
    Heartgard
    for Dogs
    Dogs
    Ivermectin
    None
    None
    oral
    6 weeks
    Heartgard Plus
    Iverhart Plus
    Iverhart Max
    Triheart Plus
    Pet Trust Plus
    Dogs
    Ivermectin
    Pyrantel pamoate
    Iverhart Max also
    has Praziquantal
    Hookworms, Roundworms
    Iverhart Max also covers Tapeworms
    oral
    6 weeks
    Heartgard
    for Cats
    Cats
    Ivermectin
    None
    Hookworms
    oral
    6 weeks
    Interceptor
    Dogs
    and Cats
    Milbemycin Oxime
    None
    Hookworms, Roundworms, Whipworms
    oral
    4 weeks
    for puppies
    6 weeks
    for kittens
    Sentinel
    Sentinel Spectrum
    Dogs
    Milbemycin Oxime
    Lufenuron
    Sentinel Spectrum also has Praziquantal
    Hookworms, Roundworms, Whipworms, sterilizes Fleas
    Sentinel Spectrum also covers Tapeworms
    oral
    4 weeks
    Revolution
    Dogs
    and Cats
    Selamectin
    None
    For Dogs: Fleas, Ticks, Ear mites, Sarcoptic mange mites
    For Cats:  Fleas, Ear mites, Hookworms, Roundworms.
    topical
    6 weeks
    for puppies
    8 weeks
    for kittens
    Advantage Multi
    Dogs
    and Cats
    Moxidectin
    Imidocloprid
    For Dogs: Fleas, Ear mites, Hookworms, Roundworms, Whipworms
    For Cats: Fleas, Ear mites, Roundworms, Hookworms
    topical
    7 weeks
    for puppies
    9 weeks
    for kittens
    Proheart6
    Dogs
    Moxidectin
    None
    Hookworms
    injectable
    6 months
    (and no older than 7 years)
    Trifexis
    Dogs
    Milbemycin Oxime
    Spinosad
    Fleas, Hookworms, Roundworms, Whipworms
    oral
    8 weeks




    How Often Used
    Approved for Pregnancy and Lactation?
    Water-proof?
    Safe to Give to Heartworm Positive Animal?
    Manufacturer Website
    Heartgard
    for Dogs
    monthly
    yes
    yes
    yes
    10 mg/kg in rats orally according to MSDS sheet for Parade Equine Gel
    Heartgard Plus
    Iverhart Plus
    Triheart Plus
    Pet Trust Plus
    monthly
    yes
    yes
    yes
    10 mg/kg in rats orally for ivermectin; >690 mg/kg in dogs orally for Pyrantel Pamoate according to The Elephant Formulary by Mikota and Plumb
    Heartgard
    for Cats
    monthly
    yes
    yes
    yes
    10 mg/kg in rats orally
    Interceptor
    monthly
    yes
    yes
    In most cases yes but if microfilariae numbers are high then no
    LD50 information unavailable

    Symptoms of tremors and incoordination result at 19 times recommended dose
    Sentinel
    Sentinel Spectrum
    monthly
    yes
    yes
    In most cases yes but if microfilariae numbers are high then no
    LD50 information unavailable

    Symptoms of tremors and incoordination result at 19 times recommended dose
    Revolution
    monthly
    yes
    yes
    yes
    >1600 mg/kg in the rat orally
    Advantage Multi
    monthly
    no
    no
    yes
    Moxidectin: 106 mg/kg orally;
    Imidocloprid: 450 mg/kg in the rat orally
    Proheart6
    every 6 months
    yes
    yes
    No, in fact owner must agree to
    pre-treatment labwork including heartworm testing
    263 mg/kg in the rat when given by injection (the dose used therapeutically is 0.17mg/kg)
    Trifexis
    monthly
    Manufactuer cautions use, says to discuss with your veterinarian
    yes
    In most cases yes but if microfilariae numbers are high then no
    Milbemycin Oxime: LD50 information unavailable  Spinosad: >3,000 mg/kg in rats; >2,000 mg/kg in rabbits (translates to over 30 times recommended dose)


    Novartis products are temporarily unavailable from the manufacturer. At this time WBVC most frequently dispenses Revolution as a broad spectrum parasite control product. It covers adult and immature fleas, lice, most mites and over time ticks plus heartworm, roundworms, whipworm and hookworm. For more rapid tick control Preventick collars or K9Advantix are alternative options. Advantage and Program (with or without Capstar) are suitable options for flea control.

    The information in these charts is subject to change. For all parasite control choices we advise you consult with your veterinarian.


    6/2011

    Friday, September 14, 2012

    The Health Benefits of Having Pets in Your Family


    According to the American Pet Products Association 2010 Industry Statistics and Trends, there are many health benefits to pet ownership. I believe that this list is just the beginning of a very long list. What other health benefits have you found from having pets in your family?
    • Pets Help to Lower Blood Pressure A recent study at the State University of New York at Buffalo found that people with hypertension who adopted a cat or dog had lower blood pressure readings in stressful situations than did those who did not own a pet. (Dr. Karen Allen, State University of New York at Buffalo)
    • Pets Help to Reduce Stress Walking with a pet helps to sooth nerves and offers instant relaxation. Studies conducted worldwide have shown that the impact of a stressful situation is lesser on pet owners, especially males, than on those who do not own a pet. (Josephine M. Wills, Waltham Centre for Pet Nutrition, United Kingdom)
    • Pets Help to Prevent Heart Disease Because pets provide people with faithful companionship, research shows they may also provide their owners with greater psychological stability, thus a measure of protection from heart disease. (National Institute of Health Technology Assessment Workshop: Health Benefits of Pets)
    • Pets Help to Lower Health Care Costs People with pets actually make fewer doctor visits, especially for non-serious medical conditions. (National Institute of Health Technology Assessment Workshop: Health Benefits of Pets)
    • Pets Help to Fight Depression Pets help fight depression and loneliness, promoting an interest in life. When seniors face adversity or trauma, affection from pets takes on great meaning. Their bonding behavior can foster a sense of security. (Between Pets and People: The Importance of Animal Companionship)

    Article originally published at Peternity.

    Tuesday, September 11, 2012

    Is your pet middle aged and/or stiff?? Read on...

    There are many veterinary prescription diets available to help manage a wide range of medical issues and to maximally support general wellness of your pet.

    Currently Hill's is offering a great promotion on Hill's J/D mobility diet. This diet is designed for pets that have clinical joint stiffness and/or are larger and middle aged (high risk for developing joint problems). Feeding a well researched balanced diet with optimal supplement levels is cheaper, not to mention easier, than feeding a basic diet and a separate supplement.

    J/D is well balanced maintenance food formulated with the following benefits:

    • High levels of omega-3 fatty acids which can help reduce the degradation of cartilage, are proven to reduce discomfort and help to reduce the dose of painkillers
    • L-carnitine which helps maintain a healthy weight which in itself lowers stress on joints
    J/D has been clinically proven to help your dog walk, run and jump better in as little as 21 days. The cat trials have a 28 day test period.

    This is how the promotion works:
    • Your dog or cat must be assessed by a veterinarian as having some stage of arthritic joint disease
    • The first 5 pets switching from another diet will be provided with a FREE BAG of Hill's Prescription Diet j/d Mobility pet food. The bag size is determined by the size of the pet.
    • A "Before" score card ( 6 client and 5 veterinarian questions) must be completed before starting the trial
    • A reassessment appointment is done 21 days (28 days for felines) after starting the trial and an "After" score card is completed
    • A comparison is made between the "Before" and "After" scores
    • The veterinarian sends the results into Hill's Prescription Diets
    • The client receives the value of $25 in coupons to be applied to the next bags of Hill's Diet j/d Mobility pet food.
    If you think your pet is eligible for this great offer please give us a call (604-266-7421) to start maximizing mobility through excellent nutrition.

    Drs Potter & Rurak and Mandy Isaacs have travelled to Topeka Kansas to see first hand the Hill's nutrition research centre and the manufacturing plant. All of Hill's research tests must be non invasive in nature. The animals live happily in family groups under conditions akin to living with a family. They receive state of the art veterinary care. One of the things that really impressed us was the cleanliness of both the research centre and manufacturing plant. It was also amazing that the protein in any food lot can be traced not only to the source farm but to the source animal! Each batch of food is quality tested before it leaves the plant! This dedication to nutrition and research is one of the reasons WBVC highly recommends feeding veterinary prescription diets to your pets. We realize that not all pets are the same and may make alternative recommendations on a case to case basis.


     

    Monday, September 10, 2012

    Top Cat Poisons

    In 2011, the ASPCA alone fielded 166,000 calls about cases of pet poisoning. Many of these were caused by things in your home that are harmless to you, but potentially fatal to your pet. Some of the most dangerous cat poisons are foods and medications we take on a daily basis.

    Depending on how a particular substance affects your cat’s body and how much was ingested or inhaled, pet poisoning symptoms can include gastrointestinal and neurological problems, cardiac and respiratory distress, coma, and even death.

    According to the Pet Poison Hotline, the top five sources of cat poisoning in 2011 were:

    1. Medications for people. Pets have a much greater sensitivity to many of the common over-the-counter and prescription medications that may be in your home.

    Some of the medications that often poison cats include:

    Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory medications, such as ibuprofen or naproxen. The most common cause of pet poisoning, these painkillers can cause ulcers in the stomach and intestines, and kidney damage.
    Acetaminophen (Tylenol) is particularly toxic to cats, resulting in red blood cell damage. Just two extra-strength tablets may prove fatal to felines.
    Antidepressants may cause vomiting and, in more serious instances, serotonin syndrome - a dangerous condition that raises temperature, heart rate, and blood pressure, and may cause seizures.
    Methylphenidate, an attention deficit hyperactivity disorder (ADHD) drug, is a stimulant for pets, raising heart rate, blood pressure, and body temperature.

    2. House plants. Cats are notorious for noshing on houseplants, and the habit isn’t just bad for your potted treasures. Many common, beautiful houseplants contain cat poisons that can cause serious harm, and even death. Some of the plants toxic to cats include:

    Lilies. Ingesting even small amounts of Easter lilies and related plants can cause severe kidney failure in cats.
    Azaleas and rhododendrons. These pretty flowering plants contain toxins that may result in vomiting, diarrhea, coma, and sometimes even death.
    Tulips and daffodils. The bulbs of these plants, if ingested, may cause serious stomach problems, convulsions, and damage to the heart.
    Sago palms. Eating just a few seeds may be enough to cause vomiting, seizures, and liver failure.

    3. Insecticides. Products for your lawn and garden may be poisonous to animals that ingest them, perhaps by grooming themselves after walking or laying in a recently treated area.

    4. Household cleaners. Just as cleaners like bleach can poison people, they are also a leading cause of pet poisoning, resulting in stomach and respiratory tract problems. Other common household products dangerous to cats include laundry detergent, kitchen and bath surface cleaners, carpet cleaners, and toilet bowl cleaners.

    5. Glow sticks and jewelry. You went to a concert or a fireworks display and brought home a glow stick or glow necklace. Cats are attracted to them, but they contain a very bitter tasting liquid called dibutyl phthalate. While rarely deadly, just one bite into glow sticks can cause your cat to drool profusely.

    Other common sources of poison to cats include:

    Gum and candy that contain xylitol, a sugar substitute that harms cats and dogs.

    Chocolate.

    Onions, garlic, chives. These plant foods can irritate the stomach and damage red blood cells.

    Rat and mouse poison. Rodenticides, if ingested, can cause severe symptoms and may be fatal.

    Pet medications. Just as we can be sickened or killed by medications intended to help us, cases of pet poisoning by veterinary drugs are not uncommon. Some of the more commonly reported problem medications include painkillers and de-wormers.

    Chemical hazards. Not surprisingly, chemicals contained in antifreeze and paint thinner, and chemicals for pools, can act as cat poisons. The symptoms they may produce include stomach upset, depression, and chemical burns.

    Heavy metals. Lead, which can be found in paint, linoleum, and batteries, can be poisonous if eaten by your cat. If ingested, lead can cause gastrointestinal and neurological problems.


    Originally published by WebMD for Pets.