February 2022

To our valued clients,

We will be altering our clinic operations to now welcome clients within our building from our previous closed-door curbside services. This will allow one family member to enter the clinic with their pet(s) and to be present for their examinations. During your time spent in clinic, we ask you wear a mask at all times and maintain physical distancing. We are also asking that only 2 clients be present within the clinic at any given time. We may need to ask you to please wait patiently outside if we are at capacity until someone has exited the building to allow us to maintain this clinic capacity. If you have arrived with your pet in emergent need of care, please call the clinic immediately upon your arrival. If you would prefer curb-side service, please notify us when booking or upon your arrival so that we can accommodate your needs.

We ask for your continued patience as we adapt to these new clinic operations to allow for the best safety precautions for all involved. Your support and understanding has meant so much to us and we will continue to provide the best care possible to your furry family!

Sincerely,

Dr. Todd and the SAH Team

Hours as of February  2022:

Monday: 8-6

Tuesday: 8-6

Wednesday: 8-6

Thursday: 8-8

Friday: 8-4

Saturdays: 8-12

Recently the FDA’s Center for Veterinary Medicine has released a study which implicates grain-free diets as a contributor to dilated cardiomyopathy in dogs and cats.  We have a number of patients who eat grain-free diets so we feel it is important to address some of the questions regarding the topic and discuss next steps.

What is dilated cardiomyopathy?

Dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) is a condition resulting in an enlarged, weak heart that cannot pump blood effectively.

Which foods are linked to this condition?

In July of last year, the FDA were made aware that many foods labelled as “grain-free” were a common factor in dogs who developed DCM.  While DCM is a common disease in certain breeds, it was the number of uncommon breeds developing the condition which caught the attention of veterinary cardiologists.  Many of these diets contained the following as main ingredients meaning the ingredient in question was listed within the first 10 ingredients in the ingredients list, before vitamins and minerals:

• Peas
• Lentils
• Legume seeds (also known as pulses)
• Potatoes

What is it about these diets that is causing DCM?

The answer to this question is not clear yet, in face, at this point the FDA cannot say for sure that the diet is to blame however, data suggested that after some dogs were diagnosed with DCM, they improved after switching diets.  It is ultimately believed that the potential association between grain-free diets and DCM is complex and may involve several factors.

Should I switch my pet off of a grain-free diet?

At this point in time, there is more research to be done on the correlation between these types of food and the development of DCM.  The data that has been documented up to this point is compelling and we believe it should be taken seriously.  Dr. Todd is recommending switching pets who are on a grain-free diet on to a new diet which do have a grain component and do not list any of the above ingredients as a main ingredient.

Is my pet at risk if they have already been eating a grain-free diet up until this point?

No, not necessarily.  During your pet’s physical exam, the Doctor listens to your pet’s heart and completes a thorough check for murmurs and arrhythmias.  If you have not been informed of a concern with your pet’s heart up until now, there is no reason to believe that they have been affected by consuming a grain-free diet.

Which food would you recommend switching to?

We have many high quality, nutritionally balanced veterinary exclusive diets available that we can confidently recommend based on feeding trials and quality assurance standards.  Many times, these maintenance diets are comparable in cost to some of the diets available in store. The brands that we recommend in store are Royal Canin, Hill’s Science Diet and Purina Pro Plan.  We would be very happy to discuss a diet recommendation tailored to your pet so please call or e-mail us if you would like a personalized recommendation!

If I do decide to switch foods, how do I transition?

We recommend slowly transitioning your pet from one diet to another of the course of 10 days.

Day 1 – 4 – 25% new food and 75% old food

Day 5 – 7 – 50% new food and 50% old food

Day 8 – 10 – 75% new food and 25% old food

This method helps your pet’s system adjust to the new food and helps to avoid any gastrointestinal upset.

We understand that there is so much information out there about what is right and what is wrong to feed your pet and that sometimes it can be very difficult to know that you are doing the right thing.  We are here to help you make an informed decision and ultimately help you decided on a diet that is balanced and nutritious for your cat or dog.  If you have any questions about the above information or would like additional information, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us, we would be more than happy to help!

Marijuana Toxicity

On October 17^th, 2018 marijuana will become legal in Ontario which means the chance of your pet being exposed to this plant will likely increase.  Marijuana is toxic to pets and we want to make sure that our clients are informed of the signs and symptoms to watch for as well as being aware that marijuana should be stored in a safe spot and away from curious noses.

Why is marijuana toxic to pets?

Pets are much more sensitive than humans to THC (tetrahydrocannabinol) which is the psychoactive compound in marijuana.  It is for this reason that overdoses are so common and ingestion in large amounts can be fatal.  This ingredient can cause a number of symptoms approximately 30 – 90 minutes after ingestion.

What are the symptoms of marijuana ingestion?

• Incoordination
• Sedation
• Dilated pupils
• drooling
• Trembling
• Head bobbing
• Increase or decrease in heart rate
• A startle response – where the pet seems like he/she is falling asleep or falling over but then catches itself
• Decreased temperature
• Occasional urinary incontinence
• In severe cases, seizures

What do I do if my pet ingests marijuana?

Bring him or her to the Veterinarian immediately.  Depending on how long it has been since ingestion it may be recommended to induce vomiting and hospitalization may be necessary as well.

What are you going to do for my pet while it is hospitalized?

It depends on how much marijuana your pet ingested and also when it was ingested but the supportive care recommended can include:

• Monitoring vital signs
• Intravenous fluids
• Induction of vomiting
• Administration of charcoal to prevent further absorption
• Monitoring to prevent injury from incoordination

Is second hand smoke toxic to my pet?

No, your pet will have to ingest marijuana to develop a toxicity but second hand smoke of any kind can be irritating to pets so owners are encouraged to smoke outside.

Will I be reported if my pet has ingested marijuana or any other type of drug?

No!  We would like our clients to be honest with us about what they believe their pets may have had access to.  The more we know about what was consumed the faster we can put together a treatment plan.  We are not obligated to report narcotics to the police.

What about using CBD (cannabidiol) for pets, is that appropriate?

Right now, cannabis of any kind is not recommended for use in veterinary medicine and more research is necessary to determine the efficiency of cannabis products in pets.  Unknown side effects and effectiveness are always a concern when any type of medication that is unlicensed for veterinary use is used in pets and should be approached with caution.  Research is ongoing and once new studies become available, we will be sure to pass this information on to anyone who is interested in hearing more about using CBD in pets.

As always please do not hesitate to call or e-mail us if you have any questions about this information.  We would be more than happy to help!

-Jennifer

Holiday Tips

During the very busy Holiday Season there are many common seasonal items that can cause harm to our pets. We want to provide our clients with a helpful guideline containing things to avoid or monitor closely when you have a pet in the house.

Ingestible Toxins:

Food:

• Chocolate – based on the type of chocolate, quantity ingested and weight of your pet, signs can range from gastrointestinal upset, hyperactivity, tremors, seizures, abnormal heart rhythms and potentially death
• Onions and garlic – ingestion can cause anemia
• Grapes and raisins – can cause kidney failure if ingested
• Macadamia nuts – although rare, can cause tremors, vomiting and muscle weakness if ingested
• Yeast dough – this can rise inside of your pet’s digestive system and cause painful gas and potential rupture
• Rich foods with high fat content – although giving your pet a treat through the Holidays seems like a great idea, human foods that your pet is not accustomed to can cause gastrointestinal upset as well as pancreatitis
• Alcoholic beverages – these can cause gastrointestinal upset, decreased co-ordination, depression, difficulty breathing, seizures and potentially death
• Candy and gum containing xylitol – can cause low blood sugar and liver failure

Plants:

• Poinsettias – if ingested can cause oral irritation and gastrointestinal upset
• Lilies – these are commonly found in Holiday themed bouquets and are toxic to cats, if ingested they can cause kidney failure
• Holly – can cause lethargy, vomiting and gastrointestinal upset
• Mistletoe – gastrointestinal upset

If your pet has consumed any of these items please call us and let us know. Information that we require in order to make a proper plan for treatment is your pet’s weight, the type of food that was consumed, when it was consumed and the volume which was consumed.

Decorations:

• Tinsel and ribbon on gifts – Cats especially love to chew on tinsel or ribbon which can get caught up in the intestines and cause blockages
• Christmas tree water – Some Christmas trees have fertilizers which can cause stomach upset
• Electric cords – try to hide or cover up pet accessible electric cords as efficiently as you can so they do not get chewed on!
• Low hanging ornaments or tchotchkes around the house

Holiday Parties:

Parties are a very popular pass time over the Holiday Season and unfortunately most pets are not social butterflies! Some pets may become anxious with the volume of people in your house as well as noise and a disruption in their regular routine. It is always good idea to make up a safe zone in a low traffic area of your home during these times like a bedroom or laundry room for your pet that includes their bed, food, water and some toys. Keeping them contained safely in this area will also eliminate the chance of a curious pet slipping out of a constantly opening and closing front door as you greet your guests.

If your pet has a personality that enjoys mingling with your guests, please make sure that all of your guests know not to offer your pet any food items that are toxic or do not agree with their digestive systems. Some pets have unique sensitivities and allergies that others may not so let your guests know that hand outs are forbidden or if you are a guest, please ask your host! Some people who are not pet owners may not be familiar with these rules. Also try to keep all of the food you put out for your guests high enough where curious noses will not be able to locate and consume it.

If you have any questions about this literature or just a general inquiry about your pet, please let us know! We would be more than happy to help.

• Jennifer

Ticks – FAQ’s 

Where can my dog pick up a tick?

Ticks are most commonly found in areas with long grass as well as forested areas with foliage covering the ground. Ticks thrive in dark, moist covered areas provided by layers of dead, damp leaves. Unlike fleas, ticks do not jump onto your pets. Instead, they attach by very close contact when passing through these areas.

What does a tick look like on my dog?

If the tick as been attached and fed on your dog it becomes engorged.  See attached video of an engorged tick Dr. Todd recently removed from a dog.

VIDEO OF ENGORGED TICK

When should tick prevention start?

At Streetsville Animal Hospital we recommend starting tick prevention on May 1st. However, as long as the temperature is above 4 degrees ticks can become active, so you may administer prevention during months where temperatures reach this level.

Why should I be concerned about a tick biting my pet?

Ticks can transfer disease to our pets. The most common disease that can be contracted by your pet is called Lyme disease. Lyme disease can cause several symptoms in your pet which can range from lameness, lethargy, fever, diarrhea, decrease in appetite and swollen joints. It takes anywhere from 2 to 5 months for these signs to become obvious. Besides the risk of disease, we want to decrease the risk of preventable pain and inflammation from ticks biting and attaching to our pets!

Are there any areas in Ontario that are hot beds for Lyme disease?

Areas confirmed to be endemic or “hot spots” for Lyme disease in Ontario include:

• Point Pelee National Park
• Rondeau and Turkey Point Provinical Parks
• Long Point Peninsula
• Wainfleet Bog (Niagara)
• Prince Edward County (Sandbanks Provinical Park)
• Thousands Islands National Park

Areas of risk in Ontario include:

• The area from west of Belleville, along the north shore of Lake Ontario and the St. Lawrence River, stretching east of Montreal and north to Ottawa
• Pinery Provincial Park
• Northwestern Ontario (Lake of the Woods)
• Rouge Valley (Toronto/York/Dunham)

If you are travelling to these areas, please let us know so we can be sure that you are adequately protecting your pet from contracting Lyme disease.

Do I need to worry about Lyme disease in Mississauga?

Mississauga is not endemic for Lyme disease, meaning it is not commonly found here. The chance of your pet contracting Lyme disease from a tick in Mississauga is low, but is still possible, which is why we want our clients to be informed about the disease and help you make an informed decision about tick prevention.

What kind of tick prevention do you recommend?

The tick prevention we recommend at Streetsville Animal Hospital is called Nexgard. It is a monthly beef flavoured chew that will protect your pet against fleas and ticks. There are other preventions available that we can discuss with you, however, Nexgard is an effective, easy to administer prevention.

What happens when I find a tick on my pet?

If you find a tick on your pet, the faster it is removed the risk of disease transmission is lessened. The most efficient way to remove a tick from your pet is with tweezers. Grasp the tick as close to the skin as possible and pull up gently but firmly. It is important to make sure that you have removed the tick’s head and mouth parts as well as the body – leaving behind any parts of the tick may develop into a localized infection. If you are unable to remove the tick or would prefer that we remove the tick for you, we would be happy to do that.

Does my pet need to be tested after the tick has been removed?

Dr. Todd recommends testing your pet 6 weeks after discovering a tick on your pet with a blood test. This test screens for several diseases can be transmitted by ticks:

• Lyme disease
• Erlichia
• Anaplasma

We will collect a small blood sample from your pet and determine whether or not treatment is necessary. If it is negative, we have the peace of mind that there was no transmission and if we have not already, discuss a tick prevention moving forward to avoid future tick bites. If the test is positive, we will discuss a treatment plan and other recommended diagnostics.

What is the treatment for Lyme disease?

The treatment for Lyme disease is a 4 week course of antibiotics.

Should I bring the tick I pull off of my pet in to the clinic?

No. The type of tick that you remove from your pet will not change the Doctor’s recommendations or provide us with any additional information that will help us treat your pet.

Should I consider the Lyme disease vaccination for my pet?

At Streetsville Animal Hospital, we recommend taking the proactive approach by preventing exposure to the disease instead of vaccinating. If your pet travels to endemic areas of Lyme disease (as listed above), we recommend vaccination against Lyme disease.

If you have any additional questions or would like to add tick prevention to your pet’s routine care, please call us! We would be more than happy to answer any questions and help with providing peace of mind that your pet is as protected as they can be!

-Jennifer

Travel Documentation

For entry to the USA from Canada your pet will require:

• An up to date Rabies vaccination and vaccination certificate.  Streetsville Animal Hospital’s vaccination policy is to vaccinate with Rabies every 2 years.  If you are travelling with your pet in a year where your pet received DHPP and Rabies was not given, you will require a letter from us stating that it is hospital policy to vaccinate every other year and that your pet is up to date and protected
• A health certificate stating that your pet is fit to travel and free of contagious diseases signed by a veterinarian.  These certificates are only valid to be used for entry into the U.S for 10 days and an exam is required before issuing one so please plan accordingly. You will not require a new health certificate to be issued for re-entry if your stay in the US is longer than 10 days

For countries other than the United States:

Medication for Travel

Alternatives to medication:

 Familiarize Yourself with Your Destination

 Tips for Travel

Travelling by Car:

• A carrier is the safest way to travel with a pet in the car.  This will help them feel safe and also prevent distraction or interference with the driver.  Make sure the crate is large enough so your pet can stand up and turn around but not large enough for excessive movement
• Cats should have access to a litter box in their carrier for long trips
• If it is a long trip, take frequent breaks.  Allow your dog to stretch out his or her legs and use the washroom if necessary.
• Make sure your pet has access to water, especially during the summer months.
• During the coldest and hottest months, ensure that your trip does not require any stops that will leave your pet unattended in the vehicle

Air Travel:

• Always discuss requirements with your airline before travelling with a pet.  Because all airlines are different, policies vary so it is important to make sure that all of your questions are answered and requirements met before the day of travel
• It is always best not to travel with large pets who are unable to stay in the cabin in extreme hot or cold weather, try to avoid this if possible
• Call the airline the day before travel to confirm that you are bringing your pet with you
• If your pet is too large to travel in the cabin and must travel in the cargo hold, make sure to clearly label your pet’s carrier with live animal indicators and line the carrier with an absorptive material that will wick up any accidents that may happen

Pets can have allergies just like us and may present them in ways that can cause discomfort.  We want to help make sure our clients are armed with the knowledge to not only recognize when their pet may be dealing with an allergy but also how to properly address the issue and keep our  four-legged friends happy and comfortable.

What kind of signs do pets show when they are suffering from allergies?

Do all pets who have allergies require treatment?

Can pets be treated with antihistamines?

Is there a cure for allergies?

What are the different types of allergies?

Environmental Allergies: 

Food Allergies:

-Jennifer

To ensure you and your pet have a safe and Happy Halloween here are some tips that will make the night fun for everyone!

• Your pet can easily become anxious and frightened with the doorbell frequently ringing to reveal children in unfamiliar clothes and masks. Confining your cat or dog to their own safe haven for the evening (like their crate or a closed room) can help calm their nerves, make them feel secure and ultimately prevent them from running out of the frequently opening front door.
• If you walk your dog around the neighborhood while children are trick-or-treating, be sure to use a sturdy collar or harness and leash, and be careful around unfamiliar children and adults. Again, the costumes and masks may make your pet uncomfortable and frightened with people they are usually comfortable with.
• Be sure your pet is wearing identification tags with your name and phone number clearly indicated on them in case you become separated from your pet or they escape from the house.
• If you’re dressing your pet for Halloween, use safe, non-flammable and non-toxic items that your pet is comfortable in and that don’t restrict their movement, breathing or vision. Even though pets in costumes are very cute, some cats and dogs are very unhappy wearing them.
• Lastly, keep all candy out of your pet’s reach — especially chocolate, which is toxic to dogs and cats. Consumption of even small amounts can cause seizures, muscle tremors and vomiting while larger doses can be fatal. Stick to their own treats and they will be just as happy.

Veterinary Alert

Update: Raccoon Rabies Hamilton Ontario December 10, 2015

The best protection against rabies for both domestic animals and people is to avoid contact with potentially rabid wildlife and to keep domestic animals up-to-date on rabies vaccination. Rabies vaccination for dogs and cats is a regulatory requirement in most of the province. If you suspect a domestic animal may have recently been exposed to a potentially rabid animal, it should be vaccinated (or revaccinated) as soon as possible if it isn’t possible to have the offending animal tested.

Reminder of who to call in cases of potential rabies exposure:

2. Domestic animal exposure to a potentially rabid animal, no human exposure - Local veterinarian / OMAFRA

• Animal owners should be directed to contact their local veterinarian as the first step for any animal health concerns.
• Veterinarians can call the OMAFRA Agricultural Information Contact Centre: 1-877-424-1300 for assistance.

• For terrestrial wildlife, call the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry (MNRF) Rabies Hotline: 1-888-574-6656.
• If a sick or injured bat is found, consider contacting the Canadian Wildlife Health Cooperative (CWHC) at 1-866-673-4781.

–Jennifer

Xylitol Toxicosis

Symptoms of Xylitol poisoning include:

·         Vomiting
·         Lethargy and weakness
·         Diarrhea
·         Collapse
·         Seizures

Some alternative names for Xylitol are:

·         1,4-anhydro-d-xylitol
·         Anhydroxylitol
·         Birch bark extract
·         Birch sugar
·         D-xylitol
·         Xylite
·         Xylityglucoside
·         Zylatol