tales from straydom . . . . . . tips, stories and resources for pets

It wasn’t canine cancer after all!

A few months ago, Bosco stopped eating and started losing weight. This behavior continued and he began to lose weight to the point that I decided to force feed him: Gerber’s #2 baby food.

Eating horse manure can be dangerous to your dog

Have you ever stopped to consider that the ivermectin you use to treat your horses for parasites could be dangerous to dogs that eat horse manure? We know how dogs love horse manure. So in hindsight, it makes sense that ivermectin in horse manure could pose a danger… and here is one such story.

EPA: More pets injured by flea and tick products

Products intended to treat cats and dogs for fleas and ticks kill hundreds of pets each year and injure tens of thousands, the Environmental Protection Agency said Wednesday as it outlined plans to make the products safer. The EPA said it will develop stricter testing and evaluation requirements for flea and tick treatments that are applied to a pet’s skin. The agency also will begin reviewing labels to determine which ones need to say more clearly how to use the products.

Ivermectin Poisoning from Parasite Prevention Drugs in Dogs

This toxic reaction occurs especially in dogs that are genetically hypersensitive to ivermectin, an anti-parasite medication most commonly used for heartworm prevention, or to treat ear and hair mites, which can lead to mange. Ivermectin prevents or kills parasites by causing neurological damage to the parasite, resulting in paralysis and death for the parasite. But dogs genetically sensitive to the medication have an anomaly that allows the ivermectin to pass the dog’s blood-brain barrier and into its central nervous system, which can be lethal for the animal.

Dogs, cats and swine flu’s promiscuity

Swine flu started in pigs (although we don’t exactly when or where), adapted to and passed to humans who returned the favor and passed it back to pig herds. Then we heard that turkeys in Chile had contracted the virus, followed by ferrets and a house cat.

Managing Your Pet’s Chronic Renal Disease

Chronic kidney (renal) disease commonly affects older animals, but it also occurs in younger animals with congenital abnormalities. The kidneys are two important organs that filter the blood and remove waste products from the body as urine, maintain the body’s water and electrolyte balance, regulate blood pressure, and produce a hormone that stimulates red blood cell production. When the kidneys fail, these substances build up and cause your pet to feel ill.

New Hope for Dogs Diagnosed with Cancer

Good news for dogs and their owners: this month, Pfizer Animal Health Inc. announced that the FDA has for the first time ever approved a cancer drug for canines.

Meningitis in Dogs Treatable with Early Detection of Meningitis Symptoms

Veterinary neurologist commends efforts to increase awareness of meningitis symptoms and meningitis treatment by New Jersey legislature. Pet owners also should be aware that knowing the symptoms of meningitis and getting early meningitis treatment can mean a full recovery for many dogs.

Internet Radio Show About “Special Needs” Pets has Launched

The nation’s first Internet radio show about disabled and chronically ill dogs and cats was launched today by Scout’s House™, California’s leading physical rehabilitation therapy and boarding facility for special needs animals. Featuring interviews with a wide range of guests, including veterinarians, medical researchers, and attorneys specializing in animal law, “Special Pets, Special Needs” will help pet owners understand the myriad of medical and functional issues their pets face and give them the information they need to help these important family members live more comfortable and more functional lives.

Home Remedy for Parvo

Canine Parvovirus (“parvo”) attacks rapidly reproducing cells — such as those that line the gastrointestinal tract, bone marrow, lymph nodes and heart. Highly contagious, parvo is transmitted from dog to dog via contaminated droplets and feces.