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Canine Heartworm Disease

Dogs are considered the definitive host for heartworms ( Dirofilaria immitis). When a mosquito carrying infective heartworm larvae bites a dog and transmits the infection, the larvae grow, develop and migrate in the body over a period of several months to become sexually mature male and female worms. These reside in the heart, lungs and associated blood vessels. As mature adults, the worms mate and the females release their offspring (microfilariae), pronounced: (micro-fil-ar-ee-a), into the blood stream.Canine heartworm infection is widely distributed throughout the United States. Heartworm infection has been found in dogs native to all 50 states. All dogs, regardless of their age, sex, or habitat, are susceptible to heartworm infection.

Treatment

The treatment to kill the heartworms is expensive ($250-700 per dog) and is very tough on the dogs. 

Preventives

While treatment of canine heartworm disease is usually successful, prevention of the disease is much safer and more economical. There are a variety of options for preventing heartworm infection, including monthly tablets, chewables and topicals. These products are extremely effective and when administered properly on a timely schedule, heartworm infection can be prevented.

IN ADOPTING A WEIMARANER FROM WCWR, WE REQUIRE CONTINUATION OF HEARTWORM PREVENTATIVE.

WHAT IS IT

"Hip dysplasia" simply stated means an "abnormal formation" of the hip joint. Think of the condition first as a looseness in a joint that should be snug - then most of the problems attendant to hip dysplasia are a result of this "looseness".  

The normal anatomy of the hip joint is a classic Ball and Socket joint.  The head of the femur (the "Ball") is supposed to match the acetabulum (the "Socket").  A good hip joint has a neat, snug fit between the ball and socket - that is, the head of the femur should not be slipping and slopping around somewhere in the neighborhood of the acetabulum!

Symptoms:
Less energy and movement; difficulty rising; lameness in the back legs; reluctance to use stairs (particularly to go up); reluctance to jump or stand on hind limbs; swaggering gait, bunny-hopping gait; soreness after lying down; soreness after heavy exercise.

Treatment:
There are conservative, or non-surgical, methods for treating hip dysplasia, such as pain medications, weight loss programs, controlled exercise, and physical therapy. These methods can be very effective in certain cases. However, conservative treatments do have their limitations.

The other option is surgery. There are two surgical approaches for dealing with hip dysplasia: prophylactic procedures, which are designed to prevent the progression of arthritis, and therapeutic procedures, which aim to treat or salvage already arthritic hips.

Bloat (Gastric Dilatation and Volvulus) in Dogs

   Heidi - 13yo GDV survivor

 What is bloat?

Gastric dilatation-volvulus (GDV) is also known as "bloat," "stomach torsion," or "twisted stomach. GDV is an extremely serious condition, and should be considered a life-threatening emergency when it occurs. Dogs can die of bloat within several hours. Even with treatment, as many as 25-33% of dogs with GDV die.                                   

With “bloat”, the stomach fills up with air and puts pressure on the other organs and diaphragm. This makes it difficult for the dog to breathe, and compresses large veins in the abdomen, thus preventing blood from returning to the heart. Filled with air, the stomach can easily rotate on itself, thus pinching off the blood supply. Once this rotation (volvulus) occurs and the blood supply is cut off, the stomach begins to die and the entire blood supply is disrupted and the animal's condition begins to deteriorate very rapidly. What dogs are more susceptible?

What dogs are more susceptible?

 What causes gastric dilatation and volvulus?

There is not one particular activity that leads to the development of GDV. It appears that it occurs as a combination of events. Studies of the stomach gas that occurs in dilatation have shown that it is similar to the composition of normal room air suggesting that the dilatation occurs as a result of swallowing air. All dogs, and people for that matter, swallow air, but normally we eructate (burp) and release this air and it is not a problem. For some reason that scientists have not yet determined, these dogs that develop bloat do not release this swallowed gas. There is currently several studies looking into what happens physiologically in these dogs that develop GDV.

What are the signs?

The most obvious signs are abdominal distention (swollen belly) and nonproductive vomiting (animal appears to be vomiting, but nothing comes up) and retching. Other signs include restlessness, abdominal pain, and rapid shallow breathing. Profuse salivation may indicate severe pain. If the dog's condition continues to deteriorate, especially if volvulus has occurred, the dog may go into shock and become pale, have a weak pulse, a rapid heart rate, and eventually collapse. A dog with gastric dilatation without volvulus can show all of these signs, but the more severe signs are likely to occur in dogs with both dilatation and volvulus.

 Age

Dogs over 7 years of age are more than twice as likely to develop gastric dilatation and volvulus as those who are 2-4 years of age.

Gender

Male dogs are twice as likely to develop gastric dilatation and volvulus as females. Neutering does not appear to have an effect on the risk of GDV.

Eating habits

Dogs fed once a day are twice as likely to develop GDV as those fed twice a day. It appears that dogs that eat rapidly or exercise soon after a meal may also be at increased risk.

Temperament

Dogs that tend to be more nervous, anxious, or fearful appear to be at an increased risk of developing GDV.

 How is gastric dilatation and volvulus treated?

Once the dog is stabilized, surgery is performed to accomplish three things:

·         Assess the health of the stomach and surrounding organs. If areas of the stomach or spleen have been irreversibly damaged, they are removed. In such a case, the chances for recovery are very poor, and euthanasia may be an alternative.

·         Properly reposition the stomach

·         Suture the stomach in a way to prevent it from twisting again (a procedure called gastropexy). If gastropexy is not performed, 75-80% of dogs will develop GDV again.

How is gastric dilatation and volvulus prevented?

·         Large dogs should be fed two or three times daily, rather than once a day.

·         Owners of susceptible breeds should be aware of the early signs of bloat.

·         Owners of susceptible breeds should develop a good working relationship with a local veterinarian in case emergency care is needed.

·         Water should be available at all times, but should be limited immediately after feeding.

·         Vigorous exercise, excitement, and stress should be avoided one hour before and two hours after meals.

·         Diet changes should be made gradually over a period of three to five days.

·         Susceptible dogs should be fed individually and, if possible in a quiet location.

·         Dogs that have survived bloat are at an increased risk for future episodes; therefore prophylaxis in the form of preventive surgery or medical management should be discussed with the veterinarian.