The Dangers of Antifreeze

With the colder weather people are preparing their cars for winter. While antifreeze is great for our cars, it is extremely dangerous for our pets. The main type of antifreeze is ethylene, and it is also the most toxic. Antifreeze has a sweet taste that both cats and dogs enjoy, and very small amounts are deadly. As little as 1 teaspoon can be lethal to cats, and four teaspoons can be dangerous for a 10-pound dog.

Ethylene glycol poisoning affects the body in two stages. Stage one causes a drunken appearance, disorientation and vomiting. These signs may begin within 30 minutes of ingestion and can continue for several hours. Animals that survive this stage often appear to return to normal. However, about 24 to 48 hours later the kidneys become affected and quickly stop functioning, causing lethargy, vomiting, and excessive drinking and urinating. Once the kidneys are affected the prognosis is grave – most animals that reach this point do not survive. However, if caught early (within the first 8 hours of ingestion) many animals can be saved with aggressive treatment. If you ever see your pet drinking antifreeze or suspect they have been exposed, call your veterinarian immediately!

Because ethylene glycol toxicity is so dangerous, the best remedy is prevention. Any antifreeze spills should be cleaned up immediately and antifreeze containers should be stored where pets cannot reach them. Make sure you check your car regularly for radiator leaks and clean them up immediately. Propylene glycol is a less-toxic form of antifreeze and should be used instead of the more common ethylene glycol formulations. There is also a small amount of antifreeze in wintertime snow globes. If a snow globe breaks be sure to clean it up quickly and keep pets away from the spill area.

The Diabetic Pet

Dogs and cats can develop diabetes. This disease is seen on a fairly regular basis, usually in pets 5 years of age or older and can be associated with obesity. Simply put, diabetes is a failure of the pancreas to regulate blood sugar. The pancreas is a small but vital organ that is located near the stomach. It has two significant populations of cells. One group of cells produces the enzymes necessary for proper digestion. The other group, called beta cells, produces the hormone called insulin. The role of insulin is much like that of a gatekeeper: it stands at the surface of body cells and opens the door, allowing glucose to leave the blood stream and pass into the cells. Glucose is a vital substance that provides much of the energy needed for life, and it must work inside the cells. Without an adequate amount of insulin, glucose is unable to get into the cells. It accumulates in the blood, setting in motion a series of events that can ultimately prove fatal.

There are two kinds of diabetes, commonly referred to as Type I and Type II. With the Type I variety, or Insulin Dependent Diabetes, the animal’s insulin-secreting beta cells fail to release enough insulin. Type II, or Non-Insulin Dependent Diabetes, is different because some insulin-producing cells remain. But, the amount produced is insufficient, and there is a delayed response in secreting it, and the tissues of the pets’ body are relatively resistant to it. Regardless of type, the most common signs of diabetes are: increased thirst, frequent urination, increased appetite, and/or weight loss. Complications associated with the disease include cataracts and urinary infections. Another complication that can arise when the pet is being treated with insulin is hypoglycemia or low blood sugar; if severe, it may be fatal. Pets can live long, healthy lives when diabetes is diagnosed and treated effectively. Consult with us at Hillsboro Veterinary Clinic to determine the best treatment for your pet. We are located at 142 SW Baseline Street. Call (503) 648-4117 for an appointment. We will be happy to help you.

Kennel Cough in Dogs

Kennel cough, or canine infectious tracheobronchitis, is a highly contagious respiratory illness. It is characterized by a dry cough, sometimes mistaken for choking, lasting from days to even weeks. Other than the cough, most dogs are still bright and alert. However, fever and enlarged tonsils may also occur. Kennel cough spreads rapidly between dogs housed in close proximity, such as a boarding kennel. Because of this, affected dogs usually have a history of recent boarding or something similar, such as a trip to the groomer or a dog show. Kennel cough results from infection by one or more of three primary infectious agents. Of the three infectious agents responsible for causing the initial respiratory disease, two are viral and one is a bacterium. Secondary infections may come about once the airway is inflamed.

In most cases, symptoms, history and physical exam are enough to provide a diagnosis. Additional diagnostic tests may be indicated if the cough doesn’t resolve as expected. Although antibiotic therapy is helpful for the bacterial component, there is no specific therapy for the viruses. For dogs that cough continually, a cough suppressant can be prescribed for short-term use. Dogs found to have kennel cough should be separated from other dogs in the household and in fact should not have contact with any dogs because of how extremely contagious kennel cough is. Dogs recovering from kennel cough should not exercise or become overly excited for at least a week to avoid worsening of the cough. Usually, kennel cough will resolve without complication. Infrequently, long-term respiratory problems can result. Vaccines are available to protect against the primary infectors responsible for kennel cough. The kennel cough vaccine is usually given through the nose because this method produces rapid local immunity. Sometimes this vaccine can lead to a mild cough that may require treatment. Because the immunity offered is neither 100% protective nor permanent, boosters are needed at least annually. Dogs who are frequently exposed to other dogs, such as show dogs should be vaccinated every six months.