Cromwell Veterinary Hospital & Kennels LLC
547 Main Street (Route 99) • Cromwell, CT 06416 (Easy Access to Routes 3, 9, 99 & 372)
Hospital: 860-635-1979 • Boarding & Grooming: 860-635-2984
Cromwell Veterinary Hospital and Kennels, LLC
Cromwell Veterinary Hospital & Kennels, LLC
What is megacolon in a cat and how is it treated?
How can tartar formation on a dog's teeth be prevented?
What causes hematuria in a dog?
My dog is on digoxin and furosemide. Are there any side effects?
Is an umbilical hernia in a puppy serious?
Can I use human triple antibiotic ointment on my dog?
Why is my dog's nose so dry and crusty?
How can we rid our pets of fleas?
My puppy keeps urinating in the house. What is the best way to clean up the mess?
What normal maintenance care does my cat need?
Why should I neuter my cat?
Why should I neuter my dog when I can prevent him from mating with another dog?
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What is megacolon in a cat and how is it treated?
Category: Feline
My nine-year old cat has been diagnosed with a condition called megacolon. My veterinarian has given me two options: surgery or euthanasia. Could you give me information about this condition? I need to know what the quality of life would be like for the cat if we were to elect to have the surgical procedure done. Are there any other alternatives?
It is a bowel disorder that is treated surgically if medical treatment fails or is inappropriate.
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Feline megacolon is a bowel disorder in which the colon is chronically enlarged or dilated. There are many possible causes, which may be congenital, acquired, or idiopathic (cause not known). Congenital megacolon is believed to result from a congenital lack of certain colonic nerve cells, leading to motility problems and bowel obstruction. Congenital megacolon occurs relatively infrequently in cats.
Acquired megacolon may result from numerous possible pathologic processes, which may occur inside or outside the colon and may or may not involve metabolic or neurological disorders. A considerable number of cases occur without an identifiable cause. Constipation and injuries to the pelvis are frequently encountered known causes of megacolon in cats. Ingested foreign bodies are a partially preventable cause of this condition as well.
Diagnosis of megacolon is based on the affected cat's history, and on physical examination and x-ray findings. Cats with megacolon typically will be chronically constipated, or obstipated, with no passage of feces. If not treated promptly, complications may occur, including intestinal obstruction, fecal incontinence, and overgrowth of bowel bacteria, which results from bowel immotility. Cats experiencing these complications may vomit and may be lethargic and anorexic (have no appetite). Cats with these symptoms may die if not treated.
Feline megacolon is a syndrome rather than a specific disease. Consequently, identifying the underlying cause of the megacolon, if feasible, and treating that cause, if possible, is important. Treatment of megacolon per se may include conservative medical therapy or surgery. Sometimes medical treatment alone is sufficient; however, in many cases medical treatment fails and surgery will be required to save the cat's life. In some cases surgery is the treatment of choice.
Medical treatment of megacolon involves removing the impacted feces by giving multiple warm water enemas over two to four days. Many cats have to be sedated or put under general anesthesia to allow the veterinarian to manually and gently remove the feces from the rectum. If anorexia or lethargy is present, antibiotics and fluid supportive therapy may be given.
Once the rectum is evacuated, future fecal impaction may possibly be prevented by adding fiber to a moist diet, such as psyllium-based supplements or canned pumpkin pie filling. Administration of laxatives and/or prokinetic drugs that help improve the motility of the colon may be helpful. Providing clean litter may help to encourage defecation, and help maintain bowel motility.
Surgery involves removing most of the colon (lower bowel). This procedure is called subtotal colectomy. Most otherwise healthy cats tolerate the surgery well. Surgery often cures the problem, and typically the constipation resolves. Post-operatively most do not experience any significant problems. Some cats may have soft stools after surgery or increased frequency of defecation, but they are rarely fecally incontinent.
If owners are unable to properly manage a cat with megacolon, and surgery is not an option due to concerns such as expense, then euthanasia is a humane alternative.
09/29/00
How can tartar formation on a dog's teeth be prevented?
Category: Canine
My young beagle's teeth accumulate tartar very rapidly. They have already been professionally cleaned once and shortly thereafter the teeth appeared to have significant tartar where his gums looked sore. Is there anything I can to do at home to prevent this?
By brushing the dog's teeth regularly in addition to veterinary dental care.
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Dental plaque is a matrix of bacterial and salivary compounds that adhere to the enamel of the teeth. This material mineralizes into calculus (tartar) within a few days of professional teeth cleaning. Once plaque hardens to become calculus, a veterinarian must remove it by manual or electronic scaling.
Brushing the teeth regularly is the major way to prevent the accumulation of plaque on tooth surfaces and in crevices. The mechanical action of the toothbrush above and below the gum line is needed to limit this accumulation. Brushing the pet's teeth is not easy with all pets and is best begun at an early age to familiarize the pet with the process. Since your dog is young, it may be very easy to train to accept this procedure.
A veterinarian or technician will offer guidance in the best method of brushing and the best products to use such as toothpastes and brushes. Human toothpastes are not acceptable choices because they should not be swallowed.
Chew toys such as CET chews and rawhide strips, Kong Toys, Nylabones, tartar-preventing foods and rinses or gels are other products employed to limit the accumulation of plaque.
Please discuss these preventive strategies with your veterinarian. He or she may recommend another dental procedure to get your dog back to square one with clean teeth.
Please visit our VetCentric Encyclopedia for more information; see "Dental Disease, Canine."
05/04/06
What causes hematuria in a dog?
Category: Canine
I recently noticed blood in my dog's urine. The veterinarian put her on antibiotics, but they don't seem to be helping. What could cause this?
Urinary tract infection, bladder stones, and other problems may cause hematuria.
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Bloody urine can be associated with local problems of the genitourinary tract or with a systemic bleeding tendency. In the absence of other signs of systemic bleeding or hemorrhage, a local problem is more likely.
Hematuria (blood in the urine) is commonly associated with urinary tract infection (UTI), especially if the infection is localized to the lower urinary tract or bladder. Patients with bladder problems are likely to have urgency, straining, and frequent urination. They may experience temporary incontinence, or loss of control, because of irritation to the sphincter. Generally, antibiotics are prescribed for urinary tract infections diagnosed on clinical grounds. Failure of these signs to respond to an antibiotic does not exclude the possibility of urinary infection. It is possible for the bacteria to be resistant to a given antibiotic choice. In such cases, securing a bacterial culture and susceptibility helps to verify or to rule out infection and to determine the best antibiotic choices.
UTI is frequently associated with the presence of bladder stones, which may also contribute to hematuria. Bladder stones can form over a few weeks or months or years. Most dog patients with struvite stones, the most common type of bladder stones associated with infection, develop the condition by middle age. Other types of stones, which are metabolic in origin or breed related, might form at a very early age. Many stones will appear on survey x-rays.
It would seem then that your dog might still have a resistant urinary tract infection with or without bladder or kidney stones.
Older dog patients, with signs of hematuria and straining while urinating, that fail to respond completely to antibiotics may have a bladder tumor that has become secondarily infected. Such signs typically progress over weeks to months. Embryonic tumors have been documented in young dogs, but these are genuinely rare.
If patients have blood in the urine without signs of straining or urgency, an upper urinary source is more likely. Dogs seem to show few signs of pain associated with the presence of kidney stones. The appearance of blood in the urine in these cases may support a diagnosis of kidney stone(s) or kidney infection. Radiographs are indicated if stones are suspected.
Less commonly we see hematuria as a vascular problem of the kidney. Essential renal hematuria is an uncommon diagnosis, which is associated with mild to severe bleeding from one or both kidneys. Some patients experience life-threatening anemia or chronic anemia and iron deficiency as a result. Obstruction of the bladder or urethra with blood clots can occur, although this is more common in male dogs.
Renal hematuria is sought as a possible cause only when other more common problems, including bleeding and clotting problems, have been ruled out. Selective ureteral catheterization and tissue sampling are needed for verification, either through surgery or cystoscopy.
Most bleeding disorders can be investigated by a combination of physical exam and laboratory testing. Common problems with clotting that could present as hematuria include low platelets (thrombocytopenia) and exposure to Vitamin K antagonist rodenticides (warfarin based) compounds.
If your dog's problems persist, you may wish to speak with your veterinarian about referral to a veterinary specialist for abdominal ultrasound, contrast study of the bladder or kidneys or other diagnostic testing of her bloody urine.
09/29/00
My dog is on digoxin and furosemide. Are there any side effects?
Category: Canine, Feline
My eighteen-pound dog was recently diagnosed with congestive heart failure. The veterinarian prescribed furosemide and digoxin. For the past few days the dog has refused to eat and has been vomiting. She is losing weight and has diarrhea. Could any of these problems be caused by either medication?
Yes, there are several side effects associated with toxic doses.
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You must take your dog back to your veterinarian promptly. Although the signs you mentioned may have many causes, these signs are often seen in digoxin toxicity. The dosage of one or both drugs may need to be reduced.
Digoxin and furosemide are frequently prescribed together in the treatment of congestive heart failure (CHF) in dogs. In cats furosemide alone is usually sufficient. In CHF, the heart is not able to effectively accommodate the volume of fluid in the body. As a result, fluid backs up into the lungs (pulmonary edema) in affected dogs and cats. Dogs may also develop fluid back up into the abdominal cavity (ascites) and the legs (peripheral edema). Cats, unlike dogs, rarely display ascites or peripheral edema associated with CHF. Digoxin (LanoxinG ) improves the ability of the heart to pump blood and influences sodium and water balance in the body. Furosemide (LasixG ), a diuretic ("water pill"), promotes excretion of excess fluid by the kidneys.
When too much digoxin builds up in the blood, it can cause loss of appetite, vomiting, and diarrhea. Heart arrhythmias also may occur, although these seem to occur after the previously mentioned gastrointestinal signs begin. Determining the proper dose of digoxin is often difficult; adjustments are often necessary until a maintenance dose is found. Therapeutic drug monitoring allows veterinarians to determine the drug level in the blood stream at a specific time and to target specific levels.
Toxic levels of digoxin may be due to the dose being too high initially, or other problems may be present that increase the activity of the drug. Low blood levels of calcium, potassium, and sodium, as well as hypothyroidism and renal failure may all intensify digoxin toxicity. Certain drugs, such as the antibiotic tetracycline and quinidine, a heart medication, may increase digoxin concentrations also. Additionally, some dogs appear to be extremely susceptible to the effects of digoxin even when blood levels are within the normal therapeutic range. Dobermans are especially likely to experience these effects.
Furosemide has a number of side effects that can cause many of the same signs as digoxin toxicity and can also contribute to digoxin toxicity itself. Furosemide can lead to dehydration, and excess loss of potassium, sodium and chloride. It can cause hearing problems and low blood pressure.
Treatment involves reducing (or temporarily discontinuing) the doses of digoxin and furosemide, and re-establishing normal fluid and electrolyte (sodium, calcium, potassium, and chloride ions) balance. The goal of treatment eventually is to find the appropriate maintenance doses of these drugs so that the congestive heart failure can be treated as optimally as possible without drug side effects.
05/23/02
Is an umbilical hernia in a puppy serious?
Category: Canine
We are considering the purchase of a four-month old puppy from a local breeder. The breeder said that the puppy has an umbilical hernia and that it could be corrected surgically, but it wasn't necessary. What is an umbilical hernia and is it serious? Would you recommend the surgical procedure be done or ignored or should the breeder have this done before we make the purchase? We have seen the puppy's eye exam and vaccination records and he is otherwise in excellent health.
It depends, in part, on the size of the hernia.
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Generally, a hernia occurs when part of an organ abnormally protrudes through a defect in the tissue that envelops it. An umbilical hernia is a protrusion of a portion of the intestines through a defect in the abdominal wall in the umbilical (navel) area. Usually the herniating intestine pushes into a segment of peritoneum (the internal lining of the abdominal wall), thus forming an investing peritoneal sac around most of the hernia. If an umbilical hernia becomes larger than the abdominal defect, a section of the involved intestine may become entrapped; when this occurs, blood circulation may be cut off and part of the intestine will die. In this event, the hernia is said to be strangulating; this can be a life-threatening situation.
While many other types of abdominal hernias are secondary to trauma, umbilical hernias are usually congenital, secondary to flawed embryonic development. Veterinarians believe that most umbilical hernias are inherited, especially in breeds such as the Airedale, basenji and Pekingese. There may be a correlation between the occurrence of umbilical hernia and cryptorchidism (failure of one or both testes to descend into the scrotal sac at or after birth), which is also a heritable problem.
Veterinarians find that most umbilical hernias are easy to diagnose on physical examination with deep palpation of the area. Abdominal contents may not protrude consistently. They may reduce spontaneously or with digital pressure.
Spontaneous closure of small umbilical hernias has been reported as late as six months of age. Defects that are medium sized are most likely to entrap intestine. Those defects that are very small or very large are unlikely to do so. Correction at the time of neutering is very convenient for male and female dogs. Surgery is advised as soon as possible if the area is bruised, painful or if the contents will not reduce or replace into the abdomen.
Most puppy purchases are protected by state law for a period of time. Most responsible breeders offer a money-back guarantee for a time after purchase. You may wish to purchase the pup provisionally and have him examined by a veterinarian of your choosing to decide about the potential need for surgery to correct the defect. Perhaps the breeder will agree to subtract the projected cost of any recommended surgery from the purchase price.
The puppy should be thoroughly examined for other problems, such as retained testicles, a problem that clearly indicates the need for castration. Both testicles should be descended in a four-month old puppy. If you like the puppy, you should not avoid purchasing him because of the hernia, but since the problem may be heritable, using him for show and breeding may not be advisable.
In any case, the surgical procedure to repair the hernia may be deferred until six months of age to hope for spontaneous closure unless there is an associated health problem. I would not recommend requiring the breeder to have it done prior to purchase.
11/08/00
Can I use human triple antibiotic ointment on my dog?
Category: Canine
My dog has a small sore on her ankle. It is not swollen or hot to the touch. Can I use Neosporin or Polysporin for humans on it?
Yes, for simple scrapes and abrasions.
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It is okay to use human triple antibiotic ointment on simple scrapes or abrasions, but if your dog's skin lesion is more extensive or does not resolve itself within three to four days, you should have your dog checked by your veterinarian. Some skin lesions have an underlying cause that needs to be diagnosed in order to determine the treatment necessary to allow the wound to heal. In some cases what appears to be a superficial wound is actually a small puncture that is festering below the surface. If you find that the affected area becomes swollen, tender or reddened it needs the care of your veterinarian.
05/04/06
Why is my dog's nose so dry and crusty?
Category: Canine
My dog is six years old and has an extremely hard, dry, crusty nose. Parts of it even flake off. It used to be shiny and moist. What causes this and is it serious?
There are several possible causes.
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There are numerous causes for a dry, crusty nose. This is definitely a problem that a veterinarian or veterinary dermatologist should address for you. Some potential causes include endocrine or hormonal disorders, disorders of the immune system, infectious agents, inflammatory diseases, underlying metabolic disorders, and cancer. Some older dogs just get a dry nose as part of the aging process.
The history of the problem, physical exam findings, and diagnostic tests are all used in diagnosing and treating the problem. As far as diagnostics, a blood chemistry panel and urinalysis are excellent screening tests to narrow the range of possible problems. Conducting more specific blood tests can eliminate most of the remaining diagnostic possibilities. Additionally, a skin scraping, impression smear, and skin biopsy are procedures that may be needed to make definitive diagnosis.
Your veterinarian may be able to do all of these procedures or may wish to refer you to a veterinarian who specializes in dermatologic disorders. Good luck in your endeavors.
08/01/00
How can we rid our pets of fleas?
Category: Canine, Feline
We have two cats and two dogs, all of which are severely infested with fleas. I have used dips, sprays, and flea collars, and have treated the yard as well. We still have fleas, and they are driving our animals crazy. What should we do?
It takes a lot of work.
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Fleas continue to be an important problem of animal husbandry despite the advances in flea-control products. Using conventional insecticides, one must address fleas on the pet, in the house, and in the environment, a three-pronged approach.
Dips are not safe when used often enough to be effective. Flea collars are not generally useful, and sprays must be applied regularly to have maximum kill. The yard products, such as organophosphates, should help eliminate environmental fleas. You may wish to treat the shady areas of the yard, under bushes and trees, where ultraviolet light does not penetrate, especially if the pets lie there. You did not indicate whether the animals enter the house or garage, or if they go in the car, but all areas that your pets visit must be treated, especially with growth hormone regulators. The entire environment and the pets must be treated concurrently; the clean, flea-free animals must be housed in a flea-free area while the premises are treated. After vacuuming the area rugs, be sure to throw the vacuum bag away.
Despite the apparent expense of the new, topical products such as Frontline or Advantage, these products have proved themselves highly effective in such situations. They should be safe for all members of the household. Please discuss their utility with your veterinarian. He or she will assess your situation and customize a flea-control plan for you as economically as possible.
For more information about fleas, please refer to the VetCentric Encyclopedia article titled, "Flea Control, Canine and Feline."
05/04/06
My puppy keeps urinating in the house. What is the best way to clean up the mess?
Category: Canine
My puppy is constantly relieving himself all over the house. It's driving me crazy! Can you suggest a way to clean it up?
Use an odor neutralizer.
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Most puppies have at least a few accidents during the housebreaking stage. These need to be thoroughly cleaned up so that the puppy does not return to the same spot in the future. If your puppy is having many accidents, you should readjust your housebreaking techniques.
The best way to clean up a spot of urine is to soak up as much of it as possible. If the spot is on linoleum or another hard surface, paper towels and disinfectant can be used. If the urine spot is on a rug, cover the spot with a paper towel and some layers of newspaper. You can stand on the spot to draw out as much urine as possible.
Once the urine is soaked up, it is necessary to use an odor neutralizer to eliminate the lingering odor of ammonia. If a dog smells any residual urine odor, it is likely to urinate in the same area again. Many pet stores and veterinarians carry effective urine odor neutralizers.
Remember that your puppy is just like a baby and needs to be monitored at all times. Most puppies will show subtle signs that they need to go to the bathroom prior to having an accident. If you can't be right there beside your puppy at all times, it should be left in a crate. A dog views a crate as a private den that it will not want to soil with urine or feces.
It is also important to establish a set routine and stick to it every day. Most puppies need to urinate frequently when they are young, especially after heavy eating or playing. Paper training is used by some owner, but this method should be viewed as a temporary approach to training. Crate training is a much more efficient means of housebreaking a dog.
06/17/05
What normal maintenance care does my cat need?
Category: Feline
What's the best way to keep my cat healthy? What kind of maintenance care does she need?
Visit the veterinarian regularly.
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All kittens should go through examinations, deworming, multiple vaccinations, and neutering. After these are completed, your trips to the veterinarian will be much less frequent. Most healthy adult cats need to visit the veterinarian only once a year.
Vaccinations are continued throughout a cat's life. Most vaccinations are given once a year, although a rabies shot may be given as little as every three years based on the laws in your region. Outdoor cats are at a higher risk of contracting a fatal feline virus, and so require more vaccinations than those that stay indoors. We recommend that you keep your cat inside.
It is a good idea to have a sample of your cat's feces evaluated for parasites at least every one to two years. Outdoor cats are at increased risk of being exposed to parasites and should probably have this test done twice a year.
Heartworm medication is recommended to prevent heartworm infections in indoor and outdoor cats. Since mosquitoes can get inside the house, indoor cats are at risk of heartworm infection. This flavored medication is given once a month and is available from your veterinarian.
Monitor your cat's skin and hair coat for any signs of parasites or hair loss. Fleas and ticks not only are nuisances for cats that go outside, but also may cause diseases in your pet. Contact your veterinarian for safe and effective treatment and prevention products.
Routine brushing significantly reduces the incidence of hairballs and provides bonding time between you and your cat. This is especially important for heavy shedders, longhaired cats, and geriatric animals that may have trouble grooming themselves. A hairball remedy or treat may be used to help ingested fur move through the digestive tract and reduce the number of hairballs your cat vomits.
Maintain that perfect pedicure. Cats should have their toenails trimmed periodically to keep them from damaging your house, furniture, and skin. If this practice is started at a young age, the cat will tolerate it more easily throughout its life. Have an experienced person help you the first few times that you attempt to trim your cat's toenails.
Feel like brushing your cat's teeth? Some cats will tolerate brushing if it is started gradually and made a pleasant experience. Veterinary toothpaste must be used to prevent stomach upset. Most of these toothpastes are available in a chicken or tuna flavor that cats find appealing. Consult your veterinarian about brushing techniques and supplies.
Feed your cat a good quality adult maintenance cat food. It is not necessary to feed canned or semi-soft food or to provide a variety of food types, as feeding variation can lead to the creation of a finicky eater, not to mention stomach upset or diarrhea from abrupt changes in the diet. Dry kibble may help keep your cat's teeth and gums in better condition.
Be sure to provide plenty of fresh water daily. Some cats do not like to drink standing water. Drinking fountains, which have become widely available, may be a better idea for these felines.
Scoop the cat litter daily. Most cats are very picky about bathroom facilities, including the brand of litter that you use. Once you find a brand that you both find acceptable, stick with it for the long haul. This will cut down on the possibility of "mistakes" that you could find around the house.
Finally, be sure to give your cat plenty of tender loving attention and play time. Playing games will help keep that indoor cat from becoming overweight. Plus, those fun times together are what build a strong bond between pet and owner.
08/01/00
Why should I neuter my cat?
Category: Feline
Why is it important to neuter a cat?
Pet overpopulation is a major problem.
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Most people are aware that there are too many cats in the world, but some still fail to have their cat neutered. A male cat can impregnate numerous female cats, while female cats can give birth to multiple litters in one season.
There are also various medical reasons why cats should be neutered. Intact female cats run an increased risk of certain mammary tumors, uterine infections, and uterine and ovarian cancers. Intact male cats, or toms, are more likely to mark their territory by spraying urine in places that include the inside of your house. Most people find the strong odor of tomcat urine almost unbearable, and it is virtually impossible to get it out of carpets and furniture.
Cats that are neutered are likely to roam less, and hence have a decreased risk of being hit by a car, getting into cat fights that can transmit fatal viral infections, and being a nuisance to the neighborhood. A neutered cat, male or female, is likely to live a longer and healthier life, especially if it is kept indoors.
12/01/03
Why should I neuter my dog when I can prevent him from mating with another dog?
Category: Canine
I can keep my dog from mating with other dogs, so why is it important to get him neutered?
Neutering may protect him from cancer.
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Most of us are told to neuter our pets to decrease the overabundance of unadopted dogs that are put to death in animal shelters. Although this is a valid argument, it is not the sole reason that neutering should be considered.
Un-neutered male dogs have a higher incidence of certain cancers and prostatic diseases. Female dogs that are left intact are more likely to develop mammary tumors, uterine and ovarian cancers, and uterine infections. All of these medical conditions can be quite serious, and may even result in a shortened life span for your companion. Neutered pets tend to live longer and enjoy a healthier life.
Dogs that resist training may also benefit from neutering, because after the procedure they are more likely to accept the owner's leadership. Neutered dogs are also less likely to roam the neighborhood -- and hence have a lesser risk of being hit by a car, being involved in a dogfight, or becoming a nuisance to your neighbors.
08/01/00
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