Fleas Still on Attack

Day 10: it's madness here in this house. They are biting us all over. The children are scratching themselves to bleed. I keep fighting the little buggers. We spray and double apply Advantage and they keep coming. I keep finding them on myself when in the car (which I bombed), when in my bedroom (which was bombed...twice). Okay. So in the interim we acquired another canine host: Garbo. A 9 year old Standard Poodle, white. She is very sweet, and susceptible to skin allergy and infection (secondary to flea bites). Oh and she also has an E. Coli urinary tract infection. That's under control with Baytril. Anyway we now all have to get out and torch this house to end the insanity. Every twitch an imagined flea is biting into my leg, my back, belly. Is that a FLEA on me, or a mole???? Oh crap, I ripped off a mole, no... it IS a flea!
Am I going insane? Why can't a vet control a simple flea infestation??? Why? Because these are the aforementioned NUCLEAR fleas. They have spent many generations living at the grooming parlor perfecting their invincibility through constant bombardment with a myriad of insecticides, shampoos, harsh chemicals and emerged a NEW SUBSPECIES capable of exponentially multiplying, infesting the house while dining on the human and canine inhabitants therein. These mutant bloodsuckers brush off harmless chemicals, like Advantage and Siphotrol, laughing and munching as they go. These little bastards who are biting the living hell out of my family originally smuggled themselves here upon my unsuspecting male Standard, Ruprecht. He must have brushed against an infested dog there, or from the cracks of the dark, damp holding kennels and cages of the grooming parlor. I must descend on them with mighty fury a camera crew and fix them...In any case we need to vacate. I'm going to use Borate powder to desiccate the fleas in the carpets, yet the couches and beds are infested. I might call a company like Terminix [visited site] Ah yes this is what we are dealing with: I captured one and it appears it is the cat flea (More viscous to pets and people). It is darker and smaller than the less hearty dog flea.

Time for the big guns. Moral again: Check pet for fleas with careful inspection using a flea comb before leaving any grooming, boarding facility, veterinary hospital. Use a verifiably effective flea product for all pets. Check for fleas regularly.

Home Infested with Fleas due to Groomer

Yes, I have become a victim of flea infestation. You see, our white Standard Poodle, Ruprecht, gets groomed every five weeks. I usually use Advantage on him to control fleas. The directions say to apply once a month. So the Advantage was running out of power and the dog had to be groomed. Now this groomer has been hit or miss with his haircuts. It was always kind of a mystery as to what he would look like. This time he received a very close cut. And it was uneven. We immediately noticed that Rupie was restless. We chalked it up to a bad, close haircut. I noticed his skin was redder than usual. He was running back and forth through the house. He is normally a nervous, active guy so we didn't think much of it. Now a veterinarian's pet is supposed to be exempt from problems, right? Wrong. Upon closer examination, spread his tight curly coat, he was TEAMING WITH FLEAS. Now these fleas are of the nuclear survivor variety. Fleas acquired from a grooming parlor are those who have survived the harshest flea shampoo. They have survived Advantage, Frontline and Revolution. These are angry fleas looking to set up shop in some poor, unsuspecting veterinarian's house will have a field day. This is because that vet will be in such a state of denial that his pet could have any problems he can't fix, or prevent. How dare fleas attack my dog?? I'm a vet.

By the time we noticed this infestation, it was too late. The house was overcome with these nasty little bugs. They were chewing up my kids in their own beds. See we have hardwood floors, but there are several throw rugs that are happy homes for these nuclear fleas. I immediately applied Advantage to Rupie and watched them succumb. They were dying and moving to his head and tail like passengers of the Titanic leaping off both ends of the ship. The nuclear survivors were mad and looking for their next meal. Unfortunately we were the main course. Although the dog was now safe, we had to act fast(actually too late). My wife bought a "natural" spray to "kill" the fleas. We sprayed everywhere and although there was a nice scent, the fleas simply laughed and continued on their merry way. I have ordered Vet Kem Siphotrol, a product I know (and hope it still) works. It's actually good for ants, as I recall. I hope our counter-barrage is successful.

The moral of the story: ALWAYS check your pet for fleas before you leave the grooming parlor. If there are fleas, demand another bath, or apply a topical flea med from your vet (not Hartz, or other over-the-counter cheap solution - it is usually toxic to the pet). It's gonna be a long, hot summer. Use flea preventatives now. You can order directly from our vetstore. Don't allow the nuclear grooming parlor fleas set up their camp in your home. I was in denial.

Update: We stripped every bed and couch and sprayed the Siphotrol everywhere. We then aired it out. Tonight, my son had a flea jump on him and jump away. Another survivor...

Michael Vick Released to Repent

Weighing in on a popular, or trendy topic is not my usual angle, but this one is noteworthy to me on a personal level. Having witnessed animal atrocities inflicted by humans in foreign countries it seems appalling that animal cruelty still thrives in the underground in this country. I remember a stunning film that had dog-fighting as backdrop in Amorres Perros to illustrate the commonplace cruelty in third world nations.

The Vick case only brings to forefront a cruel, baseless "sport" of dog-fighting as a means of gambling on the damage done by one beast to another. It does seem a bit of a double standard when well-intention humans exhibit gladiator-style cagefighting on cable TV, but animals should not be subject to purposeful engagement of their natural tendencies to fight. Pit Bulls, in particular are not apt to stop at submission. The best thing that Michael Vick can do is become an advocate for the cause to stop dog-fighting as a sport. He should publically speak out against his atrocities and turn the tide against this cruelty. As a sports figure he would stand out as a role model for enlightenment and help bring an end to the practice...at least in this country. Please see the Human Society for further information

Don't Feed Foods Containing Enterococcus

FROM 911 VETS NEWS:



Don't Feed Foods Containing Enterococcus

March 04, 2009

Over the past several years, and most recently with increasing frequency, I have found urinary tract infections in cats and dogs with a particular strain of Enterococcus bacteria. Independently, I have come to scrutinize the ingredients of a myriad of boutique pet foods and have found a connection. Pets with Enterococcal urinary tract infection are eating these boutique foods that contain the bacteria.

Enterococcus faecium - from Wikipedia, the free encyclopedia - Important clinical infections caused by Enterococcus include urinary tract infections, bacteremia, bacterial endocarditis, diverticulitis, and meningitis. What are the pet food manufacturers thinking? The bacteria is resistant to most antibiotics and does not serve any useful purpose in a pet's diet. Why would these pet food producers add such ingredients as this to our pet's diets? There is a belief that added bacteria can help a pet's digestion. These additives are called "probiotics" are are believed to help repopulate the intestine with the normal flora. Here is the position held by the manufacturer of Wellness Pet Food:

"Live Micro-organisms
Natural micro-flora (friendly bacteria) that may help the digestion process, thus providing more efficient utilization of food and produce bacteriocins which act as natural antibiotics that kill undesirable micro-organisms."

Here are the ingredients:

First 2 ingredients: Human Grade Salmon, Human Grade Deboned Turkey. Wellness Salmon cat food is formulated with low dietary magnesium, whole blueberries and cranberries to promote proper urinary tract function. Linoleic and Linolenic acids are at the optimal ratio of 3:1 for healthy skin and coat. Additionally, Wellness cat foods feature 100% whole fruits and vegetables, containing essential vitamins and antioxidants to ensure cat’s overall well-health.

Product Ingredients:

Salmon, Deboned Turkey, Herring Meal, Salmon Meal, Menhaden Fishmeal, Ground Whole Oats, Brown Rice, Dried Whole Eggs, Dried Peas, Canola Oil (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols), Herring Oil, Chicken Liver, Flaxseed, Cranberries, Blueberries, Taurine, Garlic, Alfalfa Leaf, Dried Kelp, Whole Ground Apples, Whole Ground Sweet Potatoes, Steamed Zucchini, Yucca Schidigera, Chicory Extract, Beta Carotene, Lactobacillus Plantarum, Enterococcus Faecium, Lactobacillus Casei, Lactobacillus Acidophilus, Choline Chloride, Calcium Carbonate, Zinc Proteinate (a chelated source of Zinc), Vitamin E supplement, Zinc Oxide, Ferrous Sulfate, Iron Proteinate (a chelated source of Iron), Manganese Proteinate (a chelated source of Manganese), Calcium Proteinate (a chelated source of Calcium), Niacin Supplement, Sodium Selenite, Vitamin A Acetate, Folic Acid, Cobalt Proteinate (a chelated source of Cobalt), Copper Sulfate, Cobalt Carbonate, Riboflavin Supplement (Vitamin B-2), Copper Proteinate (a chelated source of Copper), Thiamin Mononitrate (Vitamin B-1), Vitamin D-3 Supplement, Calcium Iodate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex (Source of Vitamin K activity).

It all sounds great. The problem is: it can all be spoiled, potentially, by the overgrowth of Enterococcus.

Other scientists have a differing opinion of these "probiotics". They argue that any bacteria ingested will be neutralized by the harsh pH of stomach acid (thankfully) and never make it to the intestine where it would normally reside at a much higher pH.

Either way, there is more risk of infections from these organisms added to the food than any true derived benefit. I personally would avoid any food containing one of the following modifiers: "Natural", "Organic" or "Holistic". In most cases these food contain Enterococcus and other bacteria. Food left out containing live bacteria will promote rapid growth. The pet eats the food with high populations of these bacteria, then afterward clean themselves and probably inoculate the urinary tract. I have diagnosed several cases of Enterococcal urinary tract infection and at least one confirmed case of kidney failure in a young cat who ate these foods.

If any of your pets are eating foods containing this bacteria, please have a urinalysis and culture performed as a part of a regular checkup. Many UTIs go undetected and can slowly scar the kidney until failure occurs and by then it's too late.

Steve Weinberg, DVM
911 VETS Home Pet Medical

Emergency Euthanasia - An Oxymoron

If there was one service that 911 VETS offers that I would love to remove it would have to be the Emergency Euthanasia. 911 VETS is one of the only house call/mobile veterinary services that even offers this service. The only reason we offer it is due to the fact that we are frequently asked to provide the emergency euthanasia.

Deciding the best timing for pet euthanasia is admittedly very difficult. Many pet owners who have decided to not continue treatment of a terminal disease, or are financially unable to do so are left with this dilemma. There are few situations with a pet's disease process that will give a clear indication that the her or she is now "ready". Readiness depends upon the pet guardian's attitudes and beliefs as well as the outward appearance and symptoms displayed by the pet.

Here are the dispatch notes from a typical emergency call that demonstrates the agony of waiting for the last possible moment and a very clear sign that the pet is ready to go:

HIS CAT WEIGHS 10 POUNDS, AND IT HAS A LARGE TUMOR. THE CAT NOW HAS RAPID BREATHING AND IT IS IN AGONY.OWNER CAN NOT AFFORD EMERGENCY SERVICE.

The breakdown in communication between veterinarian and pet owner may have been due to either the veterinarian's lack of informing the owner of the severity or inevitability of the condition and/or the disbelief/mistrust or denial of the pet owner.

We offer free euthanasia consult to help avoid this situation. We are on a crusade to reduce the need for emergency euthanasia. Although a complete evaluation/exam of the pet has not been performed by the consulting veterinarian, we can help assess the situation by a description of the disease and the current symptoms. If the pet guardian has stopped treatment or opted out of further diagnostics or treatments, AND the pet's quality of life has deteriorated to the point of rapid breathing (one per second or greater), cessation of eating, severe weight loss, inability to stand or bleeding, to name a few common observations, it is our duty as pet guardians to end the suffering.

Think about what medical care a human being would be offered. If the pet is unable to stand, for example: continual nursing care, sanitation, turning, physical therapy, PAIN MANAGEMENT should be provided.

Every situation is unique and deserves a discussion of the disease progression with your veterinarian. One of our recent members had a lovely terrier with a frightening bone tumor of the face. The tumor had broken through into the mouth and bleeding had become evident. A discussion with the owner revealed that the dog was still happy to eat, wagging his tail, was little tired and had some weight loss. The bleeding was most bothersome and based on the location it was feared that an artery of the face would soon be breached creating a massive hemorrhage. The decision was made to PREVENT this catastrophe, since no treatment was to cure the cancer, and an appointment was made for euthanasia in the comfort of his home with friends gathered to honor his life. The realistic attitude of the owner was greatly appreciated by all and the dog was spared an inevitable emergency situation.

Obsessing with Symptoms

Many of my dear clients work from home and enjoy the special benefit of hanging out with the pets all day and into the night. Some are very observant and detect aberrations of behavior due to the fact that they are apparently eagerly distracted by the beauty and wonder of their babies.

Unfortunately, certain negative behaviors and occasional symptoms of disease occur and the owner feels they must react to "right a wrong". Experience in the medical arts universally demonstrates that 90 percent of what ails us goes away on its own. I emphasize the word "occasional" to get the point accross to one of my dear clients., the guardian of Martha and Monte (not their real names). She was concerned about Martha's weight and Monte's occasional blood in the stool.

excerpt:

The whole thing with cat diets is you have to look at the individual body type: ectomrph: thin, mesomorph: medium, endomorph: large.

Let's say for the endomorph Martha. I gave her a body score of 6 out of 9. 1 being emaciated, 9 being grossly obese. She needs to watch her caloric intake. True. But she will never be thin or even a medium sized cat unless you starve her or some disease takes over. R/d is low calorie designed for weight loss but is not a "forever "diet. W/d is good as any high-fiber, low calorie food. This can be given forever.

For Monte, I gave him a body score of 5/9. But he is an active male with a history of gastrointestinal disorder. I want to tell you that occasional blood in the stool DOES NOT worry me. Don't we all? Persistent blood in the stool accompanied with weight loss, lethargy DOES concern me. It is reasonable to be strict with diet and use easily digested foods. I/d is a good choice to try. If the blood re-occurs, well there you have it. He has occasional blood in his stool and there's no reason to try and fix it. He's maintains weight, has a happy existence. We could always do a $2000 procedure and look up his colon!

Please do not compare other people's pets with your pet's situation. They can never be the same.

Please do not read information on the internet and try to make it fit your pet's situation.

BE vigilant in a change in behavior or attitude that persists for more than 3 days.

Much love,
Dr Steve

Moral of the story:

Don't Micromanage... Macromanage

Big Dog on 2nd Floor...

...will eventually become a difficult situation. Mel (not his real name), the 110lb labrador mix still sporting his cahones, was slowing down on his walks in Sherman Oaks. His human dad was getting old himself and having back trouble of his own. The local veterinarian had found arthritic changes in his lower back and gave him a general pain killer (Tramadol, synthetic opiod). This was the day he couldn't make it up a long flight of slickly tiled steps. Today was the day Mel's back was to give out. Inauguration day for Barack Obama. The day the country was finally cool enough to have a black president. Mel was going down. His human dad hoisted Mel up those steps once more. Spine strain for spine faulter. On the housecall his lymph nodes were enlarged to accompany his testicular tumor, the main medical consequence of not neutering the dog. Use it or lose it. Either Mel's back went out structurally or a tumor of the prostate has invaded the spine. His dad and mom and other family members said goodbye and Mel was peacefully euthanized at home. And as I labored to give Mel his sleigh ride down the tiled steps I thought about how the sweet lab must have touched their lives. I was also very grateful I had pre-treated myself with Ibuprofen.

SOAPBOX:
Please neuter your pets. Please research why this is important. Please live on the first floor with a large pet if there is no elevator.

Thanks,
Dr. Steve Weinberg