Wow...where has the time gone?
Seems like just yesterday we were talking about Hallowe'en and now it's nearly the end of July!
Well...having survived the coldest and snowiest winter in 116 years, I think we can all give ourselves a pat on the back!
Unfortunately, the warmer temperatures brought with them rain...and we all know that with all that rain have arrived oodles of mosquitoes! Do you know what comes with mosquitoes? That's right! HEARTWORM disease!
Heartworm disease is transmitted by mosquitoes! Here's what happens! Mosquitoes feed on an infected dog which has adult worms living in it's heart. These worms are busy producing baby worms (larvae) which are then taken in by the mosquito with a blood meal. The larvae develops a bit more in the mosquito and then is ready to be deposited into the next susceptible dog (or occasionally cat...more on this later") with the next blood meal. These larvae then go on to develop into adult worms...unless of course your pet is on heartworm preventative medication. What the preventative medications do is kill off these baby worms (larvae) before they are able to go on to develop into adult worms. Once adult worms are present, the treatment for the disease is completely different.
Dogs that develop adult heartworm infection typically show symptoms of heart disease....cough, exercise intolerance, loss of appetite and weight loss. Left untreated, it can be fatal
The most common heartworm preventative medications are given monthly, either as a tablet/chewable or as a topical (squeeze on the skin) treatment. These products typically also dewormer for intestinal worms which is an added bonus. In Manitoba, we typically medicate monthly from the end of May to the end of October. Because the preventatives kill of larvae that have already been deposited, we typically say they 'work backward' ...the tablet that you give at the end of July, for example, kills off any larvae deposited during the month of July. This is why it is especially important to remember to give the last tablets of the year AFTER all of the mosquitoes are done for the year.
Getting back to the cats...Cats can also be infected with heartworm but the incidence in cats tends to be much lower. We typically estimate that the incidence in tats is only about 1/10 that in dogs. Unfortunate thing for cats is that a single worm can be fatal and often the first symptom noted in cats is sudden death! Outdoor cats should be on a preventative as well. These product provide the added advantage of treating for tapeworms which are the worms that most commonly affect hunting cats. You know...those little icky rice-like ones that stick to the back end of affected cats!
Well...hope this little heartworm lesson has been useful. If you have any questions about heartworm or preventatives, please give the clinic a call at 204-254-3150! We are always glad to help,
In the meantime...have an awesome summer and hope to see you soon!
Dr. Eichkorn and all of us at Winrose
blog
Saturday, July 26, 2014
Thursday, October 3, 2013
Happy Halloween
With Halloween just around the corner, it is a good time to talk about Chocolate Toxicity. Everybody loves chocolate. Chocolate candy, chocolate ice cream, and chocolate cookies. Although we may want to share a favorite treat with our eager pets, it is best to think twice.
So what is it in Chocolate that proves so deadly for our pets. Theobromine which is found in the chocolate liquor (the liquid that results from grinding the hulled cacao beans) can cause things such as vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, tremors, seizures, racing heart rhythms and death in severe cases. The more chocolate liquor in a product, the more theobromine there is.
Milk chocolate contains 10% chocolate liquor, Semisweet chocolate contains 35% chocolate liquor and unsweetened or Bakers chocolate contains up to 50% chocolate liquor. Additional sources of fat and sugar that can be found in some chocolate can also set our pets up for a lethal metabolic disease called pancreatitis.
How much is too much. It doesn't take very much theobromine at all to cause mild to severe symptoms. For example as little as 18mg per pound of dog can cause severe toxicity signs in some dogs. And 1 ounce of baking chocolate can contain 390mg of theobromine.
It can take nearly four days for the effects of chocolate to work its way out of the pet's system. If chocolate ingestion has just occurred please contact us immediately as we can often induce vomiting. Otherwise hospitalization and supportive care will be required.
So with Halloween just around the corner, and Fido at home eagerly waiting to share all your Halloween candy it is best that we avoid all chocolate and sweets and reach for a much safer option like a dog or cat friendly biscuit.
So what is it in Chocolate that proves so deadly for our pets. Theobromine which is found in the chocolate liquor (the liquid that results from grinding the hulled cacao beans) can cause things such as vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, tremors, seizures, racing heart rhythms and death in severe cases. The more chocolate liquor in a product, the more theobromine there is.
Milk chocolate contains 10% chocolate liquor, Semisweet chocolate contains 35% chocolate liquor and unsweetened or Bakers chocolate contains up to 50% chocolate liquor. Additional sources of fat and sugar that can be found in some chocolate can also set our pets up for a lethal metabolic disease called pancreatitis.
How much is too much. It doesn't take very much theobromine at all to cause mild to severe symptoms. For example as little as 18mg per pound of dog can cause severe toxicity signs in some dogs. And 1 ounce of baking chocolate can contain 390mg of theobromine.
It can take nearly four days for the effects of chocolate to work its way out of the pet's system. If chocolate ingestion has just occurred please contact us immediately as we can often induce vomiting. Otherwise hospitalization and supportive care will be required.
So with Halloween just around the corner, and Fido at home eagerly waiting to share all your Halloween candy it is best that we avoid all chocolate and sweets and reach for a much safer option like a dog or cat friendly biscuit.
Friday, February 15, 2013
He's Here!
Hi there...
Dr. Eichkorn here... I'm a little slow in getting this posted but such is life with a new baby and a 20 month old at home...plus 2 crazy labradors and well..you get the idea!!
Just taking a moment to announce the safe arrival of our son, Scott Geoffrey who was born on January 19th (one of the coldest days of the winter....brrrrrrrr!)
Many thanks for all of the warm wishes and good thoughts from all our wonderful clients and patients. Motherhood is busy but wonderful and our daughter is adjusting very well to her new brother... The dogs also are continuing to adjust to having another little noisy body at home!
Anyway...here is his birth announcement!
We hope you all enjoy the balance of the winter and will see you in Spring. I am hoping to return to work one day a week as of April or May (we'll see how things go!) so maybe see some of you during heartworm season?
Stay well and stay warm...
Carolyn (Dr. Eichkorn)
Wednesday, November 7, 2012
Only 25 more days till PET PHOTOS WITH SANTA
Hi Everybody!
Scary as it is only 47 more shopping days till Christmas! And only 25 more days till our Annual PET PHOTOS WITH SANTA.
Please come and join us on December 2, 2012 from 12 noon to 3pm for Pet photos with Santa. No appointment necessary. Proffesional Photographer Nancy Saltel will be taking photos.
Join us for Snacks, Drinks and Silent Auction prizes.
Cost of photos are 10$ ( Cash only). All proceeds go towards The Guide Dog Foundation.
Scary as it is only 47 more shopping days till Christmas! And only 25 more days till our Annual PET PHOTOS WITH SANTA.
Please come and join us on December 2, 2012 from 12 noon to 3pm for Pet photos with Santa. No appointment necessary. Proffesional Photographer Nancy Saltel will be taking photos.
Join us for Snacks, Drinks and Silent Auction prizes.
Cost of photos are 10$ ( Cash only). All proceeds go towards The Guide Dog Foundation.
December 2nd, 2012
12noon – 3pm
$10/photo (Cash only please)
Snacks, Drinks & Silent Auction Prizes!!
CHECK OUT SOME OF LAST YEARS PICTURES!
Friday, November 2, 2012
Celebrating Seniors Month
November is celebrating Seniors month.
We here at Winrose are dedicated to helping keep your senior pets healthy and happy. Beginning at the age of 7-8, most pets enter his or her senior years. Often we see pets begin to develop diseases common to their senior human counterparts, such as diabetes, heart disease, endocrine disease and cancer.
These diseases can go unnoticed in their early stages; therefore, preventative health care is very important!
Early detection can help in disease prevention and can minimize suffering. Our three step program includes establishing baseline bloodwork when your pet is well. Identify any existing health problems. And monitoring progress during treatments.
You Know your pet better than anyone else and can alert us to any changes in your pet before they become serious.
At Winrose we offer Senior Wellness plans that combine annual physical exams, required vaccinations, early detection bloodwork and urinalysis.
Call now to book your Senior Wellness Appointment
TO PROLONG A MEANINGFUL LIFE…
Senior Wellness Cost $278.25 which includes
FELINE SENIOR WELLNESS PLAN
TO PROLONG A MEANINGFUL LIFE…
First Visit: $278.25 which includes
We here at Winrose are dedicated to helping keep your senior pets healthy and happy. Beginning at the age of 7-8, most pets enter his or her senior years. Often we see pets begin to develop diseases common to their senior human counterparts, such as diabetes, heart disease, endocrine disease and cancer.
These diseases can go unnoticed in their early stages; therefore, preventative health care is very important!
Early detection can help in disease prevention and can minimize suffering. Our three step program includes establishing baseline bloodwork when your pet is well. Identify any existing health problems. And monitoring progress during treatments.
You Know your pet better than anyone else and can alert us to any changes in your pet before they become serious.
At Winrose we offer Senior Wellness plans that combine annual physical exams, required vaccinations, early detection bloodwork and urinalysis.
Call now to book your Senior Wellness Appointment
CANINE SENIOR WELLNESS PLAN
TO PROLONG A MEANINGFUL LIFE…
Senior Wellness Cost $278.25 which includes
Ü Annual Wellness Profile
Ü Comprehensive Physical Examination & Veterinary Consultation
Ü Blood Collection
Ü C.B.C. (Complete Blood Count)
Ü Blood Chemistry
Ü Electrolytes
Ü Thyroid Function Test
Ü Urine Collection
Ü Urinalysis
Ü Vaccinations according to your pets lifestyle
If above tests are done separately, the costs are as follows:
Exam: 62.50
Blood Collection: $19.50
Complete Blood Count: $79.61
Blood Chemistry: $148.61
Electrolytes: 23.74
Thyroid Test: 83.12
Urine Collection $27.55
Urinalysis: $52.43
Vaccines: Rabies: $16.50
Distemper: $16.50
Bordetella: $16.50
Total Cost: $546.56
FELINE SENIOR WELLNESS PLAN
TO PROLONG A MEANINGFUL LIFE…
First Visit: $278.25 which includes
Ü Annual Wellness Profile
Ü Comprehensive Physical Examination & Veterinary Consultation
Ü C.B.C. and Blood Chemistry
Ü Thyroid Function Test
Ü Urinalysis
Ü Vaccinations according to your pets lifestyle
If above tests are done separately, the costs are as follows:
Exam: 62.50
Blood Collection: $19.50
Complete Blood Count: $79.61
Blood Chemistry: $148.61
Electrolytes: 23.74
Thyroid Test: 83.12
Urine Collection $27.55
Urinalysis: $52.43
Vaccines: Rabies: $16.50
Feline Distemper: $16.50
Feline Leukemia: $16.50
Total Cost: 546.56
Wednesday, October 17, 2012
Trick or Treat?
With Halloween just around the corner, it is a good time to talk about Chocolate Toxicity. Everybody loves chocolate. Chocolate candy, chocolate ice cream, and chocolate cookies. Although we may want to share a favorite treat with our eager pets, it is best to think twice.
So what is it in Chocolate that proves so deadly for our pets. Theobromine which is found in the chocolate liquor (the liquid that results from grinding the hulled cacao beans) can cause things such as vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, tremors, seizures, racing heart rhythms and death in severe cases. The more chocolate liquor in a product, the more theobromine there is.
Milk chocolate contains 10% chocolate liquor, Semisweet chocolate contains 35% chocolate liquor and unsweetened or Bakers chocolate contains up to 50% chocolate liquor. Additional sources of fat and sugar that can be found in some chocolate can also set our pets up for a lethal metabolic disease called pancreatitis.
How much is too much. It doesn't take very much theobromine at all to cause mild to severe symptoms. For example as little as 18mg per pound of dog can cause severe toxicity signs in some dogs. And 1 ounce of baking chocolate can contain 390mg of theobromine.
It can take nearly four days for the effects of chocolate to work its way out of the pet's system. If chocolate ingestion has just occurred please contact us immediately as we can often induce vomiting. Otherwise hospitalization and supportive care will be required.
So with Halloween just around the corner, and Fido at home eagerly waiting to share all your Halloween candy it is best that we avoid all chocolate and sweets and reach for a much safer option like a dog or cat friendly biscuit.
So what is it in Chocolate that proves so deadly for our pets. Theobromine which is found in the chocolate liquor (the liquid that results from grinding the hulled cacao beans) can cause things such as vomiting, diarrhea, hyperactivity, tremors, seizures, racing heart rhythms and death in severe cases. The more chocolate liquor in a product, the more theobromine there is.
Milk chocolate contains 10% chocolate liquor, Semisweet chocolate contains 35% chocolate liquor and unsweetened or Bakers chocolate contains up to 50% chocolate liquor. Additional sources of fat and sugar that can be found in some chocolate can also set our pets up for a lethal metabolic disease called pancreatitis.
How much is too much. It doesn't take very much theobromine at all to cause mild to severe symptoms. For example as little as 18mg per pound of dog can cause severe toxicity signs in some dogs. And 1 ounce of baking chocolate can contain 390mg of theobromine.
It can take nearly four days for the effects of chocolate to work its way out of the pet's system. If chocolate ingestion has just occurred please contact us immediately as we can often induce vomiting. Otherwise hospitalization and supportive care will be required.
So with Halloween just around the corner, and Fido at home eagerly waiting to share all your Halloween candy it is best that we avoid all chocolate and sweets and reach for a much safer option like a dog or cat friendly biscuit.
Thursday, October 11, 2012
The holidays are upon us
Hi there everyone. Halloween is upon us and we all love it because it is such a fun holiday, but it can also be a bit scary for our furry friends. Make sure to have your pets in a safe place when the kids are coming to your door. It only takes a split second for our loved one to sneak past the stream of kids and get outside.
We all love candy and our pets would love it too if they could get into it. There are all kinds of things that are not safe for our little friends, especially chocolate. Be really careful to put the candy in a safe place or at least a place that they can't get their little paws into.
We also want to let everyone know that even though Christmas seems a long way off, its really not. We are once again going to be having our PET PHOTOS WITH SANTA. They will be at our clinic on Sunday, December 2, 2012. The time is from 12:00 noon until 3:00 pm. EVERYONE IS WELCOME. The cost of the photos are $10.00 per photo and all proceeds will be donated to the Guide Dogs Association. Hope to see you there.
We all love candy and our pets would love it too if they could get into it. There are all kinds of things that are not safe for our little friends, especially chocolate. Be really careful to put the candy in a safe place or at least a place that they can't get their little paws into.
We also want to let everyone know that even though Christmas seems a long way off, its really not. We are once again going to be having our PET PHOTOS WITH SANTA. They will be at our clinic on Sunday, December 2, 2012. The time is from 12:00 noon until 3:00 pm. EVERYONE IS WELCOME. The cost of the photos are $10.00 per photo and all proceeds will be donated to the Guide Dogs Association. Hope to see you there.
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