Complementary & Alternative Therapy for Pets | by Hunter Hodges, DVM

The term complementary is used to indicate other modalities that are an adjunct to Western care and not only an alternative. Examples would be Acupuncture, Chiropractic, Herbal, Laser, etc. These modalities may provide alternative outcomes including reduction in medications needed, an option to surgery and fewer complications with treatments. Complementary modalities can enhance the quality of care that we can provide, and more importantly enhance the quality of life for our pets.

Imagine for a moment that your dog has significant osteoarthritis or a soft tissue injury. To develop a treatment plan with conventional Western medicine, one would first get a complete history, examine the pet and note any observations. Radiographs would be the most common diagnostic, followed with a treatment plan of restricted activity and anti-inflammatory medications scientifically proven to relieve this type of pain. At this point, a complementary therapy could be easily integrated into the plan. In caring for animals, my thought process is and always will be rooted in the principles learned in veterinary school, but I have also come to understand that to do what’s best for my patients I have to keep an open mind and consider alternative therapies to complement the Western approach.

ACUPUNCTURE 

Based on traditional Chinese medicine, acupuncture aims to correct imbalances in the body’s Qi (energy flow) that are believed to cause health problems. In Western terms it is believed that pain impulses can be blocked before reaching the brain or that the brain can be stimulated to release powerful endorphins to ease pain. Very fine needles are inserted under the skin and left for 15­-20 minutes which is well tolerated by most animals. Other techniques may involve mild electric currents (electroacupuncture), liquid vitamin injections (aquapuncture) and even lasers to stimulate points. 

CHIROPRACTIC 

Involves careful and accurate manipulation of joints of the spine and extremities to help re-­establish proper alignment, reset joint receptors and increase range of motion. Ninety percent of the input to the nervous system is from joint and stretch receptors located in tendons, ligaments and muscles. The nervous system runs the whole animal, therefore, managing the nervous system through these receptors can provide efficient and accurate care. When a more normal range of motion is re­-established by the adjustment, the animal can move in a more comfortable and coordinated manner. Symptoms like abnormal gait, back pain and reluctance to jump or climb stairs will often improve.

LASER 

Laser therapy is the painless use of laser energy to generate a photochemical response in damaged or dysfunctional tissue. Laser therapy can alleviate pain, reduce inflammation and accelerate recovery from a wide range of acute and chronic conditions. As rehabilitation specialists know, the main goal of treatment for many painful, debilitating conditions is to facilitate improved function and mobility. Laser therapy is a drug-­free, surgery-free technique to help make that goal a reality.

ASK YOUR VETERINARIAN 

The use of complementary medicine has been growing very rapidly for the past 10 years and as more people utilize it for their own health, they naturally seek it out for their pets. Owners frequently will not notice the effects of complementary treatments until several days after the procedure and in some cases it may take multiple treatments to see changes. The complexity of each case often determines the number of treatments needed and the frequency. So the next time your pet has an injury, ask your veterinarian if there are any complementary (alternative) therapies that may aid in the healing process, and then find a veterinarian that has received the appropriate training and certifications.

This article was written by Hunter Hodges, DVM of Brassfield Animal Hospital and published in the June 2015 issue of Triad Happy Tails Magazine. Contact Brassfield Animal Hospital for more information about this article or any other questions you may have about your pet's health by visiting: http://brassfieldvet.com/

 

Canine Heatstroke Prevention | by Meredith Witherspoon

Guest writer, Meredith Witherspoon's beloved pet, Dawson

It’s that time of year again! 

The kids are out of school, and it is summertime in North Carolina. The weather is hot and very humid. There are lots of fun activities for your whole family to participate in. Including fun activities involving your canine family pet. Participating in family cook outs, going swimming, boating at the lake, and taking (much needed) vacations. Then of course the many errands to the store and other places that you will have to leave your dog in the car. You then tell yourself, “I won’t be too long”, but how long is too long? I did an experiment before writing this article to see how much the temperature increases in a vehicle in only twenty minutes. From 2:35-2:55 p.m., the outside temperature was 91.4°F and the car temperature was 113.4°F in direct sunlight. I then experimented with the same vehicle in complete shade. The outside temperature was the same as before, 91.4°F, and the car temperature was 105.4°F. So, even if the car was in the direct shade with the windows cracked for 20 minutes, the dog would overheat at a temperature of 106°F!

Dr. Swanner of Creekside Animal Clinic answered some of my questions about canine heatstroke and the warning signs. How many cases of heatstroke have you experienced? Dr. Swanner replied, “I have seen dozens in my medical career, mostly during the summer months. Some of these unfortunately did not end well. When a dog or cat gets over heated and cannot cool down, major organ failure can occur.” What are the symptoms of heatstroke? “When dogs get overheated, their first action is to drink water and pant. If they cannot cool down, they start to pant excessively, the heart rate rises and they stumble/become disoriented, and abnormal gum color (dark red to purple) can also be seen. Soon, if the body temperature cannot be lowered, then unconsciousness/convulsions and death can occur.” Can a dog recover from heatstroke? “If pet owners notice these symptoms and seek immediate medical attention, then the dog may recover. To treat heatstroke, we cool the patient down slowly by a combination of IV fluids and other active cooling methods.” What would be your recommendations to prevent heatstroke? “Never leave a dog in a vehicle. If it is an outdoor dog, make sure it has access to plenty of water in the shade. If you have breeds such as a pug, boxer or bulldog (the short nose breeds), avoid long periods outdoors during the warm parts of the day since they are very vulnerable to overheating. Try to limit exercise and walks to early morning hours and late evening when it is cooler and have plenty of water breaks. If a dog does get heatstroke, hose them down with a garden hose and put them in the car with the A.C. on high and bring them to a nearby veterinary clinic. Do not try to treat heatstroke at home – this is an emergency.”

I can’t count the number of times I have seen a dog in a vehicle, in direct sun with the windows slightly cracked in a store parking lot, or outside with little shade or water. If you want to take your dog out in the summer, please make sure that you have cold water for your dog and remember to turn the A.C. on in the car and to park it in the shade! I also found a link to 19 dog friendly stores http://barkpost.com/dog-friendly-stores/. Being informed about the dangers of heat stroke and the many ways to prevent it could save your family pets life.

Meredith is the daughter of Adam & Valerie Witherspoon (Shiloh K9 Dog Training Services LLC). She has been working with all types of animals since she was five years old. Meredith is currently working towards becoming a Registered Nurse, BSN.

The Skin-ny on Your Pet's Skin | Ask the Vet: Jessica Taylor, DVM

Long hair, short hair, curly or straight–our pets come with all sorts of styles. Some breeds are even hairless! Regardless the type, your pet’s skin and fur is the largest protective organ they have, and it is under constant assault. Keeping your pet’s skin in top shape will go a long way in ensuring their comfort and good health.

Lumps and Bumps
You are petting your dog (or cat) and feel something on the skin that wasn’t there yesterday. What to do now? Bumps can arise on or under the skin and can range from a mild problem to a symptom of a serious condition. First, try to part the hair to get a good look at the problem. Try to see if it is a tick or an object stuck to the skin. If so, gently remove it or seek help from your vet. If it is not something stuck, note the day that you first noticed it and call your veterinarian immediately if you are concerned or the area seems painful or uncomfortable to your pet. There are many types of masses, and some of them can be benign, or harmless. However, some types of skin masses can be cancerous and need to be removed. Your veterinarian may perform an aspirate (needle stick) or biopsy to determine if the mass needs to be addressed. It is always better to have something new checked out when the bump is small.

Creepy Crawlies
The skin protects muscles, nerves, and organs. It can also be prime real estate for parasites, too! Fleas and ticks are a constant threat in the southeast, and these pests can cause serious reactions and infections. The best way to prevent infection is to prevent the parasite, and there are many oral and topical options available that provide great flea and tick control. Mites such as Demodex and Sarcoptes are another problem and can first show up as hair loss or severe itching. Some of these insects and mites can also affect people, so it is important to report any changes in the hair coat or skin as soon as you see it. Resist the urge to try any “home remedies” before an exam, as these can sometimes make the condition worse or trigger other problems that make finding the underlying cause difficult!

Itchy, Itchy Allergies
It is spring, and in the South, that means pollen- and lots of it! While we sniffle and sneeze the days away, pollen and other allergens tend to make pets itchy. And when we say itchy, that can mean a lot of things. Pets can scratch with their feet, but chewing on the fur, licking the feet, or even shaking the ears or head are signs of itchiness. If you notice rust colored areas on your pet’s feet or fur, this can be a sign that your fur friend is licking, sometimes when you are not looking. Our feline and canine companions can be allergic to grass, pollen, trees, mold, storage mites, and more. They can be allergic to ingredients in their food, often a protein they have been exposed to for many years. The problem often lies in the secondary infections that occur due to the licking and irritation.

If you see scabs, bumps that looks like pimples, or a moist area that has an odor, there is a good chance your pet has an infection. This bacteria or yeast can make your pet even itchier, and the itching will not go away until the infection is cleared. Often doctors use tests like skin scrapes, fungal tests, or cultures to determine what the problem may be. Thankfully, finding the right antibiotic and anti-itch medication can make a huge difference. Allergies can be difficult to dissect, but once managed, pets can live a much more comfortable life!

Getting Rid of the “Dog Smell”!
Our pets get dirty and sometimes smelly. Bathing your pet can make them easier to live with, especially if they sleep in your bed! Bathing seems straightforward, but using the wrong products can make things worse. First, don’t use people products! Even gentle products like baby shampoo are designed for people skin, not pet skin, and can dry out the oils that help protect your dog’s and cat’s coat. Flea and tick products can also be dangerous and potentially toxic to many dogs and especially cats. Additionally, the flea shampoos don’t do anything for fleas once the bath is over, so don’t bother! In general, mild, non-drying pet shampoos are good for routine bathing, but if your pet has a special condition, a medicated shampoo may be best, so ask your vet!

We share our lives with our pets- including our homes, our cars, and our beds. Snuggling up with your puppy or having your cat purring on your lap can make a bad day fade quickly. So, we want to be sure we can give those hugs as often as we want, and keeping your pet healthy includes the outside as well as inside.


This article was written by Dr. Jessica Taylor, Veterinarian at Guilford-Jamestown Veterinary Hospital, and published in the June 2015 issue of Triad Happy Tails Magazine.  Contact Guilford-Jamestown Veterinary Hospital for more information about this article or any other questions you may have about your pet's health by visiting: www.guilfordjamestownvet.com