Raisins toxic to Dogs? Yes! Read on...
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WARNING Dog
Owners This week I had the first case in history of raisin toxicity ever seen at MedVet. My patient was a I had heard somewhere about raisins AND grapes causing acute renal failure but hadn't seen any formal paper on the subject. We had her bring the dog in immediately. In the meantime, I called the ER service at MedVet, and the doctor there was like me—had heard something about it, but.... Anyway, we contacted the ASPCA National Animal Poison Control Center and they said to give I V fluids at The dog's BUN (blood urea nitrogen level) was already at 32 (normal less than 27) and creatinine over 5 (1.9 is the high end of normal). Both are monitors of kidney function in the bloodstream. We placed an I V catheter and started the fluids. Rechecked the renal values at At the point I felt the dog was in acute renal failure and sent him on to MedVet for a urinary catheter to monitor urine output overnight as well as overnight care. He started vomiting again overnight at MedVet and his renal values have continued to increase daily. He produced urine when given lasix as a diuretic. He was on Today his urine output decreased again, his BUN was over 120, his creatinine was at 10, his phosphorus was very elevated and his blood pressure, which had been staying around 150, skyrocketed to 220. He continued to vomit and the owners elected to euthanize. This is a very sad case—great dog, great owners who had no idea raisins could be a toxin. Please alert everyone you know who has a dog of this very serious risk. Poison control said as few as Laurinda Morris, DVM Danville Veterinary Clinic Danville, Ohio |
Demodectic Mange
Demodectic Mange is most commonly known as Demodex. This is a skin disease which commonly occurs in younger dogs, caused by a mite-the Demodex canis. This particular mite lives on almost every adult dog and on most humans not causing any irritation or harm in any way. Demodex is usually found in young dogs that have a deficient or poorly developed immune system or older dogs suffering from a suppressed immune system.
Canines that are sensitive to the Demodex mites may develop a few, less than five, localized lesions. They may also have multiple lesions, more than five, that can be found over the entire body. If this is going to occur in your dog it will usually show up after four months of age.
In order for your dog to be properly diagnosed your vet will usually perform a skin scraping, in which they will be able to see the mite under a microscope since the mite can not be seen without it. However, the mites alone do not constitute a diagnosis of Demodex. The dog must also, in addition to the mites, actually have lesions on their body.
So you must be wondering-if my dog is diagnosed with Demodex how will I get rid of those annoying mites and lesions. In localized cases the Demodex can usually be treated topically with ointments and with bathing in a benzyl peroxide shampoo. In addition to the ointments and bathing using a high quality pet food and a multi-vitamin with a fatty acid has been successful in many dogs.
For more severe cases of Demodex vets have been using, with excellent results, liquid Ivermectin. Many people are familiar with Ivermectin as the active ingredient in Heartgard. However, larger daily liquid doses of Ivermectin must be given under a vets supervision in order to be effective. Liquid Ivermectin treatments have proven to be effective in treating and getting rid of the Demodex. It is usually given over a four to six week period.
Please remember this article is written for informational purposes only. Orlando Pug Rescue & Adoption does not endorse any specific method of treatment for Demodex. Please consult with your vet for medical advice.
Want an alternative to a traditional vet?
If you feel your vet is not addressing your dogs nutritional needs you might want to consider an alternative method of treatment for your companion. If you have concerns with medications and would like to try a more natural approach versus a more traditional method try the office of ;
Veterinary Acupuncture and Complementary Therapy
742 Clay Street
Winter Park, Florida 32789.
Phone: 407-644-0080.
Please remember this article is written for informational purposes only. Orlando Pug Rescue & Adoption does not endorse any specific method of treatment for your animal.