HEALING SHOULD NOT BE A PAIN

Dear Fellow Pet Lovers,

 

Until about 20 years ago, pain control for animals was not a huge consideration for veterinarians. It was believed that pain actually assisted healing since it reduced activity. This idea has been considered false for the past many years.

 

It is now known that controlling pain effectively is a key part of faster healing. When the body is in pain, it is using resources to address pain and taking them away from healing. Though this seems obvious, it is still a relatively recent revelation in veterinary medicine.

 

Nowadays, pain control is a critical part of any after-surgery or any after-injury care. Your DVM will often send up to 2 or more types of pain control in such a circumstance. Pain meds are usually injected during surgical procedures to get the pain control started ahead of the severe pain.

 

A new thing that is being done to further reduce post-surgery pain is to inject local anesthetic around the surgery site, blocking pain for several hours. (This is similar in some ways to the nerve blocks used by your dentist for dental surgery)

 

So, you can see that pain is not a helpful factor in healing. Rather, it is harmful. When your pet is experiencing a painful situation, proper pain control is necessary for fastest healing.

 

At Pet Emergency Clinic, we work hard to treat and prevent pain, in order to get your pet healed as fast as possible.

 

 

That is all.

 

 

Dr. John Emerson, Pet Emergency Clinic

I Found a Stray. What Now?

Dear Fellow Pet Lovers,

 

A reader wrote recently describing a situation in which she found an animal that had no tags and a chewed off tether running in her neighborhood. Owning 2 dogs herself already, she did not feel comfortable taking the dog into her home. Upon trying to call Animal Services, she found that she would have to dial 911, since it was outside of business hours. She was hesitant to do that because she did not consider it a “real” emergency. How may this be handled?

 

These are difficult and there is probably no one right answer. But, of course, I will render my opinion as follows:

 

1) It is totally OK to use 911 in this situation, as that is how the system is set up so one may contact the Animal Services duty officer. (If you just cannot stand that idea anyway, you may dial the Sheriff’s office on a non-emergency line, and they will be able to reach the Animal Services officer.)

 

2) Pet Emergency Clinic has a microchip scanner and will scan any stray pet you find at no charge. This may allow you to then contact the owners. (One point, and it often comes up; Pet Emergency Clinic is totally unable to accept any such stray animal, even for a brief time. This is because we have no boarding space, and because of the sick and injured pets in our building, that could catch illness from the stray or vice versa.)

 

3) If you are able to confine the lost pet in a yard or anywhere, the Animal Services officer is usually the best bet.

 

 

Now, how about preventing the problem?

1) Keep your pets appropriately confined, and always have your pet microchipped and with an ID tag on the collar just in case. Common sense.

 

2) Keep your pets protected from known contagious disease and heartworms by visiting your own DVM at least yearly and sometimes more often.

 

 

See? It is usually easy to be spot on and to do the right thing. Nothing to it!

 

 

 

That is all.

 

 

Dr. John Emerson, Pet Emergency Clinic

Pet Laws- Good or Bad?

Dear Fellow Pet Lovers,

 

A new law passed in Phoenix Arizona requires all dogs and cats sold in pet stores to come from animal shelters and bans “puppy mill” pets from pet stores. This raises an interesting question of government’s powers over private business.

 

At first glance, these laws seem reasonable. Animal shelters euthanize thousands of unadopted, healthy pets every year, while “puppy mills [low-quality pet breeders who produce poor quality, often unhealthy animals at premium prices]” sell thousands of problematic pets to unsuspecting pet parents, often through pet stores. Why not help the “good guys” (the shelters) and try to punish the” bad guys” (the puppy mills)?

 

But, on the other hand, is it right for the government, no matter how well meaning, to dictate business practices to a private business? Consider that, like so many well-meaning initiatives, it can create effects that were maybe not considered by the well-meaning initiative writers.

 

Some questions could include: the definition of a puppy mill and what breeders could be tagged with that title. What about disease, behavior problems, and other problems that sometimes surround animal shelter animals? How would the shelter pets be delivered to the pet stores? What if there were not enough shelter pets to satisfy the demands of pet owners? Who is responsible when one gets sick?

 

So, you can see that, like Sir Isaac Newton said, for every action, there is an equal and opposite reaction. I am philosophically opposed to government micromanagement of business, since these initiatives so often have negative, unintended consequences.

 

Probably a better idea is public education and then allowing individuals to make their own decisions. Or so I think!

 

 

That is all.

 

 

Dr. John Emerson, Pet Emergency Clinic

Internet Veterinary Advice. Illegal or Free Speech?

Dear Fellow Pet Lovers,

 

A couple of years ago, a retired DVM in Texas started a service in which pet owners could computer consult the doctor regarding their pet’s condition for a fee. There was no exam actually performed The Texas Board of Veterinary Medicine ordered the doctor to shut down because he was giving medical advice without having a doctor/patient relationship.

 

The doctor argued that he had established this relationship with a computer interview, but the Board argued that, without an actual physical exam, there was no actual relationship.

 

The doctor claimed that the Board was just trying to block free trade and free speech, but the Board, charged with protecting the public, determined that a doctor could not reliably give advice regarding an animal he had never even seen.

 

Ultimately, the doctor lost the case and was forced the STOP his Internet only “practice.”

 

But the case raised some interesting things to think about including:

1- What exactly constitutes a doctor/patient relationship?

2- How does free speech collide with protecting the public?

3- Who was actually right in this case?

 

Though I cannot necessarily answer the three questions above for you, I will, as always, give you my thoughts.

At Pet Emergency Clinic, we almost NEVER give medical advice over the phone on a pet we have not examined. Why? Because, in many cases, what the owner tells us and what is really going on may not be exactly the same. An error in the telling could result in a severe error in treatment. We will not risk it.

 

Additionally, what we tell the owner to do MIGHT be incorrectly duplicated, resulting in the wrong treatment being given.

 

So, I believe that the risk of giving phone advice is greater than the benefits we might gain from it.

 

I believe that a pet should be examined prior to medical treatment being given.

 

If your pet is ill and it is after hours, just take your pet to Pet ER. The doctor will give it a good going over, and, based on that, determine a reasonable treatment plan. And that is the best bet for getting better fast!

 

That is all.

 

 

Dr. John Emerson, Pet Emergency Clinic

The Moon. Creator of “Lunacy?”

Dear Fellow Pet Lovers,

 

You hear many people say that it “must be a full moon” whenever crazy things start to happen. We definitely see this phenomenon at Pet ER. It seems that, with almost every full moon, some weird things occur, some strange cases present to us, and some unusual people turn up as well.

 

If you Google the topic “Full Moon and Craziness” or some similar search, you will find several entries. Interestingly, the vase majority says there is ZERO scientific evidence that the moon affects events or people on this planet.

 

Even more interestingly, if you talk to most any person who works on or around a full moon, you will get a totally opposite answer. That is, most of us seem to believe that the moon phase DOES affect us in some unknown way, and weird things DO occur at certain moon phases.

 

I am in the second camp, and my advice this week is to at least be aware of a full moon and do not do any craziness that could help the full moon cause a problem! To wit….

 

1- Keep your pets in and well fed.

 

2-Keep your bodies rested and get your moderate exercise.

 

3-In the event of silliness from others around the full moon,(or anytime, actually) use your preparation and knowledge to allow you to handle any problems gracefully.

 

 

 

That is all.

 

 

Dr. John Emerson, Pet Emergency Clinic

Being “On Drugs” is Not Always Bad!

Dear Fellow Pet Lovers,

Is your pet “on drugs”?

The vast majority ARE, if you count routine ones like heartworm and flea meds.

Many people are surprised to learn that many of the same drugs used on humans are also used on pets. It is true.

And there are also many veterinary only drugs that the physicians are not allowed to use, to their chagrin.

We run into trouble when well-meaning clients, or sometimes even pharmacists, use certain “safe” human drugs on pets without knowing a proper dose or knowing whether it is even ok on pets.

A dramatic example of this would be Tylenol in cats, which is an extreme toxin. To some degree, ibuprofen (Motrin) can be dangerous too at the wrong dose.

So, what am I saying?

Do not ever use a human drug on your pet unless you know FOR A FACT that it is appropriate for this condition, that the drug can be used on that type of pet, and the correct dose of that drug for your pet. (By the way, FOR A FACT does not mean that you see it on the internet.)

Usually, it is best to have your pet seen by a DVM and diagnosed, followed by the administration of a correct and appropriate medicine.

 

I promise. Very good advice!!!

 

That is all.

 

Dr. John Emerson, Pet Emergency Clinic

Somebody Poisoned the Watering Hole!

Dear Fellow Pet Lovers,

Every day at Pet Emergency Clinic, we see pets that the owner suspects are “poisoned,” and often intentionally by hateful neighbors, relatives, etc.

Though occasionally this does occur, more often the pet has some other illness besides “poison.”

Just like with “cancer, ” people tend to lump “poisons” all together as one thing. This is actually not correct. Every poison is a distinct thing and any harmful overdose of anything, even water, could become a poison to the body under some conditions. So, there are literally thousands of possible poisons out there in the world.

Many people also get the idea that there is one blood test that can be ran to diagnose “poison,” and unfortunately, it is usually not that easy. The blood testing we run on your sick pet who may have been poisoned is more a general check on the organ and blood systems than any specific poison diagnostic. (There are certain tests that can confirm certain poisons, but these are more used to CONFIRM a suspicion than to find a poison out of the blue.

So, you can see that poison is not one discreet thing that can be diagnosed by a “poison test.” Rather, your pet’s particular poisoning is actually diagnosed by a good history, physical exam, and supporting lab tests.

And, though some poisons have a specific antidote, in many cases, the treatment is supportive care such as IV fluids, heat, anti-seizure meds, etc.

So, what to do about poisoning?

1- Do not cause it yourself. Keep all poisons and any harmful products secured and away from pets and people.

2- To avoid that malicious neighbor, never allow your pet to run loose around your neighborhood.

3- Never give your pet a “people drug” unless you absolutely know that it is appropriate and you know the veterinary dose.

4- Never allow your pet to drink an alcoholic beverage, since this can be very dangerous.

5- If you have a known poisoning, get to your DVM with the packaging in hand. Often, the packaging describes how to treat poisoning from that product and there is an 800 number to call.

6- See a DVM AS SOON AS YOU KNOW YOUR PET INGESTED A POISON. On poisons where vomiting is appropriate, if I can induce vomiting (with a simple IV injection) within 1 hour of ingestion, I often have a great chance of the pet doing well. (after hours, we are here at Pet ER)

So, you see, poisoning is not such a toxic subject after all.

That is all.

Dr. John Emerson, Pet Emergency Clinic

WHAT’S THE BEST PET??? SURVEY SAYS!!!!!? …

Dear Fellow Pet Lovers,
I often am asked what is the very best possible pet. (This is similar to being asked what is the best car, best spouse ,the best whatever). There is only ONE correct answer. It DEPENDS.
It really depends on what your needs are. And it also depends on what your WANTS are.
I so often see people with pets (and with cars and with other things) that I believe are impractical and may not make sense for them. But they have the pet and are happy, so why should I criticize ?
When you are getting a pet, it is very smart to get one that suits your lifestyle as well as your wants. For example, having a Great Dane and a Mastiff inside a small apartment when your work schedule involves 18 hour shifts would not make sense. Maybe a cat or smaller dog with a pet sitter would.
Some people get a breed to achieve a certain “look.” The avid young sportsman may feel that a Labrador helps with the right look, and it may be the right pet. But the young sportsman should be aware that Labradors (great breed) are energetic, need lots of exercise, and can be a handful if they are not well-trained.
Many people just love the English Bulldog breed and want to have one as a family pet. Yes, Bulldogs are wonderful, friendly, goofy pets that will make you laugh out loud. But they are also fragile animals that are cursed with many health problems. The potential owner should be prepared for all of this and for sometimes costly medical bills.
When the Chinese Shar-Pei first became popular in the 1980’s everybody wanted one of those “hairless, wrinkled, dogs. ” But the breed at first had severe medical problems and sometimes personality problems, making them a difficult pet. Good to know ahead of time.

So, what am I saying?

1- Make sure that you are able to physically house the type of pet that you are interested in. (Pretty basic)

2- Make sure that you are aware of the possible medical problems this type pet may get. Can you deal with the expense and the heartache that sometimes occurs?

3- Make sure how getting a certain breed will affect your homeowners insurance. Many breeds that are considered aggressive will cause a large increase in premiums or in some cases cancellation of your insurance. (I am not addressing whether these dogs in fact really deserve this; rather just what does happen.)

4- Be sure that you are able to spend time with your pet. This is more important than anything else. When you spend the needed amount of time, your pet can become a dream. And when you cannot, it may be a nightmare.

5- Consider the cost of medical care, high quality food, heartworm prevention, etc. which are in addition to the purchase price, if any. Does it fit your budget?

In my career, I have seen many people who could scrounge together $2000 to $3000 to purchase a fancy pet, but then they became frustrated because they could not afford the ongoing maintenance of such a pet. Consider adopting from the shelter, where, for a pretty low price, your new pet is updated on preventive care and not very costly. Now your $2000 can go a pretty long way towards pet maintenance.

Whatever happens, and whatever pet you choose, consult your DVM. For preliminary advice and for medical matters. And if these medical matters occur after hours, call Pet Emergency Clinic at 337-562-0400.

That is all.

Dr. John Emerson, Pet Emergency Clinic

Have you Seizure? Baby Have you Seizure?

Dear Fellow Pet Lovers, 
Since we have lately been seeing multiple cases of seizures at ER, I am devoting this week’s update to this topic….
What is a seizure?

A seizure is a condition in which, most commonly, muscles contract violently and then relax, over and over, and the animal becomes incoherent, which usually lasts only several seconds but which seems to last for hours. (I am describing the most common seizure, the Grand Mal, or “Big Sick,” seizure here. There are many types) A Grand Mal seizure is like a thunderstorm in the brain, in which there is uncontrolled electrical activity firing off all at once.
Just how dangerous are seizures?

They can be VERY dangerous, especially if the seizure continues for very long at all. But usually, the seizure will play itself out after a few minutes and the immediate danger is over. This often occurs at ER, when by the time the pet arrives, the seizure is stopped and the owners feel sort of silly. If it happens to you, be assured, you are NOT silly. ALL PETS WHO HAVE HAD A FIRST SEIZURE SHOULD SEE A DVM.
What causes seizures?

In more many cases, we cannot assign a medical condition that caused the seizure. Pets that have seizures from no known cause are termed Epileptic. However, there are many medical conditions that may cause a seizure, and if corrected, the seizure problem will dissappear. Anything from head trauma, liver disease, cancer, stroke, kidney disease, certain poisons, etc. may cause a seizure. 
What is the handling for seizure pets seen by the DVM?

Usually, a detailed physical exam inclusing a neurological exam, along with blood testing to rule out organ dysfunction are the start. Then ideally, the pet should be hospitalized for overnight observation called “seizure watch.” Though many seizure pets do not need long-term meds, we do like to use “pulse therapy” of antiseizure meds (PULSE-to give multiple frequent doses of an anti-seizure drug as a temporary measure only) may be used to reduce the chance of followup seizures.
Will my pet have to be on medicine?

Most of the time, DVM’s are reluctant to start anti-seizure meds until they determine that the seizures will continue if they do not. This is because, usually, once you commit to medicine after the initial temporary pulse, you are committed to it. In some cases, seizures are just a rare thing, and meds may not be indicated.
What Medicine may be used?

There are a large number of possible anti-seizure drugs that may be used, but the barbiturate Phenobarbitol and the salt Pottassium Bromide are the most common ones in dogs. The meds available for dogs and cats are increasing rapidly, so discuss this with your own DVM.
Have you Seizure?

Well, we really hope not, but if you do, ER and your DVM can help!

You CAN do something about pet illness.

That is all.

Dr. John Emerson, Pet Emergency Clinic

Reunited (And it Feels so Good)

Dear Fellow Pet Lovers,

Recently, a very cute little dog, who was obviously someone’s pet, ran up to one of our ER doctors as she was departing the building. Though the ER was closing in the morning as we do after a night shift, our staff members took the pet in, checked unsuccessfully for a microchip, and advised me that the cute “baby” was in the building.

After several phone calls to local veterinary clinics asking whether they knew this dog, we placed an ad on our clinic Facebook page and posted the pet on the “Lost and Found Dogs and Pets in the Lake Charles Area” website. In fewer than 24 hours, pet and owner were reunited, and the happy story was concluded.

But this very happy story brought to mind a topic, which I have touched on before and which is worth reviewing: Lost Pets and People.

To start with, it is best if it never happens in the first place, so keep indoors pets indoors, walk the pets outside with a leash always, and be sure that any fence in your yard is secure. These steps alone would reduce the incidence of lost pets by 80%, I believe.

Of course, these steps seem WAY too simple, and like most workable things, they are. You CAN get much more elaborate.

But what if your pet DOES manage to separate itself from you? What do you do then?

Glad you asked!

1- Microchips really work. These are tiny passive (they do not transmit anything) chips that reflect a unique number when scanned by a device that every DVM as well as Animal Services has. You call an 800 number with the chip data, and VOILA! Reunited (and it feels so good)! (And no, they are not a government plot to track you or your pets. The government tracks you via your cellphone if they really must) One more anecdote- My brilliant sister has a dog she loves like a son, and on TWO occasions has had the microchip reunite her and her mostly trouble-free furry “child.”

2- A harness with ID tag and Rabies tag- I say a harness because your pet will most likely lose its collar when on Ferris Beuller’s Day Off. It just will. A harness has much less chance of slipping off, and it is less strain on the neck.

3- The power of Social Media. Advertise your lost pet on Facebook, Twitter, etc. Also, the “Lost and Found Dogs and Pets in the Lake Charles Area” website worked in the case of our particular doggy.

4- Call Animal Services- Animal Services is the clearinghouse for lost pets in our area, and it does a wonderful job. These dedicated people work their difficult and sometimes thankless jobs because they really care. I highly respect our Animal Services team and I recommend that you do too.

5- Veterinary Clinics- Local veterinary clinics often are brokers of reunions, so be sure to call the ones around where the pet was lost too.

May you (or your pet) never have to sing …..”I was a fool to ever leave your side… Me minus you is such a lonely ride… the breakup we had has made me lonesome and sad …..”

You CAN do something about pet illness.

That is all.

Dr. John Emerson, Pet Emergency Clinic