by Dr. Steve Nichols, CVA

Clients may become interested in optional approaches to their pet’s health for many different reasons. Even with the tremendous advancements in “Western” medicine over the last 50 years, there are those patients that present with conditions for which we have no therapy or at least not a good one. As veterinarians we are often challenged by cases that don’t adhere to the “textbooks.” These cases may appear to be straightforward, however they do not improve with conventional intervention. Additionally, it is not uncommon for patients to become less responsive to therapies. This is especially true for treatments that are given to address chronic conditions. Refractory cases can be the most challenging. Frustration levels are high because we have seen the patient do very well with a particular medication. Another subset of our patients develop side effects from long-term therapies. These side effects can be quite serious, to the point of preventing the use of similar medications to provide relief. Lastly, some or our clients may simply want a more “natural” approach to their pet’s healthcare. Acupuncture or another complementary therapy may prove beneficial in such cases.

There are several conditions that respond well to these “Non-Traditional” modalities. The majority of the patients that we treat have a chronic or degenerative condition. Some patients are afflicted by diseases that we can define…. arthritis, diabetes, allergies, renal failure, and cancer. Others are subjected to changes that may not have a clear label and are often considered “normal” aging. These can include: fluctuation in weight, loss of strength, diminished eye sight and hearing, increased anxiety, etc.. Clients are often searching for an approach that will, at a minimum, assist in preserving their pet’s quality of life.

Pursuing a different approach than the “norm”, can seem daunting. Just the terminology used in different forms of medicine can be overwhelming. Taking this journey does not mean that “Western” medicine must be left at the curb. Many of our patients enjoy their best health when we integrate our therapeutic options. We will present a prioritized approach to you in a concise yet thorough manner.

If you are interested in taking the next step, please call the Broad Ripple Animal Wellness Center at 317-726-2711. Seeking a new or integrated approach, may allow your pet to experience a greater sense of well-being.

Giardia is a common intestinal parasite seen in dogs and cats.  It is a microscopic organism that can cause vomiting and/or diarrhea, but can also be carried by pets not showing any symptoms.  There are several different types of giardia, some of which can possibly be transmitted from animals to humans.  it can be very difficult by standard methods to tell the types apart, so precautions should always be taken to prevent transmission.

Giardia is transmitted by ingestion of cysts or the active forms of the parasite (trophozoites) that are shed in the stool.  This can be done by direct ingestion of cysts or trophozoites from contaminated fecal material or by ingestion of cysts in contaminated water sources.  The cysts are very resistant and can persist in moist conditions for several months, but are very prone to dessication in hot, dry conditions.  So, if your pet is infected, be careful to clean up all stools to limit contamination and wash hands thoroughly to prevent direct transmission.

There are two different tests that are commonly performed to detect this parasite – direct examination of a centrifuged fecal sample to look for cysts or an antigen test called an ELISA that detects specific proteins from the parasite in the stool.  The presence of cysts definitely indicates an active infection.  A positive ELISA test may not indicate active infection, but just exposure to the parasite.  A negative ELISA test does not 100% rule out a giardia infection in patients that have symptoms such as sudden onset of diarrhea or vomiting or intermittent and recurrent symptoms.  Diagnosis of giardia can be tricky because infected animals are not always shedding cysts in their stool making the parasite very difficult to find and the difficulty interpreting the ELISA test in some patients without cysts present.

Treatment of this parasite involves a course of medication called Panacur or metronidazole, or a combination of both depending on the severity of the infection or if symptoms are present.  Cleaning the rear end to minimize fecal contamination will help prevent re-infection.  This can be done with something as simple as baby wipes.  A full bath to remove any residual contamination should be performed at the end of treatment.  Retesting the stool should be done 2-4 weeks after finishing treatment, depending on the patient and the severity of the infection, to make sure the infection has cleared.  If symptoms persist, or if the infection does not seem to clear with medication, further testing may be needed to look for other causes of either re-infection or persistent infection.

To make an appointment to have your pet examined by Dr. Heinz, or if you have concerns about possible giardia contamination or infection please call the Broad Ripple Animal Clinic and Wellness Center at 317-257-5334.

This spring, like many springs before, I had my backyard landscaped—new pots of flowers, fresh green sod with no mud holes or urine burns, and a large deck was built to entertain friends. The yard looks amazing! I feel completely at peace when I am sitting outside with a glass of wine, while my dogs happily run through the yard and soak up the sun while lounging on the deck.

I find it extremely convenient, as do most dog owners, to open my back door and allow the dogs to come in and out freely. I am also prone to leaving the dogs outside for brief periods while I am working inside the house. The majority of the time, this isn’t a problem, however, less than a month after the yard was landscaped and the flowers were planted, I walked out to find my youngest dog happily digging her way to China, while her sister was standing in the flower pot eating the ornamental grasses.

Like any calm, cool, experienced dog trainer would do, I began screaming and yelling while the dogs looked at me like I was crazy. They have plenty of toys and bones available outside, yet they still chose to turn their attention to the new landscaping. Needless to say, I was mad!

Why would they do this? Why would they not play with their toys, or better yet each other? The answer is simple…they’re dogs. Digging is a normal dog behavior where the dog is motivated to dig for a few reasons:

1. Entertainment: Humans are busy, and at times, lazy. We like the convenience of simply putting the dog outside to “exercise” as if he is running laps and doing push-ups. This lack of supervision and enrichment often leads to a bored dog discovering the joys of digging.
2. Comfort: Some dogs become stressed when they are alone and will dig as a way of seeking their owners. Unsupervised dogs could also be stressed by a neighbor’s dog, or neighborhood noises and dig as a way of finding a way out of stressful situation.
3. Hunting Small Animals: If your dog is digging paths in the yard or holes in specific areas, you may have a small animal such as a rabbit in your yard. Some breeds such as terriers were bred to “go to ground” and dig out game.

How do we decrease our dog’s digging habits?

• Walk/Jog our dogs more frequently, rather than leaving them outside unsupervised. A lack of exercise is a leading cause of problem behaviors.
• Offer your dogs more enrichment opportunities while they are outside such as playing fetch, tug, or foraging for food in the grass.
• Teach your dogs a few commands or tricks. Practice these every day for two to three minutes.
• Offer interactive, interesting toys in the yard to keep your dogs busy when you’re not around. Kong®-type toys filled with treats or Tricky Treat balls work especially well. Rotate the toys to keep things interesting.
• Remove burrowed animals.
• Train your dogs to dig in the designated “digging zone”.
• Provide them with the comfort they seek by keeping them indoors with you.
• Supervise dogs and do not leave them outside unattended to get into mischief.

It is extremely frustrating to find your dog covered in mud and your flowers pulled up. Punishing your dog after the fact will not address the cause of the behavior, and it will worsen any digging that’s motivated by fear or anxiety. As dog owners we have to supervise our dogs and offer adequate exercise and enriched environments to ensure they are learning what we want them to know. This is especially important for puppies and adolescent dogs.

If you have more questions or need assistance with your dog’s bad habits, you can email Brad at b.phifer@bracpet.com, or call the Broad Ripple Animal Clinic and Wellness Center at 317-257-5334 to schedule an appointment with Brad.

When we think of toxic substances, we tend to think of chemicals, cleaners, and medications. However, there are common items you might find around any household that most people don’t realize can be toxic to their beloved pets. Here are four common items, you should take precautions with, if you have a cat or dog in your household:

1.  Xylitol:  This toxin is an artificial sweetener found in many different products including chewing gum, candies, and toothpaste.  It is a dangerous chemical that can cause its first sign of toxicity as earl as 10-15 minutes after ingestion.  It causes a marked decrease in blood glucose levels rapidly due to its quick absorption when ingested.  After that, since it is cleared by the liver, the liver is at risk.  Some dogs may exhibit liver damage even if they did not experience the low glucose initially, so blood monitoring is very important in cases of xylitol ingestion.

2.  Hops:  More and more people are experimenting with home brewing beer, and this may pose a threat to our pets if we are not careful with disposal of the hops.  Ingestion of hops can cause symptoms in multiple body systems, so immediate intervention is warranted.  Certain breeds are at an increased risk to some of the effects of hop ingestion.  These breeds include the Labrador retriever, greyhound, Saint Bernard, pointer, Doberman, Border collie, English springer spaniel, and northern breed dogs.

3.  Lillies:  With spring and the Easter holiday just around the corner and spring everywhere, lillies are also abundant.  These can be especially toxic to cats, and toxicity can come from ingesting any part of the plant.  This toxicity can cause kidney failure within hours of ingestion so early, aggressive therapy is warranted.  If your cat ever eats part of a lilly or if you think that he/she might have, please call for immediate assistance.

4.  Bread Dough:  Part of making bread and pizza dough often involves leaving it on a counter to rise.  However, this poses a risk to those counter surfer dogs out there.  Ingestion of bread dough can effect many body systems in multiple, sometimes severe, ways.  Again with this toxin, with early care and aggressive care, they can have a good prognosis.

If you suspect your pet has ingested any of these items, do not hesitate to call your veterinarian immediately! Even after hours, our Registered Veterinary Technicians are available until 10:00pm to answer your phone calls, Monday-Friday. If you have any questions, please feel free to call the Broad Ripple Animal Clinic and Wellness Center at 317-257-5334, or email Dr. Fruit directly at l.fruit.dvm@bracpet.com

Every year, veterinarians discuss the importance of flea and tick control, along with heartworm disease prevention. You’ve probably heard it every year and according to our medical records, only about half of our pet owners use some type of prevention for about six months out of the year. The question is, are we doing enough to protect our cats and dogs, and ultimately our families?

According to the Companion Animal Parasite Council, flea prevention should be administered to all kittens and puppies, as early as possible and for the lifetime of the pet. When it comes to heartworm disease, which is completely preventable, Indiana has been averaging 26-50 cases per reporting clinic, each year for the past ten years! So, are we truly doing enough? Probably not! What needs to happen this year, when we will surely be inundated with more fleas and more mosquitos than we would ever want in a single season? Get your pets protected NOW, and keep them protected every month all year long.

At Broad Ripple Animal Clinic and Wellness Center, we have three easy choices for you and your pet:

• Revolution is a topical product that you apply directly to your pet’s skin, once a month. When used properly, this product will protect your pet from fleas and heartworm disease. We recommend this product for both cats and dogs. If you purchase it from our clinic, a 10-dose purchase will get you two free doses, assuring your pet is protected year round. Pfizer Animal Health offers a convenient monthly email reminder program that you can sign-up for online at Revolution Reminders!

• Trifexis is an oral product for dogs. It comes in a once-monthly, beef-flavored tablet that will also protect your dog from fleas and heartworm disease. If giving your dog a monthly treat is more up your alley, and you want to support the concept of buying “local”, Indianapolis-based Elanco is offering a $20 rebate on 12-month supplies purchased from veterinarians. Simply go to trifexis.com/vet for more information.

• ProHeart 6 is a heartworm prevention that is administered by way of injection by a licensed veterinarian, every six months. This is the ideal solution for dog owners who have trouble remembering to give a monthly preventative. We recommend pairing ProHeart 6 with Comfortis to offer your dog broad range protection from fleas. Elanco will even send you a text or email reminder to give your dog’s Comfortis once a month, when you sign up at www.comfortis4dogs.com!

The last thing any of us want is a flea infestation in our homes, or bad news that our pet has heartworm disease! An ounce of prevention is worth having peace of mind. Stop by either the main clinic or the Wellness Center and we’ll help you determine which treatment plan is best for you and your pets. Time for your pet’s check-up? No problem—give us a call at 317-257-5334 and we’ll take care of all your pet’s preventative needs.

What is the purpose of vaccination?  It is to safely protect our pets from scores of debilitating and deadly diseases.  Taking your dog or cat to the veterinarian for vaccinations, though, is not as simple or as straightforward as you would think it should be.

First of all, vaccines need to be individually tailored to each pet.  Some vaccines are needed while others may not need to be given.  Some should be given every 6 mos. while others every 3 years.  Others are in between.  To iron this out, you should begin in our office with a consultation on what would be best for you, your pet, and your lifestyle.

Another thing to consider is vaccination safety.  In the veterinary field there are many manufacturers and types of vaccines to choose from.  We could choose our vaccines based on price, but this doesn’t always mean safest or most effective.  We can also choose vaccines that vary in their scientific technology.  Some vaccines for viruses and bacteria contain killed components, some are live but inactivated, and some contain only portions of their DNA or involve other aspects of genetic engineering.

With all these choices how do you know you are getting a quality safe product when you take your pet for vaccines?  This could be a problem.

I can assure you that we at the Broad Ripple Animal Clinic and Wellness Center are completely committed to your pets’ safety and protection.  We choose our vaccines accordingly and make sure we are always up to date on the latest national and regional recommendations.  In fact, as I write this blog, I am flying cross country to take part in an educational conference that will include, in no small part, proper vaccination.

It is, after all, our jobs as veterinary professionals to care for you and your pets and treat them as we treat our own.

Veterinary orthopedic manipulation (VOM) is a therapy similar to chiropractic adjustments.  It is geared towards resetting nerves from the spinal cord that may be misfiring (called subluxations) causing problems with the muscles or organs that they innervate.  These resulting problems can be either acute in nature or can be more chronic and insidious.

The method behind VOM focuses on identifying all of these subluxations and correcting them, leading to relief of symptoms.  The most common conditions that can respond to this type of treatment include musculoskeletal issues such as soft tissue injuries or arthritis, some spinal cord injuries or lesions, as well as some conditions involving the gastrointestinal tract and urinary tract.

A treatment session for VOM involves using an instrument similar to what is used in activator methods in chiropractic care.  This instrument is used to apply an amount of energy to your pet’s vertebral column to essentially “reset” the nerve that is misfiring.  When this is done, it serves both a diagnostic as well as a therapeutic purpose.  If there is a subluxation present at a site on the vertebral column, there will be a specific response that the pet will elicit in response to the instrument that will indicate if there is a subluxation present.  The same maneuver that will cause the response will also reset the nerve.  This process can be startling at first to the pet, but is not painful.  Pets usually will grow accustomed to the instrument and will become less reactive over time, especially as they feel better as a result of the treatment.

VOM is a great tool to assist in the treatment of your pet.  While there are some limitations to the conditions that can be treated, it can be used to help to decrease medications that your pet may need and to give your pet additional relief.  It is not meant to replace current therapies, but is a great consideration as an adjunctive therapy with low risk and the potential for great reward! For more information about veterinary orthopedic manipulation, please call the Broad Ripple Animal Clinic and Wellness Center at 317-257-5334 or email Dr. Heinz directly at c.heinz.dvm@bracpet.com. Dr. Heinz has more than three years experience of practicing VOM in Indianapolis, and can evaluate your pet to see if it is appropriate treatment for your pet’s health and specific medical condition.

Dental x-rays are a very important part of oral care for our pets. They are an integral step in the Complete Oral Health Assessment and Treatment (COHAT) plan that is performed when your pet goes under anesthesia for oral care. In addition to dental x-rays, this COHAT plan includes full cleaning above and below the gum line, careful probing and charting of the teeth and teeth structures, assessment of the tongue, gums, and soft tissues of the mouth, and often photography to document your pet’s oral health. This process is very similar to a visit to our human dentists.

So, why are good quality dental x-rays so necessary?

Dental radiography is often the only way to detect problems with teeth, gums, and bones beneath the surface of the gum line. Nearly 70% of tooth structure and the structures that hold the teeth securely and comfortably in the mouth are invisible to the naked eye and our handheld dental instruments. X-rays remain the only way to find hidden, and often painful or infected problems that we can’t visually see, and your pet can’t describe to us.

So, is this invasive? How is it performed?

It is not invasive at all, and for experienced veterinary professionals who have the training to perform it efficiently, it is safe and adds very little extra time to the COHAT process. At Broad Ripple Animal Clinic and Wellness Center, a state of the art digital dental x-ray receiver is placed in the mouth of your pet and an x-ray machine that emits a very low level of x-ray takes high quality, detailed images of the structures we otherwise couldn’t see. The images immediately appear on a large computer monitor, where we can see the anatomy and make any treatment decisions for hidden pathology. At the end of the procedure, the x-ray images can be printed out so you can see what was found and what needed to be done to keep your pet happy, healthy, and pain-free. For more information about pet dental care, please call the main clinic at 317-257-5334 or check out our dental website.

Christmas trees set the tone for a festive holiday decor, but can pose a danger to curious cats and dogs.  Here’s what to watch for so you can protect your pets:

The Tree:

• Pine needles smell wonderful to us humans but, for some reason, are tasty to some cats and dogs.  Pine needles are not in themselves toxic to pets, but can be very irritating to the pet’s stomach, causing vomiting and a poor appetite.  Keep sweeping up those pine needles as they dry up and drop onto the floor over the next several weeks!

• Anchor your tree securely so that climbing cats and tail-wagging dogs will not knock it over.

What’s On The Tree:

• Pretty tinsel, ribbons and garlands make pretty decorations for our trees, but make convenient, yet possibly dangerous, toys for our pets – cats especially love to eat string-like objects, which unfortunately can get struck in one part of the intestinal tract, and cause an obstruction which could require surgery.

• Breakable glass ornaments should be hung well out of reach – cats find them fun to bat off the tree, and dogs love to eat them!  Be careful to pick up any pieces of broken glass if an ornament does break, but also be aware of the hangers and small metal fastenings that may become separated from the ornament itself – these can be swallowed or stepped on by your pet.

• Signs of ingestion of a foreign object can vary – they depend on the type of foreign object ingested and whether or not it gets stuck or can pass through the intestinal tract. The symptoms can range from lethargy, lack of appetite, vomiting, diarrhea, and abdominal pain.

• Holiday lights are another dangerous temptation – pets may chew on them, causing injury from electrical shock.  Inspect your light for defects, such as loose or frayed wires, as well as signs of previous illicit indulgences by your pet, such as bite marks.  Be careful also about the wires’ proximity to the tree’s water supply.

• Electrical shock can cause burns, difficulty breathing, abnormal heart rhythm, loss of consciousness, and even death.

What’s Under The Tree:

• Any new source of water can be tempting, so your cat or dog may suddenly prefer to drink the water under your Christmas tree – this is not a problem unless you add chemicals to the water to keep your tree fresh.  Read the additive’s label to see if it is safe for pets.

• Pretty gifts are lovely under the tree, but make sure they are not decorated with the kinds of ribbons, decorative twine, bells or toys that might lure your pet to play, unravel or eat them. Be careful what’s inside the boxes, too – any type of food item can be detected by the sensitive nose of your pet – most things are OK for your pet to eat, but any type of food that is out of the ordinary for your pet can cause stomach upset and diarrhea.  One type of popular holiday gift is definitely NOT OK for your pet to eat is chocolate.

So, have a happy holiday season from everyone at the Broad Ripple Animal Clinic and Wellness Center, and we hope this helps your pet have a safe, and therefore, happy, holiday season as well!

Feline acne usually presents as crusty, scabby sores with or without accompanying whiteheads or blackheads on your cat’s muzzle and chin.  Often the chin and muzzle can be swollen and quite painful to the touch.  While it is usually not contagious, more than one cat can be affected in the household.  The signs of feline acne can wax and wane, depending on the underlying cause.  Most of the time there is a bacterial infection but this is usually secondary.

Causes of this condition are many; fungal infections, parasitic infections like demodex mites, sensitivities to medications or supplements that you are currently giving, allergies, outward signs of an internal metabolic disease, a primary bacterial infection, or rarely, a form of skin cancer.  Your veterinarian will recommend a series of tests to try and determine the reason behind the flare-up.  Some of these tests can be done in the office, like a skin scraping, and other tests will be sent out, like blood work or a fungal culture.  Still other diagnostics may require sedation or anesthesia, like a tissue biopsy.

Once your veterinarian diagnoses the cause of the acne, treatment will be recommended.  Some therapies are non-invasive and are aimed at controlling the environment for allergens.  These include diet trials and transitioning to stainless steel or ceramic dishes.  Other disease specific therapy can include antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, anti-fungals, and localized creams and washes for the area affected.   If the problem is determined to be allergic in nature, then allergy testing and treatment with spot-ons, vaccines, or medications directed at controlling the overly strong response will be started.

Some easy at-home therapies that can help many cats with feline acne are switching to dishes that do not contain plastic and cleaning the chin 2-3 times weekly with an astringent.  Choosing one that doesn’t have alcohol will make the procedure more enjoyable for your cat.

Most cases of feline acne can be resolved with strict management of the offending condition or allergen.  For further information or any questions, please contact the Broad Ripple Animal Clinic and Wellness Center at 317-257-5334 or Dr. Birchfield can be reached directly at t.birchfield.dvm@bracpet.com.