Blue Water Spinone Association
BLOAT!
Canine bloat is a serious and complex life threatening disorder in dogs. It is more properly termed gastric dilatation-volvulus (gas filled/twisted stomach) Almost every breed of dog has been affected by GVD, but the condition is seen more commonly in large, deep-chested breeds. GDV is characterized by expansion of the stomach with gas or frothy material. This is followed by a rotation of the stomach, which effectively closes both the entry to and exit from the stomach, so that relief of the distended state is not possible. This condition is accompanied by severe metabolic changes, which can rapidly lead to shock and death. It has not been determined why it happens but major studies are being done to determine the causes of this condition. There are more reports each year of this happening to Spinoni! The exact cause of GVD has not been determined with any certainty. Dogs that eat rapidly and then are allowed to exercise afterward may be at increased risk. Apparently the heavy, food-filled stomach can act like a pendulum, swinging back and forth until it twists on itself. Composition of the diet thus far, does not seem to be a factor, nor does it seem to matter whether the dog eats dry or canned food. Some believe a factor may be the dog’s personality - stressful, nervous, and worried.
BLOAT PHASES, SYMPTOMS AND RECOMMENDED ACTIONS
PHASE 1 SYMPTOMS:
1. Pacing, restlessness, panting and salivating.
2. Unproductive attempts to vomit (every 10-20 minutes).
3. Abdomen exhibits fullness and is beginning to enlarge.
ACTIONS: Call Veterinarian to advise of bloat case in route. Transport dog to Veterinarian immediately!
PHASE 2 SYMPTOMS:
1. Very restless, whining, panting continuously, heavy salivating.
2. Unproductive attempts to vomit (every 2-3 minutes).
3. Dark red gums.
4. High heart rate (80 to 10 BPM).
5. Abdomen is enlarged and tight, emits hollow sound when thumped.
ACTIONS: Transport dog to Veterinarian immediatel
PHASE 3 SYMPTOMS
1. Gums are white or blue
2. Dog unable to stand or have a spread-legged, shaky stance.
3. Abdomen is very enlarged.
4. Extremely high heart rate (100 BPM or greater) and weak pulse.
ACTIONS: Get to a Vet! Death is imminent!
DOGS MAY GO TO PHASE 3 BLOAT WITHOUT SEEMINGLY GOING THROUGH PHASES 1 OR 2. PHASE 3 CAN BE FATAL IN MINUTES!
POSSIBLE STEPS FOR PREVENTION:
1.Feed the dog two or three times daily, rather than once a day, and at times when someone can observe them After they have eaten.
2.Avoid vigorous exercise, excitement and stress one hour before and two hours after feeding. Walking is okay because it helps stimulate normal gastrointestinal function.
3.Feed dogs individually and in a quiet location.
4.Make diet changes gradually over a 3-5 day period.
5.Ensure water is always available but limit the amount immediately after feeding. (No drinking large amounts)
6.Watch for any actions or behavior that may signal abdominal discomfort (abdominal fullness, pacing, salivating, Whining, getting up and lying down, stretching, looking at abdomen, anxiety and unsuccessful at etc.)
7.Establish a good relationship with a veterinarian. Discuss emergency procedures, preventative surgery and overall medical management of your dog.
8. Convey the you are concerned about Bloat when having your dog put under anesthesia - dogs can and do Bloat coming out of anesthesia and should be watched closely for signs.
BEWARE! Bloat happens without warning, the reasons are not clear and recognizing your dog is in trouble in time will save their life. Boat is fatal and the longer you wait to get medical help, the less chance your dog has to survive. Spinoni have died of this and more cases are being reported. BLOAT: What causes it? How do we prevent it? We really do not know the answer to either of those questions. Original theories suggested that it occurred when a dog ate a large meal of dry food and then drank a lot of water. The water caused the dry food to swell. At the same time, the dog was supposed to be engaged in strenuous exercise that included running and jumping. That resulted in the dog's stomach twisting on itself as the heavy organ was jostled about in the abdomen. Although that is the most common explanation given, there is no scientific evidence to support this theory. In most dogs experiencing GDV, the stomach is not excessively full of dry food and the dog has not recently engaged in strenuous exercise. The most current theory is that the stomach's contractions lose their regular rhythm and trap air in the stomach; this can cause the twisting event. However, the sequence of events for most cases defies a good explanation. Bloat usually happens in large deep chested dogs but small dogs have been known to have it. Bloat is very painful and kills quickly. Spinone are at risk!
For More info:
http://www.globalspan.net/bloat.htm
Bordetella - a bacterial infection (kennel cough)
(DHLPP)
Distemper - an airborne viral disease of the lungs, intestines and brain
Hepatitis - a viral disease of the liver.
Leptospirosis - a bacterial disease of the urinary system.
Parainfluenza – a viral infectious bronchitis.
Parvovirus - a viral disease of the intestines
Rabies - a viral disease fatal to humans and other animals.
For Puppies - 6 weeks to 1 year
Puppies 6 to 8 weeks - First puppy shot (DHLPP) + Corona
Puppies 11 to 12 weeks - Second puppy shot (DHLPP) + Corona
Puppies 15 to 16 weeks - Third puppy shot (DHLPP) + Corona
Puppies Over 4 months - Rabies (repeat l year later)
Puppies 7 to 9 months - First heartworm test
Adult Dogs - After 1 year
DHLPP - Yearly
Heartworm test - Yearly
Rabies - Every 3 years (after second Rabies shot)
Bordetella – Yearly
Each state has their own laws and regulations regarding thefrequency & requirement of certain vaccinations.
There are ever changing ideas on how much vaccination should be done.
When in doubt, always discuss it with your veterinarian.
The esophagus is a rounded tubular muscle/organ that runs from the back of the throat to the stomach and moves the ingested material from the mouth to the stomach. In humans, the organ is shorter and food passes downward. In a large dog like a Spinone, the organ is almost twice as long and food moves down then more to the side than straight down.
Esophageal disease is anything that affects the esophagus. Dogs can suffer from the same disorders as humans. Most of the disorders are due to or made worse by excess acid production in the stomach as well as advanced age.
Esophagitis is an inflammation of the esophagus.
Megaesophagus is decreased esophageal movement that often results in dilation or stretching of the organ beyond normal size. It can be congenital (existing from birth) or form later in life.
Vascular Ring Anomaly is strangulation (compression) of the Esophagus within several structures causing a partial megaesophagus.
Esophageal Diverticla are pouch-like dilations of the esophaleal wall.
Esophageal Stricture (Constriction) is an abnormal narrowing of the esophagus and can be in one or several places within the organ
Esophageal Neoplasia is cancer of the esophagus.
SIGNS OF TROUBLE:
Salivation - drooling
Poor appetite
Persistent gulping
Discomfort swallowing
Coughing
Regurgitation – the bringing up of fluid, mucus and undigested food from the esophagus
The magnitude of clinical signs depends on both the specific disease and the severity of that disease. The clinical signs may be slight but present for weeks or months, or may be extremely severe, and come about quickly. Because the history, physical exam findings and overall presentation of dogs with esophageal disease are variable, there are other illnesses or symptoms that might be considered initially when establishing a definitive diagnosis. It is most important to identify regurgitation (the effortless evacuation of fluid, mucus and undigested food from the esophagus). It is the most common clinical signs associated with esophageal disease, and must be differentiated from vomiting.
The differentiation between REGURGITATION and VOMITING is very important, as it helps to distinguish esophageal disease from gastric (stomach) or intestinal disease.
Regurgitation is often referred to as vomiting by the pet owner. The difference is very important.
REGURGITATION: Frothing white mucus filled fluid (often with something just eaten in it) This often occurs just after eating an item as the item can not pass the constriction. This usually looks different too . The dog appears to be having trouble swallowing and excessive drooling before the regurgitation happens. This whole process takes more time usually than vomiting will take and the dog will keep regurgitating the white mucus fluid until the item causing the difficulty comes up.
VOMITING: comes from the stomach and can be just a small amount of yellow liquid (bile) or food. There is usually no drooling, the dog wants to eat grass if they can and the event happens quickly
TREATMENT:
It is important to determine the specific esophageal disease before effecting treatment.
In most esophageal diseases there are no sex, breed or age predilections, but some are seen more commonly in younger dogs, some more commonly in smaller dogs, some more commonly in older dogs. In addition, some esophageal diseases are factors in other conditions as a result so symptomatic therapy may be indicated regardless of the disease itself.
These may include:
MEDICAL MANAGEMENT: Gastric Acid Blockers, Coating agents and Prokinetic agents that promote movement.
DIETARY MODIFICATION: small more frequent meals, soft easily digestible food.
SURGICAL INTERVENTION: Placement of a feeding tube; hiatal hernia, vascular ring anomaly, diverticulitis
HOSPITALIZATION: aspirated pneumonia, infections
In severe or prolonged cases of esophagitis, strictures are not uncommonly seen. Alert your veterinarian if there is an increase in regurgitation, or extreme discomfort upon ingesting food. The prognosis for these animals depends on the particular disease and its severity. Generally, mild to moderate cases respond nicely to treatment. Although severe cases often respond well, they may be associated with complications or lengthy healing periods. In extreme cases, despite appropriate therapy, complete resolution or even control may be unattainable.
BALLOON DILATATION or bougienage are techniques used to open up a constricted esophageal stricture. There are great risks of esophageal perforation; however, if performed properly, many patients can do quite well. This procedure has to be done multable times two or more weeks apart. But it may be the only way for the dog to live. There are cases where, despite treatment, recurrent strictures occur and ultimately the animal will not survive.
There is no set regime for dogs with esophageal disease but a specific plan should be formulated for the individual animal that will provide maximum support and treatment. It is vital to administer all prescribed medications in a timely manor and follow feeding recommendations closely, know the signs of trouble and have a plan to seek medical help immediately. (Pneumonia can appear in a matter of a few hours and, if not attended to, will quickly kill a dog)
WARNING - Toxic to Dogs
As early as the 1960's, experiments indicated a link between the ingestion of xylitol and hypoglycemia in dogs. But, it has only been recently that the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center has begun to receive reports of xylitol toxicosis in dogs. It is believed that this recent rise is likely due to the increased use of products containing xylitol in the United States.
WARNING TO DOG OWNERS!
CLINICAL SIGNS
Clinical signs of xylitol toxicity can develop in as few as 30 minutes after ingestion. Clinical signs may include one or more of the following:
* Vomiting
* Weakness
* Ataxia (uncoordinated movements)
* Hypokalemia (decreased potassium)
* Seizures
* Coma
* Liver dysfunction and/or failure
WHAT TO DO?
1. INDUCE VOMITING depending on the time lapsed after ingestion and only if no clinical signs have appeared.
2. After clinical signs appear – get to a Vet! They will need to give intravenous dextrose to control the hypoglycemia and also treat the potassium levels. Treatment should be continued until the blood glucose levels return to normal.
FOR MORE INFORMATION:
ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center – 888-426-4435
http://www.aspca.org/site/DocServer/vetm0207f_095-
100_.pdf?docID=10462
http://www.angelfire.com/az/sthurston/xylitol_
natural_sweetener.html
http://www.xlear.com/xylitol/
CANINE TOXINS:
Toxins are a common reason dog owners
visit their veterinarians or emergency clinic.
A vigilant eye and quick reaction can
prevent your dog from becoming the
victim of poisoning. Have the number
to your vet and also poison control in
your area on hand. Time is critical in
saving your dog.
The 6 Most
Common Deadly Poisons
That Could Kill Your Dog.
#1 - Antifreeze. This is the most
common deadly poison ingested
by dogs. As little as one teaspoon
can even kill a small dog. Antifreeze
has a sweet taste and dogs like it.
Do keep ALL antifreeze away from
your dog.
#2. Mouse and Rat Baits. There are
several ingredients in these products
that are toxic. The most common
one causes bleeding disorders that
can be fatal. Make sure any
baits you use are out of the reach of
your pet.
#3. Slug Bait. In the summer
months, slugs come out and bait
is used to kill them. The active
ingredient is metaldehyde and can
cause uncontrollable seizures.
#4. Insecticides. Check anything used
on your lawn and yard – it may be harmful
to pets. Don't give your pet anything for
fleas or ticks unless approved by
your veterinarian. Some pets are sensitive
to certain medications.
#5. Medications. Overdosing or
accidental access to any medication is
a common cause of poisoning in dogs.
If your pet accidentally gets anything
he shouldn't, call your veterinarian.
Early identification andtreatment
can save his life.
#6. Foods and food additives. Some
things are good for humans, but will make
a dog sick or even kill them in certain
dosages.
~~~~~~~~~
CANINE POISON CONTROL!
1. HOUSEHOLD ITEMS POISONOUS TO DOGS:
Many household products other
than ANTIFREEZE can kill a dog.
A dog may be exposed to a
product while it is being used
or being stored improperly.
Always store cleaning products
and other items listed below out
of reach.
2. INSECTICIDES:
Insecticides, rodenticides, and
other pesticides are designed
to kill certain animals and
insects but many of the
ingredients in these products
can also kill or make a dog
or seriously ill. Always read
and carefully follow directions
before applying any product to
your dog. If using
insecticides, pesticides,
or rodenticides (rat poisons)
in the environment, restrict
the dog's access to areas
where they have been
applied or used. Store
these products out of the
reach of pets
Dogs explore their world by
using their mouth. Many plants
and items found in the yard can
be harmful if eaten. Some
may cause vomiting and
diarrhea but some can cause
organ failure and death. Pet
owners should know what plants
are in and around their house
that may harm a dog. Below
are some common plants that
are know to be poisonous. There
are more and there may be
common names for them used
in your area. If you think your
pet has chewed or eaten one
of these plants, contact
your veterinarian or poison
control center immediately.
Aloe Vera
Amaryllis
Apple (seeds)
Apricot (pit)
Arrowhead
Asparagus Fern
Avocado
Autumn Crocus
Azalea
Baneberry
Begonia
Bird of Paradise
Black Locust
Black Walnut
Bleeding Heart
Boston Ivy
Caladium
California Poppy
Calla Lily
Carnation
Castor Bean
Ceriman
Cherry (seeds, wilting leaves, & pit)
Chinese Evergreen
Chives
Christmas Rose
Chrysanthemum
Clematis
Corn Plant
Crocus
Croton
Crown of Thorns
Crown Vetch
Cyclamen
Daffodil
Delphinium
Devil's Ivy
Dicentra
Dieffenbachia
Donkey Tail
Dumb Cane
Dutchman's Breeches
Easter Lily
Elderberry
Elephant Ears
English Ivy
Eucalyptus
Fiddle-leaf Fig
Florida Beauty
Four O'Clock
Foxglove
Foxtail
Fruit Salad Plant
German Ivy
Gladiola
Hemlock
Holly
Honeysuckle
Hurricane Plant
Hyacinth
Hydrangea
Iris
Ivy
Jack in the Pulpit
Japanese Yew
Jerusalem Cherry
Jimson Weed
Jonquil
Kalanchoe
Lamb's quarter
Lantana
Larkspur
Laurel
Lily
Lily of the Valley
Lobelia
Locoweed
Lords-and-Ladies
Lupine
Marigold (Marsh Marigold)
Marijuana
Mayapple
Mexican Breadfruit
Milkweed
Mistletoe
Monkshood
Morning Glory
Mother-in-Law plant
Mother-in-Law's Tongue
Mountain Laurel
Mushrooms
Narcissus
Nephthytis
Nightshade
Oak Tree (buds and acorns)
Oleander
Onion
Peace Lily
Peach (wilting leaves and pits)
Pencil Tree
Philodendron
Pigweed
Poinsettia
Poison Ivy
Poison Hemlock
Poison Oak
Poison Sumac
Poppy
Potato (all green parts)
Pothos
Precatory Bean
Rhododendron
Rhubarb
Ribbon Cactus
Rubber Tree
Sago Palm
Schefflera
Shamrock Plant
Snake Plant
Snow on the Mountain
Sorghum
Star of Bethlehem
Stinging Nettle
Stinkweed
Swiss Cheese Plant
Taro Vine
Toadstools
Tobacco
Tomato Plant
(entire plant except ripe fruit)
Umbrella Tree
Water Hemlock
Weeping Fig
Wisteria
Yew
COCOA BEAN MULCH – Theaabramine, caffeine
Cocoa Mulch is made from the
Cocoa bean shell and is used
for landscaping. It has an
attractive smell that attracts
some dog into eating large
amounts of the mulch. The
caffeine and theobromine
can increase breathing and
heart rate, sometimes
causing irregular beating of
the heart. They stimulate
the central nervous system
causing restlessness and
changes energy rates.
TOXIC DOSE:
Symptoms occur with the ingestion
of 45 mg of theobromine per pound of
body weight. Theobromine deaths have
been reported after ingestion of 52 mg
per pound of body weight. Cocoa bean
mulch contains 0.19%-2.98% theobromine
(54 - 847 mg/oz). In comparison, milk
chocolate contains 44 mg/oz. and
unsweetened baking chocolate
contains 390 mg/oz.
Caffeine is toxic at about 63 mg per
pound of body weight.
SIGNS OF POISINING:
Common signs include vomiting,
diarrhea, panting, hyperactivity,
restlessness,
ataxia, muscle tremors, increased
or decreased heart rate, irregular
heart rhythm, increased body
temperature.
Seizures, coma, or death may occur.
Less frequent symptoms include
abdominal pain and blood in the urine.
Induce vomiting and seek veterinary attention.
OUTDOOR PLANTS
WITH THEIR EFFECTS:
I Outdoor plants that
produce vomiting and
diarrhea in some cases:
Delphinium
Poke weed
Indian tobacco
Daffodil
Bittersweet
Wisteria Castor beanwoody
SoapberryIndian turnip
Ground cherry Skunk cabbage
Foxglove Larkspur
II. Trees and shrubs
that are poisonous and
may produce
vomiting, abdominal
pain and in some
cases diarrhea:
Horse chestnut
Western yew
Apricot
Buckeye
English holly almond
Rain tree
Peach cherry
Monkey pod
Wild cherry
American yew
Bird of paradise
Japanese plum
English yew
Black locust
Balsam pear
Mock orange
Privet
III. Outdoor plants with
varied toxic effect:
Rhubarb
Buttercup
Moonseed
Spinach
Nightshade
Mayapple
Sunburned
Poison hemlock
Dutchman's potatoes
Jimsonweed
Tomato vine
Pigweed
Mescal bean
Locoweed
Water hemlock
Lupine
Mushrooms trumpet
Dologeton
Angel's Jasmine
Matrimony vine
D. Hallucinogens:
Marijuana
Nutmeg
Peyote
Morning glory
Periwinkle
Locoweed
IV Outdoor plants that
produce convulsions:
Chinaberry
Moonweed
Water hemlock
Coriaria
Nux vomica
Amaryllis
Elephant ears
Pot mum
Asparagus fern
Glocal ivy
Ripple ivy
Azalea
Heart ivy
Spider mum
Bird of paradise
Ivy
Sprangeri fern
Creeping Charlie
Jerusalem cherry
Umbrella plant
Crown of thorns
Needlepoint ivy
RAISONS & GRAPES:
Are toxic to dogs and can cause Renal
failure, As few as 7 raisins or grapes
can be toxic depending on the size of
the dog and sentativity to the agent
in them that affects the system.
SYMPTONS:
1.vomiting
2. diarrhea
3 shaking - within hours of ingestion.
CONTACT YOUR VET IMMEDIATELY.
http://www.snopes.com/
critters/crusader/raisins.asp
<http://www.snopes.com/
critters/crusader/raisins.asp
POINSONIOUS
INDOOR PLANTS:
I.That give rash after contact
with the skin or mouth:
Chrysanthemum
Poinsettia
Creeping fig
Weeping fig
Pot mum > might produce dermatitis
Spider mum > might produce dermatitis
II. That are irritating to
mucus membranes
(toxic oxalates); the
mouth especially gets
swollen; painful tongue;
or lips:
Arrowhead vine
Boston ivy
Collodium
Drunk cane
Emerald duke
Heart leaf (philodendrum)
Marble queen
Majesty
Neththytis ivy
Pathos
Red princess
Saddle leaf (philodendrum)
Split leaf (philodendrum)
III. That may contain a wide
variety of poisons. Most cause vomiting, abdominal pain,
cramps. Some cause tremors,
heart and respiratory and/or
kidney problems, which are
difficult for owners to interpret:
Amaryllis
Elephant ears
Pot mum
Asparagus fern
Glocal ivy
Ripple ivy
Azalea
Heart ivy
Spider mum
Bird of paradise
Ivy
Sprangeri fern
Creeping Charlie
Jerusalem cherry
Umbrella plant
Crown of thorns
Needlepoint ivy
2. HUMAN DRUGS/SUPPLEMENTS
TOXINS:
Many human drugs and
supplements are poisonous
to dogs. Dogs may inadvertently
eat these medications if left
in out, or they may be
given erroneously to the
dogs by owners in an attempt
to treat conditions similar to
what they themselves may have.
· Always keep medications
and vitamin supplements
out of the reach of pets.
· Never give a human
medication to a dog
unless directed by
a veterinarian.
· Always give it at the
advised dosage
HARMFUL DRUGS TO DOGS:
FOODS THAT ARE TOXIC:
Some common food items can
be poisonous to dog even in
very small amounts. The
foods listed below should not
be given to dogs ever and
should be stored out of
reach of animals as they
will be tempted to eat them.
DIARRHEA
Diarrhea is not a disease but a symptom of several conditions that can affect a dog. The dog that has diarrhea for more than two days may have a mild case that can be resolved quickly with a simple treatment. However, diarrhea can be a sign of a serious or fatal illness and should not go untreated for any length of time. Even mild cases of diarrhea can become fatal if not treated due to dehydration from fluid loss. Minor causes of diarrhea are intestinal viruses, dietary changes and intestinal parasites.
CONTACT YOUR VET IF YOUR DOG HAS DIARRHEA FOR MORE THAN TWO DAYS TO FIND THE CAUSE.
Blood tests, x-rays, stool samples are done first. Further tests and in serious cases biopsies and exploratory surgery maybe have to be done.
Treatments:
1. Change in diet or special diet for a few days
2. Medication
3. Limited activity
If there is still no change in 2-3 days, more tests and/or a change in medication should be done.
DIARRHEA CAN BE SERIOUS
Diarrhea can be a sign of serious medical problems. Usually you will see other signs with the Diarrhea that indicate the dog is systemically ill
Signs more than one body system is involved:
1. Vomiting leading to dehydration
2. Loss of appetite
3. Lethargy
4. Fever
5. Blood in or watery stool