SEPARATION ANXIETY: IS YOUR DOG AFRAID TO BE LEFT ALONE?

I can distinctly remember as a five year old child being left alone while my mom drove the less than two miles to Cary Elementary School to drop off siblings. Captain Kangaroo was on television as my baby sitter; yet, it was rainy and lonely. It probably was less than 15 minutes later my mother returned to my tears and panic.  

Today, with most pet owners working away from home, dogs are left alone in the house. Many dogs develop destructive habits in isolation.  It is no wonder that the prescribing of anti-anxiety medications has soared by veterinarians as a “quick fix."  When “panic attacks” happen when owners are away, in an otherwise “clingy” but happy dog when reunited, the condition is called SEPARATION ANXIETY. My personal experience of high risk groups as a veterinarian are dogs that have been recycled through rescue organizations due to returns for questionable behaviors. Another red flag is animals from hoarding situations or puppy mills that had improper socialization before seven months of age. There are also a high number of environmental, lack of training, and genetic predisposition factors.

WHAT ARE SOME COMMON TRIGGERS OF DOGS ACQUIRING SEPARATION ANXIETY?

-changes in an owner’s routine

-medical, degenerative changes/disorders ALONG WITH SOME GENETIC RISKS

-concurrent other behavioral disorders or generalized fears or phobias

-acquisition of a new family member (ex. baby/spouse) or new pet that changes social dynamics

-post boarding at a kennel

-rescued dog in a new home

-moving to a new home for a family pet

-owner returning to work after a sabbatical of long home stay

ARE THERE SPECIFIC SIGNS ASSOCIATED WITH THIS BEHAVIORAL DISORDER?

-severe attachment to one or more family members

-hyperactivity upon return home by owner

-anxiety or stress begins shortly after owner leaves (even if a short, 15 minute departure videotaped)

-exhibited, panic behavior is only exhibited when the owner is gone (keep a log of behavior patterns, length, and triggers)

-demonstrates signs of stress when owner starts giving departure cues (picking up keys, jacket, garage door opening, etc.) this may include howling, barking, or pacing.

- in some cases may not accept being in dog care with other dogs or people, instead only relax in presence of owner. 

- extremely phobic to noises of a repetitive nature

IN ADDITION, HOW IS THIS NOTED PHYSICALLY BY THE OWNER IN DISCUSSIONS WITH THE VETERINARY BEHAVIORIST? IS THIS BEHAVIOR KNOWN TO BE DESTRUCTIVE IN THE HOME?

Common physiological signs include lack of appetite, depression, diarrhea, vomiting, and compulsive licking behavior. Most dogs exhibit some but not the entire abnormal array of behaviors. More concerning is the destructive behavior to walls, furniture, and objects as the patient is stressed by the separation. Yes, it can be destructive. Many patients physically harm themselves getting out of crates or eat objects that require exploratory surgery in their stress.

WHAT ARE THE MOST COMMON FALSE MYTHS ASSOCIATED WITH THIS BEHAVIORAL DISORDER?

That dogs are being spiteful, they are punishing the owner for the change in status/absence, the dog loves the owner too much, dogs are pack animals and need to always be around people/other pets, never taught to be alone, dog spoiled by being allowed on sofa or bed, needs a companion, and dog is bored. THIS IS A DISTRESSED DOG, PERIOD!

CAN IT BE CURED?

No, as the treatment does not change the genetic basis or dog’s abnormal perception/processing. THE KEY GOAL IS to change the extent to which a dog can learn calm behavior, and this is usually aided by medication.  Detailed management programs to lower triggers of the anxiety are critical to counter-conditioning.  

WHAT ARE THE GOALS OF MANAGEMENT OF SEPARATION ANXIETY?

The best goals is the cultivation of calm behavior when left alone by: removing reward of attention seeking behavior, reducing anxiety for the dog and the owner with departure and arrival, desensitizing (gradually decreasing dog’s response to signals that owner is leaving the home) and avoiding punishment. 

SHOULD THE DOG BE PLACED IN ANOTHER HOME?

The optimal goal is to meet the dog’s needs humanely and provide a good quality life. Simply moving the dog to another home adds to the problem of rescue and recycling, thus reinforcing the behavior. Re-homing should be the last resort and only when the new owner is fully aware and prepared to meet the dog’s needs physically and emotionally. It is emotionally cruel to new pet parents to be CLUELESS in the adoption of pets at high risk of this disorder. 

Betsy Sigmon DVM, Diplomate American Board of Veterinary Practitioners, Canine & Feline Practice

Creature Comforts Animal Hospital, Hospital Director

Cary, NC 

CANINE INFLUENZA: Can you get the flu from your dog?

There have been a lot of phone calls and emails to the clinic concerning the dog flu in Chicago. I have summarized the most common concerns below. Please feel free to contact the Creature Comforts office with additional questions. I am not currently recommending vaccinating pets for this disease in our area. Because this is still an emerging disease, almost all dogs, regardless of breed or age, are susceptible to infection and have no immunity to prevent infection.  

What is Canine influenza?

 Historically, Canine Influenza has been a mutation of the TYPE A H3N8 equine influenza virus identified first in 2004 in Greyhounds close to racetracks. It can be a catastrophic respiratory problem in boarding kennels and is difficult to control without effective hygiene.  A separate canine influenza virus, H3N2, had been reported in Korea, China and Thailand, but not in the United States until 2015, when an outbreak in Chicago was determined to be caused by this new strain.  Over 1,000 dogs have been infected and five have died. The situation was magnified due to boarding dogs over spring break.

WHAT IS THE INCUBATION PERIOD?

The incubation period is two to five days from exposure to the onset of clinical signs with peak shedding the first week. Eighty percent OF THOSE EXPOSED will DEVELOP disease ASSOCIATED WITH CANINE INFLUENZA. Twenty percent will shed the virus and show no signs. Canine influenza is extremely contagious from dog to dog, but has not currently infectious to people.

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF CANINE INFLUENZA?

Two clinical syndromes have been seen in dogs infected with the canine influenza virus—a mild form of the disease and a more severe form that is accompanied by pneumonia.

• mild form — Dogs suffering with the mild form of this disease develop a cough that persists for  up to 30 days. Other signs include depression, lack of appetite, sneezing, eye discharge, and fever.  This cough may appear similar to the traditional "kennel cough" caused by Bordetella bronchiseptica/parainfluenza virus complex. These dogs may develop a thick nasal discharge, which is usually caused by a secondary bacterial infection. Fortunately most dogs have this form.
• severe form — These  Dogs  develop high fevers up to 106 (normal 101 to 102.8F), develop pneumonia, and have rapid respiratory rate, and often develop secondary bacterial infections

HOW IS IT IDENTIFIED?

Testing of the respiratory secretions at time of disease or blood testing initially by PCR (DNA) if under four days post exposure. Otherwise, a baseline blood antibody test repeated three weeks later is recommended to help identify infections.

IS THERE A VACCINE TO PREVENT THE DISEASE?

There is a canine influenza vaccine available FOR THE H3N8 VIRUS. No, it does not prevent the infection; rather, it lowers the severity of the disease once a dog is exposed. There is no documented risk of canine influenza spreading to people. Note that the current outbreak in Chicago is the H3N2 canine influenza virus. It is not known if the current influenza virus provides any protection against the H3N2 strain.

SHOULD I CANCEL MY BOARDING RESERVATIONS?

 No, there is no documentation of the infection in the Cary, North Carolina area. News reports should be monitored for any upswing in respiratory infections reported in the area.   No vaccine is available to prevent the H3N2 virus. In situations where the risk of virus exposure is high with no  alternatives, some experts are recommending to experimentally vaccinate with the H3N8 vaccine.

Dr. Betsy Sigmon, Diplomate American Board of Veterinary Practitioners, Canine and Feline Practice

Creature Comforts Animal Hospital in

Cary, NC

Paintball Toxicity in Dogs

                                          

Over the holiday weekend, I spent some beach time with three Labrador retrievers and their owners at Topsail Island. Watching the waves, retrieving bumpers out of the ocean, and playing chase were a marvelous way to relax. All three were active dogs with the potential to get into anything. 

Most clients are aware of the toxicity associated with the ingestion of Easter Lilies by cats or Sago palms by dogs. Both are available at most Walmart, Lowes, and Home Depot retail stores. A new one came to light at a recent seminar that I attended: Paintball toxicity. The gelatin coated, marble-sized, colored balls can be attractive for dogs to eat in storage areas.  The picture I obtained below was for paintballs and guns for sale at Toys R US. 

WHAT ARE THE SIGNS OF PAINTBALL INGESTION?

Within an hour of ingestion, owners may note vomiting, diarrhea (dye colored), staggering (drunk-acting), and muscle tremors. In severe cases: racing heart rates, unconsciousness, fever, hyperactivity, blindness, seizures, and even death. As the packages can contain up to 1,500 pellets, it is not unusual for dogs to ingest large quantities.  In some cases, signs can be noted by ingesting as little as 10-15 pellets.  Anything over five paintballs per 20 pounds of dog body weight consumed should be considered potentially serious.  

IS THERE A LIST OF INGREDIENTS LEADING TO THESE SIGNS?

Polyethylene (PEG) or Propylene glycol, glycerin, sorbitol, mineral oil, dye, water, and ground pig skin are common components.  These ingredients draw a large quantity of body fluid into the gut leading to dehydration and electrolyte disturbances. 

WHY IS THIS SUCH A CONCERNING TOXICITY for a product labeled as “non- toxic”?

It is a concern because this mimics the signs of anti-freeze (ethylene glycol) poisoning.  Even more concerning is the test for the real anti-freeze (REACT or Kacey tests) can cross react falsely positive with paint ball ingestion.  In addition, non-toxic does not mean lacking harm; rather it means there is nothing in the product that is damaging to internal organs. 

How IS IT TREATED?

Mainly treatment is by supportive care: IV fluids to correct the dehydration and valium- like drugs to control seizures & muscle tremors. I may recommend induction of vomiting if the ingestion is known to be less than 1 hour. 

Betsy Sigmon DVM, Diplomate ABVP Canine and Feline Practice

Creature Comforts Animal Hospital

Cary, NC

Trevor Marlow and new friend, Remi Louise 

STRATEGIC DEWORMING YOUR PET: SIMPLE FACTS TO CONSIDER

 When I was growing up in Cary, NC, practically everyone knew each other. Whether from church, school, or sporting/civic events, paths crossed. Within our town, there were six kids in separate Thomas families. We were the Beta Club Version not to be confused with the Beauty Club version.

My mother had a lot on her mind, and it was not unusual for my mom to get a call from Mr. Joe Veasey at the Fidelity Bank downtown asking if Mrs. Thomas was missing anyone? She would do a head count, note that she was down to 5 children, and reply "I will come back shortly to retrieve a youngster."  Dr. E.B. Davis, the family dentist, would write a real prescription for a free ice cream cone at Ashworth’s Drug Store after good dental check-ups. Times certainly have changed. 

One thing that has not changed in the south, however, is deworming children and pets. I can distinctly remember my mother lining us up for deworming for pinworms, which is very contagious in school children, yet not transmissible to pets. Unfortunately, many of the common parasites found in pets are transmissible to kids, most commonly roundworms and hookworms. 

WHAT IS THE RISK TO PETS WITH HOOKWORMS?

Hookworms are common around the world. In puppies that contract the infection through nursing, other dogs, or the soil, signs include pale gums, weight loss, black poop, and even death. Kittens obtain the infection from the environment, not from nursing. Hookworms remain in the soil in the South for a very long time. A more extensive article can be found in the following link:  http://www.wormsandgermsblog.com/tags/hookworms/  

HOW ARE HOOKWORM INFECTIONS DETECTED IN PETS AND PEOPLE?

In pets, a centrifuged/floated intestinal sample is examined under a microscope for parasitic eggs.

In people there are classical skin lesions called cutaneous larva migrans. The basic hygiene rules in the South are to not to go barefoot in the yard (wear flip flops), pick up the dog poop to cut infection from the soil, wash hands after being outside/gardening, and to not to play in open sand boxes. In Miami Beach, Florida during 2011, sunbathers on the beach were notified of a public health risk of skin lesions due to hookworms from a concurrent feral cat colony on the board walk using the beach sand as a giant litter box. In people there are classical skin lesions that may be found in the following article from the CDC. http://www.cdc.gov/parasites/zoonotichookworm/gen_info/faqs.html

WHAT ARE THE ADDITIONAL CONCERNS ABOUT ROUNDWORMS?

Roundworms are passed from mother dogs to puppies while in the womb so puppies can be exhibiting signs as early as 2 weeks of age. Additionally, roundworms do pose a significant risk to human from eggs contaminated in the soil or feces and then ingested (lack of proper hand washing). Once infected with the migration called visceral larva migrans, the worms can cause blindness and a variety of other signs in people.  It is estimated that 10,000 children in the United States are infected annually with roundworms and that approximately 750 will suffer permanent visual impairment or even blindness. Up to 20% of public playgrounds in the USA are estimated to have the soil contaminated with roundworm eggs.

http://www.petsandparasites.org/dog-owners/roundworms/

WHAT DOES THE CDC AND VETERINARY PARASITOLOGISTS RECOMMEND FOR TREATING AND PREVENTING HOOKWORM /ROUNDWORM INFECTIONS?

Regular fecal examinations and strategically deworming puppies starting at two to three weeks of age (kittens starting at six weeks) until approximately 12 to 15 weeks of age, then every three to four months until 1 yr. Then once or twice a year depending on the frequency and type of outdoor exposure as well as the type of heart worm preventative used. Prompt disposal of poop (in the yard or from litter boxes) prevents eggs from hatching which can lead to contamination of the soil. Products used to treat worms include the following: pyrantel, fenbendazole (Pancur), and Drontal on a rotational basis prescribed by your veterinarian.

http://www.capcvet.org/capc-recommendations/hookworms

http://www.capcvet.org/capc-recommendations/ascarid-roundworm/

Betsy Sigmon DVM, Diplomate American Board of Veterinary Practitioners, Canine & Feline Practice

Creature Comforts Animal Hospital

Cary, NC