Forum: Cat ingested small amount of detergent
A VetMed Forum Guest writes: "My cat was vomiting and just not acting like himself. Took him to the vet and she noticed a small amount of something blue on his paw. Apparently a very small amount of liquid laundry detergent (Xtra brand - no bleach) must have dripped and he stepped in it and licked it." Read full post
Good Safety Warning
Thanks for posting this question - it is a good safety reminder that pets will often lick off medications, flea treatments, shampoo residues, plus any other stuff that gets in their fur; sometimes with toxic effects.
Related resources:
Photo: Barnie the Cat in the laundry room by Janet Tobiassen Crosby DVM
H1N1 and Animals - News Index
Stories about the H1N1 virus is in the news daily, and can be overwhelming. This H1N1 news archive is focused on animal cases of H1N1.
According to the CDC, the swine version (influenza type A H1N1) was first isolated from a pig in 1930. To date, The H1N1 cases documented in turkeys, ferrets and a cat have caught the H1N1 virus from humans, not the other way around.
Stay informed, but do not panic
Common sense prevention - washing hands, wearing a face mask or covering your cough, and isolating sick individuals is important to reduce spread. Please see your doctor or veterinarian when feeling ill.
Animal H1N1 News: Timeline of animal-related H1N1 stories
For human H1N1 information
please see Patient Empowerment Guide Trisha Torrey's H1N1 Swine Flu 2009 FAQ.
Related News Stories
- How to diagnose influenza in pets
From the University of Guelph - The Cat Who Got Swine Flu
From the New York Times
Image: Negative stain EM image of the 2009 H1N1 Flu Virus - C. S. Goldsmith and A. Balish, CDC
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H1N1 (Swine) Flu Confirmed in Iowa Cat
For the latest news, please see the H1N1 and Animal News Archive
H1N1 and Pets
The question has been circulating for months, can dogs and cats catch the H1N1 flu? While no one could say for sure, infectious disease experts felt that dogs and cats were not as susceptible as humans, pigs, and then later turkeys and ferrets.
Today, the answer is different
It has been confirmed that a cat has caught the H1N1 virus from humans. The Iowa Department of Public Health as reported that a cat became ill with H1N1 virus after 3 members of the family became ill with influenza-like symptoms.
"[A] 13-year-old indoor cat in Iowa was brought to the Lloyd Veterinary Medical Center at Iowa State University's College of Veterinary Medicine, where it tested positive for the H1N1 virus. The diagnosis is the culmination of collaborative efforts between IDPH, Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine, Center for Advanced Host Defenses, Immunobiotics and Translational Comparative Medicine, USDA, and IDALS Animal Industry Bureau." Read full report
The good news is that the cat and human family members have are recovering uneventfully. Learn more about this cat and how influenza is diagnosed.
Staying Calm
It is important not to panic. Cats, ferrets, pigs and turkeys have caught this virus from people, not the other way around. Read more...
Meet Dr V. A veterinarian using social media to help animals
Some of you may recognize the puppy face to the right. Especially if you join in the conversation on Twitter. That is Brody, muse and sometimes-troublemaker, featured on veterinarian Dr. Jessica V's blog, pawcurious.
As part of a loosely continuing series, this is my interview of a veterinarian successfully using the Internet - specifically social media - to educate viewers about pet care, veterinary life and help animals in need.
Find out how she does it in this interview:
Meet DrV - Vet Blogger at Pawcurious
Meet other veterinarians utilizing social media tools
- Geoff Tucker DVM - Equine Dentist
Staying connected with a mobile veterinary practice - Joey the Balding Dog
Case report from guest author Richard Young DVM, ABVP
Related: Twitter - Veterinary Information In Small Bites
Photo: Brody of pawcurious.com - used with permission
Show Us Your Gift Ideas for Pets, Vets & People
Halloween is over, and like it or not, thoughts are turning to holiday shopping. Last minute shoppers sometimes have the benefit of finding things on sale, but what if they are mis-matched, out of stock or partially damaged? Better to start early.
To get started, I have created gift guides for pets and their people. I focus on gift suggestions relating to pet health and safety.
I am not really a "shopper" kind of person, more of a necessities kind of shopper. To this, my family and friends will attest. I am sure that I have missed many cool pet products. To showcase great pet gift ideas, I have added a new section: a place to tell us about your favorite pet-related items.
Share your favorite pet gift ideas
What worked? What didn't? Please share your gift idea recommendations and why you like or dislike the item. Photos are welcome - show your pet enjoying their holiday or birthday gift.
Photo: Rolling with the Kong by OakleysOriginals on Flickr
H1N1 (Swine Flu) News - Ferret dies from H1N1 infection in Nebraska
For the latest news, please see the H1N1 and Animal News Archive
A news station in Hastings, Nebraska (KHAS) has reported that Stormy the ferret, one of four ferrets in a family of humans sick with the flu, has died from the H1N1 virus.
According to the news report:
Testing was done by the University of Nebraska Veterinary Diagnostic Lab where the ferret tested positive for H1N1. The state public health veterinarian said it is not unexpected, but it is rare. Only 2 ferrets in the nation have died from H1N1. That includes Stormy.
A second sample has been sent to a national laboratory for confirmation of H1N1 infection.
Note: The AVMA reports that "this news story incorrectly reports 2 known ferret deaths from H1N1. To date, the Nebraska ferret is the only confirmed H1N1-infected ferret death." Read more...
Pet Safety - reflective collars and coats for pets
This pet safety tip is good for Halloween and all year-round, especially the dark days of winter.
I go for early morning dog walks with my dog, and it is dark out there. I brought a flashlight, but then the batteries were dying and it wasn't bi-directional for the best visibility.
To be more visible to early morning commuters, I purchased a new reflective collar for Sophie (complimented by bright orange and hot pink) and a neon reflective vest and orange hat for me. We are now very hard-to-miss, if not stylish. Read more...
Canine H3N8 Influenza Vaccine - Who should get it?
The Canine Influenza Virus (CIV), also known as the H3N8 virus, jumped from horses to dogs in 2004; it was first discovered in Greyhounds in Florida. A vaccine for this respiratory disease was conditionally approved by the U.S. Department of Agriculture's Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service (APHIS) in June 2009.
The CIV vaccine is a lifestyle vaccine. What does this mean? If you have a dog with a lifestyle that puts him or her at greater risk, you may want to consider vaccination.
Learn more
Learn about CIV and if vaccination is something to consider for your dog in this dog flu vaccine FAQ.
Photo: Sophie's Nose © Janet Tobiassen Crosby DVM
Tips For Recognizing Dental Disease
Dental disease is commonly seen in dogs and cats, and it is often more involved than simply "bad breath." Problems range from malodorous breath to loss of teeth to heart and liver problems.
Regular checkups and dental cleanings will prevent many of these health problems. Knowing what to watch for will help your pet maintain good dental health.
Photo credit: Open Wide © polandeze on Flickr
Should My Dog Be Debarked?
From the VetMed Forum:
A veterinary Forum Guest asked about a vocal cordectomy (debarking surgery) for their dog.
"We've tried it all - from more toys, Kongs, puzzles, extra walks and exercise, doggie daycare and still, the few times we leave our dog alone, he barks and howls continuously. We've resorted to using a bark collar on him, but we hate it, and so does he.
We're considering vocal cordectomy (debarking) after our umpteenth complaint from an anonymous neighbor. Our biggest concern is whether the procedure will work on reducing the howling noise as well as barking noise. Anyone know?"
From your Guide:
Like all surgeries, the debarking surgery is not without potential complications, namely bleeding, infection and scarring. Also, dogs who are debarked may still have a hoarse "bark" or vocalize in other ways. I do not recommend this surgery. Read more...