According to Dr. Lori Siracuse-Parker, veterinarain at Oradell Animal Hospital in Paramus, NJ, Pepto-Bismol (bismuth subsalicylate) can be used in some dogs occasionally for an upset stomach/diarrhea. It is also sometimes used by veterinarians to treat certain gastrointestinal illnesses. You should always call your veterinarian before giving any over the counter medication as many are potentially toxic to our pets. You should always contact your veterinarian for an appropriate dose and to make sure there is no contraindication to giving Pepto-Bismol based on your dogs clinical signs, medical history, and other medications your pet may be taking. It is important to know that Pepto-Bismol contains aspirin so it should not be used in dogs that are sensitive to aspirin, those with a history of GI ulcers or bleeding disorders, or in combination with steroids or other non-steroidal medications. To do so could cause a fatal bleeding episode. 

Lori Siracuse-Parker, VMD (Exotics)

Dr. Lori Siracuse-Parker is a graduate of University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. She completed her internship in general medicine at Oradell Animal Hospital. Dr. Siracuse-Parker is a member of our general medicine service, as well as, the emergency/critical care team. She also has a special interest in avian and exotic animal pets. She and her husband have a daughter Samantha and share their home with 3 dogs, 2 cats, 1 bird, and a rabbit.

“My dog was vaccinated as a puppy. Does he need ongoing vaccination?”

Vaccination, in dogs as in people, is a great way to help the body protect itself from different diseases. A vaccination stimulates the immune system to learn to fight a disease. Often, the body needs a “booster” vaccination to keep the immune system’s arsenal in top shape.

For a puppy to be fully protected, it needs a few booster shots during its first months of life. While there are many different vaccines out there, not every puppy needs every shot. Each type of vaccine has its own schedule to keep your dog’s body able to fight off disease. There are “core” vaccines, which include protection against the most common and most dangerous diseases. “Non-core” vaccines are for diseases that your dog may or may not be exposed to – depending on the area you live in, and you and your dog’s lifestyle.

Core vaccines include Rabies, and a mixed vaccination including canine distemper, parvovirus and adenovirus.  These vaccines are given to puppies usually in a series of three and then repeated every 1-3 years, depending on the type of vaccination your veterinarian uses, and the laws and recommendations in your area. If you travel outside of the U.S. with your dog, the rabies booster may have to be given more often.

Another common vaccine is  Bordetella, to protect against canine cough. This can be given as a liquid squirted into your dog’s nose, or as an injection. To keep up proper protection, this vaccine needs to be repeated every 6-12 months. Since this disease is very contagious between dogs, most boarding kennels and play groups require all dogs to be up-to-date on this vaccine.

Leptospirosis and Lyme disease are also rather common in our area.  Your veterinarian may recommend vaccination against either or both of these diseases depending on your dog’s risk factors such as the area you live in and where your dog plays.

It’s important to remember that not all vaccinations, even when given on the ideal schedule, can prevent disease 100% of the time. The main goal is to help your dog fight off disease, so that if he is exposed the resulting sickness will be much less severe. Other important ways to protect your dog’s health include flea, tick, heartworm and intestinal parasite prevention and regular wellness screening.

Discussing your dog’s lifestyle and risk factors with your veterinarian during your annual wellness visits will help you work out the best personalized schedule for vaccinations, parasite prevention, and screening tests.

Karen Joy Goldenberg, DMV

Dr. Goldenberg received her DMV from the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine at the University of Montreal. Dr. Goldenberg's special interests include small animal surgery, behavior, and exotic pets. Dr. Goldenberg lives with her parrot Motek. In her free time she enjoys reading, biking, cooking and travel.

Feeding and Exercising the Pregnant Dog 

Q: My three year old female Labrador retriever mated with my neighbor’s dog about four weeks ago.  Her abdomen is getting larger, so I am fairly certain she is pregnant.  What type of food should I feed her and how much?  What restrictions are there on the amount of exercise that she should be allowed?

A:  It is very important that you take her to a veterinary hospital as soon as possible for a complete examination.  The veterinarian will evaluate her individual condition and determine if she is pregnant or if there might be another problem.  The duration of pregnancy (gestation period) in the dog is approximately 63 days.  A pregnant dog will require an increased amount of food mainly during the last half of pregnancy.  Usually, we do not change the type of food that she normally eats providing it is a good balanced commercial dog food.  She should be fed her regular maintenance diet for the first four weeks of pregnancy.  Then, gradually increase the amount of food by twenty to fifty percent over the last five weeks.  A good way to do this is to increase the amount of food by ten percent per week during the last five weeks.  She will be eating about fifty percent more than her normal amount of food when she gives birth (whelping).  It is best not to let her become overweight as this could make the delivery of her puppies more difficult.  Most pregnant dogs will weigh about twenty percent more than their pre-breeding weight at the end of gestation.  This will vary depending on the size of the litter.  Labrador retrievers often have seven or eight puppies.  During milk production (lactation) and nursing, the new mother will need to eat up to two to three times as much food.  The demand on her body is the greatest in the first four weeks of nursing.  It is best to increase the amount of food by increasing the number of feedings to three or four times a day.  Some veterinarians recommend adding a puppy or growth formula type diet to the regular diet during the nursing period.  This must be done gradually as many dogs will get diarrhea if their diet is changed too abruptly.  In most cases, the regular food is adequate as long as the amount is increased.  A general vitamin and mineral supplement may be given daily. 

The expectant mother should be given regular periods of controlled moderate exercise to promote good muscle strength and general condition.  Frequent walks on a leash for fifteen to twenty minutes would be a good exercise for her.  Prolonged strenuous exercise such as running to chase a ball and leaping in the air should be avoided.  Pregnancy and whelping in the dog is an enjoyable experience for a pet owner.  However, complications can occur.  If you have any questions or problems, consult with your veterinarian.

William Lucker, DVM

Dr. Lucker graduated from the University Of Pennsylvania School Of Veterinary Medicine in 1966. He completed a fourteen month internship in small animal medicine and surgery at the Henry Bergh Memorial Hospital of the ASPCA in New York City. He remained there another year as a resident staff veterinarian. After practicing in the Morristown area for three years, Dr. Lucker joined the staff of Oradell Animal Hospital in 1971. Dr. Lucker is a general practitioner with special interests in cardiology and obstetrics. He has received numerous continuing education certificates from the New Jersey Veterinary Medical Association. He sees appointments at Oradell Animal Hospital as well as our Hasbrouck Heights office. Dr. Lucker enjoys fishing, skiing and photography.

My cat Oliver started making a lot of noise while breathing and now he is sneezing and has yellowish discharge coming from his nose. What can I do and what do you think is happening to him?

It sounds like Oliver may be suffering from an upper respiratory tract infection (URI). The vast majority of URIs in cats are caused by viruses. These viruses are spread through direct cat to cat contact, contact with an infected cat’ respiratory secretions, and through indirect contact with contaminated people or objects. Some of the viruses that affect the respiratory tract can “hide” in a cat’s body for long periods of time without causing any issues and may only become a problem after a period of stress (a trip to the vet, a change in routine, an unusual visitor).

Other signs that we typically see with upper respiratory infections include red, watery puffy eyes, discharge from the eyes, corneal ulcers or ulcers in the mouth, poor appetite, and lack of energy. Clinical signs can range from very mild to severe. Sometimes, within a few days cats are feeling back to normal without any treatment at all. Other times veterinarians have to intervene and clinical signs of disease can last several weeks.

At home you should keep Oliver warm, comfortable and clean (by gently wiping his noses and eyes as needed). You should also encourage him to eat and drink so that he does not get dehydrated. Nasal congestion often causes cats to loose interest in food because their appetite is closely linked with their sense of smell. You should coax Oliver to eat with something that has a very strong odor-wet fish-based often does the trick and can help prevent dehydration!

If Oliver looses his appetite for more than a day or two or becomes lethargic, it may be time to see your veterinarian. Adult cats that do not eat for several days are at risk for developing hepatic lipidosis, a life-threatening condition that can lead to liver failure and other metabolic derangements. Your veterinarian may recommend rehydrating Oliver with fluids under his skin, or he/she may give him antibiotics and eye drops to manage any secondary bacterial infections.

Most importantly, if in doubt contact your veterinarian for further recommendations regarding your pet’s health.

Kristin Kicenuik, DVM

Dr. Kicenuik received her DVM from Cornell University School of Veterinary Medicine and her BS from The University of Pennsylvania. She resides in New Jersey with her Dutch Sheepdog Rudi. She enjoys exercising, traveling, skiing and cooking.

Congratulations to Susan Kolkka as we welcome her as the new manager of the Oradell Veterinary Group of Fort Lee located at 1200 Palisade Ave., Fort Lee, NJ

Sue has been a part of the Oradell Animal Hospital for 22 years.  Her experience as a licensed veterinary technician spans several departments in our hospital including both clinic services and client services.  In her most recent position as Team Leader, she was responsible for training all exam room technicians and assistants on protocols, procedures and techniques.

Sue lives in Mahwah with her husband, two children, her dog Honey and her cat Cocoa.

Please join us in welcoming Sue to her new Fort Lee home.  Our Fort Lee clinic performs routine wellness care, senior care, dentistry, and elective surgeries.

 For an appointment with our Fort Lee office please contact us at 201-947-2442. 

Visit us at www.oradell.com or Facebook.com/Oradell.

Susan Kolkka

Q:  Doc, why is my dog scooting on the carpet?

Q: My Yorkie-Poodle mix has recently been scooting her rear end on the carpet.  Should she see her vet?

                There are several reasons for scooting which your veterinarian can easily check.  The first, and most common cause is a problem with your pet’s anal sacs.  These are two small sacs lined with glandular cells located just inside the anus which produce an odorous fluid that is normally excreted when your pet defecates, or perhaps when she is nervous.  These sacs are akin to the stink-glands in skunks explaining the pungent smell.  They are also the same sacs that dogs sniff when they greet each other, like a sniffing fingerprint. 

                If the sacs become inflamed or abscessed, they can become irritated and even painful requiring intervention from your veterinarian; the pain can be analogous to hemorrhoids in people.  Your visit may be as simple as expressing the sacs to relieve pressure or opening an abscess to allow it to drain.  If anal sacs are not the root of the problem, a few other things should be assessed:

• Have I done an annual fecal check for intestinal worms?  (They can be irritating)
• Has my pet been groomed lately? (Is there any clipper-related irritation?)
• Does my pet have allergies? (Either seasonal, fleas, food, etc – your vet can address any of these concerns)
• Is my pet’s rear end clean?  (If there are any fecal remnants on the fur, your pet may simply be trying to wipe them off).

If, in the end (no pun intended), you have exhausted this list of potential causes for scooting, your pet may simply have an occasional itch down there.  Unfortunately for your carpets, scooting is their best means for providing relief.

Ryan Goupil, DVM

Dr. Goupil completed his veterinary and undergraduate training at Cornell University. He has special interests in oncology and therapeutic research for new drugs. Dr. Goupil enjoys traveling, cooking and wine tasting.

Q:  Can I give my cat Tylenol for pain?

A:  Unfortunately, Tylenol is extremely toxic to cats and should never be given at even the smallest of doses. The active ingredient in Tylenol is called acetaminophen. Acetaminophen is an over the counter medication used as a fever reducer and pain reliever. Tylenol works in a similar fashion to non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs). Its anti-inflammatory effects, however, are not as significant as aspirin and other NSAIDs.

Cats lack an enzyme in their body that metabolizes acetaminophen; therefore cats produce toxic metabolites leading to severe damage of the red blood cells, liver and kidneys. Dogs also do not metabolize this drug as well as people, so you should always be cautious and consult with your veterinarian prior to giving your dog Tylenol. The side effects of Tylenol toxicity in the cat range from vomiting and diarrhea to severe anemia and liver failure. The oxidative injury that results from toxic metabolites leads to red blood cells that are damaged and unable to carry oxygen to the tissues. This can lead to anemia, respiratory distress and weakness. A muddy brown color to the gums that is a reflection of poor oxygen carrying capacity of the red blood cells may be seen. As the drug is metabolized in the liver, it can cause severe damage and associated dysfunction. Liver failure can lead to jaundice, or a yellow tinge to the mucus membranes and skin. If the damage to the liver is severe enough, associated neurologic signs may be observed, such as seizures, coma or mental dullness. Cats will often have swelling of their face and paws with toxic doses of Tylenol.

If your cat is deliberately given Tylenol or gets into it at home by mistake, she should be seen by a veterinarian immediately. Prognosis is best with early detoxification, antioxidants and fluid therapy. Replacement of blood cells to increase the patient’s oxygen carrying capacity via a blood transfusion may be needed. Unfortunately, the prognosis can be quite poor if severe liver damage has already taken place.

If you feel your cat is in pain, there are several safe alternatives that can be given that are specifically formulated for cats and available from your veterinarian. Always consult your veterinarian for advice before medicating your pet. Unfortunately, many common medications used in people, such as Tylenol, can be harmful to our pets.

Kelly Saverino, DVM

Dr. Saverino received her DVM from The Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine. She received her Bachelor's degree from Rutgers University. Dr. Saverino grew up in Raritan, NJ and currently resides in Bergen County. She has a special interest in small animal emergency/critical care and dentistry. In her free time, Dr. Saverino loves to travel, watch movies and documentary films and spend time with her terrior mix Flip and her cat Chuck Norris.

Q: I’ve just brought home a new puppy.  What do I need to do? 

A:  Make sure your house if “puppy proof”.  For example, safeguard your house so the puppy cannot find things to ingest or destroy.  Make an appointment with your veterinarian to examine the new family member as soon as possible.  The puppy should be crated when you are sleeping or away from the house.  Your veterinarian will discuss feeding recommendations, bathroom training, and all the necessary medical requirements your new puppy will need.  Never leave the puppy alone outside.  With a good foundation, your new puppy will be a friend for life.

Joseph DeSanto, DVM

Dr. DeSanto graduated from The Ohio State University School of Veterinary Medicine and completed an internship in small animal medicine and surgery at Oradell Animal Hospital. He then joined the staff upon completion of his internship. Dr. DeSanto enjoys internal medicine and veterinary dentistry. He is one of the founding veterinarians of Bergen County's Animal Emergency Preparedness Program. Dr. DeSanto likes to play softball and enjoys woodworking. He sees appointments at Oradell Animal Hospital, Paramus and in our Hasbrouck Heights, New Jersey office.

Q:   What does it mean if my cat has a cold?

A:  When I was in veterinary school, I was taught to not call upper respiratory infections in cats a “cold.”  The argument was that it gives the impression that they get the same disease we get.  Throughout years of practice, however, I have learned that the easiest way to describe the upper respiratory complex to a client is to indeed call it a “cold.”  The cat cold is akin to most aspects of feline living, though; cats are not humans in cat-suits and truly make up their own rules.

Feline upper respiratory disease is made up of a complex network of bacteria and viruses that are commonly found in the environment.  Most, if not all cats, have been exposed to these pathogens at birth.  Feline herpes virus is the biggest culprit for the development of chronic sinusitis and conjunctivitis in cats, with acute outbreaks commonly occurring during periods of developmental stress or transition (for example, during the first week of being placed in a new home).  In this sense, the cat cold behaves very similarly to the human cold, but the bugs are different.

It is important to remember that cat colds are usually self-limiting, just like human colds.  If you give a bright and alert sneezing kitten some time, the sneezing will likely go away.  Veterinary advice or treatment should be sought, however, if any thick or yellow/green discharge appears from the eyes or nose, or if the cat or kitten stops eating or is lethargic.  It is possible for more severe cases to develop fevers and/or pneumonia, but this is rare.  Some cats need antibiotics if secondary bacterial infections are suspected.  However, it is important to note that oral anti-virals in cats are reserved for refractory or severe cases due to expense and the potential for side effects.  Ocular anti-viral therapy for concurrent conjunctivitis is much more commonly used but must be administered multiple times per day.  Finally, another form of treatment is L-lysine, an important amino acid, which has been shown to decrease viral DNA replication thereby speeding up healing time and reducing the ability for cats to shed the virus in a multi-cat household. 

Overall, prevention is the key.  Regular visits to your veterinarian and completion of the core vaccination protocol in kittens and adult cats will lessen the severity of clinical signs associated with the cat cold for the life of the cat.  Some cats may be predisposed to catching the cold, such as “smushed-face” kitties (for example, Persians) or cats that are constantly introduced to strays and/or environmental stressors.  The cat’s ability to fight colds improves as the cat matures and many will never have a cold their entire life.  Perhaps yet another reason cats have it better than us…

Heather Troyer, DVM, Diplomate, ABVP (Canine/Feline), CVA (Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist)

Dr. Troyer graduated from the Ohio State University College of Veterinary Medicine after which she completed a one-year internship at the Animal Medical Center in NY, NY. She joined the staff at Oradell Animal Hospital in 2005 as a member of the general medicine and surgery group, but also has a strong interest in pain management and palliative care. In 2009, Dr. Troyer helped to create the Oradell CARES program. Oradell CARES is designed to assist families and patients with hospice and care giver support issues through both in-home evaluation and out-patient management. In addition, Dr. Troyer became certified in veterinary acupuncture by the Chi Institute of Chinese Medicine in Reddick, Florida. She uses integrative medicine especially in cases where quality of life issues are paramount, and practices both out-patient and in-home pain management using both eastern and western techniques. Dr. Troyer has a special interest in international studies and travel, particularly in Central America and Africa. In her spare time, she enjoys her children, yoga, running, and cooking.

Q:  I heard about the canine influenza occurring in Bergen County recently.  How concerned about my dog’s exposure do I need to be?

A:  While there is no reason to overreact to this disease, prevention by vaccination is the most prudent way to protect your dog from the canine influenza virus (CIV).  Please read the summary article below for more information.

What You Should Know About Canine Influenza:

The Canine Influenza Virus (CIV) or Canine Flu is a virus in dogs which causes an acute respiratory infection. It has been identified in shelters, humane societies, boarding facilities and veterinary clinics across the country. This highly contagious virus is a recognized respiratory pathogen in dogs and causes a clinical syndrome that mimics “kennel cough”. Since New Jersey is one of the many states in which outbreaks of the CIV have occurred, more and more kennels, groomers and veterinary hospitals are requiring vaccination against CIV in any pets that are admitted to their facilities.  CIV is a highly contagious virus that will infect virtually every dog that is exposed to it.  About eighty percent of dogs infected will show clinical signs which include fever, malaise and prolonged cough.  Of those showing clinical signs some patients will develop a severe form of the disease which often involves a secondary pneumonia manifested by a thick yellow-green nasal discharge and high fever.  These cases frequently require extended and expensive hospitalization stays in strict isolation with intravenous fluid, antibiotic, and respiratory therapy.  In spite of the best treatment regimens it is estimated based on past experience that three to eight percent of these patients may die of the disease and its complications.

Exposure:

Since the virus is carried in respiratory secretions, dogs are potentially exposed to the virus in any place where dogs are in close contact with each other such as boarding kennels, groomers, canine daycare facilities, dog shows, dog runs and parks. The disease may also be spread by contact with contaminated items such as dog toys, blankets, clothes, and even hands. If your dog falls into one of these exposure categories, vaccination is highly recommended.

Presentation:

Canine flu presents itself in two forms – a mild self-limiting form and a severe pneumonic form. Dogs with the mild form have a cough that will last for 2-4 weeks often accompanied by a mucoid nasal discharge. The severe form quickly turns into pneumonia with a high fever, lethargy and lack of appetite.

The incubation period is 2 to 5 days after which clinical signs appear. Infected dogs may shed virus for 7 to 10 days from the initial day of clinical signs. Nearly 20% of infected dogs will not display clinical signs and become silent shedders and spreaders of the infection.

Testing:

The infection is diagnosed by a blood test. If your dog shows signs of coughing and/or nasal discharge you should contact your veterinarian who can perform the blood test to rule out canine influenza. If your dog should be positive on the test, treatment generally consists of supportive care with good nutrition and antibiotics. The severe form requires hospitalization for intravenous fluids, antibiotics and respiratory therapy.

Although most dogs recover uneventfully from the canine flu, the severe form with pneumonia can lead to death. As with most infectious diseases the very young and the very old are at greatest risk.

To date, there is no evidence that the canine flu virus can be transmitted from dogs to humans.

A vaccine is available

A safe and effective vaccine is available from Intervet Schering-Plough Animal Health. Since a vaccine is available, one can understand that the facilities mentioned above would require it to be given in an attempt to prevent an outbreak which would require closing down the facility for extensive decontamination procedures.  In addition, by requiring the vaccines to be given to all dogs coming to a facility housing multiple dogs, these vaccinated dogs are far less likely to contract CIV and if they should become infected will have a shorter duration and less severe form of the illness.  We believe, as time goes by, that more and more facilities will require the vaccinations for admission in the hope that CIV will not become a problem in a given facility.

The vaccine has been shown to have virtually no side effects and is highly effective in either preventing infection or lessening the clinical signs and duration of infection and virus shedding.  Dogs over six weeks of age are protected by getting two injections of vaccine given two to four weeks apart.

John G. DeVries, DVM, Diplomate, ABVP

Dr. DeVries graduated from The University of Illinois, completed an internship at the Animal Medical Center in New York, and is board certified by the American Board of Veterinary Practicitioners. As Assistant Director of Oradell Animal Hospital, Dr. DeVries sees clients at both Oradell Animal Hospital and our Hasbrouck Heights office. His interests include practicing medicine and surgery and in his spare time he enjoys choral singing, traveling and spending time with his wife Susi, their children, and their grandchildren. Dr. DeVries and Susi share their home with their Australian Shepherd, Molly and their three cats Indi, Charlotte, and Lily.