PAH Blog

Thyroid disorders in the dog and cat

Fri, 21 Oct 2011 20:50:00 GMT

Thyroid disorders are the most common hormone imbalances that we see in dogs and cats. Dogs tend to have under functioning thyroids (hypothyroidism) and cats usually have thyroids that overproduce thyroid hormones (hyperthyroidism).

Hyperthyroidism

This disease occurs most commonly in older cats (over 10 years of age) and the hallmark sign is weight loss despite having a normal to increased appetite. Other signs that are commonly seen include; restlessness, change in behavior, poor haircoat, increased drinking and urination, or occasional vomiting. On physical examination, these cats will typically have an increased heart rate, are underweight, and sometimes the enlarged thyroid glands can actually be palpated. A simple bloodtest can be done to measure the thyroid levels along with a complete blood panel and urinalysis. In most cases, the thyroid levels will come back very elevated meaning a diagnosis of hyperthyroidism can be made, but sometimes the values are normal or only mildly increased so additional testing may be necessary.

Commonly, cats can have concurrent disease with hyperthyroidism. Heart disease as well as high blood pressure and possibly mild heart failure are usually reversible once the disease is treated. Mild elevations in the liver and kidney enzymes are also seen. Once treatment is initiated, underlying kidney disease may worsen, so rechecking blood values is very important. If your cat has renal dysfunction and hyperthyroidism, the short-term prognosis is good, but the long-term prognosis is poor because they are both progressive illnesses and treatments for either will worsen the other disease.

Treatment consists of three main categories: lifelong treatment with diet and/or medication, surgical removal of the thyroid glands, or treatment of the glands with radioactive iodine. Methimazole is the oral medication approved for treating hyperthyroidism. It needs to be given twice daily for the life of the pet. Hills science diet recently introduced a new food named y/d that has been shown to improve thyroid health within 3 weeks when feed as the only food source. Surgical removal is done at a referral hospital and is generally permanent with no medications needing to be given after surgery. In rare cases, there can be thyroid tissue located somewhere else in the body that will continue to produce thyroid hormones and so removal will not be effective. Lastly, radioactive iodine treatment is very effective and curative - meaning no long term medication. Also, the pet does not have to undergo anesthesia or invasive surgery. The downside is that it is only offered at special facilities (Texas A&M, Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists) and the expense is more. The long-term prognosis for surgery and radiotherapy is good (barring no other health problems). Recommended monitoring includes checking the thyroid levels 2 times a year.

Hypothyroidism

This disease usually occurs in middle-aged to older dogs with definite disease predisposition to Doberman Pinchers, Golden Retrievers, Irish Setters, Great Danes, Dachshunds, Poodles, and Boxers. Signs are usually nonspecific and gradual in onset, and include; weight gain, lethargy, mental dullness, exercise/cold intolerance, and a thin haircoat with a greasy coat and secondary skin infections. On physical exam, these dogs may have a slower than normal heart rate, are obese, and many have some type of dermatologic issue. Testing for hypothyroidism can be more difficult than for diagnosing hyperthyroidism. Usually several thyroid hormone levels need to be evaluated for a confirmative diagnosis. A low T4 (total T4) can occur with other diseases, secondary to certain medications, or in breeds like Greyhounds. If the T4 comes back as low, a freeT4 and TSH levels will need to be evaluated to see if the thyroid is truly low due to disease. As well as checking thyroid levels, a complete blood count and urinalysis should be performed. Common changes include a high cholesterol, mild anemia, and mild increases in the liver enzymes.

Once a diagnosis is made, treatment is quite simple. The dog will need to be given levothyroxine (an oral thyroid supplement) twice daily. This medication is relatively inexpensive but must be continued for the life of the animal. Commonly, secondary skin infections may need to be treated, and improvement in skin/coat abnormalities should be seen 1-4 weeks after starting the thyroid supplement. The long-term prognosis is good to excellent for a return to function. Recommended monitoring includes checking the thyroid levels 1-2 times a year.

-Dr. Tricia Trunek, DVM

Summer health tips for pets

Fri, 21 Oct 2011 17:47:00 GMT

Summertime is upon us and we have several summer safety tips to keep in mind so you can keep your family healthy and happy. People are spending more time outside with their pets now, so it is important to be aware of the risk of the hot temperatures here in Texas.

Dogs don’t sweat, they expel heat through panting, and cats only sweat through their paw pads. Because of this, both are very susceptible to heat stroke. Signs of heat stroke can include excessive panting, drooling, bright red gums/tongue, disorientation, wobbling, and even seizures or coma. If you see any of these signs, you should take your pet immediately to a veterinarian so the temperature can be lowered gradually. You can take a rectal temperature with a thermometer – if it is over 104 degrees, contact your veterinarian for instructions.

Always have multiple fresh water sources for your pet, both inside and outside, which will help keep your animal cool and hydrated. Make sure that if your pet is out in the middle of the day, they have access to shade and possibly put up a fan for them. Definitely keep brachycephalic (short nosed dogs) or elderly dogs inside during the hottest part of the day. Even though it seems obvious, never leave your pet inside the car or even in the bed of a truck unattended. Temperatures can rise to over 120 degrees inside a car with no air conditioning.

If you are going to travel with your pet, make sure they are restrained in the car by a crate, seat, or harness. Take your pet’s food, toys, bed, updated vaccination records, collar with identification and leash, medications, litter box, and a pet first aid kit. Another thing to consider is a permanent means of identification such as a microchip in case your pet does get loose in an unfamiliar place. They are very easily placed in any dog or cat and can be the only means of reuniting with your pet. Another thing is to make sure you know where there is a veterinary clinic nearby in case of an emergency.

The warm weather also brings an increased number of parasites – fleas, ticks, and mosquitoes, so make sure your cats and dogs are on a monthly flea and tick preventative along with their heartworm prevention. If your pet is around any open water, make sure they know how to swim or have them wear a pet life jacket. If you have a pool in your yard, make sure they know how to get out of the pool or have it fenced off if your pet can’t swim well.

Lastly, cars are more likely to overheat and leak antifreeze which can be deadly when ingested. It tastes very sweet, so dogs and cats will lick it up if they get the chance. If you see your pet ingest any amount, get them to a veterinary hospital immediately. If not treated soon and aggressively it will cause irreversible damage to the kidneys.

We hope you have a safe and wonderful summer with your pet! If you have any questions, give us a call @ 281-485-2496!

-Dr. Tricia Trunek, DVM

Fleas

Fri, 13 May 2011 15:15:00 GMT

Fleas are the most common external parasite on our dogs and cats. In Texas, fleas can be a problem year round – at Pearland Animal Hospital, we have seen dogs and cats covered in fleas in January. Our temperate climate and the fact that there is a lot of wildlife and increasing numbers of feral cats in our neighborhoods make fleas very common. Adult fleas make up only about 5% of the flea population; the remaining 95% is in the animal’s environment (your house and yard). A female flea can lay up to 50 eggs a day, and up to 2000 in a lifetime!

Fleas can cause several diseases in our pets:
1. Flea allergic dermatitis
2. Flea anemia (can kill a pet when severe)
3. Feline Infectious Anemia (Haemobartonellosis)
4. Cat Scratch Fever (cat is carrier for the human disease)
5. Tapeworms

Life cycle

Eggs are laid from adult fleas in the hair coat and are designed to fall off the host. They are resistant to insecticides, but susceptible to various insect growth regulators. Larvae develop from these eggs in the environment and feed on adult flea feces (blood) that fall of the pet. Larvae are susceptible to traditional insecticides and insect growth regulators. Larvae eventually spin cocoons and develop into pupae. Pupae are resistant to freezing, desiccation, and insecticides. Pupae can lie dormant for many months - they are stimulated by vibration, warming, and increased carbon dioxide to hatch into adults. These adult fleas find the pet within seconds of emergence, but they can survive a few days without a host in a suitable environment. New fleas begin feeding within hours of finding a dog or cat. Once a blood meal has been taken, the flea can survive only a short time if it is dislodged from the host. The average life span of an adult flea is 4-6 weeks. The entire life cycle of a flea can be completed in as few as 16 days!

Flea Control Recommendations

For a flea free pet, year round flea control is essential. Luckily, there are numerous effective and long lasting flea control products to choose from. Flea shampoos and sprays are effective to rid the pet of adult fleas, but they are temporary at best. Flea collars and powders are usually ineffective. Dogs and cats will need a monthly flea control product (oral or topical) to remain flea free. If you have a flea infestation, treatment of the house and surrounding area (yard) will also be required. Because of their life cycle, it can sometimes take 2-4 months to become flea free. For your home – wash all your bedding and the pet’s bedding, vacuum floors/furniture thoroughly, and apply an approved spray/powder to floors (something with an insect growth regulator). For the yard – use an approved spray/granule on the lawn and repeat as needed.

At Pearland Animal Hospital, we carry the following flea products:

Dogs

Sentinel – oral, sterilizes the egg

Frontline Plus– topical, controls eggs and kills adult fleas

Advantix II - topical, controls eggs and kills adult fleas

Advantage Multi – topical, kills adult fleas

Comfortis – oral, kills adults

Trifexis – oral, kills adults

Capstar – oral, kills adults (fastest kill), only lasts 1-2 days in system

Cats

Revolution – topical, kills adult fleas

Advantage Multi – topical, kills adult fleas

Frontline Plus - topical, controls eggs and kills adult fleas

If you see fleas on your pets, make an appoitment with us today to discuss the best treatment protocol.

-Dr. Tricia Trunek, DVM

Arthritis in the Dog and Cat

Tue, 08 Mar 2011 21:50:00 GMT

Arthritis (degenerative joint disease) is a very common problem, especially in our aging pets. Arthritis will affect 1 out of every 4 dogs and cats, and it is a process that can begin at any time. The cause varies, it can be secondary to an old injury (broken bone or torn ligament) or related to conditions such as genetics, joint laxity (hip dysplasia), and joint incongruity (elbow dysplasia). Early diagnosis and intervention is critical because arthritis can not be reversed. While surgery may be helpful in certain conditions, it is not always necessary or affordable. Medical treatment focuses on preventing further damage and alleviating pain.

Signs of Joint Disease

Stiffness

Reluctance to get up

Reluctance to jump

Lameness

Muscle wasting

Decreased activity

Crying out in pain

Abnormal sitting/laying position

Medications

Arthritis medications are broken down into 2 categories – neutraceuticals (nutritional supplements) and pharmaceutical drugs. The neutraceuticals are slower acting, but they do help improve joint function and can help with pain relief. They may be used in both dogs and cats and can be used in conjunction with other drugs. They have not undergone rigorous testing and therefore exact doses may not be known.

Neutraceuticals

Glucosamine and Chondroitin Sulfate – helps with rebuilding cartilage, takes several months to start working. Examples are Dasuquin and Cosequin.

Omega 3 fatty acids – fish oils have anti-inflammatory properties, may take a month to see benefit and effects are not dramatic. The EPA to DHA ratio should be 3:2.

MSM – helps with cartilage repair and inflammation.

Anti-oxidants – scavenging free radicals can retard age related changes. Examples include vitamin C, E, and SAMe.

Pharmaceutical Drugs

Non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs) – suppress inflammation and help with pain. Pre-treatment bloodwork is necessary because animals with pre-existing liver or kidney conditions may not want to be on this drug. Periodic bloodwork every 6-12 months should also be done to make sure the animal is not having any side effects associated with the medication. Examples include Rimadyl, Deramaxx, and Metacam. NEVER USE A HUMAN NSAID ON A DOG OR CAT.

Corticosteroids – suppress inflammation. The side effects associated with long term use of steroids usually preclude their use, especially now because there are other better medications for dogs and cats.

Analgesics – decrease pain and used usually in conjunction with an NSAID. Examples include Tramadol, Amantadine, and Gabapentin.

Adequan – injectable cartilage component that inhibits cartilage destruction, stimulates cartilage repair, and increases joint lubrication. Adequan is best done as a series: an injection 1-2 times a week for 4-6 weeks, then as needed for maintenance (usually every 1-3 months).

The arthritic pet has numerous medications to select from and while this is an important part of therapy, weight control and proper exercise should not be forgotten. Consistent low impact exercise is excellent physical therapy for the arthritic pet and maintaining muscle mass helps support the joint. Massage and gentle flexion/extension of the joint may also help. Remember, treatment for joint disease is likely to involve a combination of medications in addition to physical activity and weight control.

For more specific recommendations for your pet, consult your veterinarian at Pearland Animal Hospital 281-485-2496.

-Dr. Tricia Trunek, DVM

Dental Disease in Pets

Mon, 07 Feb 2011 16:17:00 GMT

85% of pets will have some form of periodontal disease by the time they are 3-4 years of age. There is not much difference between our own teeth and our pet’s teeth – think if you didn’t brush your teeth for 3-4 years - you would have a lot of tartar, loose teeth, and very bad breath!

There are 4 stages of periodontal disease that we see in dogs and cats. Stage 1 is gingivitis – the gum tissue around the teeth is inflamed and swollen. Some plaque and tartar is present on the tooth surface. This stage is definitely reversible with treatment. Stage 2 is early periodontitis – the gum is very inflamed, parts of the tissue and bone are starting to be destroyed, and there is probably an odor from the mouth. This stage can be reversed with professional cleaning and at-home care. Stage 3 is moderate periodontitis – continuing infection destroys more tissue and bone around the teeth, the gums bleed easily, and the mouth starts to become painful. This stage may become irreversible without treatment. Stage 4 is advanced periodontitis – extensive infection is destroying the attachment of gum and bone, teeth are loose, and infection may be spreading into the bloodstream.

How do you know if your pet has periodontal disease?

Bad breath

Red or swollen gums

Tartar (yellow-brown crust near the gum line)

Loose or missing teeth

Discomfort with chewing or when mouth is touched

What can you do?

First, have an exam performed by your veterinarian to determine if professional cleaning is needed or if at-home treatment will suffice. If a professional cleaning is recommended, your pet will have to undergo anesthesia. During a cleaning, visible tartar is removed via hand and electronic scalers, periodontal pockets are measured, the roots are planed (tartar is scraped from below the gum line), the outer enamel of the tooth is polished, the mouth is disinfected, and a sealant is applied to the teeth. Dental radiographs are recommended because they give us a view of the part of the tooth that is below the gum line (about 2/3 of the tooth!). We can see fractures of the root or jawbone, abscesses, tumors, resorptive disease, retained roots, bone loss, and more. They are also useful after extracting teeth to make sure the entire root has been removed. Dental radiographs should be done no matter the age of the pet, but especially if severe disease is present. If extractions are necessary, your pet should be back to normal in a few days, and should still be able to eat and play like normal (unless extensive extractions occur).

At-home dental care is recommended at all stages of your pet’s life. It is best to start when the pet is young to get them used to the process, and help delay the onset of periodontal disease. After a professional cleaning has been performed, at-home care is essential to maintain the results. The best at-home care consists of proper brushing of the teeth with approved animal toothpaste and a toothbrush or fingerbrush. Brush the outer surface of the teeth at least 3 times a week, daily if possible. If pets do not tolerate this, there are dental wipes, rinses, and pads available – these help wipe the plaque off the tooth surface. Dental treats are also helpful – Science diet t/d food, Greenies, CET chews, and Dentabones are some great products. These alone can help reduce plaque by up to 65%.

Lastly, there is a new vaccine approved for dogs that helps reduce bone destruction. The Porphyromonas Bacterin targets certain bacteria responsible for the tissue damage in advanced periodontitis. It will not prevent tartar from forming, but it will help prevent tooth loss. It can be started at anytime – when your dog is young, or after periodontal disease is present. It should be used as part of a package that includes professional cleaning and at-home care.

If you have any questions about your pet’s teeth, call and schedule an appointment with our veterinarians @ 281-485-2496.

-Dr. Tricia Trunek, DVM

Holiday Pet Tips

Fri, 10 Dec 2010 22:25:00 GMT

We want this holiday season to be a fun and safe time for you and your pet, not something that turns into an emergency visit to the veterinarian. Some of the decorations we use, the holiday plants we buy, and the food we make can be hazardous to our pets. Below is a list of the most common holiday hazards. If your pet comes into contact with any of these, let us know immediately.

Poisonous Plants

Mistletoe

Lilies

Holly

Poinsettia

Yew

Kalanchoe

Food

Alcohol

Chocolate

Uncooked meat and bones

Uncooked yeast dough

Grapes and raisins

Macadamia nuts

Xylitol (artificial sweetener)

Other hazards

Electrical cords

Glass ornaments

Tinsel

Gift ribbon/string

Candles

Batteries for toys

Needles from the Christmas tree

If you are expecting a lot of visitors or are having a holiday party, your animal may become very stressed or nervous. Make sure your animal has access to a quiet room (with a bed and some water) away from the noise and people where they can go to be alone. If you have an animal that is known to be aggressive, make sure they stay in another room or you may think about boarding them for a short time. If you have a new or young animal, you may want to try and teach them some basic obedience before people come over – commands like sit, stay, off, and leave it will be very helpful.

The holidays are also a time that people get or give a pet as a gift. First, make sure the receiving party really does want a new animal. Pets can make great gifts, but there is a lot of financial responsibility that goes into owning a new puppy or kitten. You must remember that these animals can be around for the next 15 or so years, so make sure they have the time to give them the proper care they need. Think about bringing home the new addition after the holidays, when all the commotion and stress dies down. You want to be able to have the time to bond to your new pet and they will have an easier time adjusting without all the stress.

Lastly, make sure your pet has some sort of identification in case they get loose. It is best to have both a collar with your information on it as well as something permanent, like a microchip. At Pearland Animal Hospital we offer ResQ microchips for dogs and cats. They are read by all scanners (ISO compliant) and they contain your pet’s information as well as your contact information. There is no annual fee and they offer 24/7 customer support. If you have moved, please remember to update your pet’s information.

We wish the best to you and your pet during this holiday season.

Dr. Tricia Trunek, DVM

Obesity in Pets

Thu, 09 Dec 2010 17:28:00 GMT

Obesity is the number one pet disease seen by veterinarians. It is estimated that currently 35-40% of the pet population is overweight or obese.

A study by Purina divided 7 groups of littermates into two groups. One group was free fed and they became overweight, the other group was fed the daily recommended calories and stayed in a normal weight range. The group that stayed lean lived 15% longer than the other group and had less health problems. That means your pet could live 2 years longer if not overweight!

Reasons why pets become obese
1. Overfeeding – this could be because pets are free fed, or the food is not measured accurately (1 cup does not equal a coffee can or large scoop), or the food is too high in calories. When pets are fed a lot of treats and table scraps along with their normal diet, it can add extra calories. Families with children at home also make it hard to control the amount of food given to the animal because the kids either give extra treats or accidentally drop food onto the ground during their meal.

One oatmeal cookie for a

dog = 1 hamburger for a human

1 oz of cheese for a dog/cat = 2-3 hamburgers for a human

One potato chip for a cat = 1/2 a hamburger for a human

One hotdog for a dog = 3 hamburgers for a human

1 cup of milk for a cat = 4 hamburgers for a human

2. Neutering – once an animal is neutered, their metabolism slows down and they need to be fed less than an equivalent animal that is not neutered.

3. Genetics – some breeds are prone to obesity more than others, they include the: Golden Retriever, Cocker Spaniel, Dachshund, Beagle, Shetland Sheepdog, Boxer, Cairn Terrier, Basset Hound, Cairn Terrier, Labrador Retriever, Bulldog, and Pug.

4. Diseases – certain endocrine diseases like Cushing’s disease and hypothyroidism predispose dogs to gain weight because they affect their metabolism.

Health problems associated with obesity

Arthritis
Respiratory/heart problems
Increased blood pressure
Diabetes
Hepatic Lipidosis
Increased risk of cancer
Reproductive problems
Reduced life span
Increased anesthetic/surgical risk

Weight loss in pets comes down to 2 things, just like with humans – decrease calories and increase exercise. (Blood tests may need to be done first to rule out endocrine disease as a reason to why your pet my be overweight.) The first step is discussing with your veterinarian an exact meal plan for your pet. Actually measuring food (not free feeding) and decreasing extra treats/table scraps will be required. Sometimes a prescription weight loss diet that is lower in calories than commercial diets is needed. Substituting high fat treats for lower fat treats or carrots and green beans will also be helpful. The next step is increasing the exercise, for dogs – talking them for walks/jogs, playing fetch, swimming, playing with other dogs, or doing a group activity like agility. For cats playing with balls, feathers, laser pointers, etc. can be good activity. Place food/treats in different areas to make them have to walk around more.

At this time there is a medication that is approved for dogs only called Slentrol. This is an appetite suppressant that manipulates the absorption of fat into the body in such a way as to fool the brain into feeling full. Diet change is not necessary for this program to work but it is important in the long run (when the goal weight has been reached) to have modified the pet’s lifestyle to a healthier nutritional plane and exercise level.

Weigh your pet regularly so that you know if your plan is working. Aim for a gradual weight reduction of approximately 1% of the pet's body weight per week. Most animals can lose between 0.5% - 2% of their body weight per week. Rapid weight loss is dangerous, especially for cats. Cats that lose weight too rapidly can suffer from hepatic lipidosis, a life-threatening disease.

For more information, you can visit
http://www.petobesityprevention.com

-Dr. Tricia Trunek, DVM

Diabetes in Cats and Dogs

Tue, 12 Oct 2010 22:43:00 GMT

Diabetes Mellitus is a common endocrine disease in dogs and cats. Glucose is needed by cells of the body for energy. When you eat food, the glucose is absorbed from your intestines into your bloodstream where a constant level is kept. To maintain this level of glucose, insulin (a hormone produced by the pancreas) allows the cells to absorb and utlize the glucose. In a diabetic there is not enough insulin. This means the cells can not absorb glucose and therefore, glucose levels build up in the blood.

In humans, there are two types of diabetes. Type 1 is where the pancreas produces no insulin at all and Type 2 is when the pancreas produces some insulin but not enough. Virtually all dogs have Type 1 (insulin dependent diabetes) and they must be treated with insulin. Most cats have Type 2 (non-insulin dependent diabetes). This means for cats there is potential for the diabetes to actually resolve if the pancreas improves its insulin-secreting ability. Insulin injections are needed to treat most diabetic cats, but for some cats, the situation is mild enough for oral medication and diet change to suffice.

The signs that owners usually notice in their diabetic animals are an increased thirst and urination (having accidents in the house), as well as an increased appetite with weight loss. Some other sequela to diabetes are cataract formation in dogs and urinary tract infections in both dogs and cats.

Testing for diabetes is relatively easy. Most basic blood profiles will show a dramatic increase in glucose levels, and urine tests may show glucose in the urine. If the levels of glucose are only mildly to moderately elevated, fructosamine levels can be measured. If this is elevated in addition to the other labwork and clinical signs, then a diagnosis of diabetes is highly likely. Fructosamine levels show the average glucose concentrations over the last several weeks.

Once a diagnosis is made, an insulin type and amount will be decided on by the doctor. There are many different types of insulin, but most animals will require a twice daily injection. The insulin is injected subcutaneously (under the skin) with a small syringe and needle. The owner needs to feel comfortable giving these injections before treatment can begin. Most people are relatively surprised on how easy it can be to administer insulin.

Regulating the animal's diabetes can sometimes take several weeks to months in the begining. The pet usually needs to come into the clinic for the day so a blood glucose curve can be performed. After insulin is administered, blood samples will be taken throughout the day. This shows how long the insulin is lasting, as well as the highest and lowest glucose concentrations. Some at home monitoring may be required once the animal is regulated to make sure no changes need to be made. If the dose is to low, the animal will revert to increased drinking, urination, and appetite. If the dose is to high, the animal can become very weak, lethargic, and may not want to eat.

As well as insulin administration, a diet change may also be necessary for the animal. For cats, a low carbohydrate and high protein diet is usually chosen. These diets can promote some weight loss in a usually obese patient. Dogs are usually fed a high fiber and low fat diet. If it is not possible to change the pet’s diet, then regulation will just have to be worked out around whatever the pet will eat.

If you think your pet has any of these signs, please contact us right away to schedule an appointment. There are other diseases that can mimic diabetes and so further testing may be needed if diabetes is ruled out.

-Dr. Tricia Trunek, DVM

Sago Palm Poisoning

Thu, 09 Dec 2010 17:32:00 GMT

Sago Palms (cycas revoluta) are one of the most popular cycads in the southern states because they are relatively drought resistant and they grow well in sandy soil as well as full sun.

These plants can be found in almost any garden center in the Houston area.

The sago palm contains a toxic component called cycasin. Even very young plants are toxic enough to cause death in animals. Dogs and cats are susceptible, as are horses, cows and people. The seeds are the most toxic component, but any part of the plant can be toxic. Pets, especially dogs, find the plant very palatable. Some owners believe that the spikes will deter pets from eating the plant, but that's not always the case.

Clinical signs can develop within 6-12 hours after ingestion, they include: vomiting, diarrhea, weakness, icterus (yellowing of the skin), increased thirst, hemorrhagic gastroenteritis (bloody stool), bruising, coagulopathy, liver damage, liver failure and death. The death rate can be as high as 30%, especially if no treatment is initiated.

There is no antidote for sago palm ingestion. Treatment begins by inducing vomiting within 1-2 hour of ingestion for the best results. If too many hours pass, only supportive treatment can be given. The pet will be placed on intravenous fluids, given gastroprotectants, antibiotics, antiemtics (for vomiting), and liver support medications. The blood will be monitored for changes in the liver enzymes, red blood cells,and electrolytes.

Sometimes patients recover from acute effects of the poisoning but may die a month or so later of related liver failure. This is most likely due to fibrosis during the healing process - it becomes a chronic condition, like alcoholism. If the animal does survive, they may always have some liver damage and need to be monitored closely.

At Pearland Animal Hospital, we see several cases a year of sago palm ingestion. When the owners initiate treatment quickly (because they saw the pet ingest the plant) treatment is usually successful. Most of the time (if owners do not know the pet ingested the plant) the animal will present at the clinic in severe liver failure 2-3 days after ingestion. The outcome in these situations are not as good. It is important to take a look at your yard (especially the backyard where pets may be unattended) and make sure access to these plants is not possible. If your animal is ever showing any of these symptoms, please let us know right away if you have a sago palm in your yard. If you ever see your pet eating any part of this plant, call us immediately.

-Dr. Tricia Trunek, DVM

The ASPCA Poison Control Center lists toxic and non-toxic plants on its Web site:

http://www.aspca.org/pet-care/poison-control/plants/