Lately when I take my three-year-old dog Riley for a
bike ride, he is limping on one of his front legs
the next day. We took him to the vet and she gave
him some pain medicine.

Lydia
North East Texas

Your situation sounds familiar to that of the three-year-old lab whose mother wrote to me on June 30. The symptoms are slightly different. However, the problem seems to be essentially the same: you have a young dog who is suffering from chronic pain after exercise.

I decided to answer your question because I strongly feel that you should not simply stop taking Riley for bike rides. I suspect that Riley has a problem, such as elbow dysplasia, panosteitis, Osteochondritis Dissecans or early-onset arthritis that is interfering with his ability to run.

Although the syndromes I have listed may sound intimidating, many of them are treatable. I would hate for Riley’s lifestyle to be curtailed permanently if it is not necessary.

I recommend that you go back to the vet. Consider taking Riley for a bike ride before the visit (but talk to your vet about this first), so that he will be limping. This may make it easier for the vet to identify the joint, bone, or muscle that is causing the problem. The next step will be to take an X-ray of the problem area.

If you are able to determine exactly what is causing the problem, you may be able to fix it. And then you and Riley could enjoy the lifestyle together that you would like.

A note about the image: yes, it is a human humerus, and I realize that I have used human images two days in a row. But it is remarkably difficult to find non-copyrighted images of canine body parts!

• What Causes Chronic Limping in Young Dogs?
• Why Are my Dog’s Legs Giving Out?
• What are the secrets to treating arthritis?
• New Test for Canine Heart Disease may be on the Horizon
• How can I Protect my Cat From Ear Mites?

Heart disease is very common in dogs. Most cases of heart disease in dogs are hereditary, rather than acquired. This means that, unlike in humans, obesity and a sedentary lifestyle are not major causes of heart disease in dogs (although obesity exacerbates heart disease in all species).

There are two major forms of heart disease in dogs. Small breeds are prone to valve disease. Valve disease causes the blood to flow incorrectly through the heart and lungs. Large breeds are prone to cardiomyopathy, a syndrome in which the muscles of the heart lose the ability to function normally. Either condition can lead to heart failure and death.

The mainstays of diagnosing canine heart disease have been physical exam, evaluation for irregular heart sounds known as murmurs, X-rays and echocardiography (ultrasound of the heart). Echocardiography is especially effective at diagnosing heart problems. However, in many cases the problem is not detected until it has been present for a very long time. And, as with all medical conditions, treatment for canine heart disease is most effective if the problem is detected early.

Fortunately, a paper in the May 15, 2008 Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association describes a new test that may soon become available to identify dogs with heart disease. The test would be a blood test that could be performed routinely on at-risk breeds.

The test would involve measuring the level of a peptide (a very small protein) in the blood. A recent study demonstrated that blood levels of the peptide reliably predict the presence and severity of heart disease in dogs.

It may be several years before any test involving the peptide is available for veterinarians. However, it is encouraging to know that in the future it may be possible to diagnose heart disease earlier and more easily in our canine friends.

The paper discussed in this post is Oyama, et al J Am Vet Med Assoc 2008;232:1496-1503

Image credit: Heikenwaelder Hugo. Image licensing information: CC
Image confession: it is a human heart. But the canine heart is anatomically similar.

• Why Can’t my Dog Run Far?
• How can I Protect my Cat From Ear Mites?
• Are Labradoodles and Cockapoos Simply Mutts?
• Why do Pets get Sick While You’re on Vacation?
• Should I Worry About Overgrowth on Foot Pads?

My cat gets ear mites and he passes it on to my
inside cat. I have read some home remedy books and
they said to try baby oil. I did. It helped a
little. Do you have any inexpensive methods to
use?

Skylar
Baldwin, PA

In my experience, you get what you pay for with ear mite treatments.

Ear mites are parasitic organisms that, as the name implies, infest the ears of cats and dogs. Ear mites cause intense itching. Pets with ear mites may have red, swollen ears that are clogged with dark wax. Ear mites are contagious.

Ear mites can be very frustrating. But they need not be. A number of home remedies, such as mineral oil or baby oil, are touted as ear mite treatments. But in my experience such over-the-counter antidotes don’t work very well.

The good news is that there are several safe and effective treatments for ear mites. The bad news: you’ll have to go to the vet to get them.

First, it is important to confirm that your cats have ear mites. Ear infections may be clinically indistinguishable from ear mite infestations. To confirm that mites are present, your vet may need to examine debris from the ears under a microscope.

Once the diagnosis has been confirmed, the vet can prescribe a medication such as Revolution or Advantage Multi to deal with the problem. Both cats will need treatment initially. Once the mites have been eliminated, you may only need to treat the cat that goes outside.

Although a trip to the vet may not be fun, in the long run it is likely to save you and your cats from a great deal of suffering.

• Why do Pets get Sick While You’re on Vacation?
• Article Discusses the Increasing Use of Psychoactive Drugs in Pets
• Yet Another Scientific Paper Documents the Human Health Benefits of Pets
• Pets May Help Prevent Cognitive Decline in Elderly People
• New Swiss Law Sets High Standards for Animal Care

It has been a while since there has been any controversy on this blog. However, an article from a recent issue of Veterinary Economics may stir things up.

The terms of use of the hosting website prohibit me from both linking to the article and quoting directly from it. Please click on the link to see what the author (Melody Heath, DVM) has to say in her own words.

But, to paraphrase, here is her thesis. Shih Poos, Schnoodles, Labradoodles, Cockapoos and other dogs that are descended from two parents of different breeds are mutts. People who buy them are being ripped off. They are buying mixed-breed dogs (that always seem to be half Poodle) at purebred prices.

And she goes a step further. She claims that it is unethical to purchase a mixed-breed dog. Why pay $1500 for a mixed-breed dog when so many other mutts are languishing in shelters and facing euthanasia for lack of a home?

Do I agree? Partly. By definition, any dog that is not purebred is a mutt. So Dr. Heath is definitely right on that score. However, first generation mutts benefit from a phenomenon known as hybrid vigor. The principle of hybrid vigor states that the direct progeny of two inbred (read: purebred) parents will, on average, be heartier and more robust than either parent.

So, although Cocker Spaniels are prone to chronic ear infections and Poodles suffer disproportionately from heart disease, a first generation Cockapoo is less likely to develop either problem than his parents. And, his personality may be predictable–much like a purebred dog. Every Cockapoo I’ve met has been a really great dog.

Sadly, the benefits of hybrid vigor (and the predictable nature of personalities) dissipate in subsequent generations. Most geneticists would agree that if two Labradoodles mate their progeny will, definitively, be mutts.

What about the ethics of purchasing a “designer mutt” when shelter dogs are in need of homes? From the shelter dog’s point of view, the pedigree of the dog you purchase is irrelevant. If you want to save a shelter dog, don’t pay a breeder for any type of dog. Go to the pound.

Like any good argument, I can see a bit of logic to both sides of this one. I welcome your retorts and input in the comments section.

• Why Can’t my Dog Run Far?
• New Test for Canine Heart Disease may be on the Horizon
• How can I Protect my Cat From Ear Mites?
• Why do Pets get Sick While You’re on Vacation?
• Should I Worry About Overgrowth on Foot Pads?

I am amazed by the number of cats and dogs that are brought to my office by pet sitters. Sometimes the pet sitters are professionals. In other instances, friends or family members of vacationers volunteered to watch the cat or dog for free. Either way, I can tell that the pet sitter is worried it is his fault that the pet is at the vet.

As well, on some days half of my clients tell me stories similar to this one: “Fluffy was fine before we left for vacation. My friend Jim watched her, and Jim says that he didn’t notice anything wrong while we were away. But since we’ve returned Fluffy hasn’t eaten anything and she’s thrown up ten times.”

What’s going on here? Are pet sitters generally inept? Why do so many pets get sick when their families are out of town?

In my experience, most pet sitters take their jobs (whether paid or not) very seriously. And most of them are exceptionally diligent. After all, nobody wants their best friend’s cat to get sick while they are taking care of it.

But there is no escaping the fact that a disproportionate number of veterinary visits occur when the pet’s family is, or has just been, away. And I believe I know why.

One thing that makes pets so great is that they unabashedly love the people they live with. However, when those people are away the absence causes stress. That stress can dramatically exacerbate pre-existing medical conditions–conditions that may have been present, undetected, for months before the family vacation.

Therefore, seemingly healthy pets may become sick when their loved ones are away.

Does this mean that you are not entitled to a vacation if you have a pet? Absolutely not! But there are some precautions you can take.

And finally, try not to blame the pet sitter if things unexpectedly go wrong. Most of them are doing the best that they can.

• How can I Protect my Cat From Ear Mites?
• Can Dogs Ride in Long-Haul Trucks?
• Article Discusses the Increasing Use of Psychoactive Drugs in Pets
• Yet Another Scientific Paper Documents the Human Health Benefits of Pets
• Pets May Help Prevent Cognitive Decline in Elderly People

Chessy’s mommy here. I was just trimming
Chessy’s nails (something he loves oooohhhh so
much, NOT) and noticed on one of his paw pads a
growth of some kind.

P
Eagan, MN

Based on your description, I think there is no need to freak out. The types of growths that you describe are very common, and they generally are harmless.

I suspect that your dog has developed an area of overgrowth on his foot pad. These areas are similar to calluses or corns that people develop on their feet. They consist of thick, firm protrusions from the foot pad. Sometimes the growths resemble toe nails growing from the foot pad. In other cases, areas of pad overgrowth may be feathery and softer.

Some cases of foot pad overgrowth occur in response to irritation or trauma to the pad. Other dogs appear to have a hereditary tendency to develop the growths.

Of course, there is a remote chance that something more serious is going on. So, and I’ll bet you saw this coming, I’d recommend that you have your vet take a special look at the area of interest. If foot pad overgrowth is occurring, the vet may be able to trim the excess tissue back to make the pad’s appearance more normal.

• Why Can’t my Dog Run Far?
• New Test for Canine Heart Disease may be on the Horizon
• How can I Protect my Cat From Ear Mites?
• Are Labradoodles and Cockapoos Simply Mutts?
• Why do Pets get Sick While You’re on Vacation?

Hello! I am a new mom of a bouncing Boston Terrier.
I had one a few years ago, but lost custody
during my divorce.

Lee
Barberton, Ohio

I have known several dogs (and even a few cats) that have served as companions for long-haul truckers. All of these pets seemed very content with their lives. Most dogs I know love adventure, and they adjust very well to life on the road.

There are, of course, some basic precautions that you will need to take. Your dog should receive vaccines that are appropriate for the areas he’ll be visiting, and you should ensure that he is protected against fleas, heartworm and intestinal parasites.

As well, make yourself familiar with the dog laws in the municipalities through which you’ll be traveling. Different areas have different requirements for rabies vaccination. Some areas may require veterinary health certificates for dogs traveling through. Make sure that you have a current dog license in your home town.

In my experience, the authorities generally are quite relaxed about dogs and cats traveling by car or truck (airport screeners can be a different story). However, it is always wise to have all of your paperwork in order. Your veterinarian should be able to help you with rabies certificates, health certificates and other bureaucratic miscellany.

Finally, be sure to carry plenty of food and water for your pup. Take regular breaks for exercise and bathroom activities. And don’t forget to carry a leash–you don’t want your dog to run onto a busy freeway!

If your dog is like the ones I have known, he’ll happily and easily adjust to life on the road.

• Why do Pets get Sick While You’re on Vacation?
• Can Bordetella Vaccines Cause Coughing?
• Does Pet Food Cause Health Problems?
• Vaccines Poised for a Comeback
• Do Chihuahuas Need Lepto Vaccines?

I’d like to thank Ryan of West Hollywood, California for drawing my attention to the cover story (free registration at nytimes.com is required) of this week’s New York Times Magazine. The article discusses the controversy surrounding the increasing use of medications such as Prozac in pets.

The article is lengthy, but it is worth reading if you have time. One section of the article was particularly interesting to me. It discussed the historical (and still, to a certain extent, ongoing) debate over whether animals experience emotions and thoughts. Here is a quote from the section.

The debate about animal minds is at least as old as Aristotle, who posited that men alone possess reason. The 17th-century French philosopher Nicolas Malebranche wrote that animals “desire nothing, fear nothing, know nothing,” while Voltaire asked, “Answer me, mechanist, has Nature arranged all the springs of feeling in this animal to the end that he might not feel?” Darwin’s view was, Of course not. In “The Descent of Man” he wrote, “We have seen that the senses and intuitions, the various emotions and faculties . . . of which man boasts, may be found in an incipient, or even sometimes in a well-developed condition, in the lower animals.” The staggering assertion of Darwin’s theory is that evolutionary continuity applies not just to bodies but to brains. “The difference in mind between man and the higher animals, great as it is, certainly is one of degree and not of kind,” he wrote.

I am going to side with Darwin on this one. I have spent a lot of time studying canine and feline anatomy and physiology. It turns out that the livers, kidneys, stomachs, intestines and yes, brains, of cats and dogs are very similar to those of humans. It is clear to me that pets have rich emotional lives. And it is also obvious that they can suffer from mental illness.

I have seen syndromes in pets that are remarkably similar to human psychiatric conditions. I know cats with trichotillomania (in veterinary medicine we call it psychogenic alopecia), dogs with obsessive-compulsive disorder, and members of both species with anxiety disorders. I receive at least a dozen questions each week from people whose dogs suffer from separation anxiety–a clear-cut anxiety disorder.

Behavioral modification is the cornerstone of treatment for these sorts of conditions in pets (behavioral modification is the closest thing veterinary medicine has to therapy). But I have seen some pets benefit dramatically when psychoactive medications were used in combination with behavior modification.

Our current understanding of pet psychiatric conditions is crude, to say the least. But I suspect that as we learn more about behavioral (or emotional) disorders in pets, we will be surprised by the similarities between their problems and ours.

• Commonly Used Medicines may Have Little Known Side Effects: Part 1
• How can I Protect my Cat From Ear Mites?
• Why do Pets get Sick While You’re on Vacation?
• Yet Another Scientific Paper Documents the Human Health Benefits of Pets
• Pets May Help Prevent Cognitive Decline in Elderly People

Is it safe for my small dog to eat fish? I heard
salmon could be poisonous.

Mary
Avondale Estates, GA

Dogs cannot survive on an exclusive diet of fish meat. However, if your dog does not have any medical conditions that require a special diet, I don’t see any harm in giving him small amounts of cooked fish now and then.

Salmon itself is not poisonous. However, there is a syndrome in dogs called salmon poisoning. This creates some confusion. Salmon poisoning occurs when a dog consumes raw salmon or trout containing a dangerous parasite. The parasite causes the inappropriately named disease, which can be fatal.

The parasite involved in salmon poisoning is most common along the Pacific coasts of Oregon, Washington, and Canada. There have been reports of salmon poisoning in northern California as well.

Cooking salmon kills the parasite, as well as disease-causing bacteria that may be present on the meat.

For the raw food fans out there: yes, raw fish can be included in dogs’ diets. But I recommend that you take some precautions. Feed only sushi grade fish, and avoid raw salmon.

• Does Pet Food Cause Health Problems?
• Why Can’t my Dog Run Far?
• New Test for Canine Heart Disease may be on the Horizon
• How can I Protect my Cat From Ear Mites?
• Are Labradoodles and Cockapoos Simply Mutts?

I’d like to thank Denise from Pacifica, California for drawing my attention to an excellent paper that appeared in the July, 2008 American Journal of Critical Care. The paper touches on two of my favorite topics: the health benefits that humans derive from pets and evidence-based medicine.

The basic tenet of evidence-based medicine is very simple. That tenet states that if a treatment or therapy works, a scientific study will be able to prove its efficacy. As I mentioned in my previous post on homeopathy and herbal remedies, such studies generally are remarkably simple to perform. If there is no scientific study to support the efficacy of a treatment or remedy, the treatment or remedy may be nothing more than modern day snake oil.

So if I say that pets are good for human health, am I a modern day snake oil peddler? Definitely not. The paper, titled “The Healing Power of the Human-Animal Connection” is a review of scientific studies that document the effects of animal-assisted therapy and animal companions on humans. These studies show statistically significant health benefits in many situations.

Here are just a few of the findings that are summarized in the paper.

Patients are not the only people to benefit from the presence of animals in the hospital. Here is a quote from the paper.

Such positive perceptions were not limited to patients and families. Nurses believed the presence of animals made the work environment happier and more interesting, with no negative impact on space or work flow.

The paper also points out that having a pet may make it less likely that a person will end up in the hospital in the first place.

Research at the University of Pennsylvania Veterinary Hospital showed that people who own companion animals report a highly significant reduction in minor health problems and significant improvements in psychological well-being in the first month after acquiring an animal. Households with dogs also showed an increase of 400% to 500% in walking.

In my opinion, the final sentence of the paper paraphrases the findings in a wonderful (although not succinct) way.

[Animal-assisted therapy] can promote healing through intentionality, personal wholeness, relationships between patients, animals and interdisciplinary staff, and environmental spaces that are truly transformational for both patients and staff.

For reference, the paper discussed in this post is Halm, Am J Crit Care. 2008; 17: 373-376

• Pets May Help Prevent Cognitive Decline in Elderly People
• Article Discusses the Benefits of Pet Therapy for Sick People
• Pets May Save the Lives of Humans with Diabetes
• How can I Protect my Cat From Ear Mites?
• Why do Pets get Sick While You’re on Vacation?