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Ticks, what are the risks and what can we do about them?

Geographic distribution statistics indicate that ticks are continuing to migrate into our area and our own testing tells us that the risk of tick-borne illness is increasing in the Durham Region. In fact the Rouge Valley is considered endemic, which means that all life stages of the tick are found (adults, eggs, larvae and nymphs).

Therefore, we have put together this informational article to help you understand the risk ticks present and how we can reduce the risk of acquiring tick-borne diseases.

What is a tick?

The tick is closely related to a spider. Ticks have 8 legs, 2 body parts, a flat body (when unfed) and a very hard exoskeleton. When fully fed the tick’s body will be engorged. Ticks have several life stages but both adult ticks and nymphs can transfer certain diseases to you and your dog when they attach and feed.

How does a tick get on my dog or me?

When ticks are hungry for a blood meal they “quest”. That is, ticks wait for host animals on the tips of grasses and shrubs. When the plant is brushed by a moving animal or person, the tick quickly lets go of the vegetation and climbs onto the host. Ticks can only crawl; they cannot jump or fly.

How does a tick transmit disease to my dog?

Once they are on their host, they wander around looking for the best place to attach, which ideally is a less haired area such as the face, legs or belly. When they feed, they embed their mouth part into the skin and actually cement themselves in, feeding for several days. When adult ticks or nymphs are feeding they can inject the bacterium responsible for Lyme Disease.  Once they’ve had their fill, they fall off their host and move on to their next life stage.

When are tick most active?

Adult ticks are active in the spring and fall (May and October). Nymphs are active during the spring and summer (May, June, July). Nymphs pose the greatest risk to people because they are so tiny and difficult to see (only 1-2mm in diameter) and they’re around at a time when people have more skin exposed in the warmer weather. Ticks are most active between 4-23C.

Which ticks are the problem?

In Southern Ontario we are concerned about:

1. The Black-legged tick, also known as the deer tick or Ixodes scapularis. This tick is the carrier of Lyme Disease as well as other tick borne illnesses such as Anaplasmosis and Babesiosis. They prefer a moist habitat to survive, like leaf litter and wooded areas but can be found in tall grasses.

2. The American dog tick or Dermacentor variabilus. This tick is the carrier of Rocky Mountain spotted fever and other tick borne illnesses. They can survive in drier habitats and are hardier than the Black-legged tick. They prefer open fields and tall grasses.

3. The Brown dog tick or Rhipicephalus sanguineus. This tick can infest your home! It prefers a warm protected indoor environment. This tick tends to be brought home from vacationing in warmer climates. It is the carrier of Rocky Mountain spotted fever, Babesiosis and Ehrlichiosis.

Another tick on the rise is the:

4. Lone star tick or Amblyomma americanum. This tick is common in wooded areas, particularly forests with thick underbrush and large trees. This tick is the carrier of Ehrlichiosis. It is said that the bite of this tick can cause a person to develop a meat allergy.

Are there ticks in my backyard?

It is possible. Ticks are transported by birds and other wild life. Two of our Lyme positive cases last year were dogs who were reportedly only “backyard” dogs. My Yukon and Charley have both had several ticks. They only get walked in our neighbourhood and spend time in the backyard – not in open fields and wooded areas.

What can I do to protect myself and my dog?

• It can take as little as 24 hours for the black-legged tick to transmit the bacterium that causes Lyme Disease so the sooner you remove any ticks the better.
• Please perform a tick check on you and your pet once you have returned from your walk. Starting at the tip of your pet’s nose with a fine tooth comb or brush go through your pet’s coat working all the way back and finishing with the tail. Don’t forget the legs and check the ears too! There is a chance that you can brush off a tick before it has a chance to attach.
• Stay on the trails when walking and stay out of the wooded or tall grass areas.
• Wear appropriate clothing for yourself.
• If you find a tick on your dog, we can remove it for you if you are not comfortable removing it yourself.
• A blood parasite screen can be performed to check for exposure to tick borne disease.
• Talk to your veterinarian about the various tick preventions that are available – either in topical form or a flavoured chewable tablet.

Charley Girl and I had so much fun this morning at Sir John A. MacDonald talking to the kindergarten classes about what veterinarians do. I’m sure that there is a future veterinarian in the group.

Ouch! How can such a little injury cause such a big hurt? A tiny tear in a tiny nail on a single toe can be excruciatingly painful. The pain of a broken nail can be so intense that it can bring the biggest, bravest dog to its knees. Any breed, tough or fragile, will hold up a foot, limp around, and whine in discomfort. Plus, the bleeding that accompanies a torn nail further complicates the matter.

Why do nails break?

Dogs break their nails by snagging them on carpet, upholstery fibers, grass roots, etc. Or they may jump off a chair or down from a porch and land on a toe in such a way that the nail bends back and breaks. Sometimes, the nails of older pets are so dry that they become brittle and break very easily. Longer nails tend to get caught on things more than short ones. Regardless of the reason, a broken nail hurts and bleeds so it requires immediate attention.

Why are broken nails such a problem?

The nails of dogs consist of a central collection of blood vessels and nerves that are called the “quick.” The quick is covered by a layer of hard material called keratin, which surrounds these sensitive structures to protect them. The quick is living tissue while the keratin is not. That’s why trimming the tip of the nail is not painful for your pet but exposing the quick is uncomfortable. The quick is also attached to the bone, so any damage to the quick can lead to an infection in the bone, which is very serious.

There are normally 5 toes on each front foot and four on each rear foot, but sometimes an extra nail called a dew claw is located higher up on the foot. All nails except the dew claws are worn down when the dog walks on hard surfaces such as the sidewalk, but normal wear may not keep nails short enough, making it necessary to trim your dog’s nails. Dew claws don’t bear weight so they need to be trimmed more frequently and are more susceptible to breaking.

If your dog yelps in pain and suddenly begins to limp or hold his paw up, check his foot for a broken nail and follow this treatment protocol:

1. Safely restrain your dog. Have someone hold your pet while you tend to the nail. Remember that even the nicest pet may bite when in pain. A muzzle may help avoid injury. Provide restraint in the form of a hug which immobilizes the dog and makes him feel secure.

2. Control bleeding by wrapping the foot in gauze or a towel and applying pressure to the injured toe. If the bleeding doesn’t stop in 5-10 minutes, apply a styptic pencil, silver nitrate stick, or cauterizing powder to the nail. These items can be purchased at the pet store or in the first aid section of your human pharmacy. If you don’t have these products at home, try covering the nail with baking powder or flour. You can also stick the tip of the nail into a bar of soap to help stop the bleeding. Don’t wait. See your veterinarian if there is a lot of blood.

3. Remove the damaged part of the nail. Sometimes, there is a loosely attached sliver of nail that can be trimmed away easily with clippers at home, but most of the time this job is best left to your veterinarian! Keep the foot wrapped in a towel as you proceed to the veterinary hospital.

The damaged or broken part of the nail needs to be carefully removed. This procedure is often painful but can be accomplished quickly, with a topical anesthetic and usually requires no sedation. The nail should be trimmed above the break to completely remove the damaged portion and to provide a good foundation for the nail to re-grow.

4. Protect the nail bed from infection. Your veterinarian will apply antibiotic ointment or powder to the exposed nail bed and bandage the foot to prevent contamination and to minimize further bleeding. An oral or injectable antibiotic may be advised as well. Since the nail bed or quick is attached to bone, prevention of infection is crucial. Bone infections are serious problems and only certain antibiotics are effective in treating them. The foot needs to be closely monitored so your veterinarian may schedule a follow-up visit to examine the affected nail and remove or change the bandage.

5. Control the pain. Without the keratin part of the nail to protect the quick, the tender live tissue including blood vessels and nerves is exposed and painful. Your veterinarian may prescribe pain medication for a few days to keep your dog more comfortable should your pet be very uncomfortable.

How do I help my dog avoid broken nails?

To avoid the hassle of a broken nail, keep your dog’s nails trimmed. Short nails are less likely to snag than long ones. Ask your veterinarian or veterinary technician to demonstrate proper nail trimming so you can clip your dog’s nails at home. If you are not comfortable doing this, simply make regularly scheduled appointment to have your dog’s nails trimmed at the veterinary hospital.

Regardless of who does the clipping, the goal is to trim the nail as short as possible while avoiding the quick. This is easier with white nails where the pinkish quick is readily apparent. Dark nails are more of a challenge. The right tools are essential to successful trimming. Sharp nail trimmers specially designed for dogs are a big plus. Dull trimmers shred the nail and increase the likelihood of a break.

Keep maintenance of your dog’s nails on your list of canine tasks alongside bathing and walking so that you and your dog can avoid the broken nail dilemma.

Source: Lifelearn, Inc.

If you suspect that your pet has ingested something poisonous, please do not hesitate to call your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at 888-4ANI-HELP (888-426-4435). If you have general concerns that something in your pet’s environment is impacting his or her health or well-being, please consult with your veterinarian.

List is from the website SuperHappyPets.com

Food

• Raw meat (including poultry)— parasites, E. coli, Salmonella, and other bacteria
• Meat juices— bacteria
• Meat-soaked string— can cause diarrhea and other digestive problems, or get tangled in the intestines; string is more enticing to pets when covered with meat or grease
• Poultry bones— fragile and can splinter in the throat and intestinal tract
• Raw egg— may cause biotin depletion; often harbors salmonella and other bacteria
• Garlic/onions/chives/leeks— can cause a fatal anemia
• Gravy— high fat content can lead to stomach upset and pancreatitis; often contains high levels of onion and garlic
• Grapes/raisins— contain an unknown toxin that can damage the kidneys
• Macadamia nuts— contain an unknown toxin that can damage the digestive system
• Uncooked yeast— can expand in the stomach, causing gastric problems and possible rupture
• Chocolate— contains theobromine, which affects the cardiovascular, nervous and digestive systems
• Coffee/caffeine— contains xanthenes which can cause problems in the nervous, urinary, and cardiovascular systems
  
• Xylitol— a sweetener found in many products; can be fatally toxic
  
• Alcohol — even small amounts can cause intoxication and possibly death
  
• Tobacco/nicotine— can cause serious digestive, cardiovascular and neurological effects
  
• Garbage cans— may contain any or all of the above products

Plants (all can cause stomach upset and/or diarrhea)

• Holly
  
• Mistletoe
  
• Poinsettias
  
• Christmas cacti Evergreen needles Amaryllis Jerusalem cherry Pyracantha Rosary pea or Jequirity pea

Decorations and Wrapping

• Ribbon/Yarn/String— can be ingested and cause intestinal obstruction and bunching of the intestine
• Potpourri— dangerous essential oils
• Candles— burning/fire hazard
• Fireplace— shooting sparks and intense heat; consumption of ashes can lead to burns (if still smoldering) as well as digestive problems and possible intestinal impaction
• Tinsel— choking and possible intestinal obstruction
• Low-hanging ornaments— fragile ornaments can tear the esophagus and intestine if ingested
• Christmas lights cords— strangulation and electrocution hazard
• Food on the tree (popcorn, candy canes, gingerbread people)— varying degrees of indigestion, diarrhea, and other digestive problems

The Tree

• Unstable tree— multiple dangers including broken ornaments, fallen tinsel and needles, and exposure to wires and other hazards on the tree
• Artificial snow— mildly toxic but larger amounts can cause intestinal blockage
• Ornaments— deep lacerations can occur from playing with ornaments; ornaments may be made of toxic materials
• Tree Water— sap, insecticides, flame retardants, and fertilizers can seep into the water; bacteria can form over time; use skirt to cover basin

Gifts under the tree (or in any area accessible to pets)

• Batteries— filled with harmful acids
• Perfume/Aftershave/Cologne/Essential Oils— toxic to animals
• Ribbons and bows— can cause choking and bunching or obstruction of the intestines

This list focuses mainly on potential holiday hazards. It is not inclusive of ALL potential holiday hazards or other potential non-holiday hazards. For more information, you may wish to visit the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center.

October 11-17 is National Veterinary Technician Week. I am very thankful to have my technicians – Michelle Kiley, Dale Chaplin, Carrie Cooper and Michelle Martin as part of the Amberlea Animal Hospital Team. They play such vital roles in preserving animal health and welfare. I value the hard work each of these ladies do on a daily basis, but this week is dedicated to them in honour of their commitment to providing the highest quality of veterinary care and compassion for all the animals of Amberlea Animal Hospital.

Have you ever found your pet scooting or dragging their bottom along the ground?

If so, your pet may have an issue with their anal glands. Anal glands are 2 small pouches located on either side of your pet’s anus at approximately the 4 o’clock and 8 o’clock positions. Each time your pet passes stool some of the secretions are squeezed onto the stool. Anal glands are occasionally referred to as “scent glands”, because they enable the animals to mark their territory and identify other animals. If your pet has any issues with their anal glands they may scoot or drag their bottom along the ground or excessively lick or bite at the base of their tail. You may also notice swellings at the 4 and/or 8 o’clock positions.

What are the causes of anal gland issues?

Well there are a number of possible causes, and one common reason is that your pet’s stool may be too soft. Animal feces are normally firm, and the anal glands usually empty when they defecate. A soft stool doesn’t exert enough pressure on the glands for them to empty which can cause your pet discomfort if the glands become too full. The position of the glands in an animal’s body and genetics are other causes of anal gland issues. Should you notice any of the above symptoms, it is recommended to have your pet examined by your veterinarian.

For more information on anal glands see our Illustrated Articles section (click here).

We had a really great time at the Furry Friends 5k again this year! Furry Friends is a fundraising event for the Humane Society of Durham Region and Homeward Bound Rescue. Over the past five years the event has raised $250,000! A big thank you to the staff, family, pets and friends of Amberlea that took part. Group photo of all of our runner/walkers.

Here are some Easter dangers you may not think of or be aware of that are harmful to your pets.

Easter is this Sunday, please ensure your pets are kept safe over this holiday weekend.

Brightly coloured Easter eggs aren’t the only things hidden around the house at Easter time.

• Some plants and flowers, like lilies, cyclamen and amaryllis are very dangerous to cats. A small nibble on 1 or 2 petals of the lily is enough to put your cat into acute kidney failure. The root of the cyclamen can cause vomiting, diarrhea, drooling, seizures and even death. All parts of the amaryllis are toxic with the bulb being the most dangerous. Please ensure these plants are well out of reach of your cats. Better yet, don’t have them around.

The contents of the Easter basket can also cause dangers.

• As we are all aware of chocolate being toxic, we must also be aware of the sugar substitute – xylitol which can be found in some candies and sugarless gum.
• The Easter grass can be tempting for cats – ingestion of which can cause obstruction.
• Eggs – whether chocolate, plastic or real can cause problems. Plastic eggs can break and cause cuts on pads or in the mouth and pieces can be swallowed causing digestive issues. Hard boiled eggs can cause digestive issues in dogs that find the leftovers on an Easter egg hunt. Chocolate – we all know that chocolate is toxic to dogs.

Many foods we eat during Easter can cause problems for our pets.

• Pork roast is fatty and can cause digestive upset and the twine can obstruct your pet’s digestive tract if eaten.
• Ham, similar to pork roast but contains a lot more salt. An excessive amount of salt can cause neurological problems.
• Turkey gravy – too fatty, causing digestive upset.
• If you make your own bread or rolls it’s the dough that can cause issues. Dough contains yeast and when in a warm environment, like your pet’s stomach, the yeast converts sugars in the dough to carbon dioxide and alcohol – they can suffer from alcohol poisoning and the expanding dough can cause obstruction.

Please have a safe and happy Easter Holiday.

Our veterinarian Dr. Fulop talks about reverse sneezing.

Does your dog ever make a funny choking sound that only lasts a few seconds but scares you to death? It can also sound like a little pig snorting. This episode could be a reverse sneeze. Instead of sneezing out the nose they suck the air in through their nose. As frightening as it is to hear this, there is no harm to your dog from this.

video example of a reverse sneeze.

Poopsicles!

Have you ever caught your pet eating their stool or the stool of another pet? I recently read a couple of articles on the subject, and why pets have this off-putting habit, also known as coprophagia, is still not exactly known. Here are some common explanations:

• One explanation relates to a nutritional deficiency. For example, fresh poop might contain food residue and beneficial bacteria, basically a prebiotic, your pet may need. Interestingly, dried out poops lack these benefits.
• Another reason for stool eating is purely behavioural – particularly this time of year your pet may enjoy the hard and crunchy texture.
• There are numerous medical conditions that can also contribute to stool eating.

Your dog’s stool eating can pose a threat to household members. Think about it – their tongue is their toilet paper!