By now you may have heard about a new “dog pneumonia” outbreak in Oregon. While this news can sound scary, experts are telling dog owners not to panic! As a veterinary hospital that serves Portland, Beaverton, and surrounding areas, we want to make sure pet owners have the information they need to safeguard their dogs’ health. Here’s everything you need to know about this infectious disease and some precautions you can take to protect your pups.
What We Know In September, the Oregon Veterinary Medical Association (OVMA) announced that the Oregon Department of Agriculture (ODA) was investigating reports of “atypical canine infectious respiratory disease.” This disease is considered atypical, or not usual, because the infection is caused by different bacteria or viruses than the more common ones. There are at least nine different bacteria and viruses that are known to cause Canine Infectious Respiratory Disease Complex (CIRDC). Currently, a team of pathologists and virologists is working to figure out what virus or bacteria causes this particular canine infectious respiratory disease. Where Are Cases Being Reported? A heat map of these reported cases shows that Portland, Salem, Corvallis, and Eugene have reported the most cases of this atypical canine infectious respiratory disease. There are also some pockets of reported cases closer to the coast. How Does It Spread? Much like canine influenza (dog flu) and kennel cough, this atypical canine respiratory infection spreads through respiratory droplets. In other words, infectious dogs transmit the pathogens when they cough, sneeze, or have nose-to-nose contact with other dogs. What Are The Symptoms? In general, it seems like these cases fall into one of three clinical syndromes:
The ODA is currently focusing on how to diagnose cases that lead to acute pneumonia. When we understand the underlying cause and know how to diagnose these cases early, we can provide better treatments that hopefully lead to better outcomes. Should Dog Owners Be Worried? Currently, the Oregon Veterinary Medical Association is encouraging dog owners to be cautious rather than worried! They also outline a few ways that dog owners can protect their pets from respiratory illness. These include:
While not much is currently known about what causes this infectious disease, ODA is working with pathologists and virologists to figure out the best way to diagnose and treat these patients. If your dog is showing symptoms of a respiratory illness, please give us a call so we can get them seen! We’ll provide updates and more information as it becomes available. Osteoarthritis (AKA arthritis or degenerative joint disease) is a complex and chronic condition that can impact any joint in the body. While cats can develop arthritis at any age, it’s much more common in older animals. In fact, it likely impacts 70-90% of cats over 12 years old. Learn to recognize the symptoms of cat arthritis so you and your veterinarian can work together to catch it in its earlier stages. Symptoms of Cat Arthritis Cats are masters when it comes to hiding pain symptoms! When they lived in the wild, this adaptation kept them safe from larger predators. Now, however, it can make it harder to recognize and diagnose their chronic pain. That’s why it’s important to know what’s “normal” for your cat. Yearly routine wellness exams can help you track your cat’s normal and establish a baseline of good health. Other symptoms of cat arthritis to watch for include:
Use this helpful interactive checklist from Zoetis to see if your cat is showing signs of osteoarthritis! What Causes Cat Arthritis? Osteoarthritis can be caused by a number of factors. Some cats have an increased risk due to genetics or the joint structures they’re born with. Others may develop arthritis after a traumatic injury to the joint. But, in most cases, it’s the result of normal wear and tear throughout your cat’s life. In a healthy joint, the surface of the bone is covered with a thin layer of smooth cartilage and lubricated with a small amount of fluid. This allows the joint to move freely and smoothly. With osteoarthritis, that smooth surface degrades, letting the bones rub together. This leads to further breakdown of the cartilage, making joints stiff and limiting their mobility. The most commonly affected joints include the elbows, hocks, hips, and stifles. Your cat may have multiple joints that are affected by osteoarthritis, not just one. How Is Cat Arthritis Diagnosed? Diagnosing osteoarthritis starts with you! If you notice changes in your cat’s movement quality, habits, or mood it’s important to get in touch with your veterinary care team. If your vet suspects osteoarthritis, they’ll complete a thorough physical exam. This involves moving different joints to check for stiffness, pain, and limited mobility. Your vet may also suggest x-rays to check for changes to your pet’s bones and joint structures. X-rays are the most accurate way for your veterinarian to confirm an arthritis diagnosis. Cat Arthritis Treatment & Management Once your cat develops arthritis, it is a lifelong condition that cannot be cured. Luckily, you have options when it comes to cat arthritis treatment and pain management! This year, Zoetis released the first and only FDA-approved treatment for osteoarthritis pain in cats. Solensia is a monthly injection administered at your vet’s office. In a three month clinical study, 77% of cat owners experienced seeing improvement in signs of pain when their cats were treated monthly with Solensia. Other helpful interventions for cats with arthritis pain include:
While osteoarthritis is not a curable condition, you can work with your veterinary care team to help your cat move better and experience less pain. It all starts with an appointment to assess your cat’s condition and get them started on a sustainable pain management program. Want to learn more about cat osteoarthritis, Solensia, and other pain management options? Get in touch with our team to schedule an appointment! |